Hey parents, make sure that your students know that summer is an absolutely crucial time to build on their resumes for college applications! Colleges will be impressed if your student spends the summer doing something other than just hanging out. And don’t worry about cost, there are plenty of constructive, fun things to do that are either cheap or free! Here are a few:• Organize a community service project• Volunteer at a hospital• Take a job or internship in a field of interest• Practice and instrument and perform• Organize day trips by bike, public transportation or by hiking• Invent something• Make a challenging reading list and complete it Also during the summer, your kids are probably spending some of their time pursuing their extracurricular activities of choice. Colleges love to see applicants who…
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FREE SAT and ACT Test Prep
Looking for SAT or ACT prep help? We found some great free test prep Web sites for you. Some sites require quick registration, but none require fees. Full-length practice tests Students who miss the ACT and SAT Web sites are missing a great opportunity to get free practice. These sites offer one free test in addition to practice questions and test hints: • ACT Inc. act.org • The College Board (SAT) collegeboard.com • UCCP Online uccp.org • Princeton Review princetonreview.com Practice test sections It may be helpful to practice critical reading or math sections before tackling an entire test. Though these three sites don’t offer full-length practice tests, they do have complete practice sections, strategies, advice and vocabulary. • Number2.com Founded…
Relief for Federal Student Loans
Repaying a student loan could soon be a little less painful. Starting this week, anyone with a federal student loan can apply for a program, run by the Department of Education, that caps monthly payments based on income, and forgives remaining balances after 25 years. Those choosing to work in public service could have their loans forgiven after just 10 years. Eligibility for income-based repayment (IBR) is determined by a person's income and loan size. A calculator at www.ibrinfo.org can help borrowers determine their eligibility for the plan, which becomes available Wednesday. "It's a way to borrow for college without going to the poor house," said Lauren Asher, president of the Institute for College Access & Success, a California-based nonprofit that runs the Project on…
College Ready Summer Reading List for High School Students
Make sure your kids are ready for next year and college by reading some of these reccommended books this summer! Before Entering Ninth Grade Adams: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy c1980 humor, science fictionAfter narrowly escaping Earth’s destruction, Arthur Dent travels the galaxy with the help of tour guide Ford Prefect, on a quest to save the universe. Anaya: Bless Me, Ultima c1972 diversity, fictionA healer helps Antonio when he comes to live with his family in New Mexico. Anderson, Laurie Halse: Speak c1999 emotional problems, fictionMelinda begins high school as a social outcast after a traumatic experience in the summer. Blackwood: The Year of the Hangman c2002 alternate history adventureIn 1777, 15-year-old Creighton is kidnapped from England and taken to the American colonies,…
Obama Administration Announces Streamlined College Aid Application
The Obama Administration today announced a shorter, simpler, and more user friendly Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that will make it easier to apply for college financial aid. The changes—some of which are already in place while others will be phased in over the next few months—are designed to increase postsecondary enrollment, particularly among low- and middle-income students. "President Obama has challenged the nation to once again have the highest percentage of college graduates in the world," said Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education. "To do that, we need to make the college-going process easier and more convenient, and to send a clear message to young people as well as adults that college is within their reach. Simplifying the financial aid process is…
Clubs and More!
On campus clubs are a valuble part of high school. Not only do you connect with others that have similar interest as you, they provide leadership and community service needed on those college applications. Remember that colleges see applications from hundreds of ASB presidents, school newspaper editors, yearbook editors, etc. If you can do something different that really stands out then you can get your foot in the door. Think about the thing that you are most passionate about, is there a club at your high school for it? If you can't find it, found it! If your school does not offer a club or organization revolving around an activity that you have interest in then start one yourself. Colleges love students who display that…
Join President and First Lady Obama in Community Service
We talk to our students everyday about the importance of community service. This is not only importnat for college applicaitons but for finding your passion, giving you a purpose in life and trying out career fields for the future. To further validate this point, our Presidnet and First lady are also putting out the message to America, time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Read the following message from www.serve.gov and get yourself started! "This summer the President is calling on all American's to participate in our Nation's recovery and renwal by serving in our communities. There are many ways to get involved. America's new foundation will be built one community at a time and it begins with you!" – President and…
Parents, Get Involved in the College Planning Process!
You can't make a major decision that could affect the ret of your life alone. It's got to be a team effort with your parents. Here's why: 1. Two or three heads are better than one There are thousands of colleges to choose from. Narrowing this list can be intimidating. Kimberley Townsend, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., says, “High school seniors are inexperienced in the decision-making arena. The application process made me so nervous, I procrastinated on every step of the way.” “Your parents’ guidance is necessary to sift through all the concerns you have, and to compare the pros and cons of various colleges,” says Colin Alphonso, a graduate of Collin County Community College in Allen, Texas. According to Jeremy…
Choose a Career that is important to you!
Practically all of us go through a time in our lives when we are torn between what we know we want and need in a career, and what others say we should want and need. Sometimes these internal wars are the result of near-constant media exposure. If, for example, you watch television for even half an hour, you will be pushed in all sorts of ways toward “the good life”: a bigger car, nicer house, better body. At other times, the career “shoulds” develop much closer to home. Such as when your academic adviser says, “You’ll never get a decent job with a philosophy degree.” You might feel pressured to cave in. That’s the easiest, fastest way to stop the unwanted advice and criticism. Then…
President Obama Urges Students to go to College
Do your parents tell you to move out of the house? Go to college. Even if you go to online college you will get out of the house sooner and stay out on your own with the great job you will get. According to the most recent US Government census, Americans with a bachelor’s degree earned 51% more than those with just a high school diploma. Those with a bachelor’s degree earned over $52,000 per year on average. Once you realize that college is your next step, you need to find one. Here are some questions you might find helpful to find the college for you. 1. Is an in-state or out of state college right for you?2. Are small schools a better fit for my…
