How to Pick the Right Courses for Your Future

The main reason you're in school is to earn your degree, so picking the right courses at the right time and in the right order, is critical to your success.

To help you choose your courses, talk to your adviser. No matter how big or small your school is; you should have an adviser who helps make sure you are on track to earning your degree. Check in with them, no matter how sure you are about your choices. Not only does your adviser most likely need to sign off on your selections, but they can also help alert you to things you may not even have considered.

Make sure to balance your schedule and try not to set yourself up for failure by thinking you can handle more courses than you usually take. Make sure your schedule has varying levels of difficulty. If possible, vary subject matters so that you aren't using one part of your brain all day and choose courses with varying due dates for major projects and exams. When you choose courses, think about your learning style. If, for example, you learn better in the morning, you may want to schedule your more difficult courses for earlier and save electives for the afternoon or evening. See what options you have within a department or course section and pick something that matches best with your learning style.

Do you know of a professor in your department that you have heard has a great teaching style? See if you can take a course with them this semester, or if it would be better to wait until a later time. If you've found a professor with whom you intellectually click, taking another class with them can help you get to know them better and may lead to other things like research opportunities and letters of recommendation. If you're unfamiliar with professors on campus but know that you learn best from a professor’s particular teaching style, such as one who engages a class instead of one who only lectures, ask around and see what experience other students have had with various professors and their teaching styles.

Finally, when choosing classes, consider your work schedule and other commitments. If you know that you will need to have an on-campus job or need to do an internship for your major consider taking a class in the evenings. Planning around your commitments can help to reduce your stress level once the semester is well underway.

Things You Can Do This Summer To Help You Get Into College

Whether you are a senior or an incoming freshman, summer is an ideal time to boost your college preparation. Here are some easy (it is summer “break” after all!) things you can do now to increase your chances of getting into college.

Volunteer- Get involved in some community service doing something you love. Volunteering doesn’t need to be a bummer and can actually be really fun and fulfilling. Find an organization, group, or cause you are passionate about, and help them out.  

Read- Find something to read that is not required for school. Reading increases your vocabulary and gives you material to reference in college applications and interviews. Some college applications ask for a list of book that you have read, and, a typical interview question is “tell me about the last book you read?”

Contact Your Dream School- Many colleges track applicants’ “demonstrated interest”; they want to know if you are truly interested in their school. Introduce yourself, talk about your passion and interest in the school, and ask for more information. One little email can go a long way!

Brainstorm Personal Essay Ideas- Your personal essay will be a critical piece in your college applications, and the best essays are started early. Take a few minutes and write down any personal themes, thoughts, challenges, or accomplishments that you might want to include in your essay.

Visit a College- The first step to creating your college list, is to begin researching colleges. What better way than to step foot onto a college campus! Get out there and visit some colleges; take the tour, explore the campus, and ask questions. You will learn valuable information and can begin exploring what factors will make a college the right fit for you.

Teach Someone Something- Everyone has a skill, talent, or hobby, so why not take the opportunity to teach it to someone else. Your family, friends, and neighbors will be happy to learn a new skill, and this is a great experience in leadership.

Travel- Whether your budget allows for trips to Europe or trips to the next city over, travel experience is fantastic for college. Be creative in thinking about trips; some of the best trips are done by car or bus, and take place within 30-50 miles of where you live. Visit some local landmarks or historical sights, go out to the mountains and camp under the stars. Travel experience exposes you to new things and shows college your curious nature.

3 Important College Deadlines You Should Know

There are a number of important deadlines related to making a choice of colleges. Juniors and seniors in high school begin early to look at colleges and universities. Some will choose their school based upon its proximity from home. Other students will select their institution of higher learning based upon the programs that it offers. It doesn’t matter, how you choose the right college.

Following the guidelines for admissions and other college components are essential for every school. There are deadlines for admissions, scholarships, financial aid and other things. These deadlines will differ depending on the school. If you are interested in attending a particular university, you need to know what the deadlines are for everything that affects you. This information is easy to get. College websites are a wealth of information for potential students. Here are 3 reasons to stay on top of the deadlines of your school:

1 - Getting Admitted

Some schools have relaxed rules when it comes to the admission process. Others however are a bit more complex. Either way, admission deadlines each year will impact you. Most students are interested in beginning school during the fall semester. This is normally the month of August or the month of September. In order to take classes in the fall, you will usually need to be admitted by the spring.

2 - Receiving Aid

Many students around the country are going to need financial assistance for college. This means applying for help before the end of deadlines. Depending on your school there may be one form required for financial aid and scholarships. This aid is based upon the application process, which has a time period for consideration. Students should consider this a priority when they want to attend school in the fall of the year.

3 - Boarding

Not every college or university has enough rooms for students who need them. This is often a matter of first-come, first-served. Considering this it is important for students to meet deadlines for dorm space. Some schools have lotteries for students of each year. Freshmen are often shown priority when it comes to room and board. There are no guarantees when it comes to getting dorm space on some campuses.

The PLAN Test - A Resource Tool for High School Sophomores

It is never really too soon in a child's life to start giving some thought to college. When you enter high school as a freshman, it may seem as though you have plenty of time, and you do have more time to plan than a junior or senior does, but the earlier you start the more prepared you will be when senior year rolls around.

In your sophomore year, you should consider taking the PLAN test. It is an excellent way to better prepare for the ACT. Nearly all students who take PLAN score higher on the ACT than those who don't.

Even though you can take the ACT earlier, the majority of students generally take the ACT/SAT in their junior/senior year. Many students take the ACT multiple times in an attempt to get a higher score. The higher the score, the better chances you have of admission to your choice colleges and the opportunity to apply for certain scholarships that require high ACT results.

The PLAN test is designed to help 10th graders evaluate their academic development, explore different career paths, and make better plans for the remainder of their high school years in anticipation of going to college.

The PLAN test is also beneficial for students who don't plan to go to college but enter the workforce immediately after high school. So even if you are not sure of your plans after high school, you will still benefit from it. There are four multiple choice tests in Math, Science, English, and Reading. Test results indicate both your weak and strong areas so you'll know where to improve.

Your high school guidance counselor should have information on the PLAN test, such as test dates, locations, and test fees. So when you begin your sophomore year, be sure to make plans to take the PLAN test so you will be on the right path for the remainder of your high school years. The more preparations you make for college early in high school, the better prepared you will be when it comes time to apply and seek acceptance at the school of your choice.

College Degree Planning for Your High School Senior

All parents hope their high school students will transition easily into college, knowing exactly what they want to study, and without the chance of a change in their major mid way through school.

An important part of the preparation process for college is taking the necessary time to explore different areas of study and what is required to achieve a degree. There are Bachelor of Arts Degrees, Bachelor of Science Degrees, Associate Degrees, and even licenses and certifications for careers that require specific training but not necessarily a "degree."

A case in point applies to the field of nursing. A student seeking an RN degree can attend either a 2 or 4 year institution. The 2 year school offers the Associate Degree in nursing, while the 4 year school offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Registered nurses with either degree typically make the same salaries as registered nurses. So why, you might ask, spend the time and money toward a Bachelor of Science Degree when you can earn the same amount of money with the Associate Degree?

Here are some things to consider regarding the Associate versus the Bachelor of Science degree in this particular situation:

1. Which degree to choose depends on whether or not the graduate plans to continue their education after the initial degree is obtained. For example, if an RN with an Associate Degree plans to advance their degree in order to become a nurse practitioner, they would have to first advance the ASN into a BSN, and then move forward from there. In this scenario, it might be a better choice to go ahead and work toward the BS degree at the outset.

2. Some job positions specifically state a Bachelor of Science degree as an application requirement. Employers know the difference in the two degrees, and if a decision comes down to two candidates for the same position, most times the one with the more advanced degree is going to be the choice selection.

The specifics for different professions and areas of study will vary, but the main concept is to give some forethought and planning to a desired career and the degree choices so the best decisions can be made for the long term.

Every parent wants the best value results for the amount of the investment made into their child's college education. In order to achieve this, it is essential to do some research and also spend time discussing the future with their college bound senior long before the college years begin.

College Bound High School Students and Part Time Jobs

Some parents think it is best if their student does not attempt to work a part time job in high school, but instead concentrate on their academic studies and possibly some extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs.

There are other parents who think a part time job is a great idea for their high school student because it teaches a work ethic and builds character. It is also a great opportunity to introduce the student to earning and managing their own money.

Here are a few things to consider as far as a part time job during the high school years:

1. When evaluating high school students for college acceptance, schools look at many different aspects of a student's achievements. While academics are an important part of these achievements, they do not solely comprise everything being considered for college acceptance.

Colleges seek well rounded individuals for entrance to their program, which is why participating in sports and clubs is important throughout the high school years. A part time job is no different. Schools view a student's ability to achieve academically while taking on additional responsibility via a part time job as a very positive attribute.

2. A part time job is an excellent way to begin molding a high school student's work ethic. Careful scheduling and planning, choosing the right part time job, and staying focused on academic studies are essential for this plan to work. It does, however, indicate many positive elements regarding a high school student's personality to possess the ability to hold down a part time job and still maintain their studies.

3. A part time job can serve as an opportunity for obtaining college funds. Many businesses offer scholarships and financial assistance to high school students who work within their companies.

4. When students apply for jobs after college graduation, potential employers are less hesitant to hire candidates with some work experience as opposed to those with none. It reflects a student's commitment to responsibility in their early years and the ability of the student to multi-task.

5. Many high schools offer co-op programs for students, allowing them to utilize part of the class day for employment, which also applies toward their high school graduation credits and GPA.

A co-op instructor checks in with the employer throughout the semester to evaluate the student's performance. Positive reports result in good grades in the "co-op" course, which reflects favorably on the student's transcript.

A part time job is not recommended for every high school student. If, for instance, a student is already struggling in their academic studies, the time might be better spent on extra study time and possibly even tutoring. The decision regarding whether a part time job is a good fit for your particular student is dependent on many things and each case must be evaluated individually.

College Credit Transfer Articulation - Save Money, Time, and Credits

Students may take college courses at one school and then decide to transfer to another institution. This is a common practice and there's certainly nothing wrong with changing colleges.

What many transfer students do not realize until late in the game is that not every course credit is eligible to transfer to another institution, or more specifically toward a particular degree.

For example, let's assume a student is going to take a couple of courses during the final semester of their senior high school year and a few more courses during the summer. This student's plan is to enter a different school in the fall as an incoming freshman.

Let's also assume this particular student's major is currently aimed toward obtaining a specific degree, such as nursing.

In order for these credits to transfer toward the nursing program at the final destination school, it is imperative that they meet the transfer articulation requirements. Laws vary among states, but the concept is basically the same.

The course titles and numbers offered at a local community college are going to vary from the titles and numbers offered at another school. The transfer articulation information helps a student decide which courses for a specific major will transfer, for example, from the community college to the state university.

After all, what's the point of working hard to obtain college credit hours if they won't apply toward your degree at your designation completion institution? Non-eligible credits are a loss of credit hours, money, and time.

Suppose one of the courses our example student enrolls in at the community college is PSY 200 "General Psychology." The institution where the student plans to pursue their nursing major labels the course PSY 201 "Principles of Psychology." The articulation guide shows the PSY 200 course to be eligible for transfer because both courses are one and the same, although numbered and titled differently.

Transfer articulation guides for many states can be obtained online. You simply provide a bit of information, such as both schools you plan to attend and the desired major. You can then print a list of the course requirements and their corresponding course titles and numbers that will successfully transfer.

This will prevent you from taking random courses that you might find out later do not transfer to your destination school, much less apply toward your sought after degree.

If you cannot find an articulation guide online for your particular state, contact both of the institutions involved and talk with the admissions offices directly regarding the articulation requirements that pertain specifically to your situation.

Preparing for College Expenses - How Much Will A Degree Cost?

Parents with college bound high school children have already given some thought to how much a college education will cost. It's hard to estimate exactly, but some ballpark numbers can be obtained from the colleges being considered.

What Costs Are Involved for College?

* Tuition - semester classes are typically 2-4 credit hours, and fees are usually charged per credit hour. The least expensive credit hour fees are generally at local community colleges. Most all colleges and universities charge more per credit hour to out of state students than in-state residents. Some courses also have associated lab fees.

* Course Materials - this includes textbooks and supplies and the cost varies per course. Most students also have laptop computers to use for completion of their course assignments.

* Housing and Meals - cost again will vary based on whether a student lives on campus or off. Typically, freshman students are required to live on campus throughout their first year unless they reside in town with parents or relatives. Meal plans are offered through campus dining halls. Eating out every day can be expensive, so most students opt for a dining plan or have an apartment with cooking facilities.

* College Sports - if your student plans to participate in sports or cheerleading, there are most likely fees associated for uniforms, travel, equipment, mandatory clinics, and so forth.

In addition to direct school expenses, there is still the need for clothing, transportation, incidentals, and spending money. If your student plans to participate in campus extra-curricular activities such as clubs or Greek life, there will be additional expenses for membership dues.

Don't panic when you get a bottom line cost per semester or year of college. Many universities and colleges allow parents to make payments rather than coming up with one large lump sum of money.

Remember, too, there is the possibility of financial aid, student loans, work study programs, and scholarships for eligible candidates. For information on financial planning for college, help can be obtained by contacting the financial aid or bursar's office where your student is planning to attend school. It is highly advised not to wait until the last minute to start making arrangements for payment of college expenses.

Advanced Placements Classes - High School Opportunities for College Credit

Many high schools already offer advance placement classes for students planning to attend college, and those that don't are coming on board on an ongoing basis. These classes are a tremendous opportunity for students to obtain college course credit while still in high school.

How Do Advanced Placement Classes Work

Details will vary per high school, but basically the high school courses are designed to prepare students for an American College Board Exam on a specific subject. If a student passes the exam, they are eligible to receive equivalent college credit as if the course was actually taken in college.

Excellent attendance is usually required for the prep classes along with successful completion of all course work.

Fees Associated With Advanced Placement Courses

Typically, a fee is charged for the national examination. The test is normally administered by the high school AP (advanced placement) class instructor and the exam is administered at the end of the course.

Fees typically run around $75-$100 per exam. This is nominal when compared to the cost of taking the equivalent course in college when you consider the fee per credit hour along with book expenses, not to mention the time saved by completing college level courses while still in high school.

It is important to understand that not every student will pass these exams. The best advice is to attend all AP class sessions, study the material diligently, and complete all course work and required reading. The purpose of the class is to prepare students for the exam, so attending and paying attention are key factors for success on the advanced placement examinations.

Acceptance of Advanced Placement Course Credits

Since these are considered nationally accepted examinations, most schools will accept these scores for review and award of credit. It is advised to check with each institution individually to make sure the credits will be eligible for award.

Early College Admissions Opportunities - Possibly A Good Fit for Your Student?

There was a time in the recent past when early admissions to college was not something many people were familiar with or even knew existed. Early admissions is more commonplace now and an option to give some students an accelerated boost toward a college degree.

What is Early Admissions to College?

In summary, this is a way for students to enter college early rather than waiting until the traditional time of the fall following high school graduation. Program guidelines vary per individual college or university, but many schools support this program.

Who Qualifies for Early Admissions?

The program is designed for high school students with exceptional ability. Admissions requirements will vary per school, but primarily you can expect participating colleges to require a high GPA, successful completion of the majority of high school credits, and an above average ACT/SAT score.

If a student has completed most high school credits but lacks one or two that might prevent them from bypassing their senior year, there is always the option of summer school to fulfill any straggling credit requirements so the student can begin college as a freshman in the fall of what would have been their senior year.

Is Early Admissions a Good Fit for Your Student?

Many students spend their early high school years relishing the thought of their senior year. It is the end of one life's phase about to launch into another, and there are privileges associated with senior status.

Many high school students want to be there for the last homecoming game, the senior prom, experiencing the wonderful memories with their friends, and they have no interest in spending their high school senior year as a college freshman.

Some others aren't that concerned with missing their senior year and prefer to get the head start in college to land them in the professional world sooner. It's simply a matter of preference of the individual student.

College Costs - Financing Options for a Secondary Education

When children are in their preschool and elementary years, many parents begin saving for college with all the best intentions. Events often happen that aren't anticipated, and sometimes the college fund gets tapped into long before their kids start high school.

Many a parent has found themselves wondering how in the world they are going to finance their child's college education. Some give up not realizing there are options for attending college even when money is tight.
Here are a few things to consider when wondering how to finance your child's college education:

1) Many colleges have a student population containing a large percentage of attendees using financial aid benefits. Financial aid is often used not only toward the cost of tuition but also housing, meals, fees, and books.

2) Work/Study is another option for many students. Positions are available on or off campus on a part-time basis so as not to interfere with a student's college studies. Sometimes these positions even offer college credit in exchange for the work contributed.

3) Some consider a student loan a last resort, but you can find student loans with very low interest rates that are not scheduled for repayment until after the student graduates or ceases to attend college.
The idea is to allow a student to complete their education in order to qualify for a good job position that provides sufficient income to allow repayment of the loan over a period of time. The loan payments are usually very low and spread over an extended duration so as not to overwhelm or financially stress the newly employed graduate.

4) One excellent source of financial information is the financial aid office of the school your senior is planning to attend. The staff is knowledgeable and up to date regarding what is available in the way of loans, aid, scholarships, and work study programs; their experience will save you the time and work of having to research this information on your own.

5) There are many different types of scholarships. Some are affiliated with a specific school and others are not affiliated with any. High value scholarships tend to "reward" hard working students, so applicants are going to be strongly evaluated for their high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Not all scholarships are based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores, but generally the higher both of these numbers are, the better.

6) Many students who work co-op or part time during high school land themselves in good positions with companies willing to contribute to the cost of a college education. Some require an agreement to work during breaks from college or after graduation, while others consider the contribution as time already "served."

Consider All Options - The Good and Bad News
The good news is that assistance is available. The bad news is it does take some time and paperwork to apply for aid, scholarships, work study, and loans. Don't automatically assume that because your college fund was tapped out or maybe never even existed that your senior cannot attend college. You are not alone; many parents face this same dilemma.

Many college bound seniors have successfully completed secondary educations without having millionaires for parents. Using the steps above, start the process early in the high school year so you are certain to meet all deadlines and have sufficient time to explore all the opportunities available for your college bound senior.

New Year Resolutions for College Bound Students

Happy New Year! With a new year comes the ability to start fresh with improved habits that will help you achieve your college dream more easily. If you’re heading to college in the next few years, here are our top 4 “resolutions” to help you on your way.

1. Eat breakfast. That may sound silly, but studies have shown that skipping breakfast dramatically decreases energy and focus for students. Resolve to eat a nutritious bite every morning, even if it’s simply a granola bar or protein shake to keep your brain going.
2. Help someone with their homework. There’s a saying – if you want to really learn something, try teaching it to someone else. Helping a friend or classmate with homework help you absorb the knowledge more thoroughly. Most high schools have a peer-mentoring or study group to get you started, which also lets you add a great extra-curricular activity to your college application!
3. Catch some zzzz. Most high school students are chronically sleep deprived, which interferes with the brain ability to absorb information. If you’re finding yourself nodding off in class, it might not be that the subject is boring; you may be short on sleep! Getting to bed just a half hour earlier each night can help you catch up.
4. Get organized. Particularly important for Juniors and Seniors is the ability to plan out the college application process and work deadlines into an already-packed schedule. Start today by jotting down a calendar of all the important dates that your college admission process will entail and post it someplace where you’ll see it frequently, such as the family fridge or above your desk.

Why Do Families Need a College Admission Consultant?

One of most frequent questions we get here at A2Z College Planning is “Why do I need a College Admission Consultant?” It comes in a variety of forms, but they all address the same thing – what value does a CAC bring to your family?

To answer the question simply – College Admissions Consultants save you time, money, and frustration, and ensure that you’re doing everything you can to help your child achieve his or her college dreams!

Won’t a College Admission Consultant cost a lot of money?
College is expensive, and there’s simply no getting around it. More than 100 colleges in the United States estimate first year expenses at over $50,000. More importantly, your student’s college experience has a tremendous impact on his/her success for the rest of his/her adult life! With that kind of importance placed on college admissions, parents place a high value on ensuring their child gets into the best school and the right school.

 College Admission Consultants work hard to provide a service that is cost-effective and ensures success. A2Z College Planning offers programs as low as $29.95 per month for college planning!

My student already has a Guidance Counselor; isn’t that enough?
Guidance Counselors are some of the most devoted and wonderful people in our high school systems, but the fact is that they’re frequently overwhelmed by the sheer number of students they have to support and limited in how much time they can spend with each individual.

College Planning Consultants provide the dedicated one-on-one  support that your student needs to get ahead in the college planning process, and they provide objective guidance on how they should structure their Junior and Senior years to achieve the best success. We work with your school counselor to provide the best advice for your student.

College planning takes so much time and effort! How can I manage one more thing?
College admissions and college planning do take time and effort, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task! Parents often start early (as early as Grade 8) to build a plan that will ensure their child’s success.

College Planning Consultants share the burden of college planning with you and your student. More importantly, we provide experience, advice, and guidance that you may not find anywhere else, so you can direct your time and energy exactly where it’s needed to help your child achieve success.

The Senior Year Calendar

Already looking forward to going to your dream school... or sending your child away to their dream school?  By now, you've probably already sent in early applications to a chosen few schools. It's early in the 2010-2011 school year but if the prospective college student is in senior year, it's already time to start planning what you're going to do in the new year:

January: If you have any applications to complete, get them done!

February: It's time to fill out your FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  If you are applying for any sort of student aid, get this done.  The student will need information from their parents, which customarily arrives this month.

Stay organized! The college application process is complex, with many parts. You need to make sure that colleges you've applied to have received all the relevant information.  If you aren't keeping a list or a spreadsheet of what needs to be sent and when, start now.

March: Acceptance letters start arriving from some schools.  If you're in, congratulations!

April: By now you may have to make a decision on what school to accept.  If so, use the time you have; this isn't a decision to be taken lightly.  Let every school that accepted you know what your decision is, even the ones you won't be going to.

May: By now you should be making financial arrangements with the school – a tuition deposit, residence, and the like.  Don't forget to look into transportation arrangements and moving.  The beginning of the school year is the biggest moving day of the year and you don't want to get stuck without transportation, or stuck with really expensive arrangements.

Oh, and concentrate on your grades!

June: College may still be a few months away, but now is the time to make moving arrangements if you're moving – getting a phone, finalizing living arrangements, and yes, even packing.  Some colleges will already be offering early registration into courses, so start that now!

College will be a long and fulfilling journey – it's worth getting ready for right away!

Five Tips for Parenting The College-Bound Child

Raising a child is the most challenging thing most people will ever do, and sending them away to college is one of the toughest parts.  Helping your teenager choose the perfect college is a great start – but how can you help them succeed there? Education is your child's first real job, and college might actually be the hardest job they'll ever do. You can't go with them and can't do their work for them, but send them as well prepared as possible with these five tips.

First, prepare your child for a big step up in academic expectations.  For the vast majority of students, college is a tremendous increase in academic difficulty.  They can expect work to get harder and grades to get lower.  If your child doesn't expect this they might become discouraged. 

Second, prepare your child for self management.  In high school, it is the school's job to see to it the student passes.  In college, it's the student's job to satisfy the college that they should be allowed to pass.  Your child has to manage their own relationships with their instructors, their own administrative matter, and their own studying.  Get them to manage these things in high school, especially in their senior year.   Your child will be treated as an adult by their college, so they should get some practice as soon as possible. 

Third, help your child learn the school beforehand.  Orientations, campus tours, literature, and talking to former students is invaluable for preparing to move away and profoundly change their lives.  Even a moderately large school has the area and population of a small city and the bureaucracy can be just as hard to navigate. The more your child knows before college starts, the less shock they will experience. 

Fourth, help your child budget.  If your child is on their own for the first time the temptation to blow through their spending money can be overwhelming.  Get the numbers down on paper and show them what they have and how it can be stretched out all year.  The last thing a young student needs come exam time is to panic over a money shortage.

Fifth, don't overemphasize post-college plans.  It's good to think about careers, but as the old sports saying goes, you have to play them one game at a time.  Your child might change their mind, change majors, or adjust any number of things, but the critically important thing is to graduate from college first. 

Your child is about to embark upon a journey of four or more years.  You can’t lead them but you can at least start them off with a map and a compass!