Politics and Their Effect on College Planning

Many of the contributing factors that relate to the type of education our children receive are outside of our control. This is not such a monumental statement that you aren't aware of it, but many things can change quickly in the economical situation we find ourselves in presently.

College funding through grants may be entirely different for the next semester following the critical maneuvers taking place in the Senate and House of Representatives at this time. Two conflicting thoughts are about to reach an impasse or a resolution, which will make a huge impact on what funds will be available by the end of the year.

The Democratic concept is that the debt ceiling must be raised and at the same time taxes must be increased to those who are able to pay them. Republicans believe that taxes cannot be levied at this point and do not want to raise the debt ceiling. Whether you follow one line of thinking or the other has little to do with what will eventually happen.

It seems reasonable that spending will have to be cut if any of the numbers will work. That means that funding for only the basic and necessary expenditures can be expected. The problem with that is no one seems to understand what is necessary and what isn't. While one party might consider the financial aid promises made to all the college students in the country a necessary expense, another might not.

One thing that has always proven true in pressure situations is that some decisions will be the wrong ones. Politicians realize that the only way to keep doing their jobs is to make good on promises, and for that reason, they will fight to keep even the programs of least benefit when they were the authors of them.

Anyone who has banked on college grant money to keep their students in school should be looking for backup plans in the event that the channels all dry up. Checking into the availability of student loans would be a good plan now, before so many others look to that option, too.

It may be the 11th hour in the financial situation for the nation, but there is always hope that a resolution might be hammered out that will serve part of the desires of both parties and the educational needs of our college students.

Common Problems College Students Face - Overcoming Adversity

Every college student wants their experience to be memorable, but in the right way. High school students envision their college years will be full of fun, new social encounters, new experiences, and fond memories. However, there are also many problems college students face throughout their years there, and how they deal with them is essential in their academic, emotional, physical, and social success.

Here are some common problems and some possible solutions for working through them.

Finances - One of the major challenges college students face is that of finances. Many students drop out prior to graduation because they cannot afford the cost. Some have help from parents, others have financial aid, but still with the rising cost of tuition, textbooks, room and board, gasoline, clothing, and other necessities, the challenge is often a difficult one to overcome.

Planning is an essential part of handling the expense of college. Sound money management skills are required, and being creative and responsible when it comes to saving money is essential. Buying used textbooks, finding alternate means of transportation (bicycle, walking, and carpooling), eating out less, and doing without some luxuries can mean the difference is maneuvering your way through school free of debt or having to drop out.

Studies - College usually requires more studying than high school along with more assignments. It is easy to become quickly overwhelmed and fall behind. For those trying to attend school and work part or full time, the study problem is often a great hurdle to overcome.

Don't overdo it, especially in your first semesters at school. It is best to pace yourself and adjust to campus and academic life at college. Carefully consider the number of credit hours you are undertaking as well as their level of difficulty. It might be a good idea to juggle classes so your schedule is not loaded with all the hardest subjects in a single semester. Your advisor can be a valuable resource in helping guide you in your choice of subjects.

Selecting a Major - Many high school and beginning college students stress early on over choosing a major. They become overly concerned with their future professional career and the salary possibilities various jobs offer.

You can begin a broad area of study, such as business, and then narrow the possibilities down after you've got some credit hours on your transcript. Focus on areas of study that you actually have an interest in rather than making it all about the money. Again, your advisor is a resource who can help you make these types of decisions.

These are just a few of the challenges college students face, and if you are dealing with issues of some type you can rest assured you are not alone. Don't struggle in trying to handle the stresses on your own. Discuss your concerns with family, friends, and your advisor; utilize campus resources such as counselors and college staff. Many times these connections have advice and experience that may well offer the solution to your problems.

Problem solving is all a part of maturity and advancing into adulthood; it is what shapes you into the person you are capable of being; it's a part of life.