Social Media in College Admissions

Getting into college can be tedious work with researching potential schools, editing essays, collecting positive recommendations, studying for standardized tests and possibly even preparing for a campus interview.  The goal throughout this process is to make a great impression as a very promising college student. 

But, most students born after the rise of mass technology cannot remember life without Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.  Social media outlets that many college admissions professionals have had to learn in the past few years, current incoming college students find as commonplace.  This presents challenges for both higher education institutions and students during the admissions process.

While admissions Counselors are making their best effort to engage students seeking acceptance at their institution, they find some are averse to communicating about college admission via social media outlets.  These student's feelings are not without merit.  Most higher education admissions professionals do not search out information on their recruits via social media, but there are many issues that can arise from social media during the college admissions process with most not improving the student's chances for acceptance.  Anything from questionable blogs, status updates, photos and links could make an admissions professional take pause enough to reflect negatively on the application.

Because students never know when their information will be viewed by admissions professionals is the is best to regulate any future outgoing messages or activities concerning social media to reflect a positive light. One tip is to apply the 'Grandma Test' by determining if it would be appropriate for a grandmother to view the content.  With social media like Facebook, review older posts on the Timeline to either change the privacy setting for non-public viewing or erase the inappropriate communications.

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.

4 Tips for Completing the FAFSA

It is the time of year that college-bound students and families start to look beyond what school they may attend to what the financial aspect of the investment will look like. 

All students requesting financial assistance from institutions of higher learning must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to begin the process of determining how much aid specific colleges can offer the incoming student.  A paper version of the form is usually available in any high school guidance counselor or local college financial aid office.  However, most current applicants submit the FAFSA online.

Provide an accurate household size.  This figure is often mistakenly submitted on the application as families have confusion on who qualifies as an actual member of the household.  It has nothing to do with relation, but pertains to anyone two which the student's parents (or the actual student) provide more than half of their financial support.  This can be siblings or other family members (possibly elderly) that spend part of their time away but still are supported over 50% by the household. 

Choose the right parent.  Those students with divorced parents face additional confusion when completing the FAFSA.  The regulations dictate that the students submit financial information for the parent (and any new spouse) that provides over 50% of support to the student.  It does not matter which parent claims the child on their tax return or who has greater court-determined custody.

Proofread for accuracy.  Numerical errors and misunderstanding the instructions are very common mistakes that can delay or greatly alter the ease of the application process.  The line that produces a great deal of mistaken answers is the question regarding income tax.  This is not Adjusted Gross Income or the amount of taxes withheld.  It is the number of tax owed, which is only found on IRS Form 1040 (line 55), 1040A (line 35) or 1040EZ (line 11).  It is also important to make sure any names listed are full names that appear on the person's U. S. Social Security card.

Stating Actual Wealth.  Application answers are to be stated as they are on the day the form is signed.  Therefore, if there are major financial situations on the horizon consider how they will affect potential financial aid eligibility.  Pay any large up-coming expenses or submit the form before any anticipated large monetary or real estate gifts.

Attend Campus Open House Events

Families find few decisions more difficult than that of selecting the right college or universities. Both students and parents may have schools that they prefer. The more that you know about an institution of higher learning, the more likely you are to make a wise decision. There are a number of different ways to gather information about specific schools.

You can do research to discover what types of degree programs that are available at each school on your list. This helps you when it comes to selecting a major or even pursuing a career. There’s nothing quite like visiting a campus. This allows students and parents to get a feel for the institution. At the same time, they are able to see for themselves what is offered. Open House events are great tools when it comes to making your selection.

Touring the Campus

Most colleges and universities these days offer Open House events to families. This offers them a way to connect with potential students. At the same time, this is an opportunity for them to show off the best that their campus has to offer. There are a host of events scheduled during Open House. You will have the chance to tour the campus itself, as well as, dorms and class buildings. Families also visit dining facilities, gyms, and other locations on campus.

Choosing a Major

One of the key factors when it comes to choosing a school is the major programs that are offered. Some students enroll with their major already in mind. Many other students select a major after their freshmen year. Open House events are designed to show families the majors that their schools have available. These events often include presentations by individual departments, which provide students with even more information.

Understanding the Cost

Tuition is definitely one of the critical factors when it comes to selecting an institution. Open House events allow families to understand exactly what the tuition includes. They will learn about the cost of classes, room and board, as well as, meal plan options. Comparing this information from university to university can help you to make your decision.

Open House events allow families to come to campuses to visit. These visits are normally a day of fun and excitement. They can be beneficial even if you think you know the details about a school. Meeting staff and instructors is another bonus when it comes to attending an Open House. Oftentimes students are able to make a final decision about an institution by simply visiting a campus setting.

Why Should Parents and Students Plan for College?

Planning for college is very important in securing your child’s future. College serves as a stepping stone for your child; and as a parent you will need to consider a few important aspects before you make your choice. The first thing that many parents think of is what their budget allows. While that is important; it should not be the only deciding factor when choosing a college for your kids.

The main reason for college attendance is to educate yourself towards your future career goals. This will basically be the deciding factor in terms of the direction one’s life will steer towards, and it will also have a huge impact on your financial stability. College graduates have a better employment rate than their non-qualified counterparts, and this will determine job eligibility and subsequently determine quality of life.

Parents need to consider how these school fees will be paid; since this will make the admission process so much smoother. College fees can also be paid by the student via a bank loan, or with the help of a study loan that will need to be paid back once he or she starts working. Regardless of the method of payment, parents need to be aware of this and offer full support.

Once the financial obligations have been sorted out, parents need to assist their children in making sure that they choose a career path that fits in with their personalities, abilities and talents. There is nothing worse than being stuck in a job that you don’t enjoy; and it will literally become a “job” instead of a career. Most colleges will offer career counseling for students that need guidance or support when making their decisions, and this is usually also offered free of charge.

As the saying goes: "Knowledge is something that nobody can take away from you”, and this is very true. A college education can go a long way in preparing someone for the working world and will also allow individuals to start their own business and open up various other possibilities that can lead to success. Choosing the right career path with full parental support is one of the best and positive choices that one can ever make.  

Choose Your School By Major

Many high school students throughout the state of North Carolina will be looking at colleges and universities. Some of these students and their families will focus on individual schools. Others, however, will be open to the selection of the right school. One of the key things to consider when selecting an institution of higher learning is your major.

Those who know what major they intend to adopt are in a great position when it comes to shopping for schools. Not all colleges will have your particular major. Schools that do have your major of choice, may not have the program that you are interested in. This is why families need to do a bit of research before making a final decision on an institution. Here are some tips for choosing a school by major:

Narrow Down Your Search

When there is a wide selection of institutions in your state, making a choice can be difficult. There are many different ways to narrow down your search for a school. One very important issue that assists you here are the majors that a university offers. It doesn’t matter, whether you are looking for Political Science or Education. Students and parents must search for schools with majors in the degree programs they are interested in.

                                               

Look at Programs

Each school is different and has unique majors and programs to offer students. Not all programs are going to be the same. Education for example is a diverse major to consider. There are focuses like early childhood, middle school, and other areas. Depending on your interest, you will have to make your school selection. It is important that you look at each school’s major programs before making a decision.

The size of a college or university doesn’t limit what it may offer you in terms of a major. Other factors may impact your final decision as well. The distance away from home, cost of tuition, and a host of topics will influence your choice. It is always a good idea to look at the majors that an institution offers to you. This will help you to wisely determine which is the best fit for you.

Transitioning from High School to College

Families will soon be preparing their high school children for the changes that college brings. Juniors and seniors in high school should start thinking about college early, not only preparing to select the right institution, but also preparing for the transition from high school to college life.

This is one of the reasons that parents should assist students in this process. The transition from high school to college can be difficult. In most instances, this is a matter of overall maturity. At the same time, these changes have to do with knowing what to expect. The more students understand about college life, the more they can prepare and transition.

Living in a Dorm

Most freshmen come to their campuses never having lived away from home. They may also not be accustomed to living in close quarters with others. High school students should make an effort to understand and prepare for dorm life in college. Reading material about campus rules and individual dorms can be helpful. A planned visit to dorms before beginning schools can also assist students in knowing what to expect.

Responsible Study Habits

One of the important things for students to remember about college is that they will have new responsibility. Parents will not be around to chaperone activities and study habits. This means that students must adopt habits that will allow them to get their studies completed. They will need to use organization and scheduling in this process.

Time Management

Time management is absolutely essential for college students. Most campuses have a list of extracurricular activities and events. Coordinating your time for school and time for other things is important. This will allow students to participate and socialize while achieving their academic goals. Being able to manage your time well is the best way to showcase maturity and preparation for higher education.

College can certainly be the most influential time in a child’s life. Much of the information and skills learned during this period will follow students throughout their careers. Learning to transition will allow students to focus on their goals and enjoying what their school has to offer.