How to Make the Most of a Campus Visit

College visits are important to making an informed decision on which education institution is right for you. While that program at the state college several hours away might seem good on paper, course sizes and professors aren’t the only factors you should consider. Where you will live, the campus community you will be a part of, and basics like where to eat and study will all play a role in your college experience. To make the most of your campus visits, keep the following in mind:

Take a Student-Guided Tour

Most colleges offer a tour conducted by a current student at the school, and are a great way to get honest feedback from the student perspective. Students are often very honest about sharing their personal opinions of the school and great at answering group questions that frequently come up, both from high school students considering their college and from parents who are anxious about sending their child away to school for the first time.

Do a Private Tour

While taking the official tour is a good way to get a general understanding of how the campus functions, you should also spend time exploring on your own. Often tour guides will highlight the prettiest or more interesting buildings on campus- but this isn’t the entire story. Taking some time to poke around can give you a more complete idea of what each college campus is all about.

Take Pictures and Notes

Chances are you will end up visiting several colleges before you make your final decision. Taking detailed notes and pictures that highlight the pros and cons of each college- as well as your impressions and feelings of the place- will be of great assistance when trying to recall the details months later.

Spend a Day in the Life of a Student

Tailor your campus visit to get a feel of what it would be like to be a student there. Often faculties are grouped in different areas on campus- how far away would your classes be from your residence? What kind of cuisine is offered at the cafeteria? Are there any good study spots in the library? If you know what you want to study, sitting in a course can give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of class size, professors and discussion-most colleges are fine with this if you schedule ahead first.

Explore Beyond the Campus Boundaries

Choosing a college also means choosing a community to live in for several years. While you’ll probably live in residence in your first year, you may want to move off campus at some point. Take some time to explore the neighbourhood around the college. What is the average cost of rent? Is there free street parking? What sort of amenities- like grocery stores, coffee shops or libraries- are there? Getting a sense of the campus and the surrounding area will help you better plan for your complete college experience.

How to Take a Test… and Succeed!

High school students frequently find that the hardest part of preparing for college is taking tests. If the thought of taking your ACT or SAT has left you awake at nights, or worst yet, waking up in a cold sweat, try this simple guide to bring you peace of mind and ace that test.

Be Prepared

Your preparation for testing begins long before test day. Hopefully, you’ve been studying consistently and diligently to be prepared. The week before a big test, make the commitment to get lots of sleep, to limit your studying to no more than 8 hours a day (and that includes class time!), and to eat well. The day of the test, be sure to wake up in plenty of time for a good breakfast, have your materials (pencils, calculators, etc) ready, and show up to the exam center early so you have time to rest and relax before the test starts.

Starting The Test

Listen closely and/or read closely the instructions you’re given, and be conscious of where to find the clock, if you’re timing your test. If the test is science or math oriented, you might want to jot down formulas or definitions that you’re worried you’ll forget during the test. Start with a positive attitude, and quickly review the questions, highlighting the ones that you know you’ll be able to do quickly. Then, simply start with the easiest, highest value questions and work your way toward the toughest questions as your brain warms up.

During the Test

Not all questions on a test are equal; some might be worth more than others in your final grading. Be sure to budget your time closely, so you aren’t wasting time pondering low value questions that might have you stumped. Give yourself at least 10 minutes towards the end of the test to review your answers, and set a time limit on any big questions, so you know to move on even if you don’t have a complete answer. Unless you’ll incur a penalty for wrong answers, try to answer every question. During your 10 minute review period, don’t second guess yourself unless you’re completely positive the new answer is more accurate. Finally, mentally note the top 2 questions you’re most uncertain about, for review afterwards.

After the Test

Whew! Start by congratulating yourself on completing your test. Take a few minutes to search out the answers to the top 2 questions that you were unsure about, and reassure yourself that you were right (or memorize the answers if you were wrong). If you’re unsure about how you did, you may want to avoid talking to others about the test experience, as it might make you even more anxious. Finally, relax… you’ve done the best you can and you’ll receive your grades soon enough. Focus on the next step of your college application process, and think positive!

Coming Home for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is usually the first time that students return home since having left for college. Although it has only been a few months since they first left home, both students and parents often feel like things are different. For students, it might be the new couch in the living room, or even the younger sibling who’s laid claim to their bedroom. Parents also begin to realize that their student is not the same person they helped move into that college dorm only a few months ago. In addition to dealing with massive amounts of student laundry (don’t forget to stock up on the detergent!) the following are some ideas of what parents and students can expect when students fly home to the nest for the first time.

I’m an Adult Now

There is the urge to treat your child as if they never left home so be conscious if you have a sudden urge to over-parent your child. While it may seem logical to you that you student can help out with chores, or that you can finally provide in-person feedback on study habits and social schedules, students may resent being treated as if they’ve never left home. You’ve spent the last few years preparing them for college and becoming independent; Thanksgiving is that first real test of your new adult-to-adult relationship.

Family Time Versus Social Schedules

Students coming home will be eager to hang out with their old friends, compare notes on college experiences and enjoy their newly-found sense of independence. Parents, on the other hand, see their student’s return as a time for the family to catch up and spend time with each other. Seeing familiar places- the old high school, the old social hangout, the old home- can be a difficult experience for many students, and sharing this experience their friends is important. Making sure there is a balance between family time and social schedules is important to ensuring a happy and healthy holiday.

 Leaving Again Can Be Hard

With cleaned clothes in tow, the time has come for your son or daughter to hop on that bus, climb aboard that train, or into the car and head back to school. Often, this good-bye can be harder for both parents and students than when they moved to college at the beginning of the fall. Although difficult, this is perfectly normal. If you or your student might feel upset, remember that Christmas is only a month away!

A Stress-Free Admissions Interview

You’ve studied hard, survived testing, written your admissions essays, and submitted great references – the payoff is that you’ve been granted an admission interview with one of your top colleges. If you’re like most high school students, you’re both thrilled and anxious; especially if you see yourself as somewhat of an introvert or have trouble dealing with questions in person. Here’s a quick guide to help you succeed with your admissions interview.

Practice, Practice, Practice

It sounds silly, but one of the easiest things you can do is to practice common interview questions with friends and family members. Admission officers frequently work from a very limited list of questions, therefore being prepared for the most common ones will improve your odds of doing well during the exam. Be cautious, however, that you don’t simply memorize what you think is the best answer; officers will have heard all the generic answers. Be sure to answer questions in a genuine and thoughtful manner.

Know Your Successes, Strengths and Weaknesses

Students frequently get flustered when they’re asked questions in person, forgetting all their own great accomplishments when put on the spot. Make a mental note of 3 to 5 successes that you think make you stand out from other applicants, and know your strengths both in the classroom and outside of it in extracurricular activities. No one is perfect, however, so be able to identify and verbalize 1 or 2 weaknesses in yourself, to which you can speak on actively working to improve. In all cases, be confident in your answers and you’ll make a great impression.

Don’t Bury Your Head in a Book

Admissions officers frequently use news events and current affairs to get to know students’ personalities. Simply picking up the morning newspaper or checking in on top news events on TV can help you not only keep perspective before your interview, but also give you the ability to respond quickly with a well-rounded answer. If possible, try to engage the admissions officer in discussion, rather than simply giving your opinion.

Interviewers are looking not for the details but for an overall impression of you. If you did your mock interviews, appeared relaxed and confident in answering their questions, and engaged in two-way conversation, you will have made a good impression. 

5 Ways to Compare Colleges

One of the biggest tasks for high school students is choosing the right college for their future studies. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to choose which to apply to, and even more difficult to choose amongst multiple colleges when one has been accepted. Here are 5 factors that you should consider when stacking your colleges side by side.

Cost

It may not be the most attractive of factors, but it’s the most pragmatic. If you’ve examined the financial aid and scholarships opportunities of a school and decided that you truly can’t afford it, scratching it off the list early can actually help you focus on better opportunities. Be sure to consider all aspects of cost, including travel, housing, tuition, materials, and ancillary fees.

Campus Life

Where do you want to live for 3 to 4 years? That’s the question you should ask yourself when comparing colleges. For most students, moving to college is the first time they’ve been away from home, making the campus life a significant factor in the decision. Looking at the amenities, extracurricular activities, housing options, and campus culture can have a big impact on whether a college is good or just good enough.

College Environment

It is more than just the types of classes and majors offered. Consider things such as average class size, student-to-teacher ratios and whether classes are generally taught by professors or graduate assistants. Think about whether you prefer to learn through hands-on experiences or class discussions.

Location

Consider things like distance from home, geographic location and climate. If you’re used to a smaller town, will the move to a big city be exciting, or a distraction? Are you depending on public transit that is found in larger cities, or are you looking at a campus that is all within walking distance of just the basics?

Gut Feeling

Try to visit your top choices before making any decisions. Talk to students, take a campus tour and even sit in on a class. The best way to get a feel for the college is to experience it the way a student would. Most people know when a school just feels right.

Borrowing Money From Family for College

Shakespeare is famous for his quote “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” when it comes to sharing money amongst friends and family. But for families in a crunch when it comes to college costs, borrowing from family members might be one of the few options available at a reasonable cost. How can you borrow from family and close friends without worrying about awkward Thanksgiving dinners if things don’t go well?

Make Informed Investments

Whether you’re the investor or the borrower, understanding the basic nature of the borrowing relationship is key. The investor has to have confidence that the borrower will be able to repay the loan, which means having a certain amount of confidence in the student, his/her line of study, as well as  future employment opportunities. For the student, this means making smart choices about what college is best, and what program to study, as well as being informed on the employment market, and being prepared to answer questions from the lender on those fronts.

Be Clear On Terms

Miscommunication can be the death of a good relationship; doubly true if money is involved. Before borrowing or lending, make sure that the terms of the arrangement are clearly spelled out in writing and agreed to by both sides. The lender may offer to reduce or waive interest during the study period, while the borrower may request the option of paying back some of the loan during the college years, based on summer employment income. Both sides should agree to an interest rate beforehand (even if it’s variable), and plan for contingencies such as if the student needs to drop out due to illness or emergency, if the student doesn’t graduate, or if the student fails to get a job quickly after graduation.

Agree on Boundaries

 Borrowing money from family is truly a case of mixing business with pleasure; pleasure which turns out to be a nightmare when things go wrong. In the age of Facebook, students can feel that family members are scrutinizing their every move, and it can be hard for family members to refrain from commenting “Shouldn’t you be studying?” after every social college outing. Agree on boundaries such as the student sharing end of year grades if the lender doesn’t nose around with family members to find out how the school year is going.

Borrowing from family can be a great way to solve a college financing problem; family can enjoy supporting the next generation of relatives, while students can benefit from better terms than from traditional lenders like banks and financial aid programs. 

Navigating the Education System

LSAT, GRE, SAT...Even just trying to understand the terminology of the college system can make you feel as though you’re learning a new language! With so many institutions, regulations and tests that make up today’s educational system, it can be difficult to understand what educational options exist, let alone which is the right one for your student. A good understanding of the education system is a must, and the following overview can help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Educational System

Educational systems differ from country to country, and from one jurisdiction to another. Generally, most Western countries have compulsory primary education for children starting around age 4 or 5.Students tend to start their secondary or high school education around the age of thirteen, and depending on the system, can graduate as early as sixteen.  In England, compulsory high school education in England lasts until a student is 16. At this point, students may opt to continue their secondary education for another two years, which are spent studying towards qualifications known as A-levels which are the basis for admission to post-secondary institutions. In Canada, Quebec students complete high school in their junior year and have the option to attend CÉGEP, a 2-year junior college system which prepares them for either college or vocational studies. The American educational system is a little more straightforward: after twelve years of mandatory schooling, students can then move on to the college system. 

What about Standardized Tests?

With so many American students applying to college, standardized tests are a common way in which a student’s academic performance is evaluated and used by academic institutions to determine admission for educational programs. Some tests, like the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the model used by American College Testing (ACT) are used for general undergraduate college admission. Other tests, such as the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are tests used for admission to specific professional graduate studies, once an undergraduate college degree has been obtained.

Credits gained in high school Advance Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses can also be considered for college admissions, and have the added bonus of often being counted as credit, allowing students to ‘fast track’ through college. A community college degree can often be put towards a college degree in the same way.

Where does my student fit in?

There is never an easy answer to this question! Some students are extremely focused and seek to fast track through college to their career. Others use their time at college to explore career options while gaining an education. Each path has its benefits and challenges, and a good understanding of what options are available can help you and your student map out the best solution.

Life Skills for College

In the rush to prepare their children for the academic side of college, many parents often overlook imparting other skills that are important to their child’s academic success and quality of life. Knowing how to grocery shop or how to do laundry is an important support skill that can contribute to a positive college experience. By involving your student in household activities while they are still at home in high school, you are helping equip them with knowledge and resources that can help them succeed in school and in life.

Eating Healthy

Many students who go off to college choose to buy and prepare their own food, rather than purchase a campus meal plan. This certainly has its health benefits- no missing breakfast because they slept in or worrying about what the contents of Monday’s meatloaf- but these benefits can be limited if a student only loads up on snacks and junk food. Poor eating habits have been proven to have an effect on academic performance, so be sure your student has a good understanding of the basics of a healthy diet and lifestyle- check out the USDA’s MyPlate system at http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.

Knowing what to eat is the first step; how to eat well on the cheap is an acquired skill. Students should know how to compare unit prices on items. Often, the plain-wrapped discount or store brand item is several cents cheaper than their brand-name counterparts, so why pay for packaging? Be sure your student know how smell, look and feel for ripeness and freshness in fruits and vegetables. Knowing how to purchase quality meats for low prices is easy- students should look for sales, buy in bulk and freeze into individual portions. Actively include your student in your grocery shopping trips now, and you’ll be helping increase their chance of surviving their first year at college without the dreaded ‘Freshman 15’.

Laundry: The Silent Killer

You would be surprised how many students head off to college without knowing how to do laundry. It may seem simple to you, but those knobs, dials and buttons on the washer can be foreign to those who haven’t used it before. Unless you are okay with your student lugging home giant, stinking piles of laundry for your attention at each holiday, teaching them how to work a washer and dryer is a simple and easy way that can improve their quality of life and save your relationship.

Making a Home out of a House               

Having a safe, comfortable place to hang your hat at the end of the day can be a big boost to your student’s mental health. Whether it acts as a quiet place to study, or simply helps to get a good night’s sleep, make sure your student knows how to turn a house into a home is important. When packing all those books and notes for college, make sure some family photos or a favourite blanket get tucked away, too.

Choosing a Profession

Often, going to college can feel like a reflex response: students need a college degree to be competitive in today’s job market, and rush to enter a program lest they fall behind, falling victim to the ‘everyone else is doing it” mentality. Yet many students struggle in college when confronted with a seemingly endless number of career options and opportunities. Knowing what to consider when considering the future can help make choosing that career and college less frustrating.

When I grow up I want to be...

When your child was six, they wanted to be a firefighter: two years later it was a teacher. While a student’s choice of profession may continue to fluctuate, they will always have certain things they are good at and like doing. Understanding personal interests and abilities is as important to making an informed decision about career paths as statistics related to employment rates and average salaries. Often students feel pressured into certain career paths by their family, friends and the media. While you’d love another doctor or lawyer in the family, this may not align with your son or daughter’s intentions, and being pressured into a career option not of their choosing can often result in poor grades, disinterest or unhappiness. Finding the perfect profession is not easy: studies have shown that the average person switches their career path at least three times in their life. Get your student thinking early about what career choice strikes the right balance between his or her interests and abilities, and you’re helping them establish a sense of self that can lead to a happy, healthy and productive life. 

The Quarter-Life Crisis?

Psychological research has shown that many people in their twenties begin to express doubt about their lives, generally brought on after a young person enters “the real world”. Most, if not all, college-age students experience what has come to be known as the ‘quarter-life crisis’. Many going through this phase express feelings of being lost, scared or confused about the future (think The Graduate or Office Space), and concern about a career after graduation can add to the anxiety.  While chances are that your student will experience some form of anxiety about their future (who doesn’t?), this can be alleviated by educational and professional choices that are in line with a student’s passions and abilities.

Help! My Son wants to be a Mechanic!

Before you think about disownment, consider this: the average electrician makes about $50,000 a year (source: US Department of Labour). With so many people cashing in the blue collar for an office desk, skilled trades are in high demand. The skilled trades offer job security, entrepreneurial opportunities for the independent-minded, and are often challenging and rewarding experiences. Chances are if your student is already spending more time in the garage or rewiring your house, this might be a good career choice.