The Benefit in Having Supportive Parents

Children benefit most when their parents are supportive in their daily activities. With supported parents, children can continue to grow and succeed in everything they do. People will actually become more confident if they know that their parents support their decisions.

When it comes to attending a college of your choice, it is important to have your parents’ support. They serve as your first support pillar when you need someone to lean on; which is typically the case with first year students. Going to a new school, being surrounded by new people, studying for long periods of time and taking one test after the other will definitely be somewhat intimidating for many youngsters.

According to recent studies, students with supportive parents are much more likely to succeed academically than those without them. This serves as proof that a student’s college experience largely depends on the support received from family and friends. This is why it is essential for parents to join their kids when visiting a university or college; giving them advice and tips on what to expect and how to take on this new challenge. By supporting students with their college applications, parents are in fact helping them to lay the correct foundation to prepare them for college life.

With students being 81% more likely to graduate from high school if their parents are supportive of their studies and career choices, students can get into prestige colleges much more easily and improve their chances of academic success. While there are many support groups and “college access” programs available for first-time students, nothing beats the solid support structure that parents can provide.

When applying for college admission in North Carolina, you might be faced with many options; and with more than 30 colleges and universities in this State alone, making the right choice might seem impossible. This is where supportive parents come in. They can shed light on your career goals, the more important things to remember, as well as the subjects and goals that you need to focus on.

Having supportive parents will definitely go a long way in helping a student prepare for the first year of college. With loving guidance and a solid foundation, students are very likely to succeed with their career goals and enjoy the journey along the way. 

5 Important Facts in College Submissions

All parents and students come to a point when they have to decide which school to go to. Every college has different submission requirements and standards for you to adhere to. Once you have decided on the college of your choice, you might want to consider the following tips:

Make Contact. You might want to pay the college a visit to get an overall feel for the college and the campus. Also, by meeting with a student advisor at the college you will get an opportunity to ask questions pertaining to the college itself. You might have to find out if there are any additional points to keep in mind when they approve students, or if this particular school will suit your needs.

Plan Ahead. Once you have answered your own questions about several colleges, you have to plan ahead; not only for next year, but the next four years of your future. You must be prepared to set aside study times each day, to ensure that you achieve good grades from the start, and continue to uphold those standards for your entire college period.

Be Motivated. Not everyone gets the opportunity to attend a prestigious college. This should motivate to you to want to become all that you can be. A student must be motivated to ensure that he or she will achieve the best results possible; and if you feel motivated, positive and passionate about your future, you will definitely reap the benefits.

Parents are Vital. Parents of the prospective student are very important. They need to be involved in the student’s submission process and also provide moral support throughout, until the student graduates. You might be a very diligent student, but you will still need support from your parents in order to keep going through tough times, long study periods and tedious tests.

Communication is essential. Communication is very important. If there is no communication from either side, nothing will function properly. As a student, you need to constantly communicate with your teachers, parents and friends. This will help you to identify problem areas and lean on the support structure that you already have.

Choosing the correct college is vital, but you should also keep in mind that as a student, you should look at the characteristics of your prospective college and make the correct academic decision for your future. Choose a college where you believe you will thrive and one that you will enjoy.

Financial Aid 101

While it is generally considered the responsibility of the family to pay for college, most all students have need for assistance and will receive some type of financial aid upon acceptance to any college or university regardless of a family's economic standing.  The process may seem over-whelming and difficult but a few tips can help ease the tension of organizing documents, completing forms, waiting, choosing and responding.

Every student that wants financial aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.  Some private or larger public schools may also require the CSS Profile form, which could include school-specific questions.  These applications help schools determine the amount of money that they feel the family can contribute toward costs.  This is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), but is not the actual figure to be paid.

Once the FAFSA/CSS Profile is processed, students will receive a confirmation that the information has been disseminated to each school listed on the forms.  Schools will then start to process applications once academic acceptance has been made.  Next, students receive correspondence notifying them of various awards.

There are several types of financial aid that can potentially appear on the Award Letter.  Gift aid includes grants and scholarships that are based on socio-economic status and do not have to be repaid.  Merit-based scholarships consider the student's resume and academic record and, generally, do not have to be repaid.  Federal loans are just that, but are often attractive to students and parents based on low interest rates and no credit checks.  Private loans may be offered but are not advised.

One tip is to request tax documents as soon after the New Year as possible.  They will be needed to accurately complete the applications.  If schools require them completed earlier, use the closest estimates possible and expect adjustments to the awards when the exact figures are used.

After students are notified of awards for each school, they can determine how what they are being offered in financial aid and what their family can actually contribute compares to the actual cost of attending each school.  This will allow each student and family to choose the best fit both academically and financially.

7 Most Rewarding College Activities

Many times incoming Freshmen have been so pre-occupied with high school extra-curricular actives in relation to the application and acceptance process that they forget to inquire about opportunities for involvement once they start college.  Often, it is the relationships made in college activities that last a lifetime.

•    Greek life dominates student life on many college campuses with a large proportion of students participating in sororities and fraternities.  First appearing nationally on campuses in the early 19th Century, 'Greek' organizations offer members an instant network of friends that unite for a number of activities from formals and dances to study groups and community service efforts.

•    Colleges also feature Student Government organizations usually compiled of members of the student body that either run for election or are appointed as a representative for member organizations.  These groups participate in many aspects of campus life from planning entertainment activities for the year to participating in official school board meetings.

•    The 'front porch' of most schools is their athletic programs.  Not only do sports teams encourage school spirit for fans, alumni and the community, but they become a life-altering endeavor for the participants.  Student-athletes usually meet every day for several months just prior and during their season.  Team-building skills and friendships flourish in college athletics.

•    Arts ensembles and organizations are plentiful on many campuses and also offer rewarding opportunities through performances and exhibitions.  Band, chorus, drama and visuals arts are activities that enhance the overall educational experience for students, even if it's not their major area of study.

•    Universities have several student-written publications that offer the same camaraderie as other activities on campus.  The newspaper, the yearbook and literary magazines are outlets for those students with skills in writing, editing and photography.

•    Another niche of activities involves religious groups.  Whether it's a denominational or inter-faith organization, students looking for a faith-based campus experience should seek similar groups on their campus.

•    Some students do not even have to leave their dormitory to be involved in school-related activities.  Residence Life organizations are common on most campuses and provide activities involving those living in specific dorms or for those in living facilities campus-wide.

Travel and the College Experience

There are many travel and study options available to today’s adventuresome student. Study abroad programs, taking a gap year, or even going to an overseas school are all ways that students gain an education and see a little more of the world while they’re at it.

With the range of study abroad programs geared towards high school students today, students don’t need to wait until college to take part. Often high schools will participate in ‘swap’ programs, where students from different countries are paired up and take turns ‘hosting’ each other. Check with your high school guidance counselor to see what programs might exist at your school.

As with high schools, many colleges are now offering study abroad programs for their students. These usually take place in the upper years of college programs, and may require students to maintain a certain grade level to be eligible. If your high school student is interested in studying abroad, be sure to look into what international experience programs are available at colleges they are checking out. Students should also take time to think about which country they might like to study in- unless they’re fluent in Spanish, they might have a better time at a university in England than Spain. Students who are itching to travel should also look at the academic calendars of host universities- many education institutions in Europe take the entire month of April off for Easter holidays- perfect travel time!

Rather than travelling while part of a study program, some students opt to take a year or two off between high school and college. While private travel does offer unstructured adventure, there are benefits to organizing your travel around a study abroad program. Academic institutions can offer rewarding social experiences, as well as resources and support. As students usually pay the tuition fees of their home university, things like accommodation (think of your dorm room as an affordable hotel!) and rail passes (many require you to be a registered student to receive a discount) can be significantly cheaper than if you went it alone.

Finally, there is the option of actually going to college outside of the US. There are benefits to choosing this option- especially if your student is looking at specialized programs that are only available out of the country- but the international fees that many colleges charge today can be significant. Other factors, such as cost of living, length of study and visa requirements, should be considered prior to making a decision.

In all, there are many opportunities available to today’s jet-setting student. Knowing what experience you’re looking for- and how much you can afford- are important factors to consider when deciding on the perfect travel and study option.

Making the Most of Your First Year at College

Often students spend so much time preparing for college, they don’t know what to do when they get there! Whether it’s joining a fraternity or social club, playing sports or volunteering, there are many new opportunities available at college. Students, however, need to balance these new experiences with the reason why they’re at college- to get an education. The following are some tips on how students can both respect their academic responsibilities and get the most out of other aspects of college life.

Don’t Blow Off Too Many Classes. 

Unlike high school, attendance at college classes is optional, for the most part. Students are often tempted to skip class to sleep in or hang out with friends, and while missing a class here and there can be reasonable; missing too many classes can have very serious consequences for your grades and overall academic standing. Many courses have participation marks, which means just showing up is an easy way to ensure a decent grade. Students should also keep in mind that a low GPA from your first year can be all but impossible to raise, no matter how much work you put into your upper years of college.

Set Up a Schedule. 

Maintaining a schedule is just as important to knowing when your paper is due as the date of the next big varsity football game. Pulling all-nighters may seem like an integral part of the college experience, but it is not a productive or sustainable study strategy. By knowing ahead of time when to expect to be busy with school assignments, students can also more effectively plan for (stress-free!) social events.

Visit Your Professor.

Even if you feel you know the course material, taking some time to visit your professor during their office hours can be a very rewarding experience. For students contemplating graduate school, building relationships with professors in your first year can result in comprehensive and positive reference letters when it comes time to apply. A chat with your professor now and then can help you better understand your course material, keep in mind that professors are often great at pointing out resources for your assignments.

Get Enough Sleep, Exercise and Eat Right. 

It seems simple, but taking the time to take care of yourself can help you have a positive and productive first year. If you’re tempted by the daily pizza special in the cafeteria, think about taking the stairs instead of the elevator to class. Be sure to check out the school gym- usually its membership is included in your tuition fees. Getting enough sleep is important to not only paying attention in class, but ensuring you have enough energy to hang out with friends.

How to Write an Effective Scholarship Application

The majority of scholarship applications require students to prepare an essay or statement that outlines their eligibility. Preparing these letters takes a certain amount of skill, as each student is striving to make their application look unique. Students should think carefully about how they craft these statements, as they are intended to help selection committees get a better sense of who the applicants really are.

Start your application early. 

Many students do not give themselves enough time to start their applications and find themselves rushing to finish before the deadline. The end result is often a poorly-constructed and weakly-written application. Starting your applications early will give you time to clearly think and articulate your position. Be sure to schedule extra time for editing, especially if someone else will be looking over your paper.

Read through the scholarship application thoroughly. 

Remember that you are not simply listing your accomplishments and goals, but rather responding to a specific set of criteria. Are you being weighed based on academic merit? If so, your application should highlight scholastic achievements and academic performance. Is the applicant being evaluated based on community involvement? Consider outlining you volunteer experience in school, at home, in church or other areas. Student should take time to think about what specific experiences and abilities demonstrate their eligibility.

Start your process by writing an outline. 

Selection committees will often read through hundreds of applications before making a decision. Using simple and concise language that clearly lays out how you meet-and exceed- the criteria will make it easier for the committee members to understand why you are a perfect fit for the scholarship. An outline, using bullet points with main statements, can make it easier for you to structure a powerful and effective application.

Showcase your strengths, but be realistic about your weaknesses. 

Many scholarships seem to look for the perfect, well-rounded candidate- such a student doesn’t exist! Rather, selection committees are looking to learn both about your achievements, and the attitude that got you there. Identifying challenges or adversity you have faced in achieving goals can be a highly effective way of demonstrating both ability and attitude, but be careful not to overdo it.  Discussion should be framed around your strengths, as they relate to the eligibility criteria- after all, why would you want to highlight your weaknesses?

Affording College

For those looking at post-secondary education, the costs associated with a college degree can be staggering. Total student debt for all American college students is estimated at $1 trillion (source: CSNBC), while the average cost of a 4-year college program is over $23,000. With the cost of education on the rise, understanding the financial options available can help ease the burden of a college education on both students and their families.

529s

Registered educational savings plans can help to afford college expenses. Money can be added at any time, tax-free. While these savings plans are best used to incrementally set aside money as the student grows up, they can be started at any time as long as the student it’s intended for is under the age of 18.

Scholarships

There are several types of scholarships which may be available to your student. Many colleges offer competitive entrance scholarships as a way to attract the best and brightest. Students with higher high school academic achievements may be eligible for larger scholarships. If your student is involved in sports, look for available athletic scholarships. There are also many private scholarships and grants associated with specific colleges which have been set up by alumni. Be sure to check out what awards may exist for upper-level college students- some internal awards are only available to students entering their final year of college.

Financial Aid

A college or student loan works just like any other bank loan. Generally student loans are offered with a lower rate of interest for the time the student is in college, although loan scheduling and details will depend on the financial institution. Federal loans are also available to both students and parents, and are a highly common method of financing college educations.

Student Employment

Student employment is another financial option available to support education. Students generally find jobs during the summer months between years, but many are choosing to balance their studies with part-time work during the school term. Student employment can be a great way to make some much-needed cash, as well as provide valuable work experience. Many colleges coordinate paid co-op or internship opportunities, and some colleges offer work-study programs which provides on-campus jobs to students. Exploring employment options or part-time study may find other ways to pay for college without sinking into debt.

5 Ways to NOT Prepare for College

While people will have different ideas of the ideal college and program, there are a few things that everyone should do when planning for college. Often it can be difficult to know what to do, let alone how to make the right decision. The following are definite ways you should not prepare for college!

Use A Magic Eight Ball

Don’t be tempted to leave your decision up to fate! For many, college options can seem so overwhelming that using a Magic Eight Ball or divining rod seems like a reasonable way to make a choice on which college to attend. With so much time and money that will be invested in this decision, you need to make an informed choice.  Doing research, talking to others and sitting down with guidance counselors or college planners are all important ways to gain information about what options are right for your student. In fact, scheduling a meeting with one of these professionals is an important first step in making an informed decision for post-secondary education.

Stay At Home

You would be surprised at the number of students and parents who decide which school to go to without having been to college fairs or even having visited the campus! Course descriptions and types of programs are only one part of the puzzle- other factors like campus layout, extracurricular activities available and meal options at the cafeteria are also important aspects of a positive college experience. Both students and parents should be actively involved in the education, and should make sure to set aside time for campus visits.

Keep Your Opinions to Yourself

Without open communication about college options, you may be in for a nasty surprise, especially if your student is expecting to major in Video Game Production, but you’re looking for the next family doctor. Choosing a college is a decision that should be made jointly between parents and their students; involving students in planning activities from the start can ensure that a decision is reached which everyone can agree on.

Spend All Your Money

College is expensive these days, but that doesn’t mean you have to foot the bill yourself. Your guidance counselor or college planner is well-versed in the types of scholarships, awards and grants that are available to help finance your college education. These funds can often be augmented by student employment or educational plans. Figure out a financial action plan that can help reduce the burden of college education.

Avoid Taking Tests

If there is a college program that doesn’t require an SAT score, chances are your student will find it. While taking college admission tests can be a lot of work and pressure, the study habits and revision