The Value of a College Education

Going to college is one of the biggest decisions in a person's life. The high cost of getting a college education can make it a daunting prospect, but with lots of financial aid available in the form of loans or grants it is often not impossible and is very valuable. Here are some reasons that the decision to go to college is a good one.

·         It is the best investment anyone can make. Most graduates get a huge return on the cost of college during their life. Also, the value of a college degree never decreases so you will always have it to fall back onto when looking for a job.

·         College graduates are generally more well-rounded people because of the experience that they gain. Nothing beats the college experience for developing social skills that will be useful wherever you go and whoever you meet.

·         The chance to meet and network with people who share the same interests. This should not be underestimated--building contacts can help greatly in the future when you're looking to get a job, as well as providing a stepping stone into different industries.

·         College helps a student to become an expert in their field. This allows them to contribute to their subject's future in a meaningful way, while learning about the subject they love and enjoy.

·         The social skills picked up at college are used throughout the student's life. Being able to meet new people is one skill that will be useful no matter which field of work you go into.

·         College helps to make students more aware of the country they live in and gives them a sense of what is right and wrong. College graduates tend to be a lot more willing to stand up for what they believe in because of this.

·         The chance to meet and make friends for life. To be happy, we all need good friends around us and college is a great place to find some. This is because lots of the people you meet will be motivated and share the same interests as yourself.

·         A college education is one commodity that will only ever increase in value. No matter how many years go by, your college education will always be of value wherever you go.

·         A college education opens up many doors in the workplace that otherwise would have been unavailable. This is especially true today when more and more people are going on to higher education.

·         Going to college is investing in a student's own future. When you go to college you are giving yourself the best possible chance to succeed.

There are plenty more reasons for going to college, some are financial, some social and some personal. Going to college is, for many people, the best decision that they will ever make!

Tax Credits 101

In 2010, the American Opportunity tax credit expanded and changed the older Hope credit along with a few other aspects of other tax breaks for college families. The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 extend the amended college expenses tax credit through 2012. This law allows parents and independent college students to obtain deductions or credits from taxes owed based on certain expenditures on higher education. There are several opportunities to save on your annual tax payment.

Above-the-line Deduction

This tax break is allowed for fees and tuition paid for higher education by the tax filer for them or a dependent child. Up to $4,000 can be deducted above-and-beyond the standard deduction, even without itemizing. A smaller $2,000 deduction is also possible for some taxpayers depending on adjusted gross income.

Student Loan Interest Deduction

Changes were also made in the rules regarding the deduction possibilities for interest paid on student loans. This is not only important to college graduates but for those with current expenses. Because the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) allows for immediate repayment any family choosing that option over deferring until after the student's graduation could potentially utilize this tax break. 

American Opportunity Tax Credit

The American Opportunity credit allows families or independent students to claim up to 100% of the first $2,000 paid in tuition and fees plus 25% of the next $2,000. Therefore, the maximum tax break from this program is $2,500 and is only available during the first four years of a student's academic career.

Lifetime Learning Tax Credit

Still around from the past is the Lifetime Learning credit, which is less restrictive than the American Opportunity Tax Credit and is mainly intended to help defray college costs after the first four years, when AOTC eligibility expires. It is available for an unlimited number of years and does not have any minimum enrollment requirements. Continuing education and graduate courses are included as applicable expenses.

3 Tips for Effective Studying

Many students have little motivation to study because they lack the tools for effective study. Here are some general guidelines to help you get the best out of your studying.

Learn time management skills. Organization is the key to improving study skills. Set out a plan before you begin and stick to it. Allotting a certain amount of time or a period of time each day when you feel that you learn best and studying during that time is usually a good strategy. It will not only help you accomplish your goals, it will keep you on track time-wise. Don't get behind on your studying or homework; keep up to date with your assignments to relieve some stress in the long run and to study more effectively.

Study in short bursts. There is nothing worse than burnout when you are trying to study. Don't try to do a marathon session of studying, as you will not be able to remember everything all at once. Take breaks every now and then between chapters or subjects to give your brain a rest! Cramming is not the answer--don't put off studying for a test until the last minute. Most teachers give you plenty of advance warning before an upcoming test, so studying in small sections at a time over a span of days  will help you to remember more. Then you can review everything right before the test if it is necessary. You might be surprised at how much you actually remembered!

Block out distractions. Turn off your phone, shut off your IM program and the TV, and close your door. Nothing will derail your studying as quickly as interruptions. If you really want to be successful, you need to focus. Another great tip is to make sure you have everything you need--books, paper, and pencils/pens BEFORE you start studying to cut back on distractions.

Most importantly take your time, make a plan, and stick with it. The key to improving study skills is to study smart, not hard. Don't procrastinate and don't get distracted and you'll be acing the test sooner than you think!

3 Key Things Colleges Look for In Applicants

What are college admissions officers looking for as they review your application? The admissions process varies and can be subjective to some degree, but here are 3 important things that could help you stand out and score acceptance letters from your favorite schools.

Strong Grades and an Upward Trend
Grades are one of the most important components that colleges will be looking at. You should have a Grade Point Average (GPA) that reflects your hard work. Also, admissions officers value grades that represent strong effort and show an upward trend over the years. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A's in less challenging coursework. Class rank will show where you rank in relation to your classmates—the higher the BETTER! A higher rank reflects that you have worked harder than others in your class.

A Challenging High School Curriculum
A transcript that reflects that a student takes on challenges can put them a step ahead. Academically successful students should include several honors and Advanced Placement classes. You should also try to take a variety of challenging classes in several academic areas; if you love science, you need to show some diversity in your class selection. Do not take only science classes, include some courses in other academic areas such as, math, foreign language, English, business, or computers. Also, every college provides information on the basic number of courses that you must take in each discipline in high school; try to exceed the minimum required by the college. If they require two years of foreign language, try to take at least three.

Extracurricular Activities
Something to keep in mind is that your activities should demonstrate your interests. Passionate involvement in a few activities — and a demonstration of leadership and initiative in those activities — can only help a student. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important. You should participate as a leader or make a significant contribution to those activities in which you are involved. Try to have activities that show that you care about the world outside of the classroom because your participation will be an indication as to what type of contribution you will be able to make to the college community. A long list does not impress admissions committees, so it is better to have a few activities to which you dedicate a significant amount of time.

After reading over this list, decide which areas you need to work on to improve your candidate status. Make your admission in to one of your top-choice schools a reality!

Time Management Equals Success

Yes, you're supposed to enjoy being a teen.  Yet, we waste so much of our lives. So, why not make sure every moment counts?

Poor time management, generally in the form of procrastination, adds a level of stress to your mind that doesn't allow you to fully enjoy your down time.  You'll come up with a million things to do instead of the greatest tasks at hand, even cleaning your closet! (OK, maybe not that.)

Time is valuable.  Until you realize that, Facebook and other mundane tasks will start to kill you, or, at the very least, keep you from getting into the school of your choice. Everything seems more important than the 'worst math homework ever' or that looming test on the novel you haven't read. So much stress that it makes you hate seeing your book bag in the corner. 


Just get it done! Learn to prioritize with the realization that everything can't be done in a day.  Yet, challenge yourself to go above and beyond expectations. You'll be much more relaxed overall and have more time for fun stuff.

Schedules become habits. Don't you hate it when you wake up by early on Saturday?  There's no doubt that our body's internal clock prefers to be in control.  But, taking care of you is also very important. 


Healthy minds and bodies work and play better.  Regular sleep times and planned study periods are beneficial. Routines, even if strayed from on weekends, nurture an environment of giving value to your time.

Another over-riding theme on this topic is the ability to be self-aware.  We all have limits.  Doing too much can be a huge barrier to successful time management.  Learn how and when to say 'No' to everything from excessive hang out sessions with friends to participating in too many activities.  Focus will allow you to reach your goals, including getting into your top choice of college or university.

Back to Facebook already?  No one said this balancing-act would be easy.

National Scholarships Spotlight

Although competition is stiff, there are several lucrative national scholarships available each year.  Here we highlight a sampling.

Since 1942, the Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS) has been one of the nation's most prestigious science research competitions for high school seniors.  First in partnership with Westinghouse and beginning in 1998 with Intel, SSP has provided a national stage for the country's best and brightest young scientists to present original research to nationally recognized professional scientists.  Applications are due in November and the potential award is $100,000. Find out more here: http://www.societyforscience.org/sts

The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships provide a flat grant of US$27,000 for one academic year of study in another country.  These awards are intended to help defray costs associated with round-trip transportation, tuition and other fees, room and board, and some educational supplies.  Scholars are required to attend at least one orientation seminar if offered in their district or region. Study or training must be undertaken in another country or territory where there are Rotary clubs.  It cannot take place in the country of the sponsor Rotary district.  Applications are due in October and the award is $27,000. Find out more here: http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/educationalprograms/ambassadorialscholarships/pages/ridefault.aspx

Through the quality and reach of its programs and the longevity and devoted commitment of its family, members from over 200 tribal nations are represented within AISES.  To increase access to higher education and improve college retention rates, AISES administers competitive scholarship programs which partially defray tuition and other educational expenses.  The AISES Google Scholarship awards scholarships to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian AISES members for degrees in computer science, management information systems and computer engineering.  Applications are due in June and the potential award is $10,000.

For twenty-one consecutive years, Tylenol has awarded the Tylenol Future Care Scholarship to students pursuing a healthcare career and they continue to award over $250,000 annually.  This scholarship is open to all students pursuing a career in healthcare whom excel in leadership, academic performance and community involvement. Applications are due in May and the potential award is $10,000. Find out more here: http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subptyschol.inc

College Applicant Rights

You may not be aware of it, but as a college applicant you have certain rights at many of our nation’s colleges and universities.

As you apply to colleges, you have the right to certain information about them including information about how much it will cost you to attend.  The National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is a member organization that includes more than 11,000 college access professionals around the USA and beyond.  According to them, college applicants have the right to several things, including:

• “Receive factual and comprehensive information from colleges and universities about their admission, financial costs, aid opportunities, practices and packaging policies, and housing policies. If you consider applying under an early admission plan, you have the right to complete information from the college about its process and policies.”
• “Be free from high-pressure sales tactics.”
• “Wait until May 1 to respond to an offer of admission or financial aid. Candidates admitted under early decision programs are a recognized exception to the May 1 deadline.”
• “Colleges that request commitments to offers of admission and/or financial assistance prior to May 1 must clearly offer you the opportunity to request (in writing) an extension until May 1. They must grant you the extension and your request may not jeopardize your status for admission and/or financial aid.”

Know your rights and consult with a teacher or counselor if you feel these or any other potential rights have been violated during the admissions process.