Online Resources - Scholarships

Scholarship Searches

FastWeb
http://www.fastweb.com/

Free Scholarship Search
http://www.freschinfo.com/

Scholarship Resource Network Express
http://www.srnexpress.com/

Scholarships.com
http://www.scholarships.com/

Peterson’s
http://www.petersons.com/finaid/

Online Resources - General/Financial Aid

General/Financial Aid

Mapping Your Future
http://www.mapping-your-future.org/

FAFSA on the Web
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

PIN Registration
http://www.pin.ed.gov/

U.S. Department of Education
http://www.students.gov/

The Financial Aid Information Page
http://www.finaid.org/

NCAA Guide for the Student Athlete
http://www.ncaa.org/cbsa

Black Excel: The College Help Network
http://www.blackexcel.org/

Hispanic Scholarship Fund
http://www.hsf.net/

Step #3: Making the Grade

Education needs to be a priority in your teen's life. Colleges pay very close attention not only to your teen's grades in school, but also to the attitude your teenager has about school. Promoting a positive school experience in high school benefits your teen. They will have a great attitude about learning and it will show through on their college application and in the college interview. So remember, while good grades help, an A+ attitude toward learning will get your teen into the college of his choice.

Strengthen Your Academic Skills

If you think your skills aren't quite up to speed for college, don't give up. Take time to prepare yourself. There are many ways to get a college degree. You just have to take the path that's right for you. Follow these tips:

• Use test score information to see where you need work. Score information from the ACT®, SAT, PLAN, PSAT can tell you what subjects you need help with and what you can do to raise your skills to the next level. Remember, a low score doesn't necessarily mean you're bad in a subject. It just means you haven't mastered the subject yet.
• Work with a tutor to learn what you don't know yet.
• Take a summer or night school class.
• Check out study aids—books, videotapes, audiotapes and computer programs—at your school library, a public library, or a local bookstore.
• Ask your counselor or a teacher about ways you can build your academic skills.

Making the Most of College Part 1

It matters more what you do at college than where you do it. I believe that the student who does each of the following at the College of New Jersey will grow more educationally and personally than a Harvard student who just goes through the motions. And for the reasons described above, his career will not be impeded for the lack of a designer-label diploma.

Academics

Get the best teachers. It can make all the difference. Here are ways to unearth them:

• Many campuses post the student evaluations of professors on its website or in a booklet available through student government.
• Get the list of teaching award winners, usually available from the college’s office of academic affairs.
• Ask the department (for example, English, Biology) administrative assistant, “Who’s good?” Admins get to see all the student evaluations of professors.
• Of course, ask friends for recommendations.
• Enroll in at least one more class than you plan on taking. Show up for the first session of each class and drop the one you like least.

The most valuable courses you’ll probably ever take include: writing, public speaking, basic computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing and database, critical thinking, career exploration, human sexuality, and a course with an ideology different from your own. If you’re a conservative, take a course in radical politics. If you’re a liberal, you’re out of luck. On many if not most college campuses, conservative courses don’t exist, except those bashing conservatism. To get a conservative perspective, you’ll probably have to join the campus Republican or Objectivist club.

Maximize your chances of getting a professor taking you under wing by visiting during office hours with such questions as, “In class, you said X. Y seems to make more sense. What am I not understanding?” Or, “I really value your opinion. I’m not sure what concentration within psychology I should choose. Could you give me your thoughts?” Or, “I was fascinated by your description of your research. Do you need any help?”

Also, ask a favorite professor if you can do an independent study with that professor-—a one-on-one course on a topic of your own choosing. Most colleges allow these and they are perhaps the very best way to customize and personalize your education, and find a mentor.

Another way to customize your education is, when receiving a term paper topic that doesn’t interest you, to ask the professor if you could substitute a paper or project on a topic of greater interest. Usually, the professor will agree.

About AP Classes

Are you ready for a unique learning experience that will help you succeed in college? Each year, students around the world who want to learn and achieve at the highest level become AP (Advanced Placement) students. Through AP’s college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admissions process, and learn from some of the most skilled, dedicated, and inspiring teachers.

Why Take an AP?

With 37 different AP classes and tests across multiple subject areas, there is something that will interest any student (and give them an edge for college). Here are just a few reasons to sign up:

Earn College Credit and Advanced Placement
• More than 3,600 colleges and universities recognize AP Exam scores. Over 90% of 4-year colleges in the U.S. provide credit and/or better initial placement for qualifying scores.
• Essentially testing out of basics like English 101 and Biology 105 (for example) will help you have time to move into upper-level courses in your field of interest, pursue a double major, or study abroad.
• Design a college experience that suits you and gives you the flexibility to get the most out of your college years.

Stand Out in the College Admissions Process
• Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.
• Show your willingness to take the most rigorous courses available to you.
• Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence.

Gain Skills that Will Help You Succeed in College
• Get a head start on college-level work.
• Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.
• Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work in college.

Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons
• Be part of a community of students and educators who are passionate, curious, and committed to academic excellence
• Engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and learn to write clearly and persuasively
• Take courses that are developed by leading professors to reflect the level of learning happening at colleges throughout the country

How Do You Enroll?
• Talk to an AP teacher or the AP Coordinator (usually one of the counselors) at your school about the course you want to take. Discuss the course’s workload and any preparation you might need.
• If you are a homeschooled student or attend a school that doesn't offer AP, you can still participate. Each year hundreds of students participate through independent study. Some states even sponsor online AP courses.