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 2

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.

Extracurriculars

I must admit that I enjoyed the regular ol’ college activities: going to parties, hanging out with friends, and going to the ballgame. But your child will probably grow most by participating in one or more of these activities:

• hosting a show on the campus radio or TV station
• participating in student government, even if just as an unelected committee member
• being active in a club—from kayaking to photography-- or even better, starting a club on a theme your child cares a lot about. (Colleges encourage this.)
• volunteering to be the student representative on a campuswide committee, for example, the faculty senate.
• writing for the college newspaper
• playing on a sports team, even if intramural

Students should first visit the campus career center as a freshman. It will open their eyes to career options they might never have considered or teach them about internships that can be career launchpads. Choosing a tentative career early can assist in choosing a major, term paper topics, fieldwork assignments, and internships.

Also enhancing career prospects, students, as juniors or seniors, should become student members of the college’s alumni association. Most colleges allow this and doing so provides an excellent opportunity to build relationships that can lead to an internship or good job after graduation. Students also grow immensely by occasionally talking about the meaning of life instead of the meaning of the ball game or that guy's glance.

Conclusion

Despite the enormity of the investment, most parents do little to maximize that investment other than to push their child to get into the most difficult-to-get-into college possible, and then find a way to pay for it, even when it seriously impedes the family’s lifestyle or financial security. They then send Junior off to college with little more guidance than “Study hard, don’t drink too much, and wear a condom.” Following this article’s advice will help ensure that your child gets more from your college investment.

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.

Maximizing Your College Education Investment

The price of four years at a brand-name state university is approaching $75,000. At a brand-name private college, close to $200,000. And most students take more than four years.

With the possible exception of your home, your child’s college education is the largest purchase you’ll probably ever make, especially if you have two or more children. How do you maximize the value of your investment?

Choosing a College

These recommendations integrate the research findings from the Carnegie Foundation combined with my own years of experience as a college and career counselor.

If your child is Ivy caliber and aspires to a career that insists on a designer-label diploma such as investment banking or corporate law, it’s worth paying even the sticker price of an elite private college such as an Ivy or Stanford and certainly the price of an elite public institution such as Berkeley, UCLA, or the University of Virginia. While these schools have large classes taught by research- rather than teaching-focused professors, and these schools can be pressure cookers, the lifetime income and status gains are typically worth it. In addition, students grow a great deal from spending four years around the nation’s best and brightest.

For most other Ivy-caliber students, for example, those aspiring to be physicians, executives, public-interest attorneys, or other careers in a non-profit or government agency, the best payback probably comes from attending an elite public university. There are ample opportunities for challenge by taking difficult classes and honors programs, and the Ivy-caliber student at these institutions will stand out and thus be tapped for campus leadership positions, opportunities to work one-on-one with professors, which in turn, leads to great recommendations and leads on good jobs.

One client I had, for example, turned down Williams College, one of the nation’s most selective to attend UCLA that cost 75 percent less. There, as a brighter star among lesser lights, she stood out and so got leads into a job working for the White House. If she were at Williams, she probably would not have reaped such an opportunity.

If, however, your family income is less than $50,000 a year and are admitted to an elite private college, your child should probably go. In that case, you’ll probably get enough financial aid to justify it.

If your child is not Ivy caliber and your family income is under $70,000, a small private college probably is the wisest choice. You would get little financial aid at a public university and significant aid from the better and well-endowed privates such as Grinnell, Santa Clara, Guilford, Beloit, College of Wooster, and St. Johns (MD and NM). At such institutions, your child will be taught by dedicated accessible teachers in classes small enough to provide detailed feedback on writing assignments, and to require your child to be prepared for class lest he be called on and left dumbfounded. The campus culture at these institutions is also good for promoting student growth as human beings.

If you have a not-Ivy-caliber child and your family income is much more than $70,000, the balance generally tips in favor of attending one of your state’s well-regarded public universities such as Indiana University, Wisconsin-Madison, Penn State, Oregon State, and the Universities of North Carolina and Washington. Consider in-state schools because out-of-state tuition is usually usurious. Why State U? Because for families earning more than around $70,000, the private colleges will offer little aid, and there are ample benefits of the public university: larger choice of courses and professors, more clubs, library and athletic resources, a bigger alumni network. You might ask, “But shouldn’t we decide whether our child should to a large versus small college based on whether he’d feel comfortable in a large college? With a bit of guidance (provided below) it is easy to make a large university feel small and homey enough.

A word about large non-elite private universities such as the Universities of Southern California and Miami, and Boston, Syracuse, and Tulane Universities. These are rarely worth the money. Not only are they nearly as expensive as an Ivy without the prestige, the most frequently taken classes are usually large and taught by research- rather than teaching-oriented professors. If you’re going to spring for the money for a non-elite private college, small one are usually wiser choices.

Be a Smart College Consumer

Consider the following information about a school before you enroll:

• Keep copies of all forms that you submit to the school in a safe place.
• Read and be aware of the implications of all forms before you sign them. Remember -- loans must be repaid and grants are free.
• Financial aid applications are available starting every January 1 -- the earlier you apply for financial aid and scholarships, the more money you may receive.
• Notify your school and lender(s) of any changes in your name, address, or enrollment status.
• Ask for help when you need it. Write down the date and the name of the person who helped you.
• Have your academic and financial aid transcripts sent from the school that you previously attended to the school that you are going to attend.
• If you are denied admission to a college or financial aid, you can appeal. You may also decline any portion of your financial aid offer.
• If you have student loans, you must attend a financial aid exit interview.
• Be certain to contact your lender if you are having difficulty repaying your loans. They may allow you to postpone or reduce your payments.
• Be aware - fees are taken out of your student loans before any loan monies are disbursed.
• Depending on the cost of the school, all of your financial aid may be used to cover tuition and fees.
• Be familiar with the policies of the school regarding registration, withdrawals, refunds, and fee payments. This information can be found in your college catalog.
• If you plan to transfer to another school, you need to check with that institution to verify the acceptance of the credits you are now taking. Some schools participate in articulation agreements with other institutions to ensure smooth transfer for students.
• When the need arises, look for outside resources to help you understand the financial aid, admissions, and scholarship processes.
• Borrow only what you need. Be realistic about what you can repay when you graduate. A repayment calculator can help you decide how much money you can afford to borrow.

College Planning Tips for Underclassmen

As an underclassman in high school, you may not think that you have to start preparing for college until your senior year. However, getting a head start on the college planning process will ensure that you meet most of the requirements of college admission by the time your senior year rolls around. Follow these college planning tips to put you at the head of the game.

Freshmen
• Keep your grades up. While grades are not the only factor that colleges look at when admitting students, it is still a very important factor of college admissions. Be sure to study hard throughout your four years of high school.
• Register for appropriate classes. There are certain classes you have to take in order to be accepted into college, such as math, science, English, etc. Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss classes you should take in order to stay on the college-bound track throughout high school. Try to take as many challenging classes as possible, such as honors or advanced placements courses. Not only will this look good on your college applications, but you may even gain college credit for taking AP courses.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities. By being involved in extracurricular activities, colleges will see that you are a well-rounded student. During your freshman year, find a few activities that you have a genuine interest in and stick with those activities throughout high school. Try to be fully involved in a few activities rather than be slightly involved in a lot of activities.

Sophomores
• Plan your finances. The earlier you start planning for the financial obligations of college, the better prepared you will be when you actually have to start paying for it. Try to get a job during the summer, so you can save your earnings for college costs. Begin to research scholarships and student loans now too; remember to compare lender benefits when researching student loans.
• Research colleges and careers. Start researching colleges and career options as early as possible so you will have some ideas for a major. Click here to get started on your career exploration.
• Practice taking college entrance exams. If you practice taking college entrance exams, such as the PSAT, ACT, etc., during your sophomore year, then you will know what to expect and be better prepared for the real tests when you have to take them during your junior year.

Juniors
• Attend college fairs. By attending college fairs, you will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of college recruiters to discuss campus atmosphere, admissions process, etc. Take a copy of your resume to hand out to college recruiters at the fair.
• Take college entrance exams. In the fall of your junior year, take the PSAT to establish eligibility for scholarships. In the spring of your junior year, take the SAT/ACT. Check with your intended college(s) about which test they prefer. Consider taking Advanced Placement Exams or the CLEP tests, if applicable. This may save you time and money by testing out of college courses you won't need.
• Visit college campuses. Once you have narrowed down your choices for post-secondary schools, you should begin scheduling campus visits for the final schools on your list.
• Research/apply for scholarships. Throughout your junior year, focus on researching scholarships. You should begin applying for scholarships the summer after your junior year, especially if deadlines are in the fall.

By taking steps to plan for college during your freshman, sophomore, and junior years of high school, you should be well prepared to apply to the college/university of your choice by your senior year.

College Planning For the First in the Family

For students who are first in the family to attend college, the planning process can be particularly emotional and challenging. Several resources exist to help first families throughout the decision-making process. Family Firsts, a series of booklets from ACT, was created for first-generation college students and their families to assist with college planning. To access the booklets, visit www.act.org/path/secondary/resources.html.

A key to the process is learning about the college planning calendar. Most two-year and four-year schools follow approximately the same admissions schedule. ACT offers online checklists for keeping all students on track to a college education. Visit actstudent.org to see the steps you should be taking in each year of high school.

Many potential first generation students and their families believe that funding is unattainable. However, several websites are available to help explain financial aid and other resources for paying for college. Learn more by visiting:

• www.studentjobs.gov/e-scholar.asp – A list of federally funded scholarships, fellowships, grants and internships geared to high school, undergraduate and graduate students.
• www.fafsa.ed.gov – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website. This is where you start when you are ready to apply for financial aid.
• www.eCampusTours.com/payingforcollege/default.htm – Features a free scholarship search as well as information on grants, scholarships, savings programs, and loans.
• www.act.org/fane – A financial aid need estimator.
• www.hsf.net – A Hispanic Scholarship Fund website that features scholarships for Hispanic students and research reports on the education of Hispanic students.
• www.studentaidalliance.org – Student success stories and descriptions of need-based financial aid programs.