While most people resolve to lose ten pounds, or quit smoking, or promise to spend this year getting a handle on their finance, college students are in the midst of working towards one of the biggest resolutions there is: achieving a degree.
College students should consider resolutions that will help to increase their GPA, allow for more sleep, and lessen the many distractions in and around their campus life.
Here are ten resolutions that will help improve the life of just about any college student:
1. Begin making your study periods longer than your study breaks.
2. Call home to say hi to your family, not just to beg for money.
3. Use that roll of quarters to do your laundry, and not on "emergency" snack food
4. Realize that running to class because you are late does not count as exercise.
5. Stop pretending to take notes while surfing the Internet in class.
6. Use your professor's office hours.
7. See your advisor twice a semester at a minimum.
8. Reinvest the money from your old textbooks in next semester's texts.
9. Read that $500 worth of textbooks this time around.
10. At least try to change out of your pajamas for early classes.
What are some other New Year’s Resolutions college students should consider for 2011? Comment & share below!
Happy New Year from all of us here at StudentAdvisor!
Many children who grow up with divorced parents are forced to deal with a plethora of challenges and obstacles they must learn to overcome throughout their lives. Now, thanks to a number of various studies and research, children of divorce have yet another issue to be concerned about; the rising costs of college tuition.
According to Forbes’ MoneyBuilder Blog, a study which was published earlier this month shows that divorced parents contribute only a third as much money to their children’s college education expenses when compared to married parents. Remarried parents contribute just half as much as parents who stay together.
The new data also shows that by splitting up, parents not only give their children more student loans, but also that student’s college debt directly correlates to their parents' emotional stability.
Here is a look at the highlights of the findings from this new research:
- Students whose parents are married pay 23% of their own college costs.
- Students whose parents are divorced and remarried pay 47% of their own college costs.
- Students whose parents are divorced and not remarried pay 58% of their own college costs.
Ruth Lopez Turley, an associate professor of sociology at Rice University, attributes the difference in part to the financial strains of supporting step-children in addition to biological children.
Taking a look at the situation from a glass half-full perspective, another recently-released study shows that parents are putting away more money for their children’s college education with savings plan assets up 15% from a year ago.
Our advice for all of the current and prospective college students out there: Save as money much as you possibly can for your education, whether you parents are divorced or not.
What are some ways that your family saves money for college? Comment & share below!
For more information on where and how to find the money you need for college, check out our Free Student Loan Guide for information, advice, and more!
Part of the Student Advisor's Tips for College Parents: How to avoid stress when your college kids return home for the winter break Welcome home college students. We’ve got some tips for parents to help keep this happy time happy for everyone.
- Be realistic with the rules – Your child has likely lived without rules about curfews, phone usage, Internet and TV restrictions (and more) for the last few months. Thinking of suggesting the same rules that applied when they were in high school? Expect that to go over like a lead balloon. Instead, have a discussion with your child when they first return home (before they head out to see their friends) and be prepared to compromise. Do your best to let go of parenting patterns that don't work with a fellow adult. If you tell your child what to do, nag him about his appearance, or do his household jobs for him, you are setting him up to fall back into a child-like role and childish behavior
- Carve out some time – Your child is more than likely looking forward to connecting with their hometown friends as much (if not more) than they are looking forward to seeing you while on break. The best way to ensure that you get some quality time with your son/daughter? Make a “date”! Plan in advance to take them out for coffee, out to dinner – even to the mall to return the gifts they didn’t love. By planning in advance, you’re showing your kid that spending time with them is a high priority – and it will remind them to make it a priority for themselves, too.
- Let’s all let loose – Think back to your first year in college, and how “adult” you felt. Know that your child is feeling the same way! You’re both entering the next phase in your relationship – when you can start to relate as adults. Now is a great time to let loose… a little bit. Share some stories about yourself at that age (edit where necessary), don’t freak out when they talk about being out till 3 am - now that your kid is out of the house and grown, you can be a bit “cooler.” All within reason, of course! (No need to be Dina Lohan).
- Prime for a refresher – While being “cool” has its advantages, you are still (of course) first and foremost a parent. The things that worry you most – are they eating well? Getting enough sleep? Keeping out of trouble? – are going to keep worrying you, no matter how old your child gets. Your son/daughter will be more relaxed on break than they have been all semester, so now is a great time to do a little digging. Talk about your recent health kick and the healthy things you’ve been eating, how you read that getting less than 8 hours of sleep can be bad for your health, etc. By making the focus on YOU, you’re leading by example and can draw your child into talking about the things that concern you without seeming like “a nag.”
- Be gentle with your spouse. Having grown children at home can increase the frequency of arguments among married couples, especially over finances and chores -- the very issues that you may not be discussing openly with your kid. With everything else you have on your plate this holiday season, no one needs the extra stress or hassle of fighting with their kids. Take time to step back and admire the wonderful child you’ve raised!
For more tips for parents of college students please read our digital guide Parents Survival Guide to college.
by Lisa Ruffino, for StudentAdvisor
Paying for College
Financial aid for college is a hot topic these days. The administration has made it clear that both higher education and finding the money to pay for it are a top priority. Good timing, too, since career changes and the development of new skill sets always rise when the economy itself is shifting. Congress increased funds for the Pell Grant program— but most college programs cost more than the average Pell Grant. Where can students find the rest of the money they need?
Well, StudentAdvisor isn't a college funding provider, but our financial aid resources may be able to help you with ideas about where and how to find grants and scholarships. Please read our new, free digital magazine on everything FAFSA
The Truth about Financial Aid
The reality about paying for school is that there is usually no one chunk of financial assistance that will cover all your education costs. For many students, the money required for tuition, fees, books, a computer, and other education-related charges will have to come from a combination of financial aid sources. With some tips on how to find grants and scholarships, however, you may be able to piece together the education funding you need without having to rely heavily on student loans.
FAFSA First for Federal Grants and Scholarships
The first thing you should do is fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA — as soon as possible. The FAFSA is the application required for both need-based and merit-based federal grants, including the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), the Teach Grant, the Academic Competitiveness Grant, and the National SMART Grant. Once you successfully submit a FAFSA, your eligibility for a Pell Grant is determined automatically. If you qualify for one, you'll be notified. It doesn't matter how old you are; there is no age limit on Pell eligibility.
How to Find State Grants and Scholarships
The FAFSA is also required for getting financial aid from your state. Most states offer need-based and merit-based grants for college. Check your state higher education agency to find out which grant and scholarship programs you may qualify for.
Grants and Scholarships Databases
There are a number of free online databases for students wondering how to find grants and scholarships. One of the largest is the database maintained by the Department of Education. The grants and scholarships listed in this database are offered primarily by individual schools, private for-profit and nonprofit companies, charitable foundations, and similar institutions. Just enter keywords that are most relevant to you as a type of student or your planned course of study as a program type to see if there are education awards for which you may be eligible.
Watch Out for Grant and Scholarship Scams
Any grant or scholarship "service" that asks you for a fee in order to submit an application for you, who charges you for government information (which is free on the federal student aid site), or who tells you that they only need your credit card number or bank account number in order to process the grant or scholarship you've somehow already won (without even applying), is a service to stay away from! Read more about grant scams and scholarship scams.
For more information on college scholarships and grants please read our free digital magazines:
If you are anything like me, you still have a lot of shopping left to do for the upcoming holiday season. But before you head out to buy those last-minute gifts, you should stop and consider how you can do some good for the world while you shop...
Each year, we spend billions of dollars on clothing, household items, electronics, health and beauty products, and more, which leaves many wondering; wouldn’t it be great if some of the dollars that we spend on "stuff" could do more for others? The good news is they can.
Today, more and more corporations are joining forces with charitable organizations. Some companies donate a percentage of every sale to a good cause; others sponsor fundraising events or offer special merchandise for which they donate a large percentage of profits.
Here are some great products you can buy for friends and family this holiday season that will not only put a smile on their faces, but will also help change the world:
Shape-ups by SKECHERS 'Awareness' Walking Shoes
Skechers® Shape-Ups, which are designed to maximize the health benefits of walking, are now helping women with breast cancer. Support the fight against breast cancer by purchasing this walking shoe adorned with the pink ribbon logo. For every pair sold, Skechers® will donate $36 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Too Faced Love Lisa Luxury Lip Balm
Inspired by Lisa, the sister of the brand’s founder, who is battling 4th stage Melanoma, a huge portion from the sale of each product will go to the Too Faced Love Lisa Melanoma Research Foundation Grant to help find a cure for this deadly disease. This amazing product not only helps fight this awful disease, but it also makes for a great stocking stuffer!
Hook rug inspirational pillows
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has an amazing variety of holiday gift options that are perfect for everyone on your list. Your purchase of these throw pillows, which make a great gift for college dorm rooms, will benefit the research and patients of St. Jude as 100% of the proceeds benefit the hospital.
Baskets of Peace
Female survivors of the Rwandan genocide weave colorful traditional baskets that the Rwanda Path to Peace project markets to U.S. retailers, including Macy's. Your purchase of the baskets will provide real, sustainable income to rural women who had never before earned money in their lives.
A pair of TOMS shoes
The idea is simple. For every pair of TOMS Shoes purchased, the company will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. It's what they call the "One for One Movement". TOMS hopes people will give lots of shoes as gifts this holiday season, and with your help, they can.
Breast Cancer Crusade Strap Watch
This stylish silver-tone watch comes complete with a ribbon motif on faux mother-of-pearl dial and a pink crocodile embossed strap. 100% of the net profits made off of this $10.54 gift will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Whether you buy this for a roommate, sister, or friend, this last-minute gift will help empower women so they can make their dreams a beautifully reality.
What are some other ways you can do more for others this holiday season? Comment & share below!
Now that term paper deadlines and final exams have arrived, savvy students have started heading to their campus center for academic support and help.
Here is some extremely useful advice on how to make the most of a visit there:
Ask anything.
“We work really hard to get students to ask ‘dumb questions,’” says James Black, director of the Center for Academic Achievement at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa. “The stigma of asking for help really gets in the way of helping students perform at the level they can; it’s what keeps B-minus students from being A students.” When you’re not sure about something, you can always ask academic support.
Learn how to learn.
“Students need to be proactive in their approach to their learning,” says Amy Lahart, director of the Student Success Center at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa. “Many students need to develop good active study habits. Reading the material is not sufficient. Engage with our center to learn ‘how to read a textbook’ or for ‘effective note taking methods.’”
Be ready to work.
“We don’t do ‘dry cleaning,’” says William Kelly, director of the Center for Writing Excellence at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla. “You can’t drop off your paper and come pick it up, all nicely pressed.” In other words, don’t expect them to do your work for you. “What we will do is help you with any aspect of the writing process, from figuring out the assignment to formatting the finished paper.”
Don’t forget your professors.
Don’t leave your professor out of the process, says Kelly. “Our consultants are drawn from all majors and can help with assignments from specific fields, but they still give feedback on composition, not content,” he says. “It’s a good idea to get feedback on the subject matter of your paper. And that’s best drawn from the professor.”
Come early…
See us when you get the assignment, not the day it is due, the experts say. “We hope students do not procrastinate, but we understand that they do,” says Lehart, which is why most academic support centers work hard to “help students engage with us before it’s too late.”
“First year students especially want to look like they know everything,” says Black, “But if you really want to know everything, you have to first admit you still have things to learn. Come in when you get the assignment and talk to us about how to complete it.”
…and come often.
“Don’t expect everything to be taken care of in a single session,” says Kelly. Students can come in early to determine what the assignment is really getting at, to brainstorm topics, and to learn strategies for getting your thoughts out. “We recommend getting material down on paper and then worry organization and editing.”
Students can then come back for advice on proofing their work. “We don’t correct your paper for you,” says Kelly. “If a student has a problem with comma splices, for example, we might get out a handbook and talk about how to find those errors, maybe looking through the paper for examples, and talk about strategies for fixing those problems.”
Whatever your struggle, “come talk with us,” says Lahart. “We tell our students from orientation on that we provide personal attention they desire to ‘learn to succeed.”
What are the study skills you find to be most effective in getting you through the stresses of finals week? Comment & share below!
And don't forget to check out the rest of the articles on the StudentAdvisor blog for even more tips on great study skills that are the key to success in school!
Every student knows that a notebook and pencil are part of the college essentials when it comes time to pack up for a semester at school, but what are the other, more obscure items that every college student needs? Based upon recently written Student College Reviews, the Student Advisor Team put together a list of the various dorm room items college students cannot live without.
Here are the highlights from recent student college reviews by current college students revealing their dorm room essentials:
Laptop:
Jane T., a freshman at the University of Delaware and fellow Freshman Mike H., from SUNY Binghamton both agree that every college student needs a laptop. Lauren M., a senior from Saint Anselm says, “I can’t live without my computer. I am on it 24/7 and I love doing work in my room versus the library.”
Closet Organizers:
According to Mary R., a junior at the University of Connecticut, hanging closet organizers are a must. Junior Alex S. from Sweet Briar College agrees saying that, “I cannot live without my drop down closet organizers- there's no way I could fit everything I needed to in a dorm closet without them.” Another closet essential for dorm rooms are lots and lots of hangers, according to Christy W., a junior at the University of Delaware who believes they are “one of the biggest necessities” for a college student.
Mattress Topper:
As a junior at Averett University, Alexandra P. insists that her foam and feather mattress topper is the one item she could not live without at school. According to Alexandra, “The beds at school are so hard and that [her mattress topper] makes them feel soft and enjoyable to sleep in.”
Dry Erase Board:
University of Vermont junior, Chrissi E., says that, “I absolutely cannot live without my dry-erase board calendar!” Chrissi continues on to say that, “There are so many things going on between academics and your social life that I can never remember deadlines and events, so I use my calendar to organize my life. I can always keep track of what’s going on and when!”
What is the one item you cannot live without at school? Comment & share below! And be sure to check out our Free Guide for College Dorm Essentials!
Do you have something to say about your school? Write a college review of your school and be entered to win up to $500!
Want to know what Tufts University is really like? Read Student College Reviews from students currently at college. Fellow students and alumni have spoken!
Here are some of the highlights from a recent student college review by Shriya N., a freshman at Tufts University, who reveals what she believes to be the best and worst things about this school:
- The kids who come to
Tufts are intelligent, friendly, and have a wide variety of talents and interests.
- The classes are engaging and challenging, and there are many things to do on campus.
- The campus is beautiful and small enough that you can walk everywhere easily.
- Tufts is a fabulously accepting place with a supportive community for LGBT people or anyone of different races (the student body is generally Liberal).
Visit our Tufts University profile page to read the rest of this review and find out all the juicy details about this school!
Do you have something to say about your school? Write a college review of your school and be entered to win up to $500!
Though I never thought the day would come, my first semester as a college senior has officially come to an end. Over the past three and a half years at Bentley University I have made friends and I have lost friends, I partied too hard and pulled far too many all-nighters in the library, and I have also made my fair share of mistakes.
With only one more semester left in my life as a college student, I can’t help but wonder; would I change anything? My answer is absolutely not. However, there are some lessons I have learned that I would have liked to have told my 18-year-old self given the chance.
The top 10 things I wish I had known my freshman year of college:
1. Work hard, Play hard.
It’s all about finding a balance. If you decide to go out on a Tuesday night, you better be prepared to study all day Wednesday to make up for lost time, while dealing with a nasty hang over. If you work hard, you can easily maintain good grades while still finding the time to have a blast. My suggestion to any college student is to focus and apply yourself while in class, because the more you learn in class, the less time you have to study, and the more time you have to play.
2. Tests come in 3’s
Have you ever heard the saying, “the best things in life come in 3’s”? Well in the life of an undergrad, this saying does not apply. I have found that when one professor schedules the next big exam, there always seem to be two more that pop up within the same week, whether you are prepared for them or not. The hours and hours of studying you will spend to ensure a passing grade can sometimes become so overwhelming that you’ll lose track of how to efficiently manage your stress. The best way to combat this is simply to plan ahead and prioritize your work, even if that means studying for one of these tests a week in advance.
3. Do an internship during the semester
Being a college student is a difficult job all on its own. Her Campus notes that between tests, papers, boyfriends/girlfriends, volunteering, extracurriculars, and whatever else you are doing, you’re constantly going full speed ahead, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But there’s one other commitment you might want to consider throwing into the mix: an internship. If your resume needs beefing up, having an internship during the semester could be the time to do it. Not only can an internship give you the leg up you need on the other students who are your competition for the jobs you’ll eventually want, but it will also teach you amazing time management that will take you far even after your college graduation. And hey, that’s how I got the chance to write this blog!
4. Laundry is not as easy as it looks
I will be the first one to admit that my parents did my laundry from the time I was born until the day I left for college; it is sad, but true. My first experience with a laundry machine during my freshman year was as entertaining for those around me, as it was frustrating for me. Make sure you know the basics before you leave home for your first year at school, so that you don’t have to learn the hard way that your favorite white shorts will turn pink when you wash them with a red shirt. Surviving College Life offers the following tips as a sort of Laundry101 for students: separate your clothes into three separate loads by color, use the warm/cold temperature setting for whites and light colors, and dry your delicate’s on low (or hand dry, if desired). Your clothes will thank you.
5. Save your easy classes for last
As a Senior, I regret saving many of my challenging courses for my final year of college. Instead of taking classes that truly interest me, I am stuck sitting in hours of biology labs and macro economics lectures. If your schedule allows it, get your ‘gen-eds’ out of the way early so that when it get down to the final countdown to graduation, you will have the flexibility to enroll in the classes that not only interest you, but classes that are also relevant to the career direction and personal goals.
6. Learn how to cook real food
And no, I am not referring to Top Ramon or Kraft Mac & Cheese. “The Freshman 15”, a term coined to describe the extra pounds that many college students pack on in their first year away from home, is not just a myth. Yes, eating healthy in college can be tough as students are usually in a rush and have little time to sit down and enjoy a real meal, but learning how to cook will definitely benefit you in the long run. My advice? Stock up on food over the weekend and make yourself a hearty dinner Sunday night so that you can enjoy the leftovers throughout your busy week.
7. Learn how to be financially responsible
If you are like me, you probably find yourself using your credit card to buy that two dollar morning coffee on a regular basis. I had to learn the hard way that you can’t spend more money than you make, but for many, there is still hope! CollegeTips.com proves that living cheap is living smart in college and there are ways to pinch every penny. From purchasing a Brita, to eating at the cafeteria for as long as possible, there are a number of ways to avoid having to depend on spare change to get you through the day.
8. Study abroad
Studying abroad may not be a viable option, whether that is due to finances or athletic responsibilities, but for those who can afford to go, you must! Having had the opportunity to study abroad in Australia, I know firsthand the amazing and life-changing value study abroad programs can bring to your college experience. It is an adventure of a lifetime. From Madrid, to London, to Rome, or even to Hong Kong, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid, don’t hesitate, just do it. I promise you, you will not be sorry.
9. Don’t commit to a major too early
Instead, find out what you’re passionate about. When I was little I wanted to be a princess, a professional soccer player, and even a world renowned chef. The beauty of college is that you don’t have to know what you want to do with the rest of your life. College is the time to explore who you are as a person, so sign up for classes that spark your interest and take the time to seriously consider what it is you are passionate about in life. You have four years to explore, and even you haven’t figured out who or what you want to be by your senior year, who cares! Don’t rush into anything, and take the time to figure out what path is right for you.
10. Being a teacher’s pet isn’t a bad thing
If you want to get that 4.0 in a course, you will soon find that attending your professor’s office hours is one of the most effective ways of getting the grade. Here you finally have the time to ask the professor questions and discuss any problems you are having in the class. Also, don’t hesitate to raise your hand and participate in class; when a professor knows you by name, your participation grade will shoot through the roof. So sit in the front row, attend every class, and make sure that professor notices you. Believe me, it will without a doubt, make a difference.
What would you tell your freshman year self if you had the chance? Comment & share below!
By Gabriel Perna, Special to StudentAdvisor.com
The student body’s passion and dedication for sports is one of the great things about going to college and often keeps us connected as alumni. From sitting outside in the freezing rain hours before a game to painting one’s body UNC blue to coming up with unique cheers, songs and intimidating chants, nothing brings a school community together quite like sports.
The following 10 are the best of the best college sports blogs as chosen by StudentAdvisor.com.
1. Gator Country (http://www.gatorcountry.com/): When you’ve won as much as the Florida Gators have over the years, a strong fan base is sure to follow. This Gator crazy blog has videos, its own radio show, pictures and articles. It has forums for both free users and subscribing insiders. It even has its own magazine.
2. In The Bleachers (http://inthebleachers.net): Getting someone who has played a sport to comment on it is usually a coup for a blog. Getting someone who has played and can write to be the main contributor is impressive. That’s what makes In The Bleachers a must read for any serious college football fan. Michael Felder, a former safety at UNC, provides a witty, insightful eye to the college football landscape. He also has a weekly podcast with some of the biggest names in the college football media.
3. M Go Blog (http://mgoblog.com): The University of Michigan is a large school with a fan base that’s bigger than most pro teams. This blog stands out for having active fan forums, podcasts and videos. It’s clear these guys know everything there is to know about Michigan athletics, especially football. The site even has interviews from players, which is a feat in itself for a fan blog.
4. Club Trillion (http://clubtrillion.blogspot.com/): Former Ohio State Buckeye basketball bench rider, Mark Titus, runs this site. It has grown in popularity thanks to the help of widely read ESPN columnist, Bill Simmons. It has a fresh take on what it’s like to ride the bench at a big-time D1 school as well as a behind the scenes take on college athletics.
5. The Heisman Pundit (http://heismanpundit.com/): Every year sports fans follow the Heisman race as intensely as movie lovers do with the Oscar Best Picture competition. No site does a better job of analyzing this race than Heisman Pundit, run by former Southern Cal’ sports information director Chris Huston. Sports Illustrated called it "The Heisman’s foremost authority."
6. Gridiron Goddess (http://gridirongoddess.net/): In the 
college blog world, it’s rare to see a girl with as much passion as Amy Lamare. The USC grad’s site covers both college and pro football, but it’s her passion for the latter that stands out. In a few years, the site has gone from a simple Wordpress blog to an all-encompassing site. Ms. Lamare herself has appeared on various radio shows as a result of the blog’s success.
7. The Mid Majority (http://www.midmajority.com/): The Mid Majority is for the little guys, fans and students of small, “mid-major” schools. These are the schools that play the role of Cinderella during the NCAA Tournament. Former ESPN writer Kyle Whelliston has done a good job keeping this blog in tune with the mid majors. Sports Illustrated has called Kyle the "Jack Kerouac of mid majors."
8. Notre Dame Football Blog (http://www.uhnd.com): Once upon a time, Notre Dame was considered the quintessential college football school. While the team itself has petered off in recent years, fan support is still as wild as ever. This blog is extensive with articles, commentaries, forums, chat rooms. It even has a thorough section on Notre Dame’s glory days.
9. Storming The Floor (http://www.stormingthefloor.net): While the style of this blog isn’t that impressive, the content more than makes up for it. These guys are college hoops fans to the core. While they can tell you probably tell you everything there is to know about an upcoming Duke vs. UNC showdown, they can do the same for a CAA match between the James Madison Dukes and the Virginia Commonwealth Rams. The best part about Storming The Floor is the biting humor that comes with each post. Recently the blog came up with a list of 50 of the funniest names in college basketball. That is what you call dedication.
10. SB Nation’s Every Day Should Be Saturday (http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/): For fanatics of college football, Every Day Should Be Saturday is about as complete of a blog as you will get. Run by the SB (Sports Blog) Nation, which has used a partnership with Sports Illustrated to gain lots of traction, Every Day Should Be Saturday has everything from articles, interviews, audio and video. SB nation bought many of the independent college sports blogs and have put them under their banner – other favorites include Alabama Crimson’s Roll 'Bama Roll (http://www.rollbamaroll.com) and Texas Longhorn’s Burnt Orange Nation (http://www.burntorangenation.com)
Please share your favorite college sports blog and tell us why. One person who leaves a comment by the 10th will be picked by random to win a new Ivar Revel G2 Backpack ($90).
So share your favorite college sports blog and tell us why it rocks and you may win the coolest backpack.
Our New Digital Guide Helps You Plan Your College Trip and
Offers Alternatives When You Can’t Visit
Planning to take a College Campus Tour? Experts say that taking a college tour is one of the best ways to discover if the school is right for you. 
In addition to helping families understand why college campus tours are essential, the free guide to College Campus Tours, a 36-page digital magazine, details the most important questions students and their parents should ask of administrators, currently matriculating students, and faculty. Among the articles:
- Tips on Planning Ahead
- What To Do Once You Arrive
- Visiting Colleges: A Parent’s Point of View
- What To Do When You Can’t Visit
- Acing the College Interview
College campus tours help students weed through the glossy catalogues and websites to get a candid feel for the atmosphere, student body and location of the colleges they are considering.
“By taking a college campus tour, students can start to envision how they would fit in at the school,” said Dean Tsouvalas, Editor-in-Chief of StudentAdvisor.com. “The most important question students need to ask themselves is ‘Will I be happy here?’ This guide helps them maximize the time they spend on campus and ensures they speak with the right people to help them start to answer that question.”
According to research conducted by StudentAdvisor in the spring of 2010, 65% of students cited college campus tours as very important when determining where to apply. But the student is not the only one that may consider campus tours important. Many families may be unaware that some schools factor in a campus visit in the admissions decision; demonstrated interest by an applicant can favorably influence the committee’s decision.
What is your best advice when taking a college campus tour?
What Parents Don’t Know to Ask About College Admissions
For juniors and seniors in high school, the college application process can be overwhelming and daunting without the right resources in place. Research conducted by StudentAdvisor.com and Bentley University found more than 58% of today’s students suggest beginning the college research process by speaking to a high school guidance counselor.
“Guidance counselors today have told us that they only have time to focus on the top 10% and the bottom 10% of the class,” said Dean Tsouvalas, Editor-in-Chief of StudentAdvisor.com. “It’s imperative for parents and students to be prepared with pointed questions to ensure they are getting the cold, hard facts from their guidance counselors. Then, parents and students can visit StudentAdvisor.com to find the best college match to move the process forward.”
So, what should parents ask? We put together a list of 8 questions every parent should ask their child’s guidance counselor while evaluating and applying to colleges.
StudentAdvisor.com’s 8 questions to ask:
- What are the school policies about taking time off to visit college campuses?
- How do I make the best use of campus visits?
- What if our student wants to attend a college that traditionally doesn’t attract a lot of students from this high school? How will you help?
- What if we disagree with our child about their college choices?
- What if we can’t afford college?
- What is your connection with my child’s college list? How can you help?
- What if the schools on my child’s list do not offer a desirable financial aid package?
- If my child wants to attend graduate school, does the undergrad school I choose have any impact?
Any question we missed? Please share this post with your firends and thanks for reading.