Community college or four-year college? The idea of attending a four-year college sounds awesome, doesn’t it? You get to do your thing whenever you want. You are on your own. You are making your own way. But let’s face it, a four-year college is not for everyone. Community college often is the right choice for a student, whether it is a short-term choice, a path to an associates or two-year degree, or part of a more affordable financial plan. Why…
There are many tips and articles on what you should not post on social media and the Internet, but let’s consider some ways that social media can be used in a positive way. LinkedIn LinkedIn is not only for your parents. This social media tool is an excellent way for you to promote yourself. More and more students are using this site to share their work experience, their successes, and resources as well as finding a job. Start connecting with…
You might know already know if Greek life is - or is not - the right choice for you. But, if you are like many college students you just aren't sure. Joining a sorority or a fraternity has pros and cons. On the plus side, there are parties, immediate friend connections, possibly a place to live as an upperclassman, and a lifetime of memories to be made. But joining a Greek organization also means additional fees, extra commitments and activities,…
You might know already know if Greek life is - or is not - the right choice for you. But, if you are like many college students you just aren't sure. Joining a sorority or a fraternity has pros and cons. On the plus side, there are parties, immediate friend connections, possibly a place to live as an upperclassman, and a lifetime of memories to be made. But joining a Greek organization also means additional fees, extra commitments and…
Rising Seniors--it’s time to start working on your college essay. If that strikes fear in your heart, then I have some advice that may help. I find the use of an analogy—comparisons that are easy to visualize and understand—and then breaking it down into smaller pieces simplifies this looming task. Let’s compare your college essay to basic human anatomy. We can easily break the it down into 5 segments or parts of the body that represent essential elements of the…
There are many tips and articles on what you should not post on social media and the Internet, but let’s consider some ways that social media can be used in a positive way. LinkedIn LinkedIn is not only for your parents. This social media tool is an excellent way for you to promote yourself. More and more students are using this site to share their work experience, their successes and resources as well as finding a job. Start connecting…
Somebody recently told me that they thought talking to high school juniors this early about their college search was just a scare tactic. The “scare” will be if you put off beginning your college search much past the Fall of Junior year. Why the rush? Here are just 5 good reasons: It Takes Time to Figure Out Your Career Direction Sure, going into college as a “Still Deciding” major is just fine! And, the more you know about…
Seeing your first child off to college is one of the more significant transitions parents face. Advice abounds for parent adjustment to college, but as a parent who has been through this stage, I have some advice of my own to share. These tips will be most effective if you discuss them together as a family and agree on the decision. 1. Accept that You’ll Miss Them If your child is going away to college and living away from home, this…
Ah, summer!!! For high school juniors and sophomores, it is a popular time for college visits. College visits are critically important in deciding your college, but summer is not really the ideal time. Why? You guessed it--no students! Realistically, for busy students, summer appears to be the only time available for college visits. Challenging AP and honors exams, heavy sports schedules, multiple activity competitions all take up students' time and focus during spring semester of high school. Done poorly,…
If you want to get a step ahead in your college application, then you're being really smart to make some college visits this summer. Even"rising" high school sophomores, and certainly rising juniors can take a lot of stress off their college decisions by starting now. Here are 4 ways to check out your "smart quotient": The Idea of Going to College is Exciting to You Some kids want to go where all their friends are going, and that might sound pretty…