All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

college planning, Guest Posts

FindTheBest helps parents with student resources

It’s no secret – sending your child away to college can be a difficult experience.  After years of making sure they completed their schoolwork on time, helping them with their homework, (or hiring a tutor as the homework got too hard), and helping organize and maintain their schedule, its hard to believe that your student is going to be on their own, braving the frontier that is a life at college.

Still, there are plenty of ways to assist your child in school, even from halfway across the country.  For one, help your child with their classes by hiring them a tutor.  The workload and structure of college classes can at first be overwhelming for many students, and having someone their to help ease through the material can be an unbelievable stress reducer.  There are even a plethora of great online tutors that help in every subject, from English and History to Math and Engineering.  An online tutor is a great way to ensure that you’re hiring a safe, reliable person to help teach your student, without having to worry about some random stranger spending physical time with your child.  There are even a number of great language learning programs that can aid your child through their foreign language courses, or even prep them for a semester abroad.

Secondly, if your student is in the midst of studying for a major test, think about helping out with some exam prep materials.  Tests like the SAT and ACT when applying to college, can bring a seemingly overwhelming amount of studying. Working with a tested program can help organize and structure the studying process, ensuring that students are not only keeping up with their studying, but also studying the right things.  Exam prep courses range in price from $15 to $3000, but many deem this a worthy investment as even registering for some of these exams can cost over $100.

Sending your student to college doesn’t have to mean abandoning the guidance you’ve provided them all through middle school and high school.  Research the options, and decide how you wish to help your child succeed in college.

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Today’s guest blog post was by Noah Greenberg for Find the Best, a resource for parents and students to compare colleges, tutors, test prep programs and more.

 

college guidance, college planning, parenting

10 Things High School students can do over holiday break

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Christmas is just around the corner and students will be out of school for the holidays. Instead of watching them veg out on the couch or listening to the usual “I’m bored” diatribe, suggest these alternatives instead:

Learning Opportunities

  1. Spend the break reading—It may not be on your list of “fun activities” (unless you are a bookworm) but reading will a)improve your vocabulary, b)enhance your knowledge of the world around them, and c)increase your reading comprehension ability.
  2. Do some SAT practice tests or bone up on vocabulary—In just a few minutes a day you can add to your SAT vocabulary and in just an afternoon you can take a practice test to get a feel for the SAT and discover your strengths and weaknesses.
  3. Work ahead—Even though you’re on break, there are future assignments looming ahead and now is your chance to work ahead and start the next semester with an edge.
  4. Watch the History Channel or the National Geographic Channel—You might be surprised at how much you will learn watching these channels. If you want to veg out on the couch in front of the television, at least choose some educational programming.
  5. Check out iTunes University—iTunes University is an excellent way for you to get an idea of what college courses might be like. It’s free and there is a wide array of subject matter to choose from. You can access it on your iPhone, iPad or iTouch or by downloading iTunes on your computer.

One thing high school students can’t afford to do waste is time. Those valuable minutes (even during holiday breaks) can add up to invaluable opportunities.

Working Opportunities

Visit my colleague Wendy David-Gaines’ blog (POCSMom) for the last five activities (6-10) your high school student can do over their holiday break.

Wendy was a (POCSmom) Parent of a College Student and was once a pre-POCSmom as well. She likes to help parents de-stress during the college process and has written a book of stories and anecdotes to help parents see the lighter side of college.

 

 

 

college majors, infographics

The STEM graduate shortage

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This week the discussion in higher education has revolved around early college prep and the importance of math in early curriculum. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (also known as STEM) has been on the forefront for education and career fields. But America failing to produce strong numbers of STEM graduates. This infographic depicts the importance of STEM and statistics showing the STEM graduate shortage. What can we do to guide our students in that direction?

 

STEM Shortage
Created by: Online Engineering Degree

college planning, parenting

Early college preparation pays off

I read two articles and a report today that underscored the importance of starting the college preparation process early:

Math in preschool

Is 6th grade the key to ending the dropout crisis?

The Forgotten Middle (A College Readiness Report)

While I don’t advocate pressuring students in grade school about college or applying undue stress related to college preparation, there are some things that parents can do to assure their students are prepared when the college decision-making time roles around. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Encourage your student to read, read and read–a strong vocabulary that you can only get from reading will benefit them throughout high school and into college; not to mention it will help with SAT/ACT testing and essay preparation.
  2. Make sure your school’s math and science programs are up-to-par and that your student participates with a strong concentration in both subjects–these courses are crucial to your student’s critical thinking ability and their success with challenging college curriculum.
  3. Teach your student to set goals and follow steps to attain them–if you start early, you are preparing your student to be successful in high school, college and in life.
  4. Before entering high school, have a talk with your teen about the importance of grades and academic success over the next four years–their grades are more than just letters on a piece of paper; they will determine how colleges view them and the amount of merit aid they receive. Strong academic performance = admission and scholarships.
  5. Help your student find his passion–a non-academic activity/hobby/interest to pursue, grow and excel throughout school and beyond. This is fun, social and ego-building, and colleges want to see this, too. (Thanks to Wendy at POCSMom for this additional tip!)

 

These may sound like simple or even obvious suggestions, but these few suggestions, if followed, can put your student on the path to college readiness and even college success. Positive proactive parenting can play a huge role in the college admissions process.

 

 

 

financial aid, infographics

Drowning in Student Loan Debt

Here’s an infographic outlining the Obama Plan to help student’s with their student loan debt. But is it enough? In my opinion, the only way to look toward the future is to educate our kids about debt and make wise college choices that allow them to graduate with little or no debt. It’s not a “new deal”…just a band-aid.

New Student Loan Deal
Created by: Online University

admissions, college guidance, college planning, parenting

Q&A: The College Prep Process

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Last week, I was a guest on #CollegeCash chat on Twitter discussing college preparation and the online resources that are available for parents and students. Since not everyone can attend these chats or is active on Twitter, I thought it would be nice to share the questions and answers here on my blog.

Question: When do parents start the college prep process?

  1. Ideally you should start talking to your student about the value of an education when they start school and amp it up in middle school.
  2. 9th grade students should pay close attention to course selection enrolling in AP honors classes, math and science.
  3. 9th graders should also start looking for that ONE extracurricular activity to concentrate on in high school.

Question: What do you see as the parent’s role in the college prep process?

  1. Parents should let the student “drive the car” but go along as a passenger/guide
  2. Parents can help with organization and gentle reminders regarding deadlines
  3. Parents need to be there for advice, support and questions but don’t take control of the process

Question: What online tools do you recommend for comparing colleges side-by-side?

  1. I love Zinch because you can create a profile, compare colleges and get matched w/colleges and scholarships http://www.zinch.com
  2. You can use the College Board’s tool to compare colleges as well http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/index.jsp
  3. Some more sites are: http://www.collegeview.com/index.jsp & http://www.collegexpress.com/ & http://www.cappex.com & http://www.collegeconfidential.com

Question: What online tools do you recommend for test prep?

  1. For vocabulary prep, @sheldonwordnerd has the BEST online tool available http://www.word-nerd.com
  2. Practice tests are imperative so take advantage of them online here http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice & http://www.number2.com/ & http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html
  3. Read their blogs & follow on Twitter: @elizabethonline @akilbello @sheldonwordnerd @preppedpolished @PWNtheSAT @staceyhowelott 

Question: What online tools do you recommend for financial aid?

  1. The definitive site for financial aid info is http://www.finaid.org/
  2. Of course ALL parents should complete the FAFSA http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ to qualify for financial aid
  3. Saving for College provides parents with all the info about financial aid http://www.savingforcollege.com/ & lets you compare savings plans

Question: What online resources do you recommend for college visit preparation?

  1. Visit college websites and look for video tours and information related to each individual college
  2. @collegevisit has all the tools you need to plan, organize and prepare for college visits http://www.smartcollegevisit.com
  3. Before the visit you can check out @YOUniversity ’s virtual college tours and even hear from students  http://www.youniversitytv.com/

Question: What online tools do you recommend to help with the essay?

  1. @vcollegeadvisor has some great essay tips via video http://www.youtube.com/user/PreCollegeCoach#p/a/u/0/Ago6tIEnL0g
  2. @collegebasics offers some good tips on different essay topics http://www.collegebasics.com/applying-to-college/admissions-essays/
  3. @butwait provides a pocket essay editor of 13 tips https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=ah89knd3kmzc_469cq94ghdq
  4. If you’re looking for some actual student essay examples, look here http://www.teenink.com/college_guide/college_essays/

Question: Where do you find information about individual college statistics?

  1. I like College Navigator because it’s easy to view statistics and compare  http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ 
  2. Another great resource for statistics and more is CollegeData http://www.collegedata.com/
  3. The College Board also offers a tool to research college information http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/index.jsp

Question: What information can you share about the Net Price Calculator?

  1. The net price calculators were mandated to help parents and students estimate the actual cost of college BEFORE applying
  2. Not all calculators are created equal; use them as a tool but don’t expect 100% accuracy on cost estimates
  3. Colleges are required to have them on their sites but they are often hard to find; you might have to do some digging

Question: How can parents be assured they are getting EXPERT advice about college and not just being scammed?

  1. I wrote a blog recently about this topic http://www.parentingforcollege.com/2011/11/07/parents-beware-its-a-jungle-out-there/
  2. Some key points: investigate all claims using Google; ask about them using social media; are they associated w/other experts?
  3. Don’t believe claims unless backed up with facts and if it’s too good to be true, it usually is

I would also like to add another great resource for parents, especially because it’s another parent going through the process with her kids and blogging about it:

Dr. Strange College : How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Journey

 

 

infographics

In Honor of Veteran’s Day

Today is Veteran’s Day and all across America people will be celebrating this day and honoring our veterans past and present, stationed all over the world. Below is an infographic illustrating where our servicemen are currently stationed. Join me in thanking them and saying a prayer today for their continued safety.

 

 

If your college-bound student is interested in the military, here’s a post I wrote about the military academies and ROTC.

 

admissions, college guidance, college planning

Parents Beware: It’s a jungle out there!

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In the world of instant information and “non-accountability” there are scam artists out there who want to take your money. Just because someone has a website and claims to be credentialed, it doesn’t make it so. The internet is a jungle where you can post just about anything you want and claim to be an expert. It’s your job as a wise and savvy parent college coach to do the detective work and make sure a company’s or person’s claims are legitimate. It’s also your money and possibly your student’s future hanging in the balance. Parents Beware: it’s a jungle out there!

Following are my tips on how to “check out” the services offered by anyone in the college admissions industry:

  • Investigate the claim and the organization (and people) making the claim–If it appears too good to be true, it usually is. There are NO GUARANTEES in the college admissions business. Shortcuts NEVER work and promises that claim they do are never valid. A simple Google search can tell you a great deal about the person or company making the claim. Do some digging before you plunk down your money hoping for the promised results.
  • Talk to people in social media about them–If the company or person has a bad reputation in social media there is a reason. Ask other experts in the specific field about them. Ask other parents if they have used them. Look for REAL recommendations from REAL people. Remember that it’s easy to “make up” results online–always check references.
  • Check out the people they “hang with”–Experts in the college admissions business will gravitate toward other experts. If you see them being recommended by other college  experts, it will give you a good idea of their value and their worth, especially their credibility.
  • Do they have associations within the college market?–Are they recommended by other experts or other college-related blogs? Do they have associations with other experts within the college market and is their content found on other college sites or other sites that offer college-related advice?
  • Do their colleagues see them as experts?–This is IMPORTANT. A company or person with credibility will be recognized by other experts, especially in their specific area of expertise. If you can’t find anyone endorsing them, use that as a RED FLAG.

In the next few weeks, I’m going to be compiling a list of TRUSTED EXPERTS in the college admissions field. Once it’s complete, you can just click on my TRUSTED EXPERTS tab on my website and be assured that these people I am recommending will not “take the money and run” and will give you and your student reputable advice.

It’s a jungle out there and you need a guide–PARENT COLLEGE COACH to the rescue!

 

 

infographics, Uncategorized

Myths about College Sports

Are sports scholarships really the best scholarships available? Do colleges spend as much money on sports athletes as they do on academics? Are college sports programs profitable? This inforgraphic answers just about every question you might have about college sports. I just have one question: If these statistics are accurate, why do colleges put so much emphasis on sports programs?

College Sports Myths
Created by Online Masters Degrees

college planning, financial aid, Uncategorized

Making wise college choices based on student debt

Two-thirds of college seniors graduated with loans in 2010, and they carried an average of $25,250 in debt. They also faced the highest unemployment rate for young college graduates in recent history at 9.1%. The new report, Student Debt and the Class of 2010, includes average debt levels for the 50 states and District of Columbia and for more than 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities.

Why is this information important to parents?

Part of your college decision process is based on cost factors. Examining states who have low student debt might open possibilities to your student that you might not have otherwise considered. You can also view individual colleges to determine the amount of average student debt giving you additional information to help you make wise financial college choices.

If you click on the graphic above you can use the interactive map to learn about the colleges your student is considering. Be an informed parent and teach your student about financial college responsibility.