Category Archives: college planning

career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning, college transfer

Transferring colleges

 

transferring collegesIt can be very difficult for students to choose the school that is going to offer them the best chance for future happiness and career success. And even with the input of parents, counselors, and peers, students occasionally discover that they’ve made the wrong decision and ended up at a college that really can’t offer them the program or coursework they need to get where they want to go. Plenty of students also change their minds about what they want to do after they’ve had a chance to take a few classes and see what their dream job actually entails. Then there are issues like cost and location that may lead students to seek an education at another institution. And many students go from community college to a 4-year institution. There are any number of reasons why students might consider transferring colleges. Here are a few things to consider when helping them make the transition.

Search for acceptable alternatives

In truth, there is little difference between applying for college initially and transferring to a new school except that you’ll need to get more transcripts sent. So the first thing you and your student should do is start looking for acceptable alternatives. The nice thing is that you’ve been through the process once before so you should have a better idea of how to get started, such as by reading reviews and seeking out schools that offer the type of program your student is interested in. If the major study hasn’t changed, you may even be able to repurpose some research on schools that didn’t make the cut the first time around but came in as second- or third-place options. However, if your student is considering a new major, you’ll simply have to begin again with schools that meet the new criteria.

Determine if current credits will transfer

Of course, there may be a few snags to contend with. On the upside, your student has likely completed some credits, which means he/she should have an easier time gaining admittance to a new school. This is especially true of students entering a new institution as juniors with their general education units completed, not to mention those who have managed to earn a high GPA thus far. However, you could definitely face some problems when it comes to transferring those credits. Although most accredited institutions will accept college credit from other such schools, an apples-to-apple transfer is not always possible.

For example, students going from a semester to quarter system, or vice versa, can face problems based on the number of units granted per class. And certain courses may not have an equivalent at a new school, rendering them virtually useless. Plus, every school is bound to have different requirements concerning prerequisites for specific majors. So you should address this issue right off the bat in order to find a school that will offer your student the best opportunity to continue along an educational path rather than having to backpedal and make up units.

Take a look at financial aid

If your student is receiving financial aid via merit scholarships from their current college they will lose that money if they transfer. Transferring students rarely receive any type of merit aid. Do your research and determine whether or not the new college will provide merit aid to your student, even though they are transferring. This might be a strong case to reconsider staying at the current college and finding a way to make it work.

Whether your student is interested in Ivy League institutions like Duke or Brown, state schools like UCLA or the University of Cincinatti, or even technical colleges, transferring colleges can be a trial. But with proper planning and attention to detail you can help to ensure that your kids find that right schools for their wants and needs, even if they’re already on the collegiate path somewhere else.

college majors, college planning, parenting

To transfer or not to transfer-that is the question

 

transferring collegesParents often have to make tough decisions where their kids are concerned. And while you want the best for your child, and that desire influences your every choice, even you have to admit that you don’t always choose correctly – parents are just people trying to do the best they can! At some point you’re going to have to let your teen take the reins and make his own decisions, even if you think he’s making a huge mistake. But as a parent it’s still your job to help him in any way you can. While you might not exert the same influence over a teenager as you did over a toddler, your opinion still matters. So when it comes to ensuring that your child end up at the right institution of higher learning, the one that will help him to maximize his potential and prepare for a successful and fulfilling career, the onus is on you, to some degree, to make sure he has all the facts needed to make an informed decision about his future.

Even with all your input and exhaustive research, he could end up at the wrong college with the wrong major. Here are just a few things to consider when determining whether your kid is at the right college or if he’s in need of transfer to a more suitable school.

What are the reasons?

There are plenty of reasons why a college might not end up being the best choice for any given student, but when it comes to your child you want to be sure. After all, this can be a fairly costly mistake, what with the complications inherent in transferring to a new school. As a parent, your job in this situation is to determine whether your college student is truly miserable and misplaced at his current campus or if he is simply making a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to complaints about his current situation.

Have your student’s interests changed?

You and your student will no doubt put a lot of time, effort, and deliberation into selecting the appropriate college. But things don’t always turn out like you hope. Even with the help of a comprehensive ranking system, information from school advisors, and visits to college campuses, your student may eventually discover that the school he has settled on isn’t what he wants, for one reason or another. Perhaps he’s looking for practical studies and it turns out that the program for his major is largely theoretical, analytical, or historical in nature, just for example. He may decide partway through that he wants to change his major to something that his school of choice doesn’t specialize in or that it isn’t highly ranked in, at any rate (this is more common than you might imagine). So if it turns out that your student went for a major in contract law when what he really wanted was an urban planning career degree, discuss this change with him and determine the financial consequences of his change of interest and/or passion.

Is this a rash decision?

It could be that your student has selected a campus that is far away and the homesickness is too much for him to handle on top of all the other stresses of entering college. If your college student asks to transfer, tread lightly. It could be more than the wrong educational choice. It could be homesickness, not fitting in, or even the feeling that they are overwhelmed. Make sure it’s not a temporary response to stress. Encourage them to finish out the semester and then make a well-informed decision.

If he discovers that the courses offered aren’t going to help him to get the knowledge and skills needed for his career of choice, then perhaps you should consider supporting his move to another school that can meet his needs. A happy student is a successful student.

 

college guidance, college planning, essays

5 Topics to avoid in the college application essay

 

college application esayYou will no doubt play some role in helping your teens to select topics for their college application essays, and it’s never easy to determine what a selection committee will find compelling. There are fine lines that students must be careful not to cross. For example, they want to write an essay that is dramatic and engaging, but they don’t want to push it into the realm of the unbelievable. And they may want to discuss events in their lives that have helped to shape them into the young adults they are, but it can be difficult not only to choose such an event, but also to determine if it’s revealing enough, or for that matter, too much.

There’s a reason why schools require students to include essays, and it’s not just to see a sample of their writing ability. With thousands of applicants sporting similar qualifications and too few spots to accommodate them, something has to tip the scales, and it just might be the essay section. Picking the wrong one could mean getting a rejection letter. So here are just a few topics that students may want to steer clear of.

  1. Controversial subjects. It can be tempting to discuss attention-grabbing hot topics like gay marriage, abortion, war, drug use, and so on, but doing so can have consequences. If such topics have had a direct influence on your kids, helping to shape their lives and career goals in some way, then they might be relevant and compelling choices for an essay. But controversial topics are contentious for a reason. And while some on a review board may applaud such a choice of essay, others might not find it appropriate for students entering their institution, even if it catches their attention.
  2. Weaknesses. Overcoming one’s failings is noteworthy, to be sure, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it makes for a good essay topic. A “poor me” attitude will not appeal to those determining a student’s acceptance. If they have turned a weakness into a strength, or developed a strong sense of self and purpose through struggles, they could write about it. But they must find a way to make it sound positive and display some humility in the process.
  3. Depression and self-harm. Schools are extremely cognizant of the damage that can be done to their reputation by students that are unable to deal with the pressures and demands of college. So don’t let your kids supply them with any ammo that could make them think your students are unfit to study on their campus. Even an essay about overcoming such struggles could raise red flags.
  4. Short-term philanthropy. It’s great that the students in your household volunteered at a soup kitchen one Thanksgiving or went with the family to build a home for habitat for humanity, but if they’re going to do an essay about how they helped others and what it has done to change them on a personal level, they’re going to have to get a little more in-depth. A personal essay needs to be about the student, not a singular event. It needs to tell the application committee who they are and what they value. So if altruism is a cornerstone of their belief system and they’ve participated in ongoing efforts of some sort, then an essay on the topic may be appropriate. If not, it could come across as juvenile, immature, and unsympathetic.
  5. Generics. Whether your students are looking to attend a state college or NEC’s School of Graduate and Professional studies, they need to write an essay that conveys something unique about them. For this reason it’s best to stay away from topics that are too generic. What this means, in general, is that they need to write about something real and immediate. Any topic can be relevant if it tells readers something about the student. For example, two students could write about the death of a sibling, but one might merely relate events while the other discusses how the occurrence made him question his faith or retreat from his family and friends, only to realize how much he needed them. Admissions committees want to know something true about the character and core values of a student. So the topic is really of little consequence so long as the essay is honest, personal, and illuminating in some way.

The best tip: the college needs to know something about your student that isn’t included in the college application. Use this opportunity to shine.

 

career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning

College degrees for music enthusiasts

 

music degrees

When it comes to a particular career path that tends to get quite a bit of media attention, it would have to be the field of music—not just when it comes to famous performing artists, but also producers, arrangers, composers and so many other professions that help to keep everything (pardon the pun) right on beat.

If you consider yourself to be a music enthusiast and you would like to know what kind of college degrees are available that specifically cater to your love for the craft, we have a list of a few for you below. Depending on the kind of music career that you desire, one of these college degrees for music enthusiasts should be able to assist you with getting closer to reaching your goal.

Bachelor of Music. A four-year degree that many people who want a music education will enroll in college to get is a Bachelor of Music. One thing that attracts individuals to this degree is that there are many majors available in this department from performance and theory to music history and technology.

Bachelor of Arts. Those who would like to have a four-year degree in liberal arts with a concentration in music, may decide to go with a Bachelor of Arts. This is one that combines a series of music classes with some liberal arts courses as well. If you choose this particular option, two popular majors that are offered are music administration and music business.

Bachelor of Fine Arts. A lot of people who perform in stage plays and even go on to win Tony Awards have this particular four-year degree. Although a Bachelor of Fine Arts is quite similar to a Bachelor of Arts, the main thing that makes it unique is that the focus tends to be on music theatre. So, if you’re interested in earning a degree in how to perform on stage strictly in a theatre environment, this would be the one for you.

Bachelor of Music Education. If a musician uses a press kit template to create their press packet and they decide to list their college education, there’s another kind of degree that you might see listed. If you are someone who has a deep interest in not just music performance but you also want to be equipped with the kind of information that you will need in order to someday teach it to elementary, high school or college students, then a Bachelor of Music Education would be an ideal fit for you. As a matter of fact, many schools who are looking for teachers will require this degree in their list of qualifications. By having one, you can perform and also have the option of teaching too.

Master of Music. After you have completed your undergraduate education, if you want to get a masters, many colleges have what is known as a master of music degree. The focus in this program is many including commercial music, composition, music education, church music, pedagogy and performance. Some even graduate from that and get their doctorate in music so that they can perform or teach music on a collegiate level.

As you can see, there are many avenues to pursue of your student is a music enthusiast. Investigate all paths and follow the one that best fits your talent and future interest.

 

 

college guidance, college planning, parenting, Uncategorized

Job vs. No Job in College

 

job in collegeCollege is an exciting time for students and parents alike. Children are taking their first major steps toward maturity and independence, while you get to cheer them on with pride and see how far they’ve come. Of course, getting into college is just the beginning. Succeeding throughout those difficult academic years and finding a career after school will be the real challenges. Youngsters need guidance during this time of challenges and changes, and they’ll be looking to you for advice. One question on everyone’s mind has to do with whether or not students should get a job in college. Well, should they?

The Cons

You might be worried that encouraging your student to find a job in college will put too much pressure on them, especially as a freshman. Many students have a tough time adapting to college life, and being pushed to find work may not be the best thing for them. Heavy course loads and early morning lectures can make it difficult just to find time to study and stay on top of homework. After all, your kids are going to college to obtain an education, and that should be their primary focus at all times. If you worry that your kids won’t be able to focus on their studies if they work during college, then don’t push them to look for jobs.

The Pros

However, many students can benefit greatly from working while they go to school. In most cases, students are in school because they want to expand their possible career options in the future. Graduates without relevant work experience will find it difficult to secure employment, even with their prestigious degrees and high marks. Job markets are very competitive today, and the experience your kids gain while working in school could be priceless. They can learn valuable skills, network with influential people, and start applying their knowledge early to become great candidates for future employment.

Furthermore, it is no secret today that college is expensive. Even students who qualify for financial aid and receive partial scholarships can find themselves amassing large student loan debts throughout their years in academia. Working through school can be a great help in relieving this burden, both for your student and for you. School supplies, text books and regular living expenses can add up quickly. Many students cover these expenses by taking out additional loans or asking their parents for help. By encouraging your kids to find work, you can help them decrease their debt burden and start becoming independent right now.

The Bottom Line

Whether or not you encourage your student to find a job in college is up to you, of course. It can be highly beneficial, but it may be too much for some students to handle. Working builds character and helps kids develop into responsible young adults, so if your student is ambitious enough to find project management jobs in college it will benefit them in the future. Students who seize opportunities are sure to be successful in their careers, and finding a job in college can be a great step in this direction.

admissions, career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning, Uncategorized

Selecting a college degree that brings reward

 

selecting a college degreeWith a tough job market awaiting those college students that will graduate within the next few years, selecting a college degree that brings reward has become paramount to finding gainful employment. So while parents certainly want to encourage their kids to shoot for a career they’re going to love, they definitely don’t want them staring down the barrel of student loan debt with nothing to show for it but a job at Starbucks and a stack of useless resumes.

The key for most parents is helping their students to find a major that they love that leads to a growing job market. This is no easy feat, but with a few simple tips and tricks at your disposal you should be able to uncover options for any student, regardless of their strengths and preferences. Here are some suggestions to get your student on track for a college degree that will really pay off after graduation.

Do the research

The first thing to do is compile a list of industries that currently seem to be expanding, and there are a few that fit the bill. Anything having to do with the medical industry seems to be on the rise these days, thanks in part to health care reform, but also related to the fact that the baby boomer generation is entering the age of retirement just when there looks to a drought of qualified medical professionals. So the healthcare industry is a solid choice for now and perhaps the next 10-20 years, if forecasts are to be believed. Engineering of all types is also growing, but especially the field of computer engineering (no surprise there). Also taking off is green industry, due in large part to the current administration’s eco-friendly policies, although a growing consumer market for green solutions doesn’t hurt. In truth, green technology is growing by leaps and bounds, so an eco-engineering sort of degree could be extremely lucrative in the years to come. There are, of course, other fields to consider, as well. Not only are kids strong in math and science doing well right now, but those who are creative are finding jobs in the online arena thanks to the growth of blogging and internet marketing campaigns (textual, graphic, and even video).

Match your student’s interests with the career paths

Once you’ve compiled a list of job markets that are growing steadily (without suffering periodic layoffs) it’s time to sit down with your student to talk about finding interests, talents, and skills that may match up with some of the exciting career paths that appear to be taking off at the moment. This is a great way for students to think about what they like and want and how their preferences align with markets that are currently growing.

Select the right fit colleges

From there it’s just a matter of selecting schools that offer reputable and highly-regarded programs in the specific major your student has chosen, whether that means attending MIT for a computer science degree or considering University of Miami masters degrees as your student plans for their future in engineering. The right fit colleges should not only offer these preferred degree plans, but fit your student’s academic and social needs.

Once you and your student have done the research to discover which types of degrees are currently in demand, all that remains is to select a major that best suits your student’s interests and abilities and choose a school that delivers the best opportunities for job placement. College isn’t “all about the money”, but you want your student to be able to enter the job market in their chosen field after graduation.

admissions, college planning, organization

ApplyKit: An Online Personal Assistant for College Applications

 

Last night during #CampusChat I noticed a new participant–@applykit. Naturally it peaked my interest and after the chat I did a little research about them. As luck would have it, the founder Bobby Touran emailed me with the 411 about their service.

Heads up parents and students–there’s another tool available to help organize the college planning process. The app manages all aspects of the college application process, including recommendations.

applykit

ApplyKit, the online personal assistant for the entire college application process, today announced the beta release of its ApplyKit service, cloud-based software that helps high school seniors manage their own efforts as well as those of interested stakeholders such as recommenders and parents.  ApplyKit manages the college selection process by bringing the entire process online, and connecting everyone involved.

The ApplyKit software includes the following features:

  • Add a desired school with one click, and ApplyKit will automatically load its deadlines and requirements in checklist form
  • Personalized dashboard tracks a senior’s progress against all applications, as well as any upcoming deadlines
  • A single, secure online space for students to work on application materials with collaborators like recommenders, consultants, and parents

“I’ve built a business around the inefficiencies of college applications,” said Craig Plummer, a professional college counselor.  “ApplyKit will help me manage the application process for my students in a way not previously possible.”

When a student creates an ApplyKit account, she can search for schools and add them to her dashboard. ApplyKit automatically adds dates and deadlines to a student’s master timeline for each school she chooses.  These dates and deadlines trigger email reminders to make sure she doesn’t forget a single step in the process.

ApplyKit then provides an online “Folder” for each school to keep materials and workflow clear and organized.  A student can use the “Collaborators” feature to involve others in the application process as appropriate.  For example, a teacher can compose and submit a letter of recommendation online.  If desired, ApplyKit will even automatically send newsletters to parents to keep them in the loop, including analytics on their student’s overall progress.

ApplyKit was founded by Bobby Touran, a serial entrepreneur from a family of educators, who was stunned by the hassle and manual grunt work required to manage his business school applications.  “At ApplyKit, we plan to disrupt the archaic college application process,” said Touran. “We have launched our product, we have new customers signing up daily, and we will be announcing a number of key relationships in the coming months.”

Touran built ApplyKit as part of Wasabi Ventures’ Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, based in both Nashua, New Hampshire, and Baltimore, Maryland.  Said Touran, “This is a fantastic time for EduTech innovation, thanks to all the great resources available.  For example, in addition to the Wasabi Ventures EIR program, we are an applicant for Pearson’s “Catalyst” program.  Catalyst exposes startups to Pearson’s API and arranges sessions with Pearson advisors.”

Pricing and Availability

ApplyKit uses a Freemium pricing model.  Any student can sign up and manage a single college application for free; a Basic plan that covers 5 applications is $12 per month, and a Premium plan that allows unlimited applications is only $25 per month.  Discounts are available for students who pay for 6 or 12 months in advance.

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About ApplyKit

ApplyKit manages a student’s college selection process. Students can access, track and share all research and application materials in one place. Applications to undergraduate institutions are at record highs, and students need an advantage more than ever. ApplyKit is positioned at the heart of the college prep industry. Bobby Touran—an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Wasabi Ventures, started the company in 2012. Visit http://www.applykit.com/about for more information. 

 

college guidance, college majors, college planning

The benefits of a liberal arts education

 

liberal artsStudents increasingly seek after liberal arts degrees, as it imparts comprehensive educational skills that they can apply to various jobs. Such students equip themselves with various skills including writing and communication. A well-written resume that conveys all one wants to impart and holds the attention of the potential employer is very important. Getting across your views and being able to do so in a precise and concise way is a valuable asset, and a student with a liberal arts major is trained to achieve superior communication and writing skills. They are able to write effective resumes and letters and market themselves effectively. It is not uncommon for them to gain higher positions with good salaries.

Communication

A majority of the workforce in many businesses needs training to improve their writing skills. Companies spend a substantial amount of money for this training. A person who is able to get across the policies, plans and decisions to employees located in different areas is a huge asset to any organization. Clear communication saves time and money. The person receiving the communication is able to get the message and is able to implement it effectively. A liberal arts graduate is able to effectively get across policies and procedures with his excellent communication skills.

When a student completes the degree plan, he gains personal qualities and skills that are sought after by employers. Teamwork skills, analytical skills, communication skills, computer skills, interpersonal skills, strong work ethics, willingness to take initiative and responsibility, flexibility, an eye for detail, and ability to think out of the box are a few qualities and skills one learns. The modules and course structures are formulated to increase problem-solving skills and enhance critical thinking. They are made aware of the various problems and ills that affect the society. The student gets insight into the culture and customs of people belonging to different communities in different parts of the country and world. He is acquainted with race, gender, education, class and other factors that affect the society and work. The student is made aware of the cultural differences and taught to see things from different perspectives and have empathy.

An Array of Knowledge and Skills

He is able to work with people with different views for the betterment of the organization for which he works. The education prepares him for a range of careers in diverse areas of work. It is unlike a professional bachelor’s degree that qualifies a student for a specific job.

This degree assists his quest for knowledge and helps him find solutions to various ills that affect the society. Such a student gains knowledge in various subjects, like media and communication, history, science and technology, literature, language, philosophy, history, mathematics, psychology, education and many more.

They get well-rounded education unlike students who enroll for other degree courses that focus only on a specific subject and equips them for specific jobs. They are able to converse on a range of topics and hold meaningful and intelligent discussions on numerous political, economic and social issues. The problem solving skills they learn help them tackle and find solutions to various issues. The liberal arts degree encourages free thinking and free expression. The decision making skills the students are trained in qualify them for higher positions in the work place.

Your options are open

If you are looking at options to pursue higher education, liberal arts degrees are still a promising choice. More and more students are opting for liberal arts instead of pursuing technical, medical vocational training or a course in business education. Some of the best educational institutions offer a Liberal arts degree plan that enables one to pursue a vocation in any field, including politics.

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Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to the field of education. In this article, he describes the benefits of a liberal arts degree and aims to encourage further study with an art education online degree.

college guidance, college health, college planning, parenting

Your student’s college health insurance plan

 

college health plansCollege is an exciting time in a young person’s life, and most of the excitement comes from being away from home and meeting new and interesting people. However, being close to new people and moving to new places can also have a negative aspect on your health through exposure to all sorts of bugs and germs. If you have a decent health plan, then you don’t need to worry much because you are protected, but if you don’t, it’s time you learned about your options.

The Parent’s Health Plan

Recent litigation has left many students eligible for coverage through their parent’s health plan, which continues until they are 26. Each school will have their own specific requirements about your parent’s health plan, and this will determine the doctors you can access through an in-network program and so on.

Students whose parents don’t have health insurance are not eligible and have to work with the following options:

College Health Insurance

The majority of colleges in the country have their own health plans, and they’re usually low cost.  However, low costs shouldn’t be the driving force behind your search for a health plan. Some of the low cost plans come with questionable coverage caps and wouldn’t be ideal if you get an illness. Coverage usually focuses on smaller threats, such as immunization and medicine because schools tend to focus on keeping the population healthy.

Individual plans

This is a valid option if you have concerns about your school’s health plan and would like more features on the policy. Individual plans won’t cost much and they also come with more options than the typical college plan. In addition, they can be applied for online. The premiums would be slightly higher, but if you have a chronic condition to worry about, this route offers you more security.

You will have to contact an insurance broker or agent who will give you more information about the kind of coverage you need and the related costs. Your health will have to be evaluated before you can get any type of plan, and should you have any major pre-existing medical conditions, several stipulations will be added to the plan, or in some cases, your application could be rejected.

More and more colleges are dropping the student health plan because the federal government requires it to be more comprehensive than it is currently. The 2010 healthcare overhaul helped put in place guidelines, which necessitate substantial coverage for students. About two-thirds of full time college students operate on their parent’s health plan and aren’t affected by less than satisfactory plans offered by college insurance.

A minimum of 600,000 students in college, about 7% of the total number, purchase their own insurance from the school. An increase in premium by the president requires most colleges to up the cost to much higher figures than the students are currently paying, which is why many colleges just opted to drop insurance this year.

In order to stay safe and informed, take time to check your school’s health policies, and see which type of coverage they offer. A school may offer several types of policies, and depending on the school, they can range from widely comprehensive policies which cover major critical illnesses and minor accidents among other conditions. It is advisable to take up the more comprehensive cover because it will take care of your visits to health services, any medical procedures and diagnostics you may need and any visits to a specialist.

Much information is required when assessing medical insurance and medical plans, so take your time, and ensure you only pick the health plan that will keep you safe over a range of situations and isn’t costly.

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Author Bio

Andrew Deen is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to law. In this article, he explains student’s health insurance plans and aims to encourage further study with an online masters in health law.

college guidance, college planning, parenting

Preparing your kids for college this year

 

“You will ever remember that all the end of study is to make you a good man and a useful citizen.”
― John Adams

college prepWhen the kids go off to college it can be a stressful time – both for them and their parents. Despite the inevitable emotional wrench, managing the transition by making sure that everyone is well-informed and all the necessary preparations have been completed will ensure a smooth-running process that results in a lifetime of memorable experiences.

Academic preparations

Kids who have a specific career goal in mind will need to make sure that they choose the right type of college for them as well as the right course. Find out in advance what the academic requirements are for their chosen course and ensure that they are able to meet these requirements. A vocational career might require them to attend a technical college rather than an academic college to ensure that they are heading in the right direction.

Getting the right result for the SAT is also essential. SAT prep courses are a good way to ensure that the candidate is ready and there are plenty of different test prep program options, so it should be easy to find the right one.

When making college applications it is important to have all the right information in place. This includes high school transcripts, the college admissions test scores, any letters of recommendation and AP exam scores.

Financial preparations

Finances can be a minefield for both parent and student. There are so many expenses to be taken into consideration that it can be difficult to know where to begin. Tuition fees, living expenses, books, food and money in the pocket soon begin to add up. For many parents it will be necessary to begin saving early on in the child’s life, long before college is even considered by the child. Most states offer savings plans for colleges that come with tax benefits and it is a good idea to look into the possibility of scholarships. It is possible to file online for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Taxes will need to be prepared early to ensure that an application can be processed. These applications can be made any time between January 1st and June 30th.

Kids will need to learn how to manage their own finances while they are away at college. When they are still living at home it is a good idea for them to have a checking account and learn how to look at how they spend their money. Encouraging them to save during their teenage years will help them a great deal and teach them how important it is to look after their money.

Domestic preparations

Going off to college is not simply a question of packing a suitcase. These days, young people need all kinds of paraphernalia to see them through their time at college. Items such as a TV, DVD player, computer, microwave and even a refrigerator may all be needed. This is before daily essentials such as bedding and clothes are added into the equation. Working out a list in advance is a good idea as it means that nothing will be forgotten when the time comes to move to college.