Category Archives: Uncategorized

mom approved tips, Uncategorized

Mom-Approved Tips: Are the Ivies “All That”?

 

iviesPardon the improper grammar and slang; but seriously–are the Ivies all that? This past week the news media was enamored with the praise of a young man that was accepted to all eight Ivy League colleges. Don’t get me wrong–the young man is to be commended for his efforts. But as usual, the focus was on the fact that it was the Ivies, not the fact that he was offered admission to eight colleges.

Why are the Ivies the “be all and end all” of college acceptance?

From the time my son was little, he said he wanted to go to Harvard. I have no idea why, but he said it so much we bought him a Harvard sweatshirt. If he had applied himself in high school, he would have applied. Instead, he went into the Marines. Did I feel like he had failed, or I had failed, absolutely not. The Ivies would never have been for him.

A recent study showed that only 0.4 percent of undergraduates attend an Ivy League school. However, you can go to any parent meeting about college and the discussion inevitably heads toward the Ivies. “My son is applying to Harvard”, my daughter is applying to “Brown”. And the parents whose students aren’t candidates for these schools immediately start feeling like they have failed their kids–along with a tinge of jealousy.

What should the conversation be about?

Instead of focusing on WHERE the student gets into college, the conversation should be about whether or not a/did they apply and receive an offer of admission (from ANY college) and b/are the colleges they applied to a good fit for their academic, financial and social needs. There are thousands of good colleges across the country, even some that might not be well-known, that offer students and excellent education at an affordable price.

What are we communicating to our kids?

All this hype around the Ivies gives our kids the impression that if you don’t attend an Ivy League college, your life and your future are doomed. You’re destined to work at a mediocre job with a mediocre salary. In addition, we are also communicating that all the kids that get into Harvard or Yale are the best of the best: the smartest, the elite, the successful. When the media puts such focus on college names and the importance of the name, our kids begin to feel pressure to attend these schools.

How can we change the conversation and the overall view of college and success?

It’s not about where you go, or the college name. It’s about what you do with the education your receive and how you leverage the education to move you toward success. A state college student is just as likely to become a CEO, and a Harvard graduate. If the education you receive lands you in a career you love, it matters very little where you got that education. Our kids need to know this and embrace the fact that exclusiveness is never a measure of success.

In a recent article in the New York Times by Frank Gruni, “Our Crazy College Crossroads“, makes an excellent point:

Corner offices in this country teem with C.E.O.s who didn’t do their undergraduate work in the Ivy League. Marillyn Hewson of Lockheed Martin went to the University of Alabama. John Mackey of Whole Foods studied at the University of Texas, never finishing.

Your diploma is, or should be, the least of what defines you. Show me someone whose identity is rooted in where he or she went to college. I’ll show you someone you really, really don’t want at your Super Bowl party.

And your diploma will have infinitely less relevance to your fulfillment than so much else: the wisdom with which you choose your romantic partners; your interactions with the community you inhabit; your generosity toward the family that you inherited or the family that you’ve made.

It’s time that parents start making this “college game” less of a competition and more of journey to find a college where their kid will flourish.

Uncategorized

Direct Hits Education “Scores”!

 

direct hits education
Direct Hits Education’s rockin’ new website

Any time I find a resource that I can recommend to parents, I like to showcase them on my blog. Direct Hits Education is one of those resources. I would say, hands down, it’s the BEST Vocabulary test prep available. Their books, classes and blog give students the ability to understand vocabulary words and know them when taking the PSAT/SAT/ACT tests.

The books: written the way teens talk

Direct Hits Publishing offers two of the most effective SAT preparation guides on the market: Direct Hits Core Vocabulary of the SAT and Direct Hits Toughest Vocabulary of the SAT. Together, the two volumes have been the best-performing books on the SAT and PSAT for most tests since August of 2008, when the books were first published. Students who have used the books have been able to achieve impressive gains on their Critical Reading scores, in many cases raising their scores by 100 to 200 points.

A great list of words is important, but it is just the first step. Since many SAT words are difficult, it is essential to illustrate them with vivid, relevant examples. Vividness is closely related to retention. We remember memorable and relevant experiences, forgetting boring experiences more quickly.

Direct Hits’ vocabulary is defined with vivid pop culture and academic examples drawn from movies, television programs, historical events, and books that students are currently studying in school. Students remember a word because they can remember the context. This makes Direct Hits one of the most effective learning tools for SAT preparation.

The classes

Direct Hits Education has a proven system for achieving higher SAT, PSAT and ACT scores. When students begin the Direct Hits program, their scores run the gamut, but by utilizing the knowledge and strategies presented by our teachers, they consistently make impressive gains on the SAT, PSAT and ACT. Each year Direct Hits students are admitted to top colleges and universities, often qualifying for merit scholarships. One group of students was even featured as the “Person of the Week” on ABC Nightly news.

The blog

The blog is an excellent place to see relevant content using key vocabulary words. Here are just a few examples:

  • SAT Test Dates and the Oscars
  • Up Your SAT Vocabulary Game with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
  • Learning Great SAT Vocabulary the The Great Gatsby

It’s easy to see why Direct Hits Education “scores” high on my list of standardized test prep. Check them out and tell them The Parent College Coach sent you!

 

 

Uncategorized

Why go to college?

 

why go to collegeWith all the college prep advice, parents rarely ask the question: Should my kids go to college? Parents should never assume that college is the best path for every kid. Today I’m going to examine and discuss five good reasons to go to college.

College is an expensive and competitive undertaking. The decision to attend should be a thoughtful one. If your child is leaning toward higher education after high school, here are five good reasons to answer the question–Why go to college?

1. To get an education in a rigorous academic environment

College, like anything, is what you choose to get out of it. If you attend class, challenge yourself academically, and explore new interests it can be worthwhile. But, if you skip class, take easy courses, and skate by with the bare minimum of work, it’s not worth your while.

2. To prepare for a career and gain earning potential

A college degree today does not guarantee a job upon graduation. But with some research and proper planning, that degree can increase earning potential over a lifetime. The job market is highly competitive now and a degree in a career that is in high demand can set you apart from the pack. A new study recently released by the Pew Research Group, found those with a college degree now make $17,500 more per year than those without — a wage gap that’s doubled in recent decades. Those without a degree are four times more likely to be unemployed.

3. To pursue a passion

College is a good place to pursue an academic passion. If you know what excites you and know what needs to be done to achieve it, college can help you reach your goal. In this case, the college choice is even more important because you want to find a school that caters to your passion; be it acting, writing, art, politics or even social media.

4. To discover who you are and what you want in life

It may seem like college is an expensive way to find yourself. But coupled with the benefits of academics and experiences while attending, it’s an excellent place to explore interests and find what you want to do in life. Not every student knows when they enter college what they want to do, and for these students, it’s an opportunity to expand horizons and find their passion.

5. To develop a network of friends and contacts

After college, graduates will be entering the job market. The contacts and friends you meet while in college will offer you networking opportunities that will help you in your job search. Alumni, fellow students, and faculty can all help with professional contacts and job opportunities.

Any one of these is a good reason to go to college. But all five of them means your student is ready to take the plunge into the college world

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Scholarship Friday: Minority Scholarships

 

minority scholarshipsYour cultural heritage, your sex, and your sexual orientation could end up paying for your college education. There are scholarships and grants that are reserved for specific minority groups. You don’t need to be a first generation immigrant to qualify for these scholarships; you just have to prove that you are indeed a member of the minority to qualify for the awards.

Some minority groups that receive scholarships for college include:

  • African American
  • Hispanic
  • Native American
  • Asian
  • Women
  • Multi-racial or multicultural
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT)

If you are a member of a minority group, work with the financial aid professionals at your school, to ensure your minority scholarship search is exhaustive. Talk to your counselor and ask her if she knows of any scholarships that might be available locally for your specific minority. Individual minority scholarship awards range from a few-hundred to several-thousand dollars annually.

For an exhaustive list of minority scholarships with links to their applications, you can visit CollegeScholarships.org.

parenting, Uncategorized, Wednesdays parent

Wednesday’s Parent: When Just Say NO Is Not Enough

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just say noIf you or your child has been in the public school system in the last 30 years you’re familiar with the phrase–just say no. From first grade on, those words have been pounded into the heads of kids giving them an answer to anyone who offers them drugs or any other form of abuse. It’s not the answer sometimes that’s important, as much as the attitude behind the response.

Research shows that kids who have a good relationship with their parents are less likely to pursue a life of abuse. The drug awareness programs give parents some guidelines they say will help. They instruct parents to do several things and lead us to believe that if we follow those rules, our kids are less likely to succumb to peer pressure.

Their suggestions have merit. But the bottom line is that most kids, no matter how strong they appear or how great their relationship is with their parents, are going to find themselves in a situation where just saying “no” is not enough. Just saying “no” will be met with teasing, pressure, and even ridicule. It’s your job as a parent to prepare them for that moment.

Educate your kids about abuse.

You should be the one to give your kids all the information they receive about the consequences of drug use. Don’t use scare tactics. That never works. There’s not one kid alive who actually believes that if he tries a drug once, it will kill him; although, it can and has in many instances. They see themselves as invincible. Give them facts. If you’ve done your job and they trust you, they will listen and when the time comes, remember what you’ve said.

Prepare them for the worst case scenario.

Tell them it’s going to happen. Give them some suggestions on how to handle the situation. Assure them that no matter what happens, you will be there for them. You want them to tell you everything; no matter what decision they choose to make. Let them know they can call you, anytime, day or night, to come and rescue them and you will be there in a heartbeat.

Keep the lines of communication open.

Make sure your kids know they can tell you anything, and they won’t be judged. Kids tend to keep things from their parents; that’s just part of being a kid. Let them know that, no matter what they do, you will love them. You may not love their behavior, but everyone makes mistakes. Everyone messes up and does things they are ashamed of. Make it easy for them to tell you about those bad choices, so you can help them make the right ones the next time.

Before they leave for college have a conversation.

Your kids have listened to everything you have told them over the years. But this is a time to remind them that they have options. Talk about the drinking culture on campus. Discuss the “hooking up” culture and sexual abuse. Bring up the subject of drug abuse. You may need to do a little research before you tackle this conversation because your kids are aware, or have been confronted, with abuse throughout high school.

What do you do if the worst happens?

Consider this scenario and prepare yourself for a response. Your daughter goes to a fraternity party. It goes without saying that there is going to be underage drinking and drug use. (If you don’t face this fact, you are in denial). Someone brings Ecstasy to the party and is passing it out freely. If you’ve done your job as a parent, she knows what Ecstasy does to her brain and how it affects her body. The girl that’s willing to share is her best friend. She tells her that it’s supposed to make you feel “all warm inside” and tells her no one will know. She tells her that by the time she gets home, the high will have worn off and if she doesn’t like it, she doesn’t ever have to do it again. She reminds her that you can’t judge if you haven’t tried it. So against all the knowledge you’ve given her about the effects of drugs, she takes the pill. Then, in a conversation about college and how she’s doing, she tells you what she did.

Be prepared for a response. Just saying “no”, wasn’t enough. She’s going to need an understanding parent who doesn’t judge, but reminds her there are consequences to every decision. This is an opportunity for a life lesson. You may not be able to be with her 24/7 but your words will be. The next time, she will hopefully think twice about making such a dangerous decision.

For more parenting tips, read Wendy’s blog: 7 Deadly Sins, Teen Style
mom approved tips, parenting, Uncategorized

Mom-Approved Tips: Teach Your Kids the Value of Money

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money

Before you send your kids off to college, they need to learn about the value of money. Ideally, it starts at an early age; but if you haven’t started, there’s no time like the present!

When your kids are away at college they are going to be responsible for their own spending (and saving). There will be offers galore from credit card companies because college students are their biggest target market. If they hook them while in college it usually means they have them for the rest of their lives.

My parents never taught me these lessons and I wish they had. I never did chores, had to save for anything I wanted, or learned how to use credit wisely. I have to admit I didn’t do the best in this area of parenting either. But I have learned over the years that if you neglect these lessons, your kids will suffer.

Following are just a few tips to help you teach your kids the value of money:

Establish chores

You can get them accustomed to chores at an early age, providing an allowance based on their age and the amount of chores they do. They should know how to do their own laundry, clean bathrooms, and cook meals. Not only will you be teaching them that hard work produces reward, but these skills will serve them well when they are living on their own.

Teach them to earn what they want

If a child works to earn something, they value it more. If you want to buy them a car, purchase a used one that needs repair and teach them to work on the repairs themselves. If they want a large ticket item, encourage them to get a part-time job and earn the money to pay for it. Save the gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Once they learn this simple truth, it will be much easier to explain to them that you expect them to contribute financially to their college education.

Explain the difference between wants and needs

This is a valuable lesson they will carry with them into adulthood. Today’s kids are accustomed to instant gratification; but saving for something teaches them that just because they want something, it doesn’t mean they need it. If they are committed to save for it, they will re-examine whether or not they truly need it. When they are away at college, this will be the first question they ask themselves before pulling out an easily obtained credit card.

Encourage giving

Giving to others will show kids how to bless others when they are blessed. Finding people in need will give than an appreciation for their own blessings and cause them to re-evaluate those “things” that they find so important in lieu of saving to help others.

Teach them to save

Putting money away in a piggy bank or savings account teaches them to save for future purchases. When they learn this, you are teaching them to plan for the future and this should follow them into adulthood.

Always remember that kids mirror their parents’ behaviors. If they see you frivolously spending and raking up credit card debt, they will follow your example when they go off to college.

Scholarship Friday, scholarships, Uncategorized

Scholarship Friday: Scholarships You Will Love

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scholarships you love
photo courtesy of Zinch

Roses are red,

Violets are blue

Check out these scholarships

And snag some college funds too!

Zinch gathered together a short list of scholarships with deadlines in February and March. Sign up for an account and you can access all the pertinent scholarship information and apply through their site. And here’s a plus–if you win the scholarship Zinch will match your award up to $1000. I can’t think of a better reason to use their scholarship match and application service.

Check out Zinch’s list of Scholarships You’re Sure to Love

parenting, Uncategorized, Wednesdays parent

Wednesday’s Parent: These Tactics Won’t Spur Action

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college prep actionI tell so many people I work best under pressure. It’s not an excuse; it’s a fact. As you can imagine though, it’s stressful. Chasing deadlines may work when you’re self-employed, but it’s not a habit you want your college-bound teen to adopt. Every teen, unfortunately, procrastinates. It’s a part of their nature; and the college prep process on top of other life activities lends itself to procrastination.

Knowing that all teens (and some parents) procrastinate, what should you avoid when trying to motivate them to action during the college prep process.

Don’t be a bad example

We all know that our kids mirror us and our actions. If you college-bound teen sees you putting things off, procrastinating on tasks, and ignoring things that need to be done, why should they take action themselves? If you want you teen to tackle tasks as they become available and submit applications and forms before the deadline, model that behavior.

Don’t be a nag

Nagging never works with a teenager (and rarely works with a spouse). At some point they learn to tune you out. By the time they become teenagers all they hear is “blah, blah, blah”.

Don’t do it for them

Many parents get so tired of begging and nagging, that they opt to do it themselves. They complete the applications, write the essays, answer emails and take care of all the college related tasks. Yes, it happens; and colleges know when a parent is “helping” with the process.

Don’t lay on the guilt

Every parent uses the guilt tactic. Guilt will do more damage than motivate. If your teen begins to feel that they can never please you, it affects their self esteem. And they will stop trying because they feel whatever they do it’s not enough to please you.

Don’t jam it down their throat

There is a fine line between helping and encouraging and forcing your teen to do things. If your teen is not exhibiting any interest in test prep, college searches, scholarship searches and applications, perhaps there is a reason that needs to be addressed. Forcing them to write an essay will not produce a successful result. Making them apply to college when they don’t want to go will only cause bigger problems in the future.

You know your teen and you know what motivates them. Don’t use these tactics that rarely produce effective results.

Conversely, read Wendy’s blog on what you CAN do to motivate them to action.

 

college visits, how to, Uncategorized

How to Demonstrate Interest in a College

 

demonstrate interestBelieve it or not colleges want to know you are interested in attending. This interest will have an effect on their offers of admission. If they give you a coveted “accepted” slot, it only makes sense that those slots will go to the students who demonstrate interest. They are selling a service and they want interested customers, not casual shoppers.

Even if you can’t visit campus due to travel restraints, don’t despair. There are other ways you can demonstrate interest in a college.

Scheduled High School Visits

Colleges visit high schools. The ones in your area or state will be more likely to visit and connect with students and if you’re interested, this is an excellent place to meet the college representatives. It’s the old “put a face to a name” philosophy that works to your advantage when they are sifting through application packets.

College Fairs

Most cities have college fairs where colleges send their representatives to connect with students. Don’t just walk by the tables and collect their brochures and booklets. Speak with someone and fill out a card with your information. They see thousands of students during this fair and this face to face opportunity should not be neglected.

If you don’t have a college fair close by, consider attending CollegeWeekLive’s college fairs. These fairs are conducted entirely online and attended by college representatives. You can connect using your computer’s webcam and ask any questions you might have. It’s the next best thing to a local college fair.

Campus Visits

There is no better place to connect than during a campus visit. Make it official by signing up for a tour on the college’s website. Once you’re there, schedule an interview with an admissions officer and a financial aid officer. Talk to them about your interest in their college and ask any questions you might have at the time.

Social Media

Social media makes it easier than ever to connect with colleges and their representatives. You can follow them on Twitter, friend them on Facebook, connect with them on LinkedIn, and follow their Pinterest and Instagram accounts. Demonstrate genuine interest and contribute to the conversations; but don’t flood their accounts with replies and questions. In this case, less is more.

When application decision time rolls around you should have established yourself as an interested candidate. College admissions officers should be able to look at their records and see that you demonstrated interest. Some will remember your face, look back on your interview and be able to recall any conversations they had with you during the  admissions process. You will trump anyone who hasn’t expressed interest and was simply a casual shopper.

study tools, Uncategorized

Flashcards: An Effective Study Tool

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flashcardsStudents are always looking for more effective ways to study and parents want to help when possible. Two students, Michael Bollinger and Max Holnaicher “are using technology to take an age-old learning method – flashcards — and bring it into the 21st century,” says Microsoft’s dailyedventures.com. With SAT and ACT tests approaching, CardKiwi.com flashcards could be a valuable resource when used to study vocabulary and math formulas.

FreeTech4Teachers.com : “Card Kiwi is a flashcard service whose appeal is its simplicity. Flashcards on Card Kiwi are text only. As you flip through your flashcards you rate your understanding by simply clicking thumbs up, thumbs down, or thumbs sideways. Card Kiwi will show you the cards that you rate with a thumbs down or thumbs sideways more often than the others until you’re using the thumbs up on every card in your set.”

“Spaced repetition works, increasing knowledge retention by up to 50 %,” says B. Price Kerfoot, an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School. What are the advantages of spaced repetition? “In fact, in one memory study, students who used spaced repetition learning techniques were found to have outperformed other students in over 95% of cases (Cepeda et al, 2008).“

To summarize: using cardkiwi students will save time (they can share the work of creating flashcards with their friends) and significantly improve their recall rates. The application is so simple to use, they even have kids in grade 2 using it.

Watch this simple video that explains how it works and your student can join for FREE and begin using it immediately.