Moving to college

June 10th, 2010

Heading off to college is an exciting and life-changing experience. Whether you are moving to a nearby city or across the country, taking a few steps to plan and prepare will make the transition to your new home a little easier. 

Start early
If you don’t give yourself enough time, moving to college can leave both parents and students physically and emotionally drained. Start sorting through your belongings at least a month before moving and don’t wait until the last moment to collect packing supplies and boxes. Once you know where you’ll be living, find out what’s provided for you. Usually the most affordable solution is the college’s student housing or dorms which come furnished with beds, dressers, night stands and other basic furniture. Living on campus will also give you a chance to get to know the new city or town, make friends and find out exactly how much living on your own costs. If you’re moving to an unfurnished apartment, you may want to consider bringing your furniture with you.

What can you bring?
After you’ve decided where you’ll be living and know what’s provided for you, it’s time to determine what else you’ll need to bring. If it’s your first time moving away from your parent’s home, you will need to go shopping for a few basic necessities like a microwave, linens, towels, etc. If you chose to live on campus, it’s a good idea to ask whether you’re allowed to bring more furniture since the rooms are rather small and you’ll probably be sharing it with a roommate. If you are given permission to bring additional pieces, find out if the extra stuff will fit in the space – they typically don’t allow for the existing furniture to be removed. As for electronics and appliances like TV or a small fridge, ask the administrative staff at the residence for a list of items that are allowed. Since some dorms have a limited amount of electrical output, this will determine the number of appliances to be used. Here’s a list of some of the more essential items you’ll need:

  • Clothes
  • Linens and pillow cases
  • Pillows and blankets
  • Medicines
  • Mirror
  • Towels, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers
  • IDs, driver’s license, checkbook, ATM cards
  • School supplies
  • Fan or space heater
  • Address Book
  • Alarm clock
  • Clothes hangers
  • Laundry basket
  • Laundry detergent
  • Computer
  • Pots, pans and dishes if needed
  • Extension cords

Facilities
Although every residence is different, they all have laundry facilities, a communal kitchen and an eating area. Ask whether your fee includes meals or you can cook your own food. Inquire about any parking fees if you plan to keep a car on campus.

Insurance
If you plan on keeping any valuables in your room or apartment, it’s a good idea to get home insurance. Once you’ve moved in, the property owners are not responsible for damage or loss of your stuff so make sure you’re covered in case anything is stolen or destroyed.

You can avoid moving unnecessary items by asking the college staff and your roommates about what items are needed and allowed. Make sure you label all your things and take extra precautions with any valuables and breakable items.

Posted in Preparation | Comments Off

Private colleges on Long Island

May 24th, 2010

When researching post-secondary education options, you’ll probably be overwhelmed with the large number of institutions to choose from. No matter where you live, it’s likely you have access to private, public and community colleges which offer programs of study related to your field of interest. If you can afford it, education in private colleges comes with a number of benefits such as smaller class sizes allowing for individual attention, emphasis on skills development and up-to-date training, directly applicable in the workforce.

Adelphi University

1 South Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
(800) ADELPHI

The main campus in Garden City offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, post-doctoral study and adult education programs in arts, education, business, clinical psychology, social work, nursing and other health sciences. Adelphi University is committed to providing a high-quality education for all of its students.

 

Briarcliffe College

1055 Stewart Avenue
Bethpage, NY 11714
(516) 918-3600
 
225 West Main Street
Patchogue, NY 11772
(631) 654-5300 

Briarcliffe College has two campuses located in suburban Long Island; it offers professional educational programs in various fields of business, technology and graphic design at diploma, associate, and baccalaureate levels.

 

Dowling College

Idle Hour Blvd.
Oakdale, NY 11769
(631) 369-5464

Dowling College serves more than 6,500 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students through its four schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education and Aviation. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, Dowling offers small classes at convenient times, each led by faculty members who are active leaders in their respective fields.

 

Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6600

With more than 140 undergraduate and 150 graduate programs in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business, Communication, Law, Education and Allied Human Services and Honors studies, Hofstra University offers all the resources you need to succeed in your chosen field of study.

 

Hunter Business School

3601 Hempstead Tpke,
Levittown, NY 11756
(516) 796-1000
 
3247 Route 112, #2,
Medford, NY 11763
(631) 736-7360

 With two locations – in Levittown and Medford, Hunter Business School trains you in a minimum amount of time so that you won’t have to spend years away from family and friends. Their programs can be completed in less than a year. Their programs include accounting, business, medical billing, networking and many more.

 

Island Drafting & Technical Institute

128 Broadway,
Amityville, NY
(631) 691-8733

The school offers specialized training in just 15 months, with Associate Degree programs available in the following fields:

  • Computer Aided Drafting and Design – Architectural
  • Computer Aided Drafting and Design – Mechanical
  • Electronic and Computer Service Technology

 

Katharine Gibbs School – Melville

320 South Service Road
Melville, NY 11747
(631) 370-3300

Katharine Gibbs School offers career based courses of study, including in-demand fields like criminal justice, graphic and web design, business administration and health care management. Located in Melville, New York, near the intersection of the Long Island Expressway and New York State Route 110, Katharine Gibbs School provides career training to Long Island’s residents. Small class sizes and skilled faculty promotes each student’s personal growth and success.

 

New York Institute of Technology

Northern Blvd.
Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000
(516) 686-7520

New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), founded in 1955, offers undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees in more than 100 fields of study. It provides career-oriented education and has more than 15,000 students.

 

Sanford-Brown Institute

711 Stewart Ave, Fl 2nd,
Garden City, NY 11530
(516)247-2900

At SBI, they focus on short-term programs that give you the opportunity to customize your skills in order to meet the specific needs of a future work setting. Their health care training programs can be completed in as little as nine months. New classes start approximately every five weeks, with flexible day and evening scheduling.

 

Seminary of the Immaculate Conception

440 West Neck Road
Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 423-0483

The Seminary of the Immaculate Conception is the Roman Catholic center of theological education, and pastoral and spiritual formation on Long Island. It offers Master’s degrees in Theology and Divinity, and a Doctoral degree in Ministry.

 

Southampton College

Long Island University
239 Montauk Highway
Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 283-4000

The college provides credit and non-credit courses for career advancement and personal enrichment to nearly 1,000 students. The School’s Center for Creative Retirement engages post-career residents in study of current affairs, the arts, history and science.

Posted in Colleges And Universities | Comments Off

10 Reasons to attend a community college

May 2nd, 2010

With the ever increasing costs of college education, expensive four-year residential colleges may not be the best option for everyone. In many cases, attending a community college first and then transferring to a university is the smartest choice a student can make. Here are ten reasons why:

1. Community colleges are cheaper

Attending a community college costs a lot less than public or private four-year college because local taxpayers fund them in part, so students can get affordable education, a higher paying job in the future and contribute back to the community. If you don’t have enough savings and your test scores aren’t that great to win a merit scholarship, community college is a great option which can save you thousands of dollars.

 2. Flexible learning schedule

At most community colleges you can take weekend and evening courses, so you have more time juggling other obligations in your life like a job and family. Regular colleges rarely offer this type of schedule; generally you’ll be busy with classes and studying throughout the day, leaving you with very little time for anything else. Besides that, you can work with your instructors to make up for missed coursework online, and what’s more, many education programs in community colleges are available as online degrees.

 3. Your test scores or grades are weak

If your tests scores and grades aren’t that great to get you into a four-year college, don’t be discouraged. Community colleges offer open admissions which means that you can use this time to build your academic skills and gain experience. Later, if you decide to transfer to a four-year school, the transfer admissions office will consider your college grades as much more important than your high school record.

 4. Convenient Locations

Community colleges are usually conveniently located at the hearts of towns and cities, where you can use public transportation to and from your classes, thus saving money in travelling expenses. As an added incentive, many community colleges have daycare facilities on the premises for students with children.

 5. Certification and Associate Degree Programs

Some technology and service careers don’t require a four-year degree but just a certificate or an associate degree, and the type of specialized training you need is only available at community colleges.

 6. Small class sizes

Class sizes at community colleges are usually small, allowing you to get close one-on-one attention from your instructors.

 7. You’re not sure whether you should go to college

Most students feel that they should go to college because that’s what’s expected of them but they’re not quite sure why. If this applies to you, community college can be a good choice. There you can try out some college-level courses and see if this is something you want to do. After all, the number of freshmen signing up for college is far greater than the number of students who actually graduate.

8. Transferable credits

You can take some classes at a community college and then transfer to a college or university bachelor program for continuous education. Most universities accept many if not all of the credits from two year schools. By doing so you’ll not only save money but you’ll also be able to finish with core requirements and subjects at the community college and concentrate on your major while attending university.

 9. Sports

Some community colleges have sports and athletic teams (football, basketball, swimming, etc.)

 10. Quality of education

While many people consider community college education to be not as good as that in private schools or universities, it is a key access point to higher education. So if you’re still hesitant about attending a community college first, don’t be. Many successful people start out at such colleges.

Posted in General | Comments Off

Receiving tuition reimbursement from your employer

April 18th, 2010

Employers have an interest in making sure that their employees are skilled and knowledgeable in order to succeed at work. That’s why many large companies offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who take courses related to their field of work. These companies, however, have strict policies on how long the employee has worked for them and the period of time they’re going to stay with them in the future. After all, employers don’t want to waste money on short-timers. Before asking your employer to pay for your education, you should be familiar with certain facts and restrictions. You should also be aware that reimbursement equals refund which means that you will be expected to pay for your tuition upfront and if you don’t complete your courses successfully, you’ll probably never receive a refund.

Amount of reimbursement
Employers won’t typically reimburse full tuition without caps and limitations. Sometimes, the established cap is a dollar amount, and others – the number of classes for which reimbursement will be provided. Some businesses pay for books and fees, while others don’t. Companies may offer to pay for an entire degree or, more often, will pay only for classes related to your job. Many times tuition reimbursement is treated as income and may be taxed that way so research this aspect in advance.

Grades
Many employers reimburse your tuition according to the grades you earn. For example, if you get an A, you will be reimbursed 100 percent, for a B – 75 percent, and 50 percent for a C. In order to get your money back, you’ll need to present proof of completion, the grade you earned and a receipt that proves you paid yourself.

Signing a contract with your employer
Read the fine print! Some companies require you to stay with them for a certain period of time after you’ve finished your education. Leaving before fulfilling this commitment will probably require you to pay back the educational assistance in full. Also find out when it starts – from the time you file the paperwork, from the time of your first class or from the time you receive your reimbursement. Discuss any parts that raise a concern. Don’t sign a contract that forces you to meet unrealistic or unfair terms.

Degrees covered
Talk with your manager about which classes or degree you’re interested in, and how this fits in with your current or future position with the company. Many people assume that some classes just won’t meet their employer’s requirements, but that’s not necessarily so. If the degree of your choice meets the distribution requirement, you’ll probably get the approval.

Companies of all sizes offer tuition reimbursement. Some may need a bit more convincing than others but the important thing is not to give up – explain to your employer that compensating for classes will pay off in the long run. Paying your tuition may actually cost less than hiring and training a new employee with the degree you are studying for. Keep in mind that if you are turned down the first time, you can always apply again in a few months.

Posted in Financing Your Education, Preparation | Comments Off

The college admissions process

April 1st, 2010

The college admissions process is very competitive, and your chances of getting into your top choice schools greatly depend on preparing yourself and meeting all deadlines. In the beginning of high school it may seem like you’ve got a lot of time until college but grades from 9th to 12th grade matter and they’ll affect your GPA and class rank. However, don’t be discouraged if you haven’t done so well during your first or second year of high school; most colleges consider the last two years as more important than the first two. Extracurricular activities are another aspect colleges consider when reviewing applications. Being involved in a meaningful activity shows a college that you’re a well-rounded and ambitious person.

Junior Year

Take the PSAT in the beginning of your junior year. True, this test’s score is not considered in the admissions process but you can get an idea of whether or not you’re prepared for the SAT, and it can also win you a National Merit Scholarship. It’s a good idea to tour campuses and talk to admissions personnel so you’ll know what’s required for a notable application. While you can wait and do that in your senior year, visiting an exciting college can also help motivate you to earn good grades in order to get accepted.

Take the SAT or ACT in the spring of junior year. You’re allowed to take these tests more than once and colleges consider only your highest scores so the earlier you start the better. Look at the required testing for admission consideration for the schools of your choice – it might be a good idea to take both tests. If you score higher on the math section and lower on the writing section, you can retake the test and use the highest score on each section to calculate your cumulative score.

Senior Year

Take challenging classes, especially Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Colleges won’t see the scores from those at the time they are making their decision but they’ll be impressed by your curriculum. Visit as many schools as possible – the more schools, the better. Early in the year start thinking about your college application essay. Almost all colleges consider application essays as either important or very important when making a decision. It’s crucial that the essay contains no grammar or spelling mistakes. A poorly written essay can result in a rejection for a stellar student. On the other side, an exceptional application essay can help a student with average scores get into the college of their dreams.

You’ll need to have taken SAT or ACT by the beginning of your senior year. Many schools have early application deadlines so make sure you meet those by taking your tests early. Give your teachers and mentors enough time to write your letters of recommendation. It’s best to try and spend some time talking with your recommenders before handing them the forms to fill out – chances are you’ll get better recommendations from someone who knows you well and is aware of your interests and talents.

Extracurricular Activities

Admissions departments prefer well-rounded students so participate in various activities like community service or student government, get involved with hobbies and jobs. However, don’t be all over the place with your activities. Instead of being slightly involved in lots of different extracurricular activities, try to really concentrate on two or three; try to make your job, volunteer work, and school clubs related to each other. Also make sure your grades stay good while you are diversifying your interests. If you have a special talent, be sure to let the admissions officers know. Whether you’re an artist, singer or writer, submit a showcase of your work.

Don’t wait until the last moment to mail in your application; admissions offices usually get overwhelmed as the application deadline approaches. Be as natural as possible during your admissions interviews – after all, colleges are looking for human beings, not robots.

Posted in Preparation | Comments Off

To-do list before leaving for college

March 24th, 2010

The summer before college is a busy time for any freshman. There are so many things to do – plan your schedule, buy books, organize your finances, etc. Use this time wisely to prepare for the journey ahead of you. 

  • Go through your closet and pick what clothes you’re going to bring with you. Since dorm room closets are really small, you’ll probably have to leave most of your stuff back home or maybe donate to a charity. 
  • Call your roommate. Most colleges will send you your roommate’s name and phone number before the school year starts so you’ll have a chance to talk to them before meeting them on the first day.  
  • Spend as much quality time as you can with friends and family. The next time you’ll be seeing them will probably be during your Christmas vacation so be sure to let them know how much you appreciate them. 
  • Go shopping. You’ll probably need some new stuff for your dorm room such as a microwave, small fridge, lamps, etc. Just make sure you discuss with your roommate what she’s bringing in advance – you don’t want to end up with two microwaves and no fridge at all… 
  • Make sure your finances are in order and you understand what your financial aid program includes, and what’s expected of you while in college. Know your budget and spend wisely. See if you can get an on-campus job if needed. 
  • Learn the college lingo before you arrive. College life is full of acronyms and new terms so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them in advance. 
  • Double check your schedule. Make sure there are no conflicts in it, and that it will really only take you ten minutes to get from one class to another.  
  • Contact your professors. Ask them what specific materials and books you’ll need for the beginning of the school year. Keep a well organized list of everything you have to buy.  
  • Save as much money as you can during the summer. You’ll definitely need it once in college. No matter how well you plan, unexpected expenses will certainly arise so be prepared. 

You might feel overwhelmed with all the new responsibilities that college life brings. Everything from meeting people to making it through the first week takes a lot of courage but remember – things get easier with time. And don’t hesitate to ask for help whenever you need it.

Posted in Preparation | Comments Off

Working on-campus

February 28th, 2010

Some students need a job for the extra income, while for others it’s a part of the work award requirement. Whatever the reason, try to find something that you will enjoy doing. Sure, there’s the pizza shop and the ice-cream stand but if you’re looking to build up your resume while earning some cash at the same time, getting the right job can make all the difference when graduation rolls around and your “real-world” job search begins. 

One way to look for a job on-campus is to check with the professors in your field of study. Not only can you land an easy job such as answering the phone but it will also look good on your resume, especially if your supervisor is also a professor who can write you a letter of recommendation both as an employer and a teacher. 

Another source is the campus classifieds. If you prefer something quieter, look for positions in the library or the administrative office. If you know someone who works at a job you’d like to have, ask them how they got it and whether they could introduce you to their supervisor. The mailroom is another good place to start – you have a chance to meet all kinds of people. Working in the student activities office will help build business, marketing, public relations, and communications skills. A job as a teacher’s assistant or research assistant can also be very beneficial to you. 

If want a job with very little actual work involved, you don’t need to look much further than the front desk of your residence hall. This usually works out better for students who prefer night shifts – they only need to make sure guests are signed in, while day workers have to sort mail, organize packages, hand out equipment, etc. 

Campus computer labs typically have student positions available for lab assistants. If you know your way around computers, this may be the perfect job for you. True, you do have to be knowledgeable and be able to solve various software problems, printing issues and general questions but you also don’t have to be a computer genius to work at the lab. Such a job can have many benefits – from free printing and copying to discounted software and more. 

A campus tour guide can be a great choice for you if you’re energetic and have good communication skills. Guides usually give a few tours per week, leaving them with enough time for classes, studying and other activities. Its flexible schedule makes it an attractive option for busy students, who love meeting new people. 

Your campus recreational center also offers many positions for students. Whether your niche is yoga, dance, spinning, or aerobics, look to see if your favorite class is hiring for an instructor and apply. 

If you feel, however, that a certain job just isn’t for you, you can always try something new next semester. As long as you are courteous and give a notice to your supervisor two to four weeks in advance, you don’t have to worry about changes jobs too often. This will leave them thinking well of you and give you a good referral.

Posted in Financing Your Education, Preparation | Comments Off

The value of college education

February 15th, 2010

The increasing cost of college education is causing many to question the value of studying beyond high school. Are the high cost tuition and accumulation of debt worth the investment and is choosing full-time employment over college the smarter thing to do? The dilemma is especially difficult for low-income families who have hard time making end meet anyway. To determine whether the value of college education is worth the rather large investment or it’s simply overrated, one needs to take a look at the rates of return on investment to both the individual and society. 

Earnings over lifetime 

Typically college graduates earn around $1 million more than high school graduates over an adult’s working life, supporting the notion that the rate of return on investment in college education is high enough to warrant the financial burden of pursuing a degree. Nowadays about 80 percent of all high school students enroll either in 4-year or 2-year colleges. Although the cost of higher education is significant, given the earnings difference between those who earn a bachelor’s degree and those who don’t, it’s well worth it. 

Personal benefits 

And it’s not just the monetary gain you achieve through college education. Individual benefits that college graduates enjoy include higher savings, improved quality of life for them and their children, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities. College education gives you the power to be more open-minded, cultured and rational. Graduates also tend to be more consistent in their decisions, with all these benefits being passed along to next generations. In addition, college attendance has been proven to decrease prejudice, enhance knowledge of world affairs and enhance social status while increasing economic and job security at the same time. 

Economic growth and social value 

When the people of a country is intelligent and well educated, the nation develops both economically and socially. In most parts of the world, college education is not an option for most due to its high cost. But if you don’t have one, it can get even more expensive over your lifetime. Unlike other purchases you make in the real world, the value of a college education never depreciates. Many studies have shown a high correlation between higher education, and cultural and family values, as well as economic growth. Public benefits of attending college include increased tax revenues, greater workplace productivity and flexibility, increased consumption and decreased reliance on government financial support. 

In case you doubt the value of a college education, spare a thought for those nations which are burdened by the lack or absence of higher education. They are fighting a number of battles every day – wide spread corruption, terrorism, insufficient health facilities are just a few of the issues they are forced to deal with on a regular basis. While it’s clear that investment in a college degree is a big financial burden, the long-term benefits to individuals as well as to society far outweigh the costs.

Posted in General | Comments Off

Saving for college

January 30th, 2010

College education is getting quite expensive these days in most parts of the world. Engineering and medical studies fees have sky rocketed, due to the ever increasing prices of materials and equipment, necessary for the studying of these subjects. That’s why it’s crucial to start saving as early as possible and invest wisely to make the most out of your savings. 

There are many available plans as far as saving for college is concerned, therefore it is crucial to find out which one works best for you but generally a combination of financing methods works best. It’s always a good idea to speak to your financial consultant or accountant before taking any course of action. Here are some tips to help you save for college: 

1. Start saving for college as early as possible. Funding your child’s college education sure seems like a daunting task now, but if you start early you can save a substantial amount of money relatively easy – compound interest only works if you give it enough time to work. But even if you were unable to start saving early, don’t panic – there’s financial aid available for students and many tax benefits for college savings. 

2. You can take advantage of 529 plans. New York’s 529 plan offers a wide range of investment choices, tax-free withdrawals when used for qualified college expenses, and contributions which are tax-deductible for NY State residents. Since these plans allow you to invest the money just as you would for retirement, it also means there is some market risk. As with any investment, there is a chance that your assets might decline in value. 

3. Look into stock options. Even though it may appear a bit risky, the potential earnings and therefore savings could be higher if the right decisions are made at the right time. Again, consult a financial professional before investing your money in any accounts or stocks. 

4. A great number of financial resources in the form of financial aid is available to make your dream of a college degree a reality. The two basic categories are gift financial aid (scholarships and grants) and self-help financial aid (student loans and work-study programs). Financial aid can be federal or campus-based; most students use a combination of the two. 

5. Be well informed. Know what might be available to your college student in the form of financial aid and how to apply for it. Make a plan to estimate what the total cost of your child’s education is likely to be, and start from there.

Posted in Financing Your Education, Preparation | Comments Off

Getting along with your college roommate

January 10th, 2010

If you plan on living on campus, you’ll probably be sharing a room with another student. Even if you’ve grown up with a lot of siblings around you, living with a complete stranger can be very different from sharing a bedroom with your brother or sister. While most freshmen miss their homes, family and friends, they also find comfort in sharing this experience with someone who’s dealing with the same issues – difficult courses, moving away from home, social life, maybe a new job and a lot more. Having a roommate can be challenging in many ways but with a few easy steps you can manage to build a pleasant and supportive relationship throughout the year. 

  • Keeping lines of communication open is essential. Most colleges will send you your roommate’s name and phone number before the school year starts – call them to find out a little bit about them before you actually meet; also discuss who’s bringing what to the room.
  • Establish rules from the very beginning to avoid unpleasant surprises down the road. Don’t assume that your roommate will automatically pick up on your likes and dislikes. Letting them know what you preferences are now can eliminate potential conflicts in the future. For example, if she likes to bring friends over to study, and you prefer studying alone, make a schedule so that you can both have the room at different times.  
  • Respect your roommate and their stuff. It may seem simple enough, but it’s probably one of the biggest reasons why roommates argue. If they don’t like people borrowing their things, respect their wishes, and vice versa – successful roommate relationships are based on mutual respect. 
  • Keep an open mind. Your roommate might be very different from you in terms of religion, ethnicity, beliefs, lifestyle, etc. Be open to new ideas and experiences. 
  • Compromise. This is very important in order to build an understanding and friendship between you. You probably won’t agree on everything but compromising on both sides will help you avoid unnecessary conflicts. If you’re a slob and she likes everything spotless, you should try cleaning up at least in the parts of the room you share.  
  • Personal space is a necessity to everyone and sharing a small room with someone can sometimes create tension. That’s why it’s essential that you each get some time alone – make a schedule with your roommate that allows for an equal amount of time for yourselves. 
  • Address issues while they’re still little. This will help you resolve problems much easier than addressing them after they’ve become big. The sooner you deal with a situation, the better.

 Finally, if you feel that you’ve done everything on your part to be a good roommate but you just can’t get along with that person, consider switching. Colleges always let their students switch roommates in situations like this.

Posted in Preparation | Comments Off

« Older Entries