Archive for the ‘Preparation’ Category

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Moving to college

Thursday, 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.

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Receiving tuition reimbursement from your employer

Sunday, 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.

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The college admissions process

Thursday, 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.

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To-do list before leaving for college

Wednesday, 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.

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Working on-campus

Sunday, 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.

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Saving for college

Saturday, 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.

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Getting along with your college roommate

Sunday, 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.

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New York’s 529 College Savings Program

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Paying for college can be really expensive but you can get a head start by planning well in advance. Since college education costs increase year after year, it’s hard to imagine coming up with the amount of the tuition needed unless you started saving from the time your child was very young. In fact the sooner you start, the better. There are a lot of options when it comes to investing for your child’s education, and one of the most flexible and convenient ways is New York’s 529 College Savings Program. It offers a wide range of investment choices, tax-free withdrawals when used for qualified college expenses, and contributions which are tax-deductible for New York State residents. 

Here are some of the benefits of New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan: 

  • You don’t have to start with a large amount – you can initially invest as little as $25 by check, electronic bank transfer, automatic investment, payroll deduction or by moving assets from other college savings accounts.  
  • Qualified distributions from 529 plans are federally tax-free which means that your savings grow tax-deferred and earnings on your withdrawals are exempt from federal income tax when used for qualified higher education expenses. The New York State income tax deduction for those who utilize NY’s 529 is up to $5000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for married couples filing jointly. There are estate and gift tax benefits as well.  
  • The beneficiary can use the account to pay for tuition, fees, books, room and board, and supplies at any eligible post-secondary school in the US and abroad. Any U.S. citizen or resident alien with a valid Social Security or taxpayer ID can participate in the program. 
  • The Program is managed by Upromise Investments Inc. You can select up to five investment options per account from fifteen possible. Three of them are age-based which means that your assets are adjusted accordingly to more conservative allocations over time as your beneficiary nears college, and the rest twelve are individual portfolios which you adjust yourself according to your own investment strategies and risk tolerance.  
  • Currently the maximum balance is $235,000 and you can contribute on behalf of a beneficiary until the total balance of all Program accounts held for the same beneficiary reaches it.  

If you start early, develop a plan, and invest wisely and regularly, you can save enough to pay for your child’s education. Before making any investment, research each alternative carefully and, if necessary, consult with a financial professional.

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Comparing online colleges

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Many schools offer online degrees and taking course in the comfort of your home is becoming more and more popular among students nowadays. Before you make a decision which one to choose, take into consideration the following factors: 

Admission

Online college admissions requirements vary widely. Some colleges have a regular admission process including essays, recommendation letters and interviews. Others have almost no restrictions as to who may apply and accept all applicants, allowing them to begin courses within a week. Consider your ability to meet admissions requirements and your desired start date.

Class schedules

Different colleges have different requirements on when you are to complete your courses – some may allow you to study at your own pace, some may have deadlines and some may require you to log on at a certain time each week for real-time learning. Determine what the best way to study is for you – ask yourself whether you achieve better results when you have set class times or prefer to study when it’s convenient for you.

College accreditation

That’s one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an online college. Find out whether the school has a regional accreditation – it will make it easier for you to find jobs, transfer credits and use your degree to apply for graduate programs.

Testing

 Course exams are an integral part of every college experience, and online education is no exception. That being said, keep in mind that each school has its unique requirements when it comes to testing. Some require you to take all exams at a proctored testing center, others allow most tests to be completed online. When choosing an online college, think about how you prefer to complete your exams and whether the schools testing centers or campus are close and easily accessible to you.

Residency requirements

When it comes to residency requirements, some colleges allow students to earn degrees entirely through the internet, others require you to attend seminars or summertime forums, and third require students to spend several semesters on campus before they are eligible for online programs. Consider which option fits your lifestyle best and which school would be more convenient to attend if needed – you probably wouldn’t want to travel out of state just to attend a course.

While most degrees offered by colleges are legitimate, some are not, so be sure to do your research in advance. You can easily spot an online degree scam if:

  • There’s no contact information listed on their website;
  • They state that you can earn a degree in just few days or weeks;
  • The college is not accredited;
  • The site sells fake diplomas;
  • Earning a degree from them seems too easy, affordable and fast.

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College study tips

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Studying at college level is undoubtedly harder compared to high school but it can be done in an effective way if you know how to go about your studies. As an individual you need to be very disciplined, motivated, systematic and proactive. If you possess these qualities, studying in college shouldn’t be that difficult. 

We all know know that no two people are the same. Similarly, not everybody studies the same way, especially at college level. A successful method of studying applied by one student might not work as well for another so it becomes all the more important to know what works best for you and apply it while studying in college. Given below are a few tips that can help you make the most of your time and studying.

 The importance of scheduling

 Before you start studying, you need to have a proper and effective schedule you can follow. A proper scheduling can not only save you a lot of time but can also act as a guide in helping you reach your destined goals. Plan in advance what has to be done and at what stage. Study every subject every single day, don’t just study one topic and leave the rest for cramming. Start allocating times for various activities so that none of them will conflict with another. A good and flexible schedule can help you prevent falling behind in your studies.

 Make every second count

 An effective schedule will take into consideration even the smallest aspects of your daily routine work. Be it a lecture, social event or practice, your schedule must cover them all. There will be occasions when you have free time – make the best of it and use it to do something you like and enjoy.

 Study times

It’s very important for a student to know when to study and when studying won’t be very effective. As per the general advice it is better to study when you feel relaxed, alert and have planned for it in advance. If you are not prepared for studying at any point in time, take a break. Get your batteries recharged and get to study immediately after that. Last minute studying or revising is usually a waste of time and energy.

Study places and effective use of time

Time is arguably the most important resource that students posses. Be sure that as a student, you are wasting no time and making use of it effectively in your study activities. It’s also important to know where you study best; selecting an appropriate place to study with no distractions will help you concentrate easier and learn faster. Choose a place where you feel most comfortable – it could either be the library, your room, a quiet spot in the park, etc.

The role of teachers

Remember that your professors can also be a vital source of inspiration while you are studying. Talk to your teachers and ask what the best way to study for their particular subject is.

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