How To Come Up With Funds For College
At this time in history, adults with college-age kids are likely struggling with more than simply meeting tuition costs. High unemployment, home values that are tanking and dwindling retirement funds round off the ugly equation that is today's economy. Even universities and online colleges are feeling the pinch as their scholarship endowment funds take a hit. As a student, you can help make ends meet. Below are some tips to get started:
1. Get an idea of costs involved. The internet has many sites with current tuition charts that will give you a realistic picture of how far your savings will take you. Remember to compare all of the public and private schools that you are interested in. You can also use the web to find financial aid calculators to see if your family might be eligible and estimate how much help you can expect to receive.
2. Cast a wide net when applying. Even if your savings balance isn't enough to cover a high-end school, don't let that prevent you from applying if your grades are up to par. Every college has a different amount of scholarship funding and financial aid packages. Send application materials to a variety of schools to see where the best offer might come from.
3. Don't let the term "financial aid" confuse you. Fill out the forms even if you think your parents make too much money. As your guidance counselor for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and see how you fare. This is the best place to start because it is fairly standard no matter which schools you apply to.
4. Borrow with caution. You've surely heard about the shortage of credit available in today's troubled market. There are student loans with good rates, as well as private loans for your parents if they quality. Be sure to study all of the terms before accepting, however, because the loans will likely follow you around for years to come.
If savings, financial aid, scholarships and student loans still don't add up to enough to get you through a four-year program, keep brainstorming. For example, if you start at a local junior college or community college you could save money by living at home the first year and transferring later. Or, take the year after high school to work. Where there's a will, there's a way, right?
Mary Greene counsels students on choosing and meeting their individual needs.
University Student Lets Within Canterbury – 4 Reasons To Rent From A Private Landlord
There are benefits as well as drawbacks whether you make use of a letting agency or go directly to a private landlord as part of your quest for a student residence. The following are 4 reasons to lease a privately owned place, that should assist you in your hunt:
1. Your total rent should end up being smaller for similar accommodation
In any business area an agency makes its income by charging a percentage for acquiring and sending business to some corporation or person. This is no different in the rental market and consequently the rent could well be higher when using an agency in comparison to the prices you can normally pay out with a private landlord. This is really a comparison ideally made on a matching basis, in which the properties should be of the exact same standard.
2. Zero administration expenses to pay out
Rental companies will impose some sort of administration payment for processing your case, whilst you shouldn't be charged an administration fee by the particular landlord regarding organising your tenancy of the home he or she are the owners of. This offers the likelihood of saving you a lot of cash, maybe 100s of pounds.
3. Forge a better rapport with the landlord
Whenever dealing with an agency, you are effectively a name within a book and part of the process. When you deal directly with the landlord, you're much more certain to build a rapport with him or her, mainly because you may see them directly and speak to them on the telephone. This builds a better tenant/landlord rapport in addition to trust between both parties.
4. Landlords could be much more open to your own ideas
Usually, independent landlords might be a lot more versatile in working along with you plus any suggestions you may have relating to your tenancy plus the home itself. That involves the layout of furniture, any garden related issues and so forth, to ensure that the house is much more of a home to you. Ultimately the house belongs to the landlord, so they have the ultimate say, nevertheless, at least you have one to one communication with them. You may also have the ability to make a deal concerning matters like summer rent, when you will not be actually located at the actual property.
When you're searching for your ideal student home within Canterbury, you'll be able to save money, perhaps a lot of cash, when you avoid rental agencies and look for respected private landlords. You may devote extra hours trying to find a privately owned residence, however the long-term advantages will vastly be greater than the disadvantages.
If you are looking for UK, check out the link to find out about private landlords who appreciate the importance of finding the right student house.
The Advantages of Deferring College for a Gap Year Adventure
If you're in the process of deciding which university or online college to go to, there's another option that's becoming increasingly popular. It's called a gap year; time spent broadening your horizons before launching into your college career. Many college administration offices are starting to see students who are fresh off of a gap year as desirable candidates. Why? The conventional wisdom is that these are young adults who have a good sense of what they want out of life which puts them ahead of the game.
Why? For one thing, you won't be declaring a major until you've experienced a different kind of life than the one you grew up with. Imagine what spending a year studying art museums in Florence (Italy) can do for a young adult who's never really left Florence, Kentucky. Broadening your horizons might just change the course of your career before you even really think about one. Most would agree that changing your mind about a college major is far better before you get too far down the road in your studies.
The best way to ensure that your gap year experience is truly beneficial to you once you head off to college is to put yourself in a completely different kind of world.
Don't forget, the gap year is all about gaining a new perspective on the world you live in. You'll want to see new things, meet different people and experience a different culture if possible. There are new languages to master, vastly different histories to get a grasp of, and much, much more to learn and experience..
There are more resources springing up every day to help you and your parents decide what kind of gap year plans would best benefit you. Start by going to your high school guidance counselor. There are yearly fairs with educators, sponsors and plenty of anecdotes from students to learn from.
Just make sure that you don't have so much fun that you decide to slack off for a while. After taking a year to evolve from high school student to young adult, you need to come back home and put your newfound maturity to good use. You have an education to attain so that you can sustain your body and your mind for the rest of your life.
James Dunbar counsels students on alternative educational options, , , and financial aid.
Does a Graduate Degree Make Sense for You?
It's no secret that unemployment has been rising over the past couple of years and those who are lucky enough to still have their jobs are concerned about keeping them. One of the businesses that are thriving in the midst of all of this is academia. That is, graduate school programs. Employees are either looking to start an entirely new career or prove themselves worthy of advancement in their current fields. If you're among them and are considering going back to school here are some things for you to consider first:
1. Would a graduation degree make a difference? In some industries, it just doesn't matter how many degrees a person has because advancement isn't dependant upon them. In others, however, an MBA or PhD would make all the difference in earning potential. You'll want to do some research to determine if it makes sense for you to invest the time and money for graduate school. Or, if you've been on the fence about changing fields entirely, look into whether an advanced degree makes sense in your desired area. If the industry rewards employees with areas of specialty or certain certifications, you have your answer.
2. How will you pay for it? You should know that financial aid isn't as easy to get for graduate school as it is for undergrads. There are, however, fellowships, loans and grants available through the government as well as the university that you can apply for. If you intend on staying in the same field, there's always the option of asking your current employer if they reimburse the costs of you furthering your education. For would-be students who are embarking on a new career, you could accept an entry level position before you start grad school in hopes of securing reimbursement for your schooling once you quality.
3. Will I be accepted? Even in non recession years, getting accepted into a graduate program is serious business. With an increase in applicants during hard times, schools openings can be hard to come by. If you've already established some work experience, however, you may be in a better position than a recent college graduate, so there's hope!
4. How will I make it work for me? First you need to be honest with yourself about what kind of student you have been in the past. If you are great at multitasking, perhaps you can keep a part-time job while you begin your program. If, however, you know from experience that you need to be able to focus entirely on the task at hand, you'll need to have enough cash reserves to get you through without having to work while you study.
One final thing you should consider is just how much you love the area of interest you will be pursuing. If you don't absolutely love the subject, the sacrifices that you make won't be with it. Learning will become a big part of your life in the short term and at grad school level, it isn't something to be taken lightly. Make sure that you are passionate about the process and have plenty of time to dedicate to it.
Shelly Clark is an education writer who specializes in higher education topics which include programs, student loans, scholarships, and online graduate programs.
A College Double Major: Is it Right for You?
For some college students, declaring a major is even harder than deciding which university to attend. Imagine debating whether or not to go for a double major. Doubling up your college course load can be beneficial down the road, or it could simply be a waste of your time and money. It all depends on the courses you choose and how long it takes you to graduate. Here's the thinking:
How quickly can you earn the second degree? If you can do so within two years of earning your first degree, it's probably worth your time and financial investment in the long run. A general rule of thumb is that if it will take longer than that, a graduate degree relating to your first major would serve you better than simply another bachelor degree. While it's unproven whether two majors make you a better candidate for a job, it's clear that a graduate degree does.
Make no mistake - a double major can be a valuable asset in the right circumstances. If, for example, your two degrees create a certain synergy in material it makes perfect sense if you can attain it within a reasonable amount of time. Let's say you are journalism major and you'd like a second degree in political science. You would fare far better in an interview for a political magazine position than a journalism graduate.
There is also an argument to be made that earning a double major shows prospective employers that you've demonstrated a willingness to take on a big workload. It also illustrates that you have broad interests and can adapt to different types of thinking.
Completing a double major won't necessarily make it easier for you to gain acceptance into a graduate program. What admissions is looking for there is your willingness to dig in and work harder than ever before in a university setting. Earning two undergraduate degrees, while nothing to scoff at, doesn't prove that.
Talking with your college advisor is the best place to start. You will learn your universities policies and get some guidance about which areas go together and are of interest to you.
Randall Williams is a school administrator who writes a weekly blog on and .
Show Your Style – Count Your Pennies
Your very own dorm room. Your home away from home. How will you go about making it "yours" something that reflects your personal style without breaking the bank?
Because your bed will be the biggest piece of furniture in the room and will be the focal point, plan to spend a bit more on a comforter that shows off your style. When picking a comforter, too, though make certain it's washable and hides the dirt. Speaking of your bed, will you bring your current one from home? Is it feasible to pack it and bring it with you, where will you sleep on holidays when you go home if your bed isn't there? Things to consider when thinking about your college dorm room sleeping space. Maybe you can get a futon from a used furniture store - something to double as a bed and couch.
As dorm rooms are typically not as large as your bedroom at home - and because you might be sharing that space, invest in plastic storage bins to hold clothes, office materials. Plastic storage bins can double as a dresser and be slipped under your bed or stacked in the closet.
You will be doing a lot of studying in your room, so make certain you have a place for your computer, whether you're using a laptop or a PC. If you have a laptop, invest in a laptop desk and you can work while sitting on the bed. If you can't afford a desk, fashion one out of a sturdy piece of wood and place it atop plastic storage containers (the containers can do double duty).
Saving money in some areas is all right but make sure when it comes to lighting your room, you have adequate lighting. Nothing is worse than squinting at the text in your books because the lighting isn't proper. Before you buy a light fixture determine whether you'll be putting it on a desk, or if you'll have lamp that affixes to the wall above your study space.
Remember, too, a place for your toiletries. You may have to use communal bathroom facilities so make certain to have a space set aside for your bathroom essentials and invest in something you can tote your items to and from the shower area.
You will likely be spending a lot of time in your dorm room, whether entertaining friends or studying for exams. Make sure it's a haven but don't go overboard on decorating. Keep in mind, too, that once the school year is over you will need to find a temporary home for your new belongings. Plan ahead.
Marti Ross is an education columnist whose interests include campus life, , financial aid, and programs.
Continuing your education will change your life
Young people, upon graduating from high school, are often so relieved that they do not think enough about their future. Many are initially happy just to find a job and put schoolwork behind them. However, it becomes apparent before too long that having a higher education, certification or other qualifications can make all the difference in what opportunities will be available. Having that graduation degree is the best gift you can receive, for it will have a great positive impact on how you build a career.
In current economic times, finding a job that will allow you to move up professionally is more challenging than ever, and competition is fierce. Having an advanced degree will give you an edge that will open doors for you, making it easier to grow and obtain higher-paying positions. Whether you have post-secondary education or higher, these degrees will always be there to fall back on. Therefore helping to fund your higher education is the greatest gift your parents can offer you.
As potential employers pore over applications and conduct interviews, they want somebody who has a solid academic education. Experience can be acquired, but a good academic background is indispensable. Companies will unfailingly choose a person with requisite knowledge and education over the competition. These people have more to offer the company because they already know the business without needing to be taught. Educated employees benefit both the company and themselves. By helping the company they also ensure job security, good pay, and ability to move through the ranks and meet their own personal goals.
Your favorite teachers might have given you wonderful graduation gifts and advised you to pursue higher education in order to have a secure future. You might have managed to land a decent job but it would be in your own interest to take up higher education even if your present job does not warrant the same. The moment you have acquired additional degrees and certifications, you are faced with plenty of opportunities to take up better offers, when they come your way.
In fact, higher education has the practical effect of increasing your salary. With more advanced qualifications, you can even begin at increased salaries, and you may even be better situated when promotions are available within a company. The barest bones of qualifications will not get you these boons. More generally, respect in our world, within and without the office environment, increases with increasing education.
For these reasons parents and teachers would do best for students and children by recommending that they continue into higher education, and, if possible, help them to pay their way through. Educated individuals are well-rounded with a rich pool of knowledge to offer prospective employers. They are more likely to succeed and to be more financially sound. This advice is the best graduation present a young person can receive. By heading directly into higher education, young people prepare themselves to face life well-prepared and more likely to succeed personally and financially, doing something they enjoy.
Graduation is an event that brings by a lot of feelings and emotions. So why not make it special with a ? Go to TheBasketSpot.com and have fun while shopping for graduation gifts and .
How to Avoid Dropping Out of College
College students in the'60's may have been enduring a socially turbulent time, but at least only one in five of them dropped out. Thirty years later the dropout rate increased to one in three and today it's estimated that a whopping fifty percent of college students never stick around long enough to graduate. What gives? Mostly, it's the financial pressure to stay afloat while paying tuition that causes the dropouts, but there every drop out has a reason.
1. Social issues: Many students are either homesick or simply feel as if they don't fit in. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some students fit in a little "too well" and spend most of their time socializing.
2. Academic pressure: Some students can't handle the level of intensity at the college level compared to high school. Another factor that contributes to the dropout rate is if the college you've enrolled in doesn't turn out to be a good fit once you get there. Sometimes students like the idea of a big campus until they actually try to learn in the midst of 100 other students in the lecture hall, for example. What if you study for a while and decide to change your major and the college doesn't offer it?
3. Find a support system right away. Don't wait until you feel overwhelmed to look for a guidance counselor or even a dorm aid. Even though the help you need might not be as easy to find as your high school guidance counselor was, there is help of all kinds in place on campuses. There are mentor programs and internships, as well, to help you advance along the way.
4. A student or an employee? It's likely that you'll have to be both at one time or another during your college career. Can you handle both? The dual role is exactly the reason that some students end up dropping out. You can increase your odds of success by cutting back on costs as much as possible and making sure that your nest egg can handle some time to focus on your studies. If you play your cards right, working during the summer and school breaks might just be enough to tide you over until you can earn your degree.
Every student's hopes, dreams and goals are different. As such, so are the reasons for dropping out for a growing number of college kids every year. If you want to handle the above stumbling blocks, make sure your coping skills are stronger than the obstacle, for starters. Keep your eye on the prize and work through it.
Mike Mower dropped out of college twice before winning an academic and earning an .
Avoiding Failure in College
You've moved into your dorm, met your roommate and divided the closet space. Now what? There's no better time to set some priorities for your time here before the social aspect of college can sweep you away. Some 58 percent of the people who start college never end up finishing and you want to be sure that you put passing your classes first on your list. If you always keep the following things in mind, you'll be well on your way to staying on track:
1. Be prepared for an adult workload. High school is nothing compared to what is expected of you at the college level, so if you honestly don't feel ready to buckle down you might consider working for a year or two before taking it on.
2. Keep looking for a major that you really enjoy. Even if you feel strongly that the major you declared was right for you, it's not uncommon for students to change direction once they get into their area of specialty. That's okay. It's better for you to stay engaged with something than to simply go with the flow. College is a great time for experimentation with various courses of study. After all, you need to consider what will hold your interest for the rest of your working life.
3. Stay engaged in the classroom. Not only do you need to show up, pay attention, ask questions and keep the line of communication open with your professor so that you don't fall behind. If you find out that a classmate is struggling, offer to explain what you know. (It's a good chance for you to review at the same time.) Take really good notes, even from the very first day of class. Then, go over them every night. Everyone pulls an all-nighter before an exam now and then, but being ready for tests means keeping up with the material every single day.
4. Keep the partying under control. Having fun and hanging out with new people is indeed part of the college experience, but not at the risk of flunking out. You can blow off steam as a reward for a job well done, but don't make hitting the bars a habit just because they're there. Libraries are there, too, right?
There's no denying the fact that the college years are vastly different from every other stage in a person's life. If you think about it, everything you've done prior to now has led to this. What's more, the years that follow will be directly impacted by the education you receive during these next few years. If you keep your priorities straight, you'll end up among the 42 percent of students who make it all the way.
Beth Rome is a Colorado high school teacher who contributes articles to websites on programs, and online education.
What’s Behind the College Drop-Out Rate?
Getting into college is an important task for high school seniors, but just as important as getting into college, is being able to complete four years of college and get a degree. There are a number of reasons why students drop out of college, and if you are aware of these reasons before you begin college then it can help you to make a success of your college years.
The first factor causing many students to drop out of college is lack of motivation. A lot of students enter college simply because that is the thing to do. All their friends are going to college and that is what their parents want them to do. If you are not really sure why you are going to college then you may be in for a difficult experience. That's why it is a good idea to understand why you are going to college and see how success in college fits in with your plans or vision of your life after college.
Another important contributor to college attrition is that beginning college students can't cope with the newfound freedom that they get when they enroll in college. This problem is compounded for students who are living away from home for the first time. In college class attendance is often not mandatory, which is a far cry from high school, where any absence can result in a call to your parents. And if you live away from home, you can now stay up and party and do things you would never be able to do at home. As you can imagine, if you miss classes regularly and don't establish a proper routine of living, this could spell your academic downfall. Learning how to be self-disciplined will go a long way towards a successful time in college and in your years after college.
Anther factor contributing to drop out rates that is related to the problem of handling freedom is the question of how to balance social life with academic life. Many students drop out because they get into a habit of excessive dating and partying and neglect their studies. This can go on for a short period but it will eventually spell disaster for their grades. If you can learn how to budget your time between work and fun then you can avoid this pitfall and avoid failing your courses and dropping out.
Another contributing cause of student failure in college is that many young students do not have the skills needed to deal with the huge amounts of work they will get in college. College lectures are often more difficult to follow than high school classes, and reading and writing assignments are similarly more difficult. If you develop good note-taking skills before you enter college it can help you to deal with the lectures and the reading assignments. Good writing skills are also invaluable for success in college, and if you can develop them before or while you are at college then it will greatly increase your chances of having a successful career in college.
These are some of the reasons why students have trouble in college and why many never complete their studies. If you are conscious of these factors and take precautions you will greatly increase your chances for success in college.
Esther Marshall has written on more than 30 education related subjects, including programs, financial aid, and scholarships for adults.