Cutting the cost of college and colleges that change lives

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Studying Abroad – Freshman Year or Later – The opportunity to live and study in a foreign country is seen by students and parents alike as not just a fun part of college, but necessary preparation for working in a global economy. But there are many different types of study abroad programs. Consider these opportunities.

Majoring in Molecular Biology – Molecular biologists explore cells, their characteristics and parts, chemical processes, and how molecules control cellular activity and growth. They frequently focus on certain types of molecules or work to define the biological processes that cause genetic defects. Majoring in this field prepares students for a wide range of careers in scientific research, medicine, bioengineering, and biotechnology.

Cutting the Cost of College – As financial aid packages arrive, families are faced with just how much college will cost. At many schools, self-help is up, and gift aid is down.  That means that colleges are offering less in the way of tuition discounts or grants and expect families to assume a greater part of the college financial burden.  Luckily, there are ways to cut the cost of college. Explore them here.

Maximizing Your Summer Break – Summer provides the best opportunity for future college applicants to separate themselves from the pack. As the number of students applying to colleges continues its upward trajectory, so too does the need for students to make an effort to distinguish themselves. So how do you get noticed? Doing something meaningful over the summer is one of the most effective ways to stand out.

Colleges that Change Lives – When a college routinely admits B students and transforms them into high-achieving, confident college students, that school is having more of an impact than a highly ranked college that only admits top students. Read on to learn about colleges that do just that!

Qualities of Stem Applicants and Appealing Financial Aid Awards

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Qualities of Stem Applicants – In the face of the increasing demand for qualified graduates, competition for seats in STEM programs has become far more rigorous. To present a competitive application to a strong STEM program, students need to start preparing themselves as early as possible.  These are the qualities admission officers are looking for.

Majoring in Communications Studies – It’s #2 on Princeton Review’s List of the Top Ten Most Popular College Majors – Communication Studies. Sounds interesting and marketable, but what is it, and more importantly, can it help you get a job?

Appealing Financial Aid Awards -If your first-choice college offers everything you want, but the price tag is daunting, don’t give up hope; consider appealing the award. Financial Aid Administrators can use their professional judgment to adjust the package presented.

Dealing with Denial – Sometimes it’s hard to move on to Plan B, but most college applicants will need to deal with the reality of a denial letter from one of their top colleges.  Here are some points to remember.

Crafting an Internship

May’s College Planning Newsletter: Read the full details HERE 

• Summer Plans – Crafting an Internship –  No plans yet for summer? Consider: 1) how can my summer activity be more meaningful to me? and 2) how can my summer activity help me build a solid resume in preparation for a future college or job application?
• Focus on Majors – Geodesign – Want to make a difference in our world? A geodesign major will appeal to students interested in the application of geographic information systems to building more sustainable and resilient communities.  Learn about this relatively new major here.
• Talking to Your Kids About Money – Unfortunately, many families never have a conversation about budgets or even reasonable spending expectations before students leave for college. Parents need to be aware of the realistic costs of books, clubs, activities and midnight pizza runs. Students should not assume there is a limitless debit card at their disposal. Here are some things to consider before you have this important conversation.
• College Search for Students with Learning Differences – Here are some tips to help you identify college campuses that could best fit, academically and socially, the needs of a student with learning differences.

Appealing Financial Aid Awards

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• Three Types of Campus Visits – Whatever your year in high school, visiting college campuses can give you a first hand look at a possible college experience.  The visits differ depending upon where you are in the college search process, but what you learn will be invaluable.
• Focus on Majors – Supply Chain Management – We rarely thought about this before the pandemic, but supply chain issues affect all of our lives. The management of the chain of supplies that bring those products to our homes is an essential and critical component of a successful business.  Learn here about this relatively new major and how it may apply to a variety of career paths.
• Appealing Financial Aid Awards – If your first-choice college offers everything you want but the price tag is making you waiver, don’t give up hope: consider appealing the award.  While colleges and universities won’t encourage it, the financial aid officers are empowered to make adjustments, if deemed warranted.
• Making That Final College Choice – For some students, the final decision regarding which college to attend is the toughest part of the admission process. Here are some tips to help you sort out your options.