The A to Z of College Finances
Tradeoffs – You Probably Can’t Have It All – When you’re putting together a college list, you will probably find some things you love and some things you’re not crazy about at each school. It’s like choosing a partner. You might have a wish-list of 37 characteristics, but if you hold out for every single one, you could be alone for a long time. Some things to consider as you craft your final list.
Majoring in Nutritional Sciences – Americans are obsessed with food. We spend vast amounts of time and money in a quest for the “perfect diet.” None of us ever seems happy with our current self—we constantly seek to lose or gain weight. By choosing to avoid meat or by not eating veal, we use our diets to make political and ethical statements. We look to nutrition to increase both the length and quality of life, and we search for supplements to enhance physical and mental performance. No wonder that a major in nutrition science, food science, or dietetics attracts so many college students.
The A to Z of College Finances – our easy alphabetical reminder of all of the financial components of the college experience.
Leaving for College – A bittersweet time for both graduating seniors and their families. While it’s normal for students to feel nervous about starting college, it’s a wonderful opportunity for a fresh start. This is your chance to become the person you want to be. Sure, it can be scary, but the payoff is pretty great.
How College Admission Has Changed
How College Admission Has Changed – The college admission process wasn’t nearly as anxiety-producing thirty years ago. Parents who haven’t been through it yet have heard horror stories from friends and relatives, but they don’t understand why things are so different now. Learn what’s different here.
Majoring in Health Care Administration – Do you love the idea of a health care career, but hate the thought of all the science classes required for a medical or nursing degree? If so, consider a major in health care administration, one of the fastest growing career paths in the health care industry.
Tax Benefits that Help Cover the Cost of College – Educational tax benefits can help U.S. students offset the cost of college by reducing their or their parents’ Federal tax obligations. Many American families, however, aren’t aware that these programs exist. Don’t be one of the 14 million families that miss out on these benefits each year.
Feeling Stressed – Try a Meditation App – Anxiety levels are off the charts for both high school and college students in our post-Covid world. Meditation Apps can help you get control of anxiety.
Big Fish or Little Fish? – Many people assume that it’s better to attend the most selective college possible, even if your high school grades, test scores, and other measures place you towards the lower end of the college’s student body. The rationale behind this “small fish in a big pond” line of thinking is that students will always benefit from being surrounded by smarter peers, as well as enjoy the perceived prestige of the more selective school. Yet, research suggests otherwise.
Avoiding College Application Mistakes
How Much Should You Disclose? – Whenever you consider disclosing personal information, think about how the information you provide will help admission officers understand your application. Let’s look at some examples of types of information you might disclose.
Majoring in Kinesiology – For active people interested in a science career, a major in kinesiology may be a perfect fit. Kinesiology is the study of human movement, from the molecular workings of muscular control to the process of recovery from massive sports injuries.
It’s Time for the FAFSA – The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the primary form used by colleges to determine eligibility for need-based aid. Learn here how it is used in determining financial aid.
Avoiding College Application Mistakes – When you are working on college applications, a few basic steps can make the process go more smoothly. Make sure you don’t fall prey to these common errors.
Should You Apply Early Action? – Early Action applicants receive their admission decisions earlier in the year. There are many good reasons to apply Early Action but there are also restrictions you need to watch for, and reasons why Early Action may not be advisable.
Adjusting to College Life and Summer Plans Starting a Business
- Summer Plans – Starting a Business: Some young adults score an internship, some are lucky enough to undertake travel that incorporates fun and community service, and others take a summer job in order to squirrel money away. One exciting idea is to start your own business. Here are some ideas to make this a memorable summer!
- Majoring in Fashion Design/Merchandising: Do you love fashion? Are you usually the first in your group to spot the latest clothing trends? Is Project Runway one of your favorite reality shows? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, a college major in fashion merchandising and a career in the fashion industry may be a good match.
- Pre-College Financial and Legal Matters: There are a few legal and financial issues that should be addressed before your son or daughter goes off to college.
- Adjusting to College Life: Nearly every college freshman encounters a few surprises as they adjust to college life. Understanding the most common challenges can make the transition to college life go more smoothly for both students and their parents.
Financial aid packages can be confusing – learn to determine which parts of your package are “great money”
- Undergraduate Honors Programs – Discover what an honors program can do for you! Honors courses are frequently offered in smaller size classes, often taught by top faculty, or they may also offer academic opportunities with visiting scholars. The perks and coursework vary from college to college – learn more here.
- Majoring in Cybersecurity – According to the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs in the information security field are expected to grow 28% through 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Is a major in cybersecurity right for you?
- Great Money – and Not So Great Money – Great money is financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Financial aid packages can be confusing – learn to determine which parts of your package are “great money”.
- What to Do if You’ve Been Deferred –Acceptances and denials are pretty straight-forward. But then there’s the deferral—a kind of non-decision that gives you a second chance at acceptance. If you really want to have that second chance, you’ll need to take a proactive approach and do what you still can to influence the final decision.
