Inspired by CMC Clients: To tour or not? Summer is a convenient time for families to visit colleges, yet also is not ideal for experiencing a more authentic view of campuses, as college students are on break too. Empty buildings and deserted pathways demonstrate the majesty of a college, however not necessarily the vitality. Since teens, who may prize…
Stamina, Attitude and Tranquility: Essential SAT & ACT Skills
At approximately 4 hours of testing time, the SAT and ACT measure the endurance of a student, as much as their knowledge and ability to reason. Test taking skills can help students access their knowledge during the long testing period, and pace themselves appropriately. Padma, CMC’s resident 8 year old Renaissance Man, shares the following test…
How Major is a College Major?
Choosing a college major is not the fork-in-the-road life moment, where the only consequences are becoming the next Steve Jobs or complete destitution. Many will equate “deciding a major” with “deciding a career.” However, major choice doesn’t always match exactly with careers. Ask any college graduate if their career directly correlates with their academic major. …
Guest Post: Investigating the Stereotypes about Women’s Colleges
Hearsay and rumors can preclude students from considering women’s colleges. In order to gain more understanding, Olivia and Stephanie, the authors of the following post, share their experiences as students at women’s colleges in different parts of the United States. Olivia currently attends Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA and Stephanie recently graduated from Mills College…
Borrower Beware
Student borrowers aren’t the only ones defaulting on college loans… Chart source: Department of Education & Inside Higher Ed
Economic Recovery?
Even though the news may be promoting economic recovery, a recent UCLA study showing that middle aged parents aged 50 to 64 are moving back into their elderly parents home with kids in tow for financial reasons – may support a competing meme that shows our current financial state isn’t so rosy. To further add…
A Climactic Commencement
Your name blares over the loudspeaker. Your family erupts in the far back corner of the auditorium – all 8 of them that you judiciously chose to award the precious tickets, while tears create black, Tammy Faye Bakker streams of mascara down your mom’s face. You nervously flash a toothy grin, silently telling yourself, “Don’t…
Who Can Afford College?
Presented with no comment. Click to enlarge Chart Credit: zerohedge.com
Guest Post: “The School Part of School”
About the author: Rohan graduated with a full International Baccalaureate Diploma in 2012. He moved from Northern California to the Midwest for college at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He’s currently majoring in Biomedical Engineering and plans to attend medical school. The academic requirements for both engineering and pre-medicine can be demanding. Rohan’s previous…
Parenting Is Neither Simple Nor Straightforward
As if there needs to be more evidence of the complicated relationship between parent and child, the October 2013 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll results stated that 55% of those surveyed would die for their children; yet of those same folks, only 10% would die for their parents. So, while parents may willingly sacrifice themselves, their…
Youthful Lessons
Teenage hubris born of naïve invincibility is often mistaken for insolence – punishable by grounding, cell phone revoking, internet banning, and parental embargoes on any activities outside of school. Yet, teenagers may be mere reflections of humankind’s inherent pride – our belief that we as a species and we alone are masters of the universe. The…
No “Fat lady” Singing For Fall 2014 College Applicants
Every year, many colleges across the United States and internationally still have open slots for Fall enrollment. Even though May 1st is the national deadline to enroll in colleges, Seniors can still apply and be accepted to a variety of colleges for Fall 2014 enrollment. And, not to fear, many colleges are still open to…
Colleges Without Makeup, The Supplement
Social media can give information about the culture of a college campus – beyond the smiling, shorts-clad undergraduates playing Frisbee on the ubiquitous green quad. Of course, any effective search starts with what a student wants in their own college experience, making some self-reflection a priority. About the University of Chicago – from @UofC_Overheard: Theory…
Ahead of the Curve: May 3, 2014
Inspired by Creative Marbles Clients: More often, clients are asking, “How do I pay for college?” The idea that 10-30% of their yearly income will go toward college expenses is a tough nut to swallow for any family. While the answer to parents’ question is more complex than this post, in short, planning, planning and more…
Guest Post: Colleges Without Make-Up
About the author: I’m Kerina, a high school senior interning at Creative Marbles. I’ve lived to tell the tale of having completed the college application process. After all the acceptances rolled in, I was faced with the daunting task of having to choose only one college. I can now happily say that I am committed…