Go to college. Then, get a job. The old adage may have passed its time. Now, the meme may be more like, “Compete to get into college. Go to college; work unpaid internships every semester starting your freshman year, and each summer take more internships, then, hopefully, you’ll get a job by graduation.” According to a…
Tag: High school senior
Homework Blues
Presented for parents who contend daily, sometimes through a full 12 rounds, with their teenagers about their homework assignments: Published May 13, 2015
The FAFSA PIN is Now the FSA ID
When submitting the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for financial aid at colleges and universities all over the United States, parents and students have needed a PIN number as their electronic signature. Recently, Federal Student Aid has changed the PIN to an FSA ID, which will serve as an electronic…
Student Debt in Seven Charts
Not all student debt is ruinous. However, borrowing can be complex. Loans spend tomorrow’s income today, and for college students, a promise of tomorrow’s income is spent to pay for expenses in the present day. Understanding recent growth in student loans and the challenges of repayment can help potential student loan borrowers consider both the benefits and the risks before borrowing.…
Decoding College Admissions Decisions
Acceptance*: What it feels like: “YES! OMG!” And, loud screaming. Maybe some tears of joy (and relief). What it means: You still need to pass all classes in Spring semester with a C or better, otherwise the acceptance can be rescinded. Denial: What it feels like: Rejection. A disapproving judgment of where there’s no discussion,…
The Perils of Scholarships
To many parents, winning scholarships both rewards academic excellence and various leadership achievements, while subsidizing the total costs of college. Even though many high school seniors also desire the benefits of scholarships, many scholarships remain un-awarded. Understanding the timing of scholarship deadlines may explain why action doesn’t follow good intentions.
Guest Post: Is My Nest Going to Be Empty? Part 2
Advice from Louise, who’s two daughters are in their second and third years of college at University of California Berkeley and Cornell University, respectively, for parents with anxieties about their Senior-in-high-school-children, who are soon to leave their childhood homes. Nerves can be heightened at this time of year, as the final college applications are being…
On Being Sick
As we enter the winter season, this year’s class of bacteria and viruses will be waiting to greet students with open arms. While no one intends to be sick, sickness is an inevitable part of life. Yet, once sick, students resist taking time to rest, so as to “not fall behind.” Sickness is disruptive, forcing…
Living with Mom & Dad?
Is the trend shown in the chart below, caused by the increase in student loans, as seen in the following chart? Charts Courtesy: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research & Zero Hedge, October 26, 2014
On Writing
The writing process is not simple nor are perfect college essays developed in one draft. The following is an excerpt from a recent New York Times Magazine article, “Old Masters“: Lewis Latham on writing: When I was 6, I delighted in the act of writing, at 12, in the expecting that by the time I…
Where the Young Live
The following graph shows the top American cities with growing populations of young adults and recent college graduates – indicating growing jobs and features attractive to today’s generations. As cities gain popularity, college applicants may be wise to research the location in order to determine the potential job opportunities and quality of life for after…
Guest Post: Is My Nest Going to be Empty?
About the Author: Both of Louise’s daughters worked with Creative Marbles Consultancy to navigate the college admissions process. Emily is a third year student at Cornell University and Kate is a second year student at University of California, Berkeley. Louise graciously shares her experiences about the transitions as both daughters moved away for college. Before…
Simple Tips For Learning
If you’re the new kid in school, smile often. If you’re not the new kid in school, invite the new kid to sit with you at lunch. Park in the furthest parking spot away from campus. A little sunshine can be just what’s needed to rejuvenate the grey matter. Say “hello” to your teachers daily. Don’t be…
A College Education May Include More Than You Think
“A college education” can simultaneously help teenagers transition to adulthood, prepare for a career, as well as gain academic knowledge. When researching colleges, finding information related to all three aspects of a college education can help families choose the most fitting college in the end. A campus academic environment can be compared with the culture…