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Cyberbullying: What Is Cyberbullying and How to Stop It

Cyberbullying affects countless teens and adolescents. A 2019 study of 4,972 middle and high school students in the United States between the ages of 12 and 17 shows that 36.5% of the students have been cyberbullied in their lifetimes. Other studies report that 60% of young people had witnessed their peers being bullied, but they didn’t intervene for fear of becoming targets themselves. Victims of online bullying are much more likely to use alcohol and drugs, avoid school, have poor grades, experience depression and low self-esteem, and may even contemplate suicide.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a broad term and is any form of abuse repeatedly directed at a child through technology by another child. According to “Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying,” cyberbullying is defined as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.” 

The difference between traditional bullying, which takes place in person, and cyberbullying, is that the latter must involve the use of technology. Additionally, to be defined as cyberbullying, the interaction between two or more people must contain the following elements:

  • The action must be willful. The behavior has to be intentional, not accidental.
  • The incident must have occurred more than once. Bullying reflects a repeated pattern of behavior.
  • The victim must perceive that harm was inflicted.

Cyberbullying takes place online through social media sites, like Facebook or Snapchat, in chat rooms, or via instant messages or text messages on their mobile phones. Types of cyberbullying include:

  • Sharing and posting videos or photos on social media of a person that are cruel in intention or violent.
  • Sharing and posting videos or photos on social media or via text messages that are sexually explicit or display violent sexual behavior.
  • Making threats of physical harm towards a person or telling someone to kill themselves via email, text, or social media. Threats may also include family members.
  • Attacking a person online or via text messages regarding their physical appearance, religion, sexuality, disability, or mental ability, or mental health.
  • Impersonating another person online to trick someone into revealing personal details, and then sharing it with others.
  • Hacking into another person’s social networking sites, instant messaging apps, or email to send false and cruel messages to others.

With 95% of teens reporting going online at least once daily and 45% stating that they are “online constantly,” the amount of potential exposure to cyberbullying is high. Unlike bullying, cyberbullying can be unrelenting and seem inescapable since it is online and on mobile phones. It can happen at any time of the day, follows pre-teens and teens home after school, and is often completely anonymous.

Cyberbullies can create fake social media profiles and download apps that provide temporary disposable numbers that allow them to send threatening text messages without the victim knowing the identity of their attacker.

In addition to the anonymity, messages, images, and videos can also be spread very quickly via social media sites, instant messages, and group text messages. Once the information has been shared it’s impossible to permanently delete the information since it can be downloaded by others and repeatedly uploaded.

Facts About Cyberbullying

  • A poll of 200,000 students showed that 70% of teens had someone spread rumors about them online.
  • Girls (38.7%) are much more likely to be victims of cyberbullying than boys (34.1%). Girls also dominate social media, while boys tend to play videogames.
  • Over 12% of LGBT youth have been cyberbullied. 58% experienced hate messages and 35% received online threats.
  • Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are the top three most popular social media platforms for teens. According to a recent report, teens are commonly bullied on Facebook (42%), Instagram (42%), Snapchat (37%), WhatsApp (12%), YouTube (10%), and Twitter (9%).
  • The report also shows that 67% of teens who are online almost constantly have experienced cyberbullying, compared with 53% of less frequent users.
  • Bullying, cyberbullying and cyberstalking are closely related. Children who are victims of traditional bullying in school also experience cyberbullying at home. Children who bully traditionally will also bully other children on social media and with text messages.
  • In a 2019 study, 16.1% of boys and 13.1% of girls admitted to cyberbullying another person at least once.
  • Over 95% of teens have a cellphone, making texting one of the most common means of cyberbullying.
  • 22.5% of teens say mean comments are the most common type of online bullying. That is followed by online rumors (20.1%) and sexual remarks (12.1%).
  • 35% of teens had sent a screenshot of someone’s photo or online status to laugh at them
  • 61% of teens say they were cyberbullied because of their appearance. Lesser reasons include: Academic achievement/intelligence 25%, race 17%, sexuality 15%, financial status 15%, religion 11%. The other 20% lists “other” as the reason for being bullied.
  • 64% of victims who are cyberbullied through instant message know the bully personally.

Cyberbullying Laws

Each state has different laws and policies regarding bullying, however, there is no federal anti-bullying law at the moment. As of November 2018, 50 states have anti-bullying laws, 48 states include a definition of electronic harassment in their anti-bullying laws, and 44 states include criminal sanctions in their cyberbullying laws.

Montana is the only state that does not require schools to have anti-bullying policies. It does, however, provide for criminal sanctions against harassment by electronic means. Of the 49 states that have mandatory school anti-bullying policies, 17 states have mandatory off-campus anti-bullying policies. Off-campus policies have been proposed in Georgia and Nebraska.

How to Stop Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is an issue, but it’s one that can be stopped. There are many online resources to help both parents and children cope with cyberbullying and prevent it.

What teens can do…

…if you are a target of cyberbullying:

  • Don’t blame yourself for the unfair treatment you are receiving. Bullies have often been the victims of bullying themselves and they treat you poorly so that they can feel control and power.
  • Don’t retaliate with more cyberbullying, it’s best to just ignore a cyberbully if you can. You can block them on social media and block texts from them if you don’t want to see it. Bullies are looking for a reaction when they attack a person, if you turn the other cheek they go away.
  • If the cyberbullying is getting out of hand and it feels like it is too much for you to handle talk to a trusted adult and ask for advice.
  • Keep a record of the cyberbullying in case you decide to report the cyberbullying to authorities. With the proof of cyberbullying directly on your phone and computer it can be easy to prove that you are being threatened and attacked by a cyberbully.
  • Report offensive social media posts to the company. If you don’t like what is being posted about you report it. If you are being harassed by text by anonymous numbers you can screenshot the text, block the number, and look it up in a reverse phone lookup app, like CallerSmart. In our app you can also report a harassing number by leaving your feedback so that others will know to also block the number.

…if you see cyberbullying:

  • Don’t become a part of cyberbullying by sharing posts, texts, images, or videos which hurt others. Take a stand against cyberbullies.
  • Support the person who is being bullied, take the time to listen to them and let them know that it’s not their fault. Even if you aren’t friends with the person being bullied, reach out and let them know that it’s not their fault and that how they are being treated is not right.
  • Report the offensive behavior. Most social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram, have made it easy to report posts that are inappropriate.

…to protect yourself from cyberbullying:

  • Be careful with what you share online about yourself. If you share overly personal information publicly and even privately via text or private message a person could use it against you in the future.
  • Don’t let other people use your smartphone since it contains personal information and people can access your social media accounts from it.

Pre-teens and teens usually won’t share what is happening to them with their parents, so it’s important for parents to pay attention to any changes in their child’s attitude and talk about the effects of bullying and what to do. Nearly 60% of parents of children aged 14 to 18 report that their children have been bullied. Even if you don’t think your child is a victim, they could be seeing cyberbullying everyday.

What parents can do…

…if your child is being cyberbullied:

  • Make sure your child feels loved and supported. Have open and frank discussions with your child about what is happening. Encourage ignoring the cyberbully and the temptation to retaliate.
  • If the problem continues help your child collect evidence and discuss reporting the cyberbully to school authorities. Go over setting up stronger privacy settings in social media accounts and make sure they know how to report posts that they find hurtful and cruel.
  • Don’t let your emotions get the better of you. Hearing that your child is being tormented can inspire a range of emotional reactions, one of them being anger. Make sure to be thoughtful and a good listener, don’t react quickly. This will only create more confrontation and problems.

…if your child is a cyberbully:

  • Your child may be a cyberbully because they were at one time bullied, either in person or over the internet. Talk to them about what they are doing and how they are hurting other people, make sure that they understand the severity of their actions.
  • Talk to them about why they are doing what they are doing and listen to them, don’t react out of anger.
  • Monitor their online and phone behavior to make sure that they are not continuing this type of behavior.
  • If the problem persists and it doesn’t seem like an isolated offense involve your school authorities in order to show your child that this is a major problem. You may want to seek professional counseling to help your child overcome their problem.

…to prevent cyberbullying from happening:

  • Keep the family computer in a public area where you spend a good deal of time.
  • Encourage “offline time” with your family. Try to have everyone disconnect for an extended period of time every evening, this could include having family dinner or practicing some shared hobbies together.
  • Have open conversations about bullying and cyberbullying, discuss why it’s wrong and what your child should do if they see it.
  • Make sure your child knows how to maintain their “digital reputation” and knows not to share personal information that they wouldn’t want made public with anyone. Discuss how to use privacy settings and talk about how to block unwanted content and texts. Teens can report offensive posts, images, and videos to the social media company, they can report and block harassing phone numbers in a community phone book.

For more information on preventing cyberbullying and what to do if you’re experiencing cyberbullying ConnectSafely.org and the Cyberbullying Research Center has many resources for teens, parents and educators.

This post was provided by CallerSmart.

5 Steps for Bringing Mindfulness to the Classroom

Educators today must do far more than teach content. We are expected to figure out how to get students to access the curriculum, “shut off” distractions and focus during lessons, stay calm and sit still during long high-stakes exams, and work cooperatively. But doing all this is much harder than it was 10 years ago.

In a world of digital distraction and information overload, we are constantly pulled away from the present moment. For many of us, it feels as though we are multitasking 24/7. Are students of the digital age interconnected or are they disconnected from others, and from themselves?

As they contend with the digital world, teachers can find a great ally in mindfulness meditation. We can use it to enhance students’ attunement, promote connection, expand cognitive capacity, and gently challenge relational patterns, with the self and others.

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, boost working memory, focus attention, reduce emotional reactivity, and increase relationship satisfaction.

What is mindfulness? It’s surprisingly simple: It’s when we bring attention to the present moment, nonjudgmentally. And I think it should be included in every teacher’s toolbox.

As a public school science teacher who has established a mindfulness practice in her classroom, I’d like to offer a few easy steps to help you get started, even if you are brand new to mindfulness.

Step 1: Make it relevant. Before you jump into meditation, discuss shared experiences with your students, like how often we find ourselves distracted during class, anxious while finding friends to sit with in the cafeteria, or worried as we take high-stakes exams. Then explain that it isn’t your job just to teach content, but also to teach students ways to access the curriculum and grow socially and emotionally. Let them know that scientific research supports the effectiveness of meditation. When students’ feelings and experiences are considered and they believe mindfulness meditation is relevant, it increases “buy-in,” or an openness to engaging in an unfamiliar process.

Step 2: Explore the mind-body connection. After you discuss the relevance of mindfulness in school, draw attention to the mind-body connection. Do this by trying out different poses or postures and sharing how everyone feels in them. You might have the class stand with their feet planted flat and firmly on the ground, and then on their toes, and then on the sides of their feet. Have them stand up straight and then slump over in their seats. Ask them to turn their palms up and open, and then clench them shut. Have everyone press their lips shut and then gently let their jaws drop and lips part.

Students quickly report feedback, revealing that they feel more alert when sitting up straight, that they feel “grounded” and far less insecure when their feet are planted flat on the ground, and that they feel less tense when their hands are relaxed, open, and up and when their lips are gently parted and their jaws are soft. After exploring various poses, optimal body posture for mindfulness—posture that is conducive to taking in deep breaths of oxygen, promotes muscle relaxation, and allows energy to flow—suddenly becomes intuitive.

Step 3: Find an anchor. Help students find an anchor that works for them. Anchors are helpful ways to bring us back to the present moment when we get distracted. Two that I use often are focusing on breathing and feeling your feet in your shoes. Explain that it’s common and normal for your mind to wander, especially when meditating. The key to mindfulness is simply to recognize it and bring attention back to the present moment, often with the help of an anchor.

Try giving your students an example: Perhaps you find anxiety creeping in as you worry about catching the bus when the bell rings. You can manage this if you catch yourself and draw your attention to your feet planted firmly on the ground. Notice your warm cozy socks. Notice your solid footing. If you are still feeling anxious, follow your breath through your nostrils and deep into your belly. Notice the cool air as it enters your nose. Notice the warm air as it leaves your body. You will find yourself back in the present moment where you are safe, where there is no danger.

Step 4: Do it with compassion. Once students are feeling open to the practice and have identified postures and anchors that work for them, introduce the theme of compassion. A mindfulness practice won’t be very helpful if students are hard on themselves when their minds wander or when they don’t experience immediate success. You want them to be curious and kind. Practicing mindfulness in a nonjudgmental way means being aware when the brain is rigidly labeling something, and instead pausing to find a more flexible, generous perspective.

Step 5: Give it a try. After teaching the power of posture and anchors and the importance of compassion, try meditating with your students. If you feel confident enough to lead the practice, I suggest starting with a basic body scan. To do this, gradually bring awareness to different parts of the body, taking in breaths to relieve tension and stay present. If you are not confident yet, try guided audio meditations.

A few of my favorite websites offer free guided audio meditations. They are Fragrant Heart, Meditation Oasis, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness, and Tara Brach. Browse the various intentions listed and choose the ones that are most appropriate for your class. Typically, 10-minute meditations are long enough to be impactful but short enough for young people to stick with. You will find mindfulness meditations that address everything from bullying to test anxiety.

Writer and meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn said: “The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” Teachers, create space—vital moments—for mindfulness in your classrooms. With your eyes closed, a slow deep breath, and an eagerness to expand in a way that brings greater academic success and personal fulfillment, begin the journey today.

This article was originally published by Education Week. Cynthia Roy has been a high school science teacher for 14 years. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass., and is the author of the blog www.moveshakeeducate.com.

Self Care Tips for Counselors

While we are fighting the good fight, protesting injustices, demanding equality and the right to live while also attempting to protect ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic we have to remember to care for ourselves.

As educators we not only have ourselves to consider but we encounter hundreds of personalities daily. Students, colleagues, administrators, parents. We engage at a high level every single day for hours on end. The relationships that we create while teaching are meaningful ones therefore we can be overcome with feelings of helplessness especially in an uncertain time like this. 

Since forever school has been a constant. The academic calendar has been second nature in our society. September to June 8am – 3pm. Clockwork. For students, parents and educators alike. The shutdown has upended our sense of normalcy on a scale that is unprecedented. 

Feeling the loss of milestones like graduation, prom, end of year trips, school traditions 

Being empathetic to our students as they miss their classmates

Feeling unprepared to be a virtual teacher

Mourning illness and loss of life

Managing our own homes at the same time

This time off from “normal” only heightened the responses to the injustices that have been occurring in the black community. Amaud Aubury. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. 3 names in a list of 100s that were wrongfully killed at the hands of law enforcement or those pretending to be because they were black. The country reached a boiling point and many of us took a stand. Protests. Peaceful and non peaceful sprung up all over evoking a cry for justice. A cry for help. 

As a black woman educator from Philly who teaches/counsels black and brown inner city children everyday both circumstances combined affected me in ways that I could not have imagined. 

There has been a burden on us educators. It hurts. All of it. There are so many unknowns so many things wrong and most people in education are natural helpers. We want to fix, teach, mold, do. This pandemic has impeded our ability to help in the ways we are accustomed. I have a couple of tips to help us refocus.

1.  Have self compassion/ give yourself grace

2.  It’s ok not to know no one has all answers

3.  Know that this is a shared experience. Many of us are tackling the same stresses. You don’t have to carry the burden alone. 

4.  Take care of the basics. Get enough sleep, eat enough and more healthy, exercise, drink enough water. Fuel your body so your basic  survival tank doesn’t run empty. 

5.  Feel your feelings. Remember that you are a person too so it is ok to feel it before you deal with it.

6.  Unplug – social media, news, youtube less consumption tv/news/social media

7.  Express yourself, get in out. Be creative, draw, dance, write, talk. Find a way to release what is inside of you. 

8.  Educate yourself on things that are stressing you out. Mad about racial injustices read articles about prison reform or police practices, uncertain about teaching virtually? Sign up for a virtual learning webinar. Increase your knowledge base so you can feel more secure.

9.  Make a loose daily schedule and dedicated workspace. This will free up mental space if you know what you are doing when and where each day. Less mind pollution.

10.   Do not overbook yourself. 

11.   Just be. Take time. Sit and be still. Breathe. You dont have to be everywhere, doing everything at anytime. Take a moment to be exist in the moment. Do nothing. Go inward if necessary or veg out on TV. We don’t have to be super productive or “on” all the time. Relax.

Be kind to yourself educator. You cannot face this world ready to tackle the perils of Covid 19, racism, police brutality and virtual learning for your students and own children on an empty tank. We’re all in this together. Take care.

Dana Martin

College Advisor – dana.martin@masterycharter.org

Life Coach – danamartincoach@gmail.com

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Enrollment is down across the board – What can you tell your students who are not thinking about College due to COVID-19?

Enrollment is down across the board at traditional Colleges (4% according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center) with Freshman enrollment particularly lower year-over-year (19%). Junior/Community Colleges saw a drop of 23% this Fall in first time student enrollment. The primary reason is COVID-19 and the uncertainty it caused last year’s crop of high school seniors. Some students have opted to stay closer to home rather than enroll out-of-state, while others have decided to take a break from education altogether. International students, who have become a key part of many institution’s enrollment strategies in recent years, have faced visa delays, travel bans, and immigration restrictions.

There is some good news on the horizon though. Several different companies have reported very positive results in their vaccine trials and many experts are saying we could begin getting back to normal around May-June 2021. Many of your students live in the now though and aren’t planning ahead. Waiting until May to decide which College (if any) they want to attend next year could be disastrous as many spots could be filled.

Here are some tips you can share with them to get them motivated:

  • Start planning now: Many Colleges are offering even better financial aid packages to entice students. The earlier they apply the higher chance they have of getting some of those dollars.
  • College still pays off: Studies have shown over a lifetime College graduates continue to earn substantially more than non-College graduates. Hammer this point home to them.
  • Expand your career options: Having a college degree opens doors that would otherwise be closed. Ninety-nine percent of jobs created since the Great Recession have gone to workers with at least some college education, according to a 2016 report by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.
  • College is fun: The friendships they make will last a lifetime and there are many fun activities they can participate in (Greek life, extracurricular clubs, intramural sports, etc.)

Many of your students may be in a rut due to COVID-19 and the non-traditional senior year they are having to go through this year. Keep them pumped up and looking towards their future. Hopefully, if the experts are right, at this time next year it will be a distant memory and they will be enjoying their first year at their institution of choice!

Slow Down You Move Too Fast

By now, you’ve surely done several reviews of your students’ college essays – first those early apps and now regular admissions.

Whether they are in the content, structure or polish phase of the essay writing process, it’s important to review slowly.

At Wow, our message is the same for Common App personal statements, UC Personal Insight Questions, activity essays, Why College X essays and every single other type of supplement.

Slow Down.

It’s important to read every essay you receive (whether it is a first or final draft) without a red pen, or your hands on the keyboard.

Open the document.

Read it. (Remember, no pen, pencil or keyboard allowed.)

Take a few moments to digest it.

Then ask yourself two key questions:

Question 1: How has this essay improved (from idea to draft or from early draft to later draft)?

Question 2: How could it improve in clarity? (Notice that we did not say “How could it improve?” That question usually leads to “ugh! My students can’t write.” or “I wish it was more elegant.”

  • Then give your feedback.

Because if you move too fast, you are likely to overdo it. In an effort to improve the essay, you can unintentionally edit out the student’s voice. And that voice is the one thing admissions officers tell us time and again they want. It’s the thing they wish they saw more often.

We know you don’t want to do that!

About the Author

Kim Lifton is President and Co-founder of Wow Writing Workshop a premier college application essay coaching and professional training company, offering private, virtual writing coaching services to professionals and students throughout the world.  Since 2009, Wow has been leading the college admissions industry with our unique approach to communicating messages effectively through application essays, including personal statements, activity and short answer essays and supplements.  Kim leads a team of writers and teachers who understand the writing process inside and out. Kim blogs regularly about the college essay’s role in the admission process for multiple industry publications and websites.

Want more info on essay reviews? My partner, Susan Knoppow, recorded a Pro Chat all about essay reviews. You can watch a recording here

Questions? We’ve got answers.

MONTHLY FREE WEBINARS FOR STUDENTS AND PROS

Pro Chats: Every month we record a new College Essay Pro Chat. Check out the last recording, or sign up for next month’s webinar. Wow CEO Susan Knoppow will answer your questions live for 30 minutes.

Free Student Classes starting in February: If you’re a school counselor who wants to help students with the basics, encourage them to sign up for my next free student class, or listen to the recording. You are welcome to sign up, too.

Dorm Room Decorating Tips for your Students

Many of your students will be leaving home for the first time when they go off to College. Here are some great tips from Rooms to Go on decorating their dorm room:

Make the Most of the Space

Square footage is at a premium in university housing, so having some dorm room furniture that can serve multiple roles is key. Whether they want a bed that doubles as a couch or a convenient footrest with hidden storage for game controllers and spare blankets, picking items that maximize their shared space can go a long way.

Beds for Their Dorm Room

Everyone wants a cozy place to sleep, especially hardworking students. There are a range of options that can help them feel refreshed while getting the most out of their space, so finding the best bed is a breeze.

  • Loft Beds: These raised beds come with an array of features that allow them to save space, as well as personalize it. Choose from options with a built-in desk and sturdy bookshelves so theycan stay neat and organized. Some lofts even have attached seating so they can lounge while they binge-watch their favorite shows between classes.
  • Futons: A convertible futon offers the comfort of a bed and convenience of a sofa in one compact design. Equipped with plenty of plush cushioning, these pieces create a place to kick back with their roommate or catch a quick catnap before the big exam.
  • Bunk Beds: Another possibility, if their roomie agrees, would be to get a bunk bed. Ideal for smaller layouts, these beds provide a cushy spot to rest, as well as leaving space for desks, chairs and kitchen appliances in the room. Need storage? Models featuring a trundle can hold clothing and linens.

Dorm Room Desks

Almost as important as the bed is an area to do schoolwork. While most campuses have student lounges or a library students can go to for a few hours, having their own central hub can help them focus when it’s crunch time.

  • Computer Desk: The perfect size for a laptop, these desks provide a fuss-free way to study in style. With their spacious tops, students have ample room for their computer, as well as any notebooks, textbooks or course material they may need. Add a desk lamp for late-night cram sessions.
  • Storage Desk: Storage desks offer a place for them to tuck away the clutter when guests stop by. Open shelves are a great way to keep track of binders and loose papers, while large drawers are a handy spot for books, office supplies and any odds and ends they may have lying around.
  • L-Shaped Desk: Have an empty corner of the room? An L-shaped desk may be just the right fit. Built with enough room for two computers, some models allow them and their roommate to work side-by-side comfortably. With the additional space, they will have enough surface area for all of their course materials, books and packets of ramen.

Other Dorm Room Essentials

Want to make their dorm feel like home? Picking out unique accessories, whether it’s lighting or accent pieces, can allow their personality to shine through. With multiple hues and designs, there are many ways to make their dorm decor special.

  • Ottomans: A useful choice for any dorm, an ottoman can function in many different ways. Use one as a footrest when friends come over or as a coffee table by using it to hold snacks and drinks. Some types also have storage for even more functionality.
  • Throw Pillows: Add a touch of style to their abode with a few chic toss pillows. They can pile these cushions in a corner to create a cozy reading spot or scatter them over their bed to transform their mattress into a comfy seating.
  • Rugs: Spice up their floors with a rug. Select from an assortment of shades and patterns to complement their design. If they share their room, they can also use these carpets to establish clear sections so that everybody has their own area.
  • Lighting: The harsh overhead fluorescents in many dorms can be less than ideal. Counteract this effect with ambient lighting from desk and floor lamps. This way, they can turn up the brightness for group study sessions, lower it for a relaxing evening in or use focused lighting to read in bed.
  • Wall Decor: Upgrade from the typical dorm decor of unframed posters with some artwork. Try hanging a couple of vibrant prints to add some color to neutral palettes. Mirrors are another stylish option that also have the benefit of making the room seem larger.

Remember to check the school’s guidelines when selecting dorm decor, especially before putting holes in the walls. Consider using damage-free adhesive hooks to prevent surprise expenses at the end of the semester.

Ace Their Dorm Design

When deciding what to take with them to their new dorm, always consider versatility. Look for multipurpose items to make the most of their space, and keep in mind how they will need the room to function. With these dorm room ideas, they will be ready to design the perfect spot to sleep, study, relax and entertain.

Transferring – Reasons for Your Students to Consider it as an Option

I know we’re all tired of constantly being reminded just how different 2020 has been, but think about just HOW different it has been for college freshmen. They visited colleges, researched a variety of schools, made their final lists, they wrote their essays on why they wanted to attend each school, they jumped for joy when the acceptances rolled in and adjusted to the tough news of a rejection.  And then, they made a decision on where they were going to spend the next four years of their lives. Covid was supposed to go away over the summer and then their fall semester was going to be everything they dreamt about. They anticipated attending sporting events, going to parties, making new friends from their dorms and their classes, participating in Greek life, etc. We all know none, or very little of that actually happened. What an unfortunate disappointment for them.

Many students have spent the fall semester at home learning remotely and while it works for some, it clearly is not as rewarding or engaging as being in a classroom with a fascinating professor and stimulating discussions. For some freshmen, it just isn’t worth the price tag and they are reconsidering their options for next year.

What happens when you and your child determine that it is either Covid’s fault or they chose their college for many, if not, all the wrong reasons? They’re unhappy. You’ve tried talking it through, you’ve tried tough love, it just isn’t a good fit and they want to leave.

Good Reasons to Consider Transferring

  • Financial Necessity – “Why do you want to pay for me to be unhappy?” It is a tough argument to refute when you could be paying as much as $25,000 a semester. The economic plea will resonate with parents, especially as we are coping with the unpredictability of the timing of a vaccine.
  • A “Major” Discovery – Many students enter college undecided about their majors, then they take an interesting course and get hooked. But their college doesn’t offer their new passion as a major and they want to transfer. Far more common however is the student that said they “knew” they wanted to be a biomedical engineer, is eking through introductory engineering course and now says “What was I thinking?” If your student has genuinely become passionate about Environmental Management, or some other specialized major, and they’ve researched colleges with strong departments and you believe their decision is rational versus emotional, this could be a very good reason to transfer.
  • Academic Upgrade – If your student isn’t being sufficiently challenged and is beginning to lose interest in their academics, transferring to a more competitive college could be the answer. It is important to note though that being a star performer at any college will have its own rewards including research opportunities, stellar letters of recommendation, strong graduate school admissions and career recruitment.
  • Recognition of Needs – Often students from small high schools will select large colleges and universities declaring that they “want something different”. Most students adjust quite well. However, some students who are accustomed to a degree of hand-holding; from their parents and/or their high schools are jarred by their newfound independence. They often feel that the university is too big and impersonal and want a more intimate learning environment.
  • Culture Clash – Sometimes the party scene at colleges can be too intense. It also happens, although not as frequently, that students feel that there isn’t enough of a social atmosphere at their college. In both cases, these could be temporary situations. Before targeting transferring as a solution, be sure to discuss the issues and recommend other options.
  • Family Obligations – Some family situations will be aided by having your son or daughter closer to home. If you can anticipate that the crisis is short-term it might be better to consider a “leave of absence” from college.

Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@collegeadmissionsstrategies.com; www.collegeadmissionsstrategies.com

Wait, How Do I Write This Email!?

Email Etiquette and Tips

What is “Etiquette”?

The customary code of polite behavior in social and professional settings

Here are 5 basic rules you should try to adhere to:

Rule #1: Always include a subject and include the recipient’s name in the greeting

Rule #2: Do not write in ALL CAPITALS! Writing in all capitals may convey that you are shouting in your message; and nobody likes to be yelled at! Consider other ways to get your message across and communicate its importance. Using all capitals is not appropriate and can trigger an unintended response.

Rule #3: Be mindful when using abbreviations and emoticons. Save abbreviations like LOL and IDK for text messages with friends. Some may not understand your abbreviations and they are not professional.

Rule #4: Think, review, and proofread before you send! Ask yourself “is this okay to send?” and “did I reread and review this?”

Rule #5: Do not send if…
● The information could hurt/offend/embarrass someone
● The email can be interpreted in a bad way
● The information is not important to share in school or the workplace
● The email could get you in trouble

Here are some general Do’s vs Don’ts:

Do:

•Be clear and concise
•Include your name and the course name each time you email the teacher
•Use professional language
•Remember that there will be a permanent written record of your words
once you click send
•Use a salutation “Thank you for your time!”

Don’t:

•Use keywords which trigger mail to collect as junk mail or spam mail filter
•WRITE IN ALL CAPS!
•Use informal abbreviations or shorthand common to text-messaging:
•gr8 2day LOL OMG TTYL!!!!!!!!!!

These tips are courtesy of Deanna Coyne, School Counselor with Grand Rapids Public Schools and Brittany Mellandorf, School Counselor with Insight School of Michigan

4 Tips for Applying to College During the Coronavirus Pandemic

A lot has changed this year with COVID-19 and College Admissions is no exception. Good Housekeeping outlined 4 tips your students can use as they begin planning for College:

  1. Don’t sweat test scores: Many schools have gone test-optional or test-blind (meaning they won’t look at ACT or SAT scores even if submitted) this year. And when colleges say test scores don’t matter, they mean it.
  2. Attend virtual events: There are no in-person College fairs this year. Many colleges have pivoted to virtual events that offer an even better opportunity to learn about them. Those sessions let even shy attendees talk to current students, professors and counselors via a chat box.
  3. Cast a wide net: Students should apply to at least six schools — including safety schools, match schools and reach schools. That way, they can pivot if they don’t feel safe traveling far, their finances change or their dream school goes virtual.
  4. Don’t let the price scare them off: Once financial aid and scholarships are factored in as well as the likelihood of graduating within four to six years, a private school might end up being the cheapest option.

These tips were from an article in Good Housekeeping. Subscribe to Good Housekeeping here.

November is National Scholarship Month

Scholarships play a vital role in reducing student loan debt and expanding access to higher education. There are many great sources of scholarships including companies that compile lists of available scholarships such as Fastweb, Scholarship Owl, etc. and most College’s offer scholarships for various majors/types of students.

Here are some good statistics regarding scholarships courtesy of the National Scholarship Providers Association:

  • The number of scholarships awarded has increased by over 45% in the last 10 years.
  • Each year, an estimated $46 billion in grants and scholarship money is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and the nation’s colleges and universities. An additional $7.4 billion is awarded through private scholarships and fellowships.
  • An estimated $100 million in scholarships goes unawarded each year. This is mostly due to a lack of applicants. There’s plenty of money out there to help pay tuition, you just need to find it and work for it!
  • An estimated $2.6 billion in Pell Grants were left unclaimed in 2018-2019 Academic Year. Make sure you take advantage of all the “free” money you can find to help pay for school by filling out the FAFSA.
  • Scholarship providers evaluate many factors when selecting scholarship recipients, not just grades. You don’t have to have a 4.0 GPA to be considered for a scholarship.
  • Are you an Amish Descendant? Or do you enjoy Gypsy folklore? Or perhaps you or a family member works in the fence industry! There are lots of niche scholarship awards out there, you just have to find them!
  • Don’t be fooled by scholarship scams! You never have to pay a submission fee, registration fee, or any other kind of fee to apply for scholarships!
  • Scholarships make college more affordable and reduce the student debt burden.
  • Scholarships expand college choice allowing students to pursue a more selective or expensive college.
  • Scholarships increase the college graduation rate.
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