Articles for High School Counselors

Financial Aid & Scholarship Guide you can share with your students

Earning a degree takes a significant financial investment. At most schools, full-time and part-time students enjoy eligibility for federal student financial aid as long as they attend an accredited educational institution. Many schools offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, including accounting scholarships for undergraduates and scholarships for those seeking a master’s degree in accounting. Schools offer flexible payment plans and reduced tuition rates for military students and their families.

Prospective students should also consider the cost of books, special equipment, learning resources, and materials. Students who travel to and from a brick-and-mortar building for classes must also calculate costs for gas, tolls, and parking. Accounting.com has put together this comprehensive guide on financial aid and scholarships. While they have written it specifically for accounting students the information contained in it is applicable to all your students that plan to pursue a college education.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for Accounting Students

By providing more than $120 billion in loans, grants, and work-study funds, federal student aid helps more than 13 million students pay for educational expenses each year.

Students should apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must seek out admission to a degree- or certificate-seeking program and cannot default on a current loan or owe a refund. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED and boast a clean criminal record. Non-active duty, male applicants must register with the Selective Service System.

To complete the FAFSA, applicants need to submit their social security number or alien registration number and all records of money earned, including federal income tax returns and W-2s; they also need to submit bank statements and investment records. Dependent students will need this information from their parents as well.

Using Savings to Pay for Your Accounting Degree

Personal and Family Savings

Sponsored by a state or state agency, a 529 college savings plan serves as a flexible, tax advantage investment account. Designed to help taxpayers pay for college expenses, 529 plans help with education-related expenses such as tuition and books at accredited colleges and universities. Parents, grandparents, or other relatives often open up a 529 account for young children with the goal of contributing to their education. Any U.S. resident 18 years of age or older with a social security number or tax ID can open up a 529 account. Owners of this type of account can typically withdraw the funds at any time for any reason. The government issues the funds tax free. Keep in mind that 529 college savings plans only apply to states with income tax.

Retirement Savings

Parents can use funds from their retirement savings to pay for school. Traditional IRA or Roth IRA distributions for qualified higher education expenses are penalty free for adults aged 59 and younger — so long as the money goes to a child, grandchild, spouse, or parent enrolled at least half time. Adults aged 59½ or older whose Roth IRA meets a 5-year aging requirement can receive a tax-free distribution. However, early withdrawals are subject to tax liability. When calculating financial aid packages, educational institutions may treat the IRA distribution as income, which may reduce the total amount of financial aid. Loans borrowed against the value of a retirement plan may not be subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty or taxed as ordinary income, but they must be paid back with interest within five years, possibly sooner in the event of changing jobs. Some people choose to use retirement savings to cover college expenses; however, many financial advisors suggest doing so as a last resort given that it could lead to negative financial consequences.

Free Money for Your Accounting Program

Scholarships

Scholarships serve as a great method for financing an education. Students typically receive scholarships on a merit or need basis. Several institutions, such as government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations may award accounting scholarships. Some schools set aside a certain amount of money for scholarships to help students pay for tuition. Other schools offer scholarships based on donor funding.

High SAT or ACT scores, class rank, GPA, and leadership skills count as some of the reasons students receive merit-based scholarships. Other scholarships cater specifically to underrepresented populations, children of alumni, or students majoring in a specific field — such as scholarships for accounting majors.

When students fill out the FAFSA, they automatically apply for scholarships. Students typically need to re-apply each year. Application deadlines and requirements vary by scholarship. Depending on the scholarships, either the student or the institution will receive the funds.

What Scholarships Are Available for Accounting Majors?

AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students
Who Can Apply: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants provides financial assistance to outstanding accounting undergraduate or graduate students from minority populations, including Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, or Asian American. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Amount: $3,000 to $5,000

Business Advisors’ Striving for Greatness Accounting & Finance Scholarship
Who Can Apply: PM Business Advisors awards scholarships to accounting majors with strong academic records. Students need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must demonstrate active involvement within their community. Applicants must also submit a short essay.
Amount: $2,500

Government Finance Officers Association Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Government Finance Officers Association offers several annual accounting scholarships to students pursuing finance careers in state and local government. Academic record, work experience, and future career plans serve as the criteria for who receives awards. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation.
Amount: $5,000 to $15,000

EFWA Scholarships
Who Can Apply: The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting partners with the Institute of Management Accountants to sponsor three scholarships for accounting majors each year. Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate women pursuing accounting degrees qualify, with preference given to those with financial need.
Amount: $1,000 to $4,000

Grants

Similar to scholarships, students receive grants to help pay for educational expenses. More often than not, students do not need to repay grants except in specific circumstances, such as a student withdrawing from school. The main difference between scholarships and grants lies in the fact students receive grants based on financial need rather than academic standing. Students may receive grant funds on a limited or first-come-first-serve basis. The U.S. Department of Education offers the Federal Pell Grant, the largest federally funded grant, to students who enroll on at least a half-time basis. State governments, private foundations, organizations, and corporations also award grants.

When students submit the FAFSA to apply for federal financial aid, they automatically apply for grants. Private grants each list their own set of deadlines and requirements. For example, some grants cater to specific populations, such as doctoral candidates pursuing research or those who work in specialized industries such as accounting or financial management.

Fellowships and Assistantships

Fellowships and assistantships serve as another way to help finance an education. Students receive these awards based on academic merit and available funding. Graduate assistantships typically go to students with research and teaching interests. Assistantships vary in responsibility and compensation, which sometimes includes tuition remission. Generally, the government will tax money earned from an assistantship.

Known for rigorous and intensive trainings, fellowships are short-term professional development opportunities for graduate students. Fellows receive small stipends to cover basic living expenses. Some fellows receive healthcare coverage and loan repayment assistance. Students receive fellowships based on merit and leadership qualities as part of a financial aid package. Application deadlines and requirements vary depending on the fellowship; however, applications tend to include letters of recommendation, writing samples, and an interview.

Federal Student Aid Programs

Authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, federal student aid goes to education-related expenses. Federal aid programs consist of loans, grants, and work-study funds. In the case of loans, students must pay the funds back to the lenders; they do not, however, need to pay back grants. Work-study programs allow students to earn money by working part-time jobs.

To apply, students must complete the FAFSA. Students can fill out the form online or print out a copy. Applicants need their social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, or alien registration numbers — and all records of income. Dependents must provide their parent’s information as well. Once submitted, the applicable schools and the state will review the information. Ultimately, each school’s financial aid office determines how much federal aid students can receive.

Federal Direct Loan Programs

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program is a federal student loan program offered by the U.S. Department of Education. The largest federal loan program for students, the direct loan program consists of four types: direct subsidized stafford loans, direct unsubsidized stafford loans, direct PLUS loans, and direct consolidation loans.

Undergraduate students at colleges, universities, and vocational schools qualify for direct subsidized stafford loans. The amount of money students can borrow varies based on financial need. Students receive a six-month grace period after graduation in which the government pays the interest.

Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at colleges, universities, or vocational schools may qualify for direct unsubsidized stafford loans. In this case, students do not need to demonstrate financial need to borrow money; however, they must pay interest the whole time. Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans require students to attend at least half time.

Graduate and professional students, or parents of dependent undergraduate students, qualify for Direct PLUS loans. PLUS loans require students to attend school on at least a half-time basis and boast a good credit history. Graduate students benefit from a six-month grace period after graduation before having to repay PLUS loans; however, parent PLUS borrowers must start repayment after loan disbursement.

Direct consolidation loans allow students with outstanding balances to combine multiple federal loans into one single monthly payment plan.

Federal Perkins Loans

Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who demonstrate exceptional financial need qualify for the Federal Perkins Loan Program. With the Perkins Loan, the school lends money directly to the student to pay for education-related expenses, and the student repays the school or the loan servicer. Schools determine financial need based on the difference between a school’s cost of attendance and a student’s expected family contribution. Students must attend school on a part-time basis to qualify for the Perkins loan. They enjoy a nine-month grace period before they must begin repayment. The repayment grace period for students enrolled on a part-time basis varies depending on each school. Keep in mind that not all schools participate in the Perkins Loan program. Additionally, the availability of funds at a school may affect the amount of money each student can receive. As a result, not all qualified students receive money.

Federal Work-Study Program

Federal work-study programs provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to earn money by working part-time jobs. Students must demonstrate financial need to qualify. Students may work in areas related to their major course of study. Students can work either on or off campus; however, off-campus jobs must cater to the interest of the public — either in public agencies or private nonprofit organizations. Students may enroll in school on a full-time or part-time basis. Work-study jobs must pay students at least the federal minimum wage. Undergraduate students earn an hourly wage, while graduate and professional students earn either an hourly wage or a monthly salary. A student’s total work-study award depends on several factors, including application deadlines, financial need, and fund availability.

School-Based Financial Aid

Many educational institutions offer school-based financial aid. In this case, the money comes directly from the school’s own funds. Some schools boast initiatives directed at specific student populations— for example, families with yearly incomes below $65,000. Schools may offer financing options, installment payment plans, or need-based loans and grants. Some schools within larger universities may offer grants or scholarships for students in specific majors. School-based scholarships, such as accounting scholarships for undergraduates, often prove competitive. Students may need to fill out additional applications and meet specific deadlines to qualify for school-based financial aid. Individual schools determine the requirements.

State Aid

Students also enjoy state loans, grants, and scholarships; for example, non-profit organizations or regionally based programs often offer state-sponsored aid. Some state-funded grants cater to specific student populations, including low-income students, veterans or military members, students with disabilities, and those pursuing specific fields of study such as accounting. State aid typically goes to those in financial need who attend in-state colleges; however, some states allow residents to attend out-of-state schools.

Students typically apply for state aid using the FAFSA; however, students may need to fill out additional forms or necessary documentation. If students qualify for federal aid, they likely qualify for state financial aid as well. However, students who fail to qualify for federal aid may still qualify for state financial aid. The application procedure and distribution process for state-funded financial aid varies among states. The state may distribute funds on either a first-come-first-served basis or based on an application deadline. To learn more about specific requirements, students must visit their state’s department of education and other education agencies.

Post-9/11 GI Bill®

Managed by the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Post 9/11 GI Bill® helps active duty service members with their education. To qualify, veterans need either a minimum 90 days of active duty service after September, 10, 2001 or to be honorably discharged after serving for 30 days. This education benefit covers tuition, housing, books, supplies, licensing fees, and certification tests. Other approved trainings include independent and distance learning, vocational and technical trainings, on-the-job training, and tutorial assistance. Students can receive this VA-administered education benefit for up to 36 months but cannot change programs after they receive any benefits from the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Students released from duty before 2013 have a 15-year time limit from their last period of active duty; students discharged after 2013 do not have a time limit.

The Yellow Ribbon program covers out-of-state tuition and fees associated with private-degree granting schools. However, schools must voluntarily opt into the program. Students can transfer some or all of their unused benefits to their children and spouse. The Department of Defense determines transfer eligibility. The Marine Gunnery John David Fry Scholarship Program caters to children of Armed Forces members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.

* GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Private Student Loan Options

Private lending institutions and individuals fund private student loans. Those pursuing community college and technical training; undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree-seeking students; and parents of dependent students may use private student loans. Private loans often require a good credit score or an established credit history. Some private lending institutions require a co-signer. Cosigners should know that they take on some risks for signing onto these loans.

Repayment options for private loans vary. Most private loans require monthly payments, with fees attached to late or default payments. Some private student loans require students to pay even while they attend school. Students should check the interest rate, the total cost of the loan, and the total fees prior to signing for the loan. While federal loans often feature fixed interest rates, private loans list adjustable or variable interest rates — which can increase the total amount of repayment. Private lenders may not offer loan forgiveness, deferment, forbearance, or income-driven repayment options during financially difficult times.

Financial Institution Loans

Many financial institutions such as banks and credit unions offer private student loans to help individuals pay for education-related expenses. Banks and credit unions list varying interest rates, repayment options, loyalty discounts, and miscellaneous fees. Private institution loans come with less flexibility than federal options; however, many lenders offer low interest rates, cosigning options, or multiyear approvals. Private loans from financial institutions cater to four-year undergraduate students, graduate students pursuing their master’s degrees, career and community college attendees, or parents of dependent students. To apply for financial institution loans, students should first calculate the amount of money they need to borrow.

Loans From Family and Friends

Some students look to friends and family as a resource for funding an education. However, students should consider how borrowing money affects relationships. Before friends and family borrow and lend money to each other, they must establish a repayment plan. Determining a set schedule for repayment will help the borrower stick to a reasonable timeframe. Lenders and borrowers may want to discuss possible interest rates, consequences for veering off schedule, or even loan forgiveness options.

If you have any students that are considering a Masters in Accounting, accounting.com also have a list of 25 Master’s in Accounting Programs here: https://www.accounting.com/degrees/accounting/masters/best-programs/

here

The School Counselor’s Role in Intervention & Postvention

Here is a very informative video hosted by a School Counselor in Georgia, Cynthia Morton. This is an important topic so please share with other Counselors in your group.

Date January 31, 2020
Author Cynthia Morton
Source Facebook

Two new scholarship opportunities for your students

Steinger, Greene & Feiner Law Scholarship for Child Advocates

The law firm of Steinger, Greene & Feiner offers a semi-annual $1,000 scholarship for a child advocate or abuse survivor seeking a law degree.

Open to dedicated students who meet either of the following criteria:

You have personally worked to protect children’s rights or stop abuse either as a volunteer, as a counselor, in your professional work or by legal means.
You are an abuse survivor who wishes to use your own experiences to help others.

Additionally, all applicants must either be currently enrolled in or accepted to an accredited law school, or a current undergraduate student with the intention to go to law school.

Deadlines:
July 31st – Fall Semester

Applicant Essay Topics

Please choose one of the questions provided for your essay. Essays must be between 500 and 1000 words.

How has being a child advocate inspired you to pursue a career in law?
How has your personal childhood experiences affected your outlook on the legal system?
How did you become a child advocate?

Applicant Requirements

Applicant must be either a current law student at an accredited law school or at an accredited undergraduate university planning to attend law school for the following academic year.
Applicants must have a minimum 2.8 GPA.
Applicants must submit an unofficial copy of their transcript.

How to Apply

Complete the application at this link: https://www.injurylawyers.com/child-advocate-scholarship/

TicketHelp Safe Driver Scholarship

In the United States, car accidents kill more teenagers every year than any other cause of death. On average, about 6 teenagers aged 16 to 19 die every day in car accidents. For the most part, these car accidents can be attributed to inexperience: not responding to road hazards quickly enough, taking curves too quickly and being distracted by something outside or inside the vehicle.

Of course, perhaps the most distracting part of driving nowadays is the cell phone. In the 5 seconds it takes to read that text message, drivers can travel over 300 yards at 55 miles per hour, and they are essentially blind while doing so. About 10 percent of all teenage drivers involved in fatal accidents were using their phone — texting, calling or using social media. At any given time, more than 650,000 people are using cell phones while they drive, and young drivers are the most common culprit.

TicketHelp is offering two $1,000 scholarships per year to young people.

Deadlines

Fall Semester: June 5

Spring Semester: December 5

Eligibility

Open to all United States citizens who have had a driver’s license for at least 1 year. In addition, you must:

Have been accepted and committed to, or currently enrolled in, an accredited college or university (must present a student ID, if applicable)
Have a minimum 2.8 GPA
Have no tickets or incidents on your traffic record for the past 3 years

How to Apply

To apply for the TicketHelp Safe Driver Scholarship, please submit your online application, as well as a copy of your transcript and your driving record. Visit your local Department of Driver Services or Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about how to obtain your driving record.

You must also submit a 500- to 1,000-word essay on ONE of the topics below.

Essay Topics

In what ways do you overcome the urge to use your phone or otherwise become distracted while driving?
How has your life been impacted by distracted driving?
Give us a brief overview of your state’s distracted driving laws, and how you would change them to make the roads safer.

How to Apply

Complete the application at this link: https://www.tickethelp.com/safe-driver-scholarship/

Date January 30, 2020
Author Jason Bullock

9 Tips for International Students Applying to American Graduate Schools

The United States offers a wealth of opportunities for higher education, so it should be no surprise that it’s a popular destination for students from many other countries. But the world of graduate study is distinctive, and it pays to learn some of the subtleties of the application process. Here are some key pointers:

Doctoral programs often provide financial aid. While Ph.D. students may enjoy a great deal of support in the form of teaching and research assistant positions, Master’s students are generally less likely to be offered these opportunities. It can be helpful to reach out to a specific academic program to find out what types of aid are available, since the decisions are often made at a departmental level.
GRE scores may be required. Some graduate programs require that applicants submit GRE scores, while other programs make it optional. Still others have different rules for American and international students. Read the “fine print” online to learn each program’s policies – or contact them to find out. Students should allow sufficient time to take the GRE more than once, if needed – although there is typically no official minimum score required.
Finding statistics is hard. While it’s not difficult to look up the acceptance rate, average GPA or SAT scores of admitted freshmen for most colleges, finding comparable numbers for students applying to graduate school can be next to impossible. Students are free to reach out directly to the programs they’re interested in, but they may not receive a definitive answer. As a result, it’s wise to apply to a range of programs to maximize the chances of admission.
The statement of purpose (SOP) must be customized. Students need to write a statement of purpose summarizing what they’ve accomplished, their career plans and how their intended program will help them achieve their goals. Since each program is unique, they’ll need to modify this document significantly from one application to the next. Universities often provide guidelines describing what should be included in the SOP.
Master’s programs in the US often last two years. Students should ensure that they have sufficient funds for the duration of their program; some schools require proof of finances. Note that cost of living can vary dramatically between different cities and regions.
There may be multiple deadlines. Students who submit applications by the earlier deadline typically get priority for financial aid (and sometimes admissions). Following this deadline, there may be additional deadlines or rolling admissions until the program is filled.
Students may be able to extend their visas for work. After being accepted into a program, students apply for a non-immigrant visa. Once they’ve completed their degree, they may be eligible to stay an additional year (and sometimes longer) to gain work experience.
Proof of English proficiency may also be required. Universities often look for a minimum score on a test such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Students who obtained their undergraduate degrees in the US are usually exempt from this requirement. Those who studied in English-speaking countries or who were otherwise taught in English may be exempt, or they may have the option to apply for a waiver of the requirement.
Transcript evaluation may be required. Students who earned their undergraduate degrees outside the US will often be asked to hire an academic evaluation service to review their transcript and translate it into American educational terminology. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) has a list of member organizations that can provide this service.

Eric Endlich, Ph.D. is the founder of Top College Consultants, serving students worldwide. He can be reached at Eric@topcollegeconsultants.com.

Date January 28, 2020
Author Eric Endlich

How to Help Parents … Before They Make the Wrong Moves

Just days before the most recent Nov. 1 early application deadline, a friend, an independent educational consultant, emailed me. One of her clients had asked a friend to review an essay for her son, who was working with my friend.

She wondered if I knew the outside reader; I did not. She also wondered if the outside reader was qualified; she was not.

I read the essay. And while I did not know this particular parent, I knew the essay was beautiful; the essay was done. The outside reader was not necessary.

The client’s friend was not a high school counselor.
She never worked in admissions.
She was not a teacher.
AND she was not a member of NACAC, a state affiliate, IECA or HECA.

She was a mom whose daughter had been admitted to this student’s first-choice school.

Sadly, this happens sometimes. But why?

My friend, the IEC, is a well-respected, sought after professional with decades of experience both inside a high school counseling office and as an independent educational consultant.

In this case, her client got scared and panicked. She was worried and was certain this mom – the mom who knew NOTHING about college admissions – knew something that might help her improve a college essay that was already done.

Her client was wrong. The friend wrote all over the essay, changed words and suggested the student add clichés. This review was simply not helpful. Just gibberish. The only thing the feedback did was confuse the young writer and make him doubt himself. That’s never good!

Has this ever happened to you?

We know parents sometimes take their kids’ essays and share them with the immediate world? Yeah, we know it’s a super bad idea.

But what can we do about it? How can you help control the process to avoid this?

When we started Wow, we did everything we could to tell parents to go away, trust us, and leave the essay guidance to the pros. But that was the wrong message.

Parents just want to help. They want to be part of the process.

So we fine-tuned the message and gave them a job to do, rather than telling them to go away.

We wrote a book just for parents like my friend’s client. It’s called How to Write an Effective College Application Essay, the Inside Scoop for Parents.

In the book, we explain what the essay is and how it fits into this crazy admissions industry. We also give advice on how to help their children with the essay, as well as guidance for how and when to step away.

We’d like you to have a copy. It’s our gift to you. Click here to get your e-Book and find out how you can also get a copy for every parent in your school or consulting practice.

What are your biggest college essay challenges? Email me: kim@wowwritingworkshop.com.

About the Author

Kim Lifton is President of Wow Writing Workshop, a strategic communication company staffed by experts who understand the writing process inside and out. Since 2009, Wow has been leading the college admission industry with our unique approach to communicating any message effectively. The Wow Method is used to train professionals and teach students how to write college application essays, and grad school personal statements that get results.If it involves words, Wow can help.

Date January 24, 2020
Author Kim Lifton

Some key questions your students can ask when on a College Visit

Basic Questions to Ask on College Visits

Why differentiates this school from other colleges?
Are you happy being a student (teacher) at this school?
What are this school’s strengths?
If you had to say, what’s your biggest complaint about this college?
What is one area where this school could improve?
How accessible are the professors, financial aid officers, student services employees, etc.?
What’s the average financial aid package look like?
What do the four-, five-, and six-year graduation rates look like?
How many freshmen return here for their sophomore year?

Academic Questions to Ask During a College Visit

Which majors are the most popular here, and why?
How many courses/hours does the average full-time student take each semester?
What programs or departments have the strongest reputations?
What teaching style do most professors here use?
Are most classes led by professors or teaching assistants?
Is accessing first-choice classes a challenge?
Do classes tend to be discussion-based or lecture-based?
How much time should students expect to dedicate to studying and assignments outside of the classroom?
Are collaborative or group projects common requirements?
Do students have access to tutoring programs, writing centers, computer labs, or other learning-oriented resources?
What’s the average number of students in a classroom at a time for introductory courses? What about advanced classes?
Is studying abroad an available or popular option?
Are there opportunities for undergraduate research?
Is the Disability Services office helpful? What resources do they make available to qualifying students?

Campus Life College Visit Questions

What does an average day for a first-year student look like here?
What do students do when they aren’t in class?
What are weekends like on campus?
Is there a vibrant social scene?
Where do students go to hang out?
Is there something about the local community that sets it apart?
What student organizations or clubs are the most popular?
Are there a lot of fraternities or sororities?
If a student was looking for a great place to study, where on-campus should they go besides their dorm room or the library?
What facilities (gyms, libraries, theaters, labs, etc.) are available to students?
Is the WiFi on campus fast? Are there dead spots on campus? Does it go down a lot?
Are sports a big part of this school’s culture?

Residence Life Questions to Ask When Touring a College

What is the dorm environment like? How many students are there per room? Are the bathrooms private or shared? Are there kitchens, laundry rooms, or lounges?
Are dorms separated by shared interest, academic year, or another criterion?
Do most students get along with their initially assigned roommate or are changes frequently requested?
If I need a room switch, is that possible? Who do I contact?
How’s the cafeteria or on-campus food?
Do the dining halls accommodate special dietary requirements?
Are there any local restaurants that students love?
Can you get around easily without a car? What are the available transportation options?

Student Body Questions for a College Visit

What makes this student body unique?
Is this a diverse campus? Are there international students?
Are students generally friendly?
What percentage of the students live in the dorms?
Does this school have a lot of cliques?
Does it ever feel too crowded here?
Have there been any student protests on campus recently? What issue was the focus?

Work and Career Questions to Ask on a College Tour

Can you find internships here? Where do you go to learn more about them?
Are work-study options available?
Is the Career Services office helpful?
Are there leadership opportunities on campus?
Does the school help students get involved in the community? What opportunities are available?
Can students find summer jobs through the college or in the local community with ease?
Is the alumni association active and visible on campus?

These questions were provided by The Scholarship System. Check them out at : https://thescholarshipsystem.com/blog-for-students-families/57-essential-questions-to-ask-on-a-college-visit/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=The%20Scholarship%20System&utm_content=57%20Essential%20Questions%20to%20Ask%20on%20a%20College%20Visit

How to Help Your Students Prepare to Move off to College

The truth is that moving can be incredibly stressful. One study revealed that over 58% of Americans find moving more stressful than planning for a wedding! Many of your students will be leaving their homes for the first times to go out on their own. This can cause a great deal of anxiety.

For Sale by Owner put together a great guide to help kids prepare for a move. Many of these tips can be adapted to help high schoolers who are planning the big move to College in another city or even state.

Provide Reassurance

One primary way you can help support your students with moving away from home to College is to provide sincere reassurance. Award-winning author and psychoanalyst Dr. Laurie Hollman says “Don’t only talk to them in preparation, but listen closely to their perceptions, fears, hopes, and anticipations,”. “Sometimes, just feeling listened to… helps all [on its own].” In other words, being supportive and understanding can go a long way in helping your student cope with heading off to college.

Be positive but be realistic.
Listen to them with your full attention.
Let them talk without interjecting.

Visit The School

Another way to ease the transition of moving is to visit the school. Spend a weekend to get comfortable with the area can help put them at ease. If an in-person visit is out of reach, photos or virtual walkthroughs of the school can also help them envision themselves living there and ease their anxiety.

In-person visits to the school prior to them attending are preferable.
Virtual visits are an option too through photos, videos and Google Maps street view.
Help your student envision themselves living there.

Tips That Can Ease Their Anxiety

Let Them Plan How Their Dorm Room Will Be Set Up

Get them excited about their new room by encouraging them to start planning it out.

Don’t Have the Parent Do Everything for Them – Get Them Involved In Packing

Getting them involved in packing what they want to take will create excitement.

* Encourage them to start a journal to document their college experience

* Inspire them to join extracurricular activities

* Discuss and plan for trips home (Thanksgiving, Christmas Break, Spring Break, etc.)

LINK for Counselors Spring 2020 issue – Editorial Line-Up

The Spring 2020 issue will be published in February. We have a great line-up of articles scheduled for you. Here is a summary of those articles:

* Embrace the Change: A Foundation for Early Growth and Transition for High School Seniors – Authored by a Counselor at the Woodlynde School in PA
* 10 Tips to Make Your Job Easier – Authored by a former “Counselor of the Year” in MD
* So, What are Your Students Planning on Studying in College? – Authored by an Independent Counselor who formerly worked in Admissions at Penn, Princeton and JHU
* 5 Things Counselors Need to Do to Prepare Students for College – Authored by a Nationally Certified Life Coach who has 5 years experience teaching in High School
* Creating a College Bound Culture: A Critical Step in College Prep. – Authored by a Counselor at Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, VA
* Interview with Sweety Patel and her Counseling team, a High School Counselor in NJ
* Lowering the Stakes to Help Students Write Better College Essays
* Character Counts: Here’s How to Help Your Students Choose a Topic that Demonstrates It Effectively in College Application Essays
* What Can You Do to Help Your Students?
* ROTC Scholarship Programs
* STEM Drift – Authored by a former “Counselor of the Year” in Montgomery County, MD
* To Join or not to Join?
* Careers to Consider – Sports Management
* The ACT One Section at a Time
* Choose a Future Proof Major – Authored by a NY High School Counselor
* Scholarship Watch – List of 10 National Scholarships available to students
* The Flip Side: Flipped Classroom Learning – Authored by a former “Counselor of the Year” in MD

Date January 14, 2020
Author Jason Bullock

Things to think about in the new year

New Year’s is a time for resolutions and reorganization. As you speak with the parents of your students, now is the time to help them understand and start implementing the college timeline for their children.

There is no need for them to be intimidated, with proper planning and execution, there is plenty of time to research and visit colleges and complete the applications.

If parents anticipate that their child will be applying to any of the more selective colleges and universities, the earlier they initiate the process, the better.

College preparation in high school varies widely; private schools tend to start earlier and offer families much more direct contact. According to research conducted by the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA – www.iecaonline.com) public school students in the United States, on average, receive a total of 38 minutes of personal college counseling with their counselor over four years and 6 out of 10 students reported receiving no college counseling whatsoever. Nationally the current student to counselor ratios are 476 to one and in California they are 1016 to one; which might explain the burgeoning college consultant market.

The two most important factors for any college application are the rigor of a student’s coursework, i.e., just how competitive are the classes and a student’s performance in the classes chosen.

So, this means that course selection for all four years is critical; especially if a student has lofty goals of attending a selective college or university. It means that families need to plan and prioritize their course selection and try to determine which courses they’ll take each year. It is important to understand the point values in your school system for different courses: standard college prep, honors, AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate). You should advise them where necessary about doubling up in foreign language, math or science courses so that their child is prepared to take the most advanced courses that interest them.

It is also important to check on course expectations at each of the colleges on their list. In the Princeton Review, Best 385 Colleges (www.princetonreview.com) this information is published on the right side of every college description and it is frequently a surprise to many families. It is not shocking that the more selective schools have more rigid requirements. As an example, Emory, Colgate, Rice, Bucknell, Davidson and most of the ivies recommend four years (of the same) foreign language. That means that even if they don’t like Spanish 3 as a junior, they will still probably need to enroll in Spanish 4 as a senior if those schools are on their target list. Look closely because some colleges, like the University of South Carolina, have particular requirements such as a “Visual/Performing Arts” class. That means it must be on the transcript, so they can take it in their senior year.

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

Date January 13, 2020
Author Lee Bierer
Source College Admissions Strategies

The Role of the Essay in Your Students College Application

There is very little way around it. For most colleges, you will be required to submit an essay with your application. Many students dread this part of the college application process and find writing their college essay to be a stressful and time-consuming task. The writing process, including choosing a topic, will be easier if you start with a full understanding of how the college essay is used by college admissions officers.

The essay is a key element of your application package and should be viewed as an opportunity to tell the college admissions officer about who you are, your beliefs and motivations and the essence of your character. You are not merely another high school student. You are you and there isn’t any other part of the application where you can tell your unique story. The essay places your grades, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores and list of extracurricular activities in context. It adds a voice to your application. It adds YOUR voice.

To better understand the role of the essay, let’s step, for a moment, into the admissions officer’s shoes. Imagine this:

You are an admissions officer at a selective college. It is January and you only have a few months to review thousands of applications that are supposed to assist you in choosing next year’s freshmen class. How are you going to do it? You could focus solely on grades and standardized test scores. These data points are certainly important for identifying the outliers, but most of the applicants fall in the middle of the curve. Their grades and test scores prove that they can be academically successful at your school but don’t otherwise differentiate one student from another. There isn’t enough space at your college to accept all academically qualified students and besides, your job is not to fill lecture hall seats with robotic students who know how to churn out A’s. You are supposed to be using your professional judgment to build a freshmen class that is intellectually curious, socially conscious and academically and professionally motivated. You want to accept students who have diverse opinions and beliefs, leadership skills, moral character and a broad range of interests. Your chosen class is expected to make a positive difference in the world and remarkable contributions to their respective fields. In your quest to find students who your college will one day be proud to count among its alumni, grades and standardized test scores are not going to be enough.

Perhaps the students’ extra-curricular achievements can help you decide? Each application contains a list and brief description of the student’s activities throughout high school. This list will give you a snapshot of the student’s interests and how they spend their time. It will help you understand what they do, but not why they do these activities or what they have learned from the experience. You can use the list to make inferences about the student but without additional context, they will be mere educated guesses. For example, you might assume that the vice president of the senior class is a budding leader when, in fact, she is a popular student who ran for the office unopposed. Most importantly, a list of activities says very little about a student’s character.

You are going to need more information to fill in the blanks between the academic statistics and the activities resume in order to get a full picture of the actual person behind the application. You will find this information in a well-written, thoughtful essay. The most helpful essay is one in which the student tells a story about herself that allows you to understand what kind of person she is and what qualities she will bring to campus if admitted.

In addition to understanding how the admissions officer will use your essay, it is important to realize that the essay is the one part of your application that is still completely within your control. Your grades for the first three years of high school are set. Maybe you can retake your SATs but is your score likely to change drastically? Can you control what your math teacher writes about you in his letter of recommendation? No. Your essay is yours for the making. Here’s your chance to shine. Don’t leave it until the last minute. Embrace it and let it tell your unique story.

Picture of Michelle McAnaney, Founder and President of The College Spy.

Michelle McAnaney is the founder of The College Spy, a full service independent educational consulting firm that assists students and families across the US and internationally with the college selection and application process. Prior to founding The College Spy, Michelle was a guidance counselor and educator for more than 15 years, including serving as the Director of Guidance at two high schools, an adjunct college professor and a GED tutor. Michelle holds a master’s degree in school counseling and a bachelor’s degree in human development. She recently completed UC Irvine’s certificate program in educational consulting and is a MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Certified Practitioner and a NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Master Practitioner. Michelle visits over 40 colleges each year so that she has first-hand knowledge of the colleges and universities her clients will be considering. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Date January 6, 2020
Author Michelle McAnaney
Source The College Spy