Preparation for College

We are talking this month about doing the work necessary to make sure you are ready to go to college. So let's start taking apart what a strong college application looks like.

Academics: Did you take a challenging curriculum? Did you do well in your classes? If you faltered early with grades, did you consistently improve over the years?
*Did you know that students who take math higher than Algebra II have a much higher rate of bachelors degree completion than those who do not?

Class rank: Compared to the students in your class who had the same educational class offerings, where do you stand?

Test Scores: Take the ACT or SAT. If you want your scores to be strong, take challenging courses. Read, read, read. The more you read, the more likely it is that you will be able to do well on the Critical reading and writing portions of the SAT. By all means, take advantage of test preparation opportunities. There are some links in the sidebar of this blog that may be helpful. Saturday, January 23, Kaplan is offering a free full length practice SAT test. Take advantage!

We will continue breaking apart a strong college application in the coming days. Stay tuned!

First Generation College Bound Students

Navigating the college process can be difficult. Navigating the process when you are the first in your family to go to college, or first generation, can feel nearly impossible. But it isn't. It just requires a little deciding.

First, as we discussed before, decide that you will go. Sounds easy, doesn't it? But it actually requires a settling in your mind ahead of time. "I will go to college. Somehow, some way, I will go." It means facing the unknowns, the fears, and the nearly infinite possibliities head on.

Second, decide that you will find the necessary resources to tackle all those unknowns. Identify those in your life who may be able to help you. Although you may be the first in your family, there are many you come in contact with on a day-to-day basis who have already traveled this road. Find them. It may be a guidance counselor, or your pastor, or a neighbor. Begin asking them questions. Ask them about test taking and college applications and dorm life. Ask them about their major and their career and their favorite college. And don't be afraid to ask them if they would be willing to walk through this process with you.

Finally, you must decide to act upon the information you have learned. Start planning early. Take the SAT or ACT early. Apply to college early. Apply for financial aid and fill out the FAFSA early. You get the point. When it comes to the college process, early is good. You can consult timelines found here to see what should be and when things should be completed. You will also want to communicate with the colleges you are intersted in. If possible, visit the campus and talk with the students, eat lunch in the dining hall, and perhaps spend the night in a residence hall. Look into programs designed to assist "first generation" college bound students. And if you have more questions, then keep asking.

If you are a "first generation" student, then congratulations! Reading this blog and exploring publications shows that you are already taking the first steps in this process. Continue pressing forward. Your decisions today can change not only your future but the future of the generations to follow.

Knowing Why You Should Go to College

Did you know that over a lifetime, a college graduate makes almost $1 million dollars MORE than someone without a college education?

According to the Census Bureau*, over an adult's working life:
-high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million
-associate's degree holders earn about $1.6 million
-bachelor's degree holders earn about $2.1 million

Money is not the only benefit.
Here is a partial list of additional benefits:
-higher levels of saving
-increased personal/professional mobility
-improved quality of life for their offspring
-better consumer decision making
-more hobbies and leisure activities
-positive correlation between completion of higher education and good health


Part of getting ready to go to college is knowing WHY you want to go. Hope the previous information helps convince you!



*Porter, K.(2002) “The Value of a College Degree”. Retrieved January 21, 2009, from ERIC Digest Web site: http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-3/value.htm

Preparing for College

Want to go to college? If I ask this question in a classroom, nearly 100 percent of students will answer yes. But when it gets down to it, not all students that give an affirmative answer take any further steps to prepare themselves for the opportunity. Going to college requires a decision, but simply deciding you want to go will not get you into college. Going to college is a process. And the earlier you begin in the process, the better.

Since today is the first day in the new year, it is as good a day as any to make resolutions. How about resolving to do more than just decide you want to go, and take the steps to prepare you TO go to college. If you are ready, join me all month as we explore how to make going to college a reality.

Get your PIN number FREE!

Seniors and parents of seniors, if you haven't done so, now is the time to get your PIN number. This PIN number will be your electronic signature when filling out the FAFSA. Both student and parent need their own PIN number. The application is quick, but have your social security number and a valid email address because both are required.

The FAFSA can be filled out as early as this weekend, so don't wait another minute to get your information and your PIN. And like filling out the FAFSA, your PIN number is FREE!

FAFSA Time

The FAFSA is on it's way! The FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, will soon be available online. This is the form of all forms for receiving any federal aid, and often other aid as well. Any senior who is planning on attending any college should take the time to gather up the needed items to fill this out. Come January 2, you can fill it out online using your 2009 tax information. If you need assistance, there is plenty available. See your guidance counselor or Mrs. Sanders in E 109 for assistance opportunities.

For any Richland Northeast High School seniors and parents, on February 8 at 6:00 PM there will be a FAFSA workshop put on by Rob Mendenhall of the College Funding Center of South Carolina. Gather up your tax forms and other necessary data and head over to Richland Northeast High School. If you are planning on attending, please register.

College Board's My College Quick Start

sIf you took the PSAT in October, then you have probably received or will shortly receive your score report. Other than your score, one of the most important areas of the report is "Your Code." This "Your Code" is your access to College Board's My College Quick Start which has tools that can help you determine a college major, find a school that meets your requirements, and will help you as you try to improve your scores on the Official SAT. So, don't throw away that report. Write down your access code and keep up with it. You can use the tool anytime, and better yet, you can use it for FREE!