Barb's Blog
Double Check Status
It is almost August and it is time to touch base with the college and roommate. Is everything in place for you to begin classes? Do you know the exact time and place for your orientation? Is everything turned into the Financial Aid office so that process will be smooth for funding? Do you know what your roommate is bringing and does your roommate know what you are bringing? Are you prepared to spend $300-700 on books? Have you applied for work-study jobs or put in applications locally for jobs? There are many details that need to be dealt with for the transition into college to be smooth. Read More →
Read more of this articleTalk to your College Roommate
It is July and time to begin planning your dorm room with your roommate. By now, your college has probably paired you up with someone with similar likes, dislikes and habits. Give them a call and decide who is bringing what for the dorm room. Find out how large the dorm rooms are, first. There may not be room for that chair, television screen, or other large items. Is it okay to loft beds? Are blinds or curtains provided? How large are the closets and dressers–what will fit? Some beds can be raised to leave up to 30 inches of space for bins and storage beneath. Some colleges have commons areas with pool tables and high definition televisions so you may not need to bring yours. You’ll feel better if you don’t bring too much. On visits home, you can always bring something later if you desperately need it. So, contact your roommate and plan now so things are not rushed next month. Read More →
Read more of this articleDon’t Miss the FAFSA Deadline!!
In many states, it is too late to file the FAFSA for financial aid. But, some states like Iowa have deadlines coming up the end of June. Even if you don’t think you will qualify for financial aid, file the FAFSA because this will determine if you will get loans!! The FAFSA results (EFC) will determine just what kind of loans you qualify for. Low interest and subsidized vs. higher interest and unsubsidized. You want the subsidized with the government paying your interest for you while you are in school. For many, it is not too late if you act swiftly. The deadlines are on the FAFSA site or you can call your desired colleges and ask them. Read More →
Read more of this articleSummer Preparation for College in the Fall
So, you have a summer job. That’s great but what to do with the money earned? Save it. You will want to do fun things once in college and you’ll want to ration how you spend your money. There are those pizza parties at midnight and weekend outings to local locations that will be a great break from studying. So, let’s say you make about $3,000. This means you can only spend about $300 a month or $75 a week. That may seem like plenty, right? It will go very quickly if you don’t put yourself on a budget and put on the spending brakes. Pace your spending so you don’t run out by January. Read More →
Read more of this articleUpdate Resume This Summer
Whether you are a junior or senior for next fall, summer is a perfect time to update your student resume. Why now? Because by fall you will probably forget about some of the activities and awards that should be on the resume. Oh, you didn’t plan on compiling a resume, you say? Just a note to the wise–you will be competing with applicants to college that do have resumes. And, what about local scholarships? Attaching a professional looking resume with your scholarship application is a nice and classy touch. You’ve worked hard throughout high school and now it is time to promote yourself. Put your best foot forward with a well-written resume. Read More →
Read more of this articleThe Best College for You
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