Barb's Blog
January of the Senior Year
If you’ve applied in the fall as recommended, January is going to be scholarship essay time. Colleges begin assigning scholarship funds quickly quickly after they admit students. Of course, they don’t just hand you checks so they ask you to write a scholarship essay. These can be valued anywhere from $1000 to $10,000 or more. When the award letters come out in the spring or later, this will be included in the final cost of a year of college. There may also be scholarship weekends offered where students are asked to compete with other prospective students. Activities may include formal events, interactive group events and just plain fun. Take advantage of these opportunities. They will cut your student loans and improve your lifestyle after graduation. Read More →
Read more of this articleSent in Those Applications?
I hope you have all college applications sent out by now! Why so early? Well, the college process runs on a timeline and you want to be in the right spot at the right time. When the college bus leaves the station, you want to be on it. In January, colleges begin to designate scholarship and financial aid funding for applicants. If you haven’t applied yet, you are not on schedule. College is not only about getting accepted. College is about being affordable. If you don’t apply on time, you are playing catch up. Catch up can be quite expensive. Student loans make a major impact on your lifestyle after graduation. Be smart. Apply early and apply at 5-6 colleges to get the best financial aid package. And, never select a college based on where your friends are going. This is all about you and the funding provided for you. Read More →
Read more of this articleLetters of Recommendation
You are a senior! Congratulations…but you have a lot of work to do. And, if you are on the ball, you will do it quickly. Ask teachers to write letters of recommendation right now before everyone else does. And, when you do, make sure you have an envelope to the college contact, a resume for the teacher, and a hint about what you would like in the letter. Teachers don’t have you memorized, you know. And, when a teacher does submit a letter for you, don’t expect to see that letter. Letters are often sent directly to the college. This prevents Mary showing Lisa her letter and many other peers totally breaking confidentiality. Don’t be offended if a teacher doesn’t show you the letter. If you are in good standing with the teacher, it will be a good letter. If the teacher hesitates about writing you a letter, perhaps you should move on to another teacher that is more enthusiastic. A bad letter is like no letter. Read More →
Read more of this articleGearing up for Senior Year in High School
You will be a senior in a few weeks!! Senior pictures are taking spotlight and the graduation ceremony. But, wait a minute! There is much to be done before you walk in the school door. 1. Have you taken the ACT or SAT at least twice and perhaps three times? If not, get it scheduled NOW. These tests determine scholarships and even admission. 2. Do you have a resume ready with all important information about your high school years? Academic awards, other awards, volunteerism? All the details for a perfect resume are in my book on the home page. 3. Have you selected the teachers you want to ask to write a letter of recommendation for you? Be ready when fall comes. 4. Have you written essays that appear on college admission forms? You may have to write 3 or 4 and wouldn’t summer be the best time to get this out of the way? If the above are completed, you will have a much more fun senior year with much less stress. Read More →
Read more of this articleThe Summer Before College
You’ve made it! Your college arrangements are completed. So, what do you do before you begin atttending college? Top priority is to stay out of trouble. Colleges can pull out of their offers if they find out you are no longer the student they thought they accepted. Second priority is to save some money for those incidental needs like pizza, movies, and laundry. Yes, laundry. Mom and dad’s laundry services are no longer free. You are now on your way to being independent and need to pay your own way. The rest of the summer? Enjoy being with your friends and stay safe. The best is yet ahead. Read More →
Read more of this articleThe Best College for You
The perfect college matches your interests and abilities, plus saves you thousands in tuition. Step by step, this book explains how to find the right school that's affordable, too.Simplify Your College Search with Proven Strategies
Use the timelines and strategies of private college consultants for a smooth college admissions process. This eye-opening guide empowers you to
Start your college search at the right time.
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And much more.