Higher Education | The Whole Kitten Kaboodle

Choosing a College

For any teenager, choosing a college can be a frightening decision. There are thousands to choose from, and deciding on just one isn’t easy. There are many things to consider when deciding, including cost, location, and intended major, among other things. Because of the time and money that will be invested, it’s always in your best interest to choose a college that is right for him or her. There are a few specific ways to accomplish that.

Start the process early. Most teenagers begin searching for colleges in their junior year of high school. Some start even earlier. Giving yourself the extra time to decide what you want out of a college will prove invaluable once you actually get to college.

Identify a small list of the areas you think you may want to major in. Many kids enter college as “undecided,” but having an idea of what you want to major in will help identify schools with the best programs for that major. Knowing your major will also help narrow the list of schools you may already have.

Sit down with your parents and develop a list of items to look for in a college. Do you want a small campus or a large one? Would you learn better in small classes or big ones? Do you want a campus that will afford you an active social life? How much money can you spend on tuition? How far do you want to be from home?

Compile a list of possible colleges and use the list you developed in the step above to narrow it down. Narrow it down as far as you like, but it’s usually good to settle on four or five possible schools. Gather as much information on those schools as you can and be sure to visit the campuses.

The more you know about your choices, the better prepared you’ll be to make that final decision when the time comes.

Filed Under: Education, Higher Education Tagged With: Choosing a College, Education

Simple Ways To Help Your Child Succeed In School

: Image via Wikipedia

In regards to a child’s education, parents play an essential role in helping their child succeed throughout the entire experience. Many parents may become nervous at this prospect and mistakenly believe that they themselves must be highly educated in order to help their child embrace school. However, there are many tips and advice for parents that do not require parents to possess a specific level of education. In reality, it is far more important for parents to consistently demonstrate an overall positive attitude about school. This simple, yet crucial action will give your child the extra encouragement they need to succeed in school, even when things become difficult.

Parents can help their children start to think creatively about career aspirations and educational goals by sparking discussions about potential careers that are of interest to the child. At this point in a child’s development, it is important to foster the idea that anything is possible through hard work and a complete education.

Other tips and advice for parents include the fact that children are very impressionable. Therefore, parents must be careful not to let any of their personal negative impressions of school rub off onto their children. Instead, think back on the positive points of your educational memories, and use your successes to help your children in their own right.

Also, embrace the value of setting goals. These can be related to the simple act of turning in a project on time, or reaching the next level of the school spelling bee. Although it is important to keep your child motivated throughout the learning process, try not to let them get too competitive, so that the learning value of the goal is diminished.

Finally, talk to your children about school, even if it is something as simple as asking them about any exciting events that occurred during the school day. An effort to stay involved in the educational process will help your children follow your lead.

Filed Under: High School, Higher Education, Students Tagged With: Child, Education, Family, Learning, Parent

Narrowing the College Search

Narrowing down your child’s list of potential college choices can be a stressful undertaking, especially if the list is a long one. There are many things to take into consideration when helping your child choose the next step in his or her education. Below is a list of items to consider that will make the narrowing and selection process a little easier.

• Number of degrees offered (broad range or smaller number)
• Majors/minors offered
• Distance from home/family (a few hours’ drive or across the country)
• Size of the student population (as small as 1,000 students or as large as 35,000+ students)
• State college vs. private college (cost is also a consideration here)
• Cost (including, but not limited to, tuition)
• Financial aid (including work study opportunities)
• Campus resources (labs, libraries, computer/internet access, etc.)
• Graduation/retention rate (for advanced degrees)
• Class sizing (small versus large)
• Safety (on campus and in the surrounding community)
• Social life (fraternities/sororities, sports (including club teams), hobby groups, etc.)
• Housing options (dormitories, on/off-campus apartments, living with parents)

This list is a typical one that includes many of the factors that you will want to and should consider as you assist your child in choose a school that is best for him or her. The items you consider will depend on what you want for your child and what your child wants out of the colleges that are being considered.

The best way to get much of the information that will help narrow the list of colleges is to visit the campuses of those schools. Whether taking an individual tour or a group one, your tour guide will be happy to answer any questions you might have. A campus visit is also the best opportunity to have questions answered that are departmentally specific (such as financial aid inquiries).

However you go about it, rest assured that the more answers you have, the easier it will be to help your child choose a school that is fitting for him or her.

Filed Under: Education, Higher Education, Students Tagged With: College, Higher Education

Choosing a College Major

Choosing a college major is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. While many personal interests can affect your choice of major, keep in mind that what you major in will affect your career choices and possibilities after you graduate. At most colleges and universities, a major has to be declared by the time you have 45 credits. Don’t rush to declare a major. Take your time with the decision.

The best way to decide on what course of study is right for you is to know yourself first. What are your interests? What are you good at? Be honest with yourself when considering these things.

Your general education requirements will be helpful. They allow you to take a wide variety of classes in nearly any subject you wish, sparking new interests or deflating old ones.

Your academic advisor is a great resource when narrowing down our list of possible majors. He or she can help match your interests to possible majors. Professors are another invaluable resource. They can offer insights into their specific fields and many times can offer contacts for further information. Take advantage of their office hours whenever you can.

The worst thing you can do is decide on a major based on what your friends or family want you to do. Choosing a major based on how much money you can make after graduation may seem like the right choice, but many times it isn’t. Once you finish school and start your career, you may end up unhappy.

If you’ve already declared a major and still don’t feel comfortable, continue to explore other subjects. Many students change their major once or twice, so don’t feel as though you’re the only one. The point is to find a subject that you are happy studying and sometimes it takes a little while as you go through classes.

Remember to choose the major that is best for you and tailored to your interests.

Filed Under: Education, Higher Education Tagged With: Academic advising, Academic major, Colleges and Universities, Education

Preparing For College

College can be frightening and the process of getting there can be a stressful one. There is an easy way to combat the most common stressors: Start preparing for college while you’re still in high school. The earlier you begin, the better. Most high school students put it off until their junior year, but if you start early, many of the common questions and routines will already be taken care of by the time you’re a junior. Below are a few steps that you can take in each year of your high school career to make the college application process a smooth one.

Freshman Year: Find out why you should go to college and decide if it’s the right path for you. Plan a list of challenging classes for the rest of high school, if possible. Rigorous classes tend to look better on your transcripts during the application process. Look at tuition costs and start to plan and save, if possible.

Sophomore Year: Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss college options. Would a state school be right for you? Do you want to stay in state or leave it? Research colleges you may be interested in and request information from them. Extracurricular activities look good on applications. Participate in a few.

Junior Year: Register and take the ACT exam as early as possible. Keep an eye on your grades and talk to your parents and guidance counselor about the colleges that interest you. Type up a resume and research scholarships (there are plenty). If possible, find a job in a field of interest.

Senior Year: Narrow your list of colleges and visit them if you haven’t already. Start the application process, taking extra time to plan any essays. Fill out the FAFSA if you’ll require financial assistance for college. Keep track of acceptance/rejection letters. Most importantly, choose the school that is right for you.

Filed Under: Higher Education, Students Tagged With: College application, High school, School counselor

Choosing a Graduate Program

The choice to continue your education after college is a big one. The question of what field you’ll study is usually answered by what you studied in college. Many students pursue advanced degrees in the same field they have their bachelor’s degree in.

There are hundreds of graduate programs and all of them differ in academics, program emphases, teaching philosophies, and in what they offer students. Choosing one isn’t as easy as you may think. There are many factors to consider when deciding on which graduate program is the right one for you.

Location and cost are two of the biggest things you should consider. Do you want a local program? Are you willing to move across the country to find the right program? Can you afford out-of-state tuition? Would it be financially sensible for you to stay where you are? Some students chose to continue their education at the same college they earned their undergraduate degree at.

Graduate programs are very different from school to school. For instance, a graduate program in English at the University of Michigan will not be the same as a program at Harvard. As such, you need to know what you want out of a graduate program. Make a list of things you want and do your research. It can be time consuming to speak with faculty and look over the program curriculum, but it’s the best way to really make sure the program will satisfy you.

Some students choose a graduate program based on the faculty there. Who teaches at the school you’re looking at? Is there anyone that you want to study with specifically? Are the instructors distinguished? Are they published within the field?

Choosing a graduate program can be intensive and time consuming, but it’s always better to take the time and learn about the programs you’re applying to. You’ll be able to narrow your final list, and the final decision will be much easier.

Filed Under: Education, Higher Education, Students Tagged With: Education, Graduate school, Student, University of Michigan

Little Thought of Gifts for the Online University Student

: Image via Wikipedia

It’s graduation time and everyone is buying the new grad gifts for their dorm room or a trip they are taking abroad. But what happens if that grad is enrolled in an online college like elearners.com? What type of gifts can be purchased for them? What would be worthwhile to buy a student who is attending online college classes?

The following is a guide that walks people through the gift buying process for those wishing to buy a gift for someone attending an online university.

Compressed Air: This is more a silly gift than a major gift. An online student is going to be on the computer a prolonged period of time. That means they might take lunch at their computer or even work on paperwork around the keyboard. These activities can lead to stuff getting stuck between the keys. Luckily, compressed air will get that stuff unstuck in a matter of seconds.

Wrist Rest Pads: Typing on a laptop or keyboard can be very rough on the wrists. There are cushioned wrist rest pads that are available for those that use the computer a lot. It would be a thoughtful gift and allows a person to protect their wrists.

Laptop Bags: Almost every student who is attending online college has a laptop. There are a wide variety of laptop bags that have some really unique designs on them. Consider purchasing one that reflects the student’s personality and allows it to show through a laptop bag.

Laptop Designing: A company has come up with a really unique idea. They take stickers and stick them to the backs of the laptop so that everyone’s laptop has a bit of a design on them. Consider purchasing that new grad a laptop sticker so that they can show of their personality and make their laptops really flashy.

Filed Under: Elementary, Higher Education, Students Tagged With: Distance education, Laptop, Student

Things To Consider For A Smooth Educational Experience

: Image via Wikipedia

A child’s education is an essential part of their development that will provide lifelong benefits. As a parent, it is important for you to have a clear understanding of what kids need to start and finish school.

The school’s environment is very important. Ideally, your child should attend a location that nurtures their desire to learn, and embraces their unique talents. While some children may be best suited to attend a private school, others will be happier in a public setting. If possible, research the available education options in your area, and take school tours if available. You are most intimately aware of your child’s educational strengths and weaknesses and will probably find that you are also most adept at determining what sort of school setting is most appropriate.

Once you have determined where your child will attend classes, take steps to forge lasting relationships with the teachers and administrative staff. It takes little more than a steady, constant effort to play a role in the educational outcome of your child. Whenever possible, make yourself available to attend school functions ranging from parent-teacher meetings, to junior proms to bake sales. Your attention to these seemingly minor details will motivate your child, and play a part in what kids need to start and finish school.

Help your child with homework when asked, and consider the idea of engaging in extracurricular activities such as community outreach and museum trips to enhance the learning process that is begun at school, yet can continue in the home environment.

Finally, attempt to help your household view education in a positive light and encourage them to support your child’s educational efforts whenever possible. When a child sees their family and friends standing behind them in unified admiration, they will be much more apt to see their education through to completion.

Filed Under: High School, Higher Education, Students Tagged With: Education, Extracurricular activity, Learning, Private school

How To Support Your Child Through A Lifetime Of Learning

As a parent, it is important to help your children view their educational journey as a lifelong experience that doesn’t have to end with their graduation from high school.

If possible, find out what curriculum your child’s school is using, and explore the concepts taught so that you can engage in thoughtful conversations with your child about what they are currently learning, and what they hope to achieve.

During the formative years of your child’s education, they will likely want to investigate every possible option for potential careers and extracurricular hobbies. Therefore, this period can bring about many occasions of a trial and error process where a child engages in many activities before choosing only those that are most suitable. For example, if your child decides that they have aspirations of being a concert pianist, you may want to see if there are any piano instructors nearby. However, if your child only takes six weeks of lessons before determining that they’d really rather be a scientist than a musician, try not to get too discouraged or frustrated. The learning process is all about exploration. Although learning is often thought to be confined to what is taught in grade school, the reality is that learning is constant and occurs in many forms.

Once your child begins to have a clearer idea of the path that they want to pursue in life, consider any possible activities in K-12 and beyond that might help your child achieve their goals. For example, if they have a passion for science and are excited about attending medical school to become a doctor, check with your local hospital to see if there are any internships or educational events for students who want to see what is involved with that particular career field.

The most important thing to remember is the need to support your child consistently through all their learning processes, whether or not they are ultimately successful.

Filed Under: Higher Education, Parents, Students, Teachers Tagged With: Child, Education, Elementary school, Learning

Emotional Needs of Children in Education

: Image via Wikipedia

A lot of what kids need to start and finish school includes the child’s emotional needs. A child has many individual needs during school years. Recognizing and meeting those needs can do much to make sure a child finishes school.

The emotional needs start before a child starts kindergarten. Parents must emotionally prepare a child to go to school. This means talking to their child about school so the first day isn’t a huge shock. School can be scary, but by telling a child, or taking a child to the school for a day to show the child what to expect, that scariness can be lessened.

Raising a child’s confidence before going to school is also important. If a child feels confident and secure they will do better in school and feel better when starting school. On the other hand, if a child doesn’t feel confident, they might just give up.

That feeling of confidence should be instilled through out the school years by praising good behaviors, including good grades and behavior. Also providing positive reinforcement like rewards for good performance brings that sense of confidence. It’s important for a child to feel like they can do well in school.

By the time high school rolls around and a child prepares to finish school, the emotional needs of the students change slightly. The last year brings about some burn out as the student gets ansy to finish school. It’s important to identify when a student starts to get overwhelmed and ready to be done and talk to the student about their feelings and explain that they must stay focused until graduation.

If the emotional needs of a student are met, they have a higher chance of finishing school. Recognizing what kids need to start and finish school emotionally is an important role of any parent and a must to their child’s success.

Filed Under: Higher Education, Students Tagged With: Academic term, Child, Education, Emotion, Finishing school, Parent, Reinforcement, Student