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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

The Prepaid Credit Card Lessons: Generating Childhood Interest

It’s an age of easy debt — countless individuals each year struggle to maintain their accounts, to conquer the challenge of finance. They spend too much; they save too little; and the balance is a precarious one, with bankruptcy forever looming. You wish, therefore, to spare your children the worries of financial poor planning. Money must be understood and utilized properly. So you seek to expose them to cash, credit and all of the concerns in between.

When trying to provide good sense for the future, be certain you establish it in the present. Offer your children their lessons as soon as they can count, allowing them to learn of money early (so they may avoid being overwhelmed). Use everyday activities, such as visiting shopping centers to offer examples of common costs and the importance of budgeting. Stress the necessity of saving dollars rather than simply tossing them away. Allow your children to have bank accounts, encouraging them to place portions of their allowances there each week. Teach them to keep their statement books and checks organized (outline each entry with them until they’re capable of doing it alone). Offer them each a prepaid credit card, when they have proven themselves to be responsible, so they may track their expenses and recognize the diligence that instant access demands.

It is an all too simple thing to become a victim of money complications; and millions prove this every day, scrambling to replenish their empty accounts and strengthen weak credit scores. It is essential therefore that all parents provide their children with wisdom for the days to come. Emphasize the importance of proper spending habits. Introduce them to the fickle nature of cash. And ensure that there is a complete understanding of finance and the burden it can demand.

Filed Under: Parents, Students

Learning in Kindergarten

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When the time for kindergarten finally arrives, many parents go through a flood of emotions/happiness, sadness, anxiety, just to name a few. Kindergarten is an exciting time for the children, as well as their parents. As the parents begin to ready themselves, some have questions about sending their children to school. One of the biggest questions is “What will my child learn in kindergarten?”

The answer is much broader than many parents expect. Subjects that kindergarteners include reading, math, writing, art, social studies, and science. Children are also taught how to use computers. As the school year progresses, they are expected to move toward goals in each of these subjects.

Within each of these subjects, children are taught many different things in fun ways that will keep them interested in learning. Below are a few examples of what your children will learn in kindergarten.

In math, kindergarteners will learn the basics of the subject simple addition and subtraction. In most cases, this will be taught using objects, such as colored shapes, crayons, or blocks.

In reading, children will learn how letter sound and how basic words are formed when letters are put together. Through the introduction to letters and sounds, they will be taught to recognize and spell their names (if they don’t do this already).

Children will be taught to write their names as they learn that writing goes from the left side of a piece of paper to the right side. They will also be taught that writing goes from the top of a page to the bottom. Writing will also include tracing shapes, such as circles and squares.

In science class, kindergarteners will learn everything from the seasons and the weather typical of them to the five senses. Music class will teach them about sound, rhythm, and moving to the sound of music.

Filed Under: Elementary, Students Tagged With: Child, Education, Kindergarten, Parent

Little Thought of Gifts for the Online University Student

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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

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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

Beginning with the End in Mind

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If you have never read Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you would be well advised to do so. While the most effective people in life obviously practice a great deal more than these seven unifying habits, they are a great starting point for anyone’s success, no matter what their age. One of the most important habits is the second of the group, “Begin with the end in mind.” The similarity between that habit and the title of this article is not a coincidence. If you think through where your child may be headed when he or she first starts school (or even before starting), you can do a lot to help your children along the way.

For instance, if you believe your child may one day grow up to be a professional in a business field, checking out onlinembarankings.com right now can give you an idea of the different MBA opportunities they may one day end up looking for. Granted, it’s probably difficult for you to picture your child (who may only be starting elementary school) going off to college, it will happen sooner than you think. Children won’t stay young for very long, and pretty soon the matters of the future will be the matters that can wait no longer.

Consider what you have to do, in order to help them afford college. How will you maximize what you save, while keeping your income at a threshold which will allow them to receive the largest number of grants? What courses of study will help your children to prepare for their life in the work force? What do they seem especially talented at, and where do their interests lie? While your children won’t think too much about these things until they’re far older, you have the benefit of knowing the future is coming. What are you planning to do with this information?

Filed Under: Elementary, Students Tagged With: Fortune 500, Stephen Covey, Stephen R. Covey

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

Common Needed School Supplies

Every year when school starts students and parents look for that dreaded school supply list. It seems that as a child moves up in grades the longer and more expensive the school supply list gets. While the school supply list might seem to grow every year, there are almost always a set of common school supplies that every student no matter what grade they are in needs.

This common list of school supplies will allow you to plan ahead and shop early so that you don’t need to run around at the last minute to pick up these commonly needed school supplies.

Pencils

Every student needs a good set of pencils. Whether it is for a math class or just taking notes, pencils are almost always needed by students.

Crayons

Art students know the importance of having crayons but crayons are needed in almost every grade from K through 8. Sometimes even high school students will need crayons depending on the lesson. It isn’t a bad thing to keep around the house.

Paper/Notebooks

It’s a sure bet that a student is going to need something to take their notes on. Paper or notebooks are the number one school supply that provides that need. It is always a good idea to buy extra in the beginning of the year as these supplies are in high demand.

Computer/Internet Access

The computer and Internet have become an almost essential school supply item for students all over the country. Whether you are a student of public schools or online schools like earnmydegree.com the Internet is a needed resource to provide research, paper writing and even turning in assignments.

There are many other needed school supplies such as a geometry set, calculator, pens, colored pencils and three ring binders but the supplies listed above are the most commonly asked for school supplies by schools all across the country.

Filed Under: High School, Students Tagged With: High school, Pencil, Student

Tips and advice for parents preparing to send a student to kindergarten

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The first day of kindergarten is a memorable day for any parent watching their student board the bus or walk into school for the first time. But, much preparation goes into making sure a student is ready for kindergarten.
Parents need to take care of some administrative duties before their child will be admitted. A student needs to be vaccinated or a note needs to be written explaining why the parents didn’t vaccinate the student. A student’s birth certificate will also have to presented to the school. Registration usually happens the spring or summer before kindergarten begins.
Kindergarten preparation starts long before though. Parents can do much for the future of their child by preparing them academically. Working with the child with skills at home will send them to the front of the class. Parents should work with their child on learning the alphabet and learning how to count to ten before they go to school.
It’s also important to teach skills like sharing and how to get along with other students. Teaching students those skills might mean bringing them around other students in social settings and making play dates with other children or sending a child to preschool, where they will interact with other kids.
Emotionally preparing a child for kindergarten is important. If the child stayed with a stay at home mom or dad, they might be scared to be away from home all day. To help ease the transition, a parent should talk to their child about going to school and even take the child to the school to give them a tour before their first day. Introducing the child to their child prior to the first day of kindergarten can also ease this transition.
Starting school for the first time can be a stressful time for parents and students. Working with the child before the first day helps the transition.

Filed Under: Parents, Students Tagged With: Child, Child Education, Family, Home, Kindergarten, Parent, Preschool education, Student