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High School and College Tips of the Month

May 2013: Planning to visit colleges this summer?
Before you go - read a series of three articles on Career Vision's website. Begin with "Include Academic Departments on College Visit Itinerary" to really personalize your visit!

April 2013: What date is practically a national holiday for high school seniors?
May 1 - College Decision Day! Seniors must select their college and make their enrollment deposit by May 1. One college, and one deposit, no extensions. Time to celebrate! If students are wait-listed, they still have to submit an enrollment deposit at a school where they have been admitted. This deposit may end up being forfeited if they are offered a spot, and accept it, at a college where they are currently on the wait list. Deposits typically range from $100 to $1,000 - a small price to pay to allow you to attend your dream school?

March 2013: "Earn Your Bachelor's Degree for Less Than $34,000" Says the Ad
Yes, it's true. In a recent newspaper ad, College of DuPage, in the western suburbs of Chicago, announced its innovative "3+1 Programs". To earn a Bachelor's degree, students complete 3 years of COD classes and then take their last year of classes on COD's campus while taught by instructors from the partnering institution. Five local universities - Benedictine, Concordia, Lewis, Roosevelt, and Governors State - offer programs in 12 different majors. Does your community college offer any 3+1 programs yet? Or 2+2's?

February 2013: Catch Senioritis – and Your College May Send You a “Fear of God” Letter
Last year, high school seniors admitted to Texas Christian University who allowed their final semester grades to suddenly slip into C, D, and F territory, received letters known on campus as the “Fear of God” letter. The grades place their acceptance in jeopardy. TCU requires a written statement from the student explaining, in detail, the reasons for his academic performance. If the student misses the due date, TCU automatically assumes he is no longer interested in attending. Yet another reason to keep up those good grades!

January 2013: College Credit for A.P. Exam Scores May Be an Endangered Species
Dartmouth College recently announced that it will no longer grant course credit for Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, beginning with the Class of 2018. The college contends that the difficulty level of the AP exam does not measure up to the level of academic rigor required in Dartmouth courses. According to the New York Times, “Dartmouth changed its policy after an experiment measuring whether top A.P. scores indicated college-level competence…Of more than 100 students who had scored a 5 on the A.P. exam, 90% failed the Dartmouth [Psych 1 final] test. The other 10% were given Dartmouth credit.” This policy change has already sparked a lively debate. In time, we’ll know if Dartmouth has started a trend or if they stand alone.

December 2012: Start looking for the best summer jobs NOW – during the holidays. Why?
The “plum” jobs – interesting work, good pay, fun co-workers – are snapped up early. Even if managers don’t know how many workers they will be hiring, it’s smart for students to get on managers’ radar early in a face-to-face meeting. And here’s another benefit: Research has shown that students who work frequently during high school are less likely to experience unemployment as they launch their careers. Employers look to hire young people with the skills and work ethic developed by working summer and part-time jobs. So get going!

November 2012: Who do high school students look to first for career guidance?
According to a study by the Career Institute for Education and Workforce Development at Ferris State University, 78% of high school students reported that their PARENTS were the top influence and resource for career guidance. Among school personnel, teachers (25%) edged out counselors (21%) as being seen as helpful in advising on career options or furthering education…but 51% of the students perceived that no one at school was helping them with these decisions. Parents who want the best advantages for their children seek out resources and identify professionals who can assist with these career and college major decisions.

October 2012: What changes are happening in law school?
According to a recent New York Times article, New York University is moving toward more specialization in the third year of law school. This is in response to their goal of providing "professional pathways that prepare students to operate in a world that demands increasing specialization." Options include advanced study in areas like tax or corporate law. This shift would suggest a compelling reason for law students to explore law specialties through informational interviews and job shadowing, which helps them make more informed decisions.

September 2012: How to Make Choosing a College Major Less Like the Game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”
In the game, “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”, players are blindfolded and then told to pin a paper tail on a poster of a donkey taped to a wall. For students, choosing a college major can be like this. When students have little understanding of themselves and the types of careers in which they would excel, it’s as if they are wearing that blindfold. Choosing a favorite subject as a major is not the answer, since the student is still not linking it to a viable career direction. Parents and other adults can provide guidance, career information, and access to quality career assessments to help students improve their accuracy with these important decisions.

August 2012: Which Federal government jobs match my major?
Agencies and departments of the U.S. Federal Government are hiring, but how do new grads and other young adults find the titles of federal jobs that they may be eligible for? No problem - the usajobs.gov website can help with that! Remember, too, that "good match" jobs also need to align with your aptitudes, interests, values and personality.

July 2012: What Students with Summer or Part-Time Jobs Need to Know
Students who work summer or part-time jobs enjoy a distinct advantage over those who participate in extra-curricular or enrichment activities only. By working, students can acquire new skills and knowledge in the "real world", learn customer service behaviors, and grow in leadership and responsibility - all highly desired qualities for college admission and future employers. Earning money in order to contribute toward college expenses builds character and pride. Jobs can also introduce students to potential careers and industries. State and federal rules protect students who are younger than 16 years of age by restricting hours and the type of work they are permitted to do. The U.S. Department of Labor's Youth Rules! website has information on these rules as well as tips for preventing workplace injuries. This website has sections specific to the needs of students, parents, educators and employers.

June 2012: Summer is prime time for…
Summer is an ideal time for high school students to learn about potential career options. (Yes, high school is not too early to investigate careers!) Informational interviews and job shadowing are stellar ways for students to get a realistic understanding of jobs and careers. This leads to better understanding which college majors best prepare them for careers of interest. The first step to making these important decisions begins with an in-depth understanding of themselves: their potential (aptitude profile), interests, values and personality, followed by looking at jobs they would be a great match for.

May 2012: Build a Relationship with Your Dream College
Many colleges and universities track "demonstrated interest" from applicants. A campus visit, an interview, participating in online admissions chats, joining a Facebook page, and emails are considered a positive indicator that a student will choose to enroll. In a 2011 report, half of the colleges and universities surveyed by the National Association of College Admissions Counselors rated these interest indicators as considerably or moderately important. However, grades, challenging high school classes, and test scores are still tops on the list.

April 2012: What technology skills are important for students to develop?
We assume that just because students text, tweet, update Facebook, and play computer games, that they are proficient in technology. Not so. There is a big gap between students' tech skills and the kinds of skills colleges and employers want. Dr. Bill Coplin, Ph.D., observes, "This is evident when I talk to high school seniors who apply to Syracuse University. These are relatively high-performing students: yet, when I ask them if they can use Excel, fewer and fewer students each year say, 'Yes'." Coplin encourages students to become proficient on Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and researching on the Internet.

March 2012: Are minimum requirements for high school graduation sufficient to meet college admissions criteria?
Often - no. The minimum requirements related to coursework required for graduation from high school may well be different from those required by colleges. In fact, for some academic majors, there may be specific additional high school course requirements. This is another good reason for why it's important for students to identify their possible career direction and related majors before looking at colleges. Students should check with their high school counselor as well as admissions staff at the colleges and majors under consideration to uncover additional high school course requirements. If student athletes intend to compete in NCAA Division I or II or NAIA athletics in college, they must also meet academic eligibility requirements for those organizations as well.

February 2012: Transform Aspiring Artists into Successful Self-Employed Artists
Artists of all kinds - performing, literary, media, visual arts - typically learn how to create but not what to do with that creation. The focus of the organization, SEA (Self Employment in the Arts), is on the business of art. Housed at Naperville's North Central College, SEA was created with the idea that more artists will succeed if they have business skills, knowledge, resources, and contacts. Through artist-led conferences, a website full of resources and articles, and educational tools like the award winning Entrepreneurial Artist DVD, SEA helps artists turn their passions into a living. SEA is for college students, serious high school students, artists, and educators.

January 2012: What is academic rigor?
Academic rigor refers to demonstrating not only mastery of the content of courses, but also the application of critical thinking skills. Research says that past performance is the best predictor of future performance, so in evaluating student application packages, college admissions counselors look for a pattern of coursework that demonstrates the ability to do well in more difficult classes. This analysis gives them an idea of the strength of a student's academic record and serves as an indicator that a particular student is up to the level of work that is characteristic of that college or university.

December 2011: What is Better Than Wanting Our Children to be Happy?
"When we cruise around like the happiness police, clearing away anything that gets in the way of our children's happiness, we're doing our children a disservice, because adversity is a great teacher," according to Aaron Cooper, co-author (along with Chicago Educator Eric Keitel) of the book, I Just Want My Kids to Be Happy: Why You Shouldn't Say It, Why You Shouldn't Think It, What You Should Embrace Instead. "The only way we build those resilience muscles is by having to practice coping with adversity: sitting with disappointment, sadness, frustration and other difficult feelings. That's what builds resilience." (Chicago Tribune, 11/23/11)

November 2011: Can Every Student be a Leader?
Yes, every student can be a leader! In fact, to succeed in today's world, the ability to lead diverse groups is vital to everyone's success. Parents especially can be instrumental in introducing their high school and college age children to the characteristics of leadership, and giving their children meaningful opportunities to practice these constructive behaviors. To learn the five areas of leadership and view suggestions for how adults can help young people develop these competencies, click here for a great article by the organization, Building Partnerships for Youth, a partnership between the National 4-H Council and the University of Arizona.

October 2011: Taking the ACT Multiple Times
Ambitious students take the ACT or SAT tests multiple times in hopes of achieving the maximum score possible, paving the way to get into selective colleges desired by the student (or, perhaps, the parents). A caution, though - these test scores may get students into a school that is actually too academically rigorous for them. Realistically, the artificially high level of effort expended for the college entrance exam is impossible for the student to sustain year over year. The best fit school for a student is not one where they will be so frustrated, exhausted, and stressed that they lose confidence and perform poorly, but where they will be appropriately challenged in their college work while enjoying a healthy quality of life.

September: 2011: How to Prevent Good Students from Hitting the Wall
A recent article in the Chicago Tribune shed light on how students' GPAs take a dive as they
transition from high school to college. Here are some tips to prevent this "culture shock":

1)

Discuss the differences between high school and college

2)

Build students' planning skiils by teaching them to do a semester "big picture" plan as well as a weekly plan (see tip for Oct. 2009 below)

3)

Build Vocabulary! College texts and research demand a more extensive vocabulary. Use vocabulary games on freerice.com and encourage frequent, consistent use of the dictionary - paperback or website. (see tip for Aug. 2010)

4)

Build critical thinking skills (see tip for May 2010)

5)

Guide students to use campus resources

August: 2011: Fabulous! Free! New 24/7 online tutoring resource
Have you heard of the Khan Academy ? Recently featured in the magazine Bloomberg BusinessWeek, it's a free online resource with a library of over 2100 ten-minute videos covering K-12 math, biology, chemistry, physics, finance, history, and SAT prep. The material is self-paced, contains practice exercises, assessments, and a profile to measure progress. And the entire site is the result of a passionate, clever and hardworking young man, Salman Khan, who began remotely tutoring his cousin in 2004. And now Bill Gates is one of his biggest fans…and funders.

July 2011: What can students do to improve their memory and boost their learning?
There is no learning without memory, says Harry Lorayne, a well-known memory training specialist. His book, Super Memory - Super Student: How to Raise Your Grades in 30 Days, introduces students to techniques can be applied to learning numbers; numbers in conjunction with names, words or events; and reading material, which includes vocabulary and terminology. These techniques are compensatory strategies that can boost a student's natural memory abilities.

June 2011: Another Reason Why GPA is Important
The more competitive college majors can be quite selective. They often require a minimum GPA for admittance to the program, higher than for general admission to the college. Also, once in a program, students must continue to prove their competency by maintaining that GPA. Programs like business, nursing, education or engineering, for example, want to graduate students that reflect the high quality of the program. Employers seek them out for internships and jobs because they know the grads are outstanding.

May 2011:Should an Unemployed Young Adult Get Another Degree?
Don't just go back to school because you are having trouble finding employment. More degrees are not necessarily better. If you decide to return to college for an additional degree, make sure that the degree is critical for your career goal. No career goal? Then work with a career professional to identify one - making sure it is aligned with your top natural strengths and interests, and that the career will offer growth and opportunity in the years ahead.

April 2011: When Your Student Earns a Scholarship
It's always good news to hear that a scholarship has been awarded to your student! Make sure you read the conditions of the scholarship. For instance, some scholarships require maintaining a minimum grade point average or number of semester credit hours.

March 2011: Bachelor's Degree: A Magic Ticket?
For many parents, earning a 4-year Bachelor's Degree was a kind of "magic ticket" to a professional level job; a student's major was of less importance because of on-the-job training. Not so today. Employers often don't have the staff, time or money to hire and train a college graduate without coursework or experience related to the job. They look for students that can hit the ground running - students who have majored and minored in academic areas related to their career field, and have one or two related internships under their belt as they reach senior year and begin job hunting.

February 2011: How Important are Internships?
A 2010 survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that almost 50% of the new college graduates hired have been interns for that employer. Companies view intern programs as a great way to evaluate young talent and determine if there is a good fit with the culture. In fact, the top business consulting firms prefer job candidates who have at least two internships to give them introductory work experience.

January 2011: When Students Underestimate Their Abilities
In our work with students, we find that most of them underestimate at least half of their natural talents, or aptitudes. What impact does this have? Plenty! If they don't have objective measurements of their aptitudes, they make college and career decisions on the basis of these inaccurate perceptions. They may choose careers that are not a good match for their actual talents, and not even glance at careers that actually would be an ideal fit. Adults underestimate their talents as well, and can find themselves in ill-fitting jobs without an understanding of their unique aptitude profile.

December 2010: How Can Students Find Jobs and Internships Over the Holidays?
Students - Don't wait until spring break or the end of the school year to start trolling for summer jobs, internships, or full-time jobs. Holiday social events place you in new situations where you meet people who might be able to help connect you to opportunities. Even high school students can order simple business cards at a local big box office supply store that have basic contact information: name, address, phone number, and email address (about $25 for 250 cards). College students, check with your campus career services office first, since an increasing number of colleges are providing students with free business cards that have the college logo and your major/minor on them. When students meet new people and share their employment goal with them, handing over a business card is easy, looks professional, and creates quite a first impression!

November 2010: A Way to Ease the Transition to College
One of our parents suggested this tip: Have your student begin college the summer after high school graduation. They can acclimate to campus, make new friends and get a head start on a few classes during a term where campus moves at a slower pace. Apartment rent is a bargain, with many sublets available. When the rest of the freshmen arrive for fall semester, your student may be the confident one showing them around!.

October 2010: How can I identify individuals in a particular career for informational Interviews?
Conducting information interviews is a key method for students (and anyone, really) to explore potential careers. Most parents look first to their own networks of friends and colleagues to identify individuals who are in careers their children are interested in. Next, turn to the local chapters of professional organizations. Those who are officers or committee chairs enjoy their career and because of their involvement, often are more open to requests for informational interviews. Search for the associations and chapters online, where you will find contact information for these individuals. For more great information on conducting informational interviews, see our article, "The Power of Informational Interviews".

September 2010: Elections This Fall - A Teachable Moment?
Students get pretty wrapped up in their world of school, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social lives - but at age 18, they are also old enough to vote. Parents can be instrumental in introducing their teens to this important civic responsibility in the years leading up to that 18th birthday. Why not walk them through the process of informed decision-making? Pretend together that they are old enough to vote. Share with them the sources that you use to learn about the candidates and their positions on issues. And help your teen develop critical thinking skills by charting the pros and cons of each candidate. Find out what your high school does to teach students how to be educated, engaged citizens. A number of area high schools deserve a shout out for their excellent programs for citizenship development, as noted by the McCormick Foundation's report, "Creating a Civic Blueprint for Illinois High Schools".

August 2010: 3 Easy Ways to Build Vocabulary
Start early - start smart:
1. As you read, look up words immediately on an online dictionary website or in a low-tech paperback dictionary; write the definition in the page margin or on a small sticky note attached to the page. That way, when you return to the page while studying for the test, the correct definition will be instantly reinforced.
2. Play Vocabulary games on freerice.com. (Go there also to test knowledge of Grammar, Art History, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chemistry, Math and Geography.)
3. Read something other than school textbooks - enjoyable but with a slightly more challenging vocabulary. Even 10 minutes a day has been shown to make a significant difference.

July 2010: Students: How important is a good vocabulary?
Research shows that a good vocabulary:
- Contributes to greater success in school, and greater success in one's career, whatever the career (important for college entrance tests, too!)
- Improves a student's speed and accuracy of comprehension, so reading becomes easier(especially as students tackle college level reading)
- Motivates students to read more, which continues to increase their vocabulary
- Enables a student to communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals
- Improves academic and social competence and confidence

June 2010: How Can I Motivate My Child?
When parents ask how they can motivate their child, the question is usually related to school or work. Think for a moment about the activities that you DON"T have to motivate your child to do. Sports? Music? Video games? Shopping? When students find something that engages them, captures their interest, and allows them to feel competent, they become motivated. Like adults, students are motivated when they see a connection between what they are learning and what they will use. When parents help students explore careers that are aligned with their natural talents (aptitudes), interests and values, they are helping their children discover realistic academic and career goals that are compelling. Motivation is most powerful when it comes from within. More information on the power of internal motivation may be found in the recent bestselling book Drive by Daniel Pink.

May 2010: Why Critical Thinking is "Critical" for Students
On the job, employers expect young adults to analyze situations, weigh pros and cons, and make decisions about their work. Young adults need to recognize false, poorly reasoned, or improbable information. Critical thinking helps avoid or manage potential conflict, and improves productivity. A logic and reasoning class, typically offered as a General Education course, can strengthen a student's proficiency. Or gain the skills through independent learning: San Jose State University offers a free online tutorial called Mission:Critical. Try it!

April 2010: How Will College Be Different From High School?
Too often, bright, capable high school graduates head to college only to get blindsided by the different demands of a college environment. They start off the semester well, but are quickly overwhelmed by reading assignments and lack of planning skills. If they're lucky, they catch themselves and reach out for help from academic support services on campus. If they don't, their grades and confidence crash. Here is an article that families can use as a discussion tool with their college-bound children: How Will College Be Different From High School?

March 2010: Graduate in 4 Years? Here's How to Do It
Funding four years of college per child is challenging enough for a family, and yet national
statistics report that 1/3 of students take up to 6 years to get that Bachelor's degree - another
1/3 take longer or never graduate at all! Here are practical ways to minimize the time needed
to earn that degree:

  • Begin with the end in mind. Choose your major early, based on your career goal - that
    is, the job you will do after graduation.

  • Make sure every class counts toward your general education, academic major and
    minor requirements. Work closely with your faculty advisor to make sure you stay on
    track, carrying at least 15-16 credits every semester. Take courses during high school
    or summers to make faster progress.

  • Investigate 4-year guarantee programs where freshmen commit to a major, and the
    college guarantees graduation in four years or the remaining tuition is free. Western
    Illinois
    and Eastern Illinois Universities are examples of schools with this program
    offering.

February 2010: Living on Their Own: Reality Check Website for Students
The Reality Check website developed by Texas Workforce Solutions is a fast and fun way to introduce students to the realities of living on their own and paying for their expenses, and underscores how important education beyond high school is. Online, students make a
series of choices about housing, healthcare, transportation, food, entertainment, personal
upkeep and miscellaneous expenses. There is also a way to compare expenses with the
salaries of possible careers to see if they will make enough to cover their expenses. A terrific
tool to prompt discussion.

January 2010: An Additional Benefit for Teens with Part-Time or Summer Jobs
“Teen and young adult employment is very past dependent,” according to Joe McLaughlin, senior research associate for the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University in Boston. “The more you work today, the more you will work in the future. The intensity of your work ethic influences the intensity of your work ethic in the future.” (From article “Teen employment tumbles to state low” by Julie Wernau, Chicago Tribune, January 26, 2010.)

So – work experiences for teens strengthen their work ethic and increases their employability in the future!

December 2009: The College Grad Job Market
“Companies with fewer than 500 employees remain the backbone of the college labor market,” according to Phil Gardner, the director of Michigan State University’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute. Companies are hiring college graduates in e-commerce, looking to capture more business from the Internet. Gardner adds, “Other hot sectors that should see hiring increases include agriculture production and food processing, environmental sciences, information systems, manufacturing, nonprofits, statistics, nursing, social work, multimedia and Web design.” Decreases in 2010 are expected in accounting, banking, engineering, transportation, utilities, real estate and computer science and computer programming. However, students should remember that these are short term decreases due to the economy, and not reason enough to abandon a career path that may prove to be very rewarding.

November 2009: Tough Savings Decisions: Retirement vs. College?
Most financial experts encourage parents to make retirement savings a higher priority than using that money to pay for their children’s college expenses. A recent article in U.S. News and World Report, quotes Lynn Mayabb, a senior managing adviser for BKD Wealth Advisors in Kansas City, MO. “There are other ways to pay for college; there are no loans for retirement." Retirement account balances and the value of the family's primary residence or a family-owned small business are not counted toward the expected family contribution the government expects your family to be able to use to pay for college.

October 2009: Plan Out a Semester Using Visual Techniques
Many students (and adults!) find long range planning difficult. At the beginning of the semester, they tend to think they have plenty of time to get everything done.

It may be helpful for them to create a visual picture of the entire semester on a white board, mounted on a wall in the student's study area. Draw a grid, with a horizontal row for each subject, extra-curricular activity and job. Use vertical lines to mark each week. Label the dates across the top. Finally, fill in not only dates when tests are scheduled and papers or projects due, but also tag the dates when different steps of the assignments need to occur, or mini-deadlines. Students can color code their subjects if they find it helpful. When finished, the student has a large picture of what the semester looks like "at-a-glance". It's easy to identify crunch times and then strategize ways to prepare. This helps a student learn how to plan, troubleshoot, and avoid unnecessary all-nighters.

September 2009: Important College Application Deadlines
It's best to apply to colleges you are interested in by November 1, so have your application in your admission counselor's office at least two weeks before this date to allow time for processing. Some schools set their priority application deadline between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1. Scholarship or talent grant money often has an early deadline, too, between Dec. 1 and Feb. 1. Each college handles these dates in their own way, so it is important for seniors and their parents to check their colleges for the specific deadlines.

August 2009: Faster, Friendlier FAFSA Coming in 2010
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has announced the U.S. Department of Education is taking steps to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) shorter, simpler, and more student friendly. The changes - some of which are already in place while others will be phased in over the next few months - are designed to increase postsecondary enrollment, particularly among low- and middle-income students. Students and counselors can track the rollout of the new form at the FAFSA website. (From the American Counseling Association's ACAenews, July 2009)

July 2009: New College Grad - and Still Unemployed? Part 2
It's easy to feel isolated and discouraged if you are trying to conduct a job search by yourself and at home. A much more productive method is to connect with people. Designate daytime for making phone calls, meeting with contacts, and participation in a few job search groups. Confine your online job search activities to evenings or on weekends. And don't forget to fully utilize the resources available at the local branch of the state employment office (called workNet Centers in Illinois) and the career center at your alma mater.

June 2009: New College Grad - and Still Unemployed? Part 1
Many communities are home to job search groups and community career centers where speakers educate job seekers of all ages on best practices for researching companies, writing resumes, and practicing interviewing. These settings can also make networking easier for those who are just learning the skills. Job search groups are fantastic resources, but know that age-wise, new college grads will be in the minority. Most members will be closer to their parents' ages. However, by learning from these mid-career professionals, young adults will quickly become street-smart about how to market themselves to employers.

April 2009: What Kind of Work Experience Do Employers Want?
More than 75% of employers said they prefer to hire candidates who already have relevant work experience, according to Job Outlook 2009, a study from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. High school students who identify a career goal and related major as early as junior or senior year can then seek out career-related work experiences during the rest of high school and throughout college. Part-time and summer jobs, internships and cooperative education assignments in their career field provide a significant competitive advantage among new college graduates vying for jobs.

March 2009: When the Financial Aid Package Falls Short
If your student's financial aid package offer is less than you'd like, appeal immediately. The later you wait, the less funds the college will have.

  • If your family's financial situation has changed since applying or requires special consideration, contact the college. This includes loss of a job, divorce or separation, and disability or death of a family member.

  • Appeal in person…and be personable.

  • Let College A know that College B is offering more aid…but you prefer College A. See what they might be able to add to their offer.

  • Follow up in the fall. When students who are offered aid in the spring decide not to attend the college, their grant money becomes available.

February 2009: What contributes to college success?
Those students who coped with their career-related choices at the end of their senior years [of high school] had easier academic adjustments in higher education and greater commitment to their chosen fields of study, according to the researchers, V. Germeijs and K. Verschueren. This finding is contrary to the beliefs of some that career decision making and planning should be given a more serendipitous or happenstance approach. - Career Development Quarterly, December 2008

Basically, the research supports Career Vision's perspective - if students go to college with a sense of direction and have the essential Career Literacy skills, they greatly improve their odds of a successful transition.

January 2009: Is Transferring Part of Your College Plan?
Does your student plan to start their academic career at the local community college, and then transfer to a four-year school? Proceed with caution! Credits for coursework are not always accepted when transferring from one college or university to another. Here are two resources to ensure course credits transfer successfully:

  • If they know the school they will be transferring to:
    Use the online resource u.Select Illinois and the Transfer section of the college's website to find the course requirements for the academic major as well as general education classes. Work with academic advisors at both colleges to confirm that the courses your student takes at the community college level will transfer smoothly to the new school.

  • If they do not know the school they will be transferring to:
    The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) is a statewide transfer agreement among more than 100 participating college or universities in Illinois. Visit the IAI website to find information related to General Education Core Curriculum as well as Baccalaureate Majors' Recommendations.

December 2008: Almost Time for Financial Aid Forms
Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, forms have a June 30 deadline – but states and colleges have their own deadlines, as early as February. Submit as soon as possible after Jan 1. For more information, see www.fafsa.ed.gov.

November 2008: When Students Come Home for the Holidays
The holiday season can be stressful, especially for parents and college students returning home. Young adults who have been living on their own for several months may chafe at having to be accountable once again to parents. Some actions that will help make it an enjoyable visit for all:

  • Share your expectations for the visit ahead of time with your student.

  • Your student will want to spend lots of time with friends. Agree upon some times they can reserve to be with just family.

  • Make some time for one-on-one conversation, away from the crowd.

  • Maintaining a sense of humor can keep things in the right balance.

October 2008: Practice Effective Study Skills Before College
For optimum academic performance, college professors recommend two hours of studying
for every hour spent in class. Though students say they find that standard excessive, the time
that college students need to devote to studying is more than in high school, sometimes dramatically so.

In high school, much of the homework is assigned by the teacher in small amounts, such as prep for a weekly quiz. Students are not required to do much independent planning, and certainly not for an entire semester. In college, students need to be able to plan on their own. They need to make sure hundreds of pages are read as suggested by the schedule on the course syllabus, well in advance of a mid-term or final exam. Parents who help their high school child practice the skills needed to plan and manage their studying will see it pay off when their son or daughter begins their college classes.

September 2008: More $$$ for Illinois College Students
Eight Illinois credit unions announced recently that they have partnered with two state agencies to provide $100 million in new financial aid. The program is designed to address the funding gaps caused by lenders withdrawing from the student loan market due to the current credit crisis. The funds will be awarded through the Stafford loan program, offering a 6.8% interest rate. Final approval is expected September 19 at the Board Meeting of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

August 2008: Fall application frenzy starts September 1
This month, seniors can begin working on college essays and some application forms. When they return to school, students can plan to run their essays past their high school counselor, but they should make this request as early as possible to respect the counselor's hectic schedule this time of year. Build in plenty of time to allow for unexpected delays or doing some revisions

July 2008: Make Writing Well a Top Priority
Students today communicate at lightning speed through text messages. But all those abbreviations used in texting do not prepare them to write a coherent research paper or essay. Strong writing skills are also demanded for the writing section on the SAT test and college application essays, assessing a student's ability to handle college-level work. During high school, English teachers or private tutors can bolster a high school student's ability to write well. On a college campus, head immediately to the writing center to see all they offer - before you need the help. Trained staff, top English majors, and peer tutors offer free coaching with all stages of the writing process, from formulating a topic to preparing the final copy. Tap these resources early and you'll see the payoff in academic success!

June 2008: Volunteering: You'll get more than you give
If your summer job isn't giving you enough hours, consider a volunteer position a few hours a week to introduce you to career options. Colleges and prospective employers look for leadership and volunteer experience in the backgrounds of applicants. Grab a friend and seek out a volunteer opportunity that you both find interesting. Identify organizations to approach or find some ideas at www.chicagovolunteer.net or www.npo.net/volunt.htm. For those who live outside the Chicago area, search on www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/OpenIndexAction.do.

May 2008: Save Gas, Earn Credit

This summer, consider getting a head start on your college coursework by taking an online course. Though there are designated start and end dates, coursework can be completed at any time of the day – or night! This makes it easy to fit around a work schedule. Students submit assignments, receive feedback, participate in discussions with other students and complete testing – all online. These courses are just as challenging as classroom-based courses. If you are self-motivated, and can set up and stick to a study plan, you are a great candidate for this method of learning!

April 2008: College 101 Finale
Spring reminds us that there can always be new beginnings. At college, it is never too late to begin following these success tips:

  • Set priorities, don't skip classes, procrastinate, or let your study habits slip.

  • Feeling homesick or overwhelmed at times is completely normal. Call family or friends, send an e-mail, journal, or reach out to your support network on campus.

  • Don't overspend or get caught in the credit card trap of debt!

  • Decide now that a bad class or professor will not change your academic or career goals. Keep your eye on your goals and persist!

March 2008: More College Success 101
Making a successful transition to university life and enjoying your experience in college includes practicing some these "basics":

  • Understand course requirements and assignment due dates, and clarify instructor expectations early in the term.

  • Set realistic academic goals and grades for yourself and strive to attain them.

  • Get involved in fun campus activities and (if living on campus) resist leaving on the weekends.

  • Exercise and eat right to maintain your physical and mental health. A healthy student is a student who learns better and faster.

February 2008: College Success 101
Unfortunately, 50% of students entering college never earn a degree. Stack the odds of succeeding in college in your favor by following these tips:

  • Determine your best career paths and supporting college major(s) as soon as possible to avoid changing majors or spending extra semesters in school.

  • Get to know and build a support network of peers and mentors on campus (students, classmates, academic advisors, professors, tutors, counselors).

  • Get and stay organized!

  • Understand course requirements and assignment due dates.

January 2008: Networking
Social networking sites, like Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn have now become the latest trend in employment. Students are finding internships, summer jobs, and full-time employment through these sites. Individuals are able to use their network of influential contacts to introduce them to potential employers, increasing their odds of being considered for a position. Thousands of recruiters and employers (including all Fortune 500 companies) peruse these sites for talent. Be professional in your profile content and communication, and also be aware that an increase in connections can lead to an increase in spam, raising the possibility of identity theft.

For comprehensive information on protecting your privacy, go to: privacyrights.org and www.scambusters.org


December 2007: Parents of High School Seniors

Check with your student's guidance counselor to determine if there are any remaining scholarships or grants for which your student might apply. Note: Seniors who have determined their college major may be eligible for additional scholarships through the college they plan to attend, associations, foundations, or businesses. January is the month to file your FAFSA forms.

For additional scholarship and financial aid information, check out these websites:
BankRate.com
The College Board
Federal Student Aid
Peterson's

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