• Handy advice from parents who have been there, done that
• 3 tips for navigating the college experience from an upperclassman
• Practical reminders from the mom of a college student
• The many benefits of community college
• Deciding where to apply
• And more!
BY SARAH WALKER CARON
COLLEGE APPLICATION SEASON is a stressful time. When the fall rolls around, students need to craft their college essay, prepare their applications, and so much more. And then comes the waiting.
When my son was applying to colleges, I knew I didn't know it all so I asked lots of questions of people who’d had kids in the application process recently. But hindsight is still the greatest teacher. As my daughter approaches college applications, there’s so much I wish I knew the first time around.
Visiting colleges helps teens narrow their interests. That was true for my son who was able to knock an entire city off his list of colleges he was applying to. But in hindsight, we centered our visits around cities (his preference) without visiting any schools in the suburbs of cities that could have been a good fit. I’m not sure it would have changed
anything for him, but maybe visiting one would have been a good idea. So I’ve done it differently the second time around. Though my daughter also would love to be in a small city, we’ve toured both city schools and suburban schools in her hunt for the right ones to apply to.
Short answer questions — sometimes called supplemental questions — are additional questions that colleges ask applicants to answer. When my son answered them, he wrote accurate, well-worded answers. But now I know something more about them: colleges want to see themselves in the answers too. In other words, students should review college materials to glean values and priorities and weave them into their answers. It will help align the student and the college better on the applications.
My son had a lot of accomplishments and experiences that were application-worthy, but there was only room for a few. We spent a lot of time seeing which would fit and which were the best to include. We successfully narrowed down his list, but treated it holistically. After narrowing it down, we should have ordered those accomplishments in order of importance. That way if the admissions team only sees one or two, they see the best ones of the bunch.
The year my son applied to colleges, the CSS Profile couldn’t be updated once submitted. So a small typo on his vitals led to a lot of emails and phone calls to correct it. It was a nightmare. This past year, the new FAFSA was also hard to correct (that functionality was turned off for a while) and there’s no telling what this year will look like. While these forms change year to year, your best bet is to ensure the information is right the first time. So triple-check everything before hitting submit.
My son wanted my help on every aspect of his applications and admissions. He forwarded me every email and wanted my help at each step. But my daughter is different. She reads me important emails but doesn’t forward them. And I am not yet sure what the application process will look like for her (though she will still need guidance on some forms). However it goes, it’s okay. Giving teens room to handle the process however works for them (within reason) is part of the growing up that happens with the end of high school and start of their adult lives.
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
ASPIRING COLLEGE STUDENTS can expect to do a lot of writing as they travel down the path to college admissions. Many schools require applicants to submit an essay or personal statement. Some schools may have an entire list of separate writing prompts that need to be answered. For example, Princeton University requires five supplemental pieces of writing: one of up to 500 words, one that is up to 250 words, and three short responses of up to 50 words, in addition to an essay that is a mandatory component of the standard application.
It is never too early for high school students to begin thinking about the college essay experience and start formulating ideas about topics they would like to cover.
A vast array of schools utilize the Common Application to receive student applications. The Common Application offers a full set of essay prompts (which remained unchanged for the 2023-2024 academic year) to spark thought. An example of one prompt was: “Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?” Students also have the option to share an essay of their choice.
The essay should be original and genuine, and applicants can use it to share their voice. Some additional essay-writing tips also can help students stand out.
· SELECT A TOPIC that is consequential and shares who you are as a person.
· AVOID LINE AFTER LINE that seems pulled out of a thesaurus.
· WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO YOU that had a meaningful impact on your life.
· MAKING AN ADMISSIONS OFFICER LAUGH IS A RARE FEAT , and it’s generally best to avoid using one-liners or clichés when writing an admissions essay. However, those who feel that levity is needed and humor indicates who they are as a person can weave it in carefully.
· THE ESSAY IS NOT A PLACE TO LIST YOUR AWARDS and accomplishments, particularly if they are mentioned elsewhere on the application.
· WRITE A STRONG OPENING that draws in the reader. Many admissions personnel are reading scores of essays per day. To ensure they get through yours, you'll need to command their attention.
· ANSWER THE PROMPT ACCORDINGLY. Avoid incorporating previously written pieces into what the essay prompt is asking. Start fresh on each prompt.
· ALWAYS PROOFREAD AND EDIT , then do it again. Colleges want to see that you can write and that you have command of spelling and grammar.
Essay writing is something that high school students will do with greater frequency as they begin applying to college.
COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA
PAYING FOR COLLEGE can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) offers four ways to make the cost of your college education more affordable.
1. LOW TUITION - UMA has one of the least expensive in-state tuitions for undergraduate courses in Maine. With UMA’s Pine Tree State Pledge, you may have no tuition costs at all! To qualify for zero tuition, students must be Maine residents, Pell grant eligible, and be a new student (either first-time or transfer). Both full-time and part-time students can qualify. As noted by UMA President Jenifer Cushman, “The Pine Tree State Pledge has tremendous potential for Maine people and is consistent with UMA’s mission to transform the lives of students of every age.”
2. SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS – Scholarships are financial awards which do not have to be repaid. With more than 80 different scholarships,
UMA awards over a million dollars in scholarships each year! There are scholarships for new and returning students, younger students and adults completing their degree. For example, adults returning to school could qualify for up to $16,000 with the Adult Degree Completion Scholarship.
3. NO COMMUTING COSTS – UMA has numerous locations in Maine where you can complete your college courses. Two campuses (Augusta and Bangor), and seven statewide Centers means your UMA course is close to your home or workplace. Plus, UMA offers 13 degree programs that are 100% online, so your classroom can even be your kitchen table.
4. CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING – UMA offers several avenues for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), a process by which you can earn credit for college-level learning from work and life experience gained outside the traditional classroom setting. Earn credit by tak -
ing an exam. Earn credit by completing a Portfolio Assessment. Earn credit by using your knowledge from external training programs. So your previous experience and training can reduce your college costs. You can choose from more than 30 undergraduate programs and more than 40 certificates that are geared toward expanding your job opportunities. UMA’s graduate programs are also available. UMA grads are working in high-demand and lucrative fields like aviation, business management, computer information systems and cybersecurity, dental hygiene, mental health & human services, nursing, and veterinary technology.
UMA makes earning your degree affordable and the education you receive will propel you to the next level of your career, or help you start a new one.
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
STUDENTS' COLLEGE DECISIONS are among the most significant choices they will make over the course of their lifetimes. Many students lay the foundations for rewarding careers during college, and the friendships formed during university years often last a lifetime.
Students cannot utilize a magic formula to ensure they choose the right college or university. However, on-campus visits and discussions with current and former students can provide invaluable insight into what life is like at a given college or university. In addition, students and their families can consider a host of variables as they try to decide where to apply for college.
· COST: The high cost of college is well docu mented, but prices vary significantly. According to the Trends in College Pricing 2023 report from the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a public, four-year, in-state school was $11,260 in the 2022-23 school year. The average cost of tu ition and fees and a private, nonprofit, four-year school during that same academic year was $41,540. That’s a price difference of more than $30,000 annually. Many students borrow money to finance their college educations, and high schoolers must consider the amount of debt they’re willing to take on when making this pivotal life decision.
· CAMPUS LIFE: The atmosphere on and around campus is another variable to consider when deciding where to apply to college. College is the first taste of independence many young people experience. Though students are often excited by that prospect, it’s important to recognize that the atmosphere on campus will go a long way toward determining how enjoyable life at a given college or university may be. Some students may prefer an insulated college environment, while others may be looking for opportunities to engage in city life that goes beyond campus activities.
· CURRICULUM: Curriculum merits ample consideration, even among students who are uncertain about what they want to study. For those who know what they want to study, ar-
range to speak with department faculty and current students when visiting the campus to identify if a given program aligns with your academic interests. Students who are not sure what they want to study can look for colleges and universities that offer a wide range of majors, minors, and concentrations.
· REPUTATION: A school’s reputation is another factor that merits consideration. Reputation is a somewhat fluid variable, but if a school has an especially strong reputation among businesses and professionals in the field a student hopes to enter, then this can be a crucial variable when deciding where to apply.
These are just a handful of the variables to consider in the next phase of a student’s academic journey.
THOUGH THERE’S A lot of literature on helping new parents navigate what to expect while their baby is in utero up through adolescence, there’s shockingly little out there on how to let go of your 18-year-old baby. When should you swoop to the rescue and when do you let them go it alone?
Parenting a college-age kid means helping them with everything from picking out dorm decor to figuring out their path in life, and like everything else related to child-rearing, parents must learn how to do the delicate dance of supporting their children while encouraging them to make their own decisions.
As a mom of a 16, 19, and 21 year old, here are a few reminders I’ve given my baby birds as they’ve flown the nest.
A dorm room is a little bigger than a prison cell, but not by much, so focus on the necessities. Encourage them to find ways to save space. Lift the bed and buy the totes. If it says “organizer” (closet organizer, under the bed organizer, desk organizer) — get it. Have them check with their roommate and split up who’s bringing what. If your student has a
BY EMILY MORRISON
meal plan, there’s not much need for appliances. If they want your help sticking with a color scheme for towels, blankets, and wall art, offer it. Otherwise, let them feng-shui their little hearts out.
There are plenty of perils they still need protection from. In this post-Covid age, kids should sanitize often, especially in communal living situations. I know it sounds juvenile but repeating the following mantra, “Wash your hands, don’t share drinks, and be smart” helps grown kiddos remember they’re living in a petri dish. And speaking of safety, sharing their location with mom/dad/ friend is an absolute must. They should call if it’s dark and they're walking alone. Text when they get where they’re going. Tell them to be smart about when they’re out and about by themselves and when they should take a friend with them.
Some kids have known what they want to do since they were young, and others need a while to find their passion. If your child is dead set on
being a doctor but struggled with every science class they ever took, I don’t think it’s wrong to give them a reality check. But I also think that kids need to figure out for themselves what they’re capable of because, honestly, they aren’t going to listen to us anyway. Your job is to be their cheerleader. Remember what it was like when we were their age. Figuring out what you’re good at takes time and sometimes that doesn’t fit within the four-year timeline of most post-secondary institutions. If your kid changes majors or career paths that means they’re evolving. Good on them.
Being a mama or a papa of an older child is a lot like when they were still living with us, except now we’re just manning the crisis control center from our phone instead of a few feet away. The fear we all face when our children move out is that they’ll stop talking to us or stop needing us in the same way, and while that’s true, our kids see us as more than a cafeteria or a landlord. We’re their safe people. So stay calm and available and remember to say “I love you” every chance you get because that’s what they need to hear the most. Well, that and, “Sure, I’ll do your laundry.”
BY ADDIE MORRISON
AS I ENTER MY LAST YEAR of college, I remember how I felt when I started school three years ago. I was excited by the freedom and newfound independence that came with living away from home. There was no one to tell me when to do my homework, go to bed, or what to eat — hooray! But then again, I felt frightened making all of those decisions on my own. As a soon-to-be college grad (yikes), here are some tips for navigating your college experience while keeping your parents’ wellmeaning advice (or overbearing input) in mind.
1. DON’T BE A STRANGER
With all of the excitement and novelty of your first time out of the nest, it can be easy to go long stretches without letting your folks know how you’re doing. But phone calls or texts every now and then help them see that you’re okay and that you’re thinking of them. I’ve found that walking to class is a great time to give my parents a call. Even if I only have five or 10 minutes, it’s enough to let them know what’s happening in my day and hear about theirs. And if they call you, be a good kid and pick up!
As a college student or soon-to-be college student, you may be tired of hearing this by now, but it’s okay to ask for help. I’m quite stubborn myself and don’t often like to admit that there are things I can’t do on my own, but over the years, I’ve become more familiar with letting people help me when I need it. This could mean going to office hours when I don’t understand
something, asking my dad (a former coach) for workout advice, or listening to my mom when she says maybe I shouldn’t get a cat in my dorm room. Whatever it is, your parents are good people to bounce your ideas off of, and they probably know a thing or two about what challenges you’re facing.
If your parents attended college, they might frequently remind you that they’ve been where you are and that they know what’s best for you. While that’s often true, remember that you are the one living your experience, and it may be best to trust your gut. If there’s a situation where you feel you should stray from their advice, trust yourself to make the right decision. And if it turns out to be the wrong choice, you can learn and grow from that experience. If you’re lucky enough to have parents like mine, they will be there to help you pick up the pieces no matter what choices you make.
Whether these tips apply to your situation or not, I hope they can provide you with guidance on how to navigate college life with your parents in mind. I’ve found that the older I get, the easier it is to see my parents as people just like me, not just parents. I look forward to “walking to class” or “walking to practice” chats with them and I value their opinions on my life. But of course, I’m also learning to be my own person and trust that I can make decisions that best fit my life. At the end of the day, all the well-meaning advice (including mine) is just that, advice.
MAKING THE CASE FOR A MORE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION
COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
COLLEGE IS THE next natural step for many students after they finish high school. The process of finding a school begins in junior year of high school, and students and their parents may visit many different colleges and universities throughout the next year. Even though the bulk of the focus might be on four-year schools, students who may not yet have everything all figured out should not overlook the many benefits of community colleges.
Most community colleges offer two-year programs that lead to an Associate degree. Some community colleges also have vocational programs. Community colleges are a viable option for students interested in continuing their education. Undergraduate students studying at community colleges can earn academic credit that will eventually go toward a bachelor’s degree should they choose to continue schooling. The following are some of the benefits of community college.
· FLEXIBLE ADMISSIONS PROCESS:
Community colleges do not have the same time restrictions and other requirements as schools offering four-year degrees. Interested parties may be able to register for classes at any time and not have to worry about being accepted or not.
· PART-TIME SCHEDULING:
Community colleges often offer part-time academic coursework, which means students do not have to take a set number of credits each semester to remain enrolled. This allows students to attend college classes according to their own schedules and work at their own pace.
· MORE AFFORDABLE TUITION: Lower tuition is one of the major draws to community colleges. The career planning resource Indeed says that many community colleges further discount their offerings to in-state students.
· RELATIONSHIPS WITH FOUR-YEAR SCHOOLS: A number of community colleges have partnerships with sister schools to facilitate the transfer of associate degree credits for a student working toward a four-year degree. Education USA says in this “2+2” process, a student can earn a bachelor’s degree with two years of community college, followed by two years of university study.
· SMALLER CLASS SIZES: Many community colleges have smaller class sizes that make it easier for students to adjust to the pace of college life.
· PROXIMITY TO HOME: As the name implies, community college is a school that serves a particular community. That means it is likely close to home for the majority of students. Students who may not be willing or able to go away to school may appreciate the convenience and proximity of a community college.
Community college is an option that students may want to explore as they pursue post-secondary education.
MAINE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGES play a pivotal role in the educational landscape of Maine, providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education and training, and serving students with a vast array of aspirations at various stages in their career development.
Maine’s seven community colleges offer more than 300 degree and certificate options, 200 short-term prehire workforce programs, and work with more than 1,300 Maine employers to expand Maine’s workforce.
Below are some examples of exciting initiatives available through Maine’s community colleges.
Maine’s community colleges offer the lowest tuition and fees in New England. For nearly half of our degree-seeking students, Pell Grants and Maine State Grants cover the full cost of tuition and fees. For many, the grants cover significantly more. In all, 82% of degree-seeking students receive some form of grant aid to help cover the cost of their education. You don’t have to be a full-time student to qualify for financial aid. A two-year associate degree for Maine students is $4,156 a year in tuition and fees.
High school students can take up to 12 college credits tuition-free every year through our Early College programs. These courses will challenge you, spark your interest, and prepare you for college.
LEARN MORE: MCCS.ME.EDU/HIGH-SCHOOL
FREE COLLEGE
Don’t miss out on the Free College Scholarship! If you graduated high school (or earned the equivalent of a high
school diploma, like a GED or HiSET) between 2022-2025, enroll now and receive free tuition at any of Maine’s seven community colleges. You can choose from any of our degree or certificate programs. From core classes to hands-on training, there are hundreds of programs to choose from.
To qualify, students must:
• Pursue a degree or certificate at least part-time
• Fill out the FAFSA and use any grant aid first
• Live in Maine while enrolled
LEARN MORE: FREECOMMUNITYCOLLEGEMAINE.COM
FREE SHORT-TERM WORKFORCE PROGRAMS
Have you always been interested in a particular career but don’t have much time to train? Fast-track your future with low- or no-cost short-term training programs. Our seven community colleges have over 200 workforce programs designed to get you the skills you need to start a career you’re passionate about. These programs have been built with industry partners to identify what’s required to get started, and when students are ready, they will have already earned credits toward a certificate or degree program in that field.
Programs take just weeks and months to complete and are offered at little or no cost to anyone who lives in Maine. Some offer weekly stipends, housing, or guaranteed interviews with companies that are hiring.
Take advantage of hybrid, night, and weekend schedules, stackable badges and certificates, an onramp to a degree program, and an affordable way to learn a new skill.
LEARN MORE: MCCS.ME.EDU/WORKFORCE-TRAINING
Our commitment to education is lifelong. Our community colleges’ Workforce and Professional Development departments can help ensure Mainers have the resources they need to advance and grow professionally. For students, that means creating a pathway for that next professional goal. For businesses, that means understanding your needs, customizing training, and helping develop a workforce to fit your current and future needs.
LEARN MORE: MCCSWORKS.COM
From trades to transfer, Maine’s seven community colleges provide high-quality, relevant, hands-on learning at a fraction of the typical college cost. Find your best future here, choosing from a diverse mix of programs offered through short-term training in under a year, one-year certificates, two-year associate degrees, and advanced certificates.
Beal University empowers individuals to achieve their academic and professional aspirations efficiently. Our accelerated programs, delivered both online and in-person, are designed to significantly reduce the time it takes to earn your degree. Our innovative eight-week "Mod" system is a cornerstone of this approach. By compressing the academic year into six focused periods, students progress through their coursework at a much faster pace than traditional semester-based programs. This accelerated timeline translates into substantial financial savings. Additionally, by graduating sooner, you can begin earning a higher income faster, offsetting the initial investment in your education and accelerating your return on investment. This is the power of accelerated learning!
Recognizing the demands of modern life, Beal University provides flexible online programs tailored to accommodate busy schedules. Our virtual platform grants students the freedom to access course materials, complete assignments, and participate in assessments at
OF BEAL UNIVERSITY
their convenience. Without the constraints of physical classrooms or rigid attendance policies, learners can pursue their education from any location with an internet connection. Moreover, our dedicated faculty members offer personalized support through email and text communication, fostering a sense of community among our online student body.
Beal University is committed to preparing students for successful careers in high-demand industries. Our accelerated programs in nursing, healthcare, addiction counseling and mental health, cannabis studies, business, and welding technology are meticulously crafted to equip graduates with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen fields. We offer a comprehensive range of credentialing levels, including diploma, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s, to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of our student population. By emphasizing personalized instruction and small class sizes, we create a supportive learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential.
Beal University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a prestigious accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This esteemed accreditation underscores our institution’s unwavering dedication to providing high-quality education that adheres to rigorous academic standards. As an accredited university, Beal is eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs, offering eligible students access to grants, and loans, to support their educational pursuits.
Beal University is an accredited, small private university based in Bangor, Maine that has been preparing students for in-demand professions for over 130 years. Beal continues its commitment to partnering with its students throughout their collegiate journey, ensuring their future success. Explore Beal University's accelerated programs at beal.edu and find the one that sets you up for academic and professional success. For more information call 207307-3900 to speak to an admissions representative. Get from “learn” to “earn” faster at Beal University.
