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Health issues facing college students By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender
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ollege can present various challenges for students, from taking exams to maintaining a social life to dealing with roommates. Students can also face challenges to their health, both physical and mental, that may have long-term effects reaching well past their undergraduate years. Dr. Vanessa Tilney, the University of Houston’s chief physician, listed the major health issues facing students today.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HIV/AIDS and syphilis. Tilney said some STDs might not include symptoms. However if symptoms are present, they might include bumps, sores, aches, fever, chills, unusual colored discharge from the vagina or penis that might have a strong odor, itching and painful urination. Many STDs are treatable with antibiotics. However, those caused by a virus such as HIV and genital herpes cannot be cured. Practicing abstinence is the only sure way to prevent STDs. Using condoms and choosing sex partners with care can also help.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or nervousness, often about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Students who are anxious might have trouble sleeping, experience aches and pains, or become forgetful. Anxiety can be treated through exercise,
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counseling, psychotherapy and specific medications. Prevention of anxiety involves an awareness of one’s life stresses and the ability to cope with them. Coping mechanisms can include yoga, meditation, exercising and eating a healthy diet.
Stress
While anxiety is often perceived as more short-term, stress can last for weeks, months or longer. Common causes of college stress include school workload and grades, competition, finances, lack of organization and relationships. Stress is treated through muscle relaxation, meditation and counseling. Stress is an unavoidable reality in life, however, identifying your stressors, maintaining a balance, and setting limits with a positive attitude could help.
Depression
Students who are depressed can experience such symptoms as a gloomy mood, hopelessness, weight loss, lack of energy, thoughts of death and suicide, poor self-esteem, sleep disturbance and the inability to focus. Depression can also affect how an individual communicates and socializes with others. Students can minimize the effects of depression by learning to recognize the signs and alerting their doctors ASAP. It can be treated through relaxation, counseling, psychotherapy, taking antidepressants, social support, eating healthy, and exercise.
Lack of sleep
According to the National Institutes of Health, 70 percent of college students experience insufficient sleep and 50 percent report daytime sleepiness.
Weight gain is another health issue impacting college students. “Freshman 15” is a term used to describe weight gain among college freshman, although the number of pounds gained can be more or less than 15. Causes include a decrease in physical activity, eating unhealthy cafeteria food or too much fast food, late night-snacking and consuming high-calorie drinks. “One important thing to do is to establish an exercise schedule to go to the campus recreation center,” said Roberta Anding, a registered dietitian with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. “It might be a good idea to get an activity tracker
Sleep deprivation can result in lower grades, moodiness, decreased concentration and increased risk of auto accidents. Here are tips for a good night’s sleep from the CDC: • Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even
to help ensure that you are getting at least 10,000 steps per day.” Anding has other suggestions: When facing choices at the dining hall, consider filling half of the plate with fruits and vegetables.
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Purchase pre-portioned snacks. “If you’re going to get almonds, for example, get the individual portions rather than a can. Forcing portion control can help higher calorie snacks such as nuts and trail mix become moderate-calorie snacks,” she said.
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Eat microwaveable, low-fat popcorn, which is a whole grain. For added taste, sprinkle with parmesan cheese or Cajun spice. Other healthier
on the weekend. • Avoid pulling an all-nighter to study. • Avoid large meals and alcohol before bedtime. • Have a good sleeping environment. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and relaxing.
dorm room snacks include hummus with vegetables and Greek yogurt with fruit.
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Be aware of calories from sodas, sports drinks, alcohol and rich coffee drinks. Try diet sodas and consider skipping whole milk and whipped cream in lattes. Drink water whenever possible.
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Breakfast should include a quality carbohydrate such as oatmeal or shredded wheat, combined with a protein such as eggs, yogurt or Canadian bacon. Anding said carbohydrates fuel the brain and proteins help the timely release of carbohydrates in the body.
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Tips on choosing a major
hen it comes to choosing a major, there are dozens to select from. At some colleges, you can major in two fields, have a major and a minor, or even create your own major. Here is some advice from the College Board.
jor but switched to electrical engineering. During her first semester, she discovered that college physics “was all the things about my physics class in high school that I didn’t like. And my engineering class was all the stuff I actually did like.”
When to choose
Some colleges offer advising programs, such as premed or prelaw, to students who plan on attending medical school, law school or graduate school. These programs are not the same as majors; you still need to pick a major. College students who are planning to continue their education in professional or graduate programs often choose a major related to their future field. For example, undergraduates in premed programs often major in biology or chemistry. They don’t have to, though — as long as students fulfill the course requirements of the graduate program they want to enter, they can major in any subject they like.
At most four-year colleges, and in the case of many majors, you won’t have to select a major until the end of your sophomore year. This gives you plenty of time to check out various subjects and see which ones interest you. Some majors, such as areas of engineering, are exceptions to this rule. You have to commit to these fields of study early so you have time to take all the required courses. If you’re earning a two-year degree, you’ll probably select a major at the start because the program is much shorter.
How to choose
Take courses in areas that appeal to you, and then think about which subject truly motivates you. One college dean of admissions suggests you take “classes in which you’re going to be confident, but at the same time, take some risks.” She notes that a class you never planned to take could end up helping you choose your major.
Changing your mind
If you’re not sure about your college major while you’re in high school, don’t worry. Most students switch their major during college. Even students who think they are sure about what they want to major in often change their mind. Shawna, a college sophomore, began college as a physics ma-
Majors & grad school
Majors & professions
If you specialize in something like nursing, accounting or engineering, you’re learning a specific trade. Many majors, however, prepare you to enter a range of careers once you graduate. For many students, picking a college major is not the same as choosing a job. It will be up to you to pick a career path you like. For example, a degree in English literature might lead you to a job in publishing, teaching, advertising, public relations or law, among other fields. Remember, you’re not alone when choosing a major. Ask academic and peer advisers for help.
INSIDE Balancing work and school 3B University of Texas at Austin
Find your place 4B
Texas Southern University
The right choice 6B Survive the first year of college 8B Deciding where to live 8B Wells Fargo
Go College! Now 10B University of Houston Downtown
Find your major opportunity 12B Obama plan for early financial aid 14B Applying to college FAQs 15B Managing your money 16B
Message from the Publisher
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ach October, the Defender provides readers with a special edition devoted to higher education. We are pleased to present a 2015 college guide. College can be enjoyable and exciting as young people prepare for their future careers. It can also be challenging with hectic schedules and demanding school work. In this special edition, we look at some of the health problems facing college students and what can be done to solve them. We offer expert advice on coping with the first year of college, balancing school and work, and managing money. Also in this special edition, our education and financial partners highlight their efforts to meet students’ needs.
They are Texas Southern University, the University of Houston-Downtown, the University of Texas at Austin and Wells Fargo. A college education is one of the most worthwhile investments we can make. According to the Census Bureau, the more education you attain the more you earn. The average annual salary of a high school graduate is $33,801, compared to $55,656 for a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Grads with master’s degrees average $67,337 a year, and grads with doctoral degrees average $91,920. It pays to attend college, and we are honored to provide news that students and their parents can use. Sonceria Messiah-Jiles
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Balancing school, work in college By AMBER VERNON Defender
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ttending college can be costly, and for many students, working while in school is a way to help with expenses. Alvin Johnson, associate director for Learning Success at the University of Houston Downtown, said time management is key to balancing work and school in college. He also said students should put school first. “My advice would be to make school the priority,” Johnson said. “Sometimes work competes and the student is hard pressed with what decision they should make. If a student is focused on school and their goal is to get an education and graduate, school must be the priority.” Johnson said maintaining good academic standing is possible for working students if they use their time wisely. He recommends fulltime students, those who are taking 15 credit hours or more, work 20 hours or less. “If a student works more than 20 hours a week, they’re really pulling themselves at both ends,” Johnson said. “If they’re working less than 20 hours, and they are focusing on maintaining their time management, they should be able to find enough time for class, work and studying. They’re going to see the most success academically as well as stress management. I also remind students there’s also time for family and friends within that fulltime schedule.” Johnson said students interested in working should look for employment on campus. “A lot of students don’t look for those on-campus jobs, but many universities, as well as community colleges, have opportunities for students to work on campus to help them save with their commute, especially in Houston where the commute is horrible,” he said. “If you are a student and you can find a job on campus, it’s going to make life so much better for you. A lot of the on-campus jobs will be in office assistance. Offices need help in addition to what they already have in terms of administrative assistance. “Students can fill those positions,” he said. “Students who have excelled
academically can find great positions as tutors and mentors. Those are often excellent paid jobs that are flexible. Sometimes, not always, there are even jobs in the food service on campus. The book store is available to students looking for work as well. Not to mention the library.” As far as first-time freshmen working during their first year, Johnson said he would rather they focus on school if they do not have to work. “When it comes to freshmen and working, it all comes down to necessity,” he said. “In an ideal world, I wouldn’t recommend a freshman to work, but I do know a lot of students want to graduate debt-free and they’re terrified of student loans. “For students who can avoid student loans and want to work, I would say be responsible and find flexible jobs on campus to try and supplement your income. If a student can go without working, do so. But if they need to work, it goes back to balancing your time and finding something that’s going to work with your schedule.”
Possible on-campus jobs Looking for a job on campus? Here some possibilities from College Parents of America. 1. Admissions – Students usually lead campus tours, meet with incoming students, answer phone calls and e-mails, write for a college blog, and serve as college ambassadors at events. 2. Buildings & grounds – Students may be hired to help rake leaves, pick up trash, move furniture or other general maintenance work. 3. Daycare center – If the school maintains a daycare center, students may be hired as assistants. 4. Departmental assistant – Sometimes an entire academic department may hire a student to help all of the faculty members. 5. Fitness center – Students may be needed to sit at a front desk, maintain equipment or teach classes. 6. Lab assistant – Science departments may need students to supervise or work in labs. 7. Lifeguard – If the school has a pool, they may hire certified student to work as lifeguards. 8. Residence assistant – Some students are assigned responsibilities in residence halls to supervise and counsel students living on their floor. 9. Teaching assistant – Upperclass students may be assigned to help by teaching along with the professor, facilitating discussion sessions, gathering material or grading tests or papers. 10. Technical assistance – The computer or technology center may hire students to help in computer labs, troubleshoot student computer problems or service student computers.
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it in. Stand out. Far from a contradiction, at The University of Texas at Austin we believe it is important you be able to do both. Our students are both supported by a diverse, inclusive community and challenged to pursue individual excellence and success.
Finding a Voice to Help Others
Korbin Evans, a 2015 graduate of the Nutritional Sciences program and a current Pharm D. student in the College of Pharmacy, learned the importance of community support in reaching his goals. Evans, 22, minored in African American Diaspora Studies, a happy accident. He heard about the course of study through a friend and decided to check out a class, The Black Power Movement. “I just fell in love with it,” he says. “I started learning about myself, why I think the way I think, why my family thinks the way they think. It honestly made it easier to transition into college, because that’s when I really began to grow, mentally and spiritually.” Beyond his personal development, Evans felt a little lost during his freshman year, unsure of how to maximize his time at UT Austin. He turned to upperclassmen for advice and eventually found his footing, joining student organizations and developing relationships with professors. His friend Joshua Ogbeide had a similar experience. Both Ogbeide and Evans saw students hesitant to articulate their problems and, consequently, unable to access the resources available to them, including mentorships with professors and industry professionals. Ogbeide proposed a solution: a student organization to help foster a sense of community and support among pre-health majors. Evans thought it was a great idea, so the two co-founded the Pre-Health Experience (PHE). The group also brings in professors and industry professionals to talk about their own experiences and struggles. “I realized that one of the things that I find motivational is learning about how people got where they are,” Ogbeide explains. “I wanted to bring that to others.”
Excellence and Inclusion
Organizations like Ogbeide and Evans’ PHE are just one kind of resource available to students at The University of Texas at Austin. As an investment in their success, freshmen at UT Austin participate in a learning community that helps them adjust to college-level academic
Evans (right) and Ogbeide co-founded the Pre-Health Experience, a group for students majoring in a pre-health field.
expectations, connect with professors and meet other students. Beyond the freshman year, students benefit from ongoing support, no matter their needs. Each of the 13 undergraduate colleges and schools staffs its own career center to provide students with major- and field-specific advice, while the university’s Sanger Learning Center offers one-on-one support to help students reach their academic potential. That potential flourishes in The University of Texas at Austin’s environment of academic excellence. Competitively ranked programs, a world-class faculty and outstanding facilities offer students the opportunity to participate in a rich history of world-changing scholarship at a university named one of the top 30 in the world by U.S. News & World Report. UT Austin is consistently recognized for its diverse contributions to research, higher education, business, the arts and other fields. Four schools and more than 50 of our programs are ranked among the best in the U.S., and our graduates are recognized as being among the world’s most employable. UT Austin is also known for value, named one of the: • “Best Value Colleges” (Forbes and Kiplinger, 2015) • “50 Best Public Colleges” (Money, 2015)
Austin is bigger than you think
The reach of the university extends beyond the Austin city limits. Find admissions centers in Dallas, El Paso, Harlingen, Houston, Longview, Lubbock and San Antonio, or go online to find the counselor nearest you. Visit: admissions.utexas. edu/contact. • “Colleges That Pay You Back” (The Princeton Review, 2015) • Top 15 affordable colleges with highest return on investment (Affordable Colleges, 2015) Factors like these contribute to an overwhelmingly positive response from firstyear students, more than 9 out of 10 of whom return to UT Austin for their sophomore year – a strong indication of student satisfaction.
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Texas Southern University:
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The right choice
oday, the number of students, alumni and former students with longstanding ties to Texas Southern University is a testament to its influence for more than eight decades. Many legacy students readily admit that they chose TSU not just out of family responsibility, but out of a self-imposed responsibility to succeed. They chose TSU for its cutting edge programs and stellar faculty. They chose TSU because they wanted not only to learn, but to thrive. And although they now have more opportunities than their ancestors ever dreamed of, they chose TSU because there was no place else they would rather be. TSU is firmly positioned as an educational institution fully capable of preparing its students and graduates for successful competition in today’s and tomorrow’s expanding global marketplace. Enhanced admissions standards coupled with expanded academic offerings and improved retention and graduation rates have allowed TSU to continue the rich traditions of Historically Black College and University (HBCU). In true HBCU fashion, TSU has become ground zero for diversity, the institutional trait most referred to by social forecasters as critical to 21st century success. Graduate schools and employers seeking to diversify their institutions look to HBCUs first. Our legacies and their parents often speak of the high job placement rate of HBCU graduates as evidence by graduates in education, transportation, law, pharmacy and other arenas. TSU is fully committed to improving upon its past successes to ensure continued institutional growth. The university is widely recognized for its excellence in certain key areas. Increasingly, we are finding that one of these areas is research. Zero-gravity nanotechnology is certainly high-profile research – about 32,000 feet high to be precise. Yet it is just one of many important research programs occurring at TSU. While most universities conduct research, a noteworthy difference here is that our professors don’t get to have all the fun. TSU students at all levels of their college careers are significantly involved. A team of TSU researchers working with the U.S. Air Force made a major breakthrough in nanotube technology. They invented a process that allows instantaneous electrodeposition of metal nanostructures on carbon nanotubes. Translation: their work is dramatically expanding the viability of nanotubes, a miraculous material that has the highest tensile strength in existence as well as superior mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. TSU’s dedication to research is playing a part in shaping the current and future world. TSU was named by Congress as a National Transportation Security Center of Excellence in 2008 and through 2016 will continue to be among six institutions receiving $18 million for research in petroleum transportation security solutions. The university will continue to add programs and degree plans that prepare students for a global workforce. It will become one of the nation’s preeminent comprehensive, metropolitan universities. Texas Southern University will be recognized by the excellence of our programs, the quality of our instruction, our innovative research, and our desire to be a contributing partner to our community, state, nation, and world.
TSU Championship Head Coaches: From left -Clyde Duncan, Worley Barker, Michael Robertson, Mike Davis, V.P. of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland, University President Dr. John Rudley, Johnetta Hayes-Perry, and Jocelyn Adams. - Photo by Earlie Hudnall, Jr.
TSU students engaged in learning
TSU’s mission
Texas Southern University is a comprehensive metropolitan university. Building on its legacy as a historically Black institution, the university provides academic and research programs that address critical urban issues and prepare an ethnically diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. In order to achieve this mission, TSU provides: • Quality instruction in a culture of innovative teaching and learning; • Basic and applied research and scholarship that is responsive to community issues; • Opportunities for public service that benefit the community and the world.
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or prospective students, the firs versity can be overwhelming. M for the first time and without s can easily get lost in their new As someone who works cl mental instruction coordinator and tutor C Southern University said she knows firsthand what students struggle with most.
Financial aid
Amos said one of the most important things a college-bound student should do for a smooth transition into their first semester is take care of financial needs in the spring. “In order to be prepared for the fall, you have to get ready in the spring,” Amos said. “The time frame between school starting and the disbursement of financial aid can be tough. To keep from falling in the cracks, you have to file for financial aid as early in the year as possible. I tell students the golden timeline to do their FAFSA is between January 1 and February 15. This allows time for the aid to be processed before the fall semester.”
Getting organized
Amos said once freshmen arrive on campus, maintaining good academic standing takes priority. She said organization and time management are essential to success and recommends that each student use a calendar. “Being able to plan ahead for your assignments will help you stay organized,” she said. “The syllabus is like your class bible. Look at what’s due and begin to start building your framework for the time frame you want assignments to be completed. “Schedule your appointments and if you’re going to have an active calendar, book the times that you are in class and book your study times. That way you know when your free time is there and plan accordingly. I’ve found that using a calendar has been the most effective thing for students. Schedule it in your calendar and you can’t go wrong.”
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In addition to organization and time management, Amos said freshmen should take full advantage of the resources on campus. “Take advantage of tutorial services,” she said. “We do tutoring for all majors. The student health center is another hidden gem. Students don’t realize that as a part of their tuition, they pay for health services. So if “Another gem is student services. Career building starts at the beginning. No matter what university a student goes to, seek out
career services first. That’s one of the first places you want to go to because as you select your degree plan, you want to figure out salary ranges, who’s hiring, benefits and you can start building the framework from there. You could have an internship as early as your freshmen year because they will work with you.”
Who to know
Amos said two important people freshmen should know on campus are their academic advisor and the dean of students. “If you’re out of state or looking for scholarships, you need to get to know the dean of students,” she said. “He or she knows about university scholarships and can get you out of state waivers. “You must know your academic advisors. They are so instrumental to making sure you are successful. If anything changes in your degree plan, they are the first to know. If there’s a new employer who’s going to be partnering with the department, internships, or department scholarships, they’re the ones who know about these things. They also look over your course work and make sure you’re on track.”
Where to live on or off
Balancing campus activities
Choosing where to live during your college years is an important decision, and can have an impact on your academic success and overall happiness. Here are pros and cons of living in dormitories, apartments and at home from collegecareerlife.net.
Apartment living is probably what most students would choose if they weren’t required to live on campus and if money were no object. While having your own apartment can be great, there are potential pitfalls.
Dorms and residence halls
• Pros: Living at home with parents is the least expensive option for those who live fairly close to campus. Doesn’t require any adjustment to dorms or living on your own. No need to seek out reliable roommates. • Cons: Does not provide the independence that most college students want, may be isolated from other students and removed from college life. Time spent traveling to campus for classes and activities. While living at home during some or all of your college years may be a big sacrifice for those seeking independence, there are significant financial advantages. Money that would otherwise be spent on rent, utilities, and other living expenses can instead be spent on tuition and other education costs. Whatever choice you make isn’t permanent. You can change the next term or when your lease is up. In fact, most students will change living arrangements at least once during college.
• Pros: Less expensive than apartments, allows you better access to campus amenities, saves time on traveling to classes and other campus activities, more likely to socialize with fellow students and be involved in extracurricular activities. • Cons: Adjusting to dorm life can be difficult for many students. Dorms are often crowded and loud, making sleeping and studying difficult. Potential for roommate problems. In most cases, living on campus is the best options for those looking for the traditional college experience.
Apartments
• Pros: Independent living that many college students desire. More space and privacy than a dorm. • Cons: More expensive than other options. Requires consciousness with bill payments and other household responsibilities. Potential problems with the apartment or management.
Home
When it comes to organizations and campus activities, Amos said getting involved on campus includes being an effective time manager. “For those who want to go into band and athletics, it’s really challenging,” she said. “Those two areas are very time consuming because you’re constantly on the road. So you really have to have time management skills and be able to balance several things. “If you’re not someone who’s comfortable being an effective manager, work with your band director or athletic director to make sure you are getting the support that you need. Both areas, no matter the university, have academic support as well as other resources to make sure the students get what they need. “The biggest thing that is hard for a freshman is balancing the fun and activities with study time,” Amos said. “Be involved, be active, but be cognitive of how much time you have to be active.”
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Go College! Now By DARRYL MONTGOMERY Wells Fargo Regional President for Greater Houston
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he impact that a quality education can have on a student is stronger today than it has ever been. Simply learning about the discoveries made in science, technology, mathematics, and medicine in the last 30 years can give today’s college student the edge to be a successful leader and innovator of tomorrow. Still, millions of first-generation and underserved students across the country are being left behind from accessing this higherlearning opportunity for the simple reason that no one has shown them how to find the road and map the journey. Recognizing that each of us comes from a first generation of something (immigrant, skilled worker, college graduate), where overcoming adversity is often the common theme, Wells Fargo joined forces with First Generation Films to launch the “Go College! Now” (www. gocollegenow.org) national education initiative and website. Opportunities and programs created specifically for these students, which are intended to help them unlock Darryl Montgomery and understand the power and purpose of higher education, are not reaching far enough. Go College! Now works to inspire students by providing free access to an award-wining powerful documentary, “First Generation,” along with downloadable resources that provide advice and guidance and a roadmap to understanding the steps needed to achieve academic success. In addition to being bilingual, the Go College! Now website’s “Take the Pledge” encourages everyone to make a difference by supporting college access for first-generation and low-income students. For example, students can pledge to find a mentor, sign up for free ACT or SAT test prep, or visit a college campus. Adults and graduates can pledge to tell the story of their collegiate journey with a student or classroom, volunteer time at a local school or community center, or mentor a student. An individual or group can also pledge to host a “First Generation” screening at a local school or community center. Once a
pledge is submitted through the Go College! Now website, the individual will receive an e-mail from First Generation confirming their pledge, along with a reminder of the available resources that can help make their pledge a success. If any of the pledge options aren’t of interest, but you’d still like to help the cause, you can do so by taking a moment to share your first generation story on Facebook and Twitter, using the hashtag “#GoCollegeNow” and including the website address. It could be as easy as posting, “Know someone who is the first in their family to attend college? Introduce them to #GoCollegeNow at www.gocollegenow. org.” By raising awareness on social media you will have instantly taken this free resource to a place it hasn’t been and that’s something to feel good about. If you were the first or second in your family to go to college, you understand the opportunities and financial rewards that higher education has given you. I believe Go College! Now has the potential to change the life course of a student who might not have thought college was within his or her grasp. Wells Fargo and First Generation Films are working with national nonprofit organizations, community groups, local leaders and stakeholders to make a difference, and we hope you will join our efforts and support Go College! Now.
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Resources for your college questions
When it comes to education financing, Wells Fargo has the resources to help students and families make informed decisions. We have a variety of online tools and information to help students and families find answers to their college questions: • CollegeSTEPS® program: receive college planning tips, tools, and resources by email by signing up at wellsfargo.com/collegesteps • Wells Fargo Community: get your college questions answered and share helpful information with others at wellsfargocommunity.com • Student LoanDown℠ blog: check out conversations focused on the entire college experience at blogs.wellsfargo.com/studentloandown • Calculators and money management: view our private student loan products and budget for repayment at wellsfargo.com/student Visit us at any of our 185 Greater Houston area locations, or visit wellsfargo.com/appointments to make an appointment today. 1-800-456-1551
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Find your major opportunity at UHD
Students at UHD enjoy flexible scheduling options and affordable tuition.
UHD offers 45 bachelor’s degrees and eight master’s degrees.
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our future at the University of HoustonDowntown (UHD) means being a part of a thriving university located in the heart of downtown Houston that provides students with life-changing education experiences at a remarkable value. With unparalleled opportunities to conduct research and participate in community-centered learning, coupled with flexible scheduling and a supportive faculty, UHD is the major opportunity you’ve been seeking. UHD is a comprehensive university that boasts a diverse student body in a vibrant urban setting. The university offers 45 bachelor’s degrees and eight master’s degrees. If you’re a student fresh out of high school, an adult returning to college to complete your degree or a professional seeking a career change, UHD is right for you. With nearly 14,000 undergraduate students, UHD ranks as the second largest public four-year university in Houston and the 15th largest in Texas. UHD is committed to your success. With a facultyto-student ratio of 21 to 1, professors serve as mentors and help you shape your career goals, find the right degree program and build industry connections. Academic and career resources provide individualized attention. We’re proud that first-year graduates from UHD earn the third-highest salaries in the state, 18 percent more than the statewide average for any public university in Texas. (Source: Higher Education Pays: The Initial Earnings of Graduates of Texas Public Colleges and Universities, American Institutes for Research, 2013.) UHD understands that our students have jobs, families and other responsibilities. To accommodate busy lifestyles, UHD provides students with flexibility in scheduling courses. You’ll find a variety of class offerings on weekdays, evenings and weekends, as well as 22 online degree programs.
Located at the heart of downtown, UHD also offers satellite campuses to reach students across Houston.
Because our students come from multiple areas across the Houston region, we have satellite campuses to conveniently serve undergraduate and graduate students throughout the city. We also promote learning that extends beyond the classroom. You’ll find options for engaging in the community, participating in faculty research in campus-based labs or out in the field, and taking part in study-abroad programs. Whether you want to participate in any of the 20-plus club and intramural sports teams or any of our 68
student organizations, you’ll find something exciting and new to enhance your college experience. In spite of these benefits and opportunities, attending UHD won’t break the bank. With the lowest tuition of any four-year institution in Houston, UHD offers value and affordability. The best way to learn more about UHD is through a campus tour. Come see for yourself how UHD is changing lives and building futures. Schedule your visit at www.uhd.edu/visit or call 713-221-8522.
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OCTOBER 22 | 2015 | DEFENDER
Jump-Start Your Career with a Bachelor’s Degree … •
Degrees that give you work-ready skills
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22 online degree programs
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Weekday, evening and weekend classes
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14B
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 22 | 2015
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HIGHER ED
Obama offers plan for
P
early financial aid
resident Obama announced a new initiative to allow students and families to apply for financial aid earlier – starting in October as the college application process gets underway – rather than in January. The change will take place in October, 2016. In addition, students filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be able to electronically retrieve tax information filed for an earlier year, rather than waiting until tax season to complete their applications. “You won’t have to wait for your W-2s to arrive before you get started, so you can get a jump on the college application process,” Obama told high school students in Des Moines, Iowa, where he announced the changes. “You’ll know sooner how much aid you qualify for and you’ll have more time to evaluate your options.” Obama also announced complementary efforts to make sure students see the full benefits of the earlier FAFSA timeline to improve their access to college and help them make better college choices. The White House said colleges and universities and scholarship organizations have already committed to align their aid timelines with the earlier FAFSA, and nonprofits and advisers have committed to raise awareness about the FAFSA changes and to help reach 100 percent FAFSA completion. Obama has also renewed his call on Congress to pass legislation to simplify FAFSA even further by eliminating up 30 questions that are disproportionately burdensome and have little impact on aid eligibility.
He said giving students and families the ability to submit their FAFSAs earlier and to use earlier income data, commonly referred to as “prior-prior” year, will have several important benefits: Earlier information. Students and families will get a reliable understanding of their aid eligibility as early as the fall – the same time many high school students are searching for, applying to, and even selecting colleges. Simpler applications. More students and families will be able to complete their FAFSAs using information retrieved electronically directly from the IRS a few months after they and their parents file their 2015 tax returns, reducing the number of applicants who need to estimate income or taxes paid, only to correct their application later. More students receiving Pell Grants and other aid. Over the next several years, the simpler FAFSA filing process could encourage hundreds of thousands of additional students to apply for and claim the aid they are eligible for – and enroll in college. Reduced burden on colleges. In recent years, colleges and universities have spent as many as 3 million total hours each year verifying FAFSA information, including income and other tax return data. These colleges and universities will be able to avoid much of the burden of verifying tax return information when students apply using data retrieved directly from the IRS. A number of colleges and universities, scholarship programs, and counseling associations also announced plans that will help more students and families benefit from the easier,
earlier FAFSA application timeline, including: Aligning college financial aid processes. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), whose member institutions serve 90 percent of undergraduates, expects hundreds of colleges and universities to adjust their financial aid processes to align with prior-prior year before the 2017-18 academic year. Aligning private scholarship deadlines. Scholarship America (a philanthropic organization that assists in managing and awarding scholarships) will encourage 1,200 scholarship and educational assistance providers – which gave 125,000 students a total of $236 million in 2014 – to align their application cycles with the earlier FAFSA application cycle. 100% FAFSA Completion. The National College Access Network’s 400 college success programs, which serve over 2 million students, is committing to using the extra time created by early FAFSA filing for its counselors to reach 100 percent FAFSA completion among program participants. Earlier FAFSA availability will allow these programs to reallocate more than 500,000 hours of advising time to helping students better match with colleges that can best support them through to completion. Integration with the College Application Campaign. The campaign, pioneered by the American Council on Education, is a 50-state initiative that encourages low-income and first- generation students to apply for college, will highlight the early opportunity to apply for student aid as part of its outreach efforts.
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OCTOBER 22 | 2015 | DEFENDER
15B
HIGHER ED
Applying for college:
Questions and answers
A
pplying to college takes thought, effort and organization. Here are frequently asked questions and answers from the College Board.
Q. When should I start? A. The summer before your senior year is the best time to start. Most students do the majority of their application work in the fall of their senior year. Q. How do I begin? A. Find out what goes into an application and begin collecting the materials you need. Create a folder for each college you are applying to. At the front of each folder, put a checklist of what you’ll need for the application and when it’s due. Q. How many colleges should I apply to? A. Five to eight colleges is the recommended number. They should all be colleges you would be happy to attend. It’s good to apply to some colleges that are a bit of a stretch for you and some that you feel will likely admit you. But most should feel like good, realistic matches. Q. Should I apply early? A. It depends. If you are sure about which college you want to attend, early decision or early action might be the best choice for you. If you’re not sure, keep in mind that some early application plans require you to commit early. You may want to keep your options open. Q. Should I use an online or a paper application? A. Check with the college to see which is preferred. Most colleges prefer online applications because they are easier to review and process. Some even offer a discount in the application fee if you apply online. Applying online can also be more convenient for you – it’s easier to enter information and correct mistakes. Whichever method you choose, be sure to tell your school counselor where you have applied so your school transcript can be sent to the right colleges. Q. Should I send additional material? A. It’s best if you can express everything about your qualifications and qualities in the materials requested. Colleges spend a great deal of time creating their applications to make sure they get all the information they need about each applicant. If you feel it’s absolutely necessary to send additional material, talk to your counselor about it. Some arts programs may require portfolios or videos of performances. Check with the college to find out the best way to submit examples of your work.
Q. Is it okay to use the same material on different applications? A. Definitely. There’s no need to write a brand new essay or personal statement for each application. Instead, devote your time to producing a great version of basic application parts. Q. What is the Common Application? A. The Common Application is a standardized application used by more than 525 colleges. Instead of completing eight different applications, you can simply fill out one and submit it to each college. Be aware that you may need to submit additional or separate documents to some colleges. You also still need to pay individual application fees for each college. Q. Should I apply to colleges if my admission test scores or grades are below their published ranges? A. Yes. The admission scores and grades that colleges show on their websites are averages or ranges, not cutoffs. There are students at every college who scored lower (and higher) than the numbers shown. Remember that colleges consider many fac-
tors to get a more complete picture of you. For example, they look at the types of classes you take, your activities, recommendation letters, your essay and your overall character. Colleges are looking for all kinds of students with different talents, abilities and backgrounds. Admission test scores and grades are just two parts of that complete picture. Q. Should I even bother applying to colleges I don’t think I can afford? A. Absolutely. Remember that after financial aid packages are determined, most students will pay far less than the “sticker price” listed on the college website. You don’t know if you can afford a college until after you apply and find out how much aid that college will offer you (if you’re accepted). Fill out the FAFSA as early as possible after Jan. 1 to qualify for the most aid. Even if the aid package the college offers is not enough, you have options. Many colleges are willing to work with students they have chosen for admission to ensure that those students can afford to attend.
16B
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 22 | 2015
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Managing
your money Money management should be a priority for college students. Here is some advice on staying on track from the U.S. Department of Education. • Create a budget and stick with it. • Overestimate your expenses. It’s better to end up with an unexpected cash surplus rather than a budget shortfall. • Keep up with your spending by checking your account balance regularly. • Differentiate between wants and needs. Decide if a purchase is absolutely essential. • Before you buy something you need, find out if there’s a student
discount for it. • Involve your family in the budget planning process. Determine how much income will be available from family sources such as parents or a spouse. Discuss how financial decisions will be made. • Prepare for the unexpected by setting saving goals to build an emergency fund. It will help you cover unusual expenses and plan for changes that may happen while you’re in school. • Use credit cards wisely. Think very carefully before you decide to get your first credit card. Is a credit card really necessary, or would another payment option work just as well? If you receive a credit card offer in the mail, don’t feel obligated to accept it.
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