Gwinnett Daily Post Special Section - GeorgiaProbe-2010

Bringing together students, parents, counselors, administrators and representatives of post-secondary educational institutions.

2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Sponsored by Georgia Education Articulation Committee, Inc.

A LOOK INTO POST SECONDARY EDUCATION Alcovy High School Wednesday, September 15th • 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Over 75 Accredited Colleges Represented

Stonecrest Mall Monday, September 27th • 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

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2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Georgia Education Articulation Committee, Inc. The purpose of the Georgia Education Articulation Committee, Inc. is to disseminate information and stimulate interest in post-secondary education for the students in Georgia.

In accordance with the GEAC Statement of Purpose (in Articles of Incorporation), to be eligible for participation

in PROBE, participants must be approved by GEAC. Participation is restricted to Georgia-based, non-profit, Southern Association of College and Schools accredited, post-secondary institutions, colleges, universities, and technical institutions. Out-ofstate post-secondary institu-

tions will also be eligible to participate in PROBE if they are non-profit institutions accredited by the Commission on Colleges of one of the six regional accrediting agencies (New England, Middle States, North Central, Northwest, Southern, or Western association of Colleges and Schools).

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2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Popular Majors Among Today’s College Students Today’s college students are tomorrow’s employees.

And as any former college student knows, choosing a major can be a difficult decision.

While the decision is important, it’s equally as important for college students to recognize that not everyone ends up working in the field in which they earned a degree. Though money is often a reason to change fields, college students should look for majors that are intellectually challenging and engaging and not just those that offer the biggest potential

payday down the road.

According to the Princeton Review, the following are some of the most popular, though not necessarily lucrative, majors among today’s college students.

Business Administration and Management/ Commerce: Business majors get a solid foundation in the theories and principles of finance, marketing, accounting, and economics. Learning to manage all kinds of organizations, from tiny start-ups to major corporations, makes this major one of the more versatile and challenging

majors for students.

Psychology: Psychology majors learn about the biology of the brain, with the major focusing on cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, perception, and other areas of the human mind. Those fascinated by human behavior might prefer to major in psychology, as psychologists desire to educate, communicate and resolve issues pertaining to human behavior.

Education: Education continues to be a popular major, and education majors learn different

methods to educating and inspiring students. Most states will require education majors to choose a specific grade level they prefer to teach, and majors often earn handson experience as student teachers during the course of their studies.

Political Science and Government: The study of politics and government, political science teaches students critical thinking and communication skills, while studying history and culture as well. A political science degree is often a precursor to law school.

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2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Preparation Paramount for Tomorrow’s College Students As the admissions process at the nation’s best schools grows increasingly competitive, how and when students prepare for college entrance exams could determine where they spend the next four years and beyond.

Recognizing the important role planning and preparation plays during the college decision-making process, Revolution Prep, the largest on-campus test prep provider offers the following tips to students and parents alike.

Prepare for the admissions process early. Every parent and student knows students don’t simply show up on campus the first day of school and gain admittance to college. However, many parents struggle to understand just what needs to be

done and when to help their student stand out among the rest. It’s critical to research in advance the requirements of the colleges on your wish list and map out a timeline.

Will your student take the PSAT? AP Exams? SAT Subject Tests? When do students have to start taking the SAT or ACT test so they can retake it if they want to? Creating a plan will give you peace of mind and alleviate the stress of not knowing if you’ve missed a crucial deadline.

Take the SAT or ACT exams as seriously as you take your GPA. While a student’s resume is more than just test scores, even the most impressive application can take a hit without a solid performance on exams like the SAT or ACT test.

For example, at the most competitive colleges, a student’s chance of admission could as much as double with each 200 point score increase on the SAT. In addition, it has been shown that 25 percent of the college admissions decision is based on a student’s SAT/ACT test score. In spite of that, the average student typically spends just 10 hours preparing for such tests vs. 1000+ hours on activities such as sports or community service, that have the same weight. This is a good reason to investigate an SAT or ACT test course for your child which can provide 50+ hours of prep time – 5 times the average.

Preparing for the tests is not one size fits all. Your student should take a prac-

tice test to find out if the SAT or ACT test is best for him or her (and the selected colleges) and then research what type of test prep works for your student’s learning style. Some students are disciplined enough to work on their own and others prefer an on-campus class that they can attend with their friends. Some students may need a more flexible schedule and live online classes with the option to view missed classes work best for them. And higher-scoring students may prefer private tutoring to focus on a few key areas.

Whatever option you choose, make sure it allows personalization for your child and the company has a solid curriculum and teaching philosophy. Revolution Prep uses innovative technology to create an individual plan for every student. Instructors give customized homework assignments to help students use their time effectively and spotlight specific problem areas for the best score improvement. Plus, instructors see the scores of the weekly practice tests so they can gear their weekly session specifically to their students.

“Our approach engages students and pushes them to build the skill set needed to see real results on their admissions tests,” says Ben Neely, Director of Curriculum for Revolution Prep.

“Part of our philosophy is to ensure that each student is treated as an individual

and that the techniques we teach have effects long after he or she has conquered the SAT or ACT test.”

Learn the mental tricks of the trade. Success on the SAT or ACT test is not only about knowing the material. In fact, students who train their minds to handle the stress of the test often score better than those who take a purely academic approach to test preparation.

Some tricks of the trade include: Do your homework in a noisy area to practice focusing for long stretches of time and try to simulate the test experience as closely as possible every time you practice.

Take as many full-length practice tests as possible in a realistic environment. Not only does each practice test traditionally show a score improvement from learning the techniques, but it helps students gain needed confidence and conquer the distractions of test day in advance. Then on test day students can focus on solving the problems instead of the annoying person next to them tapping the pencil.

Make post-test plans after the test and not ahead of time. Students who have a date or other social engagement lined up after the test are more likely to be distracted during the test than those who keep their post-test schedules free are.

For more information about college test preparation, visit Revolution Prep

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at www.revolutionprep.com or call one of their test prep experts at 1-877-738-7737.

Our readers can receive $25 off any course by using the promo code PPMR2 (offer expires 9/30/10).

Planning for Student Success: Much of a student’s success with respect to the college admissions process rests with how much that student and his or her family has prepared. Leading test preparation provider Revolution Prep offers the following timeline for parents and students to easily navigate the process from start to finish.

Sophomore Year October - November: PSAT March - June: SAT Subject Tests April - June: AP Exams Junior Year October - November: PSAT July - December: Ideal time for test prep and to take SAT/ACT January - June: Standard time for test prep and to take SAT/ACT test March - June: SAT Subject Tests April - June: AP Exams Senior Year July - December: Last chance for test prep and to take SAT/ACT test and/or SAT Subject Tests July - December: College applications and essays April - June: AP Exams

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2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Time Management Tips for Busy College Kids Today’s college students are busier than ever before. Tuition hikes and higher cost of living has forced many college students to work part-time jobs in addition to their full-time jobs as students.

In addition to the need to work, college students are also embracing extracurricular activities in an attempt to make them stand out in an increasingly competitive postcollege job market.

While that ability to multi-task might one day prove attractive to prospective employers, it’s an ability many students must learn. Time is often a commodity for college students, and managing time effectively can make the difference between a successful student and one who is overwhelmed by stress.

Learn to prioritize.

For some college students, the weekend is the ultimate priority.

Though this might be a recipe for fun, it’s not a recipe for success. Prioritizing both academic and social commitments is a very important step for students looking to manage time more effectively.

First and foremost, school should be a stu-

dent’s top priority. After studies, it’s up to a student to choose what’s the next most important priority. This is often very difficult, as colleges typically offer a bevy of activities to students. Socializing is an important aspect of college life, but students must be careful not to place socializing too far up the totem pole of their priorities. When prioritizing, it’s best to keep in mind education comes first. Keep school and school-related activities high on the list of priorities.

Don’t over-extend.

Many students love college for the very reason that there is so much to do. In an effort to ensure all students make the most of their college experiences, colleges and universities provide many different avenues by which students can express themselves and become a part of the college community’s fabric. However, with all those activities, it’s easy for college kids to go overboard and overcommit themselves.

Attempting to do too much can lead to feelings of stress and burnout, often resulting in poorer academic performance. When man-

aging time, college students should schedule some daily time to relax and take a breather.

Keep a planner. Daily planners might seem very adult, but they’re also very practical. Students with academic, extracurricular and social commitments should write things down in a daily planner to help keep their heads from spinning. Larger things like midterm exams or research papers don’t need to be included in a daily planner.

But smaller details that tend to get lost in the shuffle should be written down to help students stay on track and make the most of all of their commitments.

Stay as flexible as possible. While today’s busy college students might scoff at the suggestion they stay flexible, flexibility is an important element of time management. Few plans ever go off without a hitch, no matter how well planned they are.

Something unexpected tends to pop up around every corner. By remaining flexible with their time, students are putting themselves in positions to better handle these unexpected events.

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2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Traditional Textbooks May Be Replaced by E-Readers E-readers are palmsized electronic devices that can offer newspapers, magazines and books as digital content. While they can be convenient for the recreational reader, e-books may be a boon to students as well.

The e-reader market exploded when Amazon introduced its Kindle and Kindle 2. Sony, Barnes & Noble and other companies have also introduced their own e-reader devices. While the mainstay of e-reader revenue is generated from downloaded fiction and nonfiction books e-book reader companies are realizing the benefits of offering digital versions of textbooks as well. Amazon has already

contracted with three textbook companies to offer digital editions. This could mark the move from cumbersome textbooks to compact information.

Many professors already instruct their students to go online for information, to read blogs or download digital content from Web sites capable of staying current in today’s increasingly fast news cycle. Soon they may be instructing them to purchase the latest editions of textbooks delivered right to an e-reader device.

There are several advantages to having textbook material available for ereaders. The first, and most obvious, is the weight issue.

The average college student

takes 5 classes per semester.

That can equal 5 or more textbooks to purchase each weighing several pounds. A student has the potential to be carrying 50 pounds on his or her back at any given time, and that can lead to injury. In comparison, most e-readers weigh just a few ounces and can hold a thousand books or more, depending on file size. A student can carry all of the required textbooks right in a back pocket.

The next advantage is cost. While e-readers require an up-front cost of roughly $300, some textbooks can cost as much.

Although the cost of textbook material delivered to an e-reader is still unknown,

and likely based on the individual publisher, it may be more affordable than oncampus bookstore prices.

Also, should a traditional textbook be lost, a student

has to repurchase it. Many e-readers feature back-up ability, where a previously purchased book can be retrieved free from a database or storage device.

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Convenience is another factor for e-books. Students simply browse wirelessly for their desired reading and download it in mere minutes. This is certainly more time-efficient than waiting on long lines at the campus bookstore or waiting for books to be delivered through the mail from online sources.

E-readers have the potential to be successful for school use, but they need to have the support of professors behind them. For a device like e-readers to garner broad acceptance, institutions may need to make the devices part of the school’s requirements. This is similar to many schools requiring all students own a laptop. Students who are unable to afford an e-reader may be subsidized for the device or be able to use student loans to pay for them.

E-readers can be advantageous in the classroom and students can also use them for their own personal purposes.

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2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Saving for College When It’s Right Around the Corner Paying for college has never been easy. But in this era of economic uncertainty, when retirement accounts and housing values have taken a turn for the worse, the ability to finance a college education has moved beyond the reach of many parents and students.

Further complicating an already difficult situation is the fact that many colleges and universities have lost sizeable chunks of their endowments, making scholarship money harder to come by. If you have a child who is a few years away from entering college, it pays to learn as much as you can about the options that exist and to ensure that your collegebound son or daughter ends up at a school that is both appropriate and affordable. Here are some

areas to consider.

Get the facts. If you have some money put away for college or invested in a 529 college fund, you’ll want to get an idea of how those savings stack up against potential tuition and what level of financial aid you can count on.

There are many resources available on the web, but you can start with the financial aid calculator at www.finaid.org. To get the clearest picture what’s in store, do the calculations used by both private and public institutions.

Apply to a wide range of schools. Despite the downturn in college endowments, some schools still have more scholarship money than others. In fact, some of the financial aid packages available at the

nation’s most elite universities are among the best in the country. As a results, parents of a top-tier student should not automatically rule out top-tier colleges. However, thanks to fierce competition among applicants, parents should encourage even the brightest of children to apply to several institutions, including a few “safety” schools that might be delighted to offer your child a scholarship.

Stay informed. Don’t rule out financial aid and scholarships, even if you think your income may be too high. Complete the FAFSA -- the Free Application for Federal Student Aid -- because it is used by many schools as the primary basis for determining merit scholarships.

Borrow wisely. Increas-

ingly prudent lenders make finding a private loan more difficult than ever. Your best bet may be federal loans given directly to students, which are not only easier to qualify for, but come with a much friendlier interest rate.

There are also federal loans for parents, so be sure to do your homework.

Think outside the box.

Creativity is a key asset when planning for college. If loans, scholarships and savings still come up short, consider some alternative routes to the same destination.

For example, consider the transfer option. If there is a good community or junior college near home, your child could start there and then transfer to a four-year college or university.

DID YOU KNOW? With the country battling its way through an historic economic downturn, it’s worth noting that the country’s students are not immune to the debt that has plagued both individuals and businesses alike. In fact, according to the Project on Student Debt, nearly two-thirds of students at four-year colleges and universities had student loan debt in 2004. That’s a significant increase from 1993, when less than 50 percent of four-year graduates had student loans. What’s more, a 2006 report from the College Board titled “Trends in Student Aid” found that better than 60 percent of graduates from public universities had student loans, dispelling the rumor that students who attend public universities, which generally offer lower tuition to in-state residents than their private counterparts, do not need to take out loans to afford higher education. Public university graduates also saw the size of their debts grow between 1993 and 2004, as the average debt level increased from just over$8,000 in 1993 to more than $17,000 by 2004. Accounting for inflation, that’s an increase of 65 percent. Overall, 25 percent of graduating borrowers in 2004 carried more than $25,000 in debt.

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2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Deciding Between Trade Schools or Traditional Colleges Today’s high schoolers face mounting pressure with respect to their futures. Even high school graduates who did not immediately go to college after graduating face difficult decisions about their futures.

For many facing such a decision, the process often involves finding the right college. However, options don’t have to be limited to colleges and universities.

Trade schools can prepare young people, or even professionals looking to make a change, for lucrative and fulfilling careers. When deciding between a trade school and traditional college, there are a few things to consider

ensuring whatever decision is made is the right one.

Goals: Career goals differ for everyone. While some pursue a career simply because it can pay well, others seek careers that may reward them in other ways. When deciding between a trade school and traditional university, consider any career goals. If certain goals bear significant importance, determine the best route by which to achieve them, be it through a trade school or college or university.

Individual skills: Individual skills can also play a significant role when determining if a trade school or traditional university is the best

choice. Prospective students who are mechanically inclined and love working on automobiles might be better suited to an automotive trade school, while those who excel in cooking arts and don’t know an engine from an onion might be more suited for a culinary school. Individuals who honestly assess their strengths and weaknesses will likely find this can lend much to their decisionmaking process.

Educational interests: Those who would love to learn about a variety of subjects are probably better suited for a traditional college or university. Others with a more

specific interest in a given field of study might find it hard to get motivated or stay interested when studying at a four-year college or university.

Requirements: Not all

careers require a degree from a four-year college or university.

Individuals should research what level of education is necessary to be successful in any fields that may interest them.

If a given career does not require a four-year degree, there’s no sense spending such a substantial amount of money on a degree that won’t help him or her land a job.

DID YOU KNOW? According to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, those with a bachelor’s degree earn nearly double what those with only a high school diploma earn, reinforcing the value of education. Census Bureau research indicates that workers over 18 an earn average of more than $51,000 per year, while their counterparts with a high school diploma earn an average of slightly less than $28,000 annually. The disparity is even greater when considering those who have not earned a high school diploma. Such workers earn less than $19,000 annually. That’s a stark contrast to workers who pursued education even beyond a bachelor’s degree. Those who have earned an advanced degree make an average of just under $75,000 per year.

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2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Pros and Cons to Commuter Schools and Dorm Living Each year, thousands of students attend colleges and universities across the country. These students choose schools for a number of reasons, including whether the school is commuter-based or offers on-campus living.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both scenarios. Explore the benefits and downfalls of living arrangements before a decision is made.

Dorm Living College is oftentimes a young adult’s first step toward independence.

Before heading off to college, kids are typically housed, fed and clothed entirely by Mom and Dad. The rules of the household would have to be met, and there may have been little room for personal space.

College students are responsible for their own meals, scheduling and basic care. Parents are not around to cater to their child’s every need, and kids also have the freedom to choose their own friends.

While dorm living is advantageous to some, it can be difficult for others to adapt. Individuals who are not self-regulated may find that not having an authority figure around causes them to become lax in their studies and overall demeanor. They may spend more time socializing than focusing on education. They also may learn a hard lesson about managing finances.

Dorm living is also

costly. There will be extra expenses for dorm rental, furnishings, food and other necessities. Also, roommates are common at most dormitories, and there’s no guarantee that roommates will prove compatible.

Living on campus can also instill feelings of isolation and homesickness in some students. Such students often miss the support system of home and have trouble adapting to their new surroundings.

Commuting Commuting to school has advantages as well, most notably the financial benefits. Students and their families won’t have to pay extra for a dorm room or apartment living by the school, and they can still enjoy meals at home and the conveniences of home life.

Commuter schools are generally located in cities or towns with higher populations and means of transportation to get to the school. Attending this type of school means students are not restricted to on-campus activities or school functions. Students can come and go as they please and still have their “outside of school” life that you may be used to.

Comfort is also a benefit many students enjoy when commuting to school. Commuter students can study in the quiet of their own room and not be subjected to the sounds and events

going on around the dorm.

Students also don’t have to share a space with a roommate or wonder about safety issues from on-campus living.

However, many argue that commuter schools don’t offer the same college experience as ones where students live away from home. When commuting to school, students are typical-

ly still living at home.

Those still living at home are governed by parents’ rules and regulations and may not feel as independent as their on-campus counterparts. Also, commuters often don’t feel the same involvement in the campus community as those who live on campus. When faced with attending pep rallies, sports games or campus

events, commuters might be less likely to partake in these activities.

Commuting to school also requires students to factor the time it takes to get to and from the campus into their schedule, a consideration for students who are not used to commuting. Those without a vehicle of their own might find the commute espe-

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cially difficult and timeconsuming.

Commuter schools and full-service campuses can each provide a quality education as well as distinct advantages and disadvantages depending upon the student. Students should keep these factors in mind when choosing their university or college.

2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Success IS MY CHOICE

Andrew is my college

At Andrew College, we believe that success starts with a strong academic foundation. As a private two-year college related to The United Methodist Church, Andrew offers four academic divisions and 40 different challenging programs of study: • • • •

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Why Choose Andrew?

100% of our graduates have historically been accepted to 4year institutions all over the nation, Andrew College is an exceptional educational experience for an affordable investment,

Visit us in person!

Join us for Campus Visitation Day on Sept. 25.

Andrew College Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 501 College St. Cuthbert, GA 39840

800-664-9250 andrewcollegecares.com Sunday Citizen •

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How to Boost Your GPA the Easy Way Grade point average, or GPA, is a number that follows students through high school and college. An often accurate representation of a student’s academic performance, GPA is always changing, giving students constant opportunities to improve as a result.

A GPA is a cumulative number that represents grades as a numerical value divided by the number of courses taken. The higher a student’s GPA, the better that student has performed in school. Colleges may base acceptances on high school GPA and additional aptitude tests, including the SAT exam. Once in a college or university, a student’s GPA can earn him or her academic awards and advancements. Students hoping to boost their GPA should keep the following tips in mind.

Keep course load in mind.

High schoolers may not be able to dictate the number of classes they take, but they can limit their extracurricular activities or extra-credit projects. For college students, don’t try to pack your schedule full of classes. Too many classes can make it difficult to devote adequate study time to each class. Taking six classes and getting a C in each is less beneficial than taking five classes and earning straight As. Focus on the big picture instead of just the grade.

When in class, do your best to pay attention, learn and study.

Changing your approach to focus on learning, rather than having a specific grade in mind, will lessen the pressure and make your goals more attainable.

Don’t procrastinate. Do

assignments promptly to allow for proofreading and reworking, if necessary. For example, if you have a writing assignment due, give yourself time for rewrites.

Chances are if you edit your material, the final copy will be better than the first draft.

Doing the assignment the night before it is due gives you little time for revision.

Ask the instructor for assistance. Use your teacher as a sounding board for ideas.

If you do assignments early, you can get the teacher’s feedback on whether you’re taking the right path or should explore another angle.

Many teachers will be willing to give advice or steer you in the right direction. This can easily boost your grade and show him or her that you’re putting in the effort.

Give all classes equal attention. Some college students pad their schedule with

one or two “easy” classes in an effort to boost their GPA. However, most times there’s no such thing as an easy class.

Taking Introduction to Astronomy or Horseback Riding 101 simply because you think it will be a breeze may backfire, especially if you don’t put the same level of effort into the course. That “easy” course can quickly turn difficult if you’re getting Ds because of lack of effort.

Participate in class. Many teachers and professors factor class participation into their grading method. So while tests and homework may be important, the extra factor can be class participation. Don’t expect to sit mum all semester and get a great grade. Your teacher wants to hear from you. Participation also can make absorbing the material easier because you’re actively involved instead of playing a spectator’s role.

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2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Get an A+ in Dorm Design ... from Dorm Room Drab to College Fab! Four white walls, a closet and, if you’re lucky, a desk ... welcome to your new home, college students. As dreary as a dorm room can seem, a few simple steps can easily transform that drab dorm room into a space you’ll want to come home to in a few easy steps.

Bed Bath & Beyond suggests a few tips to help college students and their parents get started.

“You don’t need to be an interior designer or worry about breaking the bank,” commented Catherine Gentile of Bed Bath & Beyond.

“Focus on a few key areas to bring your personality and affordable style to decorate this blank canvas.”

Don’t “Bare” with it. Bare walls and floors don’t increase the cozy factor. Start with an area rug to add a focal point in the room while providing the creature comforts of home to bare feet. Next consider your walls, choose wall art that doesn’t require mounting with a hammer and nails (a no-no in most dormitories). Consider a set of 3 dry erase “wall pops” that peel and stick and can be moved to change them up on a whim.

Make your bed (really, really comfy). Layer in the comfort to take the standard issue dorm bed to the next level! Since you won’t know where your mattress has been, encase it in an Entomologist lab tested and recommended Allergy Luxe(R) bed bug mattress protector to keep the bed bugs at bay. Then smooth out the lumps and bumps with a mattress topper of

your choice, be it feather, fiber or foam.

Bedding is the biggest decor bang for the buck.

When searching for bedding, first find out if your new bed is twin extra long, a slightly longer twin bed size which is commonly found in dorm rooms. Since the bed is typically the biggest decor piece in the room, it’s the easiest way to make a statement.

This year, affordable fashion bedding options abound from flirty floral designs to bold

bright colors for girls, to masculine stripes and plaids or solid reversible sets for guys.

Nautica(R) takes the popular cotton jersey knit a step further in their “Glen Cove” set that includes a jersey knit comforter.

A Place for Everything ...

Everything In Its Place When trying to figure out how to fit all of your worldly possessions into a small space, remember these simple tips: Stack it. Add colorful totes on top of shelves to keep

things neat and organized while also adding a pop of color throughout your space.

Stow it. Look for pieces that multitask like a storage ottoman that provides storage and seating space and even has a lid that when turned upside down doubles as a table or lap desk.

Hang it. Make your closet work for you. First, use the same type of hanger to create uniformity. Select a set of Razor(TM) thin hangers that are made from eco-friendly

recycled ABS plastic, and have an ultra slim design to save space. Then use a double hang closet rod that you can adjust horizontally and vertically to find the right fit for what you need. Simply hang on your existing closet rod and -- voila, you now have twice the space. Then use the additional space to create shelving. Use gearbox organizers and choose a 6 shelf for clothing or 10 shelf for shoes and accessories.

Hide it. Start under the

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bed by attaching a set of bed lifts to the bottom of your bedposts to gain up to 7 precious inches of storage space.

Use underbed bags to store items you don’t need to access all the time, including off-season clothing, extra bedding and shoes.

College students and their parents can visit their local Bed Bath & Beyond store or www.bedbathbeyond.com to help turn that drab dorm room into a delightful domicile.

2010 COLLEGE FAIRS

Handling the Stress of Being a Student

Find Your Way Through the Financial Aid Process

In light of the country’s economic downturn, few topics are as prevalent as stress.

In the course of the last year, many families have suffered the loss of their income, and many more have even lost their homes.

The reality of a recession always illustrates the problem of stress.

But for the nation’s students, stress is a reality that, unlike economic woes, is more permanent than it is temporary.

Handling stress is a large part of being successful in the classroom, particularly as students advance through high school and into higher education. But handling stress is different for everyone, and there are myriad healthy ways in which students can cope with stress.

Combine regular exercise with a healthy diet.

Studies abound as to the mental benefits of exercise.

Exercise not only improves a person’s physical health, but also has a positive impact on mood, oftentimes making it easier to cope with stress.

Part of that is because exer-

As scores of high school seniors across the country ready themselves for their final year of high school, many of those students and their parents are getting acquainted with the financial aid process. With college on the horizon and the economy in flux, more and more families are expected to seek financial aid to help finance their kids’ college educations.

Even for parents who have done it before, the financial aid process can be confusing. For parents of high schoolers about to begin their secondary school swan song, consider the following tips to successfully navigate your way through the financial aid process.

Don’t stall or procrastinate: Financial aid partially works on a first-

cise relieves muscle tension, which can build up greatly in individuals suffering from significant stress. In addition, the negative effects of stress can be weight gain and other damaging physical effects, making exercise especially important for those under constant stress.

While a healthy diet can be difficult for the nation’s college students, that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Recognizing that, many of the nation’s universities have increased their efforts to provide students with healthier fare at dining halls or other campus eateries. Students should take advantage of this whenever and wherever possible. Eating well can also help reduce stress, as a balanced diet will provide both the energy and nutrients necessary to handle a full load.

Learn to take a breather.

Adults often take breaks when going through the daily grind, and students should make note and follow suit.

Studying for too long without taking a break can be coun-

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terproductive, as concentration will begin to wane after too long, making it increasingly difficult to soak in studies. Schedule breaks into each study sesssion, whether it’s to go for a walk, jog or simply fit in a healthy meal. But don’t allow break time to become too big a distraction.

Determine the root cause of the stress. Work is typically the root cause of adult stress, and school is often the cause for students. Many students stretch themselves too thin, hoping to gain as much as they can from their high school or college experience and therefore filling their schedules. But students who feel as though they’re being pulled in too many directions should drop an activity or two. For instance, playing a varsity sport while holding down a part-time job and having a full courseload is simply doing too much. If a class is getting to be too much to handle, students should consult a teacher and explain the situation.

Don’t be afraid to speak about stress. Many students find it healthy and rejuvenating to simply speak about their levels of stress. This helps to get things off their chest, and it also inadvertently gives them time away from studies. Be it sharing experiences with stress among fellow students or simply talking to Mom and Dad, students should speak about stress in an effort to combat its ill effects.

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come, first-serve basis, so it’s best to apply as soon as you can (January 1st).

You can estimate income or simply look at your final W-2 for the year to answer questions regarding yearly earnings and finances.

Begin with the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be the first form you complete, even if you’re aware you don’t qualify. Other types of financial aid, such as state grants and loans, typically require that you fill out the FAFSA, so this should be done first and as soon as possible.

Go for the gold: Students should apply for all types of available aid, be it a loan from Uncle Sam or individual grants and scholarships.

Each

school has a number of unique scholarships and grants, and parents and students will never know about them unless they ask. It’s typically free to apply, so it can’t hurt to apply for anything and everything.

Seek help and advice: Particularly for parents going through it for the first time, the college and financial aid application process can be overwhelming and even intimidating at times.

High schools have counselors who have been through the process numerous times and who are more than glad to help. If your child has a particular school in mind, don’t be afraid to contact that school’s financial aid office and ask for help as well. That’s why such offices exist.

Gwinnett Daily Post • Sunday, September 12, 2010 • Georgia Probe College Fairs • Page 19

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