college life CLASS IS IN SESSION: LEARN HOW TO BE CREDIT WISE THIS FALL
PLUS: THOUSANDS OF FREE MONEY FOR COLLEGE! & FIRST TIME RESUME CONCERNS
GRADUATE FROM PINK UNIVERSITY WITH HONORS
VICTORIA’S SECRET PINK
WHAT'S INSIDE?!
COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS.........................4 PLANNING & PREPARING FOR SCHOOL.............5 FIRST TIME RESUME COCERN.................................6 WHY YOU SHOULD RECONSIDER AN HBCU......7 RENTER’S INSURANCE..................................................9 CLASS IN SESSION: CREDIT WISE 101................10 FINDING FREE MONEY...............................................13
COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS By Elisa Kronish
As a college student, what can your school’s alumni association offer you? Alumni associations provide a variety of services for students after they graduate, but they can also benefit students while they’re in school. From money for college, to a welcoming greeting, to the power of networking, school alums can help you throughout college and beyond. Benefits During College-Scholarship Money Alumni associations often have scholarship programs for incoming students. Donations and fund-raisers provide the cash, and awards are typically based on academic performance rather than need. For example, at Xavier University in Ohio, the alumni association runs a collegiate license plate program. For $35, alumni can purchase Ohio plates with the Xavier logo, and $25 of the proceeds fund university scholarships. Leadership Opportunities Some schools give current students the opportunity to work with the alumni association. At Xavier University, current students participate in alumni event-planning. “They learn how to work with alumni and they have their own fundraising events,” says Joan Thompson, coordinator of Xavier’s National Alumni Association. “They are trained to get skills and hopefully transition into leadership in one of the chapter associations when they graduate,” she says. Orientation for Freshmen Before the school year begins, regional chapters often host get-togethers for incoming freshmen and their families from the area. “It gives students the opportunity to meet each other,” says Sarah Weeks, a program director for the University of Tennessee Alumni Association.
“They can organize carpools or just have someone from home to touch base with on campus,” she says. Early Career Networking Students can get a jump-start on jobhunting by contacting alumni around the country. Campus career centers and alumni association offices usually keep lists of alumni, detailing where they live and what they do. Alumni can also help students find internships or part-time jobs during school or after graduation. Benefits After College-More Networking “One of the main benefits is career contacts in all different states,” Weeks says. Alumni associations can usually supply a list of alumni (often free) according to location, graduation year or profession. The alumni connection can often provide the “in” you need for job and career assistance. Money-Savers Many alumni associations cut deals to save members money – and provide a “kick-back” to the school. For example, members of the Stanford University alumni association get discounts at both Avis and Alamo, as well as thousands of hotels worldwide. Another perk is the college credit card. Typically, the cards come with a low introductory annual percentage rate, and sometimes give a percentage of purchases back to the alumni association. Many associations also offer group insurance programs. Keeping in Touch Alumni associations are great for helping alumni stay tuned in to the happenings back at school and with other alumni. Some schools like Xavier give their alumni free e-mail accounts for life. “It allows us to follow them after they graduate,” Thompson says. Most schools publish college magazines and alumni directories. Even if graduation’s years off, you should to take advantage of all your school’s alumni association has to offer. Check out what the association at your school – or prospective school – has in store for you.
Planning & Preparing For School: Pell Grant
must be enrolled at least half-time and in a program that leads to an associate or bachelor’s degree or certificate. If you received a Pell Grant for the first time on or after July 1, 2008, you can only receive the Pell Grant for up to 18 semesters or the equivalent. Your school can apply Pell Grant funds to your school costs, pay you directly (usually by check), or combine these methods. The school must tell you in writing how much your award will be and how and when you’ll be paid. Schools must disburse funds at least once per term (semester, trimester, or quarter). Schools that do not use semesters, trimesters, or quarters must disburse funds at least twice per academic year.
ELIGIBLE STUDENTS:
• Student must be pursuing their first undergraduate degree. • Student must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. • Student must have a high school diploma, GED, or demonstrate the ability to benefit from the program offered.
The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program and is based on financial need. There is no minimum grade point average or other academic requirements, as long as you attend an eligible school. Awards of up • Incarcerated students to $5,500 are available for eligible students • Students who owe a refund on a for the 2010–11 academic year. The U.S. Title IV grant. Department of Education determines your • Students in default on a Title IV loan. eligibility based on your answers on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submit your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. The amount you get, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. Also. the maximum award amount is given for any Pell Grant eligible student whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept.11, 2001. You must be under 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time in college at the time of your parent’s or guardian’s death. If you receive a Pell Grant, your school will credit your college account with the grant amount, pay you directly, or both. The federal government guarantees that each participating school will receive enough funding to pay the Pell Grants of all eligible students. You may receive up to two consecutive Pell Grant awards during a single award year to accelerate your program toward your degree. You
INELIGIBLE STUDENTS:
FIRST TIME RESUME CONCERNS
Q: Should I Include My GPA on My Resume?
By: Peter Vogt
A:Yes — if it’s above a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). If not, try to make it look better by highlighting your hen you’re a college student or recent grad major GPA instead of your cumulative one or calculating your GPA for the last three or four and trying to write a resume, especially your first semesters, for example. one, you’ll face questions you typically won’t find addressed in the current blizzard of resume Q: Should I List My School Address, My books. That doesn’t mean your questions aren’t Permanent Address or Both? valid; it simply means the resume experts often overlook them, because they generally target midcareer audiences. Over the last five years as The A: If in doubt, list both — as long as you can actually be reached at both. If not, use the MonsterTRAK Career Coach, I’ve seen many address where an employer will actually be able versions of the following resume-related to reach you for the next few months. questions. and it’s time for some answers.
W
Q: Should My Resume Be One Page or Two?
Q: What Can I Put on My Resume If I Don’t Have Much Experience?
A: If you read enough books or talk to enough people who “know” about resumes, you’ll come across a rule stating your resume should be only one page long. It’s time to let this myth go, along with the resume handcuffing it spawns.It’s great if you can do this. But if you end up leaving out so much good material that you destroy your interview chances, what good have you done? Remember: A human will read your resume. Some readers demand your resume be one page. Others will read a two-pager without hesitation. You don’t know who’s who, but the point still remains –- a one-page rule simply doesn’t exist.
A: For starters, don’t overlook or ignore the skills you’ve gained from jobs you’ve taken simply to get through school. You’ve also gained valuable experience from: * Your foreign-language study. * Alternative learning experiences, like studying abroad or conducting research. * Your constant computer and Internet use. * Extracurricular activities.
Q: Should I Include Precollege Information on My Resume?
A: Generally, no — employers aren’t likely to care about it much. There are exceptions, of course. Suppose you won a national award in high school, or you accomplished something well beyond the ordinary. Then you should highlight it, A: In most cases, it makes sense to put the Education section at the beginning of your resume, especially if it’s connected to your chosen field. since you’re a college student or recent grad. To learn more about how to develop a great But if you’ve got a lot of great internship, co-op or work experience closely related to your chosen resume, visit the Monster Resume Center. And remember: Resume writing is much more art than field, position your Experience section ahead science, so just as you would with an art project, of Education. Here’s another resume area where there’s no rule. express yourself the way that works best for you Put it where it makes the most sense for you and and the information you’re trying to portray. your particular skills and experiences.
Q: Should the Education Section Go at the Beginning or End?
WHY YOU SHOULD RECONSIDER AN HBCU By: Anton Poloski When the time comes for selecting which higher education institution to attend, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are often forgotten, ignored, or viewed as second-rate in comparison with more traditional schools. Parents and prospective students alike are sometimes reluctant to consider these colleges, which they may view as homogeneous, rigid, and dogmatic. The truth, however, is that today’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities are highly dynamic, progressive, and diverse institutions of higher learning that offer academic and extracurricular programs on par or exceeding those offered on comparable “traditional” campuses. Not to mention, these colleges 1. Spelman College-Atlanta, GA generally provide a high quality of education at affordable prices at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels and tend to represent 2. Howard University-Washingbetter overall value than similarly-ranked t ton, DC raditional colleges. Complementing their academic credentials are these schools’ rich 3. Morehouse College-Atlanta, GA historical backgrounds and their unique social and cultural environments. It’s difficult to measure the impact of the “Black experience” for the 4. Fisk University-Nashville, TN alumni of the 100+ HBCUs in the country but it’s safe to say that these schools foster a high level of fellowship and camaraderie, helping students 5. Xavier University-New Orleans, to not only establish life long connections but to LA also enhance a sense of cultural identity. Listed below is a list of the top ten Historically 6. Hampton University-Hampton, Black Colleges and Universities around the VA country:
“The truth, however, is that today’s historically black colleges and universities are highly dynamic, progressive, and diverse institutions of higher learning...”
7. Tuskegee University-Tuskegee, AL 8. Claflin University-Orangeburg, SC
RENTER’S INSURANCE ON BACK-TO-SCHOOL. LIST FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS By: Wendy Burton
They’ve bought their textbooks and paper, pen-
• Does the policy cover replacement value or actual cash value? • Does it cover reasonable living expenses if you are unable to stay your room due to a flood, fire or storm? • Does it cover special items of high value that you own, such as expensive jewelry or collectibles?
cils and new shoes and college students across the For more information visit: www.collegerentersinarea are moving back in to dorms. Many are surance.com. lugging along televisions, microwaves, laptops, iPods and personal computers, too. What some may have forgotten to add to their back-to-school list is renters’ insurance.Renters’ insurance is ust as important as textbooks for college students, said Sissy Osteen, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension resource management specialist, in a media release. “These electronics, coupled with furniture, clothing and other household items add up to quite a bit of money,” Osteen said. Renters’ insurance helps ensure things can be replaced in the event of a fire, theft or weather-related disaster. Dr. Ron Ramming, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Services at Connors State College, said he agrees it’s a good idea for residential students to get renters’ insurance, but CSC doesn’t provide insurance for the students. “We generally tell our incoming students to talk to an insurance agent and have the agent explore what would be available to the student,” Ramming said. At Bacone College, optional insurance for students is not required but recommended, said a college spokesman. Before students move into their dorms, they each receive a packet of information. It includes a pamphlet on insurance from National Student Services Inc. Students can purchase anywhere from $2,000 of coverage, with a $25 deductible for $66 annually, to $10,000 of coverage with the same deductible for $231 annually, the pamphlet “THESE ELECTRONICS, COUPLED says. The NSS Inc., policy even covers accidental WITH FURNITURE, CLOTHING, AND spills — important for those students who stay up OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ADD UP late bent over a laptop with a mug of coffee. Osteen also said to consider the following when TO QUITE A BIT OF MONEY....” looking for a renter’s policy:
show that many college students make the mistake of opening multiple accounts while they’re CLASS IS IN SESSION: still in school. Some are under the false impresBEING CREDIT WISE 101 sion that once they graduate, a high paying job will be waiting for them which will allow them to By: Adrienne White pay off their debts in a reasonable time period. Many college students fail to realize that these In this day and age the world has turned primarjobs may be difficult to find after they graduate, ily into plastic. The use of debit cards, ATM machand they will have to find work in order to make ines, and credit cards have sparked lots of contrtheir loan payments immediately after graduoversy and lots of feedback, both negative and ation. Many lending companies are also part of positive. As young adults we are constantly being the problem. Banks and credit card companies approached by Visa, Mastercard, and rush to loan college students money, and many American Express to begin our credit history with of these young people are inexperienced with them. But, before you sign on the dotted line there handling their personal finances. By giving these are quite a few things that you should know in young people loans, many lending companies order to be credit wise. are making the problems worse. Some of these Being credit wise means learning how to play students end up with bad credit, and may have smart with your plastic, knowing how to build a hard time applying for a mortgage. There are good credit, how to prevent fraud, and how to a number of reasons why lending institutions develop and stick with that budget. These are target young people more than other segments hard lessons to master and many adults have yet of the population. Many lenders see college stuto learn it, but learning before bad credit ruins dents as being future income earners, and this is your name puts you ahead of the game. Being true. Statistics shows that it will take students at credit wise only requires a little bit of homework least 10 years to pay off their student loans after and a lot of common sense. Many college studgraduation, and this doesn’t include credit cards ents begin getting credit card offers their freshmor other types of loans. By getting these students an year, and many accept the offer. But, if you do into debt early, lending companies insure that not know these basic things, then I highly recomthey will earn residual income for many years mend that you do not apply for a card. Statistics to come. Many colleges add to the problem by pushing students into loans instead of offering them grants. One thing college students can do to avoid bad credit is to simply not borrow money. Use a debit card instead of a credit card to make purchases. Get a part time job to help pay for the cost of your books, and look for grants and scholarships to pay for your tuition. Students should only get a loan when they absolutely need it. It is critical that students avoid putting themselves in a situation where they could end up in heavy debt. Heavy debt is the primary thing that can lead to horrible credit. The very first thing you should be aware of is hidden fees, such as late fees, Over-Credit-Limit fees, etc. Next, your goal should be to build great credit, not go to the mall every weekend. Make
CATCH ATTENTION THIS SEMESTER WITH A BEAUTIFUL SMILE CREST FLUORISTAT
“It was a trap, and I fell right into it.”
rights. There are many college students in debt and their parents are unaware. College Junior Nadiyah Smith is currently in $3500 worth of debt after signing up for a credit card her freshman year away from home. Now labeled with bad credit Nadiyah is advocating for credit card companies sure you always pay your bill on time, keep your to rise the age limit to 21, verses 18. “When I was balances low, and pay off your debt instead of a freshman, I attended a football game, outside moving it around. Third, know you rights. You are entitled to your credit report, and you should of the stadium tnere were hundreds on vendors and one request a copy once was a every 12 months. Also, if Mastercard you are 18 or older, you table. They cannot be denied a card adverbased on age, race, retised a ligion, gender, or public free round assistance progrtrip plane ams that you are involved ticket if you in. Last but not least, ask signed up questions. If there is sofor the card mething that you do not that day, so understand on your credit of course report, or your monthly I took it. statement, do not, I reI did not peat DO NOT hesitate to know contact your company to find out what is going anything about credit cards, and foolishly I beon. More often than not, customers do not chalgan spending out of control. Everytime I almost lenge their company. All you need for a FREE reached my maximum limit, they would increase credit report is your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Those are the only my credit limit. It was a trap, and I fell right into it.” Nadiyah is like so many other students across things you need in order to access your credit the country who believe that they can afford a report. . To maintain the security of your file, credit card at our age. “If I could go back, I would each nationwide consumer reporting company have never signed up for a credit card that soon.” may ask you for some information that only you However, if it’s neccessary to get a credit card would know, such as the amount of your monthly at our age, try the MasterCard Worldwide promortgage payment. Each company may ask you for different information because the information gram. In it’s ninth year, this program offers lower interest rates for students, bill payment proeach has in your file may come from different sources or places. You’re also entitled to one free grams, and helping students build good credit at an early age. This program is available at nearly report a year if you’re unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you’re on welfare; 60 colleges and universities, and has helped more than 420,000 students nationwide. Knowing the or if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, in’s and out’s of your credit cards can help you including identity theft. Otherwise, a consumer reporting company may charge you up to $10.50 maintain a great credit history throughout your college years, and well into adulthood. Class is for another copy of your report within a now in session! 12-month period. So be smart, and know your
HEAVENLY SCENT: MOTHER APPROVED.
Sudoku
is a great way to stimulate your mind. Try to see if you can figure out these brain teasers. It will surely keep you thinking! The aim of the puzzle is to enter a numerical digit from 1 through 9 in each cell of a 9×9 grid made up of 3×3 subgrids (called “regions”), starting with various digits given in some cells (the “givens”). Each row, column, and region must contain only one instance of each numeral. Completing the puzzle requires patience and logical ability.
FINDING FREE MONEY BY: ADRIENNE WHITE
O
kay, so you are ready to tackle that daunting task of finding scholarships to pay for college. And you want to use the Internet to expedite the search process. But there are so many scholarship search services out there – which ones should you use? How do you know what qualities and features to look for in a scholarship search service? And how do you avoid getting scammed while looking for awards? Use these helpful hints to help determine what to look for and to assist you in finding the service that will best fit your scholarship search needs. First and foremost, find a scholarship search service that has sophisticated matching technology. A good scholarship search service will match the personal information you provide to them with scholarships that you are eligible to apply for. This will minimize the time you spend browsing through lists of awards, and will give you more time to actually work on the application process itself. Beware of simple keyword search services or services that only ask a few questions about your background. Many services like this will return hundreds of scholarships for you to
go through, wasting your valuable time that you simply don’t have. Look for services with easy-to-use, thorough profile pages that generate results closely matched to your profile. Secondly, find a scholarship search service that provides accurate and up-to-date scholarship information. Reading requirements for scholarship programs from two years ago will not help you at all, in fact, using outdated information will simply slow your progress in actually securing scholarship funding for college. Remember, you need to find a service that offers scholarship information for the current academic year. Don’t waste your time on websies with out-dated contact lists. Next, keep in mind that the primary purpose of any scholarship search service should be to help you find scholarships. Avoid overly commercial websites that seem to focus on advertising and student offers, give-aways and subscriptions. Make sure the service is set up to save you time. If you take the time to fill out the profile, make sure the information is saved so you don’t have to start from scratch each time you want to look for more scholarships. Also, make sure there is a way to edit and update your profile, in case you change your major or improve your test scores or change your mind about the college you want to attend. Search services with such customeroriented features will save you time and frustration in the search process, and that’s what you should be aiming for…saving time, and finding money to pay for college!
Here is a list of scholarships to help you jump start your search for free money. Air Force ROTC Scholarships HQ Airforce College Scholarship Section www.afrotc.com American Architectural Foundation 1735 New York Avenue NW Washington, DC 20006 (202) 626-7318 www.archfoundation.org American Art Therapy Association Cay Dranchnik Minorities Fund 1202 Allanson Road Mundelein, IL 60060 (202) 626-7318 www.arttherapy.org American Institute of Architects Foundation Scholarship Programs Minority/Disadvantaged Scholarship 1735 New York Ave., NW Washington, DC 20006-5292 (202) 626-7511 Fax (202) 626-7420 www.aiany.org
Burger King Scholars Program For students who work part-time and excel academically. http://www.bk.com/companyinfo/community/ scholarships.aspx. Central Intelligence Agency PO Box 12727 Arlington, VA 2209-8727 Undergraduate Scholar Program Karen W. Mullet, Chief, Student Programs 1-800-368-3886 www.cia.gov CIA Summer Internship Program Arthur Delany, Recruiter (703) 613-8341 Fax (703) 613-8372 Chic Chicana Maria Crespin 9341 Lilly Ct. Thornton, CO 80229 (303) 891-2442 Clavis Club of Morgan County, Inc. Lawrence Rodriguez, President PO Box 124 Fort Morgan, CO 80701 (970) 867-2547
American Mensa Education & Research Foundation Mensa Scholarship Essay Contest www.merf.us.mensa.org
National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program 45 Columbus Avenue New York, NY 10027 www.cesda.org
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) 1111 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 684-2782 x3395 1-800-999-2782 www.apta.org
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc. 504 C. Street NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 543-1771
Bilingual Educators Scholarship PO Box 2293 Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Discover Card Tribute Award recognizes achievements of high school juniors in areas beyond academics to include talent, leadership and community service www.aasa.org
Boettcher Foundation 600 17th St., Suite 2210 South Denver, CO 80202 (303) 534-1938 www.boettcherfoundation.org
Grant Program for Physically Disabled Students in the Sciences http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/3disable. htm
Duracell/NSTA Scholarship Competition Must create a device powered by Duracell batteries. Device must perform a practical function and must be designed by the applicant. Eisenhower~Evans Scholarship Fund www.evansscholarsfoundation.com Sending caddies to college since 1961! Awarded to young men and women who demonstrate outstanding caddie record (Minimum 2 years, 50 rounds) Foundation for Science and Disability, Inc. Scholarships for the blind, students with disabilities and high school graduates Grant Program for Physically Disabled Students in the Sciences Numerous scholarships to students with various disabilities http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/3disable. htm Hispanic Annual Salute PO Box 40720 Denver, CO 80204 http://www.hispanicannualsalute.org/pages/info. Scholarships awarded to Colorado H.S. students that demonstrate exemplary community and volunteer service
1030 15th Street NW #206 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 842-1212 United States Jaycees War Memorial Fund JWMF Dept. 94922 Tulsa, OK 74194-0001 Vista Scholarship Guide for Hispanics (Sponsored by Chrysler Corporation) Vista Magazine P.O. Box 3315 Livonia, MI 48151-3315 (202) 662-7254 Voices of America Youth Essay Scholarship Contest New York and New England Apple Institute 32 Char Drive Westfield, MA 01085 National Scholarship Program/Minority Leadership Programs 1101 14th Street, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 336-7562 The Washington Crossing Foundation P. O. Box 503 Levittown, PA 19058-0503 www.gwcf.org
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Various Hispanic Scholarship Opportunities Available 8415 Datapoint Dr. Ste 400 San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 692-3805
Wal-Mart Foundation www.walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving
US Department of Health & Human Services Division of Student Assistance, Student and Institutional Support Branch Rm. 8-34, Parklawn Bldg./5600 Fishers La. Rockville, MD 20857
American Geological Institute 4220 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302-1507 (703) 379-2480
US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Scholarship
Adelante! U.S. Education Leadership Fund 8415 Datapoint Drive, Suite 400 San Antonio, TX 78229 Tel: 1-877-692-1971 (toll free)