If you have recently found that your grades are slacking and you are not sure why, perhaps it is time to take a look and see how much time you are spending using the internet and not doing what you are supposed to be doing - which is studying.
Nobody wants to study (if studying was enjoyable it would be called “fun” and not “work”), but the simple fact of the matter is that if you want to get ahead in life then you need to devote time to your school work. As using social networking is a strictly extracurricular activity, it is not that hard to understand why Facebook time and study time do not mix.
What might start as a quick peek at Facebook, turns into an hour long session of checking out what everyone is up to or writing on your friends’ walls. Checking out your Facebook while taking a five minute study break is not a very good idea either, because what you think is going to be an innocent break, taken out of your study session, can quickly turn into a twenty minute or even half hour long gap, breaking your concentration and distracting you from work, as well as taking up valuable time. The next thing you know, you did not get any studying done and it is time to go to bed, in order to be fresh for the next day.
If you absolutely feel the need to check your Facebook while you are studying, it is a good idea to set a timer of some sort. Give yourself less than five minutes to check things out and then when the buzzer goes off it is time to get back to work. Do not attempt to keep track of time by gazing at the clock because in most cases you won't even remember to glance at the time until it is too late.
Everyone needs a break from long periods of study time. HOWEVER, there are efficient and smart ways to rest your head, without wasting precious time. If you must take a break, you can make a quick snack- which will help you recharge and unwind for a little while. You can also walk or take a jog around the neighborhood in order to clear your head and refresh before you continue with your studies. These methods help you relax but also allow you to keep track of your time. It might also be a good idea to deactivate your facebook while you are studying to prevent any spur of the moment distractions that might cause you to lose focus. In the moment, it may seem like you are “out of touch” with the world and all your friends but ask yourself-are they REALLY going to disappear?
Setting up a time schedule might seem tedious but it is also a great way to manage your time and set up a mental system of what you need to be doing. Even if you need to study, you can always schedule in breaks and periods of time where you can relax and take your mind off things (but not for too long!)
If studying for that upcoming final/exam seems daunting, it is a great idea to study in small increments over a longer period of time. It is known that repetition can help one retain important information- which is a great thing to know when an important exam is coming up. Cramming may seem like the best way to absorb all the needed information, but in reality students tend to forget all the information after the test is over- which is counterproductive when many courses in high school and beyond are compounding (meaning that the lessons learned in unit one are essential to understanding unit two..etc) This is why studying in increments is the most logical solution for students who do not want to waste their energy and stress on the cram session the night before the exam.
Have you ever heard yourself say “I wished I had studied more for that test last night?” If so, make sure that you separate study time from play time and realize that you can always chat with your friends or watch television after you finished studying for your exam. At the end of the day, you’ll feel better and your grades will look better too.
Whatever methods you might use to study, make sure that you are doing something that best suits you and the way you think. Everyone can be an efficient test taker and student if unnecessary distractions are limited or removed entirely.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Prepping for the SAT: Practice Makes Perfect
Though the SAT might seem intimidating at first, the test is absolutely learnable. There are hundreds of students each year who do well enough on the SAT to get into elite colleges. Thousands more do well enough to get in to the school of their dreams. How do these students do it? It all comes down to practice. Given the basic skills necessary for doing well on the SAT, it is clear that early practice truly does make perfect.
Studies show that students who begin studying for the SAT *early* are more likely to get a top score. This makes sense, as well, since the ins and outs of the SAT are relatively easy to learn. It is a test designed to trick students from start to finish. With more practice, kids have a greater chance at learning those little tricks that most students fall for year after year. As students get more comfortable with the timing and challenges of the SAT, they begin to see patterns in the questions that they failed to realize at first glance.
Students who want to do well need to get started as early as possible. Taking untimed practice tests to learn the question types is always a good idea. Drilling with various problems will teach a student to recognize mistakes and correct them. Recognizing patterns in the types of mistakes you are making is an essential step towards allowing yourself to see what you are getting wrong and why. This helps you determine what kind of material you should focus your efforts on in order to minimize the amount of questions you get wrong on the real exam.
From there, students can move on to taking full, timed practice tests in the hope of simulating the testing environment. Over time, smart students will build up stamina and get used to the grind of the SAT. This will lead to prolonged elite performance throughout the test. Smart students that practice efficiently rarely feel the “crash” of energy towards the middle or latter end of the exam. Prevent this from happening by taking initiative and practicing a little bit every day (yes, it is manageable!).
There are many ways to prepare for the SAT, from vocabulary study to math practice. No matter what strategy your child employs, he or she will benefit from consistent practice. Starting early and building long-term familiarity with the material is the secret to high scores. Research shows this is the best way to unlock all potential and open doors to elite universities.
Studies show that students who begin studying for the SAT *early* are more likely to get a top score. This makes sense, as well, since the ins and outs of the SAT are relatively easy to learn. It is a test designed to trick students from start to finish. With more practice, kids have a greater chance at learning those little tricks that most students fall for year after year. As students get more comfortable with the timing and challenges of the SAT, they begin to see patterns in the questions that they failed to realize at first glance.
Students who want to do well need to get started as early as possible. Taking untimed practice tests to learn the question types is always a good idea. Drilling with various problems will teach a student to recognize mistakes and correct them. Recognizing patterns in the types of mistakes you are making is an essential step towards allowing yourself to see what you are getting wrong and why. This helps you determine what kind of material you should focus your efforts on in order to minimize the amount of questions you get wrong on the real exam.
From there, students can move on to taking full, timed practice tests in the hope of simulating the testing environment. Over time, smart students will build up stamina and get used to the grind of the SAT. This will lead to prolonged elite performance throughout the test. Smart students that practice efficiently rarely feel the “crash” of energy towards the middle or latter end of the exam. Prevent this from happening by taking initiative and practicing a little bit every day (yes, it is manageable!).
There are many ways to prepare for the SAT, from vocabulary study to math practice. No matter what strategy your child employs, he or she will benefit from consistent practice. Starting early and building long-term familiarity with the material is the secret to high scores. Research shows this is the best way to unlock all potential and open doors to elite universities.
College Scholarships for High School Tennis Players
College tuition costs have steadily risen over the past 10 years. Many students are going into debt just to put themselves through higher education. The good news is that there are options to help you afford expensive college costs. If you are an experienced high school tennis player, taking advantage of tennis scholarships is a great way to pay for higher education.
The level of play expected on the collegiate level is more advanced than the average high school skill level. A good way to test your skill level is to participate in college matches or play with friends who play tennis in college. If you think that you are an above average player, then you should begin applying for tennis scholarships. There are just under 2,000 scholarships for male tennis players and 4,000 scholarships for female players offered through the NCAA.
Division I colleges contain the fiercest competition and the most skilled players. If you are an average player, you should apply for Division II schools instead. Division I and II universities are allowed 4.5 scholarships each for men, while Division I are allowed 8 and Division II allowed 6 for women. This means that male tennis is classified as an "equivalence" sport. Scholarship money is often spread out evenly amongst team members, which makes getting a full ride scholarship nearly impossible. Women's tennis, however, is a "head count" sport, making full rides more likely by far.
Tennis is a sport that is steadily growing in popularity, and thus getting noticed by collegiate level teams is getting harder as the years go by. Start working on your college plans early on in your high school career. To increase your chances of getting noticed by colleges, have someone film your matches and send the best ones along with a short bio and essay to schools you are interested in. This increases the chance that schools will see your work and contact you if they are interested in getting you to attend their school. It is also a good idea to attend college tennis camps. This will help you get noticed by coaches and scouts and put your name on their radar, it is also a great thing to put on a resume when applying to college.
The key to being noticed by colleges is to learn how to market yourself. Students make the mistake of thinking that if they are great players, colleges will always seek them out first and make offers. This isn't the case. Even if you are a star athlete, it is a good idea to put yourself out there and be active in starting relationships with different colleges and coaches. Contact the schools you're interested in early and apply for their tennis program and scholarships as early as the fall of your senior year. Taking the initiative in this process will help you go further than just relying on skill alone. It looks great to college recruiters and coaches that you (the student) took the effort to contact personnel while also showing that you hold a strong interest in the school itself. It never hurts to try to take that *extra* step that will set up apart from the rest.
The level of play expected on the collegiate level is more advanced than the average high school skill level. A good way to test your skill level is to participate in college matches or play with friends who play tennis in college. If you think that you are an above average player, then you should begin applying for tennis scholarships. There are just under 2,000 scholarships for male tennis players and 4,000 scholarships for female players offered through the NCAA.
Division I colleges contain the fiercest competition and the most skilled players. If you are an average player, you should apply for Division II schools instead. Division I and II universities are allowed 4.5 scholarships each for men, while Division I are allowed 8 and Division II allowed 6 for women. This means that male tennis is classified as an "equivalence" sport. Scholarship money is often spread out evenly amongst team members, which makes getting a full ride scholarship nearly impossible. Women's tennis, however, is a "head count" sport, making full rides more likely by far.
Tennis is a sport that is steadily growing in popularity, and thus getting noticed by collegiate level teams is getting harder as the years go by. Start working on your college plans early on in your high school career. To increase your chances of getting noticed by colleges, have someone film your matches and send the best ones along with a short bio and essay to schools you are interested in. This increases the chance that schools will see your work and contact you if they are interested in getting you to attend their school. It is also a good idea to attend college tennis camps. This will help you get noticed by coaches and scouts and put your name on their radar, it is also a great thing to put on a resume when applying to college.
The key to being noticed by colleges is to learn how to market yourself. Students make the mistake of thinking that if they are great players, colleges will always seek them out first and make offers. This isn't the case. Even if you are a star athlete, it is a good idea to put yourself out there and be active in starting relationships with different colleges and coaches. Contact the schools you're interested in early and apply for their tennis program and scholarships as early as the fall of your senior year. Taking the initiative in this process will help you go further than just relying on skill alone. It looks great to college recruiters and coaches that you (the student) took the effort to contact personnel while also showing that you hold a strong interest in the school itself. It never hurts to try to take that *extra* step that will set up apart from the rest.
The Higher the SAT, the Higher the Scholarship Opportunities
SAT scores have a large bearing on scholarship decisions nationwide. Scholarship awards are weighed on academic achievement, sports abilities, volunteer hours and a variety of other factors. But a high SAT score can tip the scales in your favor if you are neck and neck with another student competing for the same scholarship.
If you have an impressive high school transcript and a high SAT score to go with it, the opportunities are virtually endless when applying for academic scholarships. If your SAT scores are mediocre or less than average, you may want to retake the SAT before seeking an academic scholarship award because your score may lower your chances of receiving a hefty scholarship award when compared to applicants with higher scores.
Another option would be to focus on another area of achievement, such as sports or music (sometimes known as the “talent factor” or talent-based scholarships). These scholarship opportunities are narrower, which betters your chance of success. If you decide to target your efforts towards talent-based scholarships, you should also realize that although the number of students applying is significantly lower than nationally offered scholarships, the talent of students might also be higher.
Standardized testing has become a benchmark for success over the years, in all areas of accomplishment. Civil service exams, professional certifications and college admissions all measure progress through standardized test results. Therefore, it stands to reason that scholarship opportunities would follow suit. SAT results are easily recorded and kept tamper-free through the College Board’s third party reporting system. Also, the SAT provides a nationwide standard that effectively levels the playing field for applicants. Simply stated, SAT scores make it easy for scholarship grantors to make award decisions.
What should you do, then, if your SAT scores are on the low end? If you have time, it may be best to retake the SAT and see if you can improve your score. Students usually score higher on subsequent tests, since they are more familiar with the SAT format and general content. If a second SAT score yields another low score, it may be time to look at other forms of financial aid. Grants and student loans are available across the country, but the rules and conditions vary according to state. Scholarships, grants and loans are only a means to a more important end – a college education. Worry less about the vehicle and concentrate more on the journey-it will be worth it, trust me!
DONE 6/9
The Best Time to Take the SAT
Many high school students struggle to find the best time to take the SAT. They need to time the exam just right so that they have enough time to study, so that they have acquired the skills needed to succeed, and so that they can meet college application deadlines. There are plenty of pitfalls for taking the test too early, or taking it too late.
Eleventh-graders might be motivated to take the SAT in the first half of their junior year, in October or November. This will give them more time to retake the test should they not be happy with their scores. However, taking the test in the fall of one’s junior year is probably too early.
The SAT Score Choice, in which students take the test multiple times in order to increase their chances of having outstanding scores before sending their highest scores to the schools of their choice, is not endorsed by all universities (Yes, really!!!). Not all schools will accept multiple scores from applicants and many students realize later (a little too late) that their dream school rejects score choice and instead opts for one score in entirety. Because the test is designed to examine the skills of eleventh- and twelfth-graders, juniors who take the test early on in their third year might not be as prepared as they would be if they waited until closer to the end of the year.
Make sure that if you do decide to take the test at this time, that you are comfortable with the test material and are fully prepared to take the exam (no “winging” it!!!!!!).
However, students also do not want to take the test too late. To meet most college application deadlines, students need to have taken the SAT in December of their senior year. Most students should not leave this most important requirement of their college application until the last possible minute, in the event that they experience an emergency and cannot make it to the test, for example (of if they do not receive the score they needed to apply to a number of their schools).
The perfect time to take the SAT, then, is in the spring of the student’s junior year, either March or May. This way the student will be finished or nearly finished with their third-year coursework, and will be a better match, skill-wise, to the questions on the test. They will also have the option to retake the test in the fall of their senior year, should they be dissatisfied with their scores.
Whenever you do decide to sign up for the test, remember to prepare fully and practice your test material during the weeks prior to test day (the date sneaks up on you if you are not paying attention). And remember- a prepared tester is a confident tester!
If you have an impressive high school transcript and a high SAT score to go with it, the opportunities are virtually endless when applying for academic scholarships. If your SAT scores are mediocre or less than average, you may want to retake the SAT before seeking an academic scholarship award because your score may lower your chances of receiving a hefty scholarship award when compared to applicants with higher scores.
Another option would be to focus on another area of achievement, such as sports or music (sometimes known as the “talent factor” or talent-based scholarships). These scholarship opportunities are narrower, which betters your chance of success. If you decide to target your efforts towards talent-based scholarships, you should also realize that although the number of students applying is significantly lower than nationally offered scholarships, the talent of students might also be higher.
Standardized testing has become a benchmark for success over the years, in all areas of accomplishment. Civil service exams, professional certifications and college admissions all measure progress through standardized test results. Therefore, it stands to reason that scholarship opportunities would follow suit. SAT results are easily recorded and kept tamper-free through the College Board’s third party reporting system. Also, the SAT provides a nationwide standard that effectively levels the playing field for applicants. Simply stated, SAT scores make it easy for scholarship grantors to make award decisions.
What should you do, then, if your SAT scores are on the low end? If you have time, it may be best to retake the SAT and see if you can improve your score. Students usually score higher on subsequent tests, since they are more familiar with the SAT format and general content. If a second SAT score yields another low score, it may be time to look at other forms of financial aid. Grants and student loans are available across the country, but the rules and conditions vary according to state. Scholarships, grants and loans are only a means to a more important end – a college education. Worry less about the vehicle and concentrate more on the journey-it will be worth it, trust me!
DONE 6/9
The Best Time to Take the SAT
Many high school students struggle to find the best time to take the SAT. They need to time the exam just right so that they have enough time to study, so that they have acquired the skills needed to succeed, and so that they can meet college application deadlines. There are plenty of pitfalls for taking the test too early, or taking it too late.
Eleventh-graders might be motivated to take the SAT in the first half of their junior year, in October or November. This will give them more time to retake the test should they not be happy with their scores. However, taking the test in the fall of one’s junior year is probably too early.
The SAT Score Choice, in which students take the test multiple times in order to increase their chances of having outstanding scores before sending their highest scores to the schools of their choice, is not endorsed by all universities (Yes, really!!!). Not all schools will accept multiple scores from applicants and many students realize later (a little too late) that their dream school rejects score choice and instead opts for one score in entirety. Because the test is designed to examine the skills of eleventh- and twelfth-graders, juniors who take the test early on in their third year might not be as prepared as they would be if they waited until closer to the end of the year.
Make sure that if you do decide to take the test at this time, that you are comfortable with the test material and are fully prepared to take the exam (no “winging” it!!!!!!).
However, students also do not want to take the test too late. To meet most college application deadlines, students need to have taken the SAT in December of their senior year. Most students should not leave this most important requirement of their college application until the last possible minute, in the event that they experience an emergency and cannot make it to the test, for example (of if they do not receive the score they needed to apply to a number of their schools).
The perfect time to take the SAT, then, is in the spring of the student’s junior year, either March or May. This way the student will be finished or nearly finished with their third-year coursework, and will be a better match, skill-wise, to the questions on the test. They will also have the option to retake the test in the fall of their senior year, should they be dissatisfied with their scores.
Whenever you do decide to sign up for the test, remember to prepare fully and practice your test material during the weeks prior to test day (the date sneaks up on you if you are not paying attention). And remember- a prepared tester is a confident tester!
How to Optimize Your Study Time for the SAT
Taking the SAT may not be the highlight of your senior year of high school, but it certainly ranks near the top of the priority list. Colleges will be shopping for freshmen with high SAT scores, so it is imperative that you optimize your study time so you can get the most out of the experience. Even though staying at home to study while your friends are “having fun” seems like a dreadful experience, it is a necessity for students to gain familiarity with such a long and tricky exam.
Collegeboard.com, the official web site of the SAT and ACT, allows students to register for the ‘SAT Question of the Day’. Signing up for this free service is a great way to get a daily dose of SAT study time. It also serves as a reminder to spend some time in review each day. Your SAT test day will sneak up on you, so make the most of every day leading up to it.
Instead of cramming right before of the exam, it is much more beneficial to study in increments in order to allow yourself to get into the rhythm and pattern of studying. Studying for the exam (practicing problems, studying vocabulary) every day also prevents “shock value” (students who are unfamiliar with test material may feel overwhelmed) while allowing you to increase your concentration and stamina throughout the duration of the exam. The simple step of looking at Collegeboard’s SAT question of the day can get you into the groove of practicing for a set period of time prior to your test date while giving you an edge over unprepared, unorganized test takers.
Software is also available to aid in SAT preparation. Practice tests, sample questions and standardized test-taking advice are all organized in a user-friendly format that makes studying less of a chore. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for “old-fashioned” study habits. Math skills can be best improved by working practice problems until they become easy. English and grammar skills can be improved by reviewing the rules and memorizing terms and definitions. Reading comprehension skills are sharpened by reading books and articles and answering relative questions about the content of the text.
Begin SAT preparation weeks or months in advance. By including a little practice in all of these academic areas each day, you will eliminate the dreaded cram session that many students find themselves in during the final days before the test. Cramming for a large test like the SAT is much less helpful than incremental study time over a long period of time, especially with all the unnecessary stress you will encounter on test day.
Finally, get a good night’s sleep the night before the test. Most SAT sessions begin at 7am or 8am on a Saturday. Resist the urge to stay up late the night before. Your mind will thank you on the morning of the test, and you’ll be even happier when the scores come back.
Collegeboard.com, the official web site of the SAT and ACT, allows students to register for the ‘SAT Question of the Day’. Signing up for this free service is a great way to get a daily dose of SAT study time. It also serves as a reminder to spend some time in review each day. Your SAT test day will sneak up on you, so make the most of every day leading up to it.
Instead of cramming right before of the exam, it is much more beneficial to study in increments in order to allow yourself to get into the rhythm and pattern of studying. Studying for the exam (practicing problems, studying vocabulary) every day also prevents “shock value” (students who are unfamiliar with test material may feel overwhelmed) while allowing you to increase your concentration and stamina throughout the duration of the exam. The simple step of looking at Collegeboard’s SAT question of the day can get you into the groove of practicing for a set period of time prior to your test date while giving you an edge over unprepared, unorganized test takers.
Software is also available to aid in SAT preparation. Practice tests, sample questions and standardized test-taking advice are all organized in a user-friendly format that makes studying less of a chore. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for “old-fashioned” study habits. Math skills can be best improved by working practice problems until they become easy. English and grammar skills can be improved by reviewing the rules and memorizing terms and definitions. Reading comprehension skills are sharpened by reading books and articles and answering relative questions about the content of the text.
Begin SAT preparation weeks or months in advance. By including a little practice in all of these academic areas each day, you will eliminate the dreaded cram session that many students find themselves in during the final days before the test. Cramming for a large test like the SAT is much less helpful than incremental study time over a long period of time, especially with all the unnecessary stress you will encounter on test day.
Finally, get a good night’s sleep the night before the test. Most SAT sessions begin at 7am or 8am on a Saturday. Resist the urge to stay up late the night before. Your mind will thank you on the morning of the test, and you’ll be even happier when the scores come back.
NY State Scholarships For Smart Kids
In today's competitive job market, a college education is a must, but college is expensive and many families can't afford it. New York State scholarships are governed by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, or the HESC. This system runs all the state-funded scholarships and grants, and also overlooks federal funding, making sure it is properly disbursed. From upstate to Long Island, and even in Manhattan, the HESC helps students all over the state achieve a higher education.
Thousands of academic scholarships are awarded to gifted students every year through the New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence. This scholarship offers $1500 to students as an incentive to study at in-state schools, and is renewable for up to four years. The Scholarship for Academic Excellence is offered through high schools to teens who scored highly on their "regents exams”.
The New York Lottery also funds a scholarship program for leadership and community involvement. The New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from each New York public schools every year. This funds the student $1000 for each year of study for up to four years at a state school.
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships are also available for talented students, but they are not dependant on the student studying in state. Like the New York State Scholarship, the Byrd Scholars receive $1500 that is renewable for up to four years. This scholarship is offered to students all over the country, and students are chosen based on their ACT/SAT scores, GPA, extracurricular interests and class rank.
There are many other scholarships offered through the state of New York for academic achievement. The state offers State Aid for Native Americans, children of veterans and to gifted students with disabilities. There are many options for a smart student in New York State and no child should be without a college education for lack of provision.
Despite the recent turn in the economy, there are still a plethora of available scholarships for all types of students from different backgrounds. Never automatically assume that you are not eligible for scholarship! Instead, take some time out and look at websites like www.fastweb.com, www.zinch.com, and http://www.collegescholarships.org/ to see what you are eligible for.
Even if a scholarship deadline seems far away, be wary of how you spend your time. There are countless stories of how eligible students got locked out of scholarships because too many applicants applied for the same spots (causing the scholarship providers to push back the deadline or completely prevent any new students from applying). The faster you get organized and seek out opportunities, the faster you can win money and prepare for college in the months and weeks ahead.
Frances Kweller, J.D. Is the founder of Kweller Prep Tutoring and Educational Services, Intense Prep for Intense Kids. Please visit www.KwellerPrep.com for more or email info@KwellerPrep.com
Thousands of academic scholarships are awarded to gifted students every year through the New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence. This scholarship offers $1500 to students as an incentive to study at in-state schools, and is renewable for up to four years. The Scholarship for Academic Excellence is offered through high schools to teens who scored highly on their "regents exams”.
The New York Lottery also funds a scholarship program for leadership and community involvement. The New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from each New York public schools every year. This funds the student $1000 for each year of study for up to four years at a state school.
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships are also available for talented students, but they are not dependant on the student studying in state. Like the New York State Scholarship, the Byrd Scholars receive $1500 that is renewable for up to four years. This scholarship is offered to students all over the country, and students are chosen based on their ACT/SAT scores, GPA, extracurricular interests and class rank.
There are many other scholarships offered through the state of New York for academic achievement. The state offers State Aid for Native Americans, children of veterans and to gifted students with disabilities. There are many options for a smart student in New York State and no child should be without a college education for lack of provision.
Despite the recent turn in the economy, there are still a plethora of available scholarships for all types of students from different backgrounds. Never automatically assume that you are not eligible for scholarship! Instead, take some time out and look at websites like www.fastweb.com, www.zinch.com, and http://www.collegescholarships.org/ to see what you are eligible for.
Even if a scholarship deadline seems far away, be wary of how you spend your time. There are countless stories of how eligible students got locked out of scholarships because too many applicants applied for the same spots (causing the scholarship providers to push back the deadline or completely prevent any new students from applying). The faster you get organized and seek out opportunities, the faster you can win money and prepare for college in the months and weeks ahead.
Frances Kweller, J.D. Is the founder of Kweller Prep Tutoring and Educational Services, Intense Prep for Intense Kids. Please visit www.KwellerPrep.com for more or email info@KwellerPrep.com
Scholarships For Kids With High Regents Scores
Students with high regents scores have many doors open to them, but there are so many doors open it's sometimes hard to know which scholarships are worth applying for, and which are not. With college costing thousands a year, it's important not to waste time with scholarships that are not worth it. However, students must also know that there are great scholarship opportunities out there- especially for well-rounded candidates who have demonstrated their academic aptitude through very high Regents scores.
When searching for student loans online, avoid sites that ask for surveys or log in names. Beware of the traps of “sucker” sites that offer deals that seem too good to be true (these include websites that ask for a small “fee” or “deposit payment”). Be especially cautious during the prime “college-crunch” season. Many websites display false information in order to gain a profit from vulnerable and stressed out families looking for money. There are however, many legitimate and useful scholarship search engines out there that are simply not utilized by students and families who could really use a leg up. Look for a site that has an easy search engine, and do not waste your time with websites overrun with advertisements and information that don't give you what you really need. There are also books that publish specific scholarship information (there are many different types of scholarships under a plethora of different categories) that are easy to navigate but can sometimes have too much information. The key is to be aware and efficient!
For high regents scores, there are several options. The New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence is given to high school students for high regents scores. Their GPA may also be a factor. The Scholarship for Academic Excellence awards $1500 to students who study at in-state colleges and can be renewed for up to four years of undergraduate study.
The New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship is funded by the state lottery. This merit-based award is given to students who not only show academic excellence, but also strengths of leadership in the community. This award gifts students $1000 a year for up to 4 years, and is given to one student in every New York public high school.
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship is based on many factors. High regent scores are important as well as class rank, GPA and ACT or SAT scores. This scholarship awards gifted students up to $1500 and is also renewable for up to four years of undergraduate studies. The Byrd Scholarship does not specify that the student must study at an in-state school. This is awarded to graduating seniors and can be applied for through the high school.
Despite the importance of GPA’s and SAT scores, students tend to lose sight of regents exams, deeming them “unimportant” and “insignificant”. Students MUST realize that in the race for scholarship money, high Regents scores can place a student at an advantage over other applicants with lower scores. Regents scores also work as a supplement to a student’s SAT score and GPA, allowing scholarship providers another look into a particular student’s academic record. When it comes to Regents, students should never dismiss an opportunity to win scholarship money simply by scoring highly on a test easily studied and prepared for.
When searching for student loans online, avoid sites that ask for surveys or log in names. Beware of the traps of “sucker” sites that offer deals that seem too good to be true (these include websites that ask for a small “fee” or “deposit payment”). Be especially cautious during the prime “college-crunch” season. Many websites display false information in order to gain a profit from vulnerable and stressed out families looking for money. There are however, many legitimate and useful scholarship search engines out there that are simply not utilized by students and families who could really use a leg up. Look for a site that has an easy search engine, and do not waste your time with websites overrun with advertisements and information that don't give you what you really need. There are also books that publish specific scholarship information (there are many different types of scholarships under a plethora of different categories) that are easy to navigate but can sometimes have too much information. The key is to be aware and efficient!
For high regents scores, there are several options. The New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence is given to high school students for high regents scores. Their GPA may also be a factor. The Scholarship for Academic Excellence awards $1500 to students who study at in-state colleges and can be renewed for up to four years of undergraduate study.
The New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship is funded by the state lottery. This merit-based award is given to students who not only show academic excellence, but also strengths of leadership in the community. This award gifts students $1000 a year for up to 4 years, and is given to one student in every New York public high school.
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship is based on many factors. High regent scores are important as well as class rank, GPA and ACT or SAT scores. This scholarship awards gifted students up to $1500 and is also renewable for up to four years of undergraduate studies. The Byrd Scholarship does not specify that the student must study at an in-state school. This is awarded to graduating seniors and can be applied for through the high school.
Despite the importance of GPA’s and SAT scores, students tend to lose sight of regents exams, deeming them “unimportant” and “insignificant”. Students MUST realize that in the race for scholarship money, high Regents scores can place a student at an advantage over other applicants with lower scores. Regents scores also work as a supplement to a student’s SAT score and GPA, allowing scholarship providers another look into a particular student’s academic record. When it comes to Regents, students should never dismiss an opportunity to win scholarship money simply by scoring highly on a test easily studied and prepared for.
Kweller Prep Presents: SAT in a Day
The SAT is an incredibly important tool for students today. The SAT is an opportunity to position oneself for a rewarding and most times debt free college education. However, those few students who fare well on the SAT only do so because they are prepared. With that in mind, many students will want to take a close look at the SAT in a Day program offered by Kweller Prep. Is this program really worth the cost? For many students, the answer is a definite yes. SAT in a Day breaks down some of the more complicated portions of the SAT and exposes the tips and tricks necessary for achieving a high score. For students requiring instantaneous improvements, the SAT in a Day program is a solid investment.
The Kweller Prep Approach
The SAT is a lengthy standardized test designed to trick students. However, students are offered many tips in the SAT in a Day program to help break down this test and make it more manageable. These tips include timesaving measures, methods of identification, and test-taking tips specific to the SAT. It does not matter where a student begins; SAT in a Day is designed to be helpful to both high achievers and those who are struggling a bit.
How Does It Work?
Students spend a period of eight hours learning the ins and outs of the SAT. They learn about each of the test’s sections, its requirements and its special constraints. They then apply these principles to the actual SAT test. Over the course of a day, students gain expertise and receive feedback on how they can improve. Essentially a one day boot camp, SAT in a Day is designed specifically for students who cannot invest weeks in a drawn out course.
Is The Course Worth The Money?
The worth of SAT in a Day depends upon a student's goals. SAT points are invaluable, as they can lead to both college admissions and extra scholarships. Given the approach and success of this program, students stand to gain a lot from taking Kweller Prep's SAT in a Day.
Why Bother With The SAT And SAT Prep?
Like it or not, the SAT remains one of the most important aspects of a student’s application and can easily make or break one’s chances of admittance into the school of their dreams. Although the remaining components of a student’s application (GPA, extra-curriculars and leadership positions…) are certainly scrutinized and examined, a low SAT score can knock an eligible student out of the running for a spot in admissions.
Think of this process through the mind of an admissions counselor. With thousands of applications pouring in, an easy way to rank or create a first impression regarding whether an applicant is an automatic accept or reject is to organize applicants based on SAT scores. Although supplemental information is an important component of an application, the SAT (SAT scores) remains the fastest and most efficient way to both rank candidates and automatically determine the eligibility of candidates for the freshman class. Many times, students with similar GPA’s and qualifications will be compared using their SAT scores, usually resulting in the placement of one candidate over the other.
Despite constant complaints regarding the need to improve ways to judge students, the SAT still remains the most universal form of comparison between prospective students vying for the same freshman seats. With this said, it is imperative for students to learn the inner structure of the SAT in order the master and unveil the true meaning behind questions and passages. Knowing that the SAT operates to trick testers, students must be able to recognize how the exam operates in order to understand what they need to do in order to succeed.
Kweller Prep’s SAT in a Day program offers students a unique look into the mechanics of this devious exam and at the same time teaches students how to recognize traps many testers tend to fall for. Now more than ever, students must know and be aware of the inner workings of the SAT in order to get the leg up they need to become prime candidates in the eyes of many admissions counselors. Let Kweller Prep help you become a lean, mean, SAT crushing machine- the extra points will make all the difference.
The Kweller Prep Approach
The SAT is a lengthy standardized test designed to trick students. However, students are offered many tips in the SAT in a Day program to help break down this test and make it more manageable. These tips include timesaving measures, methods of identification, and test-taking tips specific to the SAT. It does not matter where a student begins; SAT in a Day is designed to be helpful to both high achievers and those who are struggling a bit.
How Does It Work?
Students spend a period of eight hours learning the ins and outs of the SAT. They learn about each of the test’s sections, its requirements and its special constraints. They then apply these principles to the actual SAT test. Over the course of a day, students gain expertise and receive feedback on how they can improve. Essentially a one day boot camp, SAT in a Day is designed specifically for students who cannot invest weeks in a drawn out course.
Is The Course Worth The Money?
The worth of SAT in a Day depends upon a student's goals. SAT points are invaluable, as they can lead to both college admissions and extra scholarships. Given the approach and success of this program, students stand to gain a lot from taking Kweller Prep's SAT in a Day.
Why Bother With The SAT And SAT Prep?
Like it or not, the SAT remains one of the most important aspects of a student’s application and can easily make or break one’s chances of admittance into the school of their dreams. Although the remaining components of a student’s application (GPA, extra-curriculars and leadership positions…) are certainly scrutinized and examined, a low SAT score can knock an eligible student out of the running for a spot in admissions.
Think of this process through the mind of an admissions counselor. With thousands of applications pouring in, an easy way to rank or create a first impression regarding whether an applicant is an automatic accept or reject is to organize applicants based on SAT scores. Although supplemental information is an important component of an application, the SAT (SAT scores) remains the fastest and most efficient way to both rank candidates and automatically determine the eligibility of candidates for the freshman class. Many times, students with similar GPA’s and qualifications will be compared using their SAT scores, usually resulting in the placement of one candidate over the other.
Despite constant complaints regarding the need to improve ways to judge students, the SAT still remains the most universal form of comparison between prospective students vying for the same freshman seats. With this said, it is imperative for students to learn the inner structure of the SAT in order the master and unveil the true meaning behind questions and passages. Knowing that the SAT operates to trick testers, students must be able to recognize how the exam operates in order to understand what they need to do in order to succeed.
Kweller Prep’s SAT in a Day program offers students a unique look into the mechanics of this devious exam and at the same time teaches students how to recognize traps many testers tend to fall for. Now more than ever, students must know and be aware of the inner workings of the SAT in order to get the leg up they need to become prime candidates in the eyes of many admissions counselors. Let Kweller Prep help you become a lean, mean, SAT crushing machine- the extra points will make all the difference.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Kweller Prep & Trader Joe’s
Adapting the philosophy that you are what you eat, the Kweller Prep has decided to solely offer healthy, organic, delicious, and nutritious foods to our phenomenal students. That’s why we have teamed up with Trader Joe’s to have them as our exclusive provider of the finest meal and snack selections around!
Kweller prep was specifically designed to accommodate the busy student. No time to grab a snack? You’ll find that and more at Kweller Prep Tutoring & Educational Services.
All Trader Joe’s products are certified organic. Trader Joe's describes itself as "your neighborhood grocery store" or "your unique grocery store". Products sold include gourmet foods, kosher products, organic foods, vegetarian food, unusual frozen foods, imported foods, "alternative" food items, and basics like bread, cereal, eggs, dairy, coffee and produce.
Busy parents, don’t hesitated to bring your ambitious, talented kids to Kweller Prep: We shall feed them, and they shall learn!
Kweller Prep was founded by Frances Kweller, J.D. A lawyer, teacher, tutor, mentor, and dreamer, Frances Kweller seeks out the finest tutors and exam prep materials available so that her students can excel at any standardized test and get into any college. Kweller Prep offers competitive prices, top-notch tutors, and award winning services.
Kweller Prep believes in a holistic learning approach. Our center offers top tutoring and educational services, including Intensive SAT, PSAT, SHSAT, Advanced Regents, College, Law School, Graduate Programs, Personal Statements & Applications Review.
We do not believe in students taking out subsidized or unsubsidized college loans, but instead focus on intensive customized scholarship searches to meet any student’s needs. 98% of our students get into their top college, on scholarship. Try us out!
At Kweller Prep, students learn from the best to become the best!
Visit www.KwellerPrep.com or call 1800-631-1757 today!
Kweller prep was specifically designed to accommodate the busy student. No time to grab a snack? You’ll find that and more at Kweller Prep Tutoring & Educational Services.
All Trader Joe’s products are certified organic. Trader Joe's describes itself as "your neighborhood grocery store" or "your unique grocery store". Products sold include gourmet foods, kosher products, organic foods, vegetarian food, unusual frozen foods, imported foods, "alternative" food items, and basics like bread, cereal, eggs, dairy, coffee and produce.
Busy parents, don’t hesitated to bring your ambitious, talented kids to Kweller Prep: We shall feed them, and they shall learn!
Kweller Prep was founded by Frances Kweller, J.D. A lawyer, teacher, tutor, mentor, and dreamer, Frances Kweller seeks out the finest tutors and exam prep materials available so that her students can excel at any standardized test and get into any college. Kweller Prep offers competitive prices, top-notch tutors, and award winning services.
Kweller Prep believes in a holistic learning approach. Our center offers top tutoring and educational services, including Intensive SAT, PSAT, SHSAT, Advanced Regents, College, Law School, Graduate Programs, Personal Statements & Applications Review.
We do not believe in students taking out subsidized or unsubsidized college loans, but instead focus on intensive customized scholarship searches to meet any student’s needs. 98% of our students get into their top college, on scholarship. Try us out!
At Kweller Prep, students learn from the best to become the best!
Visit www.KwellerPrep.com or call 1800-631-1757 today!
Do Colleges Check Your Facebook?
College Application? Check. ACT score? Check. College essay? Check. Recommendations? Check. Facebook page? Check?
Posting a photo of yourself holding a giant bag of Marijuana on Facebook and writing "Me and my friend Mary Jane" under it is asking for trouble. See Just say "No" to "narcing" yourself out on social networks
It’s college application time and as seniors put their final touches on their applications, a new report is showing that they may have one more thing to worry about – their social networking pages.
Lindsay’s tips for staying out of trouble online:
➢ Do not include a physical address anywhere online. The fewer personal numbers you give, the better.
➢ Limit your personal info because it could lead to identity theft.
➢ Don’t stand out as a target on your profile page. (If you are drinking alcohol from a cup, don’t say so.)
➢ Set all privacy settings to the highest possible levels.
➢ NO photos of illegal activity, drug use, underage drinking, or violence.
➢ Be smart about your profile picture! Both private and public colleges have the right to look at everything you post online.
➢ Don’t join or start stupid/inappropriate groups. Even they can get you into trouble.
➢ Make your pictures private so only your friends can see them, and only befriend people you know and trust!
In September, Kaplan, a company offering ACT and SAT test preparation, released a survey that showed one in 10 admissions counselors at the country’s top 500 colleges were using social networking sites, such as Facebook or MySpace, as part of the admissions process.
Marlyn McGrath, director of admissions at Harvard College, said admissions counselors at her college don’t check social networking sites on a regular basis, but if they note anything in a student’s application that raises a possible red flag, they will. “If students make it public it’s public information,” she said.
McGrath said because the Ivy League school receives so many applications – 27,462 last year at Harvard – the demand for all information available pushes the university to turn to social networking sites.
McGrath said admissions counselors who are checking social networking sites are mostly looking for content that people would find objectionable like racist comments, or would raise concerns about the student. “If we thought someone was a psychopath, we’d be disinclined to admit them,” she said.
She also said students who post self-incriminating information online show a lack of common sense.
Here in Minnesota, some schools are following this trend. The College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University is one of them.
“We do not have an official policy of looking up Facebook pages for every prospective student. While we do not make an attempt to look at prospective student’s Facebook or MySpace pages, if we were made aware of offensive and/or violent content on a prospective student page, we would most likely take that into consideration as we make admission decisions,” said Matthew Bernie, director of admissions at the colleges.
According to the Kaplan report, the social networking sites had a positive impact 25 percent of the time on admission, while 38 percent of the time it had a negative affect.
Many students feel checking social networking profiles is wrong for colleges to do.
“I think [Facebook] is misleading and they shouldn’t judge people based on what’s on their Facebook because that’s [a place to be] unprofessional,” said senior Cierra Cannon, who is currently in the process of applying to schools as well as an avid Facebook user.
“I know Facebook is a public domain and they have a right to do it, but I think that they shouldn’t,” said Evelyn Jensen, a senior.
But some schools are drawing a line.
Schools such as Macalester College, Hamline University, and Winona State University do not use Facebook as part of their process for applicants. Macalester’s reasons for not using it ranges from the large amount of applications the school receives to keeping private and public life separate.
“I don’t think we’re particularly interested in doing it any more than we’d hop in the car and drive by their house to see if they’ve cut the grass or put their bicycle away in the garage. Frankly, it’s none of our business,” said Lorne Robinson, dean of admissions and financial aid at Macalester College.
Incidents like the one last year in Eden Prairie, when thirteen students were punished when school administrators found photos on Facebook of the students drinking, have caused controversy over how social networks should be used.
“I always tell students that they should be careful what they put on social networking pages. If it is something that you would not want parents, grandparents, colleges, potential employers, or others to see I would hesitate to post it on a place called the World Wide Web because it might not be as private as some people think, even with ‘privacy’ controls,” Bernie said.
______________________________________________-
Posting a photo of yourself holding a giant bag of marijuana on Facebook and writing “Me and my friend Mary Jane” under it is asking for trouble.
In a speech to about 65 students at the University of St. Thomas in November, C.L. Lindsay, an attorney who runs a non-profit dealing with legal problems that often occur on campuses, warned students to think before they post.
Lindsay’s tips for staying out of trouble online:
➢ Do not include a physical address anywhere online. The fewer personal numbers you give, the better.
➢ Limit your personal info because it could lead to identity theft.
➢ Don’t stand out as a target on your profile page. (If you are drinking alcohol from a cup, don’t say so.)
➢ Set all privacy settings to the highest possible levels.
➢ NO photos of illegal activity, drug use, underage drinking, or violence.
➢ Be smart about your profile picture! Both private and public colleges have the right to look at everything you post online.
➢ Don’t join or start stupid/inappropriate groups. Even they can get you into trouble.
➢ Make your pictures private so only your friends can see them, and only befriend people you know and trust!
“Assume anything you put online will stay there forever,” he said, so don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your mom, employers or professors to see.
“Think about the offline equivalent first … If you wouldn’t do it offline, don’t do it online,” Lindsay told the audience.
College Application? Check. ACT score? Check. College essay? Check. Recommendations? Check. Facebook page? Check? For more information, see Some college admissions checking Facebook
Lindsay founded Coalition for Student & Academic Rights, a non-profit network of attorneys whose primary goal is to educate the academic world about the law. Lindsay’s social networking seminar is just one of six that range from how to legally throw a party to how to challenge an unfair grade.
During an often humorous lecture, which Lindsay delivers at colleges across the country, he described the cases he has heard and dealt with over the years concerning students.
Lindsay displayed incriminating Facebook photos and their captions, like one titled of a guy under a tree in a public park with “Me smoking weed” written under it.
By posting such photos, young people are targeting themselves and almost asking to get in trouble with the law, Lindsay said. The more information you put out about yourself and your actions, the more people are going to know and the easier it is for you to get caught.
According to Lindsay, 44 percent of employers check the network sites of their potential employees and use them in making decisions. His warnings led one student to act. “The first thing I did when I got home was change all my privacy settings to the highest possible levels,” said Kriti Kumar, a freshman at the University of St. Thomas, after hearing Lindsay’s lecture.
He also talked about how plagiarism and cheating can get students in trouble. Don’t do stupid things like take essays off the Web and use it as your own, he advised, because there is a high likelihood that you will get caught.
If there is one thing Lindsay wants students to remember from his lecture, it is that if you think you might be in any kind of trouble, act quickly and talk to someone before it grows more serious and dangerous.
In 1998, C.L. Lindsay left his practice as an attorney in New York and founded the Coalition for Student & Academic Rights Co-Star helps college students with many legal issues. He also wrote “The College Student’s Guide to the Law: Get a Grade Changed, Keep Your Stuff Private, Throw a Police-Free Party, and More!”
__________________________-
Sincerely,
Frances Kweller J.D.
Kweller Prep Mission: To enable those who seek higher scores & better schools with the tools they need to reach their aspirations.... to show the world of SAT and Standardized Test Prep that Something Truly Better IS finally out there...
Posting a photo of yourself holding a giant bag of Marijuana on Facebook and writing "Me and my friend Mary Jane" under it is asking for trouble. See Just say "No" to "narcing" yourself out on social networks
It’s college application time and as seniors put their final touches on their applications, a new report is showing that they may have one more thing to worry about – their social networking pages.
Lindsay’s tips for staying out of trouble online:
➢ Do not include a physical address anywhere online. The fewer personal numbers you give, the better.
➢ Limit your personal info because it could lead to identity theft.
➢ Don’t stand out as a target on your profile page. (If you are drinking alcohol from a cup, don’t say so.)
➢ Set all privacy settings to the highest possible levels.
➢ NO photos of illegal activity, drug use, underage drinking, or violence.
➢ Be smart about your profile picture! Both private and public colleges have the right to look at everything you post online.
➢ Don’t join or start stupid/inappropriate groups. Even they can get you into trouble.
➢ Make your pictures private so only your friends can see them, and only befriend people you know and trust!
In September, Kaplan, a company offering ACT and SAT test preparation, released a survey that showed one in 10 admissions counselors at the country’s top 500 colleges were using social networking sites, such as Facebook or MySpace, as part of the admissions process.
Marlyn McGrath, director of admissions at Harvard College, said admissions counselors at her college don’t check social networking sites on a regular basis, but if they note anything in a student’s application that raises a possible red flag, they will. “If students make it public it’s public information,” she said.
McGrath said because the Ivy League school receives so many applications – 27,462 last year at Harvard – the demand for all information available pushes the university to turn to social networking sites.
McGrath said admissions counselors who are checking social networking sites are mostly looking for content that people would find objectionable like racist comments, or would raise concerns about the student. “If we thought someone was a psychopath, we’d be disinclined to admit them,” she said.
She also said students who post self-incriminating information online show a lack of common sense.
Here in Minnesota, some schools are following this trend. The College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University is one of them.
“We do not have an official policy of looking up Facebook pages for every prospective student. While we do not make an attempt to look at prospective student’s Facebook or MySpace pages, if we were made aware of offensive and/or violent content on a prospective student page, we would most likely take that into consideration as we make admission decisions,” said Matthew Bernie, director of admissions at the colleges.
According to the Kaplan report, the social networking sites had a positive impact 25 percent of the time on admission, while 38 percent of the time it had a negative affect.
Many students feel checking social networking profiles is wrong for colleges to do.
“I think [Facebook] is misleading and they shouldn’t judge people based on what’s on their Facebook because that’s [a place to be] unprofessional,” said senior Cierra Cannon, who is currently in the process of applying to schools as well as an avid Facebook user.
“I know Facebook is a public domain and they have a right to do it, but I think that they shouldn’t,” said Evelyn Jensen, a senior.
But some schools are drawing a line.
Schools such as Macalester College, Hamline University, and Winona State University do not use Facebook as part of their process for applicants. Macalester’s reasons for not using it ranges from the large amount of applications the school receives to keeping private and public life separate.
“I don’t think we’re particularly interested in doing it any more than we’d hop in the car and drive by their house to see if they’ve cut the grass or put their bicycle away in the garage. Frankly, it’s none of our business,” said Lorne Robinson, dean of admissions and financial aid at Macalester College.
Incidents like the one last year in Eden Prairie, when thirteen students were punished when school administrators found photos on Facebook of the students drinking, have caused controversy over how social networks should be used.
“I always tell students that they should be careful what they put on social networking pages. If it is something that you would not want parents, grandparents, colleges, potential employers, or others to see I would hesitate to post it on a place called the World Wide Web because it might not be as private as some people think, even with ‘privacy’ controls,” Bernie said.
______________________________________________-
Posting a photo of yourself holding a giant bag of marijuana on Facebook and writing “Me and my friend Mary Jane” under it is asking for trouble.
In a speech to about 65 students at the University of St. Thomas in November, C.L. Lindsay, an attorney who runs a non-profit dealing with legal problems that often occur on campuses, warned students to think before they post.
Lindsay’s tips for staying out of trouble online:
➢ Do not include a physical address anywhere online. The fewer personal numbers you give, the better.
➢ Limit your personal info because it could lead to identity theft.
➢ Don’t stand out as a target on your profile page. (If you are drinking alcohol from a cup, don’t say so.)
➢ Set all privacy settings to the highest possible levels.
➢ NO photos of illegal activity, drug use, underage drinking, or violence.
➢ Be smart about your profile picture! Both private and public colleges have the right to look at everything you post online.
➢ Don’t join or start stupid/inappropriate groups. Even they can get you into trouble.
➢ Make your pictures private so only your friends can see them, and only befriend people you know and trust!
“Assume anything you put online will stay there forever,” he said, so don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your mom, employers or professors to see.
“Think about the offline equivalent first … If you wouldn’t do it offline, don’t do it online,” Lindsay told the audience.
College Application? Check. ACT score? Check. College essay? Check. Recommendations? Check. Facebook page? Check? For more information, see Some college admissions checking Facebook
Lindsay founded Coalition for Student & Academic Rights, a non-profit network of attorneys whose primary goal is to educate the academic world about the law. Lindsay’s social networking seminar is just one of six that range from how to legally throw a party to how to challenge an unfair grade.
During an often humorous lecture, which Lindsay delivers at colleges across the country, he described the cases he has heard and dealt with over the years concerning students.
Lindsay displayed incriminating Facebook photos and their captions, like one titled of a guy under a tree in a public park with “Me smoking weed” written under it.
By posting such photos, young people are targeting themselves and almost asking to get in trouble with the law, Lindsay said. The more information you put out about yourself and your actions, the more people are going to know and the easier it is for you to get caught.
According to Lindsay, 44 percent of employers check the network sites of their potential employees and use them in making decisions. His warnings led one student to act. “The first thing I did when I got home was change all my privacy settings to the highest possible levels,” said Kriti Kumar, a freshman at the University of St. Thomas, after hearing Lindsay’s lecture.
He also talked about how plagiarism and cheating can get students in trouble. Don’t do stupid things like take essays off the Web and use it as your own, he advised, because there is a high likelihood that you will get caught.
If there is one thing Lindsay wants students to remember from his lecture, it is that if you think you might be in any kind of trouble, act quickly and talk to someone before it grows more serious and dangerous.
In 1998, C.L. Lindsay left his practice as an attorney in New York and founded the Coalition for Student & Academic Rights Co-Star helps college students with many legal issues. He also wrote “The College Student’s Guide to the Law: Get a Grade Changed, Keep Your Stuff Private, Throw a Police-Free Party, and More!”
__________________________-
Sincerely,
Frances Kweller J.D.
Kweller Prep Mission: To enable those who seek higher scores & better schools with the tools they need to reach their aspirations.... to show the world of SAT and Standardized Test Prep that Something Truly Better IS finally out there...
Summer/ Fall Scholarships Galore!!!
Scholarships Galore Research By Frances Kweller, J.D. founder of
Kweller Prep SAT, Intense Prep for Intense Kids
Visit www.KwellerPrep.com for more or call 1800-631-1757
Someone IS going to get this money, so it might as well be
You!
Provided By:
Healthy Respect
Deadline:
December 30, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$25,000
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://healthrespect.org/win-win/
Description:
The Healthy Respect Win-Win Scholarship is open to current high school and college students. What makes you unique? What makes you stand out from the crowd? What attributes do you have that would make others want to emulate you? Tell us or show us and you could win one of several scholarships being offered. Neither merit nor financial need will be considered. The award will be based solely on completion of all required steps.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
Prom Guide
Deadline:
October 01, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$1,000.00
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.promguide.com/scholarship/
Description:
The Prom Guide Scholarship for the Business Minded is available to graduating high school seniors. You must help discover Prom Guide's next top model to be eligible for this award. To be considered, you must register as a Prom Guide model scout, then direct your models to promguide.com and make sure they enter your full name in the teen scout box when registering online.
Applicable Majors:
Aesthetician and Skin Care Specialist
Apparel and Accessories Marketing
Apparel and Textile Marketing Management
Beauty Salon Management
Cosmetology
Fashion Merchandising
Fashion/Apparel Design
Hair Styling and Hair Design
Make-Up Artist
Additional Information:
Please visit the sponsor's Web site for additional information
“Your Point of View" Essay Contest
Provided By:
Transitions to Complete Education
Deadline:
September 30, 2010
Type of Award:
Contest
Amount:
$1,000.00
Awards Available:
3
Website:
http://www.t2ce.org/T2CE-Home/T2CE-Contests.aspx
Description:
The "Your Point of View" Contest is open to students between the ages of 14 and 19. To enter, you must submit an essay or video that illustrates changes that you believe your high school needs. The top ideas and stories will be asked to be part of a feature length documentary and the top 3 submissions will also receive funds towards their education.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Additional Information:
Please visit the sponsor's Web site for additional information.
Provided By:
Giving Soul LLC
Deadline:
July 31, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$250
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://givingsoulscholarships.com/indexsholarship.html
Description:
The Giving Soul College Student Scholarship is available to all college students. You must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, and a member of Giving Soul to be eligible for this award. You must also submit an essay about how you are actively making a difference in the world.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Academic High School Student Scholarship - Deadline Date: July 31st, 2010 - ($250.00 award)
The Giving Soul Academic High School Scholarship Program is available to high school students in grades 9 to 12.
US Citizens only. Every month 1 award is issued. Required minimum GPA 2.0
At Giving Soul we sponsor and award scholarships on a monthly basis to students who tell us about how they are actively making a difference in the world.
Scholarship entries are evaluated on several different criteria, which include: category of interest, creativity, effectiveness, and presentation of your giving soul story.
Provided By:
SuperFuture Scholarship Fund
Deadline:
August 15, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$5,000.00
Awards Available:
3
Website:
http://superfuturescholarship.org/
Description:
The SuperFuture Scholarship is available to junior high, high school, undergraduate, graduate, and returning adult students who have a passion for their future and embrace society and culture positively. You must be a legal resident of the United States or an international student with a valid visa to be considered for this award.
Provided By:
College Parents of America
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$1,000.00
Awards Available:
10
Website:
http://www.cpascholarships.org/
Description:
The P. Doug Laughlin Family Scholarship is available to full - time undergraduate students. First - time freshmen students must rank in the top 50 percent of their high school graduating class and be part of the first generation in their family to attend college. Continuing students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate outstanding leadership skills to be eligible for this award. You must also be a College Parent of America member, subscriber, or affiliate. (If you are not, Kweller Prep recommends you become one!)
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
Siemens Competition
Deadline:
October 01, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$100,000.00
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.collegeboard.com/siemens
Description:
The Siemens Competition encourages students to do research in math, science, or technology, giving young scientists the opportunity to present their research to leading scientists in their field. 300 projects are recognized as Semifinalists. Regional Finalists are awarded a trip to compete at one of six regional competitions. At the regional event, after presenting a poster, giving an oral presentation, and participating in a question and answer session, the student or team of students will qualify for $1000 to $3000 scholarship. National Finalists qualify for $10,000 to $100,000 scholarship. Individuals submitting projects must be seniors at the time of the deadline; team applicants made up of two or three students may be freshman, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Registration begins early May.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
Avon Foundation for Women
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$2000
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.avoncompany.com/women/avonassociates.html
Description:
The Avon President s Club Scholarship is available to students who are the children and grandchildren of Avon Representatives. To be considered, your parent or grandparent must be a member of the President's Club. (If you are not, Kweller Prep recommends you become one!)
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Deadline:
March 02, 2011
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$50,000.00
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.davidsongifted.org/Fellows/
Description:
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is open to students who can demonstrate noteworthy achievements through the creation of a "significant piece of work" aimed at improving the lives of others in the areas of science, technology, mathematics, music, literature, philosophy, and outside the box. A "significant piece of work" is defined as an exceptionally creative application of existing knowledge; a new idea with high impact; an innovative solution with broad- range implications; an important advancement that can be replicated and built upon; an interdisciplinary discovery; an exemplary performance; and/ or another demonstration of extraordinary accomplishment. You must also be under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2011 and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
___________________¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬_____________________________________
College Peas, LLC
Deadline:
October 31, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$500
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.collegepeas.com/money/
Description:
The Standout Student Scholarship is available to high school students who plan to enroll full - time at a four - year college. To be considered, you must submit a maximum 300 - word essay describing a special skill, talent, or interest that helps you standout from your peers. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required. The recipient of this award will also receive a free college admissions consultation with author and College Peas creator, Mike Moyer.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
State University of New York, Binghamton
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
Varies
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://bingfa.binghamton.edu/
Description:
The Mark A. Zurack '78 Scholarship is open to students at the State University of New York, Binghamton. You must demonstrate financial need to be considered for this award.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
State University of New York, Binghamton
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
Varies
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://bingfa.binghamton.edu/
Description:
The Leona S. Hine Scholarship is open to freshmen at the State University of New York, Binghamton. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a demonstrated adjusted gross income of $40,000 to $60,000 per year to be considered for this award.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
Castle Ink Cartridges
Deadline:
July 31, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$2,500.00
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.castleink.com/_ink-scholarship.html
Description:
The Castle Ink- Green Scholarship is available to students who demonstrate a commitment to recycling and the environment. You must describe, in 100 words or less, the things you've done to encourage and support recycling and/ or protect the environment. Also acceptable is a video describing your recycling activities and why it s important to use eco- friendly products. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Grant
Amount:
$5,000
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.hesc.com/content.nsf
Description:
The New York Tuition Assistance Program is awarded to residents of New York who are full-time students at an approved postsecondary institution in New York. To be considered for this award, you must be charged at least $200 for tuition per year and be in good academic standing. This award is based on financial need and type of postsecondary institution in which you are enrolled. This award is renewable provided you meet certain criteria, including maintaining at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
DirectTextbook.com
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Essay Contest
Amount:
$1,000.00
Awards Available:
2
Website:
http://www.directtextbook.com/scholarship.php
Description:
The DirectTextbook.com Scholarship Essay Contest is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited two- or four- year college or university. To enter, you must submit a 500- word essay that answers the question: "What does being productive mean to you?" (provide examples of how you have been productive and the effect it had on your life). You must be a US citizen and have never been incarcerated to be eligible for this award. A minimum 2.5 GPA is also required.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
______________--
Provided By:
United States Institute of Peace
Deadline:
February 01, 2011
Type of Award:
Essay Contest
Amount:
$10,000.00
Awards Available:
53
Website:
http://www.usip.org/national-peace-essay-contest/2010-2011-contest
Description:
The National Peace Essay Contest is open to students in grades nine through twelve. You must be attending a public, private, or parochial school or participate in a high school correspondence program in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. Territories. This essay contest is intended to promote serious discussion among high school students, teachers, and national leaders about international peace and conflict resolution today and in the future. You must submit an essay of no more than 1,500 words on the following topic: "Governance, Corruption and Conflict". In order to apply, you must have a sponsor or contest coordinator within your school or community. This person will review essays and act as the key contact between you and the Institute.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Provided By:
Ayn Rand Institute
Deadline:
September 17, 2010
Type of Award:
Essay Contest
Amount:
$10,000.00
Awards Available:
49
Website:
http://www.aynrand.org/contests/
Description:
The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest is open to college/university and 12th grade students. To be eligible for this contest, you must write an essay of no fewer than 800 and no more than 1,600 words in length, double-spaced, on one of three topics related to Ayn Rand's novel, "Atlas Shrugged." Essays are judged on both style and content. The winning essay must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of the book "Atlas Shrugged." All information necessary to enter the contest including essay topics is available on the sponsor's site.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Additional Information:
One entry per student, please. Essays must be submitted by September 17 no later than 11:59 PM, PST. Please visit the Web site provided for additional information and complete contest guidelines.
Kweller Prep SAT, Intense Prep for Intense Kids
Visit www.KwellerPrep.com for more or call 1800-631-1757
Someone IS going to get this money, so it might as well be
You!
Provided By:
Healthy Respect
Deadline:
December 30, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$25,000
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://healthrespect.org/win-win/
Description:
The Healthy Respect Win-Win Scholarship is open to current high school and college students. What makes you unique? What makes you stand out from the crowd? What attributes do you have that would make others want to emulate you? Tell us or show us and you could win one of several scholarships being offered. Neither merit nor financial need will be considered. The award will be based solely on completion of all required steps.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
Prom Guide
Deadline:
October 01, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$1,000.00
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.promguide.com/scholarship/
Description:
The Prom Guide Scholarship for the Business Minded is available to graduating high school seniors. You must help discover Prom Guide's next top model to be eligible for this award. To be considered, you must register as a Prom Guide model scout, then direct your models to promguide.com and make sure they enter your full name in the teen scout box when registering online.
Applicable Majors:
Aesthetician and Skin Care Specialist
Apparel and Accessories Marketing
Apparel and Textile Marketing Management
Beauty Salon Management
Cosmetology
Fashion Merchandising
Fashion/Apparel Design
Hair Styling and Hair Design
Make-Up Artist
Additional Information:
Please visit the sponsor's Web site for additional information
“Your Point of View" Essay Contest
Provided By:
Transitions to Complete Education
Deadline:
September 30, 2010
Type of Award:
Contest
Amount:
$1,000.00
Awards Available:
3
Website:
http://www.t2ce.org/T2CE-Home/T2CE-Contests.aspx
Description:
The "Your Point of View" Contest is open to students between the ages of 14 and 19. To enter, you must submit an essay or video that illustrates changes that you believe your high school needs. The top ideas and stories will be asked to be part of a feature length documentary and the top 3 submissions will also receive funds towards their education.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Additional Information:
Please visit the sponsor's Web site for additional information.
Provided By:
Giving Soul LLC
Deadline:
July 31, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$250
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://givingsoulscholarships.com/indexsholarship.html
Description:
The Giving Soul College Student Scholarship is available to all college students. You must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, and a member of Giving Soul to be eligible for this award. You must also submit an essay about how you are actively making a difference in the world.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Academic High School Student Scholarship - Deadline Date: July 31st, 2010 - ($250.00 award)
The Giving Soul Academic High School Scholarship Program is available to high school students in grades 9 to 12.
US Citizens only. Every month 1 award is issued. Required minimum GPA 2.0
At Giving Soul we sponsor and award scholarships on a monthly basis to students who tell us about how they are actively making a difference in the world.
Scholarship entries are evaluated on several different criteria, which include: category of interest, creativity, effectiveness, and presentation of your giving soul story.
Provided By:
SuperFuture Scholarship Fund
Deadline:
August 15, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$5,000.00
Awards Available:
3
Website:
http://superfuturescholarship.org/
Description:
The SuperFuture Scholarship is available to junior high, high school, undergraduate, graduate, and returning adult students who have a passion for their future and embrace society and culture positively. You must be a legal resident of the United States or an international student with a valid visa to be considered for this award.
Provided By:
College Parents of America
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$1,000.00
Awards Available:
10
Website:
http://www.cpascholarships.org/
Description:
The P. Doug Laughlin Family Scholarship is available to full - time undergraduate students. First - time freshmen students must rank in the top 50 percent of their high school graduating class and be part of the first generation in their family to attend college. Continuing students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate outstanding leadership skills to be eligible for this award. You must also be a College Parent of America member, subscriber, or affiliate. (If you are not, Kweller Prep recommends you become one!)
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
Siemens Competition
Deadline:
October 01, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$100,000.00
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.collegeboard.com/siemens
Description:
The Siemens Competition encourages students to do research in math, science, or technology, giving young scientists the opportunity to present their research to leading scientists in their field. 300 projects are recognized as Semifinalists. Regional Finalists are awarded a trip to compete at one of six regional competitions. At the regional event, after presenting a poster, giving an oral presentation, and participating in a question and answer session, the student or team of students will qualify for $1000 to $3000 scholarship. National Finalists qualify for $10,000 to $100,000 scholarship. Individuals submitting projects must be seniors at the time of the deadline; team applicants made up of two or three students may be freshman, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Registration begins early May.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
Avon Foundation for Women
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$2000
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.avoncompany.com/women/avonassociates.html
Description:
The Avon President s Club Scholarship is available to students who are the children and grandchildren of Avon Representatives. To be considered, your parent or grandparent must be a member of the President's Club. (If you are not, Kweller Prep recommends you become one!)
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Deadline:
March 02, 2011
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$50,000.00
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.davidsongifted.org/Fellows/
Description:
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is open to students who can demonstrate noteworthy achievements through the creation of a "significant piece of work" aimed at improving the lives of others in the areas of science, technology, mathematics, music, literature, philosophy, and outside the box. A "significant piece of work" is defined as an exceptionally creative application of existing knowledge; a new idea with high impact; an innovative solution with broad- range implications; an important advancement that can be replicated and built upon; an interdisciplinary discovery; an exemplary performance; and/ or another demonstration of extraordinary accomplishment. You must also be under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2011 and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
___________________¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬_____________________________________
College Peas, LLC
Deadline:
October 31, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$500
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.collegepeas.com/money/
Description:
The Standout Student Scholarship is available to high school students who plan to enroll full - time at a four - year college. To be considered, you must submit a maximum 300 - word essay describing a special skill, talent, or interest that helps you standout from your peers. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required. The recipient of this award will also receive a free college admissions consultation with author and College Peas creator, Mike Moyer.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
State University of New York, Binghamton
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
Varies
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://bingfa.binghamton.edu/
Description:
The Mark A. Zurack '78 Scholarship is open to students at the State University of New York, Binghamton. You must demonstrate financial need to be considered for this award.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
State University of New York, Binghamton
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
Varies
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://bingfa.binghamton.edu/
Description:
The Leona S. Hine Scholarship is open to freshmen at the State University of New York, Binghamton. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a demonstrated adjusted gross income of $40,000 to $60,000 per year to be considered for this award.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
Castle Ink Cartridges
Deadline:
July 31, 2010
Type of Award:
Scholarship
Amount:
$2,500.00
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.castleink.com/_ink-scholarship.html
Description:
The Castle Ink- Green Scholarship is available to students who demonstrate a commitment to recycling and the environment. You must describe, in 100 words or less, the things you've done to encourage and support recycling and/ or protect the environment. Also acceptable is a video describing your recycling activities and why it s important to use eco- friendly products. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Grant
Amount:
$5,000
Awards Available:
Unspecified
Website:
http://www.hesc.com/content.nsf
Description:
The New York Tuition Assistance Program is awarded to residents of New York who are full-time students at an approved postsecondary institution in New York. To be considered for this award, you must be charged at least $200 for tuition per year and be in good academic standing. This award is based on financial need and type of postsecondary institution in which you are enrolled. This award is renewable provided you meet certain criteria, including maintaining at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Provided By:
DirectTextbook.com
Deadline:
Varies
Type of Award:
Essay Contest
Amount:
$1,000.00
Awards Available:
2
Website:
http://www.directtextbook.com/scholarship.php
Description:
The DirectTextbook.com Scholarship Essay Contest is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited two- or four- year college or university. To enter, you must submit a 500- word essay that answers the question: "What does being productive mean to you?" (provide examples of how you have been productive and the effect it had on your life). You must be a US citizen and have never been incarcerated to be eligible for this award. A minimum 2.5 GPA is also required.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
______________--
Provided By:
United States Institute of Peace
Deadline:
February 01, 2011
Type of Award:
Essay Contest
Amount:
$10,000.00
Awards Available:
53
Website:
http://www.usip.org/national-peace-essay-contest/2010-2011-contest
Description:
The National Peace Essay Contest is open to students in grades nine through twelve. You must be attending a public, private, or parochial school or participate in a high school correspondence program in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. Territories. This essay contest is intended to promote serious discussion among high school students, teachers, and national leaders about international peace and conflict resolution today and in the future. You must submit an essay of no more than 1,500 words on the following topic: "Governance, Corruption and Conflict". In order to apply, you must have a sponsor or contest coordinator within your school or community. This person will review essays and act as the key contact between you and the Institute.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Provided By:
Ayn Rand Institute
Deadline:
September 17, 2010
Type of Award:
Essay Contest
Amount:
$10,000.00
Awards Available:
49
Website:
http://www.aynrand.org/contests/
Description:
The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest is open to college/university and 12th grade students. To be eligible for this contest, you must write an essay of no fewer than 800 and no more than 1,600 words in length, double-spaced, on one of three topics related to Ayn Rand's novel, "Atlas Shrugged." Essays are judged on both style and content. The winning essay must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of the book "Atlas Shrugged." All information necessary to enter the contest including essay topics is available on the sponsor's site.
Applicable Majors:
All Fields of Study
Additional Information:
One entry per student, please. Essays must be submitted by September 17 no later than 11:59 PM, PST. Please visit the Web site provided for additional information and complete contest guidelines.
From Sports Star to Homeless Man
The story of how Ray Williams' life fell apart should serve as a cautionary tale for athletes of the imperative to prepare for life after the game — and, frankly, a jarring reminder to all of us that we should appreciate what we're lucky enough to have while we're lucky enough to have it.
_____________________________________________________________-
Every night at bedtime, former Celtic Ray Williams locks the doors of his home: a broken-down 1992 Buick, rusting on a back street where he ran out of everything.
The 10-year NBA veteran formerly known as "Sugar Ray'' leans back in the driver's seat, drapes his legs over the center console, and rests his head on a pillow of tattered towels. He tunes his boom box to gospel music, closes his eyes, and wonders.
Williams, a generation removed from staying in first-class hotels with Larry Bird and Co. in their drive to the 1985 NBA Finals, mostly wonders how much more he can bear.
The most sobering thing about Hohler's piece? Williams' decline into unemployment, poverty and homelessness appears to have just kind of ... happened.
Williams, a former University of Minnesota standout who averaged 15.5 points and nearly six assists per game during his time in the league, adamantly tells Hohler that he's "never fallen prey to drugs, alcohol, or gambling," and he's never been arrested, so it's not like he's some shiftless sociopath whom we can easily vilify. According to the feature, there wasn't one key traumatic event that keyed Williams' downfall, with one possible exception — already down on his luck, Williams received a grant from the NBA Legends Foundation, which provides need-based assistance to people who have been involved in the pro game. But according to court records, Hohler writes, "he lost the money ... when the widow of a condominium owner who agreed to a lease-to-own contract with Williams opted out of the contract after the owner died." Which sounds like a horrendously bad break that exacerbated an already ugly situation.
It doesn't sound like a case of over-the-top avarice, either; while Hohler notes that Williams was "no longer able to sustain his NBA lifestyle" when he first filed for bankruptcy in 1994, he doesn't mention any particularly conspicuous consumption or extravagant expenditures. As the story goes, Williams just hasn't been able to hang on to any of a slew of off-court jobs over the course of the 23 years since he retired in 1987. Now, he's got nothing except the '92 Buick he sleeps in and a '97 Chevy Tahoe that he can't get out of hock.
There's no prime mover behind the disintegration, no obvious flaw in the system against which to rage. Like any story of slipping through the cracks in American society, that makes it harder to digest, compartmentalize and set aside.
Maybe NBA players of today, who make exponentially more money than their predecessors before ever stepping on the court, do owe a fiscal debt to the players who came before; then again, maybe Williams bears the blame because he blew the roughly $2 million he made in contracts during his career. Maybe Williams' family, former friends and associates merit some scorn for allowing him to live alone in a car in Florida; then again, maybe they've all had to distance themselves from Williams after 20-plus years of never getting his stuff together and failing to repay repeated loans, favors and kindnesses.
Maybe agencies like the Legends Foundation and the NBA Retired Players Association need to do more to help people like Williams; then again, maybe they've already done enough, having given him grants totaling more than $12,000. Maybe his coaches, teachers and mentors failed him, setting him to serve as one more awful example of how, when it comes to young basketball players, the only training and skill development that anybody really cares about takes place on the hardwood. Then again, maybe "Society's to blame" is a red herring that divests the downtrodden of personal responsibility.
Whichever way your sympathies run, the story of how Ray Williams' life fell apart should serve as a cautionary tale for athletes of the imperative to prepare for life after the game — and, frankly, a jarring reminder to all of us that we should appreciate what we're lucky enough to have while we're lucky enough to have it.
_____________________________________________________________-
Every night at bedtime, former Celtic Ray Williams locks the doors of his home: a broken-down 1992 Buick, rusting on a back street where he ran out of everything.
The 10-year NBA veteran formerly known as "Sugar Ray'' leans back in the driver's seat, drapes his legs over the center console, and rests his head on a pillow of tattered towels. He tunes his boom box to gospel music, closes his eyes, and wonders.
Williams, a generation removed from staying in first-class hotels with Larry Bird and Co. in their drive to the 1985 NBA Finals, mostly wonders how much more he can bear.
The most sobering thing about Hohler's piece? Williams' decline into unemployment, poverty and homelessness appears to have just kind of ... happened.
Williams, a former University of Minnesota standout who averaged 15.5 points and nearly six assists per game during his time in the league, adamantly tells Hohler that he's "never fallen prey to drugs, alcohol, or gambling," and he's never been arrested, so it's not like he's some shiftless sociopath whom we can easily vilify. According to the feature, there wasn't one key traumatic event that keyed Williams' downfall, with one possible exception — already down on his luck, Williams received a grant from the NBA Legends Foundation, which provides need-based assistance to people who have been involved in the pro game. But according to court records, Hohler writes, "he lost the money ... when the widow of a condominium owner who agreed to a lease-to-own contract with Williams opted out of the contract after the owner died." Which sounds like a horrendously bad break that exacerbated an already ugly situation.
It doesn't sound like a case of over-the-top avarice, either; while Hohler notes that Williams was "no longer able to sustain his NBA lifestyle" when he first filed for bankruptcy in 1994, he doesn't mention any particularly conspicuous consumption or extravagant expenditures. As the story goes, Williams just hasn't been able to hang on to any of a slew of off-court jobs over the course of the 23 years since he retired in 1987. Now, he's got nothing except the '92 Buick he sleeps in and a '97 Chevy Tahoe that he can't get out of hock.
There's no prime mover behind the disintegration, no obvious flaw in the system against which to rage. Like any story of slipping through the cracks in American society, that makes it harder to digest, compartmentalize and set aside.
Maybe NBA players of today, who make exponentially more money than their predecessors before ever stepping on the court, do owe a fiscal debt to the players who came before; then again, maybe Williams bears the blame because he blew the roughly $2 million he made in contracts during his career. Maybe Williams' family, former friends and associates merit some scorn for allowing him to live alone in a car in Florida; then again, maybe they've all had to distance themselves from Williams after 20-plus years of never getting his stuff together and failing to repay repeated loans, favors and kindnesses.
Maybe agencies like the Legends Foundation and the NBA Retired Players Association need to do more to help people like Williams; then again, maybe they've already done enough, having given him grants totaling more than $12,000. Maybe his coaches, teachers and mentors failed him, setting him to serve as one more awful example of how, when it comes to young basketball players, the only training and skill development that anybody really cares about takes place on the hardwood. Then again, maybe "Society's to blame" is a red herring that divests the downtrodden of personal responsibility.
Whichever way your sympathies run, the story of how Ray Williams' life fell apart should serve as a cautionary tale for athletes of the imperative to prepare for life after the game — and, frankly, a jarring reminder to all of us that we should appreciate what we're lucky enough to have while we're lucky enough to have it.
The 10 Best College Websites
1. College Navigator. The graphics aren't slick, but this federal website contains more data on the nation's colleges and universities than any place else on the Internet. Using the College Navigator's school search engine, you can scour the country for schools based on your criteria, which is handy if you aren't sure where to hunt for schools beyond the obvious name brands and your own state institutions.
2. College Results Online. Families assume that their children will graduate from college in four years, but that's sadly not true for most. This great website provides four, five, and six-year graduation rates of schools across the country. What I also like about College Results Online is that it breaks down graduation rates by gender and ethnicity.
3. Zinch and 4. Cappex. These websites are online matchmakers that have borrowed features from Facebook that should appeal to teenagers. On both sites, for instance, a student can create a profile that goes well beyond test scores and grade-point averages that they can share with schools. Using these sites is a great way to discover intriguing schools that you didn't know exist. Through Cappex, you can access Meritaid.com, which provides a valuable directory of scholarships that thousands of schools offer.
5. CollegeMajors101. Wondering what you can do with a degree in biology or dance? College Majors 101 offers lots of information about what you can do with dozens of majors, as well as what you can expect academically if you pursue these majors.
6. College Insight. College Insight, which is the brainchild of the Institute for College Access and Success, has gathered detailed information on thousands of colleges. You can find statistics for any school on such topics as college affordability, graduation rates, and college diversity, including the racial and ethnic breakdown of students and professors.
7. Project on Student Debt. This website is devoted to helping families make the best economic choices when tackling college costs. You will find tons of information about college debt and student loans. The site also has a list of schools that have pledged to limit or eliminate the use of student loans in their financial aid packages.
8. College Board. I am always turning to the College Board when I want to check some quick facts about a particular school. You can easily retrieve the academic profile of a college's freshman class, financial aid and merit aid stats, available majors, and much more.
9. Unigo. This site, which has teamed up with the Wall Street Journal, serves up the unvarnished scoop on schools from the students themselves. You won't find spin from admission offices here. Unigo urges college students to share their take on their own schools through comments, photos, and videos.
10. The Choice (New York Times). This college blog will keep you up to date on the latest trends on college admission, testing, and financial aid. The blog also features a lot of question-and-answer sessions with college admission officers and other higher ed experts.
2. College Results Online. Families assume that their children will graduate from college in four years, but that's sadly not true for most. This great website provides four, five, and six-year graduation rates of schools across the country. What I also like about College Results Online is that it breaks down graduation rates by gender and ethnicity.
3. Zinch and 4. Cappex. These websites are online matchmakers that have borrowed features from Facebook that should appeal to teenagers. On both sites, for instance, a student can create a profile that goes well beyond test scores and grade-point averages that they can share with schools. Using these sites is a great way to discover intriguing schools that you didn't know exist. Through Cappex, you can access Meritaid.com, which provides a valuable directory of scholarships that thousands of schools offer.
5. CollegeMajors101. Wondering what you can do with a degree in biology or dance? College Majors 101 offers lots of information about what you can do with dozens of majors, as well as what you can expect academically if you pursue these majors.
6. College Insight. College Insight, which is the brainchild of the Institute for College Access and Success, has gathered detailed information on thousands of colleges. You can find statistics for any school on such topics as college affordability, graduation rates, and college diversity, including the racial and ethnic breakdown of students and professors.
7. Project on Student Debt. This website is devoted to helping families make the best economic choices when tackling college costs. You will find tons of information about college debt and student loans. The site also has a list of schools that have pledged to limit or eliminate the use of student loans in their financial aid packages.
8. College Board. I am always turning to the College Board when I want to check some quick facts about a particular school. You can easily retrieve the academic profile of a college's freshman class, financial aid and merit aid stats, available majors, and much more.
9. Unigo. This site, which has teamed up with the Wall Street Journal, serves up the unvarnished scoop on schools from the students themselves. You won't find spin from admission offices here. Unigo urges college students to share their take on their own schools through comments, photos, and videos.
10. The Choice (New York Times). This college blog will keep you up to date on the latest trends on college admission, testing, and financial aid. The blog also features a lot of question-and-answer sessions with college admission officers and other higher ed experts.
Doctors Deep in Student Loan Debt
Kweller Prep does not believe in taking out student loans: We are strong advocates for applying to the best colleges possible, and getting in on scholarship. The Scholarship Application Process is not an easy one; Kweller Prep can help. Call 1800-631-1757
_____________________________
Rising tuition costs can create an extra burden for struggling students in this current economic climate. For many, though, financial woes don’t end with graduation. Particularly for Dr. Michelle Bisutti, mounting debts from student loans have wreaked financial havoc on her life.
Upon graduation from medical school in 2003, Dr. Bisutti’s debt was $250,000. Today, that balance has risen to $555,000. Why such an increase? Part of the blame could be due to her deferring payments during her residency and other interest rate-related charges, but sometimes the terms and conditions are not as clear as they ought to be.
“Maybe half of it was my fault because I didn’t look at the fine print … But this is just outrageous now.” (online.wsj.com)
Unlike mortgage, credit card or gambling debts, student loans are virtually impossible to get out of. There are no bankruptcy claims to waive the ever-increasing debts. And for Dr. Michelle Bisutti, it will take roughly 351 months for her to completely pay off her debts.
“I will likely have to deal with this debt for the rest of my life.” (online.wsj.com)
According to Vitals.com, Dr. Michelle Bisutti is a family practitioner in Dayton, OH. She completed medical school at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in 2003.
_____________________________
Rising tuition costs can create an extra burden for struggling students in this current economic climate. For many, though, financial woes don’t end with graduation. Particularly for Dr. Michelle Bisutti, mounting debts from student loans have wreaked financial havoc on her life.
Upon graduation from medical school in 2003, Dr. Bisutti’s debt was $250,000. Today, that balance has risen to $555,000. Why such an increase? Part of the blame could be due to her deferring payments during her residency and other interest rate-related charges, but sometimes the terms and conditions are not as clear as they ought to be.
“Maybe half of it was my fault because I didn’t look at the fine print … But this is just outrageous now.” (online.wsj.com)
Unlike mortgage, credit card or gambling debts, student loans are virtually impossible to get out of. There are no bankruptcy claims to waive the ever-increasing debts. And for Dr. Michelle Bisutti, it will take roughly 351 months for her to completely pay off her debts.
“I will likely have to deal with this debt for the rest of my life.” (online.wsj.com)
According to Vitals.com, Dr. Michelle Bisutti is a family practitioner in Dayton, OH. She completed medical school at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in 2003.
When Good Loans Go Bad
Kweller Prep does not believe in taking out student loans: We are strong advocates for applying to the best colleges possible, and getting in on scholarship. The Scholarship Application Process is not an easy one; Kweller Prep can help. Call 1800-631-1757
______________
National Credit Bureau TransUnion revealed recently that the 90- and 30-day delinquency rates on private student loans were 6% and 7.5%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2010. That's up from 5.4% and 6.8% in the previous year. Meanwhile, the Department of Education recently released its fiscal year 2008 draft student loan cohort default rates, which showed that federal loan defaults rose from 6.7% in 2007 to 7.2% in 2008.
Rising delinquency and default rates indicate that borrowers are struggling to repay the loans that they took out for college, especially in the midst of the current economic environment. The fact that student loans are unable to be dismissed in bankruptcy has created a financial nightmare for some borrowers. They're drowning in a mountain of student debt and can't collect the dividends that a college education is supposed to pay.
For years students have been unable to seek protection from their student loan debts through filing bankruptcy. Bankruptcy protection of student loans was originally established in 1978, and was only applicable to government issued or guaranteed student loans, in an effort to "safeguard federal investments in higher education." In 2005 bankruptcy protection was extended to cover privately issued student loans.
But on April 8, 2010, Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Al Franken, D-Minn., joined House Reps. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., and Danny Davis, D-Ill., to introduce legislation that "would restore the bankruptcy law, as it pertains to private student loans, to the language that was in place before 2005, so that privately issued student loans will once again be dischargeable in bankruptcy." According to the congressmen, the legislation would "restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans in bankruptcy the same as other types of private debt."
Visit our Education section for more about student loans and how to pay for college.
Despite the rising rates of delinquency and default, I have mixed feelings about this policy proposal. On the one hand, student loans are a financial debt that consumers voluntarily shoulder, and there is responsibility that comes with choosing to borrow money--mainly to pay it back. But it's also clear that consumers sometimes run into circumstances in life that make it impossible for them to meet their obligations, and that there should be some form of reprieve when debts become too onerous.
Bankruptcy allows people the opportunity to get a fresh financial start in life, alleviating what can amount to suffocating financial oppression, the result of past unwise financial decisions. Unfortunately, going to college has become an unwise decision for a growing number of Americans who are being herded onto campuses across the country. Some people made the wrong decision at a very young age to attend college, and perhaps deserve a second chance, one which allows the student debt to be discharged in bankruptcy, the same way that credit card, mortgage and automobile debt is dismissible.
But that said, there are a number of troubling issues related to the proposed policy to make private student loans dismissible in bankruptcy.
First, the possibility of student loans being dismissed in bankruptcy increases the risk for lenders. After all, college degrees cannot be traded on the secondary market in the same manner as real estate, vehicles or other goods. Therefore, lenders take on a tremendous risk by making uncollateralized loans, as they are unable to repossess and resell the college degree from a borrower who fails to keep up with his payments. This will almost certainly lead to higher interest rates to reflect the heightened market risk of providing student loans without any collateral.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, it is damaging to students who rely on private students loans to pay for their education. It is very common for students who elect to pursue a private college education or a professional program to take on private loans because they don't qualify for the federal loan programs, are unable to borrow enough from them to cover the cost of their education, or simply prefer the services of the private lending market over the public one. As interest rates on private student loans rise, more students will be deterred from borrowing the money that they need to pursue their educational goals. This will likely lead to a worsening of the access problem for low- and moderate-income students wishing to pursue an education in medicine, law and business, as they will be deterred by the high cost of borrowing.
Finally, it targets private student loans while protecting taxpayer-backed loans. The government already has the advantage of leveraging the public's capital on the risky endeavor of student lending. This allows the government to offer more favorable loan terms than the private market, and puts taxpayers on the hook for burgeoning amounts of subprime student loans that were made at non-market rates to otherwise unqualified borrowers. This bears a remarkable resemblance to poor government policy that encouraged and subsidized subprime mortgage lending, and spurred the economic crisis that led to the massive Wall Street bailouts Americans are still fuming about.
So how do we avoid this looming fiscal crisis? A few ideas come immediately to mind.
The simplest is to get the government out of the student loan business altogether, and let the market handle it. There are ways to ensure that student loans will still be available at competitive interest rates by the private market, and to ensure that lenders take caution when extending uncollateralized loans, by analyzing the potential of students to repay and factoring default risk into the interest rates charged. This is similar to how the private market extends other forms of credit, and would take the taxpayers off the hook for potential losses that may result from student loans gone sour. These loans are a huge liability for the public that can easily be avoided by getting the government out of the student loan market.
Another option is to hold colleges accountable for providing a valuable education to their students, by transferring the losses from default and bankruptcy from the public to the colleges themselves, or at least sharing the risk. For too long colleges have received an infusion of taxpayer-provided money in exchange for very little accountability. Let's make all student loans dischargeable in bankruptcy, but instead of the taxpayers taking the hit when student loans go sour, colleges should absorb the loss, or at least a portion of it.
This would incentivize colleges to focus on providing educational value and help their students launch a career--knowing that if they fail in their mission, there are real consequences. Maybe then colleges would be more attentive to helping their students succeed.
Daniel L. Bennett is a research and policy analyst at the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, an independent higher education think tank.
For more stories about higher education, including Forbes' own list of America's Best Colleges, click here
______________
National Credit Bureau TransUnion revealed recently that the 90- and 30-day delinquency rates on private student loans were 6% and 7.5%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2010. That's up from 5.4% and 6.8% in the previous year. Meanwhile, the Department of Education recently released its fiscal year 2008 draft student loan cohort default rates, which showed that federal loan defaults rose from 6.7% in 2007 to 7.2% in 2008.
Rising delinquency and default rates indicate that borrowers are struggling to repay the loans that they took out for college, especially in the midst of the current economic environment. The fact that student loans are unable to be dismissed in bankruptcy has created a financial nightmare for some borrowers. They're drowning in a mountain of student debt and can't collect the dividends that a college education is supposed to pay.
For years students have been unable to seek protection from their student loan debts through filing bankruptcy. Bankruptcy protection of student loans was originally established in 1978, and was only applicable to government issued or guaranteed student loans, in an effort to "safeguard federal investments in higher education." In 2005 bankruptcy protection was extended to cover privately issued student loans.
But on April 8, 2010, Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Al Franken, D-Minn., joined House Reps. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., and Danny Davis, D-Ill., to introduce legislation that "would restore the bankruptcy law, as it pertains to private student loans, to the language that was in place before 2005, so that privately issued student loans will once again be dischargeable in bankruptcy." According to the congressmen, the legislation would "restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans in bankruptcy the same as other types of private debt."
Visit our Education section for more about student loans and how to pay for college.
Despite the rising rates of delinquency and default, I have mixed feelings about this policy proposal. On the one hand, student loans are a financial debt that consumers voluntarily shoulder, and there is responsibility that comes with choosing to borrow money--mainly to pay it back. But it's also clear that consumers sometimes run into circumstances in life that make it impossible for them to meet their obligations, and that there should be some form of reprieve when debts become too onerous.
Bankruptcy allows people the opportunity to get a fresh financial start in life, alleviating what can amount to suffocating financial oppression, the result of past unwise financial decisions. Unfortunately, going to college has become an unwise decision for a growing number of Americans who are being herded onto campuses across the country. Some people made the wrong decision at a very young age to attend college, and perhaps deserve a second chance, one which allows the student debt to be discharged in bankruptcy, the same way that credit card, mortgage and automobile debt is dismissible.
But that said, there are a number of troubling issues related to the proposed policy to make private student loans dismissible in bankruptcy.
First, the possibility of student loans being dismissed in bankruptcy increases the risk for lenders. After all, college degrees cannot be traded on the secondary market in the same manner as real estate, vehicles or other goods. Therefore, lenders take on a tremendous risk by making uncollateralized loans, as they are unable to repossess and resell the college degree from a borrower who fails to keep up with his payments. This will almost certainly lead to higher interest rates to reflect the heightened market risk of providing student loans without any collateral.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, it is damaging to students who rely on private students loans to pay for their education. It is very common for students who elect to pursue a private college education or a professional program to take on private loans because they don't qualify for the federal loan programs, are unable to borrow enough from them to cover the cost of their education, or simply prefer the services of the private lending market over the public one. As interest rates on private student loans rise, more students will be deterred from borrowing the money that they need to pursue their educational goals. This will likely lead to a worsening of the access problem for low- and moderate-income students wishing to pursue an education in medicine, law and business, as they will be deterred by the high cost of borrowing.
Finally, it targets private student loans while protecting taxpayer-backed loans. The government already has the advantage of leveraging the public's capital on the risky endeavor of student lending. This allows the government to offer more favorable loan terms than the private market, and puts taxpayers on the hook for burgeoning amounts of subprime student loans that were made at non-market rates to otherwise unqualified borrowers. This bears a remarkable resemblance to poor government policy that encouraged and subsidized subprime mortgage lending, and spurred the economic crisis that led to the massive Wall Street bailouts Americans are still fuming about.
So how do we avoid this looming fiscal crisis? A few ideas come immediately to mind.
The simplest is to get the government out of the student loan business altogether, and let the market handle it. There are ways to ensure that student loans will still be available at competitive interest rates by the private market, and to ensure that lenders take caution when extending uncollateralized loans, by analyzing the potential of students to repay and factoring default risk into the interest rates charged. This is similar to how the private market extends other forms of credit, and would take the taxpayers off the hook for potential losses that may result from student loans gone sour. These loans are a huge liability for the public that can easily be avoided by getting the government out of the student loan market.
Another option is to hold colleges accountable for providing a valuable education to their students, by transferring the losses from default and bankruptcy from the public to the colleges themselves, or at least sharing the risk. For too long colleges have received an infusion of taxpayer-provided money in exchange for very little accountability. Let's make all student loans dischargeable in bankruptcy, but instead of the taxpayers taking the hit when student loans go sour, colleges should absorb the loss, or at least a portion of it.
This would incentivize colleges to focus on providing educational value and help their students launch a career--knowing that if they fail in their mission, there are real consequences. Maybe then colleges would be more attentive to helping their students succeed.
Daniel L. Bennett is a research and policy analyst at the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, an independent higher education think tank.
For more stories about higher education, including Forbes' own list of America's Best Colleges, click here
When Drowning in Debt for College Doesn't Pay Off
Kweller Prep does not believe in taking out student loans: We are strong advocates for applying to the best colleges possible, and getting in on scholarship. The Scholarship Application Process is not an easy one; Kweller Prep can help. Call 1800-631-1757
Commencement time brings plenty of reflections on the worth of a four-year degree. The Wire already brought you the debate about the class of 2010's gloomy job prospects. Over at The New York Times, however, one piece has jump-started an even less cheerful discussion. The topic: college graduates hopelessly mired in debts way out of proportion to their earning potential.
•Look What Too Many Loans Can Do Ron Lieber tells the story of Cortney Munna, a 26-year-old NYU graduate who is $100,000 in debt after procuring loans from both Sallie Mae and Citibank to finance her degree in religious and women's studies. "What was Citi thinking," asks Lieber, "handing over $40,000 to an undergraduate who had already amassed debt well into the five figures?" But he notes that, in fact, it's often a college's "financial aid office ... [that] has the best picture of what students like Ms. Munna are up against." While there are a number of problems with making this office responsible for delivering the grim message--i.e. to head to a state school instead--he maintains that financial aid workers might be the best people to do it.
•'Don't Go Into Debt for Harvard College,' counsels brooklynbadboy at Daily Kos, who wishes he'd "gone to Brooklyn College or City College and saved the debt load for my professional studies." Instead, he urges students, "go into debt for Harvard Law School."
•How to Calculate Munna, points out The Washington Independent's Annie Lowrey, "is a photographer's assistant, and has no intention of going into a high-paying career in a field like finance." Thus, argues Lowrey, "where a college diploma makes no difference in her earning potential in her chosen career, remaining in a pricey institution--New York University is the fourth most expensive out of the nation's 1,800 private colleges--might not have been the right choice." She says this particular story is a good at "making the argument others are loath to make," which is that it's sometimes worth it to drop out and go to a cheaper school.
•Professors Saying 'Follow Your Bliss' Rod Dreher, now glad his father made him enroll in a cheaper school, says though professors' go-for-it talks are understandable, "that kind of advice borders on malpractice." Loans can "straightjacket" a student's "future and freedom of movement," he says--"thinking emotionally" can be a real handicap.
•How to Solve the Student Loan Problem Daniel Bennett of Forbes analyzes the pros and cons of making student loans eligible for bankruptcy declarations like other forms of debt. One suggestion he has to get rid of some of the risk problems: "hold colleges accountable ... instead of the taxpayers taking the hit when student loans go sour, colleges should absorb the loss, or at least a portion of it." One positive effect:
This would incentivize colleges to focus on providing educational value and help their students launch a career--knowing that if they fail in their mission, there are real consequences. Maybe then colleges would be more attentive to helping their students succeed.
•The Case for College Accountability Daily Finance's Zac Bissonnette concurs, and argues prior to Lieber's New York Times piece that "Many colleges ... are signing naive students up for levels of loan debt that are destined for failure." When the financial aid offices do this, he argues, "the schools should at the very least share in the financial fallout."
Commencement time brings plenty of reflections on the worth of a four-year degree. The Wire already brought you the debate about the class of 2010's gloomy job prospects. Over at The New York Times, however, one piece has jump-started an even less cheerful discussion. The topic: college graduates hopelessly mired in debts way out of proportion to their earning potential.
•Look What Too Many Loans Can Do Ron Lieber tells the story of Cortney Munna, a 26-year-old NYU graduate who is $100,000 in debt after procuring loans from both Sallie Mae and Citibank to finance her degree in religious and women's studies. "What was Citi thinking," asks Lieber, "handing over $40,000 to an undergraduate who had already amassed debt well into the five figures?" But he notes that, in fact, it's often a college's "financial aid office ... [that] has the best picture of what students like Ms. Munna are up against." While there are a number of problems with making this office responsible for delivering the grim message--i.e. to head to a state school instead--he maintains that financial aid workers might be the best people to do it.
•'Don't Go Into Debt for Harvard College,' counsels brooklynbadboy at Daily Kos, who wishes he'd "gone to Brooklyn College or City College and saved the debt load for my professional studies." Instead, he urges students, "go into debt for Harvard Law School."
•How to Calculate Munna, points out The Washington Independent's Annie Lowrey, "is a photographer's assistant, and has no intention of going into a high-paying career in a field like finance." Thus, argues Lowrey, "where a college diploma makes no difference in her earning potential in her chosen career, remaining in a pricey institution--New York University is the fourth most expensive out of the nation's 1,800 private colleges--might not have been the right choice." She says this particular story is a good at "making the argument others are loath to make," which is that it's sometimes worth it to drop out and go to a cheaper school.
•Professors Saying 'Follow Your Bliss' Rod Dreher, now glad his father made him enroll in a cheaper school, says though professors' go-for-it talks are understandable, "that kind of advice borders on malpractice." Loans can "straightjacket" a student's "future and freedom of movement," he says--"thinking emotionally" can be a real handicap.
•How to Solve the Student Loan Problem Daniel Bennett of Forbes analyzes the pros and cons of making student loans eligible for bankruptcy declarations like other forms of debt. One suggestion he has to get rid of some of the risk problems: "hold colleges accountable ... instead of the taxpayers taking the hit when student loans go sour, colleges should absorb the loss, or at least a portion of it." One positive effect:
This would incentivize colleges to focus on providing educational value and help their students launch a career--knowing that if they fail in their mission, there are real consequences. Maybe then colleges would be more attentive to helping their students succeed.
•The Case for College Accountability Daily Finance's Zac Bissonnette concurs, and argues prior to Lieber's New York Times piece that "Many colleges ... are signing naive students up for levels of loan debt that are destined for failure." When the financial aid offices do this, he argues, "the schools should at the very least share in the financial fallout."
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