You are probably in the process of completing your applications to college and may be thinking ahead to your next concern; paying for your education. Searching for scholarship money can be tedious and time consuming, but it can pay off too. Check out the top reasons you should apply for scholarships sooner than later. It may help you through the process.
Continue reading 8 Reasons to Apply for Scholarships Sooner Than Later
Summer is a great time to catch up on reading about some of your favorite topics. It’s time to let your imagination take you on a journey. Reading for pleasure can help turn you into a life-long learner. For some, reading also can be a lot of fun! It can be a time to get cozy in an environment that is conducive to your reading. So grab your favorite snack, choose your spot, sit back, and enjoy the story.
What are the benefits? Reading:
Re-evaluate your list. Prioritize those wait-list schools.
A Speedy Response. Hopefully you responded quickly and honestly as some schools look at response time to be on their wait-list. Did you tell your college why they would be a good fit for you and why you want to be there?
Be Realistic. Some schools will respond to those on the wait-list and some will not so keep in touch, but don’t overdo it. If you have something substantive and new which has taken place since you last wrote, mention it. It’s not in your best interest to send weekly or daily emails.
Know that the decision is out of your hands.
Make the best of your situation.
Embrace the acceptances. It’s tough when a dream school defers a student, but being placed on the wait list might be a signal to move on. While there is a chance that a student may be admitted in the late spring or summer, it is best for students to embrace the schools that have accepted them.
A Wild Card. Once your letter is off to the school, focus with all your heart on making your best choice among the places you have been admitted. It is best to treat the wait-list school as a “wild card;” deal with it when you receive it.
There are multiple ways to prepare to start saving for your college education. 
1. A 529 Plan is a state-sponsored program designed to help parents finance education expenses. They are administered by certain investment companies and subject to contribution requirements and guidelines. Withdrawals from the account are taxed at the child’s tax rate, and anyone can contribute to a Section 529 plan, regardless of their income level. In most cases, the money is invested in a portfolio of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. The proceeds can be used only for education withdrawals for non-educational purposes trigger taxes and a 10% penalty. The investment company administering the account will be in control of how the money is invested, and will charge an ongoing fee for its services. Read 9 more ways to save for college.
Are you asking, “How do I know when a scholarship is really a scam?” There are several ways scams become apparent. Finaid.org discusses several including:
Read more about scholarship scams.
You’ve heard the college application essay is a big deal. Now that you are officially a rising senior, it’s time to figure out what to write about.
Are these dreaded essays going to hang over your head all summer? Most aren’t even due until late fall or even January anyway. So what’s the rush?
In my opinion, there’s no rush. But if you are smart, you will give yourself a deadline now. And make a plan. Otherwise, the pressure will start building in
the back of your mind, and the anxiety of what you “should be doing” could hurt the fun you are having.
Some college counselors and essay “experts” advise students to simply start thinking about their essays over summer, and casually brainstorming ideas, and reflecting on themes such as, “What makes me unique?” or “Who am I?”
I don’t think active introspection can hurt, but I believe it’s more effective to make a specific writing plan, with deadlines, and stick to it. Worrying about these essays is the worst part.
To see the new essays for the 2016-2017 Common Application, click here. http://blog.commonapp.org/2015/03/31/2015-2016-essay-prompts/
The GET IT DONE Plan of Attack – Read the two week approach – make a plan.
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A complete companion workbook to the College Bound interactive e-book with all the forms and checklists found in College Bound ready to use.
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Reviews:
“College Bound has everything! The first place I went was how to figure out what to major in. The links to O*NET and the career and major profiles really helped. Then I used the link to College Navigator to match majors with colleges. Testing, essay ideas, asking for letters of recommendation, and finding money are all important topics to me. There’s so much in this book. No matter what I needed, I found it in College Bound! There’s nothing else like it – and I know it helped me get into USC.” Jessica – University of South Carolina Freshman
“College Bound is awesome! I began my search for a college my junior year when I was interested in playing sports at the Division II or III level and Dr. Chris’s book helped a lot. The step-by-step instructions made the process for a student-athlete easy to understand. It also answered all my other questions about visits, the interviews, and the application process. Thanks, Dr. Chris!” Brian, High School Senior – Connecticut!–more– Read more reviews – click here.
“College Bound has been an amazing resource for our family! With one child in college and another who will graduate in two years, this book is a wealth of information! We are using it to help our daughter prepare for getting into the right school, and we’re using it to find additional financing for our son. I would have loved to have this book when he was in high school.” RM, Mother to a High School Junior and College Sophomore
“College Bound has been an amazing resource for our family! With one child in college and another who will graduate in two years, this book is a wealth of information! We are using it to help our daughter prepare for getting into the right school, and we’re using it to find additional financing for our son. I would have loved to have this book when he was in high school.” RM, Mother to a High School Junior and College Sophomore
“As a high school college counselor and a private consultant, ‘College Bound’ and the My College Bound Plan workbook have become essential tools in working with my students. The step by step process details every piece of important information needed to for your student to be successful in the college search and with the challenge of applications. I use the workbook with my students and have College Bound on my iPad as an instant resource. I have recommended both of these books to my students and their parents.” Christine Carriuolo, M.S., College Counselor
For “College Bound” in eBook or paperback, click here!
Every summer, high school students search for summer jobs or activities to fill their summer vacation. It is a time when students can also demonstrate to colleges that they have an interest in development outside the classroom.
Younger students may enjoy heading off to camps including theme-based camps. Campers are encouraged to learn about topics such as art, music, leadership, or special topics such the environment. They will engage in the learning experience through songs, skits, day trips, games, and other camp-wide activities.
High school students may be looking for a more fulfilling summer experience. Some may choose to attend a pre-college program that allows them to test the waters in an area of interest such as writing, technology, the arts, film, sports, science, travel, business, debate, and community service or activism. Volunteering at charitable organizations is a great way to match talents and interests. Others may choose a study abroad program that immerses the participant in three-dimensional learning experience. Engaging in an internship can offer students the opportunity to gain more knowledge about possible college majors. Read more about what to do during summer break.
