It’s Time to Think About Summer – What Is There To Do?

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.

What are MOOCs and Can I Earn Credit?

Wikipedia defines a MOOC as:laptop home
A massive open online course (MOOC) is a type of online course aimed at large-scale participation and open access via  web. MOOCs are a recent development in the area of distance education, and a progression of the kind of open education ideals suggested by open educational resources.Though the design of and participation in a MOOC may be similar to college or university courses, MOOCs typically do not offer credits awarded to paying students at schools. However, assessment of learning may be done for certification.While there is no commonly accepted definition of a MOOC, two key features seem prevalent:

  • Open access. MOOC participants do not need to be a registered student in a school to “take” a MOOC, and are not required to pay a fee.
  • Scalability. Many traditional courses depend upon a small ratio of students to teacher, but the “massive” in MOOC suggests that the course is designed to support an indefinite number of participants.pedi

Scott Jaschik of InsideHigherEd.com shares breaking news about MOOCs.

Two announcements this week suggest that MOOCs — massive open online courses — will increasingly include a route for students to receive academic credit. Read the breaking news by clicking here.

What is Double Depositing? Is it an Ethical Option?

The clock is ticking down and the April 1st has arrived. High school seniors across the country are checking their email and mailboxes for the admissions decisions from the college they applied to. Many students may receive more than one acceptance. The stress and the cost of college is a major decision, so for students who cannot make up their mind where to go, they may consider double depositing.

What is the definition of double depositing? Double depositing means putting down a deposit, and thus accepting admission, at more than one college.

I often hear, “This decision is not easy!” Or “I love all my schools for different reasons.” Student re-visit their colleges and look to teachers and friends (and even parents) for guidance. So what do they do? Sending a non-refundable enrollment deposit check can cost as little as $100, while at others it can be as much as $500 or $1,000 can be costly, but the student just can’t decide. Read more about the Double Depositing and ethical issues surrounding it.

Explain the Value of Cooperative Education Programs or “Co-Ops”

One definition of a cooperative education program is a structured experience which combines practical work and the classroom-based education.  Such programs provide academic credit for job experience to help a student from school-to-work and encourage service learning.

  • Provide an opportunity to learn from some experienced and supportive colleagues in the workplace
  • Gain practical experience while earning a degree and getting a head start in career
  • Student mature, are more experienced, and already respected for accomplishments in co-op work assignments
  • Gain hands-on work experiences in specialized fields like engineering and business, etc. Read more reasons to look at Co-Op opportunities.

How to Email a College Admissions Counselor

Check Your Email Address First!

Yes, you were given a formal name at birth and you may be a creative individual who wants to express yourself with a unique email address, but suddenly you realize [email protected] might not be the most appropriate email address to use. Who is your audience? What impression will you leave on the admissions officer?  Every bit of information you reveal tells the college admissions office something about you. I often ask students to think about how their grandparents might react to the address. It may be safer and more appropriate to use your school email address or create one that will be used for all your college correspondence. Read more on clues on emailing your the college admissions counselor.

New Net Price Calculator!

This year each institution will have a Net Price Calculator on their website. The estimate provided by the calculator does not represent a final determination, or actual award of financial assistance, or a final net price; it is an estimate based on price of attendance and financial aid provided to students in a previous year. Price of attendance and financial aid availability often change year to year. The estimates shall not be binding on the Secretary of Education, the institution of higher education, or the State. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for, and receive, an actual financial aid award that includes Federal grant, loan, or work-study assistance. For more information on applying for Federal student aid, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/