Sometimes we need to sit back and ask ourselves if taking a year off between high school and college will help or not. There’s no doubt that you need an education to get a head. The days of the machinist who bluffed his way into a high paying job and apprenticed as he went along are over. Today, you’d probably have to have a B.S. in mechanics at least to even get your foot in the door. The world is changing and with it, the needs in the workforce.

When I was young a lot of people advised taking a year off before going to college. Get a job, they said. Find out what it’s like in the real world. But these days even entry-level jobs are hard to come by so college may be the best place to be.

Even if you didn’t apply to school, it’s not too late. Some say that it’s much easier to get into just about any college if you apply for the spring, rather than winter semester. Start at a community college. You can either do your first two years, or apply to another university later that year.

There was a time I would have said to take a year off. Travel. Experience life. Now I’m not so sure if college shouldn’t be part of the experience.

 It’s important to remember that the last year of high school can be an anxious time for both students and parents. As the world beckons with all the excitement and promise it has to offer, it’s also a time of great insecurity. Up until now, parents have made the major decisions for their children.

 Soon they’ll need to make those decisions for themselves.

 In terms of college it can be reassuring to have parents involved in the college selection.  We might want to spend some time online researching different options, then present it to our children. We should be involved in the application process, but never do the application for them.

 This is especially true of the college essay. It’s tempting to tell our children what to say. I’ve even heard of some parents who actually write the essay for their son or daughter. By all means resist this temptation! Our children need to learn responsibility and will only do this if we allow them the freedom to do so. Sometimes we might need to push them a bit. 

 By the time, our children are seniors in high school we’ve pretty much instilled whatever morals and values of our own. Now they will do with it what they will. They’ll make mistakes, but we grow more from our mistakes and failures than from our success. It can be hard to watch our kids stumble and fall, but they’ll become stronger adults if allowed to make their own way. 

 This is true for their majors as well. We want our children to be practical, but we also want them to love what they do. Maybe we want a doctor in the family, but pushing them in a direction they’re not interested in will ultimately not be of value. 

 State your opinions but don’t try to force them. Give them time to dream and space to grow into their own adulthood. Stand aside, but be there to offer a helping hand when they need it. 

Whether you’re a high school senior or have been out of school for a while, the decision to go to college is probably one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. But what if you don’t know what you want to do? It’s not unusual to feel that you need a college education–and we all know that it will increase your chances of good, well-paying work–but, you’re not quite sure what you want to do.

Or maybe you’re operating on a tight budget.

A community college makes good sense on a number of levels. It’s affordable. You can easily knock out your requirements before heading off to a college or university. Plus, you can experiment a little. Take some classes for the fun of it or because it’s a topic you’ve always been interested in. You might be surprised and find yourself looking at a career path you never considered before.

Community colleges often have excellent instructors who are actively engaged with their topic. You don’t need a Ph.D. to be a good instructor. In fact, the opposite is often true. You’ll find plenty of Ph.D.’s teaching at the community college level, but you’ll also find a variety of others who are there based on their experience in a particular trade. Often they are working as adjuncts (part-time instructors) simply because they have a passion for teaching.

You can save money by living at home. While this might not be ideal–after all, you’ve graduated from high school and are probably anxious to get out on your own, but if your parents are footing the bill, they may be hard pressed financially. A community college is affordable.

So you barely passed high school? No problem! You can make up your classes and move on once you’ve completed them. Employers look at where you graduated from; they won’t care if you spent two years in a community college first.

I’m a fan of community colleges. I was one of those high school misfits, then in my 20s as a single mother, I realized if I was ever going to move beyond factory work, I needed a degree. I went for two years at Cabrillo Community College in Santa Cruz, California, then moved onto the University of California. A few years after graduating I went back to school at the University of Nevada for my M.A. and now teach at a community college.

I have some of my best memories–and encountered some of my best instructors at the community college.

Welcome to the College Survival Blog where you’ll find posts and podcasts offering the latest advice from high school seniors, parents and others who are navigating the college scene. You’ll find tips on writing the college essay, how to choose schools and how parents and teens can work together in this sometimes confusing process. We hope you’ll check back frequently for updates.

Free Money: Scholarships and Grants

The first example of free college money is scholarships. Additionally, there are a number of grants based on financial need, these include:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Academic Competitiveness Grant
• National Smart Grant
• Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)
• Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program

The following section will give an overview of these grants; their potential worth, and how to go about applying for this free grant money for college.

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is the largest Federal grant program available and is based solely on financial need. There is no minimum grade point average necessary to qualify for the grant; however, students must maintain academic standing within the college or university to renew this healthy financial award. The Pell Grant award for the 2008-2009 school year is currently at a maximum of $4,731. As outlined in the financial aid section of this site, the U.S. Department of Education determines financial need for the Pell Grant based on information provided in the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be submitted by January 1st. In order to increase your chances of funding approval, you will want to gather paperwork and approach the process in the fall months.

Ineligible students include:

• Incarcerated students
• Students who owe on a Title IV grant
• Students in default on a Title IV loan
• Men who have not yet registered with Selective Service

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant or FSEOG money is presented to full-time and part-time students on a need basis. The maximum offering for this grant is $4,000 with the least eligibility award at $100. Each school’s individual financial aid office determines eligibility for this loan based on information submitted on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) which is the school’s copy of your student financial aid report as determined by FAFSA. If a student qualifies for this grant money, each learning institution will credit the tuition account or issue a check directly, or both.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

This is another academic financial eligibility-based grant that will encourage students to take challenging courses in high school, which will most likely make them more successful in college. An ACG grant provides up to $750 for first year undergraduate students and nearly doubles in a student’s second year to $1,300. In order to qualify for grant money and renew this grant, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Graduated from high school after January 1, 2005
• Eligible for the Federal Pell Grant
• Enrolled as a full-time first or second year student in a two or four year program
• Successfully completed rigorous coursework as determined by the state board of regents
• Second year students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0

National Smart Grant

This particular grant, which students can also qualify for by completing FAFSA, is a little more specialized. However, National Smart Grant monies awarded to students, on a need-based priority are up to $4,000 per year. If you are an undergraduate student, consider holding true to this specific range of critera if this grant is high on your interest radar:

• Students must be third or fourth year students
• Full-time students
• U.S. citizens
• Eligible for the Pell Grant
• Must be majoring in areas of the sciences, such as computer, life, or physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, technology, or a foreign language deemed critical for national security.
• Students must consistently maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in major coursework.

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) was once known as the State Student Incentive Grants (SSIG). This grant is funded by individual states and the federal government. The college financial aid office to which you apply will automatically let you know if you qualify for this merit grant funding after completing your FAFSA application.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program

This scholarship program honors students for excellence and achievement in academic, extracurricular, and community involvement. High school counselors will have additional resources on the Robert C. Byrd Award as well as student qualification information.

Outlined, below, are things to consider during your first week of school (if you arrive on campus a week early, that’s even better). If you approach your extra time with the right mindset, your initial weeks at school will be enjoyable, not to mention, beneficial to your academic and social success for the entire year.

1. Find a Good Place to Study. As you explore your college campus, find a few places where you might be comfortable investing in study time. For starters, a quiet place in the main campus library is a good choice. From there, seek out an additional spot such as a corner in the student union or a conveniently located academic center with tables, desks and adequate lighting. Don’t make it a habit to study in your college dorm or off-campus housing, due to unavoidable distractions.
2. Visit Your Academic Advisor. As soon as your class schedule is in hand, make an appointment to speak with your academic advisor. If you don’t have an academic advisor yet, it’s wise to seek one out either through the admissions department or via the school that correlates with your declared major. Discuss academic goals and ask your advisor to review your coursework; a second opinion is often helpful so you can make an overly ambitious schedule more manageable.
3. Establish and Fine-tune Your Home Base. Now is the time to take inventory with regard to dorm or off-campus housing needs. No place to hang your jacket? No full-length mirror to check out your vibe for the day? Make a list of the key items you lack, and plan a trip to the local shopping center. If you are uncomfortable and uneasy at home, it will carry-over into your study habits, and general enthusiasm. Ultimately, this will only wreak havoc on your overall academic success.
4. Get Out and About. Talk to as many people as possible in your dorm, classes, on campus and even in your college cafeteria. Approach everyone with an open attitude to help set the tone for making new friendships. Certain individuals have a natural gift for meeting people, while others struggle to find the courage to initiate basic conversations. Whatever the case, rest assured that each student on campus is in the same boat: Everyone recently left home, just like you, to embark on an academic journey for the next 8-months or so. The more people you talk to, the more opportunity you give yourself to establish lifelong friendships.
5. Expand Your Comfort Zone. Have some fun, now, without the worry of academic fallout. If you are invited to a social event with friends - might as well go! The season football home-opener isn’t an invitation to trouble. With that said, use this time to also set personal boundaries for your social life. If you don’t feel like going out, stay in. Read a book, write in your journal, put in the latest Coldplay CD and relax. Here’s the point: One invaluable aspect of college is that you will finally have the chance to make decisions based on what you think, feel, and want (no parental advice or peer pressure like in high school). Listen to, and trust your inner voice; make a decision and then stick with it and enjoy it. Don’t second guess yourself. You will have hundreds of opportunities to go out with friends.
6. Finalize Your Class Schedule. After you speak to your academic advisor, do a little bit of soul-searching. Make certain you are not overloading yourself, academically, and take the necessary steps to make adjustments. Remember that it is better to under schedule than overdue your class schedule the first semester of your fall return back to school. At all costs, resist enrolling in classes you are uncomfortable with to avoid the possibility of dropping a class later in the academic term.
7. Look for a Job. Depending on your financial situation, consider looking for a part-time college job. There are all sorts of positions on campus within walking distance of college dorms as well as off-campus living units. Consider the student union, campus business offices, athletic department, campus fitness center, libraries, academic centers, etc. Students who qualify for work-study as part of a financial aid package should go to the financial aid office to lock-in a good job while options remain. Also reasearch job postings at the campus career center, school newspaper, as well as your college’s website and other community job boards (Many local businesses draw their workforce from the student population). There is no better time to apply for part-time work. Once you land a job, focus on how to successfully mesh your study habits with your work schedule.
8. Explore Your College Campus. Get out with a group of friends and see what your college campus has to offer. This is a great time to bond with other students in your college dorm or apartment complex. Walk around campus to the football stadium, fitness centers, student union, libraries, bowling alley, movie theater, aquatic center, performing arts centers, etc. When you wrote that ungodly college tuition check, an entire piece of real estate came along with it. Explore your college campus and use it to your benefit.
9. Have Some Fun. Last, but not least, relax and enjoy yourself. There’s no reason to be stressed. Get to class everyday; listen; ask questions; study and you will be fine. You will meet so many new people with different perspectives, and viewpoints you will be amazed. Talk to them, listen to them, and laugh a lot. Don’t take yourself too seriously. College is the time in your life to start discovering yourself, being yourself, and enjoying yourself in the process.

Quick College Budget Tips

When planning your college budget, write down some basics on a sheet of notebook paper or an excel spreadsheet. Your initial thoughts might go something like this:

Financial aid money + Money from Mom and Dad + Summer job + Part-time job = $

If you don’t know the exact numbers, estimate on the conservative side. Add these numbers, and come up with the answer. Then, divide by 12. This will give you a monthly budget. (This is the amount of money you can spend without digging yourself an enormous hole).

Now, you will need to come up with a list of your annual and monthly itemized expenses. This will be a little more complicated. When it comes to your expenses, best err on the liberal side (meaning if you don’t know the exact number, provide an estimate that is higher than your initial guess). Some of the key items you will want to include on your expense list are:

1. Tuition & books
2. Wireless phone bill
3. Housing
4. Transportation & gas (if you have a car)
5. Utilities
6. Groceries
7. Clothing
8. Entertainment
9. Personal supplies
10. Etc…

After you make this list, write down the estimated expenses. Add them, and divide by 12. This number is your monthly total.

If you are lucky, the sum of your income will exceed your expenses, leaving you with extra each month … if you are lucky. This is a budget at the most basic level. Plan one of these and stick to it, if it’s one of the few things you do right in college. It could make all the difference to your financial future.

Budget Basics

As you develop a student budget that works for you, also consider these basic budgeting points:

• It’s important to remember that a monthly budget is the most useful since seasonal and monthly expenses often fluctuate. When figuring your annual amounts always divide that number by 12 to see where you are on a monthly basis for the year.
• Take your time and be thorough when listing your expenses. If you forget to add even one item to your expense tally, it could throw your entire budget out of whack. It is always better to err on the generous side than to underestimate your bills.
• As one of your regular expense items, try to reserve a minimum of 10% of your income as reserve money to put into savings. In college, it might be hard to save; however, if you can put away even $25 a month, that is better than nothing. It will gradually add-up and at the end of the year you will have $300 in the bank, which will help pave the way to financial independence.
• Keep in mind that some monthly expense items, such as food and entertainment, are not easy to account for. Instead of delaying your initial budget, estimate the numbers you anticipate. As time goes by, you can make adjustments, accordingly.
• When you have all of your expenses accounted for, and subtract that number from your income, you should have a positive number remaining. This number is your cushion money to put into savings or to use for emergencies and unexpected expenses. In the event you come up with a negative bottom line, you will need to find creative ways to cut back on your expenses.

Pesky Debit Cards

Debit cards are a convenience; however, if you use your debit card like a credit card - whipping it out at the gas station, movie theater, dining hall, and grocery store - be certain to keep a spending record. For that matter, debit cards shouldn’t even be used on a tight budget.

Case in point: two checks go through your account on Saturday, unbeknownst to you. On top of that, you make eight debit transactions (even tiny ones) the same weekend. When an overdraft situation of this magnitude hits your account, it can spiral into a horrific situation instantaneously (consider $30 overdraft fees for each of those 8 transactions) … negative $240, on a student budget, will definitely put a crimp in your spending money.

Student Credit Cards

The problem with credit cards and students is that there is little if any context for their use. It’s only after  students acquire heaps of debt, and interest rates that jump 10 percentage points, that they are truly able to comprehend how disastrous credit cards can be. If possible, take a college budgeting class or financial management class, prior to college. You can also sit down with mom and dad or a trusted family friend to get a quick crash course in college finances. Whatever the case, if you do end up with a college credit card, use it only in worst-case, dire straits, life or death emergencies.

Free T-Shirts

Walking on campus, students frequently run across booths with nice people giving away free t-shirts. All you have to do is sign your John Hancock on the dotted line of a quick credit card application. Easy enough. The problem is, if you sign-up for six t-shirts in two months, the next thing you know, you have six credit cards in your wallet; talk about a surefire method for temptation and financial mayhem. The moral of the paragraph: You don’t need another ugly t-shirt and you surely don’t need another $6,000 in college debt. Avoid free credit card offers at all costs.

Instant Gratification

College credit cards foster the mindset of instant gratification. Walk into a store; walk out with $200 of clothing, and you don’t spend a dime. It’s magical. Or, at least, at the onset. Here’s the ugly truth: Credit cards advertise low monthly payments of $20-$30 a month. Funny though, how the interest on that card is typically an outrageous 18-23% per year. As a student, barely scraping by, if you rack up credit card debt and pay only a minimum monthly payment, you could very well end up paying only the interest on that credit card for the rest of your life (no kidding). If you think that’s bad, imagine having three or four credit cards like that.

How Credit Cards Work

Let’s break down the buying power of a student credit card hard at work: Go to your favorite clothing outfitter and purchase the shirt of your choice (let’s say it cost $48). Take the price of the shirt and multiply times five. Ultimately, using the credit card, the shirt will cost around $240. Here’s the way it works: Purchase an item on a credit card, with an interest rate of 18%. But, let’s say you have an existing balance, so you aren’t able to pay off the shirt (as well as the total credit card balance) for several months, or maybe even years. You will end up paying for that shirt four-to-five times in interest charges, alone.

Develop a Good Credit Rating

The best way to build credit in college is to start slowly by doing basic things, such as paying utility and wireless phone bills on time. Once you get out into the workforce, banks will offer low interest credit cards in droves. Choose only one. Try to use this credit card only when you have to and pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges.

Full Student Banking

Instead of a major company-issued credit card, consider another financial option. Find a national bank with a student-oriented package that includes a credit card, debit card, checking and savings accounts, with online bill paying, bundled into one. A plan like this allows students to cohesively manage all aspects of banking and credit card usage under one roof. This is a brilliant solution for the busy, perhaps less financially experienced college student. Look for a bank convenient to your college dorm or living area. A student banking search can be done on the Internet to find the best college banking value.

Best Student Credit Cards

In the event you must have a student credit card, be advised as to the best options. Visit an online credit card site or do a Google search of “best student credit cards.” This will unleash hundreds of options. Highly recommended is a 0% APR credit card for the first full year, with a nominal spending limit. This will allow time to learn how to manage spending. If, after three-to-six-months, you have proven your ability to manage spending, then continue with the card, but only with monitored usage. However, if your spending habits are out of line with specified parameters, pay the balance and discontinue using the credit card, period.

Sleeping Supplies

2 Sheet sets (sheets and pillow cases)
2 Pillows for bed
Comforter
Mattress protector
Mattress pad
Blanket
Alarm clock

Eating Supplies

Utensil set
Plastic plates
Plastic glasses
Coffee maker*
Toaster or toaster oven*
Pitcher Food storage containers
Can/bottle opener
Snack bag clips
Plastic storage bags
Reusable water bottle
Thermal mug
Mini-refrigerator*
Microwave*
Dish detergent/antibacterial spray

Shower Supplies

3 Towel sets (bath, hand towels, washcloths)
Bath mat/rugs
Shower tote/caddy
Shower curtain/liner
Shower sponge
Soap and toothbrush holder
Hair dryer
Curling iron/hot curlers
Mirror
Toilet bowl brush and cleaner
Soap/shampoo/lotion
Razors and shaving gel
Robe and slippers
Over-the-door shower rack

Organization Supplies

Storage bins/containers/crates
Storage boxes (for under bed as well as closset)
Storage trunk
Shoe rack
Hamper or laundry bag
Hangers
Adhesive hooks
Clothes drying rack
Concrete blocks to elevate bed*
Message board
Bulletin board
Wastebasket

Study Supplies

Bookcase
Shelves
Desk lamp
Back pack
Lap desk
Book light (for late night studying)
Extension cords
Surge protector
Notebooks/folders
Pens/pencils/highlighters
Calculator
Printing/typing paper
Printer

Furniture/Accessories

Lounge chair
Ottoman
Floor cushions
Floor rug
Throw pillows
Door mirror
Posters/artwork
Stereo
Floor Lamp
Walkman/MP3 player

Miscellaneous Supplies

Fan
Rain coat
Umbrella
Batteries
Dorm room deodorizer
Laundry detergent/fabric softener/dryer sheets
Stain remover
Mini tool kit
Mini first aid kit
Mini sewing kit
Quarters for laundry
Iron and over-the-door ironing board
Trash bags
Light bulbs
Surface/mirror cleaner

* If you are living in campus housing, certain items may have to be cleared with your school’s housing department.

Parents of College Freshman

Parents can go to extremes when it comes to the college farewell. One parent might break down in tears and call the campus daily. On the other hand, some parents might not call enough.

Perfect case scenario: Say your goodbyes, leave the dorm and call when you get home to say you made it safely. Offer great words of encouragement in your initial farewell phone call. Tell your son or daughter you are very proud of them. Offer your love and support and tell them you want nothing more than for them to study, make good decisions, remain focused and have a wonderful college experience. Last but not least, let them know that you are just a phone call away if they need anything.

With that said, if you don’t hear from your student in a week, or even a few days, definitely drop an email or make a phone call. Let them give you the scoop. Listen. If anything unusual crops-up in the phone conversation, offer your best advice and encouragement.

Parents, pay close attention to the following points, to insure your student enters college worry-free.

Financial Stress

When students head off to college, there’s a good chance they’ll run into cash flow issues from time to time. After all, as we all know, things tend to add-up. In addition to books, tuition, college room and board, students will have to figure out a way to afford food, clothes, gasoline, car repairs, haircuts, living supplies, etc. College can become quite costly. As parents, do whatever you can to ease the burden for your student financially. School is stressful enough without having to worry about the added issue of being able to afford an occasional dinner out on the weekends.

Financial Aid

Educate yourself on any and all options for financial aid and encourage your student to apply for as many scholarship opportunities as possible. Make sure you and your student work together to apply for FAFSA funding as early as possible. This way you will be assured the best financial aid package available to assist with tuition, room and board. Finally, workout a plan with your student so there is some sort of workable budget in place.

Bank Accounts

Your son or daughter should open a local bank account. If need be, assist in the bank selection process and account opening meeting. This is also an ideal time to discuss college finances with your son or daughter, such as planning a personal student budget; the dangers of credit card usage, and saving money whenever possible.

Health Care

Before you leave the college campus, make sure your student has a mini first aid kit. The kit should contain basic supplies such as aspirin, band aids, antibiotic ointment, bandages, wet-wipes and ibuprofen. As a parent, this is simply a thoughtful gesture that shows you care. In addition to this thoughtful step, make certain your student has the numbers and directions to the campus health center, as well as the local hospital.

Vehicle Registration and Insurance

In the event your son or daughter has the privilege to have a car on campus, make sure the vehicle is registered properly with insurance and current tags. As a general rule of thumb, all students who drive and park on campus must obtain a student parking pass or sticker. Remind your student to attend to this, or, before you depart from campus, assist in the process.

Cell Phones and Computers

Before you leave campus, check with your student or an attending RA to determine parameters for the best local wireless connection and cell phone coverage. There’s a chance your son or daughter may have to invest careful research and time into finding the best companies to handle this important access. If you have the time, assist in this project to make sure your student gets the best rate and plan available.

College Roommates

The college roommate process can often be tricky. Some students hit it off immediately, getting the luck of the draw. Other college roommates face conflict upon conflict. Whatever the case, discuss roommate etiquette with your college-bound son or daughter. Encourage open conversations, honesty and respect at all times. If conditions are intolerable, suggest your student bring the situation to an RA for proper consideration and conflict resolution.

Dorm Living

Students often need help putting a game plan together for college living. Work with your student to develop a college supplies checklist in addition to a college dorm room theme. Whether it be cast offs from spare rooms in the house, good old-fashioned hard cash to buy an array of new items, or a combination of both, your assistance will be appreciated by your college-bound son or daughter. Do what you can with your time and resources to assure your student is packed off to college with the necessary items that will make him or her feel at home. Having an orderly dorm room with all the necessary supplies will help make the college adjustment all the easier.

Family Weekends

This is a great opportunity (or excuse) to visit your son or daughter on campus. Often times, campus weekends will include fun activities for the entire family, such as movies, collegiate athletic events, fine arts engagements, dinner events, etc. For parents, this is an opportunity to witness your student immersed in college life. You won’t regret this once in a lifetime experience.

College Survival Kits

One thoughtful way to let your son or daughter know that you are thinking about them is to send a college survival kit. A “survival kit” can contain anything you know your son or daughter will like and be able to use. You can purchase an already made college survival kit or take the time to create a personalized care package. To do this, purchase your student’s favorite snacks (healthy as well as not so healthy); some practical dorm and school supplies; a homemade batch of brownies, etc. Package your college survival kit inside a unique basket which your student will be able to reuse (a square basket can be used to store magazines, college papers or books; a deep basket could be used as a wastebasket; or a basket with a handle could make for a great cosmetics storage unit). Once you have your items selected and prepared, package and ship. Nothing will make a student feel more thankful and loved than receiving a care package during a tough week of midterms or finals.