The College App Process: A Parent’s Guide

The Education Conservancy developed this handy list of guidelines for parents:

• Recognize that gaining admission to college is merely one step in a process of education that will include your student attending a college where she or he can maximize talents and growth. Emphasize the education.
• Resist doing for your students what they are capable of doing for themselves.
• Allow your child to take responsibility for his or her own part of the college application process. Be involved in the process, but do not try to control it.
• Resist relying on rankings and college selectivity to determine the most suitable colleges for your child.
• Realize that researching, selecting, and applying to colleges does not have to be an expensive process.
• Resist attempts to turn the process into a status competition. Develop a healthy, educationally based, and family-appropriate approach to college admissions.
• Consider that gaming the system may not only diminish your child’s self-confidence, it may also jeopardize desired admission outcomes.
• Listen to, encourage, and believe in your child. Do not use the term “we” as in “we are applying to…”
• Discuss the idea of education as an ongoing process, and how selecting a college might be different from buying a product.
• Love them enough to let them demonstrate the independence you have instilled in them.
• Keep this process in perspective. Remember that student skills, self-confidence, curiosity, and desire to learn are some of the most important ingredients in a quality education and successful college admissions. Do not sacrifice these by overemphasizing getting into the “best” college.

Help your students prepare for college by using CAP, the interactive and social way to prepare for college at: www.collegelifeplanning.com/workshop

College Costs… really?!

“In these agonizing months between the completion of college applications and the arrival of the first envelopes in the spring, many high school seniors and their parents are speculating about whether the economic downturn will harm their chances of admission to one of the nation’s top colleges and universities. And a few well-to-do parents I know have even confessed their hope that hard times and declining endowments may have improved their children’s chances of admission, as colleges look for full-paying freshmen.” (Steven Brint, Sunday, January 10, 2010)

So what does this mean for you? I mean how many of us have $20k laying around, every year, to pay for college? Not as many as who certainly don’t. This means that parents need to be especially frugal, it means that students will have to work that much harder to find the right college fit for them. It means that parents and students will have to start early and have to be honest with each other about their hopes and expectations. If you family cannot afford an Ivy Education, be real about that! Don’t hold that expectation so high that you increase your college debt for no good reason!

Choosing the right college for you may be the best decision you can make, there are tons of great colleges that no one talks about, and you’ll probably find that you can afford them better!

Knowledge Based Economy: What do YOU Think?

There is a lot of talk about college with opinions ranging from hatred for higher education to those who believe that college equals the epitaph of civilized society. I think I fall somewhere in the middle. What I mean is that I don’t think that college is for everyone, but I do think it is for most people. Recently I was researching some statistics with the U.S. Department of Labor and these factoids were (also recently) re-presented to me, so I felt that the time was right to write about these in this blog. By the way, does anyone read this blog??

In 1950, 60% of the labor force jobs were unskilled, 20% were semi skilled and 20% were skilled jobs. In 2010, those same statistics are nearly inverted with 65% of all jobs available being for skilled laborers only, 20% requiring some skill set/education, and only 15% left for the unskilled labor force.

 

The above image reveals the unemployment and weekly earning stats for those with advanced education verses those with only an associate’s degree or less.  Unemployment is above 15% for those without a high school diploma, but drops drastically to about 5% for those with a Bachelors degree. We have moved from an industrialized economy in the early 1900’s to a knowledge-based economy in the early 2000’s and unless we are prepared academically, we will not be able to compete on a global scale.

Okay so that’s all great but what’s it mean? It means that knowledge and positioning are important. We need a fresh wave of innovators to create new systems and programs and products that will drive our economy into the next 50 years. The baby boomers are slowly retiring and entering their twilight. You might be a baby boomer reading this blog because you want to help your teen get into college. You might be a 15 year old and saying to yourself that this is the most boring blog you’ve ever read! The key is that we both understand that your educational future is of critical importance! Living in your purpose and strengths and being trained in the area of your potential is sooooooooo important!

I am 29 years old. I have been meandering around the world (and web) for the past 15 years or so trying to “find myself”. What I found is that I wasted some valuable time trying to just ‘figure it out’. The advice of my parents was that with enough experiences and the right timing, I would just fall into what I am supposed to be doing with my time. But what I found was that they were wrong. While I do agree that no one can effectively tell you what you should be doing, as Socrates said, “know thyself”. It is your responsibility to know yourself and your goals; BUT HOW?! This is the million dollar question.

I have the answer. I know that is incredibly naïve and ignorant to say, but I really do know how to help you “find yourself” in a matter of a few hours. It will take many more months to develop and understand what ‘the answer’ means for you and your life; but it could save you years of meandering. Then instead of being a loafer in college because you don’t know what you want to do- you could go to college with purpose in mind, knowing that you were built to do that thing.

Again I ask, does anyone read this? If you want to know the answer, leave a comment. If you want to tell me that I am crazy- leave a comment. If you want to curse horrible obscenities because you think college is all that is wrong with the world- LEAVE A COMMENT. Let’s engage in a dialog about this concept, and the next generation, and how we will work to be creative, innovative, and competitive in a world economy.

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What MAPS can do for you:

Working at what this chart shows you have potential in‚ especially when accompanied by drive and passion means you are living your life’s purpose‚ doing what you are designed to do. There is great strength in living your purpose‚ and even greater potential can be realized when passion and drive accompany vocations where you show high potential.

This chart identifies what your relative potential in a particular job is. It does not identify your skills‚ it does not identify your passions‚ likes and dislikes for a particular vocation; you already know what you like and dislike and what you are skilled at. What you did not know is where you have the most potential and what you did not know in this case‚ is more important than what you did know.

Potential zero’s you in on where you will be a good fit. When you have identified a high potential vocation or career that you also have drive and passion for you then know you have a sustainable passion for that career.

Conversely‚ if you rank low in potential for an area‚ but have skills and knowledge in that area‚ generally speaking you will not be able to work in that field with the drive you would if you scored high in it. This does not mean that you would not be good at it‚ especially if you have a passion for it; it just means that you might excel more in a vocation that is a more natural fit.

For example; if you have a high potential score in accounting and administrative vocations but do not like that type of work‚ it would not be a good choice for you regardless of how high you scored in it. If you have a low potential score in sales‚ but you are highly successful and happy in what you do; a high potential score does not mean you should change; your passion may drive you to succeed.

Potential speaks of something much more valuable than skills‚ it identifies vocations and careers you can have a sustainable passion for‚ something you will naturally do well. Learning new skills‚ developing talents and exceeding in areas you both have potential and passion for will‚ generally speaking‚ be easier to achieve and provide you with sustainable drive and passion for the long term as well as significant chances for greater success.

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Sometimes there are questions that while we feel we ought to somehow already know the answer to, we just don’t. It happens all the time, it happens to me. The key to success isn’t so much with what you know, it is WHO you know. Having a college advisor at your finger tips can be a huge help to you as a student, to your parents, for your future. The main difference between your traditional college advisor and an independent college advisor is availability. When you need an answer about which classes to choose, which college to go to, which major to focus on, how to write a brag sheet, how to find the most financial aid… you need an independent college advisor.

Check out my website at: http://www.collegelifeplanning.com

If you’re going to college, no matter what stage of life you might be in, as a High School senior, or a 21 year old transfer student, or a 42 year old father of 3; I would love the opportunity to answer your college questions and help you chart a path for your future.

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Is Education Worth The Investment?

You decide… For more help on college planning visit: www.collegelifeplanning.com and use the College Q&A to ask any college related questions… Free.

Amplify’d from education.yahoo.net

See what $500, $2,000, and $7,500 can get you… then decide for yourself. By David Radcliff The U.S. Census Bureau reported in May 2009 that workers with a bachelor’s degree earned about $26,000 more, on average, than workers with a high school diploma. But with economic times tough, paying for education can seem like a large investment. What exactly do you get for your education dollar? Before you make your decision, check out our breakdown of what you could get from a $500, $2,000, and $7,500 investment in education. $500-$1,000 = 1-2 Classes* If your interest lies in acquiring a particular skill to a) make yourself more employable or b) make yourself more promotable, we have good news: your education need not be expensive or all-consuming. In many fields, a single class can really make a difference. Taking a continuing education class can help you: -Increase your employability -Showcase your motivation to your current (or future) employer -Discover if a new career is right for you Classes to consider: –Management –Marketing –Web Design –Technology Search for online and local classes. $2,000-$5,000+ = Certificate or Diploma Certificate and diploma programs are cost- and time-effective options for adults looking to invest in their education and expand their career options. Certificate programs generally take a year or less to complete, while diploma programs can take anywhere from six months to one year. Certificate and diploma programs can help you: -Train for a new career -Develop valuable skills in your field of interest -Gain real-world experience via internship opportunities Certificate/diploma programs to consider: –Accounting –Web Design –Paralegal –Medical Transcription –Dental Assisting –Interior Decorating Search for Diploma and Certificate programs now. $7,500+ = Associate’s Degree If you find that going to school (or going back to school) sounds like the next big step for you, a $7,500 investment could put you well on the way to an associate’s degree…and a high-paying career. You could recoup your investment in as little as one to two years on the job. Career prospects for associate’s degree holders: Computer Support Specialist (average salary: $43,450 per year) Registered Nurse (average salary: $62,450 per year) Paralegal (average salary: $46,120 per year) Physical Therapist Assistant (average salary: $46,140 per year) Occupational Therapy Assistant (average salary: $48,230 per year) Find online and local Associate’s degree programs now. *Tuition prices of classes and programs vary by school, state of residence, area of study, and other factors. Read more at education.yahoo.net

 

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10 Jobs for People Who Want To Work With Children

Take special note of the education required for each job AND the average annual salary of each position. Then do the math, is a college education going to pay off in the field you’re interested in working in. If you have questions about how to determine your major’s ROI, just ask me 🙂

for more information: www.collegelifeplanning.com

Amplify’d from msn.careerbuilder.com

10 Jobs for People Who Want To Work With Children

By Kaitlin Madden, CareerBuilder writer

Those looking for a rewarding career in which there’s never a dull moment might consider a job working with children. Although we’ve highlighted obvious careers like teaching and child psychology, a few of these kid-focused careers may surprise you. 1. Teacher Becoming a teacher is one of the most oft-chosen paths for those wishing to pursue a career working with children. Teaching requires patience, flexibility and  an even temper, but for those who can handle it, teaching can be a highly rewarding career. Education: Teachers are required to hold bachelor’s degrees, often in education. Secondary school teachers usually hold bachelor’s degrees in the subject they wish to teach. Because salary increases in correlation with a teacher’s education level, many teachers pursue master’s or other higher-level degrees. Salary:  The median annual salary is $49,370 for elementary school teachers, $49,740 for middle school teachers and $51,230 for secondary school teachers. * 2. Camp director  A great option for those who consider themselves “kids at heart,” camp directors spend their days planning camper activities and schedules, communicating with parents and managing camp staff. Education:  Although formal education is typically not required for part-time and seasonal camp positions, most administrative-level roles in camp organizations require a bachelor’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 there were 89 bachelor or associate-level college programs in parks and recreation in the United States. Salary:  Annual wages for workers across the recreation industry average between $17,680 and $28,810, although those in supervisory positions can earn substantially more. 3. Librarian  For bookworms who want to pass their love of reading on to younger generations, working as a children’s librarian is a great gig. Youth librarians may work in schools or local library branches. Education: Librarians at public or university libraries are required to have a master’s degree in library science. In some states, school librarians may not need an MLS, but are instead required to be certified as teachers. Salary:  The median annual salary for librarians across all industries is $52,530. 4. Day care owner Working parents trust their children in the hands of day care providers, who typically care for children in their own home or at an established child care center.  In addition to bearing responsibility for the children in their care, day care owners are also responsible for the overall success of their business. Responsibilities may include ordering supplies, managing employees and determining fees. Education: Day care owners often hold a bachelors degree in child psychology, human development or education, though not required. Day care owners are required to obtain a certification, the details of which vary by state. Salary:  The pay scale varies greatly for day care owners, depending on factors such as fee per child, number of children and whether the center is in the owner’s home or at another location.  In 2008, the median salary for child care administrators across all sectors was $37,270. 5. Pediatric nutritionist With childhood obesity at epidemic levels, pediatric nutritionists are increasingly in demand.  Responsibilities may include working with school districts to develop a balanced lunch menu or helping overweight children and their families make more healthful food choices. Education: Nutritionists must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and certification or registration is required by most states. Salary: The median salary for nutritionists and dietitians is $50,590. 6. Child psychologist  Child psychologists observe and analyze the behaviors of children. Those who work in schools may spend time sorting out behavioral issues with students, while those in a solo practice may provide family counseling or treatment for specific mental disorders and illnesses. Child psychologists also may hold research positions, conducting studies on child development. Education: Child psychologists go through extensive education and training, usually beginning with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a doctorate program. School psychologists, however, can begin their careers with a master’s degree. Salary: Counselors and psychologists average around $64,000 per year. For those employed in schools, median salary was slightly higher, at $65,710. 7. Coach  For those who love their full-time job but want to spend more time working with children, coaching is a great option.  As a coach, you’ll work in the evenings and on weekends — when children are not in school — so you can get your kid time in without quitting your day job. Education: Coaches should have demonstrated interest or experience in the sport they are coaching. For some positions, coaches may be required to complete training courses. Salary:  Coaches employed by schools have a median salary of $25,740. Part-time coaches employed by local recreation leagues are often paid hourly. 8. Speech language pathologist Speech pathologists most commonly work in schools, hospitals or private practices, and help children to overcome speaking and communication difficulties, such as stuttering and vowel pronunciation. Education:  Employment requires a master’s degree from an accredited speech therapy program, plus at least 300 hours of supervised clinical work.  Before beginning practice, speech pathologists must also pass a nationally standardized test. Salary:  The median annual wage for speech language pathologists across all industries is $62,930. The median salary for those employed in schools is slightly lower, at $58,140. 9. Pediatric registered nurse Pediatric nurses specialize in caring for children in hospitals and doctors’ offices. They provide routine screenings, diagnose illness, perform acute care on sick children and check-ups on healthy children. Education: The registered nurse distinction is acquired by completing an accredited bachelor’s degree program in nursing. Nursing school is typically divided between time spent in the classroom and hands-on learning in the field. Board certification is also required.   Salary:  The median annual salary for a registered nurse across all disciplines is  $67,217. 10. Juvenile justice attorney Attorneys in the juvenile justice system specialize in legal issues applying to minors. Juvenile laws often differ from those that apply to people over 18. Juvenile justice attorneys work to protect the rights of minors who may have fallen victim to a crime or suffered an injustice. Juvenile justice attorneys also defend minors who have been accused of committing a crime. Education:  Like all lawyers, juvenile justice attorneys must hold a law degree and pass their bar exam. Salary: The middle 50 percent of lawyers earn between $74,980 and $163,320. *All salary information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is based on figures reported in May 2008.             Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Read more at msn.careerbuilder.com

 

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College Search: Finding and Choosing a College

“Choose your area of study:” When you see a service for finding a college, they often start with ‘help finding a college’, but then they ask the student to select the area of study they are interested in. Now I wonder… if I am planning for college, or life; how do I select an area of study if I don’t know what I want to do with my life?How can I select an area of study to find the right college for me if I do not know what I want to do with this degree?!

College is an important investment, and there certainly should be a certain amount of soul searching in order to “find yourself”, but knowing what you want out of life is often then key to success! And it isn’t about pleasing yourself and your own goals! Helen Keller said, “Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Going into college should be a well thought out goal, a “worthy purpose”, and fidelity to that purpose, is what will bring about the greatest sense of accomplishment and self worth. It will be the winning formula for students, and society at large.

Finding the right college is about knowing where you’re going and what the expectations will be once you get there. I recommend using a private college counselor (primarily because I am one), but I also recommend finding and using as many resources as you possibly can to make the best decision you can for this “worthy purpose”.

Find this and more at: www.collegelifeplanning.com

Written by: Nathan Cornett

3 careers in 2 years or less:

Post found here: http://www.nextstepmagazine.com/nextstep/articlePage1.aspx?artId=3473&categoryId=60

By: Marissa MacKenzie Longstreet

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If you have determination, a good work ethic and enthusiasm, then maybe you wouldn’t mind scoring a solid career sooner rather than later.

By enrolling in a community college, you can open yourself up to a world of career possibilities that require just a couple of years of schooling.

Here are three career options you can pursue at a community college.

Paralegal

Being well-organized, interested in law and personable are among a paralegal’s characteristics.

A paralegal, put simply, is a legal assistant. Paralegals conduct interviews with clients and witnesses, draft legal documents, conduct legal research and summarize depositions, testimonies and interrogations.

At the Community College of Denver (ccd.edu), paralegal students are required to participate in a six-credit-hour internship before earning their degree.

One student there helped research a project dealing with police use of taser guns, says Stacey Beckman, professor and department chairperson.

“The ACLU lawyers ended up using her research in their briefs and press conferences on the issue,” Beckman says.

On average, paralegal salaries range from $33,920 to $54,690. Beckman says that paralegals with specializations or experience can make upwards of $90,000 per year.

Dental hygienist

When your job revolves around healthy teeth, it’s hard not to smile.

Dental hygienists provide preventive services, such as dental prophylaxis, patient education, application of topical fluoride treatments and dental sealants, says Margaret Six, director of the program at West Liberty University (westliberty.edu). Before dental hygienists get their licenses, they must complete a National Board exam and Regional Clinical Board exam. In preparation for these tests, students undergo clinical experience.

The average earnings of a dental hygienist are between $24.63 and $35.67 per hour.

Hospitality

Whether it’s Aunt Mable visiting (complete with sloppy kisses and cheek pinches) or dog sitting your neighbor’s not-so-friendly Rottweiler; you’ve been required to be hospitable once or twice.

If these occasions went well enough to impress Mom and Dad, then maybe it’s time to consider a job in hospitality.

Earning this degree, says David J. Barrish, assistant dean at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (jsr.vccs.edu), is “increasingly a springboard for students intent upon opening their own bed & breakfast, bakery, restaurant or catering business.”

With a job that requires you to work with people constantly, you’ll encounter a variety of situations. That’s why on-the-job experience is expected of a hospitality major.

The average salary of those in the hospitality industry depends on which career you choose. Income can range from $35,000 to $65,000 depending on your career path.

Marissa MacKenzie Longstreet is a student at Finger Lakes Community College (flcc.edu) and was an intern for The Next Step Magazine.

Vision

Vision requires action. Without vision there is little purpose to working, or getting married, or going to school. College is a time to dream, and dreams are all most people live in these days. I know I spent a number of years living in my dreams with little to no action on my part which left me without purpose and without anything to show for it. So in my life I am making a new direction; I am building a future for myself that is based in vision AND action.

I want to be clear: I want to build a business, and I want to make money, but primarily I want to advise current and future college students how to make decisions and choices that will lead to a bright future and living in the purpose they were born for. What were you born for? What were you called to? Do you even know? How can you make a valid decision on where to go to school or what major to choose if you can’t answer those questions?

Easily, and I can show you how.