College Discussions and Enrollment Options
is college right for me? |
basic enrollment options |
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The common question one might ask as they approach their high school graduation: Is college right for me? That is a double barreled question and deserves some explanation.
Primarily, college is an exciting opportunity which allows you to grow into a responsible adult. By promoting your educational attainment, you are increasing your net worth, and moreover, increasing your chances of landing a career that you enjoy and that pays well. However, there are lessons to be learned, and not just from the textbooks. College is expensive and requires dedication. College is an opportunity for personal and academic growth. College advances your knowledge-base and your peer support system. But college is not for everyone, and that is ok. There is something to be said, and in great light, of those who are skilled in trade or handiwork. Consider the aspect of technical school for a program certificate if you find interest in working in industry, such as welding, automotive, or computer repair. Additionally, there are scores of programs available at the community college level that requires little classroom learning and provides excellent hands-on learning. Always talk to your parents, a friend, or a person you look up to when considering a decision like college. You'll need a strong support system for the next 2 to 4 years! If you are still unsure of whether you should attend college, try taking this online quiz to gain a little more insight. |
The first things you'll want to do after you decide to attend college is look at what colleges are available and what you can afford.
Here are a few steps to consider: 1. Schedule campus tours for the colleges you are interested in attending. Keep in mind that you will either commute to class each day, or live on campus. 2. Try to speak with some of the students on campus about what they like and dislike about their college. While some may be less giving in their opinions, others are more than willing to provide you with some basic info. 3. Consider your budget. You do not want to go broke trying to get an education. But you also must recognize that a good education is going to quite costly. Consider campuses that have in-house scholarships, and those which offer work study (after your first year). Also consider possible employment opportunities near the campus. You may or may not have a vehicle, and transportation across town for a part-time job may not be conducive to your being at that particular college. 4. Find out about tuition costs per credit hour, as well as meal plans and other perks, such as student discounts at local businesses. 5. After you have narrowed down the colleges you'd consider and could afford to go to, apply to them. Most have an online application process. Many two year colleges do not require an application fee, but be sure to check with admissions prior to sending in your application, should a fee be required. 6. Complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is also known as a Pell Grant. (See Grants, Scholarships, and Student Loans below). As with any application process, the steps and terms may vary. Write down any questions you may have and address them during your campus tour, or when you are speaking to an admissions clerk or finanical aid officer for the college. Remember - anything new is going to be overwhelming at first. Keep a cool head, a calm disposition and embrace the next leg of your journey! |
College Life: What can I expect?
College is demanding. As a teenager in high school, you are catered to by your teachers (not to sound patronizing, but there is truth in the statement). High school teachers will often remind you of assignments that are due, allow you to turn in your work after the due date, and your methods of research are less restricted. College, however, has it's own culture. As such, the culture of college is just as different and diverse as the number of students enrolled. Most four year universities are met with acceptance, and for the most part, seldom are students bullied. Yet, there is an aura of "hodling on" to childhood through random conversations and heated debates. You should remember that no two colleges are alike. There are differences in each of them, and expecations vary based on many different factors.
Additionally, you should expect to be personally accountable for your learning. Yes, the instructors will lecture, provide you with the opportunity to discuss the assignment, and may even offer PowerPoint slides. But everything discussed in class is not ALL that you will be expected to learn. These wonderful rectangular shaped objects, filled with paper, numbered and full of print are also a vital tool in your college success. They are called Textbooks. They are overpriced, and underused by most students. In fact, and as an example: my first semester in college, I was enrolled in: oral communication, freshman english I, intro to algebra, and college reading: Four classes. My textbooks cost over $700! I was appalled by the cost of the books. I was even more disappointed when I sold them back to the book store and received less than a quarter of what I paid for them. Sadly, that is part of it. As stated before, college is demanding. Not only in your attention, but in your pocketbook.
On your first day of class (for each of your classes), your instructor will typically provide you with a schedule and syllabus. The schedule provides you with tentative due dates for assignments, as well as the reading material to be covered and any other pertinant information for that particular class. The syllabus outlines the course, provides you with the instructors contact information, and identifies several university rules, codes, and acts to follow. These are considered the Holy Grail of college and should not be tossed in the garbage. They are your ticket to getting your assignments completed and also, a source of insurance should the instructor ask for an assignment that is not due yet!
Your classes are typically an hour and 15 minutes each, twice a week, or 50 minutes three times a week, as an undergraduate.
You will be assigned an advisor upon enrollment. This person is like the "director" of your college success. Make certain you stay in contact with your advisor throughout each semester, and schedule a meeting with them if you are having difficulty. They are there for YOU and do not let them off the hook! Likewise, if there should be an instance in which your advisor is not assisting you and you feel lost, without help, unsure, or if you simply do not feel your advisor if of any help, you may request a new advisor. See your student handbook for the colleges specific policy on requesting a new advisor.
Pay attention to each academic calendar. This publication outlines the university dates of important events, and three specific dates that are crucial to the student: Midterm testing, last day to drop, & finals. Midterms, or semester tests are often piled on during the middle of the semester, and usually fall in the month of October (for the fall semester) and March (for the spring semester). You'll find that some professors provide you with ample time to prepare, where others are more cut-throat. Likewise, the last day to drop is provided because faculty and administration would rather you drop a class and try again at a later date, than to receive a failing grade or simply stop coming. By using the information provided on the calendar, you can save yourself much heartache in the future. Lastly, finals. These are the exams given at the end of the semester that may or may not be comprehensive, and that carry more weight than other assignments in the class.
Two sub-areas to mention: Weighted grading/keeping up with your grade, and keeping assignments that were submitted and handed back. Weighted grading is an aspect of college and of which your may or may not have been exposed to in high school. Basically, the assignments carry weight toward your final grade. As such, a simple assignment may constitute 5% of your final grade, and a test may carry more weight of 25 - 30%. Additionally, many colleges and universities now use an online tool such as BlackBoard Learn or Moodle, for the purpose of submitting assignments and grades. If your instructor does not use an online program, your syllabus should state weights of assignments which will allow you to keep up with your grade independently. When you submit an assignment (especially online), be certain you keep a backup copy on a jump drive or online drive. Technology is great, until it glitches and you lose an assignment in cyberspace! When you receive assignments that have been graded, be certain to hold onto them throughout the remainder of the semester. Instructors are not above mistake and can accidentally transpose numbers. The difference between 89 and 98 is a letter grade. If you see that your grades are not correct, address the matter (politely) with your instructor.
I lack knowledge in many of the campus clubs, programs, sports groups, fraternities, and sororities. Approach these if you are interested, and only after you have researched them.
These are just a few of the things to expect when you begin college. While the list may seem downtrodden, please keep in mind: I'm 37 years old, I have five kids, and I am in Grad school - I enjoy learning and love school. But I am tired and want to be finished.
Additionally, you should expect to be personally accountable for your learning. Yes, the instructors will lecture, provide you with the opportunity to discuss the assignment, and may even offer PowerPoint slides. But everything discussed in class is not ALL that you will be expected to learn. These wonderful rectangular shaped objects, filled with paper, numbered and full of print are also a vital tool in your college success. They are called Textbooks. They are overpriced, and underused by most students. In fact, and as an example: my first semester in college, I was enrolled in: oral communication, freshman english I, intro to algebra, and college reading: Four classes. My textbooks cost over $700! I was appalled by the cost of the books. I was even more disappointed when I sold them back to the book store and received less than a quarter of what I paid for them. Sadly, that is part of it. As stated before, college is demanding. Not only in your attention, but in your pocketbook.
On your first day of class (for each of your classes), your instructor will typically provide you with a schedule and syllabus. The schedule provides you with tentative due dates for assignments, as well as the reading material to be covered and any other pertinant information for that particular class. The syllabus outlines the course, provides you with the instructors contact information, and identifies several university rules, codes, and acts to follow. These are considered the Holy Grail of college and should not be tossed in the garbage. They are your ticket to getting your assignments completed and also, a source of insurance should the instructor ask for an assignment that is not due yet!
Your classes are typically an hour and 15 minutes each, twice a week, or 50 minutes three times a week, as an undergraduate.
You will be assigned an advisor upon enrollment. This person is like the "director" of your college success. Make certain you stay in contact with your advisor throughout each semester, and schedule a meeting with them if you are having difficulty. They are there for YOU and do not let them off the hook! Likewise, if there should be an instance in which your advisor is not assisting you and you feel lost, without help, unsure, or if you simply do not feel your advisor if of any help, you may request a new advisor. See your student handbook for the colleges specific policy on requesting a new advisor.
Pay attention to each academic calendar. This publication outlines the university dates of important events, and three specific dates that are crucial to the student: Midterm testing, last day to drop, & finals. Midterms, or semester tests are often piled on during the middle of the semester, and usually fall in the month of October (for the fall semester) and March (for the spring semester). You'll find that some professors provide you with ample time to prepare, where others are more cut-throat. Likewise, the last day to drop is provided because faculty and administration would rather you drop a class and try again at a later date, than to receive a failing grade or simply stop coming. By using the information provided on the calendar, you can save yourself much heartache in the future. Lastly, finals. These are the exams given at the end of the semester that may or may not be comprehensive, and that carry more weight than other assignments in the class.
Two sub-areas to mention: Weighted grading/keeping up with your grade, and keeping assignments that were submitted and handed back. Weighted grading is an aspect of college and of which your may or may not have been exposed to in high school. Basically, the assignments carry weight toward your final grade. As such, a simple assignment may constitute 5% of your final grade, and a test may carry more weight of 25 - 30%. Additionally, many colleges and universities now use an online tool such as BlackBoard Learn or Moodle, for the purpose of submitting assignments and grades. If your instructor does not use an online program, your syllabus should state weights of assignments which will allow you to keep up with your grade independently. When you submit an assignment (especially online), be certain you keep a backup copy on a jump drive or online drive. Technology is great, until it glitches and you lose an assignment in cyberspace! When you receive assignments that have been graded, be certain to hold onto them throughout the remainder of the semester. Instructors are not above mistake and can accidentally transpose numbers. The difference between 89 and 98 is a letter grade. If you see that your grades are not correct, address the matter (politely) with your instructor.
I lack knowledge in many of the campus clubs, programs, sports groups, fraternities, and sororities. Approach these if you are interested, and only after you have researched them.
These are just a few of the things to expect when you begin college. While the list may seem downtrodden, please keep in mind: I'm 37 years old, I have five kids, and I am in Grad school - I enjoy learning and love school. But I am tired and want to be finished.
grants, scholarships, and student loans - which one should i choose
The basics that you need to know:
Grants are free funding that you receive to help finance your college education. Grants typically do not need repayment, but are contingent on your attendance in credit hours per semester, your GPA, and your financial aid status. Pell is an example of grants.
Scholarships are free funding that you apply for to help finance your college education. Scholarships do not need repayment, are contingent on your attendance in credit hours per semester, your GPA, and your financial status, as well as other requirements. Primarily, scholarships are issued after applications have been reviewed to determine whether you meet the criteria for that specific scholarship. Scholarships will vary based on the university, may be private or public, are often highly competitive, and usually require some form of essay or other writing, such as recommendation letters. Be sure to read all of the information for applying before submitting your application.
Student Loans are applied for in effor to offset your college expenses and to help supplement your income should you require it. TRY NOT TO REQUIRE IT! Student loans are provided by the federal government and REQUIRE REPAYMENT. There are two forms of student loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. Direct Subsidized loans are loans that draw interest but that which the Federal Government pays while you are in college or when the loan is in deferment. Direct Unsubsidized loans are loans that draw interest the moment the loan is taken out. Currently (December 2016), the current rate of interest for direct sub and unsub loans at the undergraduate level is 3.76%, and 5.31% for graduate loans. Be certain that you only take what you absolutely need when applying for loans. They can cost a small fortune and many students who take out loans graduate with a debt of over $37,000.
Be sure to talk to someone you trust about your financial needs before taking out student loans! I cannot repeat this enough and I have drilled this into my oldest child, who has just completed her first semester - debt free! Let's hope that holds out for the remainder of her educational career.
Grants are free funding that you receive to help finance your college education. Grants typically do not need repayment, but are contingent on your attendance in credit hours per semester, your GPA, and your financial aid status. Pell is an example of grants.
Scholarships are free funding that you apply for to help finance your college education. Scholarships do not need repayment, are contingent on your attendance in credit hours per semester, your GPA, and your financial status, as well as other requirements. Primarily, scholarships are issued after applications have been reviewed to determine whether you meet the criteria for that specific scholarship. Scholarships will vary based on the university, may be private or public, are often highly competitive, and usually require some form of essay or other writing, such as recommendation letters. Be sure to read all of the information for applying before submitting your application.
Student Loans are applied for in effor to offset your college expenses and to help supplement your income should you require it. TRY NOT TO REQUIRE IT! Student loans are provided by the federal government and REQUIRE REPAYMENT. There are two forms of student loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. Direct Subsidized loans are loans that draw interest but that which the Federal Government pays while you are in college or when the loan is in deferment. Direct Unsubsidized loans are loans that draw interest the moment the loan is taken out. Currently (December 2016), the current rate of interest for direct sub and unsub loans at the undergraduate level is 3.76%, and 5.31% for graduate loans. Be certain that you only take what you absolutely need when applying for loans. They can cost a small fortune and many students who take out loans graduate with a debt of over $37,000.
Be sure to talk to someone you trust about your financial needs before taking out student loans! I cannot repeat this enough and I have drilled this into my oldest child, who has just completed her first semester - debt free! Let's hope that holds out for the remainder of her educational career.
Scholarships: Where do I find them?
Just recently (October 10, 2017), I was contacted by Rachel at Reviews.com, who asked if I would share their reviews and ratings of scholarship assistance sites and how to find them.
Please be advised, the information contained on the site is separate and in no way affiliated with Generation Homeschool, Evans Homeschool Academy, or it's other affiliates.
Please be advised, the information contained on the site is separate and in no way affiliated with Generation Homeschool, Evans Homeschool Academy, or it's other affiliates.
Arkansas State University Online Portal Program
Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is home to more than 13,500 students from various parts of the world. With foreign language programs, undergraduate degrees, and over 100 areas of study, Arkansas State is the university of choice for many in students in the area. According to their website, ASU was founded in 1909 and is the second largest university in Arkansas. But those statistics are representative of the students who live on campus or commute to class.
Thanks to ASU and their desire to reach potential students, I was contacted by Nici Sandberg, Senior Content Manager for ASU's online degree program. Ms. Sandberg informed me of their Online Portal Program. She states, "our team of copywriters and data analysts have spent the last 2 years compiling an online educational hub for current and prospective students attending college in Arkansas." The dedication she and her team carries is great, and she is eager to meet the needs of current and future students who find online programs more beneficial over traditional campus learning.
She further states, "While we still have plenty of room for improvement, we've produced some truly exceptional content around Arkansas State that outlines many of the advantages of going to college in our state, including some truly comprehensive degree program and career guides."
If you are a homeschool parent, a homeschool graduate, or simply a person looking for information to better your education and your future, you owe it to yourself to check out their site! Click on the button below for more information about the Online Portal Program. View the slideshow for images of ASU's campus.
Thanks to ASU and their desire to reach potential students, I was contacted by Nici Sandberg, Senior Content Manager for ASU's online degree program. Ms. Sandberg informed me of their Online Portal Program. She states, "our team of copywriters and data analysts have spent the last 2 years compiling an online educational hub for current and prospective students attending college in Arkansas." The dedication she and her team carries is great, and she is eager to meet the needs of current and future students who find online programs more beneficial over traditional campus learning.
She further states, "While we still have plenty of room for improvement, we've produced some truly exceptional content around Arkansas State that outlines many of the advantages of going to college in our state, including some truly comprehensive degree program and career guides."
If you are a homeschool parent, a homeschool graduate, or simply a person looking for information to better your education and your future, you owe it to yourself to check out their site! Click on the button below for more information about the Online Portal Program. View the slideshow for images of ASU's campus.
Black River Technical College - Associate of Arts online Degree Program
Coming Soon!
Arkansas Northeastern College
Coming Soon!
Crowley's Ridge College
Coming Soon!
ADDITIONAL ONLINE UNIVERSITIES AND PROGRAMS
Disclaimer: The following universities have contacted me requesting their information be added as a resource for parents and students. I received no reimbursement, tuition discounts or other monetary gain from sharing this information. Generation Homeschool is not affiliated with any links posted herein.
GRantham University
Grantham University, located in Lenexa, KS, reports that all programs offered are accredited by DEAC. Some programs have additional, higher level accreditations like EET (ABET) and business programs (IACBE). And, yes, credits earned will transfer, but not universally which is common. Like most universities, core programs are often accepted at other institutions, but when you get into higher level, more program specific courses, those might not transfer. It depends on the program and the institution you’re trying to transfer them to.
Additionally, Grantham offers a variety of online degrees geared toward helping you earn your degree at your pace. With various grants and scholarships available, financing your education is certainly possible at Grantham.
Check out Grantham University's website for more information!
Additionally, Grantham offers a variety of online degrees geared toward helping you earn your degree at your pace. With various grants and scholarships available, financing your education is certainly possible at Grantham.
Check out Grantham University's website for more information!
