College Counseling Articles

FAFSA Tips for High School Seniors

By Jeff S. | 2/10/2013 11:28 PM CST |

College - bound high school seniors are facing a deadline they may not know about: the FAFSA application. It’s easy to understand how students can overlook it with all their high school work and graduation requirements on their minds. But, failing to turn the form in can make them ineligible for college financial aid next year. This article will teach high school seniors basic facts and tips to make filling out their FAFSA easy!

1. What Does the FAFSA Determine?The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) determines you/ your “Expected Family Contribution” (EFC) to your college education...

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Making Math Matter

By Jeff S. | 2/3/2013 10:15 PM CST |

In the United States, standardized test scores show that Math is one of the subjects students struggle with the most. State and federal grants are available to fund new and existing Math - focused programs with the goal of helping students improve their performance on these tests. Parents can lend a hand by making Math matter in the young people’s lives. This article lists five activities parents can do with their children to help them understand the importance of Math skills and improve their Math comprehension.

1. “Everyday Math”.This isn’t the same as the Math method many schools teach...

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Scheduling Your First Semesters at College

By Jeff S. | 2/2/2013 2:28 PM CST |

Many high school seniors are starting to think about their freshmen year of college. Some may have already been accepted and are already thinking about their summer visit and freshmen orientation. In their excitement, they may be forgetting the most important part of the visit, filling out their fall schedules. This article gives you five tips to remember when making your fall schedule this summer.

1. Know Yourself.Most college orientation programs include a graphic demonstration of how many of you won’t be back for a second semester. I remember the demonstration at my orientation. Freshmen...

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Simple methods for any age - Helping your child long before the SAT testing

By Colleen Q. | 1/22/2013 1:14 PM CST |

I find most folks today (kids & adults) have the most difficulty in reading and comprehension of what they are reading.

Much of that is due to a lack of reading, most folks do not know much in the way of vocabulary (beyond every day useage) and that really hurts them when they come to testing. I also note that most folks don't put much time into reading for pleasure. And the GREAT thing is that it can be fixed!!!! (wahoo!!! life is good)

Parents, it's important to impress upon your (hopefully) college bound child EARLY on as a freshman - sophomore - junior - senior, that the better they...

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Should You Take the PSAT?

By Jeff S. | 1/12/2013 3:26 PM CST |

When it comes to standardized tests, the PSAT is often overlooked as an “unnecessary step” in the college entrance process. School guidance counselors steer students toward the SAT and ACT; many teachers mention it in their 6th and 7th grade classrooms. This leaves students and parents alike wondering whether they should even bother taking the PSAT. This article explains the purpose of the PSAT test itself and lists four (4) reasons students should take the PSAT and the benefits of doing so.

What is the PSAT test, anyway?

First, PSAT stands for “Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test”. In...

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When should I take the SAT? How many times should I take the SAT?

By K Mason S. | 1/7/2013 11:09 AM CST |

How do you decide? Well there is a KEY piece of information that most students/parents don't consider because: (1) they don't know about it, and (2) it's definitely counter-intuitive, if not downright irrational. And what is this critical, missing nugget of knowledge?

Why it's "SUPER SCORING," also known as "SAT® Score-Use Practices."

Super scoring comes in six delectable flavors:

1. Highest Section Scores Across Test Dates — Version 1 (Highest M, CR, W)
2. Highest Section Scores Across Test Dates — Version 2 (Highest M, CR, W)
3. Single Highest Test Date — Version 1 (Sum of M+CR+W)
4...

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Happy New Year!

By Michelle C. | 1/6/2013 2:39 PM CST |

First of all, Happy New Year to everyone! I hope the holidays and vacation time have been well.

I want to bring to all my students' attention that this is the half- way point in the school year. If you haven't started to take your grades seriously, now is the time. Now is time to start studying for tests more and not slack on any more homework assignments. Time to stop passing notes in class and take notes on the lecture instead. Time to schedule extra tutoring sessions and plan group study sessions.

For the juniors and seniors, now is the time to start focusing on those college and university...

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Congratulations to CHRIS, for getting A's in some very challenging business courses.

By Paul C. | 12/16/2012 6:33 AM CST |

Congratulations to CHRIS, for getting A's in some very challenging business courses. You are taking a heavy load of classes, plus you have other multiple responsibilities. You deserve a lot of credit for your good work in your Information Systems, Financial Accounting II, Management, and other classes. You're headed for success. Keep up the good work!

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Congratulations to Niesha for getting an "A" on her Operations Management final exam.

By Paul C. | 12/16/2012 6:25 AM CST |

Congratulations to Niesha for getting an "A" on her Operations Management final exam. That was a challenging class, and I know you worked hard for your good grades. I am so proud of you for your dedication and resulting success. Keep up the good work, and before you know it, you will be graduating!

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Do You Need a Tutor, pt. 2

By Jeff S. | 10/31/2012 1:18 AM CST |

Part 2 of this article relates to professionals, “non – traditional” college students, and military candidates who are making the tutoring decision. (Part 1gives advice and tips to parents and college students.)

Professionals

Professionals have different tutoring needs. Sometimes, employees are contractually obligated to earn college credits every few years. Some employers withhold pay raises if education and training requirements aren’t met. Most employers also list a minimum grade requirement for courses.

Once you have gone to class the first time, review your course materials and syllabus...

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