Leaving the nest? Have a talk with parents before the big move 02/09/2011

Have you ever wondered why your mom or dad continues to yell at you? You’re doing better in school, you’re involved in after school activities and you’re taking on more responsibility at home. 

Your parents may be suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome, which refers to feelings of depression, sadness and grief experienced by parents and caregivers after children go to college or move out.

 

So as a teenager, how do you navigate the minefield of your parents’ emotions and establish a better relationship during this time of transition? Try these 7 tips.

 

Tip #1 Establish Respect 

Think about the reasons why you respect your parents and verbalize them. If you focus on the reasons why you respect them, it will loosen the defenses between you.

 

Tip #2 Active Listening

Parents are human, too. They have fears and hang-ups just like you. At times those fears and hang-ups come out during family discussions and arguments. In order to minimize the tension, really listen to what your parents say. Active listening means you’ll have to turn off the iPod, put down the cell phone and make eye contact.

 

Tip #3 Understanding More Deeply

Before you take action or respond to a comment ask, “If I understand you correctly…” This allows you to clearly understand your parent’s intentions and helps you clarify what they want you to do. This type of deep listening takes practice but will serve you well in all of your relationships.

 

Tip #4 Appreciation

Parents love it when they feel their teenager still appreciates them, especially during a time when you’re less dependent. If you are unsure of how parents would like for you to show appreciation, ask them.

 

Tip #5 Be Supportive

Just like you want support in the choices you make, your parents also need support. 

• If your parents work, cook dinner or do extra chores.

• If you have younger siblings, baby-sit one night on the weekends.

• Suggest an outing with one or both of your parents to a favorite spot.

 

Tip #6 Be More Responsible

If you say you are going to do something, then do it. Your parents are watching to see whether you can follow through on a commitment. An increase in your level of responsibility decreases a parent’s anxiety level.

 

Tip #7 Increase your Independence

Having more independence to make your own choices will be the next chapter in your personal growth. It takes time to attain higher levels of independence because there are new skills you need to develop. Independence involves taking risks and understanding the choices you make won’t always turn out the way you plan. If you have the opportunity now to gain more independence, ask for it. Try declining the offer of allowance and getting a job, or wake yourself up in the morning. Maybe pick a night where you plan and cook the family meal.These tips will make your parents adjustment to an empty nest much easier. It will also make your return expected, welcomed and more enjoyable. 

 

Keith Dent is a life coach and owner of Strive 2 Succeed Coaching Services. Dent is also the host of Teen Love Radio on Blog Talk Radio. For questions, contact him at strive2succeed@comcast.net

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State schools explained Understanding public colleges and universities can help your family explore all its educational options. 10/16/2008

"Toga! Toga! Toga!" Does the thought of sending your student to college conjure up images you’d rather not have?

 

If you think going to a “state-owned school” means all-night parties, football games and little class time, it’s time to think again.

There are three main types of state or public institutions of higher education.

1. Land grant schools bear the name of their state. They were founded by each state with certain criteria to follow, such as Penn State and West Virginia University.

2. State-related schools are public but funded only partially by the state, such as the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University. In several instances, land grant schools are also state-related, such as Penn State University.

3. State-owned schools are owned and governed by the state. Examples are the State University of New York system and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Ed.

Myth 1: At a state-owned school, you get what you pay for.

Truth is: People often use this phrase to justify paying a high price on items. But when it comes to higher education, that’s not always the case. State-owned schools often offer lower tuition rates not because their education is second-rate, but because they are supported financially by the state government and not privatized.

They do not require payments to CEOs, shareholders or other interest groups. State schools offer quality, competitive educational programs at affordable prices, even for out-of-state students.

Best advice: Check into the tuition costs, and ask where the dollars are spent.

Myth 2: At a state-owned school, classes aren’t taught by real professors.

Truth is: Classes are taught by “real” professors, those who have a doctoral degree in the area they teach. There may be a few graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), but they aren’t just anyone pulled off the street.

GTAs go through competitive training to be able to provide the best education to underclassmen.

Best advice: Have your teen research faculty biographies, and then contact faculty at different schools. Your student should ask questions about the program and, if you’re able to visit the school, ask to meet with the professors face to face.

 

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Avoid a family feud when planning for college Planning for college can be stressful enough without adding parent-teen angst in the equation! Here are some tips on how to handle some potentially difficult situations 01/04/2008

Planning for college
When the countdown to college begins, the pressure and deadlines can strain even the best family relationships. You and your parents should watch out for these potential conflict areas.

Time bomb 1: Clashes over colleges and courses
Before you know it, you’ll be up to your ears in college planning materials.

“The college admission process is all-consuming for families,” says Judy Anderson, a partner with College to Career, a consulting firm in suburban Minneapolis.

You may soon discover that you and your parents have very different ideas about which college you should attend and what you should study. It’s important to discuss your differences. Your parents might be able to help you see other factors in a college choice, or you might convince them of another school’s worthiness.

“Where you go to college does not guarantee success,” reminds Anderson. It’s what you do with your education that matters most.
 
Parent tip: There are lots of terrific universities. Help your student explore the possibilities. Remember, getting into college is the easy part, but getting out with a degree is what matters. If your student is excited about their coursework and campus, there’s a greater chance they will succeed.

Time bomb 2: Misunderstandings about money
As you’ve probably heard, there is a magic formula that indicates what your family is expected to put toward college.
 
“It’s fairly common that a family can’t or won’t be able to pay,” says Helen Nunn, director of financial aid at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa. Talk to your parents about money now, before you get to deep in college planning. Don’t wait until the first bill is due to discover  they can’t pay as much as you hoped. The earlier you can start your search for funding, the better.

Before you decide to cover your tuition with college loans and credit cards, consider getting a job. According to Nunn, students who work during college tend to be more organized and earn better grades. If you work on campus, your boss will probably let you work around your class schedule. “A job on campus can be like a home away from home,” says Nunn. “It’s nice to know that someone on campus knows you and is looking out for you.”

Parent tip: Discuss money now. Help your student find a job and open a banking account. Teach him how to use credit wisely so he doesn’t impact his ability to get loans later on.

Time bomb 3: Difficulties with details and deadlines
According to Michael Alexander, chairman of Student Financial Aid Services in Davis, Calif., “One error on the FAFSA could keep you from attending your college of choice.”

Don’t let that error be missing your school’s financial aid deadlines. Check to see if additional financial aid forms are required by the colleges you’re considering, and keep a calendar of deadlines in a prominent place.
 
If you need your parents to complete certain paperwork, let them know immediately. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for help.

Parent tip: Your teen has a ton of work to do right now. Look for ways to lighten the load. Doing simple things like making copies, running to the post office or pulling information from a few Web sites can demonstrate your support. Don’t admonish them if they take a day off now and then…after all, they’re human!

College is just around the corner, and the clock is already ticking. Make plans now so that a college education can become your reality. And remember, as hard as it gets, there are people available to help you every step of the way.

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How to win the financial aid game Answers to your mom and dad’s questions from the author of Winning the College Admission Game 01/04/2008

Parents and financial aid

Q: My daughter is in love with a college and wants to apply early decision. We’re concerned about finances and want to know if applying ED makes sense.
A: This can be tricky, as applying ED effectively limits her options. If you are prepared to support her financially if she gets in and the financial aid is doable from your vantage point, then a little advanced research can put your mind at ease. Visit the financial aid office at her first-choice college in August or September of her senior year. Take your most recent pay stubs as well as your federal tax returns from the previous year. Most financial aid officers will work with parents to establish an “early estimate” of your expected family contribution (EFC). If it is close to the number you have in mind and you are prepared to forego other options, ED not only makes your daughter happy, it makes sense. If not, she would be wise to keep her options open.

Q: What will happen to the financial aid our oldest child currently receives when his younger brother enrolls next fall?
A: In all likelihood, it will increase. The awarding process begins with an assessment of your EFC. Whereas this amount was used to support one student in college last year, it will now be needed to support two students. The respective colleges should recognize this and expect that you will contribute half to the support for each of the boys’ education.

Q: Can I count on institutional scholarships being renewed?
A: Read the fine print on each financial aid award about “renewability.” Students must reapply for need-based assistance every year. For merit scholarships that are renewable, recipients are often required to achieve and maintain a certain GPA.

Q: I’m about to start my senior year. Is there anything I can do now to improve my chances of getting good financial aid?
A: Absolutely! Put yourself on the right competitive playing field. Colleges are constantly making decisions to admit based on how they value the students who have applied. Putting yourself on the right playing field means you have applied to a college where you are not only qualified, but are highly attractive as a potential member of its community. To get the best financial support, apply to colleges where your credentials are likely to be most compelling.

Q: How much negotiating can we expect in the financial aid process?
A: Though colleges generally don’t like to think they negotiate financial aid awards, some will invite you to submit the best offers from other schools in making competitive adjustments to their own. Regardless, most colleges will review appeals based on new information (loss of income, economic catastrophe, etc.). If you make such an appeal, do it in writing directly to the college’s financial aid office.

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Need help paying for college? Tips for families on what to do or think about when considering college costs and the costs involved in earning a college degree 01/04/2008

Overwhelmed by the FAFSA, loan applications and schools with costs topping what your family earns in a year? Think your family will never be able to pay for college?

Think again. Parents, here’s what to do before, while and after your teen applies to college to ensure your family’s financial road to higher education is smooth. Consider this your college guide to financial planning!

Before applying to college
Have a family conversation about college costs
Regardless of what your plan is to help your teen pay for college, share it as soon as possible. Planning to pay for it all? Define “all.” Must they earn a minimum GPA? Does “all” include room, board and spending money? Will you pay for more than four years of college? If you plan to pay for part, little or nothing of college, have that discussion, too. Help your teen search for other solutions, such as student loans, scholarships or part-time jobs.

While applying to college
Don’t be afraid of private schools
However daunting a published tuition figure is, remember that most private schools have large endowments, which can translate to scholarship money for worthwhile students. Look at the college guides. If your teen finds a private college that is a good fit, it might just match—or cost less than—a public school’s cost to attend.

Consider a community college
Have your teen consider spending a year or two at a community college to save money. Community colleges are affordable places to earn associate’s degrees and take courses required of any degree, allowing students to transfer to a four-year school later. If transferring is your teen’s goal, encourage him to meet with a transfer adviser ASAP to learn his options.

Look for little-known secrets
Did you know that Cornell University actually has New York state public colleges under the umbrella of the university?

Students who attend Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or College of Human Ecology receive an education partly funded by the state of New York, so they pay roughly half of Cornell’s usual tuition.

Ask the colleges your teen is interested in if there are similar setups. (Hint: Also check out the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y.)

Harvard and Yale have programs that ax tuition for families with incomes of less than $60,000 (Harvard) or $45,000 (Yale) a year. If your family meets this fiscal requirement, your teen might have a shot at a free Ivy League education.

And another “secret” to consider: programs through which students earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. That will save your student at least a year’s worth of grad school tuition.

Encourage your teen apply to an honors college
Many schools offer honors colleges—programs for students at the top of the applicant pool—that usually offer tons of perks: research opportunities, different course opportunities, internships, preferential class registration and grants for activities like study abroad. Encourage your teen to call the admissions department to see if his potential university has an honors college, and if he’ll automatically be considered or should apply separately.

After applying to college
Fill out the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (fafsa.ed.gov) is used to determine your family’s eligibility for government student loans and grants. Many colleges also use it to determine eligibility for their own institutional financial aid programs. It doesn’t take long to complete—about 20 minutes—but it could be your teen’s ticket to free money from the government or college, low-interest loans or a work-study job.

Your family should fill out a FAFSA every year you have a teen in college, no matter how much aid you think you will (or won’t) receive. The bottom line is, you’ll have a hard time getting any tuition help if you don’t apply.

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Private school options Will attending a private high school better your teen’s financial aid chances? 10/17/2007

Private Colleges

What do you tell families who feel that they have to choose between private school tuition or saving for college?
If a family knows the private college is the best choice for the student and their budget can accommodate the cost, then the decision may be made already. Understanding how to fit these bills into the scheme of the family’s life is imperative. 

In your experience, does a private, grammar school education have a bearing on the type and the amount of available financial aid?
Because the term financial aid is truly based on need, we find that the school one attends (public or private college) does not typically get you more aid. Your income, investments and assets dictate your ability to qualify for financial aid. Occasionally, scholarships are considered financial aid, although they are typically based on student merit, such as school attended and grade qualifications. Parents may find some private schools provide superior programs and that in turn may qualify students for more scholarships.

Do you have any statistics that show that a private school education increases the likelihood of scholarships or other types of financial aid? 
Scholarships are awarded for a range of specifics, such as minority class, religion, heritage, and involvement in community and athletics, or high GPA, excellent grades or a well-written essay. Some scholarships may be given just for students attending a certain high school, but the fact a student attended a private high school will not usually increase their chance of getting scholarships. Financial aid is awarded based on need and if the parents and students do not have need, they will not qualify for most types of financial aid, regardless of the fact they attended a private school.

Are there ways to finance private school in order to make it easier to save for college? For instance, are private school loans that allow families to spread payments out over a number of years a good idea? 
Tuition Payment Plans such as Sallie Mae’s TuitionPay offer an interest-free, debt-free way to spread tuition payments over a number of months. The TuitionPay plan is not a loan: There are no interest payments, just a low annual enrollment fee. Plans like this allow parents to spread payment out so that they can better handle the cost of college.  

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How to involve your mom and dad in the college planning process Get your parents involved with these tips 10/16/2007

Parents and college planning

When Nancy Rodriguez began planning for college, she quickly noticed that her parents’ involvement in the process was limited.

“They just knew about where I wanted to go,” says Rodriguez, a senior at the University of Southern California who grew up in Los Angeles’s inner-city community of Southgate.

With two parents who worked constantly and viewed education differently than other parents she knew, Rodriguez says she sometimes felt disappointed at her family’s lack of involvement in her college planning.

“My parents even said, ‘You could just find a job’ [instead of going to college],” she says. “At times, it could be really disappointing to hear that.”

Many students face less parental involvement in their college planning process than they’d like. Why is that?

“Some parents may feel like they’re not sure how much they can contribute,” says William Vela, Director of El Centro Chicano at the University of Southern California.

Here’s how both students and parents can involve each other in the process more:
• Students: Realize that your parents’ educational process may have taken place in a different country!
• Parents: Recognize your own feelings about education, and discuss how they differ from your teen’s.

Cultural differences and preconceptions about education may be the issue for some parents.
“They might be people who immigrated to the United States, so their educational process happened in another country,” Vela points out. He adds that this can put parents in a peculiar situation: Though your parents certainly want what’s best for you, they may not know how things work when it comes to applying to college in the U.S.

• Students: Translate when necessary.
• Parents: Ask for clarification if needed.

Something as simple as translating or describing some of the major terms behind college planning can become a daunting task for students whose parents speak limited English.

Rodriguez recalls telling her parents about grants she would receive—and being unable to allay her parents’ fears that those grants would not have to be paid back.

“There’s not a Spanish word that explained grants to my parents,” she says.

• Students: Take the responsibility for gathering information about colleges.
• Parents: Set aside time to talk about college specifically with your teen.

Still other parents may be prevented by economic reasons and hectic work schedules from taking time off to help you with your college planning. Rodriguez acknowledges that what initially seemed like disinterest from her parents was actually attributable to their jobs.

“That’s a big factor that I didn’t realize, and thought they just didn’t care,” Rodriguez says. “Sometimes they want to be involved but can’t because of their difficult schedules.”

• Students: Ask about, and take advantage of, college Q&A sessions for new students and parents.
• Parents: If you see an opportunity in the college-planning process to make it more accessible to parents, share your ideas with high school or college staff.

Vela says colleges and universities aren’t necessarily making things easier for parents of multicultural students.

For example, Vela would like to see colleges present materials in dual languages and have question-and-answer sessions for parents of multicultural students.

“If the school’s showing that effort, then parents are able to more freely ask questions and feel like they can get involved,” Vela says. “Parents sometimes need to speak to other parents and form support groups. They may be able to find out about some amazing opportunities.”

• Students: Share your college experience with your parents before they ask.
• Parents: Show interest in your student’s postsecondary adventures.

Rodriguez says something as simple as parents talking to their kids in college can help both the parents and students feel more involved.

“Ask your kids what they’re doing,” Rodriguez advises parents. That helps students “realize that school is important to [you].”

Rodriguez says she makes a point to call her parents about upcoming activities in which she’s involved.

“If I’m having an event, I tell them and try to bring them in a little bit,” she says. “They came once and really liked it, so they’re getting more involved with the [collegiate] community.”

Rodriguez shows her parents around her school and asks them to participate when possible. She recently enlisted her mother to cook for a Latino cultural event that she’s organizing.

Vela recalls trying to get into a magnet program in high school. He and his mother both attended a conference with school authorities.

“My mom’s educational level wasn’t the highest, and her English wasn’t the greatest, but together we were able to have that conversation with the principal,” Vela says.

Because he stepped up and got his mother involved, Vela was accepted to the program and went on to college. “I think sometimes you almost have to take the lead in certain conversations, but still need to involve your parents,” Vela says.

Both students and parents benefit when Mom and Dad are involved in the college-planning process.

“It takes an effort on both sides,” says Rodriguez. “But once you get it going, the results are good.”

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Early decision explained Should your teen apply to college early? 10/16/2007

What is early decision? What is early action?

Early application plans have been around for decades. However, they’ve only become hot topics among college-bound families over the past 10 years. Today, they are actually the driving force behind some students’ college planning.

To understand how early plans have taken center stage for some students, you need to first understand how the college application calendar works. Generally speaking, there are three different college application timelines:

1. Regular admissions. Students apply by a midwinter deadline, hear from colleges in early April, and make decisions and notify colleges by May 1 (known as the universal candidate reply date) about whether or not they will attend. This was the norm until fairly recently.

2. Rolling admissions. Students apply and usually receive an admissions decision within two to six weeks from the time they submit an application. Most public universities and many private colleges use this timeline. It’s by far the most widely used calendar today—and popular with students because it reduces the period of uncertainty.

3. Early application. Essentially, two types of early plans—one nonbinding and the other binding—are offered by several hundred colleges that also use the regular application calendar. Here’s how they differ:

• Early action (EA). This is a nonbinding plan that requires students to submit applications in early fall (usually by Nov. 1 or 15). The college lets them know whether or not they’ve been accepted by early January, but they have the right to wait until May 1 before responding. This gives them time to compare colleges, including financial aid offers, before making a decision, because an EA application doesn’t commit a student to enroll if offered admission.

• Early decision (ED). This is considered binding, so it’s essential that your teen be certain about wanting to enroll at that college. As with early action, students submit applications in early fall. Sometime between mid-December and the beginning of January, the college notifies them whether they have been admitted, deferred to the pool of regular applicants for a spring decision, or denied admission to the college.

By applying under an early decision plan, your teen has made a commitment to attend that college and surrendered the right to wait until May 1 to make a decision.

High school counselors and college admissions officers take that commitment very seriously. Reneging on your agreement after being offered early decision admission could result in other colleges refusing to admit the student.

Susan Biemeret is coordinator of college counseling at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Ill. Excerpted from the 2007 College Handbook. Copyright © 2006 The College Board. Reproduced with permission. collegeboard.com

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Use this college-term glossary to get a clue! This glossary of terms used when applying for college can help you talk about college admissions like a pro. 10/16/2007

Common College Terms

Parents, need to know what all those common college terms are? Read on!

Add: Adding a course is when you join a course roster either before the class starts or during the first week of courses. This varies at each university. See your adviser or the registrar’s office for more information.

Admissions office: The admissions office is where you can go to meet with an admissions counselor to learn about the different degree programs offered by a university. The admissions office is also where you send your application, admissions fee and official transcripts. If you are accepted into a program, you will receive an acceptance letter from the admissions office.

Adviser: An adviser is a person you can talk to about your degree program, schedule, study habits, what courses to take, how to add/drop/withdraw from a course, degree or course requirements, and who can help you with any other questions you have regarding your degree.

Audit: When you take a course for general knowledge building, not a grade, it’s called auditing. Audited classes allow you to attend a course to gain information without being expected or required to do the assignments. Audited courses do not count toward your degree requirements but do appear on your transcript.

CLEP: CLEP stands for “College-Level Examination Program.” CLEP exams are distributed by the College Board and can be used to fulfill requirements of your degree. Visit www.collegeboard.org for a list of the CLEP exams offered.

Credit hours: Credit hours are awarded to a student upon passing a course. Courses typically range from one to five credit hours. You’ll need approximately 125 credit hours to
graduate.

Drop: Dropping a course is when you remove yourself from the course roster either before the course starts or during the first week of classes. Simply not going to class does not automatically drop you from a course. When you drop a course before a university’s deadline, you receive a full refund.

Full time: What you are when enrolled in 12 or more credit hours, usually three to five classes.

Half time: What you are when enrolled in six to 11 credit hours, usually two to three classes.

Major: Your major is the title of your degree. You may have different concentrations or focus areas within your major, but that does not change the title of your major. For example, you can major in business administration but focus on finance and marketing. 

Matriculated: This is when you have officially enrolled in a program after sending in the required official transcripts and admissions fee and receiving an acceptance letter. You must be matriculated to receive financial aid. 

Minor: A minor is an extra credential you can receive that is a part of your major. A minor usually consists of five to six courses in one area of study.

Online class: A class taken completely through the Web. You work on the course material through e-mail and online chat discussions, independent readings and homework.

Official transcript: A transcript is official if it’s sealed by the admissions office of that college. These transcripts are also stamped across the seal. If you receive an official transcript and open it, it is no longer official. To obtain an official transcript, you must contact the college registrar’s office.

Quarter/semester system: The quarter system means there are four 10- to 11-week terms throughout the year. In the semester system, there are usually two main semesters per year (fall and spring), each running 15 to 17 weeks depending on the school.

Registrar’s office: The registrar’s office of a school is where you go to add or drop a class from your schedule, request official transcripts, obtain a student ID, withdraw from the college or take a leave of absence. The registrar’s office also houses all official student documentation.

Transfer student: There are two types of transfer students: internal and external. An internal transfer student remains at the same university but changes majors. An external transfer student leaves one university to enter another.
If you transfer, be aware of the possibility that not all the courses you have completed will transfer into your new major or university. Each university and major has its own requirements for what will and won’t transfer.

Unofficial transcript: A transcript is unofficial if you have opened an official one or if it’s just a list of your courses with the corresponding grades and credit hours.

Withdraw: When you withdraw from a course, you must fill out a course withdrawal form and have your department chair sign it. The further into the quarter you withdraw from a course, the less money you will be refunded.

We hope you have enjoyed this list of common college terms! Now, start planning!

Abby Berner is an academic adviser in the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).

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Get students to graduate on time How to condition high school students to graduate college in four years. 10/15/2007

Tips for parents

Parents worry about the cost of college, whether their children will graduate in a timely manner, and if their kids are prepared to take the first step toward financial independence.

The best way to keep them from worrying (too much) is to help parents develop a plan to get their kids out of college—as they go through the process to get in.

Here are 10 tips to help your school’s parents get their teens into—and out of—college.

1. Talk money. Help parents deal with the sticker shock of the cost of college as early as possible. Cost is a major factor in the planning process. Many investment firms and student loan lenders have college cost calculators online. Helpful sites include nextSTEPmag.com, collegeanswer.com and troweprice.com. Parents should project the cost for when their child starts college and when they expect her to graduate—10 percent annual increases add up.

2. Determine the length. Families should find out the actual number of credits required to complete a degree at the college their child plans to attend. The typical minimum number is 120 to 128 credits.

That means that, if a student wants to graduate in four years without summer school or credits transferred in, he will need to complete 15 hours of the right courses each semester. Working or participating in extracurricular activities may limit the number of credits he takes each semester.

If a student takes only the 12 credits considered to be a full-time student, he is automatically on the five-year (or more) schedule. Enrolling in fewer than 12 credit hours may jeopardize his financial aid package or health insurance through a family plan.

3. Earn college credit now. High school students should take advantage of any opportunity to acquire college courses before they enroll in college. Options include CLEP exams, Advanced Placement classes and courses at community colleges. Students should ask how these courses will transfer to other colleges.

4. Read the manual. The average cost of a state-assisted college degree is $45,000. A private college can cost $120,000 or more, assuming no discounted tuition or scholarships.
If you spent that kind of money on an expensive car, you would expect a user-friendly owner’s manual, a warranty and good service.

Each college has an owner’s manual, too. It’s called a college catalog or bulletin, and it contains the details on how to complete a degree.

Tip for parents- College catalogs and bulletins can be found on each college’s Web site. (Most colleges no longer provide a free hard-copy catalog until after a student registers.)

Colleges do not have a warranty program. Somewhere in the catalog, there will be a disclaimer stating that “the final responsibility for completing the degree requirements rests with the students, and it is recommended that they seek advice.”

5. Ask about advising. The quality of advising varies widely across colleges and even departments within a college. Families should take the time to ask the admissions staff, faculty, students, recent graduates and administrators how academic advising is done, how well it is done and what value is placed on it. I rank good academic advising as one of the most important factors in deciding which college to attend.

6. Use the technology available. Parents should ask if their child’s college has a computerized degree audit system. It is a valuable tool that can help students and their advisers monitor their progress and complete their degrees on schedule.

7. Pinpoint a job. Parents can help students make an initial connection between a major and the world of work by finding out what happened to students who have graduated with majors that their children are interested in.

It is not easy for children to be financially independent when they complete their degrees. It certainly is not possible unless they plan career paths early in their schedule. Many students choose a major first and worry about a job and a career later...like senior year.

Parents can help their teens research how majors are connected to jobs and careers. Do this when they start college. Colleges do not offer a crash course on jobs and careers in a student’s last semester!

8. Get a feel for the salary. Spend some time with your students looking at salary data. This will help them correlate jobs to majors and earning potential.

9. Create a résumé. Help your students create résumés before they start college. They should use the résumé as a checklist to refine career objectives, work experience and skills needed for the workplace. Students should consult the career services office during their first year of college for assistance.

10. Encourage an internship. An internship is one of the best ways to gain workplace experience. Parents should encourage students to start early to identify one. In the 21st century, globalization of the workforce means it is highly likely students will have to change careers. It is essential that they take college seriously and learn how to learn as a part of the college experience.

Plan for college realistically. Gather information, examine and deal with your constraints. Encourage your teens and their parents to start working on their career plans when they enter college or before—not when they’re about to graduate!

Dr. Neal Prochnow is University of Wisconsin River Falls dean emeritus and the author of Get Out of College and Get On With Your Career…On Schedule—Insider Tips From The Dean. For more info, visit www.getoutofcollege.com.

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The cost of college

If your students don’t think getting out of college is as hard as getting in, share with them these statistics.
• 10.5 percent: Amount tuition and fees increased for public four-year colleges in 2004-2005.
• 6 percent: Amount tuition and fees increased for private colleges in 2004-2005.
• 31 percent: Students who graduate in four years.
• 28 percent: Students who graduate in four to five years.
• 17 percent: Students who graduate in 10 or more years.
• More than 50 percent: Number of students in college who indicate that they plan to live at home after graduation.
—Neal Prochnow