A new online resource has recently been launched by the government to encourage high school students to go to college and to help them figure out how to get there. It also helps their parents learn how to be supportive partners throughout the process.

College.gov, the new website, was implemented by the United States Department of Education. It was designed by students, however, so it is colorful and hip – not like most other government-backed websites! The site features several videos and written testimonials of students who overcame hurdles such as peer pressure, lack of funding, or an supportive family and still made it to college.  

The site is divided into two main sections.  The first section is for the high school student and the second one is for the student’s parents and family. The section for students is grouped into several subcategories. One, called “why go,” tells students all the various ways college can improve their lives. The reasons include boosting future earning potential, finding your passion, and creating a legacy of success in your family. Pretty compelling reasons, I’d say!

The next section, “what to do,” is excellent for students who know they are interested in college but don’t know how to get started. This section teaches you the difference between 4-year and vocational schools, explains the importance of entrance exams, provides tips on applying to schools, and helps you creative a personalized, interactive roadmap to college based on your high school grade level.

It’s no secret that college prices are rising, and the hefty price tag may cause many potential college students to think a higher education is out of reach. Not so! The third section, “how to pay,” explains all your payment options for school. These include government aid, scholarships, private loans, grants, work-study programs, and more. The section also provides money management tips and advice on avoiding financial scams in the application process.

Are you motivated to go to college but just can’t get your family to approve or help you? College.gov’s section for parents and family of the student is there to help get them on your side. This section explains why helping your child go to college is a gift that will help give them a better life. It explains how parents can help their children in the application process and how to deal with the cost of college expenses.

I love that the government has stepped in to create this resource. Now that the doors of college are open to more students than ever, those who choose not to go will be left behind. They will have less career opportunities and earning potential. I think it is wonderful that the government has made a student-friendly online resource, especially with all the testimonials from real students who overcame hardship and made it to college. It’s also great that the website includes a section for parents, because even if the student is desperate to go to college, an uncooperative parent can put those plans to a stop. Kudos to the Department of Education for putting together this new resource to show students that going to college doesn’t have to just be a dream!

Sure you didn't stop world hunger or end global warming, but that family trip might be worth mentioning to the College Admission Officers. What about that job or when you went to work with your folks or a family friend? Chances are, that aside from your killer tan, you have worked on a few things that show your ambition and dedication- that's what counts!  

What you do with your free time can be a great show and tell for your college resume and maybe even a great essay topic- so let's think about this. What really impresses the colleges is that you make great choices that may expand your horizons, show responsibility, build creativity or help others.  

Here are a few things that colleges like to see:  

Job experience: Such as babysitting, tutoring, mowing lawns, and youth work programs sponsored by the government, city or county. Maybe you worked in a family business or within your community- think about what your summer job taught you about responsibility, working with others and self-motivation. Did you pick up any skills that might benefit you in college or a future career?  

Job shadowing: Did you go to work with somebody and watch them on the job? It is really helpful if you were in an industry that involves a major you have in mind!  

Summer programs: Did you attend any academic enrichment programs on college campuses with or without college credit as an additional benefit. Many of these programs, also known as “pre-college” programs are specific to an interest area such as engineering, technology, nursing, and visual or performing arts. Did you go to any athletic camps or a religious camp? Bonus if you were a student leader for younger campers!  

Community service: Did you help out the neighborhood, tutor at a local school, spend time at a retirement center, volunteer at a hospital? College admission officers are interested in seeing how you have helped others; it shows maturity, initiative, a strong work ethic, and even creativity.  

Traveling: is a great way to spend your summer and learn. If you’re lucky enough to do some extensive summer traveling make sure you journal your activities and who you meet along the way. Take lots of pictures as well, it helps jog your memory. Adventures such as these could make great topics for a college essay!  

Good news our friends: It's not too late! Start thinking about how you are going to show off your responsible, ambitious, adventurous self. Use your free time to invest in your future!  

Our advice: write a draft of your ideal college resume, use that as a guide to plan your activities, go accomplish your goals and become your ideal college's dream applicant!

Making the Grade: Is an easy “A” better than a hard “B”?

When it comes to choosing classes, most of us think about how easy it will be to make the grade, rack up credits for graduation, our homework load, the teacher's reputation and so on. But, have you ever wondered about how these classes are going to look to your future college admission officers?

What do you think goes further:

A) A perfect “A” in Bowling, the easiest Math class, easiest Science class, English with the least amount of writing, etc?

or

B) A solid mix of “A's” and “B's” in Honors English, AP Math, Advanced Chemistry, etc?

Remember, you have to take the hard stuff in college anyway and the college admission officers would like to see that you made the most of what your high school had to offer. The more selective a college is, the more that they “zero in” on how you played your cards in high school. Don't try to bluff them with a great GPA in “gravy” courses. College Admissions officers know their stuff when it comes to easy vs. hard classes at your school, your grading system and your coursework.

When students ask me about the best high school game plan for “getting in”, I recommend taking:

·         Four years of English with a strong writing component

·         Four years College preparatory mathematics including Algebra, Geometry and two units of advanced mathematics.

·         Four years Foreign language

·         Two to three years Laboratory science (biology, chemistry, physics)

·         Two to three years History

Have questions about your high school game plan? Go ahead and comment, the My College Options Team is looking forward to hearing from you.