College Fair on March 19, 2012 – North Central College

College fairs are a great way to explore several colleges at once.

Here’s a local fair with over 200 schools scheduled to exhibit.

Attend the Illinois College Exposition!
Monday, March 19, 2012
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Residence Hall/Recreation Center

The Illinois College Exposition is a great way to learn about colleges and universities, and all local juniors and sophomores in high school are encouraged to attend with their families. Featuring approximately 200 in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities plus the armed services, ICE offers something for all in North Central College’s new Residence Hall/Recreation Center.

To get to campus, view directions or a campus map. Parking for students and families is at our campus lots near Van Buren Ave and near buildings 14-19 on the campus map. Please email Ashley Dudich at apdudich@noctrl.edu with any questions about the college fair or call the Office of Admission at 630-637-5800.

http://northcentralcollege.edu/admission/ice-fair

 

AP Classes Can Save Money on College Tuition

According to the College Board:

“Students who take longer to graduate from a public college or university typically pay between $8,000 and $19,000 for each additional year.
The typical college cost per year for a four-year public institution is $7,662 for in-state students and $18,529 for out-of-state students.

Taking AP increases eligibility for scholarships and makes candidates more attractive to colleges. 31 percent of colleges and universities consider a student’s AP experience when making decisions about which students will receive scholarships.  85 percent of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admissions decisions. Four-year graduation rate is 62% higher

“I took AP throughout high school because it was the most interesting and well-taught program offered. When I reached college, I realized that
I had accumulated a year’s worth of credits. I graduated from Michigan’s undergraduate business program a full year early, saving $30,000 and
a year’s time.” ─ Nikki Baker, student, University of Michigan”

Our counselors are available to discuss the option of taking AP courses while in high school.  Call us at 630-907-9830.

Why Take AP Courses

According to the College Board who facilitates the AP Courses:

“Most students take five or six years, and sometimes even longer, to earn their bachelor’s degrees at public colleges and universities. Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely to graduate in four years.  A 2008 study found that AP students had better four-year
graduation rates than those who did not take AP. For example, graduation rates for AP English Literature students were 62 percent higher than graduation rates for those who took other English courses in high school.  Because more than 3,200 colleges and universities in the United States offer credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying AP scores, AP students have the flexibility to double major or study abroad without putting at risk graduation in four years.”

In addition, admissions counselors review the course load students take and according to the ones we’ve interviewed, they prefer to see a tough course load over an easy course load.

To chat with one of our college counselors, call 630-907-9830.

The 50 Most Amazing College Campuses by www.thebestcolleges.com

There are many beautiful campuses around the country.  A recent article by www.thebestcolleges.com lists their ranking of the top 50.  Below are the top five.  To view them all cut and paste the link below. http://www.thebestcolleges.org/most-beautiful-campuses/

5. Lewis & Clark College

There are many excellent universities in the Pacific Northwest but none can claims the title of “prettiest campus” like Lewis & Clark College can. With extraordinary view of Mt. Hood, Lewis & Clark’s campus will inspire its students to get outside. The 130+ acre campus sits at the top of Palatine Hill, in Portland, Oregon. Attached to the campus is the Tryon Creek State Natural Area, an area which has inspired the college to continue “green” efforts working to make buildings on campus LEED certified. The unique architecture of the campus has been named the best by design experts as well as one of the prettiest campuses by the Princeton Review.

 

4. Pepperdine University

Many visitors flock to the Catalina Islands every year for the views of the Pacific ocean but students attending Pepperdine University can wake up to those views everyday. Pepperdine has some of the best student dorms in the country, and you can’t beat living right on the Pacific ocean. True to the spirit of the Pacific, several buildings on campus, including the Keck Science Center, feature Mediterranean architecture. One of the most recognizable buildings on campus is the Phillips Theme Tower, surrounded by lush landscaping that provides a welcoming environment for students.

 

3. Sewanee

As the “official” University of the South, Sewanee University is the ultimate experience in southern living and education. With nearly every building paying homage to classic Goth-style architecture, the campus oozes southern charm. One of the most notable buildings is All Saints and of course, the Tennessee Williams Center. The Williams attraction on campus provides funding for many student experiences, through royalties from the family endowment. Sewanee has been featured in countless magazines as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.

 

2. Kenyon College

Kenyon College has been recognized for its superior swimming and diving teams but many people around the country may not realize this college in Ohio is one of the most picturesque in the nation. Known for its Gothic Revival architecture the campus features several buildings that have inspired designers around the country. Ascension Hall is an imposing and impressive structure and Old Kenyon Hall, built in 1827, is believed to be the oldest Gothic Revival building in America. The setting for Kenyon is wonderfully rustic and the college was named one of the most beautiful in the country by Forbes in 2010.

 

1. Elon University

The wooded grounds of Elon were designated as a botanical garden in 2005, making the beauty of the campus a contributor to the educational experience, as the landscaping is used as both an aesthetic and educational resource. Located in the heart of North Carolina, this campus not only offers an exceptional education but has been the site of several films, including Spike Lee’s He Got Game. Elon has been named the prettiest campus in the country on multiple occasions, including landing at the top spot in rankings by the Princeton Review and the New York Times. We can’t argue, and Elon takes the top spot in our list of the prettiest college campuses.

Ideas for Students to Earn Extra Money

Being ‘a poor college student’ is not a necessity.  There are a lot of options for earning extra money while you’re in college.  Here are a few ideas:

1.  On Campus Job – Many campuses offer employment outside of the Federal Work Study program.  Ask around campus.  You might even find something that will help you in your future career.

2.  Paid Internships – Most campuses have an office that helps students find internships.  You’ll be paid for gaining valuable experience!

3.  Another option is to become a Residence Manager in either college apartments or off campus.  You’ll literally be working from  home.

4.  Become a representative of one of the many direct selling organizations that allow you to earn an income by selling their products. For a list of companies by category, go to www.directselling411.com.

5.  Be an entrepreneur and start a business that will appeal to college students.

6.  Ask your professors for ideas.  They live locally and may be able to provide you with some great ideas.

 

 

January is National Mentor Month

Having a mentor can assist you in your college and career pursuit. A mentor is someone who is interested in helping another with career and college information and guidance.  There are several organizations dedicated to matching mentors with students who are interested in their field.  Finding a mentor can give you a leg up in pursuing your goals.

Here is a list by state taken from www.mentoring.org:

Listing of Mentoring Partnerships by State

Arizona	Communities In Schools of Arizona
Connecticut	Connecticut Mentoring Partnership
Delaware	Delaware Mentoring Council
Florida	Mentor Center of Palm Beach County
Georgia	Georgia Mentoring Partnership
Indiana	Indiana Mentoring Partnership
Kansas	Kansas Mentors
Maine	Maine Mentoring Partnership
Maryland	Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Maryland Mentoring Partnership
Massachusetts	Mass Mentoring Partnership
Michigan	Mentor Michigan
Minnesota	Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota
Nebraska	Midlands Mentoring Partnership
New York	Mentoring Partnership of Long Island The Mentoring Partnership of New York
North Carolina	North Carolina Mentoring Partnership
Ohio	The Mentoring Center of Central Ohio
Oregon	Oregon Mentors
Pennsylvania	Southeastern Pennsylvania United Way’s Campaign for Mentors The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Rhode Island	Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership
Tennessee	Memphis Mentoring Partnership
Vermont	Mobius, The Mentoring Movement
Virginia	Virginia Mentoring Partnership Fairfax Mentoring Partnership
Washington	Washington State Mentors

ACT and SAT Prep and Practice Questions

Doing well on the ACT or SAT can not only boost your chance of getting into the college of your dreams, but your score can dramatically impact how much scholarship money you receive.

Several companies offer prep classes.  Be sure to check out the organization before you sign up.
Who will be teaching the class?
What are the credentials of the person teaching the course?
Are there any guarantees offered?  What are they?
Does the course teach HOW to take the test, not just what’s on the test?
How many hours of instruction will you receive?
Do they have any testimonials?

ACT and SAT also have prep books you can use plus you can answer a question a day.

For SAT’s question of the day – go to this link http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-question-of-the-day

For ACT’s question of the day – go to this link http://www.actstudent.org/qotd/

For more information, call Lighthouse College Planning at 630-907-9830.

Illinois College Exposition

Illinois College Exposition is being held in March.  This is a great way to ‘see’ 200 schools at once.  It’s a good idea to bring your resume for the college admissions representatives.  Once you meet with them, ask them for their business card and write a personal thank you.  Remember to put your best foot forward by being courteous and dressing in business casual clothing.

Monday, March 19, 2012
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Residence Hall/Recreation Center at North Central College

The Illinois College Exposition is a great way to learn about colleges and universities. Featuring approximately 200 in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities plus the armed services, ICE offers something for all in North Central College’s new Residence Hall/Recreation Center.

Avoid Common FAFSA Mistakes

The FAFSA, Free Application for Student Aid is the government form the government and colleges use to determine financial aid.  The majority of forms are filled out incorrectly costing thousands of dollars and time.  Here are some tips to help you fill out the form correctly.

Don’t wait. Fill out the form in the beginning of January and then update the form after your taxes are completed.

Don’t mention retirement assets: You are not required to mention retirement assets on the FAFSA.  Doing so, may impact your financial aid.

No home equity: The federal financial aid form does inquire about second homes and real estate investments, but not about inquire about home equity in the primary residence.

Divorced?   The parent responsible for filling out the form will be the one who has lived with the student for most of the year.

Get help: Call us at 630-907-9830 with any questions.

Holidays are a Great Time for Job Shadowing and Exploring Summer Internships

The break over the holidays is the perfect time for you to job shadow in some careers that interest you.

Simply call an organization and ask for the person that does the career that you’re interested in pursuing. Once you have the person on the phone, simply ask if you can shadow them for a day because you are interested in doing what they do as a career choice. You will find most people are more than happy to share their knowledge.

A side benefit could be a part-time job or summer internship.

When you are meeting people at holiday events, listen for what they do as a living. If it peaks your interest, ask them questions and then ask to shadow them.

We recommend you do as much research into your career choices as possible. This will help you determine if a career choice is a good choice for you.

As always, you can contact us at college@lighthousecollegeplanning.com for more information.