Wednesday’s Parent: College and career game plan

Posted on October 28, 2015 by POCSmom

College and career game plan. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

Emphasizing student goals during the college search process is the working backwards approach I described in my article, 2 opposite ways of nailing the college search. For those who are certain of their career plans or at least what they want to do first, this method to prioritize student objectives can help them find colleges that best prepare them for grad school or the work place.

When researching schools, concentrate on what they offer in and out of the classroom. Learning opportunities include formal in classroom and informal out of the classroom options. Consider academic majors and classes, mentorships, internships, service learning, study abroad, co-ops, club memberships, community service, research programs, and other work experiences. Also, think about what the schools emphasize and how their graduates fare.

As time passes during the college process, to stay focused on objectives, periodically measure choices against goals for a personal college and career game plan. It’s okay to revise goals but don’t forget to reassess college choices accordingly. The ultimate aim is to graduate on time to minimize college costs while gaining valuable knowledge to enter the job market and begin a self-supporting adult life.

Read Suzanne’s post: Consider a Career Focused College

Answer this, then apply to college

What’s the right college for me, Mrs. Robinson?

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Wednesday’s child may be full of woe but Wednesday’s Parent can substitute action for anxiety. Each Wednesday Suzanne Shaffer and I will provide parent tips to get and keep your student on the college track. It’s never too late or too early to start!

Suzanne @SuzanneShaffer and I @pocsmom will host Twitter chat #CampusChat on Wednesday, October 28 at 9pm ET/6pm PT. Our guest this week is Lisa Nobel @Noblecareerguru a career coach for high school and college grads and former former marketing exec. Please join us with your questions and comments.

Wednesday’s Parent will give twice the info and double the blog posts on critical parenting issues by clicking on the link at the end of the article from www.pocsmom.com to http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/ and vice versa.

Wednesday’s Parent: Productive emotion convos

Posted on September 9, 2015 by POCSmom

Emotions run high during the college process. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

Nagging and bickering are common discourse between parents and their college-bound during the tumultuous teen years. These unpleasant conversations are often ineffective and frustrating for every family member and they can set a disagreeable tone for parent-adult child communications. There are productive conversations that parents can start now and it begins with teaching emotional skills.

Emotions are running high on both sides from plenty of unknowns to fear including costs, test prep, and college choice. When students head off to college, there is a campus world filled with uncharted territory and unfamiliar faces. The problem is without awareness, emotions can override common sense.

College parent coach Suzanne Shaffer has put together a list of great parenting tips to prepare students for the “emotions of college.” The bonus is these suggestions will grow children’s confidence in and ability to make good decisions. This is something both parents and students can benefit from. Read Suzanne’s perceptive post:

Prepping Your Student for the Emotions of College

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The bonus is on the fourth Wednesday of each month when Suzanne and I will host Twitter chat #CampusChat at 9pm ET/6pm PT. We will feature an expert on a topic of interest for parents of the college-bound.

Wednesday’s Parent: 3 step college prep back to school plan

Posted on August 26, 2015 by POCSmom

Time for back to school tips. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

There are many things to master when preparing for college. Students have to hone their test taking skills, college and scholarship searches, essay writing, and qualifications for college applications. Parents focus on helping their children accomplish all this while learning all they can about college finance. Families can use the new school year as a fresh start to tackle the college process. Here is a three part plan that works:

Be a dreamer first. It’s always a good idea to begin with some quiet introspection and self-analysis. Brainstorm hopes and dreams and begin to set short and long term goals. Be prepared to update these because minds can change over time.

Get practical second. Taking action leads to a sense of accomplishment and realistic expectations. The parent-student team can work together to list student skills and achievements. They will show strengths to enhance and weaknesses to address when compared to individual college admission requirements and personal goals.

Third, always have a Plan B. Give each task 100 percent effort or reschedule when this is doable to maximize chances of success. Even so, life doesn’t come with guarantees and neither does the college admission process. Being able to adjust, adapt and modify plans is a life skill so take five when stressed to regain perspective, count blessings and make lemonade from lemons.

College prep may seem endless but many parents believe the college years fly by in the blink of an eye. Soon enough the adult-child relationship will morph into an adult-adult child relationship so keep communication open and honest and include some fun to enjoy each day.

Read Suzanne’s post: A Day in the Life of a College-Bound Parent

Parent role in higher education preparation

Wednesday’s Parent: College prep red flags

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Suzanne @SuzanneShaffer and I @pocsmom will host Twitter chat #CampusChat on Wednesday, August 26 at 9pm ET/6pm PT. Our guests this week are a Back to School panel of eight experts. Please join us with your questions and comments.

Wednesday’s Parent: The college-bound good-bye perspective

Posted on August 12, 2015 by POCSmom

Googling goodbye songs and movies show the topic of farewell is a central part of the human condition. Parents of college students have vivid memories of dropping their kids off and parents of the college-bound are gritting their teeth for their fast-approaching turn. Fortunately, there are steps parents can take now to help themselves and their students get through the goodbye process and the subsequent adjustment.

Start by reading college parenting expert Suzanne Shaffer’s wise words in her post, Saying Goodbye to Your College Bound Teen. Suzanne captures the range of emotions to anticipate and what to do to set families up for a successful parent-adult child separation.

Remember too that all occupants of the home will be affected by the absence of the student. Siblings and pets have their own issues. New activities and keeping the communication flowing can help other children. The bright side is parents now have more time to spend with them until they morph into adult children, too.

Read Suzanne’s post: Saying Goodbye to Your College Bound Teen

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Wednesday’s Parent: Interviewing the college interviewer

Posted on July 1, 2015 by POCSmom

Interviewing the college interviewer. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

Interviewing the college interviewer can seem odd to a teen looking to make a good impression on an adult. However, student questions are expected and probing ones beyond the info contained in marketing brochures and the college website demonstrate a higher level of student interest. Plus the student gets a chance to learn more about the details that can influence the decision to keep or lose a college on the list.

Begin by treating the college interview as a job interview for the position of student. Do the research and come prepared to market oneself as an asset to the student body. While college representatives are sizing up their prospective candidates, students get their own opportunity for scrutiny. Keep in mind it is in both of their interests to learn more about each other.

Another tip is to learn about the interviewer’s college background. He may be a recent graduate of that school who can share his own personal campus experiences. Base other questions on student must haves or don’t wants. Here are some topics to consider:

Ask questions about the size, priority and benefits of a certain program in relation to other campus offerings.
Delve into the popularity of a particular club including the events/activities (frequency and location) they sponsor.
Pose queries about the school’s uniqueness, strengths and weaknesses that make it stand out against it’s competitors.

The college interview is a great chance for students to find out more about how a potential college will meet their educational needs while helping them achieve their goals. Get the interviewer’s contact info to submit further questions and to thank them for their time.

Read Suzanne’s post: Questions to ANSWER and ASK on a College Interview

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Wednesday’s Parent will give twice the info and double the blog posts on critical parenting issues by clicking on the link at the end of the article from www.pocsmom.com to http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/ and vice versa.

Wednesday’s Parent: Savvy prep for college essays

Posted on June 24, 2015 by POCSmom

Writing college essays. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

If your college-bound child isn’t writing in a diary or journal, suggest he or she start one now. It’s a great opportunity for self expression. It’s wonderful practice to form coherent thoughts concisely. And it’s an insightful way to prepare for college essays.

Colleges use essays as another way for admission officers to get to know an applicant and measure how he would fit on their campus. Essays are often required as a major part of scholarship applications, too. A great essay can help net a student entry into a choice college and money towards paying for it.

Yet, many students include reading as a hobby but few think about writing for pleasure. In a personal log, students get to record their thoughts and experiences. This provides a double benefit when it comes time to write college essays.

Writing is a skill and like any other skill, it gets better with practice. Also, journal writing is very different from penning a research paper or school report. The former is about personal opinion and the latter is more concerned with facts and expert sources. College essays are looking for student points of view that come from introspection.

So, the first benefit of keeping a diary is practical. It provides practice in writing one’s unique perspective and ideas. Surprise, the second advantage is also practical. A journal is a great resource and inspiration for topics to write about in college essays.

Read Suzanne’s post: 5 College Essay Tips

Finding your happy in college prep

6 high school habits leading to college success

RECAP on storify: #CampusChat 6/24/15 Parent’s Guide to College Essay

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Wednesday’s child may be full of woe but Wednesday’s Parent can substitute action for anxiety. Each Wednesday Suzanne Shaffer and I will provide parent tips to get and keep your student on the college track. It’s never too late or too early to start!

Suzanne @SuzanneShaffer and I @pocsmom will host Twitter chat #CampusChat at 9pm ET/6pm PT. Our guest this week will be Ethan Sawyer @CollegeEssayGuy of College Essay Guy discussing the parent’s guide to the college essay. You can follow these simple instructions to join a Twitter chat.

Wednesday’s Parent will give twice the info and double the blog posts on critical parenting issues by clicking on the link at the end of the article from www.pocsmom.com to http://www.parentscountdowntocollegecoach.com/ and vice versa.

Wednesday’s Parent: Summer projects clog brain drain

Posted on June 17, 2015 by POCSmom

Summer. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

Parents, students and teachers dread the anticipated brain drain that occurs during long school breaks. Although it may be inevitable that some facts will drip out, skills don’t have to be lost and others can be strengthened. Summer projects can clog the brain drain and be of particular benefit for the college-bound.

Summer is a great time to create a life-long learning balance between work and play. That includes celebrating accomplishments and filling the schedule with downtime. Share the following with your teen to explore options that will hone interpersonal and academic skills, add to their college admission resume, and have some summer fun.

8 skill-building job ideas for college-bound students lists eight jobs “tailor-made for the college-bound to gain soft skills, maybe earn some extra money, and build a resume for future careers to impress employers.”

An unusual school break college prep plan shows seven ways to prepare for college “whether students are traveling or staying put.”

Wednesday’s Parent: 6 unexpected bonuses from summer reading provides six surprising benefits from reading. “There is a physical or virtual book, periodical, newspaper or article to suit every genre and some will cross over. For example, readers of a mystery novel set in 19th century London may be challenged to figure out the puzzle while picking up some historical tidbits about a foreign country. Something from the craft section may spur entrepreneurial talents leading to creation of a new business.”

7 summer to dos for parents of collegebound gives seven things parents can do to help their children “get the jump on college planning” while having some fun.

Read Suzanne’s post: The Summer Scholarship Project

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Wednesday’s Parent: College prep red flags

Posted on June 10, 2015 by POCSmom

Watch out for college prep red flags. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

Research proved what parents already know: bad behavior can demolish college dreams despite student academic smarts and talents. The range of poor choices run the gamut from awful sleep habits to partying. Parents can pick up the early warning signs and join with their students to address the issues that block success.

First, review the studies which led to two apps to raise GPA. Then go over these 6 tips to deal with partying and your college-bound teen from a previous Wednesday’s Parent. Finally, be wary of changes in your student’s behavior.

Constant drowsiness and irritability may signal more than teenage angst. So can missing deadlines for school work and college prep activities. Lack of motivation and vastly changing interests may also be a red flag. Parents can use the parent-student team to discuss concerns about partying, studying, class attendance, sleep habits, physical activity and socializing. They can also speak with teachers and counselors.

A college education is a privilege that is earned through dedication and commitment. Troubles may arise that divert the college prep course. The earlier the problems are identified, the sooner families can work together for solutions.

Read Suzanne’s post: Talking to Your Teen About Irresponsible Behavior

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Wednesday’s Parent: 7 great ways to use college ranking lists

Posted on June 3, 2015 by POCSmom

Rank college ranking lists. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

“Ranking colleges has become a cottage industry with a proliferation of different criteria yielding different college ranking lists. There are plenty of proponents and critics but ultimately the college-bound, stranded in a sea of mixed reviews, must fend for themselves.”

I wrote this back in January of 2012. The controversy over the use and reliability of college ranking lists continues because of the varying criteria the makers use and the mix of fact and opinion. The fact that there are college ranking lists based on the academic to the absurd, from the best in the world universities to the most clean-shaven campuses, adds to the confusion. But there are ways to salvage some useful info to help the college-bound.

I still believe the best list is the one students and parents create but sometimes I catch myself rubbernecking like a driver on a highway. Curiosity takes over and I take a peek. Since many parents and students will, like me, be looking anyway, I’m listing these seven pros for using college ranking lists.

College ranking lists are fun to read and interesting conversation starters between parents and students.
College ranking lists may include important statistics like graduation rate, freshman retention rate, and alumni donations. They may also include important facts about the college selectivity level via current student prior test scores and class standing.
College ranking lists may include schools families have not yet thought about but are worth considering.
College ranking lists show how schools are portrayed and measured up by the list sponsor according to their criteria. If they give great weight to a factor students care about, the school may be worth looking into.
College ranking lists often emphasize brand names and popular colleges which can inspire a search for lesser known or lower rated but better fit schools. These may offer greater chances for admission and more financial aid because they receive much fewer applications.
College ranking lists can serve as tools to hone student critical thinking skills to separate perception from reality.
College ranking lists can be a blueprint for students to create their own personal college ranking list.

Read Suzanne’s post: 5 Reasons You Should Not Rely on College Ranking Lists

The right college fit test

Wednesday’s Parent: The prime relationship between college list and college fit

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Wednesday’s Parent: The prime relationship between college list and college fit

Posted on May 27, 2015 by POCSmom

Hand holding the college list is washed by the one measuring college fit. Photo by Wendy David-Gaines

The hand holding the college list is washed by the one measuring college fit. That’s because the list reflects those schools offering students their best chance for success. They match student interests, talents and goals. The current excessively low graduation rate and high student debt show how many parents and students suffer from a disconnect between the two concepts. The bottom line is students will most likely attend one of the schools on their college list, so it better be a good one.

This is how I described it in my blog back in 2011:

Is the foundation to your home crumbling? If it is, you better fix it or move on. The same is true for a college list.

A college list is the foundation of the entire college process because the student will likely attend one of the schools on his list. If the schools listed are not the best ones for student success, your college process is on shaky footings, and you’re in danger of academic and financial failure.

So in the changing framework of college admissions, the prime relationship between college list and college fit remains constant. There are new tools to help families gather information but it is the analysis that counts the most. And the realization that students control most of the college process even though it seems colleges hold all the power.

Students decide how much effort they put into school and extracurricular activities that determine their qualifications. Students determine which schools to consider, visit and apply. Students decide which offer of acceptance to accept.

Students can maximize their power of choice by using my right college fit test to see which colleges measure up to student standards. Concentrate on the areas within students’ sphere of influence. Life is full of choices and college is one of the most influential adult decisions a teen can make. Make it a thoughtful one.

Read Suzanne’s post: What is a Perfect Fit College?

Wednesday’s Parent: 2 phases, 3 points of the forming a college list Part 1

Money influences college choices from the start

Wednesday’s Parent: 7 Shakespearean steps to good decision-making

Wednesday’s Parent: Student-College power shift

RECAP: #CampusChat 5/27 with Jessica Velasco: College Fit

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Suzanne @SuzanneShaffer and I @pocsmom will host Twitter chat #CampusChat at 9pm ET/6pm PT. Our guest this week will be Jessica Velasco @Admissions411 of JLV College Counseling discussing the college fit.

POCSmom's Insights

POCSmom's Insights all about college: getting in, paying for it and ice cream

Category Archives: Wednesday”s Parent

Wednesday’s Parent: College and career game plan

Wednesday’s Parent: Productive emotion convos

Wednesday’s Parent: 3 step college prep back to school plan

Wednesday’s Parent: The college-bound good-bye perspective

Wednesday’s Parent: Interviewing the college interviewer

Wednesday’s Parent: Savvy prep for college essays

Wednesday’s Parent: Summer projects clog brain drain

Wednesday’s Parent: College prep red flags

Wednesday’s Parent: 7 great ways to use college ranking lists

Wednesday’s Parent: The prime relationship between college list and college fit