Many parents are not aware that the catalog is something they should peruse. It gives so much information about the college itself that it gives you some great insight. It is a great reference book.

Something that is very important is the college calendar. Check this out before planning a trip to see your student or plan a family vacation over holidays. Note when exams are. Your student may be more anxious during these times. The weekend prior to exams is not a good time to visit.

Be very knowledeable about graduation requirements and major requirements. I cannot tell you how many students think they are graduating but they have not been tracking course requirements and find they still have one or two more semesters when their friends are graduating!

There is information on campus activities, health services and residential life. It is very important that your student knows where the health clinic is and how to contact campus officials if necessary.

There is the Academic policies that explians the grading system, the registration process and the notification and petition policies. Students will want to register for classes as early as possible so they get the classes that they need to stay on tract for an on time graduation. Also the classes of the best teachers fill up the fastest. The best time slots fill up. So the early bird definitely gets the worm when it comes to registering for classes.

So, know what is in the catalog so when your student needs some answers, you can refer them to it. If you as a parent need to call some one at the school and you do not know how to find the number... Try the catalog. There is contact information for the administration office and for the faculty members.

Article by, College Parenting Expert, Dr. Debi Yohn, whose advice on successfully getting college students through college with an emphasis on graduation and rewarding employment is sought by parents from around the world. Now for the first time, she reveals 27 Winning Strategies for Success - a guidebook geared to parents of new college students. Get her free e-Book now at http://www.collegeparentsadvice.com/ and improve your child's chances of a successful college experience.

Posted by Candice Arnold on August 28, 2009 at 8:07 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

For you parents that are dropping off your Freshman, know that this is an important year. You want this child to succeed. There is a high percentage of drop outs in college and the most tenuous time is between the day you drop them off as Freshman and the first day of their Sophomore year.

There are 5 Strategies for Success for the Freshman. This will get them off to a good start with good habits:

1. Attend all classes. Sit in the front row and make sure your professor knows you and this is in a positive way. Do not even start skilling classes. This is not an option.

2. Have a schedule book. Write out your schedule and stick to it. Write down when you are going to study, when you are going to take breaks and when you are going to sleep. Sleep is very important. Mom and Dad are not with you to make you go to bed but getting enough sleep is one of the biggest secrets on campus.

3. Read each class syllabus so there are no surprises and write important milestones down in your schedule book. Note when assignments are due. Prepare or the busy times in the semester (or term). This will prepare you for the stressful periods. Assignments seem to come due at the same time.

4. Manage your freedom responsibly. It is okay to have a good time but you will not succeed if play comes before school responsibility. If you do not succeed, your college days will be numbered. This is the best time in a young persons life, don't cut it short.

5. Stay on campus and become a member of the campus community. This means taking part of the activities on campus and becoming active. This is how you meet people and make lasting friendships. There is a best friend on campus maybe even a mate but you have to get out of the dorm room to met them.

Article by, College Parenting Expert, Dr. Debi Yohn, whose advice on successfully getting college students through college with an emphasis on graduation and rewarding employment is sought by parents from around the world. Now for the first time, she reveals 27 Winning Strategies for Success - a guidebook geared to parents of new college students. Get her free e-Book now at http://www.collegeparentsadvice.com/ and improve your child's chances of a successful college experience.

Posted by Candice Arnold on August 28, 2009 at 8:04 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

A well-rounded education is more than just academic classes, labs and seminars. While coursework is certainly important and should take center stage, there are other parts of the college experience that are just as vital, including getting involved in one of the many extracurricular activities available on campus. No matter where you choose to attend college, there will be dozens of clubs, organizations and athletic teams from which to choose, as well as internship opportunities, that can give you practical work experience and training as you prepare for life after graduation.

The number and type of extracurricular activities you pursue will look very impressive on your college record and show prospective employers that you are able to balance the rigors of academic classes with outside interests. This will definitely set you apart from the competition when you are looking for that first entry-level job. One of the extracurricular activities available for students majoring in accounting, finance, or information systems is Beta Alpha Psi, a prestigious, 90-year old honorary organization that brings together students and professionals in the various financial information fields.

The members of this prominent organization work together to advance the study and practice of the financial information field, through professional development opportunities, networking and public service. Beta Alpha Psi only accepts students and professionals who exhibit good moral character and who demonstrate that they have achieved academic superiority or professional excellence in the fields of accounting, finance or information systems. Because of the high and rigorous standards they maintain, membership in this organization would look exceptionally good on any resume. In addition to providing leadership opportunities, the friendship and connections you make in a professional organization during your college days will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Couple an extracurricular activity like membership in Beta Alpha Psi with one or two solid internship opportunities, and you will be in very good shape when you get ready to apply for entry-level jobs after graduation. To learn more about Beta Alpha Psi at your campus, visit their Web site http://www.bap.org.

For more information about internship or entry level job opportunities, visit your campus career services office.

Article written by a freelance writer

Posted by Candice Arnold on August 26, 2009 at 4:12 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Community colleges were instituted in the 1900s in response to social needs, including an increasing demand for the further education of adults. Some of these colleges, called 'normal schools', trained the teachers of the day. Later in the century, because of industrial development, these two year colleges allowed recent high school graduates as well as adults to train for the many technical positions that were coming into being. Because of changing demands, the focus of community colleges eventually included providing the first two years of college education after which students could transfer to a four year university setting. Many community colleges of today include this option along with technical and vocational training in such areas as phlebotomy, x-ray technician, air conditioning repair, automotive repair and the like.

Some community colleges now also provide four-year degrees. Daytona Beach Community College (DBCC) in Florida is one of these. By offering a bachelor's degree, Daytona Beach Community College, a part of the Daytona State College system, helps those who wish to pursue this option, but cannot afford the cost of a four-year college or university. Another advantage of this program is that students don't have shop around for a four-year institution that will accept credits from a community college.

A few DBCC programs available to students are CCAMPIS, which offers assistance in paying for childcare to parents who attend the school; Teen Parent Program, which is designed to assist young pregnant women, who are still in high school, to earn college credits; and support for students with disabilities including a computer lab that can be fit to the needs of the student. One of the most important aspects of DBCC is the assistance they provide to help students find entry level jobs. This is accomplished through online resources like a place to store cover letters and resumes; registration for career days and job fairs held on campus; lists of employment opportunities; and personal calendars that help students keep track of upcoming on-campus career events.

Community colleges have evolved a lot in the past 100-plus years. The affordability and versatility of schools like DBCC make it possible for more people to achieve their career goals.

Article by freelance writer Rebecca P

Posted by Candice Arnold on August 24, 2009 at 6:58 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Northwestern Technical College in Rock Springs, Georgia, provides great opportunities for those looking to begin a career or to change occupations. The college has a track record of over forty years in preparing Northwest Georgia students for entry level jobs after graduation.

The college curriculum is designed with the needs of employers in mind and is meant to provide a practical, focused approach to preparing students for the workplace. Programs of study available include a wide range of business, industrial and technology focuses, along with cosmetology, early childhood education, health sciences and criminal justice. The college also offers GED preparation, continuing development for established professionals, and even personal interest courses like barbecue and blacksmithing. You can even take classes from home via online distance education courses.

Attending Northwestern Technical College gives students access to the full range of typical college experiences and resources. Financial aid is available to students through the Financial Aid Office, which provides access to a number of grant and loan programs. Campus facilities include a bookstore, cafeteria, and a library with 12,000 volumes. There are several clubs and organizations available for students to join, including the Baptist College Ministries and the Student Leadership Council.

Northwestern Technical College prepares students for internships and entry level jobs. The Career Services office provides a range of services to help students with the job search, including resume and interview preparation assistance, job fairs, and job postings from a range of employers. Classes are scheduled on evenings and weekends as well as weekdays to serve students who are already in the workforce. Students can earn associate degrees in applied science or nursing or participate in one of the numerous certificate programs, many of which prepare for professional certification in their chosen field of study. High school students can participate in several programs that allow them to begin college work while still enrolled in high school. There are options for everyone at Northwestern Technical College!

Article written by a freelance writer

Posted by Candice Arnold on August 18, 2009 at 10:10 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Several years ago the SAT test that many students once took as a college entrance examination was replaced with a new version. This version, which lasts about an hour or so longer than the previous exam and has an additional eight hundred points added to the original sixteen hundred (for a total of twenty-four hundred), is a new frontier to conquer for many high school students today. Despite the addition and alterations to the old SAT, great success for the new SAT still may lie in one primary factor: studying.

While some people believe that studying for such a standardized test is completely impracticable and serves no beneficial purpose whatsoever, I would strongly counter this argument. From my own experience in talking with students, those who studied simply did better than those who chose to take the test without studying or with close to no studying. This simple truth in and of itself should motivate students who wish to be accepted into good universities to spend some time either their junior or senior years of high school reviewing for the SAT. Continue reading ...

Article by, Bobby Wright and courtesy of Associated Content, Inc.

Posted by Candice Arnold on August 12, 2009 at 8:42 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

SAT test day is usually one of stress and anxiety for high school students. In a quest to gain entrance to their choice of college or university, the results from one test can make or break future educational opportunities. In an attempt to reduce the emphasis placed on the test results from a single test, the College Board now offers SAT Score choice.

Background information on SAT scores

In the past, when a student was sending SAT scores, the results of all tests were sent to a perspective college. For students who only took the SAT one time, this policy had no impact. However, for students who attempted to increase their scores by retaking the exam, it reduced their effort with some colleges and could penalize a student for having an off day. Continue reading ...

Article by, Laura Acevedo and courtesy of Associated Content, Inc.

Posted by Candice Arnold on August 12, 2009 at 8:32 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Having a great resume is important but what do employers look for? This is the million dollar question but let me give you some hints that reflect what you can do now, as you guide your student towards graduation and independence.

Employers look at situations your student has experienced in the past. What actions did he take? How did he handle situations? Does she treat other people with courtesy, dignity and respect? Can she communicate clearly? Do his actions earn people's trust? Better yet, does he think before he acts?"

Has your student provided an outstanding service to someone or to some agency? This can be mowing lawns or babysitting. What is top of mind is whether your student can get along with others, show up to work and participate as a team member.

If you are wondering what this has to do with you now. ... Expect your students to work, to volunteer, to be involved in activities that make them think beyond themselves. It is important for them to give to others, to show responsibility and follow through.

Even in middle school and high school, you are helping them to "Build their Resumes," which will pay off many years from now.

Article by, College Parenting Expert, Dr. Debi Yohn, whose advice on successfully getting college students through college with an emphasis on graduation and rewarding employment is sought by parents from around the world. Now for the first time, she reveals 27 Winning Strategies for Success - a guidebook geared to parents of new college students. Get her free e-Book now at http://www.collegeparentsadvice.com/ and improve your child's chances of a successful college experience.

Posted by Candice Arnold on August 10, 2009 at 9:42 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The American Enterprise Institute has shared some interesting statistics... The average four-year colleges graduate fewer than 60% of their students within six years. Would you like to know how the schools your student is considering fares in their graduation rates? Go to www.collegeresults.org.

Another interesting fact is that studies have found that good students who attended less prestigious colleges can earn the same as those who went to higher priced popular schools.

When you think about it, this kind of data can be easily provided to the public. Many of the schools we are referring to are public institutions, supported by public tax dollars. So why not compile this data and provide it to the families that are preparing to make a big sacrifice?

The Alumni keep up with graduates so they can chase them down for fund raising, so why not find out what they have done with their education. What we want is to improve the quality of higher education. We want schools to graduate students that are well prepared for the current job market.

Article by, College Parenting Expert, Dr. Debi Yohn, whose advice on successfully getting college students through college with an emphasis on graduation and rewarding employment is sought by parents from around the world. Now for the first time, she reveals 27 Winning Strategies for Success - a guidebook geared to parents of new college students. Get her free e-Book now at http://www.collegeparentsadvice.com/