An editorial column from the Los Angeles Times takes a look at the admissions factors suggested by the Harvard School of Education Graduate program and provides some good insight on the practicality of the suggestions. [read more]
San Jose State University has put together a helpful list of “text book”s to help parents understand their new role in life, the parent of a college student. The list contains a meaningful mixture of practical advice about financing college, how to have important frank conversations, along with strategies regarding issues common to both student and parent – each with a healthy sprinkling of humor. [read more]
The Center of Academic Success at the University of Alabama provides the following information in the hopes that parents can help prepare their high school seniors for academic success in college. [read more]
Most families with a high school junior experience stress at home regarding the college search and application process. One primary factor leading to this stress is that the understanding of timeline differs with the parent and the student. Psychologist, Michael Thompson, offers some food for reflection. [read more]
Psychology Today posts an article, citing a recent study completed by a group at the University of Texas, finds that “emerging adults” (18-29) need more guidance than ever today. “Parents who are involved and supportive across a wide range of areas produce young adult children who have a clearer sense of self and are more satisfied with their lives.” [read more]
FairTest, otherwise known as the National Center for Fair & Open Testing “works to end the misuses and flaws of standardized testing and to ensure that evaluation of students, teachers and schools is fair, open, valid and educationally beneficial…FairTest also works to end the misuses and flaws of testing practices that impede those goals.” This organization is committed to affecting a change in testing biases such as racial, class, gender, and cultural barriers that affect a student’s assessment, particularly with tests that affect enrollment in college or specialized programs.
FairTest has led the charge challenging colleges and universities to consider ACT/SAT scores optional in the college admissions process. To date more than 800 colleges and universities have taken on that charge and they are referred to as TEST OPTIONAL SCHOOLS. Here is an up-to-date list of TEST-OPTIONAL SCHOOLS.
A 529 is a tax-advantaged method for one person to save money to pay for another person’s college expenses some time in the future. The 529 is available in two forms: as a pre-paid tuition plan that can be sponsored by the state or by an individual college and as a college savings plan often investing in the stock market or in mutual funds. The 529 is not limited to parents who initiate the savings plan, but often grand parents and other close relative or friend who will open an account on the child’s behalf.
Choosing the best program requires a solid understanding of the difference between the two formats. The US Securities and Exchange Commission has outlined the two most commonly used college savings plans in the following article. [read more]