College Connection Spring / 2018

COLLEGE CONNECTION APRIL 2018 | stltoday.com/collegeconnection

•Online registration saves time at college fairs •Tips for attending a college fair •Why it’s important to seek scholarships

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MOACAC St. Louis Spring College Fair April 22 @ Maryville University 1 to 3 p.m.

COLLEGE CONNECTION CONTENTS COLLEGE CONNECTION

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Exhibitors list Help to find everything at the fair Timing is everything Start early on your college search

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Financial Aid What to do when the financial aid letter arrives Money for college Six tips for winning scholarships

stltoday.com/collegeconnection REGIONAL/METRO DIVISION CONTENT MARKETING SALES MANAGER MANAGER Charles Mems Jennifer Mason cmems@post-dispatch.com jmason@stltoday.com 314-340-8033 314-340-8988 EDITOR Greg Uptain guptain@yourjournal.com 314-744-5728

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MOACAC St. Louis Spring College Fair Colleges attending the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling Spring College Fair, from 1-3 p.m. April 22, include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Adelphi University American University Arizona State University Avila University Baker University Ball State University Belmont University Benedictine College Bradley University Brescia University Butler University Central Christian College of the Bible Admissions Department Central Methodist University Chamberlain College of Nursing Christian Brothers University College of Charleston Columbia College Columbia College — Chicago Cornell College Cottey College Creighton University Culver-Stockton College

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

DePaul University DePauw University Dominican University (Chicago) Drake University Drury University Earlham College Eastern Illinois University Fontbonne University Furman University Grand Canyon University Hannibal-LaGrange College Harris-Stowe State University Illinois State University Illinois Wesleyan University Indiana State University Iowa State University IUPUI Johns Hopkins University Kansas State University Kettering University Knox College Lake Forest College Lewis University

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lindenwood University Lindenwood University — Belleville Logan University Inc Loras College Loyola University — Chicago Lynn University Lyon College Marian University Maryville University McKendree University MidAmerica Nazarene University Millikin University Mississippi State University Missouri Baptist University Missouri Southern State University Missouri State University Missouri University of Science and Technology Missouri Western State University Monmouth College Murray State University Northwest Missouri State University Ohio University Park University Purdue University Quincy University

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ranken Technical College Rockhurst University Saint Louis University Samford University Seton Hall University Southeast Missouri State University Southern Illinois University Carbondale Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Southern Methodist University Southwest Baptist University St. Ambrose University St. Charles Community College St. Louis College of Pharmacy St. Louis Community College St. Mary’s University State Technical College of Missouri Stephens College The University of Alabama The University of Mississippi The University of Tampa Truman State University University of Arkansas University of Central Missouri University of Chicago

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

University of Dayton University of Denver University of Evansville University of Indianapolis University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Missouri University of Missouri-Kansas City Office of Admissions University of Missouri-St. Louis University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Southern California University of Tulsa University of Wisconsin — Madison University of Wyoming Washington University in St. Louis Webster University Western Illinois University Western Kentucky University Westminster College Wichita State University William Jewell William Woods University Xavier University

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COLLEGE CONNECTION | APRIL 2018 3

Timing is everything: W

hether you’re a high school junior or an undecided senior, it’s important to keep college top of mind each semester by starting with a plan and the right goals in mind.

Students should select a favorite calendar tool to keep track of important dates and deadlines, standardized testing dates and any scholarship reminders. Once it’s all set up, it’s much easier to get into the habit of continually updating as necessary.

In the end, it’s the student that will be attending college, not the parents or the college counselor. Don’t let your junior and senior year sneak up on you. Planning for college early can help ensure students are ready come graduation day.

to meet both the graduation requirements and help them look good on college applications. “High school college counselors are the student’s greatest resource,” said Joann Elliott, licensed professional counselor and owner of College Counseling Tutoring. “They often know the student well, have the knowledge and can advocate for them.”

If the school doesn’t have a set schedule or policy, students should stop and check in with the college counselor to make sure they are on the right path to achieving their goals, at the very minimum, each semester.

Start the search early By junior year, students should be getting out on college visits and college fairs.

“Ideally, freshman year should be Check in with the guidance left to getting settled in to their new or college counselor A guidance counselor can help keep school, locating their locker, making new friends and enjoying everything a student on track with the college admissions process and ensure the stu- about being a freshman,” Elliott said.

“From sophomore year on, it will be dent graduates with the right courses

Quick tips to keep your plans on track

baby steps in the beginning, but parents need to start having those baseline conversations and build from there.”

Students should create a list of what schools they are interested in, begin researching and thinking about the schools they want to apply to without getting stuck on one type of college.

There are a wide variety of colleges from small liberal arts to large public universities to community colleges.

“One of the biggest mistakes I see students and parents make is putting all of their eggs in one basket — academically, financially and geographically,” Elliott said.

Attend college fairs Imagine a gym or cafeteria filled with a sea of college representatives standing behind tables loaded with brochures and parents and students roaming around. Most students attending college fairs in the spring will be in their junior year. There could be a few undecided seniors, but the

deadline for seniors to decide in most cases is May 1. “I would also encourage freshman and sophomores to attend if they are ready, because it gives them time to stick their toe in the water and take a look at how it all works,” Elliott said.

It’s important for the student to create a list of colleges to visit in order of priority and to do their homework before they arrive. The student should make a list of questions beforehand and stay away from simple questions that could be found online. Elliott suggests asking for advice or recommendations or make them sell the school.

“I highly recommend connecting with the admissions representative,” Elliott said. The rep is so overlooked!

They are an advocate for the student through the whole process — a link to the school. They are the ones who answer the emails — all of your questions. People overlook the admissions rep and have no idea what a goldmine they are.”

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APRIL 2018 | COLLEGE CONNECTION

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Maryville’s innovative Save time, register life coach program online before going helps students succeed to college fairs

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entor. Advisor. Career counselor. Cheerleader. Confidante.

Maryville University students find all these valuable relationships in one dynamic resource: a life coach.

Maryville’s innovative Life Coach program has revolutionized the way students transition to college and create personal goals for lifelong learning and success.

“Whether it’s to celebrate acing their latest test or to discuss new study strategies, their life coach is a student’s go-to resource — both day and night,” says Jen McCluskey, PhD, Maryville’s vice president for Student Success.

Helping students identify and build on their key strengths is an important component of the Life Coach program.

Using proven learning assessments, including Gallup’s StrengthsFinder, students also discover their individual learning styles and explore how to

leverage them for success in academics and beyond.

Maryville’s life coaches also provide assistance with resume development, test taking, time management, becoming more involved on campus, coping with stress, refining a class schedule and other strategies and tools for success.

“No matter what the individual goal or need, a student’s life coach is here for one thing and for everything — the student’s success,” McCluskey says.

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The information form — a staple of college fairs across the country — has gone digital in St. Louis.

Instead of students filling out a card for every college representative they talk to, students can visit gotocollegefairs.com whenever they have time before a college fair.

At this site, students register one time, then print a barcode for college representatives to scan. The registration allows students to create a user name to edit their profile if their information changes.

The website allows students to let colleges know their academic and extracurricular interests, if they play sports, what types of college they’re interested in and what factors (such as college location or size) are important to them.

The form is a virtual mirror of the

cards found at college fairs.

Instead of spending their time at a college fair filling out several similar interest cards at the college tables they visit, students can spend their time actually talking to college representatives.

The program streamlines the process for those representatives as well.

The online program is free for the student and the school district.

Many school counselors use the website to see if students are signing up for local college fairs.

The Missouri Association of College Admission Counseling, a nonprofit organization of admissions professionals, high school counselors and educational institutions, is using the system for its Sunday, April 22 Spring College Fair.

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COLLEGE CONNECTION | APRIL 2018 5

20 THINGS TO KNOW (to survive at college)

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very student who attends a university desires a “successful” college experience. While successful means different things to different people, there are certain pieces of advice that are universal.

Here is what you need to know.

1. The television lied. Dorm rooms are nothing like Dawson’s Creek and Gilmore Girls. They are more like matchstick boxes with scary use of vertical space.

2. Always get the warranty. Even if you think you won’t need it. You probably will.

3. Cheating isn’t worth the risk. This applies to tests and relationships. You will get caught. Also, the instinct to cheat is telling you something. Listen.

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APRIL 2018 | COLLEGE CONNECTION

4. Food is expensive. All food. Be forewarned. Use the meal plan.

5. You will have no money. You have no idea how much living with your parents saves you.

6. Learning where the “specials” are can fund your social life. Figure out where the food specials are in town and make the rounds for at least half the cost.

7. You have the time. Everyone has to manage their time. It’s all in how you use it. Own how you choose to use your time. It’s a life skill.

8. Avoid extensions. They breed laziness. Plus, procrastinators will always procrastinate, no matter the deadline.

9. You will get lonely.

10. You will get bored.

11. You don’t have to buy all your books. Learn which books to buy and which to borrow or rent.

12. Don’t fully depend on your advisor. Ultimately, it’s up to you to fully understand where you are in your program.

13. Go to the review sessions. This is where professors reveal what you should focus on (read: what will be on the exam).

14. Plan communication with your parents. Set up a weekly time to chat so they can catch up on your college life.

15. Companies are already looking at you. Keep this in mind as you post about Friday night on social media.

16. Don’t be one of those students

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whose parents fund their entire existence. Find a job to at least make your own spending money.

17. A scholarship is like a job. Athletic, academic — it doesn’t matter.

Treat it with the respect it deserves.

18. Study abroad if at all possible.

19. University health centers are one of the best healthcare options for the price. Take advantage of $6 teeth cleanings while you have them.

20. Get to the gym. You won’t want to. You will make excuses. But you have access to state-of-the-art equipment that, once you’ve graduated, you won’t have without an expensive gym membership.

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Learn. Teach. Inspire.

SIUE invites you to explore the world I magine traveling to Costa Rica to study medicinal plants in the rainforest, monitor and preserve sea turtle nesting areas along the coast, or provide essential health care screenings to people in need.

This experience became a reality for students of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Over their spring break, pharmacy, public health and nursing students exchanged their week off for once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunities in Costa Rica while earning credit toward their degrees.

This trip was only one of over 300 study abroad opportunities available at SIUE. Whether you spend one week to a full semester studying abroad in one

of 30 different countries, this experience can change your perception of the global community.

“In Costa Rica, I learned more than I could’ve imagined. It was an experience of a lifetime and a great way to spend my spring break,” said Jaylyn Lowrance, senior nursing student.

Study abroad is an investment in your future as both a potential employee and a global citizen. Step outside your comfort zone, embark on exciting adventures and make unforgettable memories by studying abroad during your time at SIUE.

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5 things to do before graduation 1. Enjoy the rest of your high school or college experience. You won’t ever get this time back and nothing will compare to your time in school. Try to really soak in the sights and sounds of a normal school day.

Soon they will be replaced by completely new experiences.

2. Take a language class. Learning a new language forces you to think differently. Plus, you never know when even a base knowledge of another language will come in handy.

3. Build a list of mentors to contact when you graduate. This is your introduction to networking. These should be people you admire and who have helped you. Keep in touch with these people. You never know how they could help you or you can help them in the future.

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4. Set up a few informal interviews. If you’re graduating from college, take a look at your industry and identify a few movers and shakers.

Connect with these people on LinkedIn, introduce yourself and meet them for coffee. You are not looking for a job, so this isn’t a formal interview but a great way to get your face and name in the minds of others in your industry.

5. Understand that you are leaving the comfort of “regulated time.” You and your peers likely track your time and progress class by class, semester by semester. After graduation, people will progress and move through life at different paces. If you find yourself “behind” others, don’t be jealous. If you find yourself “ahead,” don’t be judgmental.

For Libby, an early childhood education major at SIUE, student teaching provided transformative— and sometimes surprising—lessons. Hands-on learning opportunities exist in virtually every program at SIUE. Libby has already made a positive impact in the lives of children. The training and experience she received at SIUE will lead her to inspire others in her future teaching career.

Watch Libby’s story. siue.edu/learn-teach-inspire

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COLLEGE CONNECTION | APRIL 2018 7

DISCOVER

THE POWER IN YO U R P U R P O S E. COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

The ins and outs of applying to college C Each of us has come into this world with a purpose. To not simply be — but to become the embodiment of everything extraordinary that lives inside of us.

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hoosing where to apply to college is a big decision that can affect the lives of young students for years to come. The college application process can have more immediate impacts as well, as U.S. News reported that the average college application fee was $41 in the spring of 2015, meaning families can expect to spend several hundred dollars just to apply to colleges.

The rising cost of a college education coupled with a competitive job market only serve to emphasize the importance high school students and their families must place when deciding where to apply. The following are a handful of strategies families can employ to make students’ decisions regarding where to apply to college a little easier.

1. Don’t hesitate from applying to a dream school The Princeton Review defines dream schools as those colleges or universities where a student’s academic credentials fall in the low end or below the school’s averages for students accepted the year prior. But even students who meet the academic requirements established by their dream schools may be hesitant to apply to such schools because of the cost of tuition. Students whose academic records fall just short of their dream schools’ criteria or whose stltoday.com/collegeconnection

financial means make attending their dream schools seem impossible should still apply to those schools. Financial aid might be available, and schools might look at more than just academic performance.

2. Don’t be deterred by application fees Stanford University’s application fee for 2017 was $90, making the school one of the more expensive colleges or universities to apply to. But many schools, including Stanford, waive those fees for certain applicants. Students should not expect each school to waive their application fees, but they also should not let those fees deter them from applying, especially if they meet or exceed the application requirements.

3. Choose the right safety school Safety schools are those colleges or universities where applicants’ academic credentials make them a near certainty to gain admission. But when choosing safety schools, students should pick schools that they would enjoy attending. Applying to a school simply because you can get in and not because you want to enroll there can make for an unpleasant college experience should you ultimately end up attending that college.

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What to do when the inancial aid letter arrives Take these steps to ease the decisionmaking process

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he last year of high school is a whirl of activity, and it’s no different when it comes to the final leg of college selection. Once the acceptance notifications arrive, it will soon be time to sit down with a different stack of mail: financial aid letters.

As you undoubtedly know, the cost of college is no small investment. In the 2017-18 academic year, the average tuition and fees for four-year public colleges is $25,620, while for private colleges, the costs are $33,520, and public two-year colleges cost $3,570, according to the College Board.

At the same time, the College Board reports that more than 70 percent of students receive grants to help pay for college. Hopefully, those financial letters contain some good news.

For most families, analyzing the letters is a process of uncovering the college that can offer the best education at the best value for your student.

One way to get there is to parse the details of the letter itself so you understand the net cost of your student’s education. Still, it’s critical to look at other factors and opportunities around higher education costs. Taking a deeper look at these can help you and your student reach the best possible decision.

Deciphering free aid vs. other options Take a close look at each line in the aid column. Key words, such as scholarships, grants and fellowships, signal no-strings money for school. Workstudy and student loan packages are options that will need students to find a job or pay the money back.

Cost-of-living expenses Think about those extra costs that come up over the weeks and months Special to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

of any college year, such as meals, phone, transportation and laundry.

Don’t forget entertainment. After all, they’re not going to spend all their time studying in their dorm room. Does the campus and community offer plenty of low-cost and no-cost attractions and entertainment so they can have fun with their friends without breaking the bank?

Local economy One thing worth considering is the local economy of the first-choice school, especially if your student may want to pick up a part-time job along the way. Even better, look for local employers that are compatible with your child’s career goals. An entrylevel job at one of these workplaces can help make ends meet, while making your student more marketable when it’s time to graduate.

Student achievement Do a little digging on the success rate for students and graduates, so you have an idea on whether the school has a high job placement rate after graduation. Know the school’s graduation rate, along with the average first-year salary for graduates.

Ongoing costs The financial aid letter describes the student’s first year. As much as you can, do some forecasting for the next three to four years. It’s especially important to understand whether awards are renewable, or if they’re available only to first-year students.

Negotiation If the college isn’t coming through with enough aid to make college affordable for your student and family, don’t give up. You might be able

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to negotiate more aid. Submit a letter and ask for a follow-up appointment. Be specific about what you are requesting, and be sure to explain if you have specific circumstances such as medical costs or a job loss that may have affected your ability to meet the expected family contribution.

If you find the amount of financial aid provided isn’t enough (including the amount offered in federal loans), families may want to research and explore private student loans as an option to cover the additional expenses. Look for competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options that match your budget. College Ave Student Loans also offers a calculator that showcases how much families can save with various loan options at collegeavestudentloans. com.

Content and photo by BrandPoint COLLEGE CONNECTION | APRIL 2018 9

140 YEARS OF HISTORY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

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SCHOOLS RETHINK GRADING Emphasis on learning G Grades are more heavily based o on subject mastery, rather than homework or participation.

A tough transition Parents, teachers worry that kids won’t put in the work

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LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY

Southeast Missouri leads in providing career-readiness S outheast Missouri State University wants students to do their dream jobs before landing their dream jobs. Ask Jon Berbling, Faizel Khan, Chandrashekhar Singh and Kara Hartnett — students armed with the knowledge, drive and experience to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce.

Berbling, a marine biology major, saw the effect of climate change firsthand at the Churchill Northern Study Centre, a Canadian field station, while studying environmental variables that affect wood frogs and arctic foxes in a subartic environment.

Khan and Singh are partnering on a tech start-up at Southeast’s Catapult Creative House to create an online

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platform in the native languages of Third World country teenagers to help them learn computer languages like Java and Python.

Hartnett, The Arrow student newspaper editor, sees how the classroom complements reality. She works with University partner, the Southeast Missourian, on content, advertising and marketing.

“Another cool thing is that [the work] is so closely tied to the curriculum,” she said. “I’m going to have a better future because of it.”

To learn how to become careerready at Southeast, visit semo.edu/ resume.

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COLLEGE CONNECTION | APRIL 2018 11

Southern Illinois University Carbondale becomes a university without borders

S

outhern Illinois University Carbondale has a long history of opening doors.

As of this fall, we are a university without borders — all United States residents pay the same tuition as Illinois residents.

We are all about opportunity.

From one-on-one faculty mentoring to hands-on learning in everything from the arts to the sciences, SIU puts students on career paths they care about with the skills and confidence they need to excel. We’re a university where the students know their professors and the professors know their students.

What can you do at SIU? You can get your hands dirty at the student-run organic farms. You can help manage $1.8 million of the SIU Foundation’s portfolio. You can star on stage or in the orchestra, you can track deer, improve food safety, or contribute to research in hyperpolarization or biomedical technology.

You can even earn an Emmy for news coverage.

Come for a visit, let us show off our beautiful campus. We’d love to talk about what SIU can do for you.

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College is the perfect time to organize personal inances

Y

ou are probably familiar with the financial stories making headlines across the country: billions of dollars in student loan debt. Millennials are “entitled” and “spend selfishly.” Millennials delay getting married, purchasing homes and starting families at a historically unprecedented rate. The list goes on. Millennials in fact, are a generation dealing with higher debt and lower wages. But this does not mean you have to be disadvantaged by the system. With the right strategy and due diligence, financial freedom is yours for the taking.

Make a Budget Budgets help us understand our fiscal responsibility. It is one thing to know that you have to pay rent and utilities every month. It is quite another to see those amounts listed on a spreadsheet and see the pittance left over. Making and sticking to a budget means living within your means — a lesson that will help you later in life.

Find a Job Any job. Whether you are graduating high school or graduating college, finding a job and making money should be high on your priority list.

You also should accept that this job will most likely have nothing to do with what you really want to do. Welcome to adulthood. While you should always keep your passions in sight, you also have to provide the basics for yourself: food, a roof over your head and clothes on your body.

Don’t Ignore Student Loans There is no faster way to tank your credit score than to ignore the massive amounts of money you borrowed to help you earn that degree. Even small loans can become big problems if shoved to the side and ignored.

Get on a payment plan and start knocking your loan out little by little.

Increase the amount you pay as you grow in your career.

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FROM UNDECIDED TO UNSTOPPAB UNSTOPPABLE. THAT’S A SALUKI.

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Finding money for college C

ollege is a significant investment and millions of families each year face the question of how to pay for it. One way students can position themselves for success is by seeking out various forms of financial assistance.

Earning scholarships can be one way to offset the financial burden, but winning a scholarship can sometimes be as competitive as gaining admission to the college of your choice. While most scholarships don’t entirely cover college tuition, they can be useful tools to help cover educational expenses such as room and board, tuition and books.

Some scholarships can be earned by meeting or exceeding certain standards, such as academic performance, while other scholarships are based on financial need or personal interests of the applicant. There’s also a wealth of opportunities that support students in specific areas, whether it be from companies, professional organizations or foundations. For example, the America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders program offers industry-specific scholarships each year for those looking to study agriculture-related fields.

While your academic performance, character and extracurricular resume all play a part, knowing where to look for scholarships can make all the difference when it comes time to pay for your education. These tips can help you identify and apply for scholarships that match your interests and credentials.

require essays, videos or additional assets that promote their accomplishments outside of submitting an application and a copy of their transcripts. This typically leads to a smaller candidate pool. Due to the added requirements, these scholarships can oftentimes come with larger monetary values, as well.

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applications to high school counselors.

Many institutions also offer specific awards by major for both new and returning students that can be applied for through the school’s financial aid office. These resources, as well as newsletters and bulletin boards outside of these offices, can help you identify scholarships for which you may be eligible to apply.

Apply for Scholarships in Your Field of Interest Many job sectors have scholarship opportunities available through related clubs, organizations, small businesses and other benefactors. For example, the America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund in conjunction with the FFA, provides $1,500 scholarships to students endorsed by local farmers for continuComplete the FAFSA ing their education at two- or fourCompleting the Free Application year universities and trade schools in for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may agriculture-related fields of study. This be required to apply for a number of year, the program will award more than scholarships, particularly scholarships $500,000 in scholarships to students in offered by most colleges and universifields such as mathematics, computer ties based on need. It is also required for other forms of financial aid, such as science, business, communications, subsidized or unsubsidized loans. While engineering, farming, agronomy, education and more. Students can learn you can begin filling out the FAFSA on more about the program by visiting Oct. 1 of the year prior to needing aid, GrowAgLeaders.com. many need-based scholarships give priority to students who complete the FAFSA by their state’s application dead- Don’t Overlook Smaller Award Amounts line. It is important to note that some When it comes to paying for your colleges and universities have earlier education, every scholarship you deadlines. receive – even those that come with smaller, one-time award amounts Talk to Your Counselor Colleges or universities and scholar- – can help defray the costs beyond tuition for books, supplies and living ship providers often supply informaexpenses. Many times, scholarships tion about their award offerings and Special to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

with smaller award amounts have fewer additional requirements that must be satisfied outside of materials traditionally required for submission such as transcripts, letters of reference and an application.

Look for Essay Applications Students are often more likely to forgo applying to scholarships that

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Use a Scholarship Search Engine While a simple search for “college scholarships” on any search engine is likely to elicit plenty of options, there are sites available that are dedicated to helping students identify college scholarship opportunities. While paid options exist, there are also several free sites, such as Scholarships.com, Fastweb and Scholarship America, that can provide local, regional and national options based on the information you provide. Other, more industry-specific websites, such as FFA.org, can provide scholarship opportunities that pertain to a certain field of interest.

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COLLEGE CONNECTION | APRIL 2018 13

CMU’s Digital U: A Expert advice on step ahead of the rest student loan repayment

I

t’s proficient. It’s innovative. It’s top-of-the-line. Central Methodist University’s Digital U enhances the classroom experience so students can learn the way they live.

All undergraduate College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) students at CMU’s main campus in Fayette are provided their own Apple iPad Pro free of charge — but the perks don’t end there.

Possibilities are limitless with strategically chosen apps and other features that advance skills while catering to students’ majors and interests.

Digital U provides instant connection between students, clubs, athletics, fine arts, and campus activities. Inside the classroom, users learn faster and smarter. With the advantage of CMU’s Apple TVs – featured in every classroom and laboratory — students can sync their iPads for interactive presentations and lectures. Note-taking apps and opportunities to use printed textbooks or “e-texts” instead of hard-copy textbooks are other convenient advantages.

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APRIL 2018 | COLLEGE CONNECTION

There’s no denying it; Digital U gives CMU students the cutting-edge, realworld experience top companies look for in the candidates they seek. After taking advantage of its access, connective learning, collaboration, and unlimited learning capabilities, students will graduate a step ahead of the rest as they begin their professional careers.

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(NAPS) Here are two bits of good news for recent and soon-to-be college graduates — and those planning for college — with student loans: • You probably have a six-month grace period after graduation before you have to start making payments.

• While adding a new payment of any kind into your life can be daunting, the vast majority of Americans with student loans do successfully pay them off, due, in part, to the value of their college education.

These student loan repayment tips can help you be among them: • Contact your servicer. Some students have more than one loan, so it’s best to contact each servicer to discuss your payment options.

The servicer can also help identify alternatives if you’re experiencing difficulty.

• Pay every month, and pay extra when you can. Make payments every month. Options to postpone payments typically mean you’ll pay more

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over the life of the loan, so tackle your payments now. Whenever you can, pay extra to reduce your interest costs and pay off faster.

• Create a budget. Know how much is due every month and create a budget that’s in sync with the amount due. Get the big picture when creating your budget. Put together a snapshot of all your financial obligations, including your credit cards, car loan, student loans and rent.

• Pay yourself. Build an emergency savings fund of $500 to $1,000 to be prepared for car expenses, an emergency trip or life’s other unexpected expenses.

• Sign up for auto-pay. Automatic payments not only make sure you never miss a payment, but servicers such as Sallie Mae, the nation’s No. 1 financial services company specializing in education, may reduce your interest rate if you pay by automatic debit.

To learn more, visit SallieMae.com.

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COLLEGE CONNECTION | APRIL 2018 15

At Southeast Missouri State University,

RESUMÉS ARE BUILT, NOT WRITTEN. Build Yours Here.

At Southeast, you’ll actually do your dream job before you get your dream job. That’s because we believe in making your education a partnership between what you learn in class and real experience.

In addition to internships and clinicals, we ofer the facilities and programs to ensure your resumé includes your degree plus actual experience, so you’re career ready and confident.

Opportunities await. Let’s talk!

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