COLLEGE PLANNING MAGAZINE
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Issue #07 Fall 2021
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DO’S AND DON’TS OF HIRING INDEPENDENT COUNSELORS 12
HOW STUDENTS ARE RETHINKING THEIR COLLEGE EDUCATION THIS YEAR
10
IMPACT OF TEST-OPTIONAL POLICIES ON COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
14
HOW COLLEGES ARE RETHINKING INTERNSHIPS, WORK STUDY, AND APPRENTICESHIPS
18
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FINDING A CAREER PATH WHERE YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
STUDENT LIFE HACKS - MENTAL HEALTH HACKS
PREPARING YOURSELF FOR AN INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE IN AND AFTER COLLEGE
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CONTENTS / FALL 2021
Featured Articles >>> DO’S AND DON’TS OF HIRING INDEPENDENT COUNSELORS - By Laurie Kopp Weingarten, CEP
12
A knowledgeable consultant can guide the student to make strong college prep and admissions choices.
HOW COLLEGES ARE RETHINKING INTERNSHIPS, APPRENTICESHIPS, WORK STUDY, … - By Jim Paterson
18
IN
With more students coming to college with a broader set of needs and more often seeking practical skills in new approaches to work are taking shape through apprenticeships, internships and work study programs.
on the cover
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ON THE COVER Laurie Kopp Weingarten, CEP Co-Founder and President of One Stop College Counseling
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
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CONTENTS
Inside the Mag >>>
COLLEGE PLANNING 10 How Students Are Rethinking Their College Experience This Year: - By Jori Hamilton
12 Do’s and Don’ts of 12
Hiring Independent Counselors:
- By Laurie Kopp Weingarten
14 The Impact of TEST-OPTIONAL
Policies on College Admissions: - By Jim Paterson
GINA GERRATO GREENHAUS
IF THE TEST SCORE IS GOING TO ADD TO A STUDENT’S PROFILE THEN IT MAKES SENSE TO SUBMIT ONE.
CAREER 18 How Colleges Are 18
Rethinking Internships, Work Study, and Apprenticeships: - By Jim Paterson
21 NextStepU Undeclared Major Series: Covering 18 Majors
...uncertainty still remains about the clarity of testing policies and how they will take shape in the future. What should students choose to do?
LIFE 24 LIFE HACKS For School:
10 Mental Health Hacks - By Amelia Mezrahi
MONEY – PAY FOR COLLEGE 28 Demystifying 28 AWARD LETTERS
24 Preparing Yourself For an 26 Independent Lifestyle In and After College
- By James Paterson
30 College Finance Terms
- By Jori Hamilton
- By NextStepU Blog
22 Finding a Career Path Where You Can Make a Difference: #23418f
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- By Amelia Mezrahi
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Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
W
elcome to our Fall 2021 issue of NextStepU magazine and a new school year!
Education is in a profound period of transition as we slowly move out of COVID (hopefully) and find a new normal. While the world had a grand experiment with virtual learning, most schools are transitioning to mostly in-person. At the same time, colleges experimented with new ways to reach prospective and current students (virtual tours or zoom icebreakers anyone?). Many schools reduced their dependence on standardized tests and college recruiting had to change as well. With the new school year, it is time to assess what worked, what didn’t and what changes to expect in future. For many parents, students and educators, the reopening of schools and a return to normalcy this year marks a major relief. Congrats, we made it through it all! However, for those high school students who are college bound, they need to ask what admissions, school and careers will look like going forward. This edition of the magazine therefore covers some of these topics. For example, in our college planning section, there is an article on how students might be rethinking college education and advice on hiring a college counselor to help with the admission’s process. We also explore the future of standardized tests. Many schools went test optional over the last year and saw an #23418f admission process that in many cases produced some of their most diverse and interesting freshman classes on record. Experts in admissions say this trend will continue. Looking at careers, we explore changes in recruiting and how to find a meaningful career. We have an article that explores how colleges are making changes to internships, work study and apprenticeship programs and what today’s students can expect moving forward. The pandemic has also led many young people to an increased focus on finding work with meaning, so our article on finding a career path where you can make a difference gives some useful suggestions. Looking more broadly at this new stage of your life, we offer practical advice for you as well. Stress and mental health issues are surging among today’s students and in a quick life hack we offer ten tips to help. Along a similar vein, we offer tips on improving your lifestyle in and after college. Speaking of finances, avoiding a mountain of debt is also important, so we attempt to demystify the financial aid award letter you receive from colleges to help you understand what school will cost you. This year will continue to be challenging and remains a time of transition. We are not out of the woods on COVID and changes to the higher education system continue. We are so honored to share these trends and advice with you and hope that you find health, fulfillment, and success in everything you decide to do. Best of luck! With warmest regards, Amelia Mezrahi CEO/Publisher Next Step Universe
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Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
Publisher/CEO: Amelia Mezrahi | Amelia@NextStepU.com Chief Revenue Officer: Rob Aronson | rob.aronson08@gmail.com Founder/Adviser: David Mammano | David@NextStepU.com Editor: Kate Alexander l Editor@NextStepU.com Art Director: Silvio Del Monaco | smdelmonaco@gmail.com Advertising Sales: Rob Aronson | sales@nextstepu.com Lisa Mietelski | Lisa@NextStepU.com Editorial and Contributions: Brent Benner, Kelsey Berkowitz, Megan Coval, Rachel Fishman, Gina Gerrato Greenhaus, Jori Hamilton, Ivy Love, Jaime Manduke, Amelia Mezrahi, Jeffrey Moss, James Paterson, Bob Schaeffer, Rick Shipman, Laurie Kopp Weingarten #168fce Cover photography: Photos provided by Laurie Kopp Weingarten and Ivy Love For questions, comments or advertising information, Please contact us at Info@NextStepU.com or through NextStepU.com. Next Step Universe is a proud member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. For advertising information email us at Sales@NextStepU. com. Some inside photos from Pexels ©Copyright 2021 by Next Step Universe. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Copying, reproduction or transmittal of this publication by any means is strictly prohibited without the permission of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to edit or omit all materials submitted for publication, including advertisements, article contributions and event listings. Although this publication is thoroughly edited, the publisher is not liable for any damages due to editing, changes, cancellations, errors, and omissions. All corrections should be directed to our editor. All work submitted for publication is assumed to be the provider’s original work, and the publisher accepts no liability as a result of publishing such works. NextStepU® is a nationally registered trademark. Unauthorized use of the Next Step names, logos, or indicia is prohibited. We strive to make sure the information and advice is accurate, but it is up to you to do your own research. Good luck!
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COLLEGE PLANNING
How Students
are Rethinking
THEIR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE THIS YEAR
By Jori Hamilton Jori Hamilton is a writer and journalist from the Pacific Northwest who covers social justice issues, healthcare, and politics. You can follow her work on twitter @HamiltonJori or through her portfolio https://writerjorihamilton.contently.com
C
ollege life during the pandemic (https://bit. ly/3jwRXLe) revealed that although we were able to adjust, university education was hardly prepared to thrive under such circumstances. Students were suddenly kicked out of housing, universities everywhere ceased oncampus activity, and campuses that did continue to operate online didn’t meet student expectations. These are just a few of the challenges college students had to navigate because of the pandemic. Fortunately, we’ve seemingly made it through the worst times. But the deci-
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sion to attend college or continue your college education as we rebuild from this pandemic shouldn’t be taken lightly. You’re right to rethink your college education and seriously consider whether it’s worth it. To help you make an informed decision, here are four things to consider because of this past pandemic before finalizing your college plans.
HEALTH AND SAFETY IS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY
Your health and safety should be number one whether you attend college this year or not. But it’s imperative if you want to make your way back on campus. COVID-19 is still a significant
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
threat to our health. So, protecting you from it should be a huge priority at the school you choose. Ensure there are health and safety measures in place like hand sanitizer stations, consistent cleaning of public spaces, social distancing measures, masking policies, and easy access to testing and vaccination. Also, choose a school that makes mental health and physical wellbeing resources readily available. If your first priority is your health and safety, the second may very well be ensuring your economic stability.
AN EVEN BIGGER SPOTLIGHT ON FINANCES
Because of this pandemic, there’s an even bigger spotlight on whether the financial obligations of a college education are doable and worth it. Experts find that (https://bit.ly/3zye3CB) “51% of high school students said that economic uncertainty had affected their postgraduation plans. Of those impacted,
COLLEGE PLANNING
53% of them said that their parents were laid off and will have less saved for college; 44% of them said they would need to take debt to cover the cost of education.” In other words, the pandemic severely affected the finances of many students and their parents. And because of these financial issues, their college savings and plans took a huge hit. So, pursuing college this year may be highly dependent on whether you can afford it and whether you’ll truly take advantage of the education you receive. The focus on finances also encourages many students to consider other options for higher education just as much as they’re considering a four-year university education.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
In scoping out whether college is worth it financially this year, you’ll probably come across other suitable options for higher education. Although living on a college campus and pursuing a fouryear degree can be a wonderful experience, there are other quality educational opportunities out there. For example, let’s say you want to become an accountant. But in light of the recent pandemic, you want to prepare yourself for a virtual accounting job (https://bit.ly/3zxvIKJ). You may find that getting an accounting certification online is more affordable and allows you to still work full-time, pursue an internship, or simply work at your own pace. In addition to quality, affordable education, you get a little glimpse into what it takes to successfully work remotely when you’re asked to use cloud com-
puting and remote accounting software to complete your coursework. If you’re determined to attend college on campus this year, though, you must prioritize getting back out there socially and establishing in-person connections again.
REESTABLISHING CONNECTIONS AND SOCIALIZING
The pandemic made it so we couldn’t enjoy each other in person anymore. And that stung for everyone. So, when you think about how you want your college experience to go this year, consider how your school will go about helping you reconnect with others and socialize. For instance, this pandemic landed many students back home with their parents. Now that the pandemic is ending, they can’t wait to get out of the house and experience life again. With that being said, living on campus is a great way to reestablish connections and socialize with other students, staff, and professors consistently. But in the event on-campus housing isn’t an option, ensure your college has resources to help you get your first apartment close to the school to enjoy the college atmosphere. Additionally, see if there are any financial stipends available to help you furnish your living space as well, with at least the essentials to thrive in your studies like good lighting, a nice bed, a functional desk, and storage. If your space is small, you may be living in a studio, so look at checklists for furnishing small spaces (https://bit.ly/3gO9xIM) like living rooms. Ultimately, we’ve spent so much time away from each other that we appreciate
face-to-face communication and connection even more now. So, resources, events, classes, community activities, clubs, and so forth should be available on any campus you choose to help you reintegrate in a safe, efficient, genuine way.
MOVING FORWARD NOW THAT THE PANDEMIC IS COMING TO AN END
Whether you’re attending college for the first time, thinking about reentering, or continuing your education, there are a few things you should do now that the pandemic is coming to an end to ensure your college experience this year meets your needs. First, be honest with yourself about all facets of where you currently stand. In other words, pinpoint where you’re at financially, mentally, emotionally, academically, and physically. Then, take an in-depth look at your relationships, current job, and how everything will fit together if you decide to move forward with college. Also, be honest with yourself about potential challenges and how you’d be able to overcome them. Next, do some research on how colleges and universities are getting their students back on campus safely and their plans to support students moving forward (https://bit.ly/3gR4aIL). And narrow down your research to the schools you’re looking at so that you’re making the most of your research phase. And then, explore how you’d still achieve your career and overall life goals if you can’t pursue college or must do so later in life. Be as detailed as possible to create a realistic picture of how this plan B could be just as satisfactory. This will help you take an honest look at both plans and determine which is most doable as we get to the other side of this pandemic. Ultimately, students are thinking long and hard about their college experience this year. By establishing your needs, considering your wants, and weighing them both against what college campuses can offer you will ensure you’re making an informed final decision about how you will continue your education.
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
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COLLEGE PLANNING vate Counselor, College Coach, College Advisor, Admission Consultant, Independent Educational Consultant (IEC), and/or a Certified Educational Planner (CEP). It’s important to investigate further to determine exactly what the consultant offers, in order to ascertain whether their services fit your needs.
The Do’s & Don’ts
By Laurie Kopp Weingarten, CEP Co-Founder & President, One-Stop College Counseling
OF HIRING A COLLEGE CONSULTANT
A
s the peaceful days of summer end, students return to their busy lives balancing school classes, homework, tests, and extra-curricular activities. Parents of teenagers begin to hear talk of college applications, launching a new cycle of stress and uncertainly. Often their friends, neighbors, or relatives will contemplate hiring a college consultant. And then they anxiously wonder whether they should
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be engaging with someone to help them navigate this complicated world of college admissions. Should they hire a consultant for their child?
LET’S DISCUSS THE “WHO” AND THE “WHY,” FOLLOWED BY A PRACTICAL LIST OF “DO’S AND DON’TS.” Who? When beginning your search, you’ll notice that the terminology varies. Professionals can call themselves a Pri-
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
Why? The National Association of College Counseling (NACAC) releases their annual State of College Admission Report, and their latest (2019) version indicates that the student-to-college counselor ratio for secondary schools is a whopping 319:1 (public) and 244:1 (private). Their research also reveals that public and private school counselors only devote, 19% and 31% of their time, respectively, to college advising, since they have numerous other job responsibilities. School counselors simply don’t have the ability to offer unlimited hours to students who seek advice on: standardized test options, developing a strategic college list, preparing for admission interviews, choosing extra-curricular activities, finding summer jobs/internships, navigating a college visit, narrowing down their essay topics, selecting Early Decision/Early Action options, and managing their application progress. With so many facets of the admission process, it’s no wonder families feel overwhelmed. So, one reason parents hire independent educational consultants is to make sure their child receives timely and effective advising. College is one of the most expensive investments parents will make. Children often benefit from more one-on-one attention than their high school can provide. But there are other reasons parents seek college counseling services: • Parents understand that college admission is different today than when they applied decades ago, and they would like someone with experience to guide them. • It’s difficult for parents to invest the time to learn the process themselves. Instead, they hire a professional to strategically guide them.
COLLEGE PLANNING
• Some parents attended colleges abroad and feel lost when trying to understand the holistic process used by so many U.S. colleges. • Many parents observe that their child, like a typical teen, doesn’t seem to value or pay attention to their opinion. They prefer to hire an impartial expert, thereby alleviating stress (and arguments) at home! • Families may be looking to save money on college costs by earning merit or need-based scholarships. The consultant can steer them to schools that match their financial goals. • Families hear about high-performing students who didn’t fare as well as expected in previous admission cycles. They want to make sure their teen doesn’t make any missteps. They seek sound and strategic advice that will enhance their child’s likelihood of admission into their “best fit” colleges. In 2009, Lipman Hearne surveyed “highachieving” high school seniors (defined by standardized test scores in the top 30%). The results revealed that 26% of them admitted to hiring an independent educational consultant to guide them through their college process. Now, over a decade later, we suspect the number is significantly higher. Choosing to hire a counselor is a decision that students and their parents should make together. Both should be excited about the process. And if the family decides to work with a college consultant, it’s best to begin as early as possible, preferably as the student begins high school.
BELOW ARE SOME PRACTICAL DO’S AND DON’TS! DO’S:
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! DON’T TAKE SHORTCUTS WHEN CHOOSING WHO TO HIRE! According to the 2018 IECA State of the Profession Report, since 2005, there has been a 400% increase in the number of IECs domestically and a 1,000% increase in the number of IECs internationally. It’s
important to hire someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about college admissions. There is NO barrier to entry in this field. Make sure that your counselor is affiliated with at least one of the three main organizations: IECA, HECA, and/or NACAC. Better yet, hire one of the 2% of consultants who are Certified Educational Planners (CEP). They are required to meet and document stringent continuing education requirements. ASK DETAILED QUESTIONS: Inquire as to how often the consultant visits colleges, meets with admissions officers (webinars and Zoom meetings, in Covid times), and attends conferences to keep up with the latest news. If the consultant is not staying current with the rapidly changing world of college admissions, they might not be giving optimal advice. REVIEW EXPECTATIONS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ALIGNED WITH YOUR FAMILY NEEDS: It’s important to discuss what you expect before signing a contract. You want to make sure your goals are in synch with the consultant’s vision, so that there are no problems later on. For example, ask whether parents are invited into the meetings, and whether the consultant copies parents on communications with the student, if that’s important to you.
do this. This is not ethical, and colleges can spot an essay written by a professional writer or a middle-aged counselor instantly. DO NOT ENGAGE WITH SOMEONE WITH NO TRAINING, BUT WHO “LEARNED A LOT AS THEY HELPED THEIR OWN CHILDREN GET INTO HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEGES.” The admission process is complicated and ever-changing. You want to work with someone who is trained, affiliated with IECA, HECA and/or NACAC, stays abreast of current news, visits colleges regularly, meets with admission officers, and is extraordinarily knowledgeable about the process. STEER CLEAR OF ANYONE WHO OFFERS TO “PACKAGE” YOUR TEEN. Colleges look for authenticity in the student’s application. They easily spot slick, “packaged” students.
MAKE SURE YOUR TEEN FEELS COMFORTABLE WITH THE CONSULTANT! There should be some sort of initial consultation where your teen meets the consultant. Do they feel comfortable with their future counselor and are their goals aligned?
DON’TS:
STAY AWAY FROM A CONSULTANT WHO MAKES GUARANTEES! If the consultant claims they can guarantee you child’s admission into a school by using their “connections,” run away! There are no “sure things” in college admission! AVOID HIRING SOMEONE WHO WILL WRITE YOUR TEEN’S COLLEGE ESSAYS! Unfortunately, there are still people who
FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE WORTH REPEATING:
Start early! A knowledgeable consultant can guide your student to make strong choices as they enter high school!
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
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COLLEGE PLANNING
Impac t Of T es tOp t ion a l P ol icies ON COLLEGE ADMISSIONS By Jim Paterson
T
he upheaval that COVID-19 caused to standardized testing protocols and enrollment generally prompted a big jump in the number of colleges who are giving students options about presenting test scores, but uncertainty still remains about testing policies and how they will take shape in the future. For students, there also is a big question about their own choice: Given the option for submitting scores, what should they choose to do? There are no clear answers to those questions, but experts say when the school year gets underway and things somewhat return to normal, it will become clearer how the issues surrounding the SAT and ACT testing will pan out, particularly the circumstances when a student should take them.
Bob Schaeffer, executive director of FairTest (https://www.fairtest.org), which advocates for a move away from standardized testing, believes the trend away from standardized tests will continue. “The bottom line is that we have found more than 70 percent of all U.S. fouryear schools will not require most or all
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applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission in fall 2022,” he says. “In many cases, these policies extend for several additional years or indefinitely. More than half of all bachelor-degree granting institutions will be test-optional or test-blind in five years. Test-optional policies are the new normal for undergraduate admissions.”
Gina Gerrato Greenhaus, a San Diegobased educational consultant who has worked closely with students over the last two years when so much has been up in the air about testing, says, however, that no one seems certain about the policies colleges will follow in the future. She recommends that students pay close attention to the trends and the specific approaches of the colleges that interest them. She says that there are a number of
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
factors students should take into consideration when they weigh whether to take a test – or even whether they choose a particular school based on their test policy. Financial aid or sports scholarships, for instance, may be based on test scores and certain departments within a college may consider them despite the college being test optional. A student who does well on such tests obviously may want to present scores, especially if other items in their profile are less strong. One of her students who wanted to study engineering only had good grades but was “a very good test-taker with close to a perfect score” and she recommended he submit scores. However, for another senior who was a strong student and was going to an out-of-state school where she was obviously qualified, Gerrato Greenhaus didn’t advocate for submitting test scores. “Her grades and extracurricular profile spoke for itself and she was accepted to several colleges with scholarships,” she says. “If the test score is going to add to a student’s profile then it makes sense to submit one, she says. “In other cases, it’s a neutral or negative factor.” Some students worry that colleges say they are blind to test scores but still may use them, potentially just to initially screen students, she notes.
COLLEGE PLANNING I ALWAYS REMIND STUDENTS THAT ADMISSIONS OFFICES ARE LOOKING FOR SUPPORT AND INFORMATION IN FAVOR OF ADMISSION, AND NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. – Jaime Manduke
Jaime Manduke, associate director of college counseling at the Marin Academy in San Francisco, says she gives her students specific suggestions: “My advice is to only send testing if they are in the middle 50 percent or above of the college’s average testing range. I have anecdotally heard from admissions folks that a student may have been more successful in the process if the college had not seen that lower score. It’s important not to blindly send a test score everywhere even if you have one.” She says she has seen data from colleges suggesting that up to ninety percent of their students omitted testing last year, and even the most selective colleges still saw at least fifty percent of their admitted
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students didn’t submit scores. “I always remind students that admissions offices are looking for support and information in favor of admission, and not the other way around. Ultimately, students are so much more than an eight-page PDF, and they are definitely more than a four-hour test on a Saturday morning,” she says. “I have had juniors and seniors of varying backgrounds who have said ‘No thanks’ to that level of stress and simply never opened an ACT or SAT book or bothered taking a test at all. They’ve dedicated themselves to their studies and other meaningful activities and had faith in the colleges that when they said test optional they meant it”. Schaffer agrees: “For those whose high school records, including grades and course rigor, match or exceed the average profiles of applicants admitted to their target schools, prepping for
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
the ACT/SAT makes little sense. If such students still think that a strong test performance might give them an edge, they can take a free practice exam to see their likely score. He doesn’t believe most schools use test scores as a tie-breaking mechanism but is concerned that a “moderate number of institutions that suspended ACT/ SAT-admissions requirements still relied on standardized exam scores to award merit aid”. He recommends that students consider taking advantage of having the option. “Current high school students need to recognize that they are members of the first generation in 100 years that does not have to take the SAT or ACT for college admissions in the vast majority of circumstances,” he says. “That gives each individual the option to decide whether it’s worth the time and resources, financial and psychological.”
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CAREER
How Colleges Are By James Paterson
T
RETHINKING INTERNSHIPS, APPRENTICESHIPS, AND WORK STUDY PROGRAMS
here are new opportunities for students to earn money and get first-hand experience as they get academic training in college – even as a traditional system for working while taking college classes may get an overhaul or at least a tune up. With more students coming to college with a broader set of needs and more often seeking practical skills in higher ed, new approaches to working while in post-secondary programs are taking shape through apprenticeships, internships and work study programs, experts say. And it comes at a good time with many young people having suffered through a major period of pandemicdriven unemployment. Colleges have a renewed interest in workforce training, pressured (https:// brook.gs/3gOpQ8e) by employers and students who see its value. And legislators are also giving workforce training of various forms increased attention (https://
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bit.ly/38sxkt5), and often focusing on the ways that students can learn about and sign up for the programs, which too often limits participation. It means that students headed off to college should both consider the options for work experience at the institutions they are considering and early on find out the paths to them, experts say.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Long thought of as a way for workers to learn building trade skills – apprenticeships are increasingly available to college students in a variety of forms (https://bit.ly/2WGqOfT), giving them work experience, typically a paycheck and sometimes college credit. And because the concept is generally popular across the political spectrum, a potential big boost in federal aid may make them even more accessible. Apprenticeships are showing up in fields like health care, information technology, business services and early childhood education, according to Ivy
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
Love, senior policy analyst from the Center on Education and Labor at the Education Think Tank New America, who has researched the changes in apprenticeship programs and written about policies (https://bit. ly/3zzoZjo) that could boost them. New America also has laid out eight recommendations (https://bit.ly/3mOwXS1) that can bridge the historically “stark separation” between colleges and apprenticeships. And that divide seems to be closing, according to Love and other experts. Many community colleges have broadened their apprenticeship offerings, including those in New Jersey, where a $12 million federal grant allowed 14 community colleges (https:// bit.ly/3yvCYVZ) (https://bit.ly/3yASGz4) to initiate health care professional apprenticeships. Those funds were from a $183 million federal government program that established new apprenticeships in higher education institutions,
CAREER
ranging from Purdue University to community colleges in Alabama – and other federal legislation may be on the way. Meanwhile, California has established a goal (https://bit.ly/3kERc1N) of developing 500,000 apprenticeships, many in new sectors, and Georgia is using an $8 million grant (https://bit. ly/3mNVu9S) to provide them in cyber security. The American Association of Community Colleges also is partnering (https://bit.ly/2V3ebed) with the Department of Labor to produce 16,000 apprenticeships nationwide. “Apprenticeships that connect to college are becoming more common,” says Love. “These programs may yield college credit, or even result in a full degree, within the structure of
an apprenticeship. Apprenticeship and college can go well together or in sequence, and I think we’ll continue to see more programs using this structure to support youth.”
GAINING GROUND
Love says apprenticeships, which are much more common in some other countries, have gained attention in the US, because they are popular in the business sector. “They are also popular on both sides of the aisle politically,” says Love. “Much in the political realm is deeply contentious and polarized, but apprenticeship is one of the few areas with high regard and bipartisan support.” That popularity has resulted in
bipartisan legislation (https://bit. ly/3zEGHCc) that has passed the House of Representative and is being developed in the Senate (https:// bit.ly/3jtP4uq), according to Kelsey Berkowitz, a colleague of Love’s at New America who is tracking the legislation. “I think prospects are good. It’s just a busy legislative calendar right now so a lot of stuff lawmakers want to do may get pushed back,” she says. Experts say the new federal support in the bipartisan legislation may take some time to have an effect, but students interested in their options can gather information from https://www. apprenticeship.gov and check with the colleges they are considering.
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utica.edu Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
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CAREER T o p 1 0 H i g h e s t- Pay i n g I n t e rn s h i p s f or 2021: INTERNSHIPS
While the line between internships and apprenticeships is blurring, generally internships are shorter in duration, less structured, and less likely to offer a paycheck or credit. Internships are gaining popularity, however, picking up after the lull during the pandemic – and there may be more offered in a broader collection of careers. They more often are going virtual, offering a sizable paycheck (https:// cnb.cx/3yA5HZP) and providing college credit or some sort of credentials. There are platforms that offer links to employers for online internships (https://bit. ly/3t6vesn), including one that specializes in micro internships (https://bit. ly/3yx0e5W). Jeffrey Moss, the founder and CEO, of Parker Dewey, says his company’s micro internship platform can place students in positions from 5 to 40 hours. It allows them to explore careers or gain experience and perhaps have an opportunity to be considered for longer term or full-time positions with the employer. Parker Dewey posts the positions and handles the paperwork, including a student information package about the student’s motivation, interests and skills. Colleges are linking with the platform but can’t require the internships. “It is a win-win in several ways,” he says. “Companies test out a student interested in their firm and fill a need for handling short-term projects. For students and colleges its free and gives them that often challenging connection off campus.” He says that acceptance of micro internships by employers and colleges has “really taken off”, especially during the past two years. “Companies saw as much as a 90 percent decrease in attendance at career fairs and info events about internships when they were done virtually, Moss says.
WORK STUDY
New ideas about student work programs are forming on the college cam-
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MICROSOFT Median Monthly Pay: $7,366 (https://bit.ly/3gRmmSz)
FACEBOOK Median Monthly Pay: $8,023 (https://bit.ly/3gN2vE2)
SALESFORCE Median Monthly Pay: $7,710 (https://bit.ly/2V1vVXl)
UBER Median Monthly Pay: $7,353 (https://bit.ly/3yy0Wjl)
LINKEDIN Median Monthly Pay: $8,009 (https://bit.ly/3gMkTwI)
CAPITAL ONE Median Monthly Pay: $7,530 (https://bit.ly/3gOQRZp)
GOOGLE Median Monthly Pay: $7,129 (https://bit.ly/3jwBuGL)
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05
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Source: https://cnb.cx/3By4ap7
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EXXONMOBIL Median Monthly Pay: $7,018 (https://bit.ly/3mJybOy)
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN INTERNSHIPS AND APPRENTICESHIPS Here are a few tips about them as they are taking shape today. • Do some research to understand the types of apprenticeships and internships and the range of options that are available and if they fit your interests or plans. • Consider three primary issues: whether they are paid, if they might offer college credit and how long they last. Also, potentially, whether they can lead to a full-time position. • Research the company where they are being offered and its history with such programs and whether they are working with higher education institution that will offer support and credit. • Get specifics about the position, making sure that real training will take place. Sometimes apprenticeships and internships aren’t taken seriously enough by the employer and students should be sure to get the responsibilities and opportunities for training spelled out. puses and in legislative bodies. About 700,000 students participate (https://bit.ly/38pOvM2) in the Federal Work-Study program (https://bit. ly/3Dx5tpX) each year and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) recently reported (https://bit.ly/3gPI5u3) that colleges provide them to support career readiness and “improve student financial security”. Many also said they hope it will improve retention, career exploration and student connections to campus. Critics, however, say they too often don’t meet those goals and that the funds are distributed inequitably to colleges and that the program doesn’t pay students enough.
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
A recent study (https://urbn. is/3mOyqaZ) spelled out the ways that the work study operates today and efforts to reform it, including two bills introduced in 2017 and 2018 that would increase funding and the amount students are paid. “We should reconsider the primary goals of a work-study program: increasing employment opportunities for students, particularly in geographical locations where these jobs are scarce; providing on-campus jobs for students and providing part-time employment opportunities that strengthen marketable skills,” the report from the Urban Land Institute said, noting that it should improve and broaden the program.
CAREER
UNDECLARED MAJOR SERIES Brought to you by NextStepU blog (https://bit.ly/3CgLH0s)
M
any freshmen students start out college undeclared; they aren’t sure what they want to major in and hope to use their first year to find something they want to study. Unfortunately, many students take up to 2 years to decide on a major, and they may even switch majors several times up into their junior year. This wastes a lot of time and money and can significantly delay graduation. If you have no idea what you want to major in, one option you might consider is taking time off from college (https:// bit.ly/3kbfK3p). If taking a break isn’t an option for you, doing your research and finding a major you can be passionate about should be your number one priority. The sooner you declare a major that you want to stick with, the more you can focus on taking the classes you need to graduate, allowing you to stay on track to graduate on time. In our continuing “Undeclared Major Series” (https://bit.ly/3CgLH0s) articles, we cover the major and a few careers paths that are possible by choosing that major. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN LINGUISTICS - Linguistics is a vast and interesting field with several different focuses. Students interested in other cultures, traveling, and languages can find something they can enjoy within this realm. • EXPLORING DATA SCIENCE CAREERS - Though not yet available at all universities, a popular major is a degree in data sciences. As technology grows, and our ability to collect data and learn from it increases, the demand for big data professionals is opening jobs in a multitude of fields. • EXPLORING ACCOUNTING CAREERS - While not the most exciting sounding of majors, those with excellent math skills and an affinity for finance will find a lucrative career in the accounting world. • EXPLORING A MAJOR IN COMMUNICATIONS - When you
hear of someone majoring in communications, your first thought might be “what can you do with that?” It turns out, a lot! Communications is one of the most versatile degrees out there because most careers require some form of communication. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN EDUCATION – This is the perfect option for anyone who loves to teach. From tutoring to working with kindergarteners or adult learners, if teaching others creates that spark of joy in your heart, you may want to consider an education major. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN CYBER SECURITY - Today, with the advent of technology and rapid developments in the IT field, cyber security has become a prominent field. From small businesses to multinationals and even governments moving their processes online, securing information and data has never been of more importance. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN WEB DEVELOPMENT - In today’s world, web development is a prominent field. At the broadest level, “Web development is the process of taking the plans and layouts created by web designers, then coding them into live, functioning websites.” • EXPLORING CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION - The market for healthcare administration professionals is booming. Evolving regulations and advances in technology make healthcare administration a lucrative field of choice. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN SOCIAL WORK - People tend to dive into social work because they want to help others. The collegiate field of social work has a less specific career path. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT - The field of business management is a popular career choice because it offers flexibility in combining your interests with a business career. Wherever your interests lie, you can use your business management degree to combine your knowledge with your passion. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH - Public health is a broad field. It can on one hand entail medical care
provided outside a hospital setting. In a different context, public health can refer to global efforts to prevent epidemics and improve the health of a nation or locality. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN COUNSELING - If you choose to pursue a degree in counseling, it probably means that you really want to build your career around helping people. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Pursuing a degree in information technology (IT) is a commitment to both logic and creativity. Your academic path can range from exploring the architecture and operation of software, databases, and networking — to one that is more research-focused. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN HEALTH EDUCATION - Pursuing this degree requires dedication and compassion. With a background in health education, there is a vast range of career opportunities. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION - If you want to implement real and tangible change in society, the field of education policy may be the perfect career for you. Beyond those looking to teach, there are so many more avenues to explore outside the classroom. • EXPLORING LESS TRADITIONAL CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE - Working in the healthcare industry is admirable. But it’s not just doctors and nurses that are needed for the industry to flow. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN NURSING - When you think of nursing, you probably imagine a scrub-clad individual bustling down hospital corridors. While that’s one example of where a career in nursing can take you, it’s certainly not the only option you have. • EXPLORING CAREERS IN HUMAN RESOURCES – A common mistake people tend to make is assuming a career in HR is just limited to hiring and firing staff. When you dig a little deeper it becomes clear that the skills you gain from this major can unlock doors to a variety of roles and industries. Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
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CAREER
FINDING A CAREER
WHERE YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO YOUR CAREER CHOICES, SO IT IS A FIT TO YOUR PERSONALITY AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS.
By Amelia Mezrahi
P
eople do not always choose a career path and stick with it over their professional lives. Career routes are typically long and winding, with many exits, detours, and movements into entirely new directions along the way. Considering this, you should focus on the initial paths you take as you begin your career. What are the necessary skills, qualifications, and sets of experiences that will help you to find rewarding and enjoyable work.
When considering what you want to do, think about your preferences, skills, and career options. This will help inform which school to attend, which entry-level work to pursue, and whether or not to pursue a post-graduate degree or advanced qualification later on. In this article, you’ll learn how to help choose a career path by defining your main strengths and interests, matching those attributes to a potential job market, and getting started on a career that is rewarding
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for you and that will make a difference in the world.
HOW TO CHOOSE A CAREER PATH
Choosing a job, whether you’re joining the workforce for the first time or looking to change occupations, can be a daunting challenge. It’s a significant decision that can have far-reaching consequences for the rest of your life. Fortunately, you can do a few things to increase your odds of finding a job that is a good fit for you. Step 1: Make A List of All Your Skills and Strengths Take the time to consider all the things you excel at. Skills, practical activities, and imaginative work are all things to consider. Maybe you’re a fantastic writer, a brilliant salesperson, or an all-star basketball player. Alternatively, you can have a comprehensive understanding of historical events, excellent time management skills, good spatial thinking abilities, excellent public speaking, or a natural aptitude for technology. Make a
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
list of all the skills you can think of. If you’re having trouble determining your talents and abilities, ask your family, friends, and coworkers for help. Also look at areas of potential weaknesses as they may help signal either careers or specializations in a field to perhaps avoid or perhaps areas for future personal development. Step 2: Identify Your Potential Careers You may be able to recognize some possible jobs based on the results of your assessment. Some of the initial weeding out might be easy. For example, if you have a more introverted personality, you may want to look for jobs that don’t require as intense daily interaction with others. For example, many careers in sciences require careful work in the lab. If you are extroverted by contrast, careers in sales or hospitality might be more to your liking. If you have a strong desire to work with children, you should consider pursuing a career in early education. There’s no need to be concerned if you’re having trouble coming up with a match that you feel passionate about
CAREER
MAKING A LIST
initially. You can take several career tests (https://bit.ly/2Y8MOR7) to help you find the best path for you. They ask you a series of personal questions and then use the answers to recommend various career choices. And remember even within fields there are big differences in the aptitudes that are helpful. For example, trial lawyers will spend their careers on their feet arguing for their clients in court while a corporate lawyer will spend their time carefully crafting contracts. Step 3: Expand Your Knowledge And Skills Once you decide upon a career path you believe works for you, it is time to build a strategy to acquire the skills and knowledge to first get in the door and then help you advance in your career. You can improve your knowledge set by researching the field, taking online classes, entering a certification program and using whatever tools you have at work. For example, if you are concerned about other people’s health, you might be an excellent healthcare provider, and ADN Programs (https://bit.
ly/2WALLJw) offer a perfect chance for you to begin your nursing career. Similarly, if you are interested in working with children, you might be an excellent teacher, and you can check out what certifications and qualifications you need in that area. You also want to reach out to people in your chosen field to see if you would be a good fit and what skills would be helpful ahead of time. For example, if you are considering education, you can see if this is a fit for you by consulting with other teachers and get their perspectives. Step 4: Make Your Career Choice Based on the information you have gathered, you can then choose the profession you believe will provide you with the most satisfaction. And if you are committed to and enjoy a career, you are much more likely to make a difference in the world. You can feel good about the fact that you have given some serious and practical consideration before jumping into a quick decision. Even though you have done your due diligence, you still have the choice to change your mind about
a decision at any stage in your life. More people are changing jobs and careers than ever before. For many, it may be adjusting your direction within their profession. So, while staying with your career, you should keep your resume updated to reflect your related strengths and skills. Make a habit of evaluating where you are against your goals periodically so you can modify your path as needed. Staying in touch with current issues in the world might give you a new or different perspective on your career and the next steps you should take. It is important that you choose a career path that is a good fit to your personality and skills and that will keep you feeling good about what you do. If you are happy, you will make a difference for colleagues, customers, clients, patients or student depending on your vocation and ultimately have a greater impact on the world around you. You wouldn’t go on a road trip if you didn’t know where you were headed, would you? The same holds true when embarking on your career. Careful thought and consideration should be given as you go through the different milestones in your professional life.
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
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LIFE
Student LifeHacks Series: 1
By Amelia Mezrahi
Life Hacks for School
10 HEALTH HACKS MENTAL
EXERCISE. Exercise has long been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, or depression. For students spending hours studying in dorms and libraries as well as sitting in classrooms, getting exercise is critical to both your health and your mental state. Find whatever works for you – running, biking, a team sport or yoga. The key is to make it part of your routine so you are sure to get that break several times a week, ideally daily.
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DIET. Just as exercise will improve your mental state, getting your diet right is also important. Avoid fatty or carbohydrate-heavy foods that will leave you tired and lethargic as well as lead to weight gain. Look for high fiber fruits and vegetables to be on your plate when in the dining hall. Stock your dorm room with healthy snacks, and as they always say – drink plenty of water.
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SLEEP. In addition to making you more productive and improving performance on exams, getting enough sleep will improve your mood. Ideally use your smartphone to try not only to get enough sleep but to keep yourself to as regular hours as possible. According to researchers at MIT and Harvard, getting consistent good quality sleep is responsible for as much as 25 percent of the variance on tests! (https://bit.ly/38TNJqE )
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AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS. Many people turn to a drink or drugs to self-medicate. This rarely solves your problems and instead is much more likely to aggravate them and create even worse problems. Take it easy on the alcohol. If you find yourself regularly binge drinking during the week, this is a warning sign.
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TRY MINDFULNESS. Learning to quiet your mind is a great skill for reducing stress and escaping other problems. There are many free short videos online, apps you can download as well as programs offered through many schools. This can be as simple as saying 3 things you like about yourself every day. Want to try an easy one, set a timer and just focus on breathing for 5 minutes. Try to just think about breathing. Those minutes will go by fast and you may feel better faster than you think. Again, there are lots of resources online and at many universities (for example, https://bit.ly/3zWWpsp).
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TAP YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK. It’s easy to cut yourself off from friends and family when you are in a bad state. But that is a terrible mistake as they are your best resource. These are the people that understand and will support you. And while texting a friend can help, also remember there is no substitute for hearing a human voice over the phone or meeting up face to face for coffee. You are never too busy to get help from a friend.
VOLUNTEER OR JOIN A CLUB. Clubs and volunteering offer several benefits. First, they offer regular structure to get you out and about. Second, they are a chance to meet and connect with people. Third, they allow you to feel good about yourself by helping others. Schools are ideal locations as you already have dozens of clubs or volunteering opportunities already set up around you. Just go to the student activities website or a bulletin board at the student center for a quick listing of clubs.
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FIND A HOBBY. When it is a bad day, ask yourself what you enjoy. So many of the activities we do in school, especially before college, are about building a resume. By contrast hobbies are activities that draw us in and take us away from our troubles. Feeling anxiety, try arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles or baking. Want something more physical, try dancing or yoga. What about writing? Many of the most successful writers have long channeled their emotions into their work to find release and respite.
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REWARD YOURSELF. Rewards can be very helpful in supporting your mental health. First, we all know that small rewards (e.g., a chocolate after every 5 problems, buying an app when you finish your homework) can keep you on track and
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fight procrastination. This is important because if your mental state is distracting you from getting your work done, falling behind can easily put you into an even worse state. Second, those small pieces of joy throughout the day and week can add up and help bring you to the next level.
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
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REACH OUT FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP When other hacks aren’t working or you are in a really bad state, seek support from your school. Counseling is almost always free and available. It is also confidential. Your health is too important to risk. Millions of students talk to a counselor at their school each year and you should feel equally comfortable doing so as well.
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Make it your place Named a
2019 Best College for Your Money by Money Magazine
Come to campus and learn more! #nextstepgcu Lakewood, NJ • 732.987.2700 • georgian.edu/visit Georgian Court University does not discriminate in its recruitment and admission of students, regardless of gender, race, creed, color, religion, age, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
LIFE
By Jori Hamilton
Preparing Yourself For An Independent Lifestyle In And After College
L
ife is full of responsibilities. Everything from your finances to your health and even protecting the planet may factor into your everyday decisions. This can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you’re living on your own for the first time.
there are many small details of basic self-care that can quickly be lost in the hubbub of school and work. If you want to stay healthy, you need to tend to four areas in particular: eating, sleeping, exercising, and mental health.
Fortunately, most of the more intimidating parts of life aren’t that scary if you take the time to break down, understand, and prepare for them. If you’re getting ready to launch into life on your own, here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind to help you create a healthy, independent lifestyle.
Eating is a complex subject and hardly one that can be properly broken down in a paragraph or two. Each person’s body is unique and requires different considerations. Nevertheless, if you want to live a healthy lifestyle on your own, you have to take the time to figure out what your body needs. Start with a basic set of diet recommendations (https://bit.ly/3ysGy33). Then talk to your doctor and research how you can tailor your diet to help your body stay as healthy as possible.
BEGIN WITH THE BASICS
The first step in establishing yourself on your own is caring for your body’s basic needs. This may seem obvious, but
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EATING
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
(See also Life Hacks in this issue).
SLEEPING
Getting adequate sleep is a constant battle. School, work, and personal life are always tugging at your time. This can make it challenging to get enough rest. With this in mind, make sure that you’re doing two things. First, gauge your sleep habits to see if you’re getting — at the very least — seven hours of sleep each night. Then, consider your sleep environment. Is it dark, comfortable, and conducive to sleep? Remember to regularly address both the quantity and quality of your sleep when you’re living on your own.
EXERCISING
It doesn’t matter how old you are, your body also needs plenty of exercise. This can help both your physical body remain fit and your mind remain calm and focused. Always look for ways to
LIFE incorporate more exercise into your daily routines. This can include anything from a trip to the fitness center in the morning, to yoga in the afternoon, or even a jog after class.
MENTAL HEALTH
Along with the physiological basics, it’s also wise to take steps to safeguard your mental health. When you’re living on your own, it’s up to you to catch and diagnose unhealthy mental health habits. Are you stressed out? Anxious? Depressed? Do you struggle with obsessive compulsive disorder? Consider reviewing a list of cognitive distortions (https://bit.ly/3zzkCou) every once in a while, to see if you’re slipping into any thinking patterns that need to be addressed.
REMEMBER YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Along with the basics, it’s also important to keep tabs on your responsibilities. As an independent individual, there will likely be many of these. They’ll also probably involve a very diverse selection of activities. For instance, if you don’t live on campus, you’ll need to pay your rent or mortgage. You’ll also need to shop for groceries, take your car in for repairs, maintain relationships, and possibly care for dependents. And that doesn’t even touch on any school and workrelated duties you may be given. To help you keep track of and come through on your responsibilities, consider utilizing a few different lifestyle tools, such as: • Routines: Routines can help you get up, go to sleep, get to work on time, and so on. They are also a great way to incorporate basic responsibilities into your daily life. • Schedules: School and personal schedules can both help you remember what is expected of you. This includes everything from finishing a project by a certain deadline to setting up and sticking to a house cleaning schedule (https:// bit.ly/3kyVacc). • To-do lists: To-do lists are a great way to remember one-off activi-
ties that aren’t worth including in a routine or schedule. Lists, schedules, and routines are all excellent ways to keep your life organized. They enable you to keep track of and tend to your various responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed in the process.
DON’T FORGET FINANCES
Your finances are another huge area of life that can run amok if left unattended. You can successfully gain financial independence by engaging in a few different monetary habits, such as: • Maintaining a steady income: Make it a priority to keep a job that provides a steady stream of income. • Avoiding cosigning: Whenever possible, dodge the need for a cosigner on your personal bank accounts and loans. • Accruing minimal debt: Eliminate as much of your debt as possible. • Creating a budget: Add up your income and expenses and ensure that you’re living within your means. By making basic fiscal moves like these you can establish yourself as a financially independent individual.
INVEST IN OTHERS
Most of the items on this list have been self-oriented. And within reason, that’s a good thing. If you can establish a healthy mind and body as well as good personal financial habits, it puts you in a strong place to operate independently. However, a life lived in total isolation is hardly one worth living (https://bit. ly/3t4FfWV). If you want to establish yourself on your own, you should also consider how you can proactively give back to those around you in need. A few areas to consider directing your efforts include: • Your friends and family: Your friends and family are the closest community you’ll ever have. Don’t cut them off in your fervor to live
independently. On the contrary, use your independence to stay in touch and help them when they are in need. You may even find the favor reciprocated one day. • Your community: It’s easy to ignore the community that you live in. However, as an independent individual, it becomes part of your responsibility to look out for those around you. Whether you’re helping at a local food bank, volunteering on a neighborhood watch, or even mowing a neighbor’s lawn, strive to stay aware of the needs of those that are geographically closest to you. • The Earth: Living sustainably isn’t just a trend. It’s a core responsibility of being a human. We all share the Earth, and as a fully autonomous individual, it partly falls to you to do your part in the battle for a brighter future. From creating less waste to using green cleaning products, there are many ways that you can incorporate green living into your unique lifestyle (https:// bit.ly/2WBLNQP). Establishing your independence is primarily an introspective and personal experience. Nevertheless, there are many ways that you can use your independence for the greater good of your friends, family, community, and the Earth itself.
LEARNING TO LIVE A HEALTHY INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE
Many factors go into living on your own. Everything from basic physiological needs to mental health concerns, financial considerations, tending to life’s responsibilities and giving back to others all factor into the equation. If you want to truly set up on your own, you must take each of these areas of life seriously. If you can do that, then you won’t just be able to survive the adventure called life. You’ll be able to thrive in it.
Jori Hamilton is a writer and journalist from the Pacific Northwest who covers social justice issues, healthcare, and politics. You can follow her work on twitter @HamiltonJori or through her portfolio https://writerjorihamilton.contently.com
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
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MONEY By James Paterson
Demystifying
AWARD LETTERS
O
btaining college financial aid is already often confusing and challenging, but sometimes just understanding the award letter and other communications from institutions make the process even more difficult. However, there are efforts underway to change that, and there are things that students and their parents can do to make that part of the process easier. “Simplifying the award notice would be a major step to reducing the confusion families experience when pursuing financial assistance,” says Rick Shipman, executive director of financial aid at Michigan State University. “In the end, the student should know how much they are expected to borrow or work. And if there is a gap between what the school costs and the total aid, that should be expressly noted so the student can look for additional funding or consider other schools.” Shipman and others believe that colleges should independently make their award letters and other information related to financial aid simpler and clearer, but there also are moves to improve the communications on the part of organizations that oversee financial aid and among legislators. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) and the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) received a Lumina Foundation Grant to “reimagine the college admission, finan-
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cial aid processes”, including the award letter. The goal is to get college officials to make them as transparent as possible. Also, legislation has been introduced in the Senate that would require more accessible communications from colleges, including “Understanding the True Cost of College Act (https://bit. ly/3jtr8rg), that would do what its name implies – set standards for award letters to make them easier to understand. Beyond that, education policy groups have come out in support of simplification and standardization, noting that the complexity of the process often harms students who are the first in their families to attend college. The Education think tank New America has developed a paper called Decoding the Cost of College: The Case for Transparent Financial Aid Award Letters (https:// bit.ly/38tOgPW).
ACTION BY COLLEGES
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
“A lot of institutions are working on them right now,” says Megan Coval, vice president of policy and federal
relations for NASFAA. “I don’t believe the intent of colleges is to be unclear or nefarious, but there is a lot of information and it hasn’t always been presented in the most clear and accessible way.” Her organization has revised its code of conduct to promote clearer communications about aid. Brent Benner, assistant vice president for enrollment management at the University of Tampa, who has spoken to higher ed groups on the topic, says his institution has over the last few years simplified its communications with students about financial aid, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also significantly changed its award letter. “It is something that has been buzzing around a lot lately – this idea that the offer should be more clear and easier to understand. We have been working over several years to redesign ours so that it accomplishes that,” says Jackie Copeland, interim association provost and director for the Office of Scholarships and
MONEY
Student Aid at the university.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Colleges and universities may be spelling out financial aid options more clearly and other resources are becoming available from the federal government (https://bit.ly/3DxGNhc) and organizations such as NACAC and NASFAA to help families understand the financial aid that is available. NASFAA has laid out some standards for its members in its recently updated code of conduct: • A breakdown of estimated individual Cost of Attendance (https://bit. ly/3Bt2qxj) components, including which are direct (https://www. nasfaa.org/glossary#edc) (billed by the institution) costs vs. indirect (https://bit.ly/3jubCLJ) (not billed by the institution) costs. • Clear identification and proper grouping of each type of aid offered indicating whether the aid is a grant/ scholarship (https://bit.ly/3DBI3zJ), loan (https://bit.ly/2WKnW1H), or work program (https://www.nasfaa. org/glossary#fws) and a listing of them separately. • Estimated net price (https://bit.ly/3kMaAKC). • Standard terminology and definitions, using NASFAA’s glossary of terms (https://bit.ly/3yzYybX). Experts say too often a Parent PLUS
loans and Federal work-study support are mixed in with other scholarships, grants, and student loans. The “free money” should be clearly separated from loans and money that can be gained from employment. Rachel Fishman, a researcher with New America, who has studied the process and co-authored a report (https:// bit.ly/2WHT9Cc) in 2018 about the issue, says students should understand the actual cost of attendance. “From our research (https://bit. ly/3kHAtuY), many colleges and universities whose financial aid offers we reviewed – over a third – did not include any information on costs. A $40,000 financial aid package could sound amazing, but if you have a cost
of attendance of $70,000, that will still be a large gap that you have to cover.” Even if a financial aid offer provides cost information, she says, students should make sure it includes the full cost of attendance which is not only tuition and fees and room and board, but also other living expenses such as books and supplies and transportation. “Even though these living expenses are only estimates, they are critical for understanding how much money you’ll need to stay in school and being successful academically.” Finally, experts say, ask questions. Don’t be a afraid to have a college financial aid expert to spell out the details about precisely what is being offered, what the terms are and how much it will benefit the student.
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
[ 29 ]
MONEY
PAY FOR COLLEGE COLLEGE FINANCE TERMS
Affordability—The amount that a family can afford to spend on college each year. Affordability threshold—The maximum amount of money that a family has available to spend on college each year. AGI (adjusted gross income)—The amount of a family’s income subject to federal taxation after deductibles have been subtracted. Appeal—Family’s request to the college’s financial aid office to consider additional circumstances, such as a change in the family’s financial situation or added expenses, since the FAFSA was filed. Application fee—Fee charged by colleges as part of the admission process and sent in with the application; usually $30 to $90 for each college. Assets—Defined for FAFSA purposes as savings and investments. For parents, that includes cash, savings and checking accounts, money market accounts, mutual funds, and individual stocks and bonds, but not the equity of the parents’ home or the value of retirement plans such as annuities and IRAs. Asset protection allowance—Every family receives an asset protection allowance on the FAFSA. Based on the oldest parent’s age and the number of people in the family, the allowance protects some reportable assets. Award letter—The official document that a college sends to a family after all financial aid forms have been submitted, usually in March or April of the child’s senior year. The award letter identifies a family’s net price and lists all financial aid programs—including grants, scholarships, loans, and campus employment options— for which the student is eligible. College grant—Money awarded to a student to help pay tuition or other college costs. The grant may come from the federal government, a state agency, or the college itself. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. College loan—Direct loan from the college to the student to help pay his or her education costs. These loans are rare and vary in interest rates and repayment terms. College work-study (or Campus employment)—Campus job offered to the student to lower the cost of attendance. Cost of attendance—Term used by colleges to identify their comprehensive college cost, which includes tuition and fees, room and board, transportation, books and supplies, and personal expenses. Also referred to as sticker price. Cost of attendance is a somewhat meaningless measure without knowing how much the student will receive in grants, scholarships, and student loans. CSS Profile—A supplemental financial aid form that some colleges require families to complete in addition to the FAFSA. Provides more detailed financial information than the FAFSA and is required by some Ivy League and other highly selective private schools. College financial aid officers use results of the profile to frame the financial aid letters they send to students. Direct costs of attendance—Tuition and fees, and room-and-board costs of attending a college. Direct costs are not the same as the cost of attendance, which also includes books, transportation, and personal expenses. Direct Loan—Loan available through a federal program to any student whose family completes the FAFSA. (For more on the two types of these loans, see Subsidized Direct Loan and Unsubsidized Direct Loan.) EFC (Expected Family Contribution)—A number calculated after FAFSA submission that determines a student’s eligibility for certain need-based financial aid programs. Extended repayment—Option of longer payment time allowed for Direct Loans. If the student has accumulated more than $30,000 in student-loan debt, he or she can opt to repay it over ten to thirty years. Estimated net price—The estimated amount that attendance at a college will cost per year, determined by using the school’s net price calculator on its website. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)—The financial aid application that the U.S. government uses to officially determine a family’s EFC number. FAFSA provides access to need-based financial programs and to federal Direct Loans. The FAFSA is filed on or after January 1 of the child’s senior year of high school and must be resubmitted every year the student is in college. Federal Student Aid—Office of the U.S. Department of Education that receives completed FAFSA forms and uses them to assign EDC numbers for each family. Financial Fit—Achieved if the college’s net price is one that the family can afford. There are two phases, the Planning phase, and the Execution phase. Financial Fit college categories—Eight categories into which U.S. colleges can be grouped based on their price and affordability: flagship state schools, non-flagship state schools, out-of-state flagship state schools, out-of-state non-flagship state schools, highly selective private schools, midsize private schools, private schools, and commuting and/or community college options.
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Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
Gift aid—Financial award from a college to a student that reduces the overall cost of attendance. This is not money that needs to be repaid. Local scholarships—Private scholarships awarded by community businesses, organizations, and clubs and often available only to students in your high school. These scholarships offer the greatest chance for success because the pool of applicants is very small. Merit scholarship—Money awarded to a student by a college for academics, athletics, or other special talents to lower the cost of attendance. Merit scholarships are not need based and do not need to be repaid. Military scholarship opportunities—Three types are offered: admission to one of the U.S. service academies such as West Point; a merit-based military scholarship by joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and serving as an officer in the armed services after college; or enlisting and receiving tuition assistance. Need-based grants—Money awarded for a student to attend college based on that student’s financial need. Unlike a loan, grant money does not need to be repaid. Net price—The actual out-of-pocket cost of a college after grants, scholarships, student loans, and campus employment options have been deducted from the sticker price. Net price calculator—A federally mandated software tool provided on every college’s website that allows a family to calculate its estimated net price at that school. Note that all colleges do not use the same, universal net price calculator, which can complicate making comparisons. Pell Grant—The largest federal grant program in the country. Eligibility for Pell Grants is determined by the family’s EFC number. Eligibility is determined separately for each year of college. Perkins Loan—Subsidized loan of up to $5,500 a year made to a student with financial need by a college, using funds received from the federal government. No interest accrues on the account until after the student graduates, and repayment begins nine months after graduation. Completing the FAFSA is an eligibility requirement. Colleges usually award these loans on a first-come, first-served basis. PLUS Loan (Parent Loan to Undergraduate Students)—A federal loan option available to parents to help pay for college. The parent, not the student, is responsible for repaying this type of loan, which is not based on financial need. Repayment starts immediately, as does the accrual of interest on the loan. Prepaid tuition plan (Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code)—Tax-free college saving plan that allows parents to lock in future tuition rates at in-state private colleges at current prices. Private education or student loan—Loan offered by a bank or other financial institution, not the federal government. These loans are not based on need, not subsidized, and more expensive than federal loans. Regional or National scholarships—Both are private scholarships awarded to students. National scholarships are offered to all students in the country, while Regional are offered by county, city, or state. These can be competitive to get due to the large pool of applicants. SAR (Student Aid Report)—Summary sent to families that show the information they provided on the FAFSA. The SAR should be checked for accuracy and changes made as needed. Colleges selected on the FAFSA and the state agencies that award need-based aid receive ISAR, an electronic version of the SAR, to use in determining the student’s financial aid. Standard repayment—The most common repayment option for Direct Loans, which is paying them off over ten years. State grant—Grant that a student receives from an individual state to help pay college costs. Eligibility may be determined by the family’s EFC number, which generally has to be quite low to qualify. The student may have to attend a public or private college in the state. Sticker price—See cost of attendance definition in this article. Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loan—Federal student loan offered to students who file the FAFSA. In subsidized loans, there is a need to demonstrate financial need and no interest is accrued until six months after the student graduates from college, and interest rates are lower than those for unsubsidized Direct Loans. In unsubsidized loans, all students are eligible regardless of need, and interest begins to accrue immediately. Formerly called the Stafford Loan. Workplace scholarships—Private scholarships awarded by companies to the children of employees. Sourced from: Frank Palmisani, author of Right College, Right Price
“SENIOR” COLLEGE PLANNING TIMELINE
2021 / 2022 TIMELINE SEPTEMBER 2021
ACTIONS/STEPS Set your education goals including majors and make a list of college types and colleges you are interested in Create a college planner that tracks steps, due dates, and actions Attend college fairs and info sessions (these might be virtual) Determine testing needs such as ACT and determine dates - these might change this year due to Covid so check the site often
OCTOBER 2021
Determine testing needs such as SAT and SAT Subject Tests and determine dates - these might change this year due to Covid so check the site often Make a decision regarding Early Action or Early Decision Focus on grades and check your transcripts for accuracy Make a list of recommendations you need and request those from your contacts Gather all recommendations and write thank you letters Take ACT tests if needed, 4 test dates are available Work o your college application essays if the college requires them
NOVEMBER 2021
Fill out FAFSA and if you need CSS/Financial Aid Profile Complete all your application requirements for Early Action or Early Decision Take or re-take any ACT, SAT or SAT Subject Tests Complete your FAFSA if you have not done so by now
DEADLINE/DUE DATES
Virtual fairs are on Sep 13th, Oct. 12, Oct 18, Nov. 8th in the fall For all ACT test dates in October, the deadline to register is September 25, 2021 September 26, 2021 test.date registration August 26, 2021. September 4th is deadline for SAT Subject Test is Oct 3, 2021 test date
ACT test dates available Oct 10, 17, 24 and 25 October 31st
DECEMBER 2021
JANUARY 2022
ROTC application initiation and documentation deadlines Send out mid-year grade reports to colleges Take SAT Subject tests Take or retake ACT test if you have not done so already
Complete and file college applications that are due Send any results from tests retaken to colleges
If you miss Jan 15th deadline for a college application, consider colleges with rolling admissions or a later deadline, or other options. FEBRUARY 2022 Complete college specific financial aid forms File all federal aid forms MARCH/APRIL 2022 Begin Receiving decision letters from colleges Review your financial aid packages and award letters Follow up with schools where you are wait-listed Make a plan for visiting or touring college - these might be virtual MAY 2022 Prepare Acceptance Letters for the National Decision Day
JUNE 2022
Test Dates and deadlines - See calendar below for ACT and SAT dates this year
November 1-15
RESOURCES https://bit.ly/2H4MhHj https://etsy.me/33zOrqd www.nacacfairs.org/virtual
https://bit.ly/3EiGVkW
https://bit.ly/2RxwHWM https://bit.ly/3hFDIPR
Recommendation letters folder/list https://bit.ly/3cfyoBS Thank you letters https://bit.ly/2FJ4XvF https://bit.ly/2ZL5FQe https://bit.ly/2Hbmv4r https://bit.ly/32GxU4C https://studentaid.gov/articles/ https://bit.ly/3iIX9J8
Available October 1, 2021
know-your-fafsa-deadlines/
Completed application
College transcript for dual enrollment
If you are using dual enrollment, contact the college for your transcripts Check with colleges of interest if financial forms are required
Register for ACT if you have not done so already Determine list of scholarships that are a fit and begin applying
DECISION OR OUTCOME College Ist, Reach, Match, Safety Schools College application calendar College admissions introductions/contacts Test dates and deadlines - See calendar below for ACT and SAT dates this year
https://bit.ly/3EuGhkn
ACT test regitratio deadlien is November 6 for December 12th test date Scholarship due dates vary Scholarship lists to apply for
https://bit.ly/2ZKNmux
December 1st for air force ROTC, January 1 for Navy/Marine ROTC, and Jan 10th for ARMY ROTC
https://bit.ly/3iIXxY6
https://bit.ly/3EiGVkW
Mid-year grade reports Test date December 5th Test date December 12th January 1 - February 28 college appplication deadlines vary but many are from Jan 15- Feb 1
Completed college application
https://bit.ly/3CkXNWt
https://bit.ly/2RxukU1 February 2022 February 2022 March or April 2022
Completed finanical aid forms
https://studentaid.gov/articles/ know-your-fafsa-deadlines/
https://bit.ly/3AjTGJM
May. 1, 2022
Send depositss to the accepted school Notify schoools that accepted you that you will not be attending If applicable, take IB and AP tests, AP exam week 1 and 2 Send final transcript to college
College tour plan Acceptance Letter
https://bit.ly/35GZVed https://bit.ly/3mx4WMc
https://bit.ly/2RyYZjw
Graduate high school and make a plan for the summer
https://bit.ly/3c9yAT4
Keep track of college summer mailings and deadlines that require action Orientation date, housing form deadlines, scholarship deadlines such as housing forms, scholarships and orientation
https://bit.ly/2FQhzkw
Magazine • Fall 2021 • www.nextstepu.com
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