NextStepU College Planning Spring and Summer 2017

COLLEGE PLANNING MAGAZINE issue #02 Spring 2017

Featured

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Summer Melt 08

IMPROVING ENROLLMENT FOR STUDENTS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS 10 FIND THE PERFECT COLLEGE 10

USE YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE TO PICK THE BEST

14 STAY ENERGIZED THIS SUMMER 13

SUMMER AND PRECOLLEGE PROGRAMS

28 CHANGE IS GOOD

28

THE NEW FAFSA

HOW NOT TO PICK A MAJOR START ON THE RIGHT PATH NOW

BY MICHELLE DAVIS

Social Media

18

Interview with Professor Ben Castleman – Senior Advisor to Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative

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CONTENTS / SPRING 2017

Featured Articles >>> 08

SUMMER MELT: Improving Enrollment for Students of All Backgrounds - By Kate Alexander

USE YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE TO PICK THE PERFECT COLLEGE FOR YOU Based on the book Find the Perfect College for You - By Rosalind P. Marie and C. Claire Law

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IN

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C. Claire Law

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24 Life Hacks 34 Ad index BEN CASTLEMAN Senior Advisor to Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative

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Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

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CONTENTS

Inside the Mag >>>

COLLEGE PLANNING 08 Summer Melt

Improving Enrollment for Students of All Backgrounds.

Interview with Professor Ben Castleman – Senior Advisor to Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative - By Kate Alexander

DESIGNING YOUR LIFE AND CAREER 5 COMMON STEPS TO A DESIGN THINKING PROCESS FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

20

10 Find the Perfect College

Use Your Personality Type to Pick

the Best - By Rosalind P. Marie and C. Claire Law

13 Stay Energized This Summer Summer and Pre-College Programs - By Amelia Mezrahi

CAREER 16 Reasons Why You Should Pursue a STEM Major

Mo Chanmugham

Angel Perez

LIFE 45 Life Hacks 24 For School

- By Scott Rhodes

Strategies for Spring Break - By Amelia Mezrahi

18 How Not to Pick

26 Dorm Furniture Ideas

a Major

- By Michelle Davis

27 2017 Graduation Gift Guide

College junior (class of 2018), currently studying Journalism and Japanese language at Indiana University - Bloomington.

- By DiplomaFrame.com

and Career

The New FAFSA

An Interview with Shawn O’Neill, Ramapo College of New Jersey

30 30 The Cost of College is Rising

What can you do about it - Sponsored by Allianz Tuition

Skills to Master Before College

SOCIAL MEDIA

20 Designing Your Life 20

MONEY – PAY FOR COLLEGE 28 Change is Good -

32 Money Management

>>> #23418f

Warren Berger

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- By Jasmine Evans

CHECK US OUT ONLINE

- By Jim Paterson

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

H

ello and welcome to the “end of the spring” issue of our magazine! We are thrilled to bring you the third issue of the magazine since we re-launched our publication for the 20162017 school year.

As you prepare for the summer months, we wanted to focus on some timely and important topics. We hope our articles can bring focus to all the issues you are considering as you go through these hot summer months and prepare yourself for the new academic year.

While summer is about having fun and being outdoors, it is a great time for students to use the extra time to plan for the school year ahead and put in place some strategies for college search and admission, life after graduation, and enhancing some of your academic and extracurricular skills.

For me personally, the summer months have always been about some extra time with family, and doing things that I enjoy like traveling and the outdoors. But the thing I also remember from when I was in school were the opportunities it afforded. The regular school was and is busy and hectic. Most of us struggled to keep our head above water and could not think strategically. My summer months provided me with the chance to test my academic interests by taking extra courses and working in jobs that would help me find my passions.

With this spirit of an exciting summer ahead, we have lined up a number of summer articles and ideas including “Summer Melt,” the benefits of summer and pre-college programs, a look at how the FAFSA financial aid form is changing, and strategies on what to do on summer vacation in our Life Hacks series. We have also brought you a number of articles to help with researching and deciding on a major (for example in STEM fields) or how to use your personality types to pick a major.

I believe two of our articles are of particular importance. In our first article, Summer Melt refers to the real world issue of recent graduates that enroll in college, but do not show up. For our society, we need more university graduates, not less. For the student, this can often be a tremendous personal setback. Like a runner stopping just short of a finish line, all their efforts become partially wasted.

And so we explore this phenomenon and discuss how to prevent it. #23418f experts includ In “Design Your Life”, we interviewed several ing Warren Berger, author of the book Glimmer: How Design Can Transform Your World to get their expert opinions. We look at how students can take charge of planning their future by looking at themselves and asking some probing questions about their interests and goals. Then just as companies test our prototypes, students can discover different fields to test out if they are right for them. We hope this article leads to some introspection about where a student’s life might be going, how to test if their path is the correct one and how college can help move you along that path.

We hope you enjoy the issue. Congratulations to those who are graduating this spring. Best of luck on your journey!

With warmest thanks, Amelia Mezrahi CEO/Publisher Next Step Universe

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Magazine • Spring 2017 • 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 | Info@BrainBleachMedia.com Advertising Sales: Rob Aronson | rob.aronson08@gmail.com Lisa Mietelski | Lisa@NextStepU.com Editorial and Contributions: Kate Alexander, Warren Berger, Andy Bloomgarden, Bill Burnett, Ben Castleman, Mo Chanmugham, Michelle Davis, Dave Evans, Jasmine Evans, Steve Green, Mary Johnson, Elle Kaplan, C. Claire Law, Keisha Mabry, Rosalind P. Marie, Amelia Mezrahi, Holly Morris, Shawn O’Neill, Alexa Pagel, Jim Paterson, Angel Perez, Scott Rhodes, Lisa Severy, Carly Tefft, Denise Winston Cover photography: Photo provided by Ben Castleman For questions, comments or advertising information, Please contact us at Info@NextStepU.com or through NextStepU.com.

Next Step Universe is#168fce a proud member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

For advertising information email us at Sales@NextStepU.com.

Some inside photos from iStock.com ©Copyright 2017 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!

#

EDITOR’S LETTER

W

Hi, NextSteppers!

elcome to NextStepU’s Spring edition! We are excited to bring you information about how to make positive choices for your majors, your money, and your future. For each part of your college and career planning experience, we want to help.

This issue will cause you to look ahead, planning how to use your summer, how to apply for financial aid, and how not to pick a major, based on your likes and dislikes. A key component of this issue is also a money section. Your summer months can be very profitable for you - no pun intended. So in addition to trying to give you a step up in your application process for college, we want to help you strategize funding your college education in ways that reduce your overall payments and avoid too much debt.

NextStepU had the privilege of interviewing key experts in these fields. In our cover story on Summer Melt, Professor Ben Castleman, Assistant Professor of Education and Public Policy at the University of Virginia (UVA) and senior advisor to Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative, shares his insights on the issue of students enrolling in college, but then failing to attend and what can be done to avoid it. In “Find the Perfect College - Use your Personality Type to Pick the Perfect College,” experts Rosalind Marie and Claire Law share strategies to match your unique traits with potential colleges,

taking some of the guess work out of the process. Likewise, Jim Paterson’s article examines how Design Thinking can help you plan your life and career. Finally, we reached out to Shawn O’Neill, Director of Financial Aid at Ramapo College to explore how the new FAFSA changes can help you receive more funding and financial aid - and when to apply to make this happen.

Wherever the decision-making process will take you, we hope this Spring magazine will open up opportunities to explore your best options, fund your schooling with the best potential for success, and lead you to a more fulfilling and inspiring course in life.

But, you need to be a part of the process. This issue tries to point the way forward for you. So take the plunge, invest in yourself and the journey. The next few years will be filled with adventures you would never imagine. It is time to prepare for your future.

We believe in you! Here’s to an amazing and productive summer.

All the best, Kate Alexander Editor NextStepU Magazine Editor@NextStepU.com

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Visit our new and improved blog at blog.NextStepU.com for college planning, careers, student life, study abroad, STEM, and Gifts & Contests.

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

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COLLEGE PLANNING BEN CASTLEMAN, Assistant Professor of Education and Public Policy at the University of Virginia

Summer

Melt IMPROVING ENROLLMENT FOR STUDENTS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS

by Kate Alexander

S

ummers can get hot. Really hot. Jumping into a pool, boating on a lake, eating the best flavors of fro-yo - these are ways to beat the heat.

And effectively, too, to keep from melting.

But there’s another kind of Summer Melt. One that affects nearly a quarter of a million graduating high school seniors every year.

IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE

So, what is Summer Melt? Ben Castleman, Assistant Professor of Education and Public Policy at the University of Virginia (UVA) and senior advisor to Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative, explains the issue. It is “when high school seniors have done everything they’re supposed to be doing in terms of pursuing their college aspirations. They have applied, they have gotten in. In most cases, they’ve also applied for financial aid, and they’ve chosen where to go. They’re at the end of high school.” Basically, it occurs when students are on the brink, transitioning between high school graduation and college entrance. “We define Melt as occurring when those students of college-intending high school graduates fail to enroll anywhere in the year after high school.”

Keisha Mabry, Director of Innovation for College Bound St. Louis (http://colleg eboundstl.org) and manager of Bridgit2College initiatives (bridgit2college.com) adds that this definition is expanding.

Students who “do enroll and still dropout that fall semester” are also being added to the statistics.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative stems from a desire to improve education and its ben-

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efits for all students, regardless of family income or socio-economic background.

The White House’s Reach Higher website quotes the former First Lady as stating: “I believe that education is the single-most important civil rights issue that we face today. Because in the end, if we really want to solve issues like mass incarceration, poverty, racial profiling, voting rights, and the kinds of challenges that shocked so many of us over the past year [in 2014], then we simply cannot afford to lose out on the potential of even one young person.

We cannot allow even one more young person to fall through the cracks” (obam awhitehouse.archives.gov/reach-higher).

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

However, after high school, students sometimes do fall through the cracks.

Without the help of their high school guidance counselors, and before their entrance to the system of support at college, students discover difficulties that can affect their enrollment.

The factors contributing to this phenomenon are sometimes small, but crucial, stumbling blocks. Castleman worked with Lindsay Page and Ashley Snowdon on Harvard University’s Education for Policy Research Strategic Data Project (SDP) on the Summer Melt Handbook, a guide to help understand and alleviate Summer Melt. The problem affects “1040% of seemingly college-intending students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds” (http://sdp.cepr.harvard. edu/summer-melt-handbook). Castleman describes several common dilemmas: First, financial obstacles can get in the way. This includes financial aid forms, award letters, FAFSA details, and even

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

unexpected fees. For instance, the SDP research found that some students “still hadn’t received financial aid award letters, even by high school graduation,” Castleman explains. Then, students experience confusion when forms do arrive. For instance, the research showed that “when the award letters did come, students either had trouble making sense of them, or they weren’t getting award letters” because, perhaps, FAFSA information was missing or hadn’t been verified. Unanticipated fees include anything from the cost to attend orientation to applying for housing.

Second, forms, forms, forms. Graduating seniors receive a lot of information over the summer about how to matriculate.

Students need to “register for orientation, fill out housing forms, or deal with health insurance,” Castleman states. Sometimes, it’s simply overwhelming.

Third, even transportation can get in the way. Castleman clarifies: “so, students have everything ready, and a parent’s car breaks, or a parent is planning to borrow a car that then becomes unavailable.” This can keep one from transitioning successfully.

GET PROACTIVE

Awareness about these issues can help high school guidance offices, college admission offices, and - most importantly - students to be more proactive.

As one graduates high school, one can step up one’s own efforts with the help of tools and technology available to avoid missing the opportunity to attend college.

Castleman describes this process in a few, crucial steps. Use this as your roadmap for success in transitioning between the senior year in high school and starting

COLLEGE PLANNING

ADMISSION

S CHECKLIS T

DID YOU...

a new path in college. He states: n “Get FASFA and any other financial aid forms in as soon as possible. Do FASFA in October. Take advantage of the ability to do FASFA early, to use the income tax returns that have already been filed. Because the earlier you get FASFA in and completed, the more likely you are to know if there is any kind of issues.

That of course, in turn, positions colleges to share an award letter with you before you’ve graduated high school.” For more info on FAFSA, please read the NextStepU Q & A article in this issue, page 29. n “Seek out a school counselor, or a teacher, or a college advisor to sit down and review award letters you’ve received and understand the different kinds of aid the colleges that you’re deciding upon might be interested in.” n “Google that college’s admitted student’s website for the college you want to go to. Typically about every college has an admitted students website that lists the tasks students have to do to in order to matriculate. That’s just a helpful reference for students. So rather than wait to receive the information, students could see what is being asked of them, and kind of get ahead of it,” Castleman advises.

Search for terms like ‘newly admitted students’ or ‘accepted students’. Often, a checklist or guide will appear. For instance, Clemson University has this page to lead you through the summer: http:// www.clemson.edu/accepted-students/ next-steps.html. n “Before the end of high school, text someone who has been a valuable mentor, and who has some college experience,” Castleman continues. “It could be a teacher, a counselor, a coach, a clergy

TEXT THE WORD “COLLEGE” TO 44044

member, anyone who has been a mentor. Reach out to them before the end of high school, see if they’d be willing to sit down with you over the summer and work through any tasks you have to complete in order to matriculate.”

Castleman points out, too, that it doesn’t have to be a school counselor. “It has to be a knowledgeable, caring adult who is willing to devote some time to sit down with a kid one-on-one.”

Mabry suggests, as does Castleman, that in-person help and technological tools can help students over the hump of the summer months. She helps run a non-profit program, Bridgit2College.com, available through some high schools, that aids students through text messaging, live counseling pop-up centers and more.

Mabry, who has worked with Castleman’s research and findings with College Bound and Bridgit2College, agrees that these approaches work. Using a basic checklist, maximizing your resources, such a counselors and peers, and using technology can all make a difference.

MIND GAMES

Sometimes, too, the transition is just really tough to tackle. Students can find the challenges ahead, with so many questions, a bit daunting. “Students really question whether they belong in college, whether there are students like them in college, whether the college really wants them to be there, where they sense a feeling of community,” Castleman shares.

Our minds can always play games with us. Second guessing and fear can be approached in a positive way, though. One way to avoid doubt is to recognize that, hey, stuff happens. Realizing that you will

encounter challenges - and it’s ok that one does - actually helps relieve some of that stress.

In fact, a key way to overcome these fears is to chat openly with current college students, perhaps alumni from your own high school. Let them talk with you “candidly, not just to talk about what’s good about it, but to be really open,” Castleman suggests. They got through it, and you can too.

UP NEXT

So, what’s your next step to college?

Castleman led Michelle Obama’s Up Next Campaign (blog.ed.gov/2016/09/ first-ladys-new-tool-students-next/), and encourages students to sign up.

“It’s a national text messaging campaign that provides students with information, reminders and assistance with important college and financial aid decisions,” he states. This free service helps students get through the summer months, and make it into their freshman year. Just text the word “COLLEGE” to 44044. You’ll be automatically enrolled. This is part of the Nudge4 Solutions Lab (http://nudge4. wpengine.com/current-projects/upnext/), which spearheads key innovations to tackle Summer Melt with practical, easy solutions for students, using text nudges and technology.

Summer Melt remains a pressing issue in education today. But, the more that guidance counselors, admissions offices, parents and even current college students work with graduating high school students to address the challenges, college enrollment can continue to improve - without the melt.

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

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COLLEGE PLANNING

Based on the book Find the Perfect College for You

By Rosalind P. Marie and C. Claire Law

Y

our personality is not only what makes you unique, but it also affects how you act and feel in many of your daily activities. For example, do you take a different route to class in order to catch more friends you’ve missed during the week? Or do you always take the same path? How do you react when your teacher says the final exam will be an essay? Did you wish it were multiple choice? If a coach recalls a story about playing on a team decades ago, does it help you with your teammates today, or just bore you? Your personality preferences affect you every day in high school and will not change just because you go to college. This is why it is critical for you to understand your Personality Type and use this valuable self-knowledge to help evaluate your college choices. You want to ensure that the colleges you may attend will be ones that fit your personality.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE?

Let’s start at the beginning, which is to categorize your Personality Type. Each

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has its very own learning style. The learning style can be thought of as how each individual takes in information and retains it for use. There are eight distinct preferences in combination that determine Type and learning style. Most college campuses do not equally support all eight of these preferences. It’s natural that colleges develop teaching strategies and environments over decades that appeal to some of the preferences over others. In our observations, we typically find that colleges serve a range of two to four distinct preferences quite well through their educational practices, curriculum and academic philosophies.

The eight preferences are organized into four pairs. An individual student can be one or the other within each pair – but not both. Therefore, each student will have four and only four preferences that make up their Personality Type. The student may borrow the opposite preference for an assignment or a particular course, but it will never become their preferred preference or change their learning style.

Let’s look at these key pairs and see how it could affect your college choices.

Remember your personality will gravitate

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

toward ONE of each of these pairs.

EXTRAVERT AND INTROVERT LEARNING STYLES

College students with the Extravert preference would like professors who require frequent participation or teaming with other students on projects anywhere on campus. The opposite choice is the student with the Introvert preference.

They would like coursework that requires research in their room or a quiet nook and reading a list of selected journals on reserve at the library. These are examples of educational practices that honor two preference opposites: Extraverts (E) and Introverts (I). Each of us has a preference for one of these, but not both. Most colleges have educational features that serve both of these preferences. However, some colleges lean toward one or the other.

What are you? o Extravert or o Introvert

COLLEGE PLANNING

SENSING AND INTUITIVE LEARNING STYLES

The Sensing (S) student prefers to learn by collecting all the facts and then arriving at a conclusion. The needs of this Sensing student would be met in a college freshman course like “Introduction to Experimental Biology.” This would likely be taught in a step-by-step, building block approach through lab techniques.

On the other hand, a freshman course like “Foundations in Biology” that probably starts first with the theories central to understanding life on earth meets the needs of the Intuitive (N) learner. This Intuitive learner likes to get the big picture first and then discover the facts. A student will have either the preference for Sensing courses or Intuitive courses, but not both.

Colleges may offer both types. Sensing and Intuitive preferences are the predominant preference pair that underlies collegiate academic philosophies. Colleges tend to lean heavily toward one or the

other. Educational practices influenced by these two preferences interface with all majors and minors, as well as some extracurricular activities.

What are you? o Sensing or o Intuitive

THINKING AND FEELING LEARNING STYLES

Objective analysis and logic rule within the preference for Thinking (T). A college emphasizing this preference would lean more toward analytical and precise subject matter. Advisors would encourage undergraduates to explore career fields.

On the other hand, a college that mentors and advises with an orientation for the Feeling (F) preference would emphasize career exploration by defining personal beliefs and values, followed by exploring

the majors. Educational advising influenced by the Feeling preference would call attention to values and beliefs during an open-ended discussion between professor and student.

Many college courses are quite grounded in objective analyses as a preferred way to acquire knowledge, which reflects the Thinking preference. A lesser number of colleges heavily emphasize exploratory, values-driven curriculum. Each of these methods can lead to an exceptionally fine education. While colleges have historically leaned toward the Thinking preference, we have observed that more are offering content and curricula through the lens of the Feeling preference.

What are you? o Thinking or o Feeling

JUDGING AND PERCEPTION LEARNING STYLES

The student who likes a course syllabus that is well organized with a list of to-do’s and clear cut-offs for grades favors the learning style of the Judging (J) preference. The undergraduate who likes just a paragraph on the course objective at the start of the class leans toward the Perceiving (P) learning style. College professors often utilize a little of both of these orientations in how they organize the course objectives. However, the college administration policies outlined in the catalogs often lean toward one preference or the other. It will be reflected in the requirements for graduation, the regulations for residential housing, registration, research participation and more. These two tend to influence both the social and academic life on the campus.

What are you? o Judging or o Perceiving

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

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COLLEGE PLANNING

WHAT’S NEXT?

Now that you know the hallmarks of your Personality Type, you can use them to better evaluate colleges. Not only can you look at teaching styles but also think about the physical and social environments. For example, newer residence halls often form a village community where students can easily socialize. They include mini conference spaces to study with laptops. Most new residence halls are likely to be suite-

style apartments with a common living room. Semi-circular classrooms with smart boards are spaces that encourage discussion among students and the professor. New student centers with lots of couches, multiple study nooks and snack locations encourage students to sit and read while friends finish the indoor climbing wall. At a university with the House System, students will identify more with their residence hall than the university itself. Yet other campuses

may require off campus semester study, encouraging interaction and identity outside of the collegiate bubble.

While visiting colleges or reading about them, ask yourself if they seem to fit your Personality Type. Remember, there will not be a college that matches you perfectly. However, it will soon become clear that some are a better fit than others.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Rosalind P. Marie, EdS, School Psychologist, previously held positions in Idaho and Alabama. As a Certified Educational Planner, she has advised hundreds of college bound students and is a contributing member of the Alabama Counseling Association. www.findtheperfectcollegeforyou.com

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Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

C. Claire Law, MS, MBTI® Certified professional, formerly served in Offices of Admission at Carleton University, the Art Institutes, and Bryant University. As a Certified Educational Planner, she coaches students through the admission process and presents on college financial planning. www.eduave.com

COLLEGE PLANNING

Stay Energized This Summer: SUMMER AND PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS

A

By Amelia Mezrahi n area of increasingly interest to high school students in recent years has become Summer Pre-College Programs. They run from the gamut from 1-2 week academic experiences to full-blown, 7-week programs, where students take a couple of college courses comparable to programs at the university. Whatever program you choose, these programs offer three potential benefits.

UNDERSTANDING COLLEGE AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE

The first year of college is an exhilarating but challenging experience. Students’ ideas about college have been formed largely by TV or movies. For many young adults, college is their first exposure to real independence. High school is the most structured experience in many people’s lives (outside of the military).

Course periods are planned to the minute, while papers, homework and quizzes are scheduled with precision. By contrast, college is less ordered. Papers and exams are often bunched at the middle to end of the semester. Classes often have no attendance policy. It is up to students to show up, plan ahead, and spread out their work. Gaining exposure to the

rhythms of college life ahead of time can be useful. Students also get a vibe for campus life – do they prefer a campus close to a large city or do they want a large, leafy campus hidden away? It will also give students a better sense of what to look for when touring campuses during the college search.

FINDING A MAJOR

Many students struggle to find the right major. They often erroneously think they have found their dream major without ever having been exposed to the coursework that it entails. Or, they may come to college very unsure of what major to pursue. Because the first year of college often involves pre-requisites, or basic course requirements, students may find themselves dropping a major after taking their first course. Or, they may wander around from major to major for the first few years. In such a scenario, they struggle to graduate on time.

Summer programs allow them to experience the nitty gritty of individual majors.

Thinking biology? Consider what lab work is really like. Accounting or finance? Find out if it really is your passion. Experiencing coursework and having a strong sense of the right major can really simplify and focus the college search.

Finding out in advance that a major is not right for you is just as helpful.

LIGHTING THE FIRE, GETTING READY TO APPLY

During the daily grind of high school, college can seem far away. It may be hard to focus on grades. Getting a taste for college and understanding that any work now will pay off later can help many students stay focused. If a student is unsure if they are ready for college, a program can help answer that question.

Also, the application process is somewhat ambiguous for students. What is writing a college essay like? How does one study for the SAT/ACT? Many summer programs incorporate courses in college prep, essay writing, or acing standardized exams.

THINK BIG PICTURE

If you enroll in a program, don’t worry too much about the college. Focus on the program and what you can comfortably afford. Even if a particular college conducts a program, do not assume that it will give you a leg up in admissions to it. Instead, think of how the program and your experiences make you a more interesting candidate for a range of schools you are interested in attending.

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

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SUMMER ENRICHMENT AND PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS There are many different options for summer and pre-college programs for high school students.

Search online resources to search by location and interests, such as www.nextstepu.com and http://www.collegexpress.com/lists/list/top-summer-pre-college-programs/1761

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Summer Discovery - Multiple Locations Participating Schools: UCLA, UCLA Business, UC Santa Barbara, Colorado University at Boulder, University of Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, Georgetown University, NYU, Emerson, UPenn, UPenn Law, Johns Hopkins, Cambridge University & London www.summerdiscovery.com iD TECH STEM Summer Camps - Multiple Locations Offers tech education for kids and teens including summer programs at over 150 college campuses including iD Tech Camps, iD Tech Coding and Engineering Academy, iD Game Design and Development Academy. 1-(888) 709-8324 • www.idtech.com Harvard Summer School for High School Students - MA Focus: Academic • Phone: (617­) 495­-3192 Email: ssp@dcemail.harvard.edu www.summer.harvard.edu/high-school-programs/ secondary-school-program Smith College - MA Summer courses for high school girls in science and engineering, writing, women’s history and sustainable futures. www.smith.edu/summer University of British Columbia - Canada Focus: Environmental Science and Sustainability or Applied Science and Design www.summerscholars.ubc.ca Carleton College - MN Programs in Summer Writing, Language and Global Issues, Science Institute, Humanities, Liberal Arts http://apps.carleton.edu/summer Taft Summer School - CT Focus: Academic Young Scholars, Liberal Studies, SAT Prep (860) 945-7777 • www.taftschool.org/summer

[ 14 ]

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute - CA For high school students who are interested in international diplomacy and foreign affairs. During the Institute, students will take on the role of a diplomat, engage in independent research, and then debate a country’s position on one of the many committees of the United Nations. www.summer.ucla.edu/institutes/ModelUN

UConn School of Engineering - CT Explore Engineering E2 is a one-week residential summer program for current high school sophomores and juniors who are interested in engineering. Students are nominated by their high school math, science, or engineering teachers.

E­mail: engrexplore@engr.uconn.edu http://edoc.engr.uconn.edu/explore-engineering Lebanon Valley College - PA Focus: Actuarial Science. The actuarial science summer camp is a week-­long intensive program for rising high school seniors designed to help them decide if they’re interested in actuarial work. Contact: Patrick Brewer, Director of Actuarial Science.

1-(866) LV-4ADM • E­mail: brewer@lvc.edu www.lvc.edu/academics/summercommunity-programming/actuarial-science-camp Phillips Exeter Academy Summer School - NH Every summer the school welcomes more than 780 students to campus for five weeks of academic study, athletics, and exploration that carry participants far beyond the classrooms and playing fields. Typically, students come from over 40 states and 45 countries.

Programs Include: Academic, Performing and Visual Arts, Athletics, and Beyond the Classroom https://www.exeter.edu/exeter-summer

COLLEGE PLANNING

-

PRE COLLEGE PROGRAMS Rutgers University - NJ Rutgers offers Pre-­college students a wide variety of academic, artistic, and athletic opportunities during the summer that can enhance college awareness and increase students’ preparation for college-level study. Find out more about Rutgers’ many stimulating college programs. https://em.rutgers.edu/ncp/Default.aspx Barnard Pre-College Summer in NYC - NY Focus: Academic/Subject Focused/Women Rising high school juniors and senior women can experience college life in NYC with young women from every corner of the globe. (212) 854-5262 https://barnard.edu/precollege/summer/programs Carnegie Mellon Pre-­College Programs for Juniors and Seniors - PA Architecture, Art & Design, Drama, Music, and National High School Game Academy Phone: (412) ­268­-2082 E­mail: precollege@andrew.cmu.edu http://www.cmu.edu/summer/pre­college Pre­-College Summer at Brown - RI Experience the challenge of college-level courses. 1-7 weeks in length. Over 300 courses to choose from.. http://www.brown.edu/academics/pre-college University of Alabama - AL With UA Early College, you earn college credit at The University of Alabama, online or on campus, while you are still in high school. The result? You reach your goals faster from a nationally-recognized, top­50 public university. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including Women’s Studies, Calculus, Public Speaking, and Motion Picture History Criticism.

(877) 823-8759 • http://uaearlycollege.ua.edu University of Notre Dame - IN Participants will walk away with a taste of the college experience, as well as Notre Dame’s unique, multi­faceted approach to the life of the mind, heart, and spirit. Summer Scholars is a two-week program for high school juniors and seniors that introduce students to academics ranging from liberal arts to sciences and business.

Leadership Seminars: 10 day, all expense paid program for advanced students who wish to hone their critical thinking and expressive skills in the company of dynamic peers. Study Abroad is a 12-day program for rising high school seniors. http://precollege.nd.edu

Cleveland Institute of Art - OH CIA has a two-week Pre­-College residential programs in July for students entering sophomore, junior, and senior year of high school. The program offers an experiential approach to problem solving, creating, and collaborating. Students can choose from various programs: Animation, Biomedical Art, Exploring Identity through Print and Ceramics, 3D Modeling and Digital Fabrication, Foundation in Art and Design, Game Design, Glassblowing, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, and Painting.

(800) 223-4700 http://www.cia.edu/continuing-education/pre-college The American University of Paris - France Summer Study: Pre-College Enrichment Programs for High School Students in France and Europe https://www.aup.edu/academics/summer Marist College - NY Pre-­College programs for rising high school juniors and seniors. Phone: (845­) 575­-3226 www.marist.edu/summerinstitutes University of Michigan Pre-College - MI The pre-college program combines academics, athletics, and activities to give high school students a taste of college life. Open to students completing 9, 10, 11, and 12. There are 2-week, 3-week, and 5-week programs. www.summerdiscovery.com/u-michigan Vanderbilt University Pre-College Programs - TN Vanderbilt offers a variety of programs to pre-college students.

They include 1) The Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach (CSO) that establishes partnerships between university scientists, K-12 educators and students, and the local and global science community 2) The Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth (PTY) for developing talent in gifted students and those who work with them. PTY hosts a number of professional development opportunities and serves as a local and national parent resource for gifted education.

(655) 322-2561 • https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/ prospective/precollege-programs.php Disclaimer: NextStepU is not responsible for the programs or the content represented here. Listing of a program here is not an indication of recommendation or endorsement by NextStepU. There are many options that are available for high school students for summer enrichment and students are encouraged to conduct additional research.

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

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CAREER

Reasons Why By Scott Rhodes YOU SHOULD PURSUE A STEM MAJOR Due to global demand for advanced technologies and increasing dependence on machines, universities are continuing to add more STEM majors to their catalogs. You might discover that your interest in video games translates into a cyber gaming degree. Or that your love for working with your hands lays a perfect foundation for a mechanical engineering major. Whatever your passion is, here are some valuable reasons why you should consider one of these majors for yourself:

1

STEM & CREATIVE FREEDOM GO HAND-IN-HAND

One might view STEM as purely left-brained, rigid fields. But it takes a great deal of creativity to formulate new ideas and solve problems. Whether it’s undersea exploration or fast cars that get your gears going, there are countless areas of emerging STEM subjects that give you the freedom to research areas that truly interest you.

2

4

POST-GRADUATION JOB SECURITY

There is no doubt that students studying STEM have more opportunities to play the field when looking for jobs. A student pursuing a computer science degree might land a job as a mobile app developer at a tech start-up or as a robotics expert. The world is your oyster when you have a STEM degree, since demand for these hard skills is increasing globally. STEM employers also have a history of providing employees with perks and competitive pay in return for expertise.

FIND A REWARDING CAREER

STEM isn’t only computer stuff. There are so many diverse, fulfilling career options for students studying this field. You could study physics to become a space researcher for NASA, or study biology to become a medical scientist. Moreover, your major doesn’t even have to follow a strictly linear career path. You could study one of many types of engineering majors and end up becoming a renowned college professor and industry leader.

Despite seeming fixed, STEM careers are in reality very fluid and evolve with the world’s needs.

3

“

What should I major in?” You may have tossed this question around in your mind a couple of times already.

Maybe even a hundred times. For a lucky few, picking a college major is easy. But for most people, finding that perfect combination of an interesting area of study and a rewarding career path can be elusive. And that’s OK.

ONE-OF-A-KIND COLLEGE EXPERIENCES

Corporate interest in STEM means that students majoring in these subjects have access to incredible resources, research and programs. For example, you could apply to become a Google Scholar or intern at the U.S. Department of Defense.

These opportunities are exclusive only to STEM majors due to the background and skills required.

5

SOLVE PROBLEMS

If you want to make an impact in the world and solve problems like antibiotic resistance and clean water shortages, then majoring in STEM is a no brainer. At its heart, STEM enables students to create long-lasting solutions for the world’s biggest challenges. By giving students a background in technical and holistic skills, these majors provide a strong framework to tackle any problem.

Still not convinced that majoring in STEM is right for you? Do your homework and find out more about STEM, or find an industry event near you to get a behind-the-scenes look. Students shouldn’t shy away from these majors; they’re for anyone looking to make a difference.

Author: SCOTT RHODES Vice Provost of Enrollment With an 18-year background in higher education, Scott Rhodes leads enrollment and recruitment strategies for Florida Polytechnic University. His responsibilities encompass undergraduate admissions, graduate enrollment and enrollment marketing, financial aid, student records and registration and enrollment market research.

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Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

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CAREER

How NOT

TO PICK A MAJOR

By Michelle Davis

C

arly Tefft was about to decide to change her major, seeming to turn the last four years into a waste. She was a senior in college with a double major in psychology and pre-medicine, but as she stared into the screen of her Mac, with files of pre-med notes that seemed to blur together, she knew this wasn’t the major for her.

About 80 percent of students change their major at least once while attending university, and many change three times on average over the four years in college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics https://usat.ly/1Yi5gzK. According to a November 2014 report by Complete College America, the vast majority of American college students do not graduate on time http://bit.ly/1B6EiOM. After reconsidering her options, Tefft took a series of aptitude tests from the Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation (www.jocrf.org). She scored quite high on all three of the auditory aptitudes, which was convincing proof that she should

[ 18 ]

pursue her real joy: music.

“I realized that it actually is a pretty easy decision. There’s no question that music is my greatest passion, and the way I see it, life is too short to be devoted to something that isn’t your passion,” Tefft explained. Now a music producer, she is happy with her choice.

PASSION UPON PRESSURE

Counselors agree that a common mistake students make when picking a major is being influenced by outside sources, especially family.

Andy Bloomgarden, an Indiana University academic advisor, and Lisa Severy, assistant vice chancellor of student affairs & director of career services in the University of Colorado Boulder, both stated that families often pressure students to go into a certain subject that they usually end up changing.

“Once they begin taking the courses within that major, they may come to realize that they either do not like the major they selected or it does not match their individual strengths as undergraduate

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

students,” Bloomgarden said.

Advisors suggest not to wait four years until the end of college to realize you need to pursue a career that you truly enjoy, like Carly Tefft did. They encourage you to go with what feels right.

BE AWARE TO BE PREPARED

Many opportunities exist to receive guidance on this decision-making process.

Bloomgarden tells students to make sure to use the resources around campus that are always at their disposal, such as academic advisors and career counselors.

But Steve Green, Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation’s director of public relations, recommends students get an even earlier head-start. He wants students to take the aptitude test before college to avoid the common mistake of waiting, like Tefft.

“I would suggest students find out their natural abilities and make a wise decision based on that. They might have talents they were not aware of,” Green notes.

Aptitude testing helps students explore what they naturally excel in, guiding them

CAREER

toward suitable careers. Too many decide without knowing what would be appropriate for them as an individual. If you would like to find out about how to use your personality type to choose a college or major, read the NextStepU article in this issue, “Find the Perfect College” by C. Claire Law and Rosalind P. Marie.

Alexa Pagel was one of those individuals. After finishing undergraduate school and landing a job immediately after, she had a nagging feeling that she was not in the right position.

“This feeling led to a follow-up meeting with Johnson O’Connor, which helped me refocus my priorities. I scored high on the Ideaphoria aptitude, and realized that I was hardly using this skill at all,” Pagel said.

She soon began getting involved with a different section of her company and enrolled in a few classes that helped to utilize her strengths.

Knowing the value of the resources you have such as academic advisors, career counselors, or aptitude testing that can act as a guide to decide what you should

major in. If you would like to take one from the Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation as well, you can visit www.jocrf.org to set up an appointment.

WHAT’S THE RUSH?

While it’s true that you should prepare early so as not to waste credit hours and money on college courses, do not pick a major just to pick something. Lisa Severy, advisor from Colorado University, suggests students start out by taking a wide range of classes to see which subjects appeal to them.

“There are a handful that know exactly what they want to study or exactly which career they want to pursue, but most struggle with one or the other or both,” Severy said. “Some don’t feel passionate about any one subject in particular and others like everything, so they find it difficult to narrow down to just one.”

A choice like this deserves more attention than it usually gets. According to Pew Research studies, your college major does matter. Most people end up in a career that is associated with what

they studied in college. For example, 60 percent of science or engineering alumni rated their major as “very closely” related to their current job.

This decision involves your passion, future finances and ultimate life satisfaction. It requires more thought than a typical high schooler would give. Follow these tips on how not to pick a major in college until you are truly ready for the task.

Michelle Davis: Michelle is a college junior (class of 2018), currently studying Journalism and Japanese language at Indiana University - Bloomington. She is originally from Westfield, Indiana. After graduation, she plans to intern or work in a news company, and work her way up to management.

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

[ 19 ]

CAREER

Designing Your Life and Career 5 COMMON STEPS TO A DESIGN THINKING PROCESS FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Y

By Jim Paterson

oung people searching for a path forward are often told they should find “a career they love” or “their passion.”

But maybe that’s not the good, helpful advice we think it is.

Perhaps by telling students there is a college and career out there that’s perfect for them we are causing them additional confusion and stress. Maybe we are keeping them from being more practical or even committed to seeking good options. Perhaps, experts say, we should give them a process through which they can explore their futures, rather than suggest it will be quick, easy and somewhat magical.

“Life is not something that just happens to you. Your life can be designed and, in fact, you have the power to be your own architect,” says Angel Perez, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success at Trinity College in Connecticut, who has studied and written about the issue. “We don’t need to know precise specifics as early as high school, but it’s helpful to be intentional.”

Experts like Perez note young people often assume that if they think about

[ 20 ]

it hard enough, they will discover what they want to do. But, they may need more guidance and structure. There are a number of approaches, but a problem-solving process from the field of design has gained popularity recently as a method for tackling life decisions.

DESIGN THINKING

Perhaps the most prominent advocates for this “design thinking” method are two former Silicon Valley executives now teaching at Stanford University. They began helping some students use the technique and now offer a wildly popular class and seminars on the process. They have written a book called Designing Your Life that can guide readers through it.

Bill Burnett and Dave Evans found that students deciding on their futures were helped when they used the five-step process typically connected with design thinking, rather than feeling that they should intuitively know their future or can easily discover it.

“Part of the permission we give people is: Reframe that. You’re not supposed to have it figured out,” Burnett told the New York Times recently. (http://nyti.ms/2qS6cPK)

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

In her book The Power of Meaning, author Emily Smith notes that 70 percent of all employees are dissatisfied with their jobs and disengaged. Other research shows that today’s students are likely to have more than 10 jobs in their lifetimes.

Evans and Burnett point out that only about 27 percent of college graduates are working in the field of their major.

That means, Perez says, that young people should give attention to their choice of careers, and perhaps think more broadly and deliberately.

“The general assumption is that they are supposed to know what they want to do without doing any exploration.

The design thinking method solves that problem and gives you an alternative method,” says former attorney and marketing executive, Mo Chanmugham, who now helps people with their career choice using design thinking. “It shatters the premise that there is an easy answer. You evaluate possibilities, and think through options. You get a better feel about what’s the right fit.”

Here is a quick guide to the five common steps in the design thinking process and how it might apply to the college and career choice process:

CAREER

NextStepU reached out to

Mo Chanmugham Former Attorney & Marketing Executive, Career Coach

1) EMPATHIZE.

In the business world, this is the stage where designers consider what the customer wants and needs, putting themselves in their client’s place, according to Holly Morris, an expert who helps set up coaching programs and has written extensively on the topic. When it comes to young people making life decisions, she says they must ask themselves about the best experience they’ve had in school or what class they enjoyed most. She suggests that they think about the “extreme scenarios” when they were most enthused or even least excited by a subject. What do they really enjoy in their leisure time? Where have others said they excel? What issues do they care about?

“When did you seem the most animated, the most present?” Burnett asks students.

2) DEFINE.

Angel Perez Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success at Trinity College in Connecticut

Warren Berger Author and expert on design thinking and innovation

YOU START OFF WITH THIS BROAD EXAMINATION OF YOURSELF, BUT YOU WANT THAT EXPLORATION TO GIVE YOU SOME SORT OF CRITERIA TO MOVE FORWARD. YOU’RE STILL NOT LIMITING YOURSELF ENTIRELY, BUT YOU BEGIN TO MAKE SOME DECISIONS, EVEN IF IT IS JUST ABOUT DECIDING NOT TO DECIDE. ~ MO CHANMUGHAM

This is where things get a bit more concrete, and it is a key stage. Designers here typically organize and prioritize the responses from the first stage and narrow the problem they are trying to solve into a single question.

“Get specific,” says Chanmugham. “You start off with this broad examination of yourself, but you want that exploration to give you some sort of criteria to move forward. You’re still not limiting yourself entirely, but you begin to make some decisions, even if it is just about deciding not to decide.”

Some experts say this process may mean a young person chooses, for instance, to attend a traditional four-year school and perhaps study humanities – or a technical school so they can work with their hands. Or, perhaps, they find it is important to take a gap year and ponder it all further. A specific question might be, “What sort of direction might I choose that uses my skills, interests, experience and passion?”

3) IDEATE

Now comes what Chanmugham calls “the fun part” where a student can brainstorm ideas. “The point is not to come up with the right idea, but to generate as many as possible. This allows for not just the most obvious ideas but also for innovation.”

Morris says this is a “brainstorming session with rules,” and a student might be required to fit their ideas into a practical college plan and certain type of classes and schools. “Traditional thought and imagination have equal say in the matter,” she says.

Sometimes design thinking experts direct this brainstorming by asking participants to think about options that are “the most likely to delight,” “the rational choice,” “the most unexpected,” “most lucrative,” and “most fulfilling.”

4) AND 5) PROTOTYPE AND TESTING

In the design world, these final two stages take time and resources. But for a high school or college student, it can be simpler.

Businesses might develop a few versions of their product and test them in focus groups and a lab. A high school student’s prototype is a potential path forward and he/ she might just gather more information at college websites or other sources with reliable information. They could shadow, intern with or even interview people in a field of interest, in person, or online. They can get information from a trade group or association in a specific profession, read trade publications, or even a well-researched fiction book that describes a career.

“They should start small,” says Chanmugham. “Once a student has identified 2-3 career options, the goal is to get a taste of what they are like and gain some real world insight. Each prototype activity will teach them about the pros and cons of a field, and they’ll be able to make more educated decisions about how to move forward.”

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

[ 21 ]

CAREER

BOOKS Warren Berger Author Warren Berger says two steps in design thinking are critical for young people as they consider college and career choices: asking themselves some critical questions and getting input from others.

Berger, who has written several books about using design thinking for personal decisions, including Glimmer: How Design Can Transform Your World, says the process suggests we clearly define a problem to be solved, but that young people may find there are a number of avenues to explore.

“You should slow down, ask some thoughtful questions and try to think through your options. It’s about coming up with a deliberate plan when you’re making these important decisions,” he says. “I think sometimes there is a tendency to rush into decisions about college and career, or to be driven by the wrong reasons.”

He notes he was overly influenced by what friends were doing, while others may be overly directed by family or by an idea they developed as a child and have maintained without good reason.

“After you’ve posed questions, done research, “I should have sat down and and gotten feedback, hopefully you’ll have the asked myself some profound beginnings of a plan on how to proceed into what questions about what made the most sense for me. What do I is just more exploration.” seem to be good at? What kinds of people and situations bring out the best in me? What problems and challenges in the world do I want to tackle? Where does there seem to be opportunity for young people like me?”

He says while they should make decisions on their own and weigh their own views heavily, they should also get others’ thoughts.

“That’s a big part of design thinking,” he says.

Berger also believes that rather than making final decisions about their future as they enter college, young people should realize they may just be taking a first step.

“After you’ve posed questions, done research, and gotten feedback, hopefully you’ll have the beginnings of a plan on how to proceed into what is just more exploration,” he says.

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Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

LIFE

Life Hacks

By Amelia Mezrahi

for School:

Strategies BREAK FOR SUMMER

Summer provides more of the most precious resource in our lives – time – than any other season. With a break from the normal busy schedule of class, homework and extracurricular activities, summer is the time to explore, to develop new skills and to grow both personally and professionally. It is also an opportunity to stand out from the crowd when it comes time for college admissions.

1

START A BUSINESS.

Have an idea? Summer is one of the few times you have to really develop it and take the plunge. It may strike an entrepreneurial fire in you that will never go away. Starting a business demonstrates creativity and drive while the experience will also build self confidence. Want to start a business with some friends? It will show you the challenges of teamwork and organization.

FIND AN INTERNSHIP.

3

TRAVEL.

2

VOLUNTEER.

5

Our communities are facing deep challenges. The need for help is all around us. Why not help others, while gaining experience and maturity? Rather than volunteering for a few hours a week or month as is the norm at many high schools, dedicate quality time across the summer and really test your commitment.

Finding time to read during the school year is tough.

And what reading you do is often required by a class, sadly killing the joy of reading and limiting the development of your intellectual pursuits. So come up with a broad list of topics you want to know more about.

Then cut this down into a smaller set of books you are really passionate about that you can read over break.

And go at it.

[ 24 ]

TAKE A CLASS.

Summer is a great time to either address weaknesses (e.g. math just wasn’t your strength last year) or try out something totally new (like a simple coding course or a class on painting). Enjoy the class free of the normal pressures of school. Look at schools nearby or online. There are now hundreds of free online courses offered, many from top schools.

7

6

PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS.

Looking to take a more formal set of courses? Try taking courses through one of the many summer programs that colleges offer. Be warned. Do not assume this increases your chances of admission to a school. But it will give you a taste of college and motivate you to get the best grades in high school that you can.

TEST PREP.

#168fce

READ.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE. If you are looking for a more structured program abroad, numerous service learning opportunities exist. You can focus on impoverished communities, while experiencing a different culture.

LANGUAGE IMMERSION. Let’s face it. For most of us, learning a language is hard, especially when we study in short class periods wedged between our normal school obligations. Language immersion forces you to use a new language every day, all day. The gains from such programs are very noticeable and impressive, even from only a few weeks abroad.

Once a focus of college students, interns are increasingly becoming the norm in high school. Internships allow you to develop a strong work ethic, the ability to work in an office environment and to work with others. At the most basic level, you learn to show up on time and to meet deadlines. In short, work experience helps develop the crucial skills all of us need for life.

It’s not just for fun. Travel can be used to challenge your personal boundaries, gain a greater cultural understanding of the world, and deepen your studies of a particular region or global issue. Trying to understand sustainable development and ecology? Go on a rainforest tour. Looking at issues of culture? Immerse yourself in a new one. Have a passion for literature?

Try a visit to England to study Shakespeare or theater.

4

TWO TYPES OF PROGRAMS ARE WORTH CONSIDERING:

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

It may not sound very exciting to spend your summer prepping for the SAT or ACT, but getting it out of the way during these quieter months is often far preferable to having one more thing to balance during your junior or senior year.

#eb2429

9

8

RESEARCH.

Research is a great way to develop intellectual interests and polish a résumé.

Speak with teachers at your school about opportunities or write to departments at local colleges or hospitals to see if anyone needs a research assistant. Or try something on your own that seems interesting and perhaps enroll in a local competition.

BE A CAMP COUNSELOR.

Camp counselors enjoy many of the perks of camp, but also learn leadership skills. You learn to teach, to mediate conflict, to manage and to inspire others. Very few jobs offer to pay you that give you such wonderful on-the-job training.

10

introduces

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LIFE

I

f you are heading to college this fall, you probably have seen the small rooms and Spartan, institutional furniture. And chances are you will be sharing it with a roommate.

Before you start packing for the move, take some time this summer to research and find cool furniture and storage items that make great use of the space and put your personal imprint on your digs.

First, double check the size of the room and the available space you have for bringing personal items. If you are sharing your room with a roommate, reach out to discuss common interests and needs. Then plan out quickly who is bringing what so that you avoid any duplicates and optimize your use of the space.

Dorm furniture FOR A ideas SMALL SPACE

SLEEPER CHAIRS

These chairs act as both a chair and a comfortable bed with a reasonable footprint.

These chairs come in various sizes and colors and you can pick one to match the color scheme for your room.

Here are 10 ideas for furniture that can do double-duty as storage and can usually be found at affordable prices.

Image Source: Target.com

STORAGE BENCH OR OTTOMAN

The storage bench is a clever idea to squeeze items such as blankets, pillows, extra clothes or books. A storage bench or ottoman can also serve as a table for placing books or food when entertaining.

Image Source: Wayfair.com

BOOK SHELVES THAT DOUBLE AS A ROOM DIVIDER

If you are allowed to bring your own bed in the dorm room, you can feel a lot more organized with a storage bed with drawers for your clothes, shoes, books or personal items.

In college, you will need lots of space for all the books and papers you will accumulate. Having a bookshelf that can double as a room divider is a great way to make use of your small space while providing a bit of privacy in your room.

Image Source: Wayfair.com

Image Source: Hayneedle.com

BED WITH STORAGE DRAWERS

MURPHY BED DESKS

FOLDING CHAIRS

This is a queen wall bed with a built-in desk.

It functions as a desk during the day and a bed at night. It comes with matching side panels that are sold separately for extra storage. Super cool for tight spaces, this is something you may even more likely consider for your first apartment off campus.

You can easily store a few folding chairs in your closet or a corner for days where you have company without wasting valuable space in your room.

Image Source: Amazon.com

Image Source: Costco

ROLLING DRAWERS:

Drawers provide a great way for organizing items in your closet or to move the unit around for easy access when it is needed. An alternative idea: Raise your bed using PVC pipe or blocks over the bed corners (if your school allows), and use low height rolling storage under the bed.

CUSTOMIZABLE SHELVES AND CUBES:

These are especially handy in dorms where cubbys and closets do not come with built in space. They let you use virtually every square inch for storage.

Image Source: Bed Bath and Beyond

Image Source: Target.com

HANGING SHELVES AND SHOE HANGERS:

Hanging shelves are great where you have fewer clothes to hang and many items that require folding. Shoe hangers free up space on the ground for more storage and offer fast and easy access to your shoes without searching when you are running late.

Image Source: Kohl’s

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Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

TWO-TIERED WORKSPACE FOR LAPTOP, MONITOR AND KEYBOARD

There are numerous workspace units on the market these days that allow one to setup a flexible station on a flat surface. These are height-adjustable solutions that turn a desk into a standing desk. The multi-tiered design provides an upper area for a laptop and a monitor, while the lower area has room for a keyboard, a mouse and other items.

Image Source: Varidesk.com

LIFE

The 2017 Graduation

GIFT GUIDE

K

By DiplomaFrame.com

now someone who’s due to graduate this year? We understand how difficult it can be to think up something unique to give them. So, we’re coming to your aid, with our 2017 graduation gift guide. From the thoughtful to the downright hilarious, we’re bringing you a handful of our top picks from around the net to save you the hassle of picking out a special present.

Hey, and if you’re soon to graduate too, why not spoil yourself – or better yet, forward this article to someone close to you?

Subtle hint, right? Read on…

THE THOUGHTFUL ONE

Here’s a lovely idea for someone special – a gorgeous bracelet they can keep on display or wear every day. Etsy often wins when it comes to unique gifts – and this year is no exception; there’s all sorts of fun ideas on offer.

We love this silver compass bracelet, as

THE KEEPSAKE

Everyone knows someone who has everything! So, a design-your-own diploma frame (below) is the ideal choice.

THE PRACTICAL ONE

So, your friend/cousin/sister (delete as appropriate) is about to graduate but you’ve no idea what to get them. Plus, your budget is small. Really small.

Look no further than this cute mug, also

from Etsy. Everyone could do with a new cup to drink their favorite coffee from – and if they’ve landed a job straight after university or college, all the better.

This Class of 2017 mug is a great choice for someone who’s unsure what to buy.

Take a look around the Etsy site as there are plenty of similar gift ideas, some with a personalization option too.

THE HUMOROUS ONE

What to get that friend who’s always pulling pranks? This t-shirt (below) – via Amazon.com – certainly made us laugh.

seen above. Featuring the words: ‘Enjoy the journey…wherever it may take you’, the gift box itself is pretty.

The bracelet is a miniature compass, with north, south, east and west points and it really would make a novel gift idea for anyone who’s into jewelry.

A lovely way for your friend or family member to remember their graduation day, these diploma frames are available in studio moulding and can be crafted from solid wood with a deep mahogany furniture finish. Make sure you buy this in advance so your recipient can have all their friends write their well-wishes on it – such a fabulous idea, as it’s a great way to celebrate your achievements, before proudly displaying them on your wall.

THE FOODIE ONE

Still stuck for ideas? You won’t slip up by choosing something edible – and we’re practically drooling over these Belgian chocolate-covered Graham crackers, as seen over on Amazon. With nine crackers per box, there are gift-wrap options available to give your gift extra oomph.

So, what will you be getting that special someone for graduation? Hopefully we’ve taken the legwork out of your online search by bringing you some fun and budgetfriendly options.

With a fun slogan: ‘Not that kind of doctor’, the bright blue tee comes in a variety of sizes and can also be easily posted out (it’s so lightweight it won’t cost you a fortune to ship it) if your friend or family member lives overseas. For just $17.99 with FREE returns, you can’t go wrong at all with this gift idea.

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

[ 27 ]

MONEY

Change is Good: The New FAFSA HOW IT CAN HELP YOU FINANCE YOUR COLLEGE GOALS

By Kate Alexander

U

sually, filling out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been a challenging task not one that students and parents look forward to during the college application process.

However, it is the first and most important stop in your journey to funding college. By filling it out, you have access to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities through the Federal government, as well as potential scholarships and aid through the colleges themselves.

When you fill out your FAFSA form, you will need to go to FAFSA.ed.gov.

However, to prepare to complete it, and find answers to questions you may have, visit the official Federal Student Aid website, https://studentaid.ed.gov/.

Here, you can find out about types of aid and explore career options. In particular, you can examine common questions and explore components of the process at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa.

Videos will lead you through all that FAFSA involves, and you can subscribe to or search for “Federal Student Aid” official videos on Youtube, with additional tutorials and guidance.

CHANGE PLEASE

The key changes are two-fold. First, you

can apply earlier, as soon as October 1st. Second, you can use tax information from two years ago. It should be easier and more convenient this way because you don’t have to amend your FAFSA form later with current tax information. The sooner you file, the sooner you can learn about your available Federal financial aid. Plus, many colleges roll out aid on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you apply, the more money is available at the college level.

To understand FAFSA and its recent changes, NextStepU spoke with Shawn O’Neill, Director of Financial Aid at Ramapo College of New Jersey.

FOR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS REGARDING THE CHANGES, CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/fafsa-changes https://www.ramapo.edu/finaid/ http://time.com/money/4468758/early-fafsa-new-financial-aid-timeline/

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Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

An

with Shawn O'Neil, Director of Financial Aid at Ramapo College of New Jersey

Q

A

MONEY

Q: Why is FAFSA important?

A: “It is the key to financial aid. It determines your eligibility for need-based grants, loans and work-study. It also

helps to determine your eligibility for state and need-based grants from the school you are attending.”

Q: What are some of the common stumbling blocks for students and their parents while completing it?

A: “Families think the form is too hard to complete. Parents put their social security number in place of their

student’s social security numbers. And, families do not match the name exactly as it appears on the social security card.”

Q: What materials are needed?

A: “For the 2017-18 award year, you need 2015 Federal Tax returns, 2015 W2’s, the driver’s license for the

student, date-of-birth for student and parents, social security numbers for student and parent, and month and year the parents were married/divorced/separated or widowed. If you are an eligible non-citizen, you need the A-number off of your green card.”

Q: What are the changes to the FAFSA? A: “The FAFSA now uses prior, prior year taxes. In the past, the 2017-18 form would use 2016 taxes. Now, it is

using 2015 taxes.”

Q: Why did the FAFSA change?

A: “To allow families to file the FAFSA in October, so they could get an idea of the Federal Aid they will qualify for.”

Q: What are some of the potential benefits of these changes?

A: “Students have an idea of what they qualify for sooner, so they can make a more informed decision. Colleges

will have the ability to send out Financial Aid award packages sooner if they choose to do so.”

Q: What are some DOs and DONT’S for filling it out?

A: “Do file annually. If you have questions, call FAFSA or your school. Do not put parent information where a stu-

dent’s information should go. And do not pay someone to complete your FAFSA.”

Q: What is your best advice for students?

A: “Fill the form out completely. If you have a situation that the FAFSA form does not ask about, contact your

school. For example, if both parents worked in 2015, but in 2016 mom is laid off, and only earned 25% of her salary, the college can help you process a special circumstance request. This will allow your financial aid to be re-evaluated.”

Q: What are the key motivations for doing the FAFSA on time and thoroughly?

A: “In order to receive your State grants, Federal grants, Federal Loans and work-study, you must file the FAFSA

form each year.”

Q: Beyond this, what else can students do?

A: “Apply for any and all outside scholarships. And, while in college, check with the school for any foundation scholarships that may be available.”

Overall, the FAFSA is your first and most crucial step to moving from college planning to college doing. Understanding the changes, and being prepared to spend about 30 minutes to an hour completing the process could mean huge rewards to you - and your goals.

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

[ 29 ]

MONEY The Cost of College

is Rising. What can you do about it?

5

HELPFUL STRATEGIES INCLUDING PROTECTING YOUR TUITION INVESTMENT

N

ot surprisingly, paying for college is a source of real anxiety. It’s actually the leading cause of financial stress among parents, according to results of the financial advisor survey recently released by Allianz Tuition Insurance.

While scholarships, grants and student loans help parents pay for college, a significant amount is covered by parent savings and income.

According to Sallie Mae’s annual survey How America Pays for College, families with a student at a four-year private college spend an average of $41,762 a year on tuition and fees (not including housing and meals). The comparable cost at a four-year public institution is more than $23,000. On average, nearly 30 percent of the cost is covered by parent savings and income.

Q

What can a family do to reduce the stress college expenses bring?

Here are some suggested strategies to help families reduce the bite college takes out of their budgets:

1

CONSIDER CHOOSING A SCHOOL CLOSE TO HOME.

Choosing a school nearby can help save lots of money on room and board. This is one of the most expensive aspects of pursuing a college education. Not only will you avoid living expenses, but you can also save on food and laundry.

2

CHOOSE A WALKABLE CAMPUS.

3

START YOUR COLLEGE CAREER AT A LESS-EXPENSIVE COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

The price of keeping a car on campus can add up quickly.

An on-campus parking permit can reach hundreds of dollars a semester, plus car insurance payments. Sometimes, student parking lots are still a hike away from class buildings, and if you choose to park closer, it’s likely you’ll need quarters for a parking meter. You also run the risk of an unexpected parking ticket.

Deciding to stay home for the first year might be a difficult decision at first but it can potentially save thousands of dollars on tuition. Consider taking your general education requirements

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Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

at a less expensive institution, then transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your degree. Just make sure to work with a counselor to guarantee the credits you earn will transfer successfully.

4

PROTECT YOUR TUITION INVESTMENT WITH TUITION INSURANCE.

5

SELECT A PROGRAM OR COURSE OF STUDY THAT CAN BE COMPLETED FASTER.

It’s becoming more common that students take longer than four years to graduate. It’s also more common that they leave school in the middle of a semester due to unforeseen illness, injury or mental health issues. Tuition insurance guarantees that you don’t lose your tuition if you need to unexpectedly withdraw past your institution’s refund date.

A four-year degree program isn’t for everybody. Consider earning your associate degree or completing a certificate program for the skilled trades through a community college. There are lots of educational options out there that are worth exploring.

No matter how well you economize, higher education is still one of the biggest investments your family will ever make. It’s certainly one of the most important. So what happens if something comes up that keeps your student from being able to complete the semester?

Most colleges and universities offer only a partial refund after a certain point in the semester. Each institution’s refund policy is slightly different, and it’s important to make sure you understand it when you are enrolling in courses.

Without a refund (or even with a prorated refund) many families say it would be very difficult or even impossible to pay for an additional semester, according to College Parents of America.

That’s why parents are considering the benefits of tuition insurance. With affordable plans that offer up to 100 percent reimbursement of tuition and fees paid for a range of covered reasons, it’s how to protect the dream you’ve worked a lifetime to build.

You may not be able to control the cost of college, but you can make sure you’re protecting the important investment you’ve made. It all comes down to knowing the small ways in which you can save.

MONEY

Disclaimer: This article is sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance (AGA Service Company) and NextStepU has received financial compensation.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Insurance coverage is underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co. Plans may not be available to residents of all states. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of this plan and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage because of the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Non-insurance benefits/ products are provided and serviced by AGA Service Company. Contact AGA Service Company at (888) 427-5045 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or tuition@allianzassistance.com.

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

[ 31 ]

MONEY

Money management skills to master before college

By Jasmine Evans

4

LESSONS TO LEARN BEFORE YOU GO OFF ON YOUR OWN

B

udget, savings, overdraft, deposit — you may hear some of these terms as you get closer to college. They can be overwhelming and might involve a bunch of confusing numbers. But these four lessons from personal finance experts can give you a running start to manage your money the smart way.

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Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

MONEY

LESSON 1: OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT

Opening a bank account is “an absolute must,” says Denise Winston, a personal finance expert who runs workshops for teens. “You will have a bank account for the remainder of your adult life,” she says. So, “figuring out how that bank account works is crucial.”

When you open the bank account, “use technology to help you communicate and stay on track,” says Winston. You can set up email or text alerts for when bills are due, when your account balance is low, or when a withdrawal comes from your account.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Talk to people at your bank and ask your parents questions. To “avoid serious boo-boos,” it’s best to not try to do it all on your own, Winston says.

LESSON 2: FIND YOUR “MONEY PERSONALITY”

Everyone has certain tendencies when it comes to money. You may save more than you spend. You may shop more when you’re stressed or bored. You may want to always have the latest technology or eat out.

Mary Johnson, Director of Financial Literacy at Higher One, says “You have to be able to understand your money personality in order to keep yourself on track.” She recommends understanding your spending triggers.

For instance, if a fight with your friends sends you to the mall ready to shop, you can change that behavior to keep from regularly overspending. By paying attention to when and where you spend your money, you can start to figure out your “money personality.”

LESSON 3: KNOW HOW MUCH STUFF COSTS

With the help of your parents or other adults, go out and see how much it would cost to live on your own right now. Ask around to see how much people spend on food, rent, Internet, and other expenses. Then, work backwards to figure out how much you need to earn in order to pay for everything.

You can also ask to take on a little more responsibility. Winston believes everyone should have “some kind of experience to manage a certain amount of money” before college. Pay your own cell phone bill or make another regular payment. This is good practice for paying bills on time and ensuring you have enough money to make payments without putting your account into overdraft, which means you pulled out more money than you had in your account.

LESSON 4: CREATE A SAVING STRATEGY

The first part of your saving strategy could be identifying a goal. Your goal could be having $500 set aside for emergencies like car trouble or airfare to get home quickly from college. You could also set a goal for a new computer or textbooks.

The second part is deciding how much to put into savings. You could decide on a set number like $10 or $20 a month. That can be the simplest method. But Elle Kaplan, CEO and Founding Partner of LexION Capital Management LLC, suggests a 50-30-20 budget. “50 percent of each paycheck goes to necessary expenses, 30 percent is fun funds, and 20 percent goes to saving.” With this sort of savings plan, you can set yourself up with habits you need to manage your money well for a lifetime.

“Money equals control,” Winston insists. “Whoever controls the money controls you.” By following these four lessons, you’ll be able to start controlling your own money so you can control your life.

Jasmine Evans is a freelance writer from the San Francisco Bay Area with experience as a college counselor and English teacher. She writes children’s fiction and education articles for parents, students and educators.

Magazine • Spring 2017 • www.nextstepu.com

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