TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College - 2015

GUIDE TO

College

Tips on

MOOCs TEST PREP BEST APPS SPORTS MONEY and more!

Listings to power your school search

Find more great college advice at www.teenlife.com.

Presenting the

GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR COLLEGE The college search can feel like a long, dark tunnel.

But don’t worry, TeenLife has your back.

The search for just the right college for your child is a journey rich with discovery as long as you know how to anticipate and take advantage of the extraordinary possibilities available to students today.

GOT QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?

Email me at mschwartz@teenlife.com.

At TeenLife, we are the experts in enrichment and pre-college programs, whether your child is a dancer, soccer player or techie. Think of our Guide to Preparing for College as your atlas. It has advice on how to find a tutor, how to turn a student’s avocation into an asset and how to help teens become financially savvy. Check out what our experts say about gap years, sports scholarships, online classes and more.

And if you don’t find the answer here, visit TeenLife.com for more advice, listings and information.

TeenLife wants to partner with you and your child on this great adventure. Heed the advice of our school liaison, Meg Mahoney, on Page 33: Ignore the frenzy. Let us show you how to be a coach, not a micromanager; a cheerleader, not a taskmaster. Make the college search “engaging and enriching.”

Together we’ll reach the light at the end of that tunnel!

Marie Schwartz CEO and Founder TeenLife Media

2 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College

Contents GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

5 FINANCIAL SMARTS: Tips to get your student grounded in money before college.

8 COUNTING ON THAT SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP? Our experts have a reality check.

11 FEELING MOOC-ISH: Three reasons why an online course might help.

13 15 23 27 30 33

WANT MORE?

See our

COLLEGE PREP LISTINGS:

FINANCIAL AID 101: Start here. Now.

Page 15

Check our listings for test-prep experts, advisors, performing arts programs and more.

YUP, THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT. Let your smartphone help with the college search.

NEED A BREAK? A gap year no longer has to be expensive or risky.

SELL IT: How teens can turn their “time wasters” into application gold.

Talented students from around the world choose Brown University Pre-College Programs to prepare for success, and experience the challenge of college-level academics – on campus, online, and abroad.

RELAX: Take it from a TeenLife expert and let go of college search stress.

Go to www.teenlife.com/publications

Te rr y Corwin

teens giving back

n ee T s e k a M t ! r y a e s a H E s ’ d Lion an n u F g n i , and g r n i e r i p gful s te n i n i n , an u g e l n i m Vo k. rganiz y in fun and amwor ted to o nit

edica d commu tability, and te is t he t r a e e v r H to se ccoun a Lion’s s , n p i e h te s ring ader empowe le promoting le r peers i ou h y w f o s am way erence te f f a i d h t a i w to make orking w te a e n c u n t e r i r less fo er with • Expe te he t n u l h o t i v ct w ities to draising r n a u f h • Conne c o n n ; t your ow the community • Selec erience g p n i x v r e se d on an • Focus ership training wards a n r d a t i a e e d l d • Gain ume cre ties an i s e n r u t e r o g e p coll ship op r a • Earn l o h c y for s • Qualif Featured on The Katie Couric Show 2009 National Philanthropy Day – Outstanding Youth Group

Tough talk:

Get Get past past your your reluctance reluctance to to talk talk money money BY BYSARAH SARAHSHEMKUS SHEMKUS&&SUSAN SUSANMOELLER MOELLER Sex Sexor ormoney? money?It’s It’shard hardto toknow knowwhich whichtopic topic isismore moreawkward awkwardto todiscuss discusswith withyour yourkids. kids.

“Sex “Sexisiseasier easierbecause becauseyou youprobably probablydon’t don’thave have those thoseconversations conversationsthat thatoften,” often,”says saysRon RonLieber, Lieber, Your YourMoney Moneycolumnist columnistfor forThe TheNew NewYork YorkTimes Times and andauthor authorof ofthe thefamily familyfinancial financialbook book“The “TheOpOpposite positeof ofSpoiled: Spoiled:Raising RaisingKids KidsWho Whoare areGroundGrounded, ed,Generous Generousand andSmart SmartAbout AboutMoney.”

Money.”Parents’ Parents’ reluctance reluctanceto totalk talkabout aboutmoney moneymay maystem stemfrom from aawish wishto toprotect protecttheir theirchildren, children,aaconviction convictionthat that money moneyisisnot notpolite politeconversation conversationor oreven evenworries worries that thatthe thefamily familyincome incomemay mayend endup upon onTumblr.

Tumblr.

But, But,Lieber Liebercautions, cautions,it’s it’sbetter betterto tobe betransparent, transparent, within withinage-appropriate age-appropriatelimits. limits.

“Kids “Kidsare areborn borncurious, curious,and andthat’s that’sliterally literallytheir their job jobto tofigure figureout outhow howthe theworld worldworks,” works,”he hesays. says.

“Money “Money……clearly clearlydrives drivesaalot lotof ofwhat whatgoes goeson onin in the theworld.” world.”

With Withsome somekey keyconversations, conversations,basic basicsteps stepsand and technology, technology,your yourchildren childrencan canbe befinancially financially responsible responsibleand andthoughtful thoughtfulby bythe thetime timethey they leave leavehigh highschool. school.Here’s Here’swhere whereto tostart: start:

1.

1. DO DOTHE THEMATH: MATH:Kids, Kids,even eventeens, teens,often oftenhave have no noidea ideahow howmuch muchthings thingscost. cost.Check Checkout outthe the income incomecalculator calculatorat atjumpstart.com, jumpstart.com,aanonnonprofit profitthat thatpromotes promotesfinancial financialliteracy. literacy.You You can canhelp helpthem themsee seehow howmuch muchthey theywould would have haveto toearn earn to tosupport supporttheir theirfantasy fantasylife. life.

2.

2. ACCOUNTING 2.

ACCOUNTING101: 101:Teens Teenswho whodon’t don’thave haveaa checking checkingaccount accountshould shouldget getone, one,says saysPam Pam Krueger, Krueger,host hostof ofthe thePBS PBSpersonal personalfinance finance show show“MoneyTrack.”

“MoneyTrack.”“It “Itgives givesthem themvaluable valuable practice practicemaking makingdeposits, deposits,keeping keepingtrack trackof of

balances balancesand andusing usingaadebit debitcard cardwisely wiselybefore before they theyare areon oncampus campusand andon ontheir theirown,” own,”she she says. says.And Andthese thesedays, days,their theirbank bankaccounts accountsare are as asclose closeas astheir theirphones, phones,so sono noexcuses excusesfor forbebeing ingoverdrawn. overdrawn.

3.

3. BUDGET BUDGETBASICS: BASICS:Several Severalexperts expertssuggest suggest 3. creating creatingthree threejars jarsor oraccounts: accounts:savings, savings, spending spendingand andgiving. giving.Create Createyour yourown ownsimple simple budget budgetspreadsheet spreadsheetor oruse usethe theonline onlinetools toolsand and apps appsat atsites siteslike likeMint.com, Mint.com,Simpletrack Simpletrackand and Left Leftto toSpend.

Spend.AAbudget budget“doesn’t “doesn’tmean meanthat thatyou you have haveto totrack trackevery everysingle singlepenny pennyyou youspend, spend, but butyou youhave haveto tounderstand understandthe thebasics basicsof ofwhat what isiscoming comingin inand andwhat whatisisgoing goingout,” out,”says saysErin Erin Lowry, Lowry,founder founderof ofthe thepersonal personalfinance financeblog blog Broke BrokeMillennial.

Millennial.

4.

4. CONFOUNDING 5.

5.

CONFOUNDINGCOMPOUNDING: COMPOUNDING:Check Checkout out the thefinancial financialtools toolsposted postedby bythe theCredit CreditUnion Union National NationalAssociation, Association,including includingone onethat that The TheTeenLife TeenLifeGuide GuidetotoPreparing Preparingfor forCollege College 55

calculates compound interest on savings. Then use the site’s payment calculator to show how compound interest can make credit card interest run amok.

“If you do the math, you’re going to realize that, if you pay the minimum, you’re going to be paying for a long time,” says Laura Levine, president and CEO of Jump$tart, a nonprofit coalition that promotes financial literacy.

5.

6. FIND YOUR SCORE: Teens might understand how a lousy credit score makes it hard to get a car loan. But they might not understand that a low score can make it tough to rent an apartment or get a job. Show them how to check their credit score for free at CreditKarma.com (other sites claim to offer free scores but make you enter a credit card number in order to sell you other services).

6.

7. GET A JOB: Lieber is a fan of teens working for pay, even if it’s menial. And, as someone who reports on financial aid and college admissions, he believes colleges like applicants who work.

“They learn to appreciate the value of hard work and menial tasks and what it means to do that job well,” he says.

7.

8. DEMONSTRATE TRADE-OFFS: Lieber quotes the term “dignity of economy,” penned by a University of Virginia professor, to describe the way we all navigate the line between the sneakers that are cool and the sneakers we can afford. He suggests the “Lands’ End” rule – setting a moderately priced spending limit and asking that kids save for anything more expensive.

8.

9. START NOW: Don’t make the college conversation your first big money talk, says Lieber. “You want them to have some practice dealing with bigger numbers and dealing with value.” •

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ATHLETICS ARE GREAT BUT BEWARE BANKING ON A SCHOLARSHIP

BY BILL HIGGINS Fact: Michael Jordan didn’t make the varsity basketball team as a sophomore at Laney High School in Wilmington, N.C. (He played on the junior varsity.) Now, he is recognized as one of the best players ever.

Fiction: Your child’s athletic future will follow the same path.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association estimates there are nearly 8 million young men and women participating in high school athletics in the United States. However, only 460,000 of them (about 6 percent) will compete at NCAA schools. And of that group, only a fraction – 2 percent – will receive a Division I scholarship or become a professional athlete.

Don’t believe us? Hear it from our experts: Bob Bigelow was good enough to play Division I basketball. He combined that with an Ivy League education at the University of Pennsylvania and went on to be a first-round draft pick in the NBA. Today he is a noted lecturer and the author of “Just Let the Kids Play.”

Mike Sherman has coached at every level of football, including four years as head coach 8 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College

at Texas A&M University and six seasons as head coach of the Green Bay Packers.

Jeff Handler was a star baseball player for national champion Eastern Connecticut State University and today is a personal trainer who works with high school athletes and professionals.

His clients have included Masters golf champion Mike Weir, National Hockey League Hall of Famer Adam Oates and former American League All-Star Gary DiSarcina.

Bigelow, Sherman and Handler all say this: Play the game because you enjoy it, strive to be your best, and be committed to your team.

But concentrate on academics.

We asked them about some common scenarios:

My ninth-grade daughter is one of the best players on her soccer team, and I think she has a good chance to play in college. What should I do?

Bigelow: “Specialization in one sport is overrated and, in fact, idiotic, especially at a young age. Kids burn out and get injured. I’d strongly encourage your daughter to also play other sports. If by her junior year she’s still a good soccer player, then

so don’t sacrifice your studies for sports.

College coaches want to see that commitment, too. … If you’re playing for a scholarship, you’re playing for the wrong explore options for the next level. But if somereason.

Play to in give theyou moment.

Focus on one is trying or your child advice, helping your team, and good ask them if they’re making money.things If they are, the other way. Find someone you can trust willrun come.” and … be willing to listen and hear what you don’t want to hear.”

I’ve been a Division 1 varsity coach for 15 years, Sabrina is athe best I’ve ever had.

I’m aand sophomore and starter on my varsity She’s an honor student and gifted at her team. I’m already getting college recruiting letters. I’m Is there more should be doing? sport. sureanything she’s going toI get college Sherman: “Don’t in theher? classroom. scholarship offers.compromise How can I help

You have control of the academics, so don’t sacrifice your studies for sports. College coaches Bigelow: “Seek out those who are alwant to see that commitment, too. … If you’re ready in the collegiate system, whether playing for a scholarship, you’re playing for the it’swrong Division I, IIPlay or III, who can talk with reason. in the moment.

Focus on her about theteam, expectations she’ll face. helping your and good things will come.”

It’s intense, and she needs to understand I’ve been a Division 1 varsity coach for 15 that.” years, and Sabrina is the best I’ve ever had.

Sherman: “It’s student a hugeand step from high She’s an honor gifted at her sport. school to college even if you’re not an I’m sure she’s going to get college scholarship athlete.

Andcan if you accept offers. How I help her? a scholarship, you’re getting education, and inin Bigelow: “Seekyour out those who are already the collegiate whether it’s Divisionyour I, return you’re system, expected to represent II or III, who can talk with her about the

university and your team in a responsible manner, and be accountable on and off the field. There are a lot of demands, and you have to be mature enough to manage expectations she’ll face. It’s intense, and she them.” needs to understand that.”

Handler:“It’s “There’s going tohigh be adversity, Sherman: a huge step from school to college even if you’re not an athlete.

And if you but failure isn’t a bad thing. You can learn accept a scholarship, you’re getting your educaa lot and use that as an opportunity to tion, and in return you’re expected to represent improve.” your university and your team in a responsible manner, and be accountable on and off the field.

My kid high school inhave the fall.

There areisa starting lot of demands, and you to be mature manage He willenough also betotrying outthem.” for the team.

Handler: “There’s to befor adversity, but What advice do going you have all of us? failure isn’t a bad thing. You can learn a lot and use that as an opportunity to improve.”

Bigelow: “No. 1, concentrate on the academics before sport.

No. My kid is starting highthe school in the fall.2,He will also be trying outeats for the team.

What advice do make sure he well and gets enough you for all him of us?healthy. No. 3, be there rest.have … Keep Bigelow: for him.”“No. 1, concentrate on the academics before the sport.

No. 2, make sureclassroom he eats well as Sherman: “Compete in the and gets enough rest. … Keep him healthy. much as on the field. Support him, but No. 3, be there for him.” don’t pressure him.”

Sherman: “Compete in the classroom as much as Handler: him enjoy the pressure process.him.” on the field. “Let Support him, but don’t Handler: “Let him enjoy process.

It’sthe the It’s the journey – thethe games and journey – the and the practices – •not the practices – games not the destination.” destination.” •

“The Matheny Manifesto, A Young Manager’s Old-School Views on Success in Sports and

“The Manifesto, A Young Manager’s Views on Success in Sports Life”Matheny

by Mike Matheny and Jerry B. Jenkins (publishedOld-School

by Crown Archetype) and Life” by Mike Matheny and Jerry B. Jenkins (published by Crown Archetype) The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College 9

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REASONS

!

TO TAKE ONLINE COURSES

(and one important warning)

BY SARAH SHEMKUS tudents are no longer limited by the bricks and mortar walls of their high schools. Almost any academic course you can imagine is available in cyberspace, many for college credit. An online course could be just the thing to dazzle college admissions officers, boost a student’s Advanced Placement count or even trim college costs.

“More and more students over the years are turning to online courses in the hope of gaining an edge in the highly selective admissions process,” says Brian Taylor, director of The Ivy Coach, a college admissions counseling service in New York City.

There are several options: • In most states, dual-enrollment programs allow high school students to take community college classes (online or off) for high school credit.

• MOOCs (massive open online classes) let you take classes with other learners from around the world. They’re often free, though for an extra fee you can get a certificate verifying that you mastered the material. The most wellknown MOOCs are those offered by EdX, a collaboration of nearly 40 schools – including big

names like Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Dartmouth College – that offers more than 300 classes.

Coursera also pulls together free college courses from major schools like Duke, Yale and Stanford universities.

• Colleges both near and far may offer their own online classes.

But, if you’re a student with an already hectic life, why do it?

REASON NO. 1:

Your college application needs a boost.

You’ve got honor-roll grades, varsity sports and some weekend volunteer work but want a little something extra to make you stand out. An online course or two might be just the thing to convince the admissions board that you have the drive – and the ability – to perform at a college level. And if you are applying for a specific major, a targeted course can impress the admissions office with your dedication to your field.

“It’s another credential within their application that shows they are really eager to learn and really pursuing their interests and education outside the classroom,” says Rachel Lapal, communications manager for EdX. The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College 11

YOU DO HAVE STRICT DEADLINES AND TIMELINES – YOU HAVE TO BE VERY DISCIPLINED TO DO AN ONLINE CLASS TAMMY REICHELT American Association of Community Colleges

REASON NO. 2:

You want more than your high school can offer.

Are you looking for Advanced Placement classes that aren’t a part of your school’s curriculum? Do you love biology so much you’ve already taken all the courses your school provides? Online classes could be a good choice.

EdX offers self-directed AP classes designed to prepare you for the AP test in subjects like English and environmental science. The Virtual High School has more than 20 AP courses. These 36-week classes cost $900 each.

EdX also runs courses on topics ranging from the everyday (computer science, psychology) to the unusual (the science of happiness, Asian architecture).

And if you choose a dual-enrollment option, most of your community college’s online options will be available.

REASON NO. 3:

You’re worried about the cost of college.

If you start your freshman year with credits already in hand, you can shave time – and money – off your college experience. Online classes give you a few ways to achieve this goal.

12 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College

Taking AP classes or AP test-prep classes online and then scoring well on the test can earn you college credit at many schools. Then there’s dual enrollment. Credits for classes you take through your community college often transfer to fouryear schools.

“It can speed up the process of earning your bachelor’s degree or your two-year degree,” says Tammy Reichelt, senior program associate for the American Association of Community Colleges.

THE WARNING:

Online learning may be convenient, but it is not necessarily easy. These are, after all, college-level classes.

“You do have strict deadlines and timelines – you have to be very disciplined to do an online class,” says Reichelt.

Before signing up for a class, make an honest assessment of your current workload, your spare time, and your ability to get work done without teachers and classmates reminding you daily that the big history project is due next Friday. If you are unsure, be careful about choosing a for-credit class – having a low grade or uncompleted class on your transcript could hurt more than it helps. •

FINANCIAL AID

BY TEENLIFE STAFF Aid is based on either need or merit.

There are government-sponsored grants, loans, work-study jobs, as well as merit scholarships based on accomplishments such as a high GPA, athletic prowess, leadership or community service. Even the local garden club might offer help for a student studying environmental science.

You and your student may want to consider opportunities to lower costs, such as advanced placement or online courses, community college or the military. Also, although private colleges may be more expensive than public universities, they may offer larger grants, according to the Council of Independent Colleges. And schools outside of your area may be willing to grant more aid to attract a geographically diverse student body.

Get the basics on the website of Sallie Mae, the government-sponsored lending organization founded in 1973 as the Student Loan Marketing Association. The site has collegeplanning advice as well as tools like a scholarship search engine. Check out https:// www.salliemae.com/plan-for-college/ saving-for-college/

Start NOW!

Here are some financial aid basics: • Colleges and universities base financial aid decisions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the College Scholarship Service/Financial Aid PROFILE® The forms differ in how they consider things like 529 college savings accounts. The CSS Profile is used by colleges that award their own financial aid that is not government funded. The FAFSA must be completed after Jan. 1 of the year a student is applying to college. The CSS Profile can be filled out in the fall. The earlier you file, the more likely you are to receive aid, experts say.

• Eligibility for need-based financial aid is determined by the cost of attendance (COA) minus the expected family contribution (EFC). You can see where you might stand by plugging some basic numbers into free online tools like FAFSA4caster.

Or, check out net price calculators on the website of individual schools or the College Board: http://netpricecalculator.collegeboard.org/ • Some colleges require that you submit a financial aid form unique to the school. Make sure you understand each school’s requirements.

• Get to know the financial aid staff of any prospective. Keep in touch if your circumstances change.

Sometimes financial aid packages can be adjusted.

• Pick a “financial safety school.” Have a backup that is more affordable than your first choice. •

MORE RESOURCES:

• www.chegg.com • www.studentaid.ed.gov • www.scholarship.com • www.collegeboard.org • https://www.salliemae.com/plan-for-college/scholarships/ The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College 13

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COLLEGE PREP RESOURCES t’s an exciting world out there for teens right now, whether it’s a summer in Latin America, a terrific sports camp or that special coach to help with test prep. TeenLife can connect you and your teen with what is literally an entire world of programs, advice and support.

Summer programs can introduce your teen to a new country or develop a special skill.

Community service alerts your child to issues on another continent or around the block. Test prep helps students get over their anxieties and polish their technique.

And coaches or advisors can help find the best school, discover new financial aid or plan the perfect gap year.

Check out our listings here, and for more go to TeenLife.com. We’re ready to be your guide on this exciting journey!

Colleges BROOKS INSTITUTE

Brooks Institute offers more than an education for undergraduates and graduates. Brooks Institute provides a learning experience that attracts a diverse student body of aspiring professionals with one common goal: to pursue careers in photography, visual journalism, new media and communication arts.

Location(s): Ventura, CA www.brooks.edu

LEEDS COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Based in the North of England, Leeds College of Music is an innovative music conservatoire, renowned to offer rigor and a personal approach, leading to a more rewarding career in music. It is an All-Steinway School, an Apple Accredited Training Centre, as well as the largest British conservatory.

Location(s): Leeds, United Kingdom www.lcm.ac.uk

The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College 15

College Prep Resources TeenLife.com/RequestCollege

OHIO UNIVERSITY

At Ohio University, you can be yourself - and become your best self. Ohio University offers more than 250 programs that prepare you for the career you want.

Location(s): Athens, OH www.ohio.edu/you

SAN FRANCISCO ART INSTITUTE

San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) creates new ways of looking at and living in the world. Since 1871, SFAI has attracted individuals who push beyond boundaries to discover uncharted artistic terrain.

Location(s): San Francisco, CA www.sfai.edu

THEATRE OF ARTS COLLEGE FOR THE CONTEMPORARY ACTOR

Theatre of Arts’ actor training programs for theatre, television, and film are taught by current and experienced actors, directors, and casting directors. Conservatory training offers 700 hours of oncamera scene work designed to prepare the student for professional castings and auditions.

Location(s): Hollywood, CA www.toa.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY

UAT is an elite, intimate, private technology university in Tempe, AZ. UAT is among a select few 100 percent STEM-based universities in the nation offering over 20 academic majors in new technology, including Advancing Technology Studies, Cyber Security, Programming and Hardware Creation.

Location(s): Tempe, AZ www.uat.edu 16 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College

VERMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Unique among its peers, Vermont Tech offers a learning experience unlike any other in Vermont: focused classroom instruction interwoven with real-time, hands-on experience taught by professors who are experts in their field.

Location(s): Randolph Center, VT www.vtc.edu

YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, MEDIA, PERFORMANCE & DESIGN

Unleash your potential and define the future of creativity with us. Dedicated to excellence, experimentation and leadership, we offer you an exceptional environment centered on developing your unique talents to build a visionary career. Discover new ways of thinking, new avenues for your creativity, and new paths to your professional success.

Location(s): Toronto, Canada http://ampd.yorku.ca/

College Resources THE ESSAY ADVISER

Do you have a child applying to secondary school, college, or graduate school? The Essay Adviser can help. We are dedicated to providing personalized essay advisory services to help our students convey in their unique voice what makes them a viable candidate for admission.

Location(s): Chestnut Hill, MA www.essayadviser.com

SALLIE MAE

Sallie Mae is the nation’s No. 1 financial services company specializing in education and offering solutions that help families save, plan, and pay for college.

Location(s): Nationwide www.salliemae.com

Community Service LION’S HEART

Lion’s Heart is a national, community service organization for teen volunteering and leadership.

We make teen volunteering fun and easy!

Location(s): Nationwide www.lionsheartservice.org

Gap Year Programs AMERICAN UNIVERSITY GAP PROGRAM

American University’s Gap Program offers an enriching internship and academic immersion experience in Washington, D.C., over a semester or a year. Students create a foundation for success because the AU Gap experience focuses on skills that can be applied later in academia or a career.

Location(s): Washington, D.C. www.american.edu/spexs/augap

SCHOOL YEAR ABROAD

SYA combines homestay and an intensive foreign acquisition/ academic program so students experience life abroad for an entire academic year while earning US graduation credits. SYA has schools in China, France, Italy and Spain.

Location(s): China, France, Italy, Spain www.sya.org/s/833/start.aspx

College Prep Resources

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WINTERLINE GLOBAL SKILLS GAP YEAR PROGRAM

9 Months. 10 Countries. 100 Skills Learned. Are you ready to see the world? Make lifelong friendships? Gain real life skills that you didn’t get in high school and won’t get in college? Join Winterline Global Skills Program for an exhilarating year of travel and life experiences like no other!

Location(s): Cambodia, Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Panama, Spain, Thailand, United States www.winterline.com

Independent Advisors CollegeWebLD

Finding the right college can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it easy. We provide a step-by-step process to give you the information necessary to discover the best match for your student. With a staff of professional educational consultants, each family is guaranteed the benefit of a talented and collaborative team.

Location: MD, VA www.collegewebld.com

THE COLLEGE FUNDING CONNECTION, LLC

The College Funding Connection, LLC helps parents and students select the right college or university without exceeding financial means. We can show you how to beat the high cost of college and how to qualify for additional financial aid - both merit-based and need-based.

Location(s): Brunswick, OH www.collegefc.com

To request more information from our advertisers, go to TeenLife.com/RequestCollege

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Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy attracts 8th – 12th grade students who are dedicated to improving their proficiency in a second language.

During the four-week summer program, students dramatically accelerate their language skills—on average, by one full language level in four weeks.

Choose to do something unique this summer. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a more proficient language speaker, you will improve your language skills at the Academy, while gaining newfound confidence, independence and the tools to succeed in college and beyond.

LANGUAGES Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Chinese

mmla.middlebury.edu 888.216.0135

College Prep Resources

TeenLife.com/RequestCollege

TAYLOR THE GAP

Taylor the Gap guides students in navigating gap year options at a low cost fee. Personalized services include: preliminary consultation, student assessment, program vetting, alumni referrals, liaison with staff, and a final plan and match with a gap year program or set of activities.

Location(s): Boulder, CO www.taylorthegap.com

WORLD STUDENT SUPPORT

World Student Support was founded to help students and families find the appropriate educational resources, be it in the United States or overseas.

World Student Support understands the challenges when attempting to locate the right program in the right country.

Location(s): Golden, CO www.worldstudentsupport.com

Overnight Summer Programs BROWN UNIVERSITY PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS Experience college life, prepare for academic success, and make new friends from around the world in Brown University Summer Pre-College Programs, with more than 300 courses to choose from on campus, online, or abroad.

Location(s): Providence, RI www.brown.edu/summer

MIDDLEBURY MONTEREY LANGUAGE ACADEMY

The Language Academy is an immersive, four-week overnight summer language program in the United States and abroad, for students in Grades 8-12 who are passionate about language learning and global awareness. Available languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German and Spanish.

Location(s): Canada, China, Spain, Vermont mmla.middlebury.edu

SUMMER STUDY PROGRAMS

Whether you study abroad or in the United States with Summer Study, you’ll experience a summer filled with challenging, yet fun classes, new friendships, personal growth, cultural experiences, and enriching activities in some of the world’s greatest cities.

Location(s): Colorado, France, New York, Pennsylvania www.summerstudy.com

TRAVEL FOR TEENS

Travel for Teens believes that summer travel should be both fun and enriching. We offer cultural exploration, community service, language and photography trips to Europe, Africa, Costa Rica, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.

Location(s): Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Vietnam www.travelforteens.com

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS

High school students and graduates can get an early start on their college careers by spending a summer at the University of Vermont. Students will get the chance to experience Burlington, America’s best college town, while earning college credits and getting a taste of college life!

Location(s): Costa Rica, Ireland, Vermont http://professional.uvm.edu/ precollege

Tutoring and Test Prep TESTIVE

Testive combines adaptive software developed at MIT with 99th percentile coaches to help students raise SAT and ACT scores faster than anyone else.

Our coaches monitor each student’s progress daily, and meet with them weekly to help them stay on track. Prices range from $299-$399/month.

Location(s): Online www.testive.com

TESTROCKER

TestRocker is a comprehensive online SAT/ACT prep program that allows students to learn from Suniti Mathur, an expert SAT private tutor with more than 14 years of experience, wherever and whenever they want.

Location(s): Online www.testrocker.com

The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College 19

HELP!

BY SUSAN MOELLER

Don’t be shy about turning to tutors It’s no longer a stigma to ask for extra help.

Almost 65 percent of students at one Dallas suburban school district used a private tutor or received after-school coaching in the classroom, according to a 2011 study reported in D magazine.

“Sometimes kids ask for it, sometimes parents,” says Libby Sassano, a private tutor in the Ridgefield, Conn., area, who works with high school students. “Parents know when the grades start to go down or when their kids are really stressed out.”

Our experts say tutoring can build the confidence so critical to success. But there are so many options: help from teachers or peers, online coaches or classes, test-prep groups or one-on-one tutoring. Where to start?

ASSESS YOUR STUDENT Talk with teachers about what your student needs. Organization? Stress tips? Comprehension? “I have a student who I work with in mostly English and history, but when he started to fall in math, I could help him because it wasn’t the content that was impeding his learning, it was, ‘How do I access this information?’” says Anna Kontos, a private tutor and learning specialist in the Boston area.

20 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College

CONSIDER STYLES Is your student disciplined enough for an online course? Assertive enough for a group setting?

Someone who needs one to one? Consider that online tutoring has become increasingly sophisticated. A 2011 article in Educational Psychologist says studies have found it to be almost as effective as personal one-on-one sessions.

USE THE PARENTAL GRAPEVINE Through another mom at the gym, Karen Glou Joseph, from Natick, Mass., connected with Prepped & Polished (www.preppedandpolished. com), a tutoring and test-prep firm in Wellesley, Mass. First, Joseph only wanted to assess if her daughter should take the ACT or the SAT. Then, she signed her up for one-on-one test prep.

Need a tutor or test coach?

Check TeenLife’s listings at www.teenlife.com

CONSIDER COSTS Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org), through a deal with the College Board, will offer free online tutoring for the newly designed SAT. A 30-hour SAT-prep online class through Princeton Review (www.princetownreview.com) runs about $1,600 per person (four-student maximum). Private tutors can range from around $50 to hundreds an hour, depending on locale and expertise. Negotiate, Joseph says. For example, do fees have to be paid all upfront, or can you pay as you go?

CHECK ALL RESOURCES At Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, a public Grade 7-12 college-prep exam school, teachers, an on-staff test-prep specialist and student tutors help after school, during study halls and on Saturdays, says Tanya Ficklin, the head guidance counselor. Her office maintains a list of free peer tutors. The district also has recently purchased ALEKS, an online service that uses artificial intelligence to assess and help with math and science.

MAKE A GOOD MATCH Meet the tutor before you pay any money, says Alexis Avila, owner and founder of Prepped & Polished. “Even if it’s for 15 minutes, it’s important. It’s an investment,” he says. Isabel Arthur, 18, now a senior at Natick High School, worked with a Prepped & Polished tutor on SAT prep who made her feel “really comfortable.” “I think that’s huge,” she says, “and I wouldn’t have done as well if we didn’t have that relationship.”

BE A TEAM Ask your school if a tutor will be allowed to meet with teachers, work with a student on school property or attend learning conferences. At the very least, be sure everyone – teacher, student, parent, tutor – is communicating, says Kontos.

“I don’t want to be any family’s dirty little secret.” •

deng/shutterstock

Imagine spending three days a week at BBC News, or Rock the Vote, or even at the U.S. Senate. Think about what this could mean to your future.

Combine that with a seminar class that will feature lectures, site visits, and guest speakers that could introduce you to diplomats, policy makers, members of Congress, or journalists.

American University’s Gap Program will provide you with an enriching experience in Washington, DC. You choose a full year or just a semester to build a foundation for future academic and career success.

Spring 2016 Friday, October 30, 2015 - Application Friday, November 20, 2015 - Deposit Deadline Fall 2016 Friday, May 13, 2016 - Application Friday, June 3, 2016 - Deposit Deadline

5 APPS

TO EASE THE COLLEGE SEARCH

BY ROWENA LINDSAY obile and web apps can help students with almost every part of applying for college, from choosing schools and finding scholarships to keeping track of deadlines.

“Within the past couple of years, I am finding that more and more kids are using apps for colleges,” says Mark Furman, head of the guidance department at Plymouth North High School in Plymouth, Mass. “I don’t know if it has changed the application process necessarily, but I think it has made it more accessible so that they can do it from anywhere fairly easily.”

the colleges’ requirements and gives you the odds of getting accepted.

APPLY KIT By ranking how strongly you agree or disagree with a series of statements, such as “I want to go to school in a city,” Apply Kit will match you with schools. You can also compare your credentials to the requirements of different colleges. Once you have a list of schools, the app helps you keep track of application deadlines with push notifications to your phone.

NAVIANCE Naviance is a program that helps middle and high school students figure out potential careers based on their academic strengths and extracurricular interests. A mobile app called Naviance Student lets students keep up with the application process on the go.

GET SCHOOLED If you are still a few years away from applying to college but want to make sure you are a great applicant, check out Get Schooled.

The website has hundreds of articles, videos, surveys and other tools focused on what you can do in high school to best prepare you for college and the SATs or ACTs. It is also a great resource for information on navigating financial aid forms and making college more affordable.

PARCHMENT Parchment is a website that allows for easy twoway electronic communication between colleges and students. Schools can provide verified credentials electronically. Then, you can manage your own transcript, resume and test scores in an online profile, which you can send to colleges at any time. If you don’t know yet where you are applying, the site matches your credentials against

CAPPEX Cappex is a great place to keep your notes on colleges and scholarships all in one place. It allows you to compare schools, read student reviews, search for scholarships and calculate your admissions chances. Cappex also can provide you with a list of suitable matches based on your credentials or help plan school tours with its college-visit tracker. •

Check out these five:

The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College 23

9

10

MONTHS

COUNTRIES

100 Skills.

An action-packed journey that builds practical life skills during nine months abroad.

Winterline Global Skills Program Backpacking, building, and business in the United States. Sea kayaking in Panama. Marine biology in Costa Rica.

Culinary arts in Thailand. Conflict resolution in Cambodia. Alternative medicine in India. Visual arts in Spain.

Customer service in the Netherlands. BMW Driving School in Germany. Independent studies in Italy.

It’s NOT your typical gap year. winterline.com // 8 8 8 . 7 3 7 . 4 2 2 6

PARTNERS

24 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College

We polled our TeenLife experts about

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT COLLEGES

• How many students who start out as freshmen actually graduate?

• How good are the internship connections, particularly in the area that interests your student?

• What’s the professor-to-student ratio for all years, not just upper-level classes?

• Is the counseling service respected and userfriendly? Is there a peer counseling or mediation program?

• How many students does the average professor advise? How easy is it to talk with your advisor?

• How does the campus rate for safety? Is there security in the dorms? An escort service for stu• What’s the percentage of online classes or dents leaving, say, a work-study job or the library hybrid classes? late at night? You can check reports filed by indi• How active are clubs and social groups on campus? vidual schools under what’s known as the Clery Act, which requires schools receiving federal aid to file • How active or supportive is the alumni network? fire safety and security reports: http://ope.ed.gov/ That might be important for students networking security/Index.aspx for jobs after graduation.

The Gap Year Reboot

Taking a break before college doesn’t have to be pricey or risky.

BY RACHAEL DEVANEY

livia Gaines describes herself as a “risk taker” and wasn’t ready to attend college straight out of her senior year of high school.

Instead, she spent the year traveling and working in Costa Rica, Canada, Hawaii and Italy.

She’s among the young people deferring college to work, travel, do community service or cobble together a combination. The so-called gap year doesn’t have to mean 12 months of doing the same thing or spending money on expensive or risky adventures. But whatever students choose, it’s like pushing the reset button.

JOB? TRAVEL? SERVICE? ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

“I was emotionally and physically drained, and I felt like going from high school straight to college was like being on a train and looking out the window watching everything go by so fast with no opportunity to get off and experience life,” says Gaines, who graduated from Flintridge Preparatory School in La Canada, Calif. Now 19, she attends Kalamazoo College in Michigan.

While in high school, Gaines attended a gapyear fair in Los Angeles and heard a speaker from The Center for Interim Programs (www.interimprograms.com), an organization based in Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Top Photos (left to right): RIDGE Mountain Academy, and Ananda College.

While Gaines’ parents were initially hesitant, they helped her by combining college money with her personal savings and her father’s frequent-flyer miles. (Gaines declined to give her specific costs.)

It was a joint effort by her parents, the Interim center and herself to make a gap year happen, Gaines says.

“I did some amazing things, from studying natural medicine and spending time with indigenous women leaders in Costa Rica, to working at a yoga retreat center in Hawaii. This entire experience changed my life and was made up of so many moments of liberation,” she says. “I really believe that people don’t regret taking gap years – they regret choosing not taking one.”

CHANGE YOUR FOCUS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Jane Sarouhan, vice president at Interim, says an exploratory year helps young people to establish goals, find a focus and gain a fresh perspective.

The company charges $2,500 for gap-year counseling that includes access to programs, as well as follow-up and connections with alums for the lifetime of the client. It offers a limited number of scholarships for consultations.

“The No. 1 reason students usually want to take a gap year is because they are burnt out. The fact is, they have been through 12-plus years of schooling, and they need some time to explore and to connect the relevancy of classroom The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College 27

studies to the real world in a hands-on way,” Sarouhan says. “Other students may not have gotten into the school of their choice and want clarity on what school to even consider, and some students that come to Interim may have a medical or personal issue they want to address in this time.”

PLAN, PITCH & LOVE IT •

Even if you know you want to take a gap year, go through the college application and acceptance process. See if your preferred school grants deferments or requires that you reapply. Also, be aware you may not be able to defer financial aid or scholarships.

While there is little data on gap years, a study at Middlebury College in 2010 found that gap year students were stronger academically, reports The New York Times. However, the sample was small and did not account for other factors, such as income level.

•

Be practical about gap year costs. Do you need to use summer job savings? College money?

Will you need to be earning money during your year?

•

Pitch your plan to friends, parents and college admissions officers.

•

If you are using a program or counseling service to plan your year, ask to speak with alums. Don’t rely on website testimonials.

•

Even if you plan to live at home, make your year an adventure: Meet new people, explore new community service opportunities, join a new Meetup, take an online or community college class. Think creatively about what might help you focus once you get to college.

•

Document your year, even if you’re working at the mall.

THINK OF A GAP YEAR AS A WAY TO UNDERSTAND “THE BIGGER PICTURE” LOW-COST, NO-COST, SCHOLARSHIP

The biggest concern is cost, Sarouhan says, but parents should be reassured there are many options.

“There are huge ranges of costs, with some people spending $1,000, and others spending $10,000. But there are also financial aid and scholarships, as well as opportunities like work exchange. …. We can get creative to find an appropriate budget.”

Tim Porter, gap-year director at Rustic Pathways (www.rusticpathways.com), which connects students with international community service, education and adventure programs, says his organization offers scholarships that range from 25 to 100 percent of a gapyear cost. But students should plan far in advance, he says, and allow time to search for financial aid.

28 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College

There are also less-expensive options, including government-sponsored opportunities like AmeriCorps and City Year, or the National Security Language Initiative for Youth that offers scholarships to study language overseas.

Think of a gap year as a way to understand “the bigger picture,” says Porter.

“It can be hard to relate to headlines or what’s happening internationally, but no matter what field you go into, it is important to be able to relate and understand the global economy and national development,” he says. “I think that’s why so many people do a gap year, because they are really curious about what is really out there.” •

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Sallie Mae, College Ahead, and the Sallie Mae logo are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank or its subsidiaries.SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. ©2015 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. SMSM MKT10926 0515

TURN ‘TIMEWASTERS’

INTO COLLEGE GOLD WHY ARE YOU WASTING YOUR TIME WITH THAT? IS YOUR HOMEWORK DONE?

T T

hatfamiliar familiar refrain refrain is probably hat probably heardthousands thousands of times times aa day heard day households across across the ininhouseholds the councountry.Parents Parents think think teens teens spend try. spend too many hours playing too many hours playing video video gamesor ordrawing drawing a a graphic graphic games novelororknitting. knitting.But Butwhat what ifif that that seemingly seemingly novel impractical interest has some tangible benimpractical interest has some tangible benefit and even is the key to a future career? efit and even is the key to a future career?

How do teens turn their “time wasters” into How do teens turn their “time wasters” into an asset on their college applications? an asset on their college applications?

IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO, IFFIND YOU AKNOW WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO,IT. WAY TO DO SOMETHING WITH FIND A WAY TO DO SOMETHING WITH IT. “Nothing sells more than demonstration,” “Nothing sells more founder/director than demonstration,” says Jill Tipograph, of Everysays Jill Tipograph, founder/director of conEverything Summer, an independent school thing Summer, an independent school consulting firm in New York City that connects sulting firmsummer in New programs York City that connects kids with and provides kids with summer programs and provides enrichment coaching.

Explore your interest, she says, and show how it hasyour grown during enrichment coaching.

Explore interest, your high school years. she says, and show how it has grown during your high school years.

30 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College

30 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College

BY KAY KEOUGH

You the football captain or an Youdon’t don’thave havetotobebe the football captain or an award-winning toto stand outout —— it isitthe award-winninginventor inventor stand is the individual, oror rankings, that individual,not notthe theaccolades accolades rankings, that schools notes Kristina Dooley, founder schoolscare careabout, about, notes Kristina Dooley, founder and president of Estrela Consulting, a boarding and president of Estrela Consulting, a boarding school service based in in schooland andcollege collegeplacement placement service based Ohio.

When she works with a young client, Dooley Ohio. When she works with a young client, Dooley says, she aims to “bring out what it is about them says, she aims to “bring out what it is about them that they don’t realize is amazing.”

that they don’t realize is amazing.”

SHOWCASE YOUR AMAZINGNESS

SHOWCASE YOUR AMAZINGNESS

Here are four pieces of advice from Tipograph and Here are pieces advice from Tipograph Dooley, as four well as fromof Duke University’s dean of and Dooley, as well as from Duke University’s dean of undergraduate admissions, Christoph Guttentag, undergraduate admissions, Christoph Guttentag, on how to dazzle colleges.

on how to dazzle colleges.

1. DO THINGS THAT ARE WORTH DOING.

1.Have DO THINGS THAT AREpursuing WORTH an DOING. a purpose when interest,

Have a purpose pursuing interest, says Guttentag.

Bewhen able to explain an to someone sayswhy Guttentag.

Be able to explain to someone else your hobby is important to you and why amount of timeisyou spend on elsethe why your hobby important toityou and iswhy justified. the amount of time you spend on it is justified.

2. BE ENGAGED.

Students should be engaged with their 2.

BE 2.

BE ENGAGED. ENGAGED. classmates their social, academic and Students should and be engaged with their Students should be engaged with their culturaland communities, Guttentagand says. classmates their classmates and their social, social, academic academic and cultural communities, Guttentag says. cultural communities, Guttentag says.

Sharing your skills and what you love not only

Sharing your and love only contributes positive to the commuSharing your skills skillssomething and what what you you love not not only contributes something positive to the community butsomething helps teachers or to leaders of clubs get contributes positive the community helps teachers or of get to know and possibly write you a recomnity but but helpsyou teachers or leaders leaders of clubs clubs get to know you and possibly write you a recommendation college, adds to know you andfor possibly write youTipograph. a recommendation mendation for for college, college, adds adds Tipograph.

Tipograph.

Summer Summer programs, work experiences and programs, internshipswork can experiences help a student develop and internships can help a student student develop develop and internships a skills, figurecan outhelp what they truly want to skills, figure out what they truly want to skills,do figure out what theyout truly wantthey to – and also figure what don’t do – and also figure out what they don’t do – want, and also figuresays. out what they don’t Dooley want, Dooley Dooley says. says. want,

Summer programs, work experiences

3. DO THINGS THAT MATTER TO YOU. 3.

THAT MATTER TO YOU 3. DO DO THINGS THINGS THAT MATTER TO resume YOU.. with things Don’t pad your college

Don’t pad your college resume things Don’tthat padyou yourthink college resume with with things admissions reps are looking for. that you think admissions reps are looking for. that you think admissions reps are looking for.

Anything byisrote is obvious Anything donedone by rote rote obvious when when Anything done by is obvious when students answer interview questions students answer interview questions and and students answer interview questions and write essays on applications, say Guttentag write essays on applications, say Guttentag write essays on applications, say Guttentag and Dooley. and Dooley.

Dooley. and

But hobbies hobbies and interests interests that stir stir a student’s student’s But hobbies and interests that stir a student’s But and that a passions can show show what someone someone valuesvalues or passions can show what someone or passions can what values or explain their thought processes and creative explain thought processes and creative explain their their thought processes and creative outlets, Dooley says. says. outlets, Dooley outlets, Dooley says.

HOW TO SELL YOURSELF HOW TO YOURSELF HOWHere TOareSELL SELL YOURSELF some examples from educational

Here some from Here are areconsultants some examples examples from educational educational Jill Tipograph and Kristina Doo consultants Jill Tipograph consultants Jill Tipograph and and Kristina Kristina Dooley: Dooley: ••

Have you yourself or around you you made yourself or things HaveHave you made made yourself or things things aroundaround you you better by doing what you do? better by doing what what you do? better by doing you do?

Students should be about how Students should be thinking thinking about about how they they Students should be thinking how they can add something worthwhile to their comcan add worthwhile to their can something add something worthwhile tocomtheir communities. munities.

munities.

Keep in though, that “don’t have be KeepKeep in mind, mind, though, that you you have to tohave be to be inthe mind, though, that“don’t you “don’t conquering world,” Tipograph says.

You can conquering the world,” Tipograph says.

You can conquering the world,” Tipographand says. You can find find out out what’s what’s available available at at your your school school and figure figure find out what’s available at your school and figure out out what what is is needed. needed. A A student student who who is is shy shy could could out what is needed.

A student who is shy could augment augment a a club club instead instead of of creating creating one. one.

augment a club instead of creating one.

“One “One of of the the things things we we try try to to be be careful careful with with is is to to “One of the things we try to be careful with is to not inadvertently disadvantage the introvert,” not inadvertently disadvantage the introvert,” Guttentag says. and not inadvertently disadvantage the are introvert,” Guttentag says. Extroverts Extroverts and introverts introverts are equally valued and should do whatever they Guttentag says.

Extroverts and introverts equally valued and should do whatever they do do are “with purpose, intensity and meaning.”

• equally valued and should do whatever they do “with purpose, intensity and meaning.” • “with purpose, intensity and meaning.” •

A student who had a love of movies a

• A talented musician worked with a •• A A talented talented musician musician worked worked with with a a nonprofit that uses music education t nonprofit that uses music education to nonprofit that uses music education to keep inner-city kidsright on the right track. keep inner-city kids on the track. keep inner-city kids on the right track.

The student taught violin and organiz The student student taught violin violin and organized The taught and organized fundraising drives. fundraising drives. fundraising drives.

••

4.

AN 4. MAKE AN IMPACT. 4. MAKE MAKE AN IMPACT. IMPACT.

•

A who had a of and A student student had in a love love of movies movies and a film an who interest writing developed an interest in writing developed a film an interest in writing developed a film review column for thenewspaper school newspa review column column for the the school school review for newspaper and was named the film and was was named named the the film film editor. editor. editor. and

An gamer had no • An avidwho gamer hadgetting no luck gettin An avid avid gamer who hadwho no luck luck getting admitted into schools in his first round admitted into schools in his first roun admitted into schools in his first round of applications applications was accepted accepted into one one into one of applications was accepted of was into of the top game-design programs. of the top game-design programs. of the top game-design programs.

An administrator administrator for online online gaming An administrator for online gaming An for gaming communities serving hundreds hundreds of people, people,of peo communities serving hundreds communities serving of he used this leadership experience to he usedhe this leadership experience to used this leadership experience to set himself apart. set himself apart.

set himself apart.

••

Without any for clubs, a Without any time timeany for time clubs,for a student student • Without clubs, a student who wanted wanted to to major major in in education education spent spent who who wanted to major in education sp her time working as a nanny and used her timeher working as a nanny and usedand used time working as a nanny her experience experience to to write write her her college college her her essay. experience to write her college application application essay.

application essay.

••

A A theater theater lover lover who who auditioned auditioned for for lead lead •in plays A theater lover who auditioned roles but was regularly cast in the thefor le roles in plays but was regularly cast in roles in plays but was regularly chorus switched switched gears gears to to a a possible possible focus focuscast in chorus chorus switched gears to a possible fo on journalism, writing reviews of local on journalism, writing reviews of local on journalism, writing reviews of local productions. productions.

productions.

The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College 31 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College 31 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for Colle

www.uat.edu/majors

Tech Respect LEARN Advancing Computer Science Artificial Life Programming Business Technology Digital Maker and Fabrication Digital Media Digital Video Enterprise Software Development

Game Art and Animation Game Design Game Programming Human-Computer Interaction Network Engineering Network Security Open Source Technologies

Robotics and Embedded Systems Serious Game and Simulation Technology Forensics Technology Studies Virtual Modeling and Design Web Design

Bachelors | Masters | Online | On-Campus | www.uat.edu Please see www.uat.edu/fastfacts for the latest information about degree program performance and costs.

: s t n e r a P r a De

COACH,

DON’T PUSH your child to college

BY MEG MAHONEY onsider yourself coach and onsider yourself a coachaand big-time big-timeincheerleader inan high cheerleader high school, not overzealous, worried, high-demanding school, not an overzealous, micro-manager.

Make these four worried, high-demanding years engaging and enriching, not micro-manager. Make these frenzied. Here’s how:

••

four years engaging and ennot as frenzied. high school the way to getting • Stop looking atriching, into college and let it be what it’s meant to be:

full of ups and downs and highs and lows.

Here’s how:

••

Instill resilience Stop confidence looking atand high schoolinasyour thechild way to rather than arguing or worrying about how getting into college and let it be what it’s many Advanced Placement courses to take. meant be: fullthe oflead upson and downs and Let your to child take courses with highs and lows. the guidance of teachers, school counselors and you. Choice and balance – neither all “easy” nor all honors – are keys to a successful high school schedule.

•

Instill confidence and resilience Do not let assumptions or the unknownin yourdecisions child rather arguing or drive in highthan school.

For example, students andabout parents ask many me, “Is this English worrying how Advanced literature course the oneto that this college Placement courses take. would want her to take?” Or, “If I volunteer Let your child take the lead on there, will it make my application to college courses with the guidance of teachbetter?” Higher education institutions are ers, school looking for onecounselors thing: How isand youryou. teen unique Choice andorbalance – neitherboth all based on his her own interests, academic andall extracurricular? “easy” nor honors – are keys to a successful high school schedule.

Do not overscript, overreach or overschedule.

Don’t force a child to continue a sport (even Do not let assumptions or the • after all the equipment expenses and unknown decisions in high driving hours)drive or take an overwhelming school. course For example, and academic load. It isstudents far healthier to let go of something than to hang on just because “we heard that’s what colleges want.”

Meg Mahoney is a Massachusetts licensed school counselor and an assistant college counselor at Collegewise in Newton, Mass. She is the educator outreachlicensed liaisonschool at TeenLife Media.

Mahoney and her Meg Mahoney is a Massachusetts counselor and an assistant college counselor at Collegewise Mass. is theRica educator outreach liaison at TeenLife husband lived in in Newton, Panama andShe Costa for more than a decade Media. Mahoney and her husband livedofinraising Panamatheir and Costa for more overseas. than a decade and enjoyed every minute threeRica daughters and enjoyed every minute of raising their three daughters overseas.

The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College 33

•

Push and help, but do not do it for them. If you call or email teachers, make your child join clubs or even (gulp) fill out the college applications, the message is that your child does not have ownership over his or her life.

•

Help your child to be organized and to meet deadlines. (Their brains are simply not developed yet to do it well.)

•

Express confidence in your child’s decisions. Anxiety and doubt are catching and can lead to feelings of failure.

•

Let them sleep, make them sleep.

Sleep is food for the brain, equally important as diet and exercise and vital for your teen, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Make bed a “sleep-only” zone. No more bright nightlights, TV, video games or late-night texts. Buy an old-fashioned alarm clock and collect those electronics every night (even if you don’t pay the monthly bill).

Work to make the sleep schedule consistent (eight to 10 hours every night), and you will have a much happier and healthier teen.

•

•

Help your high-schooler connect to something – anything, really, as long as it is truly his or hers. The quality of engagement is what counts in the college process, not quantity. Help your child find, outside of academics and the daily grind, one interest that truly resonates with them.

Finally, let your child know it is OK to be a teenager. And, recognize your own unrealistic expectations of your child. As Brad Sachs says in “The Good Enough Teen,” you need to love, accept and nurture your teen – “not in spite of, but because of, his or her imperfections.” •

34 The TeenLife Guide to Preparing for College

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Things to remember Take a breath. There are 3,700 colleges in the United States, and more than 80 percent accept more than half of their applicants, according to data published on Huffington Post. Meanwhile, admission at the 36 or so most selective schools has become ridiculously competitive in the last decade. Your child will thrive and blossom at a wonderful institution if you both view high school as an opportunity and not a highly orchestrated preparation for an unattainable goal.

More than 800 four-year colleges and universities do not use the SAT or ACT to admit substantial numbers of bachelor’s-degree applicants, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing. Standardized tests can be optional.

Perhaps father, grandfather and great-grandfather all went to Boston College, but don’t tempt heartbreak. There is more than one dream school for every kid.

Encourage your child to apply to a school you never considered before the search began. Why? Because it is an indicator of how many hundreds of schools would be a great fit for your child.

Talk money early but don’t decide against applying to a college because of its high sticker price. Some schools, even the top tier, have offers that make them affordable.

Get to know your child’s counseling team.

They are a critical part of the college process.

Attend department programs and set up meetings.

Think like a college admissions officer about your child: Would she be a good roommate?

Would the faculty like to have her on campus?

Will he get along with fellow students? Would he fit into the college’s community and be a good campus citizen?

P U B L I S H E R AN D C E O T E E NL IFE ME DIA L L C Marie Schwartz, mschwartz@teenlife.com AD VE R T I SING S AL E S Peggy Iafrate, peggy@teenlife.com M AR K E T I N G AND DIS T R IBUT ION Stephanie Sprague, stephanie@teenlife.com E D I T OR Susan Moeller, susan@teenlife.com AR T D I R E C T I ON AND DE S IG N Kathy Tilton, kbtilton@gmail.com The Guide to Preparing for College is a product of TeenLife Media LLC, 1330 Beacon St., Suite 268, Brookline MA 02446.

Find it online at www.guides.teenlife.com/college. 617-277-5120, info@teenlife.com, www.TeenLife.com

CHALLENGE THE ––– CONVENTIONAL @LeedsMusic www.lcm.ac.uk

INDEX College Prep Resources

American University Gap Program Brooks Institute Brown University Pre-College Programs CollegeWebLD Leeds College of Music Lion’s Heart Middlebury Monterey Language Academy Ohio University Sallie Mae San Francisco Art Institute School Year Abroad Summer Study Programs Taylor the Gap Testive TestRocker Theatre of Arts College for the Contemporary Actor The College Funding Connection, LLC The Essay Adviser Travel for Teens University of Advancing Technology University of Vermont Pre-College Programs Vermont Tech Winterline World Student Support York University - School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

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