Save Money on Colleges, Study Abroad

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/why-american-students-are-flocking-germany-staying-n515961

 

Families are opting to study outside of the United States after the crazy prices colleges charge here.  Click, read and listen to students going to Germany to study.

The importance of taking Advanced Placement Classes in High School

Some parents and students can sometimes be a little intimidated about having a high school student take college classes. An important consideration for taking an advanced placement (AP) class is how it can prepare you for college. Taking an AP class in high school will be college level, hard work and time intensive (sounds like college right?) But it has a lot less ramification if the student couldn't handle it as well.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is advanced classes can help students to be better prepared for the ACT test.  

 

Students should meet their counselor to talk about AP being a good fit for the student.  Keep in mind that most colleges will accept 4 and 5 scores for college credit. 

School Breakfast for Hungry Students in Illinois

The state of Illinois launched a campaign to reduce the number of kids going to school without breakfast.  Research shows kids going without breakfast do worse in school than kids who have a regular breakfast.  The campaign is called Rise and Shine Illinois.  You can find out more about free breakfast for needy kids at http://riseandshineillinois.org/

How To Write A Killer Thesis Statement

One of the most important things you will be doing in high school and college is writing.  Here is a video by Schmoop on how to write a thesis statement.

Immigration Advice for Immigrants Including Undocumented Students

For immigrants, especially undocumented immigrant students there are a lot of questions about the impact their immigration status will have on getting college financial aid.  EdducationRealSimple has written in the past about universities that accept undocumented students.  But there are a lot of questions that need the help of immigration experts.  Here is a list of organizations that can help immigrants with their immigration status questions.  Manny helps students even with Dream Act questions.  They speak your language, are happy to answer your questions and some are free.

For a List of Agencies who can help: Click here. 

Financial Aid for a Study Abroad Program

Adventure is the best way to learn!

WHAT TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID ARE AVAILABLE?

Federal and state governments, foundations, private and public organizations are primary sources of financial aid. Be sure to check with your financial aid office, study abroad office or bursar’s office about whether your financial aid can apply to study abroad. Note the following types of financial aid:

Grants and scholarships

• Federal Pell Grant is awarded to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Part-time enrollment reduces eligibility. 
• Federal Supplemental Educational Grant (SEOG) is awarded to exceptionally needy undergraduate students. Must be enrolled at least half-time.
• Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).  This scholarship program is only open to undergraduate Federal Pell Grant recipients who intend to study abroad for a semester, summer or year-long program.
• The National Security Education Program (NSEP) and the Fulbright Program funded by the Federal government have grants and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students for study and research overseas. Students should be aware that government organizations in other countries such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offer funding opportunities.
• Foreign Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship program funded by the U.S. Department of Education provides study abroad funding to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing foreign language and area studies.  The Critical Language Scholarship Program, a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, funds intensive summer language institutes in thirteen critical foreign languages. 

What should you do before you start your junior year in high school?

The summer before you become a junior in high school will be important.  The summer after your junior year will be filled with visiting colleges, preapring for standardized tests and working on college applications.  So being productive the summer before becoming a junior will help you aviod a lot of stress.