I am excited to annouce that I have been accepted as an associate member in the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). IECA is a fantastic organization that provides professional support, ethical guidelines, training and workshops, and much more to independent consultants. Last August, I participated in the IECA Summer Training Institute and found it to be one of the best conferences I have ever attended. Being a member of IECA is important because it reinforces my commitment to providing quality service to clients. IECA members are dedicated to helping all students, regardless of background, find the best fit for the post-secondary education.

 

CNN posted a video yesterday about rising college costs for the 2010-2011 school year. It's a short, fairly simplistic analysis, but it does draw attention to the continued problem of rising costs for college-bound students.

 

The Cincinnati Enquirer recently published an article about the number of students in Ohio and Kentucky pursuing Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. Ohio and Kentucky numbers are below the national average, and one of the reasons cited for Ohio students is the popularity of early college credit programs. Ohio high school students have the ability to take college courses at local college campuses for credit. AP courses are taught within the high school and cover a common curriculum created by the College Board. College credit may be awarded based on the results of course exams.

 

There are pros and cons to both programs. Many students see early college credit programs as more beneficial because they are perceived to be "guaranteed" credit and in many cases costs are covered by the state. However, taking courses on a college campus pulls students away from their high school and could make participating in the school community difficult. Not all students are ready for a college classroom, and AP courses allow students to engage in a challenging curriculum without leaving their school. Teachers are more accessible to provide help for struggling students. It is also important for students to realize that not all colleges will accept their college classes for credit. More competitive colleges will not grant credit for courses for which students receive high school credit. However, these same colleges will most likely accept AP credit for strong exam scores.

 

In the end, both options provide a challenging curriculum for students. The rigor of curriculum is one of the most important factors in determining future college success. It is important for students to challenge themselves in the environment that is most conducive to their learning.

 

Websites, viewbooks and college guides all have endless amounts of information on colleges, but the only way to get a feel for the campus culture is to visit. I recently returned from a trip visiting 15 colleges in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. I toured small private liberal arts colleges, large flagship state universities and everything in between. While each college had its unique features, it was also interesting to note the similarities. Wireless campuses are the norm, every college is part of an interlibrary loan network and campus dining is based on fresh foods prepared to order while you wait.

 

My favorite features of campus tours are the stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations of students. The graffiti rock at the University of Tennessee- Knoxville. The superstition of not walking through the gates at the University of Georgia until you have graduated. The presidential debates at Davidson College where opposing sides stand on the steps of buildings across the quad. Rolling the quad at Wake Forest to celebrate athletic and academic achievements. The Well at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where you can take a drink on the first day of classes in hopes of a straight A semester. And possibly the goriest legend- students at the College of Charleston watching pirate hangings from the rooftop of their classroom building (and today a Starbucks stands in place of the gallows). While these stories shouldn't play a major role in you choosing a college, they do help you learn about the community you will be joining.

 

To view pictures of my recent visits, become a fan of College Connection on Facebook.

 

High school seniors might be feeling like they're in the home stretch of their college search, but one of the most important steps in the quest for financial assistance must still be completed- the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the federal form used to determine eligibility for grants, loans and work-study programs. While the form is cumbersome, I recommend all families, regardless of income level, to submit the FAFSA. Why? College is expensive, and higher priced private institutions usually determine financial need differently than public colleges. Plus, there are some loans available that require a submitted FAFSA. In the end, you'll know that you at least tried for all possible aid. When submitting the FAFSA, make sure you're using the offical site (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov) and not a commercial site that will charge you to submit a free application. Need advice? Ohio students can get free assistance with filling out the FAFSA at College Goal Sunday locations across the state on February 14, 2010. The events are sponsored by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. For more information and registration, visit the College Goal Sunday website.

 

Not a senior, but wondering how you might be able to pay for your education? The FAFSA4caster is a great tool to help you begin estimating your expected family contribution and federal aid eligibility. You can access this helpful tool at http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov.

 

Financial assistance is just one of the many steps College Connection can help you with in your college search. Contact us today to learn how you can benefit from our services.