College. Life. Blog. http://www.collegegrant.net Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:57:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 Making Sense of College Grants, Loans, and Scholarships http://www.collegegrant.net/grants-loans-and-scholarships/ http://www.collegegrant.net/grants-loans-and-scholarships/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:02:11 +0000 admin http://www.collegegrant.net/?p=825 The cost of attending college increases each year, with some private institutions charging as much as $40,000 to $50,000 for one year of education. Student savings are often not enough to cover these high costs, so there are several sources of financial aid available to qualified applicants. These sources of funding include grants, loans, and scholarships. Each type of aid has different eligibility requirements, so it is important to read all application materials thoroughly and follow the instructions to the letter. Qualifying for financial aid can make the process of paying for college a little less stressful for both students and parents.

What is a College Grant?

Grants are a type of college financial aid that does not have to be repaid by the borrower. The U.S. Department of Education offers several grants to students who are enrolled in community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and technical schools. The Federal Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students who do not have previous professional degrees or bachelor’s degrees. As of 2012, the maximum Pell award is $5,550. This does not mean that every student will receive the maximum award, however. The Pell grant is awarded based on financial need and education costs.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for students who have substantial financial need. The amount given each year is anywhere from $100 to $4,000. The award amount depends on financial need and the availability of other funding sources. The federal government also offers special grants to children of veterans who died in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2011. The maximum award for this grant is $5,500. The Teacher Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant is available to students taking courses necessary for teaching at the elementary or secondary levels. Recipients must enroll in schools that participate in this grant program. Students interested in these grants must complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education will then determine an expected family contribution (EFC), which will help college financial aid officers develop a financial aid package to help meet the student’s financial needs.

Some colleges and universities award grants to students who cannot cover their educational expenses with their loans, income, and savings. Each school has different criteria for awarding student grants. Some are awarded solely on the basis of financial need. Other grants reward students who participate in a specific activity or maintain a certain GPA. The best way to find out about available grants is to contact the financial aid office. Financial aid officers can provide information about all available grants and the eligibility criteria for each one.

Students should apply for grants as early as possible, as some schools award grants on a first come, first served basis. The deadline to file the federal FAFSA form is typically June 30. Each state has its own specific deadlines. Pennsylvania has a deadline of August 1, but North Carolina recommends that students apply as soon as possible following the first of the year. Some states stop giving awards once funds have been depleted. Colleges also have specific deadlines for filing financial aid forms. Check with a college financial aid officer to find out the cutoff date for grants.

What is a Student Loan?

A student loan is money used to pay for educational expenses. The difference between a student loan and a student grant is that, like a car loan or home loan, a student loan must be paid back. There are several types of loan programs available for students attending community colleges, private colleges, state colleges, and trade schools. One of the most popular is the federal Stafford loan program. Subsidized Stafford loans are given on the basis of financial need. Students must be enrolled at least half time in order to receive this loan. The interest on this type of loan is deferred until repayment begins after graduation.

The unsubsidized Stafford loan is not given on the basis of financial need. Unlike the subsidized Stafford, the interest accrues immediately after the funds are disbursed to the student. Students must be enrolled in at least six credits in order to qualify for this type of loan. A completed FAFSA is required for both types of Stafford loans. The maximum amount of a Stafford loan depends on three factors: school year, whether the student is considered dependent or independent, and whether the student is an undergraduate or graduate student.

Dependent first-year students receive a maximum of $5,500. Independent first-year students receive a maximum of $9,500. For both types of students, only $3,500 of the loan funds can be subsidized. Second-year dependent students receive a maximum of $6,500, while second-year independent students receive a maximum of $10,500. Only $4,500 of this money can be subsidized. Students in their third, fourth, or fifth years of undergraduate school receive a maximum of $7,500 if they are dependent students, and $12,500 if they are independent students. The maximum amount subsidized is $5,500. All graduate students qualify for a total maximum of $20,500 and a subsidized maximum of $8,500.

The Perkins loan is a type of loan given to students who demonstrate financial need. This type of loan has the best terms available, as it comes with a low interest rate, and students do not have to repay their loans until nine months after leaving school. This type of loan does not require a credit check, so it is a good alternative to private loans that require good credit. To receive any federal loan, the student must not be in default on any other educational loan. The student must also meet all other eligibility requirements for receiving federal aid. The maximum award amount for this loan is $4,000 for undergraduate students, and $6,000 for graduate students.

Those who do not qualify for federal student loans should consider applying for private loans, which are also called alternative loans. These loans help students pay the costs that other types of financial aid do not cover. Students must have good credit to get a private loan. Since some high school students do not have credit histories, their parents may have to sign as co-borrowers. Select a co-borrower with a good credit score, as good credit helps borrowers get the best loan terms possible. Sources of private loans include credit unions and banks.

There are some pros and cons to taking student loans. One of the pros is that they help cover tuition, room and board, books, and other college expenses. Savings and income from a part-time job may not be enough to cover these expenses. The major con of taking out student loans is that they must be repaid. Repaying these loans may be difficult, especially if a student is unable to find employment after graduation. Federal loans typically have more attractive loan terms than private loans, so students should apply for this type of loan before applying for a loan with higher interest and fees.

  • Stafford Loans: This resource lists the types of Stafford loans and explains the maximum award for each type of student.
  • Federal Perkins Loan: This page explains the eligibility requirements for the federal Perkins loan.
  • Private Loans: This resource explains why a student may need a co-borrower to qualify for a private loan.
  • Pros and Cons of Co-signing for a Student Loan (PDF): This article discusses the use of private loans to cover the cost of a college education.
  • Federal Student Loan Portal: This site allows students to view loan documents, sign loan promissory notes, and complete loan entrance counseling requirements.
  • Entrance and Exit Counseling: This site allows students to fulfill the federal student loan entrance counseling and exit counseling requirements. The activities on this page explain the importance of repaying student loans.

What is a College Scholarship?

A college scholarship is an award given, based on a specific set of criteria. This is free money that does not have to be repaid, so it is ideal for students of all income levels. Schools, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, and businesses offer scholarships to students who meet specific eligibility criteria. A business might offer a scholarship to the student of an employee. Nonprofit organizations may offer scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need. Many scholarships require students to maintain specific grade point averages or enroll in specific academic programs. The requirements for each scholarship are different, so always read the application materials thoroughly.

The application requirements vary, based on each scholarship. Some only require students to complete a basic application. Others require students to write essays and gather letters of recommendation. Follow the application instructions carefully to avoid being disqualified. Some scholarships cover any education-related costs, so students can use them for tuition, fees, room and board, books, and class materials. Some scholarships only cover tuition. In some cases, the organization gives the scholarship directly to the student in the form of a check. The student is free to do what he or she wishes with the money. Applying as early as possible is important, as each organization has a limited amount of funds.

The major benefit of getting scholarships is that they do not have to be repaid. A $10,000 scholarship is a more attractive form of aid than a $10,000 loan with a 5 percent interest rate. Since the eligibility requirements vary for each scholarship, students who do not qualify for federal grants and loans may be able to gather funding by winning several scholarships. The biggest drawback of scholarships is that most programs are very selective and there is a lot of competition. It is difficult to stand out among 1,000 applicants, so students must put a lot of effort into fulfilling the application requirements.

]]> http://www.collegegrant.net/grants-loans-and-scholarships/feed/ 0 Student Debt Consolidation Resource http://www.collegegrant.net/student-debt-consolidation-resource/ http://www.collegegrant.net/student-debt-consolidation-resource/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:59:28 +0000 admin http://www.collegegrant.net/?p=823 For many college graduates, student debt is an unfortunate byproduct of receiving an education. To pay for an education it is often necessary to take out loans from several lenders. As a result, a person is often paying two or more loans following graduation. This can complicate repayment and make it difficult for borrowers to manage their debt. Student debt consolidation involves combining private or certain eligible Federal loans into one manageable payment.

What is Consolidation?

In general, debt consolidation involves taking out a single loan to pay for two or more loans. The borrower then has a single payment versus several payments. When it comes to certain federal student loans, there is the federal consolidation loan program. This allows borrowers to combine several federal student loans into a single loan at a fixed interest rate. These loan consolidation programs may fall under the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (FDLP) or the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP).

Why It’s Necessary

Reducing and eventually eliminating debt is a crucial part of being financially fit. Excessive debt topped with high interest rates can overwhelm a person’s ability to pay back loans. As a result, there is an increased risk of missing or making late payments. This has a negative impact on an individual’s credit score. Low credit scores can result in a number of difficulties when it comes to buying a home or a car, or even obtaining employment. While debt consolidation isn’t the only option for reducing student debt, its potential benefits make it worth consideration.

Pros and Cons of Consolidation

The obvious benefit of consolidating student debt is the consistency of paying a single bill. Another benefit of debt consolidation is that it will often result in a lower interest rate than the original loans. When it comes to Federal consolidated loans, interest rates are fixed. When consolidated, the repayment terms of the loan can be extended up to 30 years with lower monthly payments. Although interest rates are fixed for the term of the loan, the extended repayment terms result in higher interest paid over the life of the loan.

Federal Consolidation Eligibility

Only certain loans are eligible for Federal Consolidation loans. These include Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford and Federal Direct Stafford Loans, as well as Federal Plus, Federal Direct Plus Loans and Federal Perkins Loans. Private loans are not eligible for Federal consolidation loan programs. People who wish to consolidate these types of loans will need to obtain a loan from a private lender. While some may be unsecured, it is often the case that consolidated loans must be secured against an asset, which may be done by putting a mortgage on a house for example.

]]> http://www.collegegrant.net/student-debt-consolidation-resource/feed/ 0 An Online College Guide to the Ivy League http://www.collegegrant.net/online-college-guide-to-the-ivy-league/ http://www.collegegrant.net/online-college-guide-to-the-ivy-league/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:55:03 +0000 admin http://www.collegegrant.net/?p=819 Many high school students aspire to enter an Ivy League college; however, very few are fortunate to pass the rigorous testing and application process to do so. Due to the large number of student applications each of the eight Ivy League schools receives, administrators not only look for test scores, but also applications that stand out above the rest. Remember that a successful academic career in the Ivy League starts with getting the application correct. For instance, all students should remember to highlight actual experiences, as opposed to status accomplishments and titles. Taking the time to understand the mission and requirements of each school will improve a student’s chances of making it through the selection process.

Brown University

As one of the oldest colleges still standing in the United States, Brown University is well known for its active campus culture. When combined, the available graduate and undergraduate programs total well over one hundred concentrations. The diverse offering that Brown University offers attracts scholars from all over the world to the college every year. The location of the college is one of its most notable characteristics; many students enjoy studying on campus grounds because of the beautiful historic setting.

Columbia University

Famous for its School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University offers students much more than just math courses. In fact, there is a range of different studies that students can pursue, including medicine, law and even liberal arts. Columbia has provided undergraduate students with the opportunity to further their education at one of United States oldest and most prestigious colleges since 1754; the campus even survived the American Revolution! Many people visit Columbia because it is home to one of the most famous medical research centers in Manhattan.

Cornell University

Established in 1865, Cornell University has come a long way since the campus first opened over 100 years ago; there are now several thousand different classes available. Students come to Cornell University to study in one of the 14 different colleges located on campus, ranging from life sciences to computer courses. Life on campus presents many opportunities, including personal support, academic enrichment, and athletic pursuits. The college’s comprehensive set of student services sets Cornell apart from the rest of the Ivy League family.

Dartmouth College

Although Dartmouth College offers a broad range of higher learning studies, from engineering to medicine, the school is most famous for its extensive arts courses. In addition to its academic concentrations, Dartmouth also boasts one of the most extensive libraries of all the Ivy League schools. In fact, students have access to over 6 million different resources, from historical texts and maps to very specialized documents. Like all the Ivy League campuses, Dartmouth hosts a variety of athletic facilities. 

Harvard University

One of the most widely recognized Ivy League Colleges, Harvard University is a school known for advanced studies, beautiful landscaping, and diverse research programs. The most popular on-campus educational exhibit is the Harvard Museum of Natural History, which is world renowned for its collections and displays. During admission, Harvard seeks out students who show motivation, discipline and self-drive. Once enrolled, administrators expect students to adhere strictly to the campus rules.

  • Harvard University – Become familiar with Harvard University’s rich cultural background and history.
  • OSNAP – Check out the current nutrition and physical activity study Harvard University is conducting.
  • Harvard University Buildings – Read about the historical buildings located on the Harvard University campus.

Princeton University

Students interested in pursuing a sports program throughout school typically look to Princeton University first when choosing an Ivy League College. Among the top 10 schools for athletics in the United States, the campus has programs for both men and women. In addition to their successful sports division, Princeton is also a private research facility, where students can pursue science, engineering and many other academic disciplines. It is home to six prestigious undergraduate colleges, including Forbes College.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn State, is one of the most difficult of the Ivy League schools to get accepted into. Dating back to Benjamin Franklin, the college is home to some of the most accomplished graduate students in the United States. Many alumni of Penn State continue on to lead highly esteemed research and medical discoveries. The college’s athletic programs range from basketball and tennis, to lacrosse.

Yale University

Home of the Holocaust Archives, Yale University is a hub for not only prestigious academic and athletic pursuits, but also a center for extensive research on cultures around the world. While law is the most commonly referenced course of study at Yale, the college also helps students achieve higher degrees in many different subjects, including art and science. In addition to the many undergraduate studies offered, students can also enroll in a variety of accredited graduate programs, as well. In fact, Yale is most noted for not only being among the oldest U.S. colleges, but also the first to award a Doctoral degree, too. 

]]> http://www.collegegrant.net/online-college-guide-to-the-ivy-league/feed/ 0 Staying Safe in College: The Dos and Don’ts http://www.collegegrant.net/staying-safe-in-college-the-dos-and-don%e2%80%99ts/ http://www.collegegrant.net/staying-safe-in-college-the-dos-and-don%e2%80%99ts/#comments Sat, 19 Jun 2010 19:45:07 +0000 admin http://www.collegegrant.net/staying-safe-in-college-the-dos-and-don%e2%80%99ts/ College can be a dangerous place. The news is rife with stories of students who overdose at parties, go missing on spring break (or even while out jogging), or succumb to the effects of rohypnol (roofies). It’s no wonder your parents send you off with a mixture of pride, sadness, and total anxiety. However, the student who is both wary and prepared need not fear the perils of life in the big, bad world away from home. Just follow these few simple dos and don’ts to make your stay in college safe and fun.

DO – use the buddy system. You probably haven’t done this since you learned to cross the street at age five, but as you may or may not know, it is much easier to attack an individual than a couple or a group.

DON’T – go to parties alone or go jogging by yourself in remote places, and definitely don’t wander off with strangers. If you find yourself alone on the wrong end of the quad at night, call campus security for an escort.

DO – BYOB. If you feel the need to partake of alcohol during your time in college, bring your own to ensure that what you think you’re drinking is really all you’re ingesting.

DON’T – Take an open container from someone you don’t know. This is how many girls fall victim to the notorious date-rape drug every year. If you leave your drink and come back to it, just toss it and get another. Better to waste a beer than end up unconscious.

DO – bring a designated driver. Give them your keys and ask them to cut you off when you’ve had too much to drink. Trade off amongst your group of friends so that everyone has a chance to have a good time with someone responsible looking out for them. Make sure everyone knows CPR and the location of the nearest emergency room.

DON’T – be a jerk to the DD. If you’re a belligerent drunk, you may find that no one will have your back in the future.

DO – invest in some pepper spray or mace. Tasers may look like fun, but they’re not foolproof, and the minute you stop using them, an attacker can get up and chase you. Spray them in the face and they won’t be able to see you…or breathe very well. It should stop them long enough to give you a chance to get away.

DON’T – forget it in your dorm. Keep it clipped to your key chain or cell phone so that you have it if you need it. And make sure you know how to use it so that you don’t hesitate when the time comes.

DO – enter an “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) number in your phone. If you have an accident, emergency services will look for this number to notify someone of your whereabouts.

DON’T – make it someone unreliable. You may not want your parents to find out about whatever delinquent behavior got you into your current mess, but they have your medical history, insurance information, and your best interest at heart, so you probably want them at the hospital to speak for you if you can’t speak for yourself.

]]> http://www.collegegrant.net/staying-safe-in-college-the-dos-and-don%e2%80%99ts/feed/ 0 Getting into Your School of Choice (When You Just Don’t Have the Grades…or the Money) http://www.collegegrant.net/getting-into-your-school-of-choice-when-you-just-don%e2%80%99t-have-the-grades%e2%80%a6or-the-money/ http://www.collegegrant.net/getting-into-your-school-of-choice-when-you-just-don%e2%80%99t-have-the-grades%e2%80%a6or-the-money/#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:44:34 +0000 admin http://www.collegegrant.net/getting-into-your-school-of-choice-when-you-just-don%e2%80%99t-have-the-grades%e2%80%a6or-the-money/ It’s getting harder and harder to get accepted into an institution of higher learning. Budget cuts have jacked up tuition prices (not to mention fees), scholarships are scarce, and lenders are making students jump through hoops to get loans. And as costs soar and programs are cut, colleges are accepting fewer students every year, making it even more difficult for kids with just average grades or low SAT scores to make the cut. So what can you do if you’re ready to go to college but find yourself out in the cold due to poor grades or lack of funding?

Your best bet is community college. Many people feel that there is a certain stigma attached to attending one of these schools. You may worry about what your peers will think, but more and more students are looking into this option in order to combat rising costs (effectively reducing the stigma attached to attending a 2-year program). Or you might assume that it’s simply a waste of time, but the truth is, community colleges offer an equal education at far less cost. Not only is the tuition a fraction of what you would pay at state schools, they also offer all of the GE courses you would take in your first two years anyway (with the option of attaining an Associate’s Degree or other certifications). In addition, they can advise you as to which courses will transfer to state schools, universities, etc. You can even get a leg up on the competition by taking classes that will apply to your major, possibly saving you even more time and money when you get to your four-year university. The best part is, if you have not taken the SATs, or you simply don’t excel at standardized testing, you need not include the information when you apply to finish the last two years of your undergrad degree.

In fact, it is likely that only the grades you earn in community college will be considered. This means you have an extra two years to turn your bad grades good. And if you take advantage of campus resources like the learning center and subject-specific tutors, you are bound to improve on your high school grades. In addition, you can increase your odds of snagging a spot (and even a scholarship) by engaging in community service activities that you may not have had time for previously. And you have two extra years to search for grants and outside scholarships that can help you pay for a more expensive school once you get there. In short, community college can solve many problems that students are facing today, whether academic or financial (or both).

If you decide that college is really not for you after all, or you simply can’t face four more years of school, you may also want to consider vocational instruction or another short-term certification program to increase your job prospects. If, however, you are set on attending college but didn’t quite make the short list, look into the many advantages offered by spending your first two years at a local community college. You will definitely spend less money, and you’re giving yourself a second chance to attend the school of your choice.

]]> http://www.collegegrant.net/getting-into-your-school-of-choice-when-you-just-don%e2%80%99t-have-the-grades%e2%80%a6or-the-money/feed/ 0 Going Greek: The Pros and Cons of Pledging http://www.collegegrant.net/going-greek-the-pros-and-cons-of-pledging/ http://www.collegegrant.net/going-greek-the-pros-and-cons-of-pledging/#comments Sun, 30 May 2010 19:24:31 +0000 admin http://www.collegegrant.net/going-greek-the-pros-and-cons-of-pledging/ You’ve seen the movies that show shapely sorority sisters conducting pillow fights in their underwear, or drunken frat boys pulling pranks on rival houses. You’ve heard your parents talk about the glory days of college, when their brothers and sisters in the Greek system became their new families. You’re well aware of hazing (the laws that govern its limits and the students who break them anyway) and you know you’ll have to dress like a preppy, learn your house song, and take vows of some sort. What you may not know is what pledging a sorority or fraternity really entails and what you stand to get out of it.

Going Greek can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a huge commitment. During pledge week, you will visit several houses and then you will receive bids (meaning the house has accepted you), at which point you must choose one, usually committing to one year at the house before you can pledge a different fraternity or sorority (although you are free to leave at any time). Once you have committed, you will go through a “hell week” that generally includes some sort of good natured “hazing” (for lack of a better term) usually consisting of wearing silly outfits, participating in pranks, and becoming familiar with your house and your new brothers or sisters. At the end of the week, you’re in. You move into the house and commence to partake in a range of social activities designed to introduce you to others (mixers, BBQs, and so on) and benefit the larger community (charitable work, fundraisers, etc.). The best thing about pledging and joining the Greek system is that you will have an instant group of companions, several mentors, and a lifelong network for the future.

The drawbacks, however, can be equally compelling. There is a time commitment involved, as you will be expected to participate in events and contribute both in the house (chores) and during community service, fundraisers, or outreach, for which Greek houses are well known (and often pursue competitively). In addition, most houses have a mandatory residence requirement for new members, so if you don’t get along with your housemates, you may have to shut up and live with it or quit altogether. You may also face a certain amount of social expectations from a group that is known for partying and physical appearance. This can put a lot of pressure on a new student who is also trying to contend with focusing on their studies and even holding down a job.

In the long run, if you’re interested in pledging, you can benefit from doing a little homework. Certain organizations are going to offer what you want, while others will fall short, so find out which houses embody the moral values, academic sensibilities, and charitable goals you desire. Then consider, as you visit, which houses seem the most comfortable and which occupants make you feel the most welcome. You’ll find that by using your heart and your mind, you can enter a situation that offers both social rewards and intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Some houses will help you while others will only be a hindrance. So take your time and choose the one that is right for you. After all, you’re the one who has to live with the decision.

]]> http://www.collegegrant.net/going-greek-the-pros-and-cons-of-pledging/feed/ 0 Dorms vs. Off-Campus Living: Can Your Residence Make a Difference? http://www.collegegrant.net/dorms-vs-off-campus-living-can-your-residence-make-a-difference/ http://www.collegegrant.net/dorms-vs-off-campus-living-can-your-residence-make-a-difference/#comments Wed, 12 May 2010 19:22:39 +0000 admin http://www.collegegrant.net/dorms-vs-off-campus-living-can-your-residence-make-a-difference/ The decision to live on or off campus can be a bit tricky. Dorm life offers you the best chance to interact with your peer group (new students), but it can also be loud and distracting. Plus, you never really know what kind of roommate you’ll end up with. On the other hand, offsite living can provide you with a better study environment (not to mention your own kitchen and bathroom), but it can be pretty lonely living by yourself for the first time, and it may make it harder to meet people. Both options have pros and cons to be weighed, but perhaps there is one you haven’t considered. Can your choice of living quarters have an effect on your level of success in college?

The simple answer is yes. To begin with, your campus might have rules regarding living arrangements for new students, so you’d better find out if there is a mandatory dorm habitation period before you go sign a lease on that uptown apartment. After that, you need to consider what you really get out of each option. Dorms offer not only an instant social life (roommate, planned activities to facilitate meeting other students), but also supervision. This doesn’t sound too sexy, but when you’re up in the middle of the night with a raging fever, it’s nice to have an RA on hand to dole out some aspirin and an ice bucket or help you get to the hospital. Your parents may also feel a lot better knowing that you’re within arm’s reach of help if you need it. The downside is that you’re pretty much prone to the whims of other students, who may exhibit limited self-control when it comes to noise levels, appropriate hours of activity, and personal hygiene. You are also stuck with whatever food is provided on campus since your “kitchen” is a mini-fridge and a microwave. In short, dorms can offer a social network and a safety net.

Off-campus housing, on the other hand, also has its perks. You can enjoy a quiet environment in which to live, work, and study. It will be as clean or as dirty as you desire since the onus is on you to attend to your living space. You will have all the privacy you need (unless you have roommates) and you can cook whenever and whatever you want. You will also be alone, which can be both sad and scary at times. You can’t walk into the hall on Friday night and find a party or concert to attend (or even a random freshman to see a movie with). If you want to know where Albert Hall is, or if Health Services offers immunizations, you won’t have an RA handy to ask. You will also have the added annoyance of commuting to campus. Even if you’re only a few blocks away, it means you’ll have to miss out on those few extra minutes of sleep to make sure you get to class on time.

So there are certainly pluses and minuses to each equation, but while your choice of living space can impact your schoolwork, it depends on your personality to some degree. If you are a social butterfly who can’t turn down an invitation to a mixer, you may have more academic success in a less active setting. If you are already fairly studious but have a hard time making friends, the dorms may offer you the opportunity for companionship that you crave. In any case, it’s probably easier to start in the dorms and then move off-campus, rather than the other way around. Having your own place is a big responsibility, but nothing will make you more willing to tackle an adult living situation than a roommate who leaves trash everywhere or a thousand screaming freshman instigating a naked run at three in the morning.

]]> http://www.collegegrant.net/dorms-vs-off-campus-living-can-your-residence-make-a-difference/feed/ 0 Keeping a Balance in College: How to Stay Focused and Have Fun http://www.collegegrant.net/keeping-a-balance-in-college-how-to-stay-focused-and-have-fun/ http://www.collegegrant.net/keeping-a-balance-in-college-how-to-stay-focused-and-have-fun/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:12:27 +0000 admin http://www.collegegrant.net/?p=341 Starting college can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. For the first time in your life, you’ll be in charge of all your decisions. If you want to stay out partying all night, there are no scowling parents waiting to scold you when you return. You can eat pizza every day, for every meal if that is your heart’s desire. Unfortunately, you are also responsible for hauling yourself to class and scheduling in study time. Between your responsibilities and your desire to socialize, it can be difficult to manage your education and still enjoy the best years of your life. So how do you keep a balance?

1. Make a schedule. This sounds absurdly simple, but in truth, it can mean the difference between success and failure in college. Of course, you have a class schedule already, and it probably involves rising at the crack of noon. However, afternoon classes do not mean you can stay out until dawn and sleep all morning. Make sure you get to bed at a decent hour during the week, just like you would at home, and save the partying for the weekends. That way, you’ll have the morning hours free for study (you’ll be the most productive then anyway) and you can still spend your evenings with friends.

2. Limit activities, at least initially. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea of joining every club on campus. You want to participate and meet people and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, you need to be wary of stretching yourself too thin and burning out, so limit yourself to one or two activities until you get a handle on your course-load.

3. Eat right and exercise. This is, in fact, the very last thing on your mind. But staying healthy can make a huge difference when it comes to happiness and productivity. If you ingest nothing but Cheetos and margaritas, you’re going to notice some drastic changes, both physically and mentally. Bad eating habits and lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and lethargy, not to mention fatigue, irritability, and depression. You’re in your prime! Fuel your body with fruits, veggies, complex carbs, and lean meats and make some time to bike around campus or play some folf with friends. Your body and mind will reward you with increased energy and focus.

4. Don’t stress. Students are quick to succumb to stress and anxiety, especially when finals hit, but try to relax. All you’re going to do is psyche yourself out, stay up all night, and perform poorly the next day. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, do a little yoga or see if your campus is one of the many that offers discount massage services. Even taking a nap in the sun can mellow you out. Then return to your studies in the right mindset to learn. Determination and confidence are much better tools than nervousness and worry.

5. Call home. Between hormones, sudden freedom, and a desire to experiment, college can get a little crazy, so ring mom and dad once in awhile to gain a little perspective. Remember that there are people who love you and have your best interest at heart (plus, they’ve been there and often have great advice to offer if you just ask). Don’t allow yourself to get mired down in the demands of professors and the drama of friends. College is a time for hard work, but it’s also a time for fun. As long as you keep in mind that it’s just one more step in your life, a transitory period that will soon be over, you can keep a balance, stay focused, and still have a great time.

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