Archive for December, 2010
On the seventh day of Christmas, The CollegeBound Network gave to me…
7 BUCKS AN HOUR
Seven dollars is the average minimum wage for workers throughout the U.S., so that’s around what you’ll be getting for any doing any work-study jobs on campus.
Not impressed? Let me be clear: Unless you are the next Mark Zuckerberg come up with an idea in your dorm room as revolutionary as Facebook, there is a very small chance that you will strike it rich as a college student. And that’s OK, because you are there to learn. Many students get part-time jobs while they earn their degree, but it’s usually only to help pay for books or gas or having fun. That’s what work-study is–it gives you the opportunity to earn some pocket money while you concentrate on your studies.
If you’re still bummed that you won’t be making more money in a work-study job, consider this: if you live on campus, much of your expenses are already covered each semester as part of your tuition and fees. Plus, there are so many discounts available to college students for everything from show tickets to plane and train fare that you won’t have to break the bank to have an enjoyable college experience.
–Barbara Bellesi
December 31st, 2010
On the sixth day of Christmas, The CollegeBound Network gave to me…
SIX-PACK ABS FOR FLAUNTIN’
I’m fairly certain that I’m not the only one who has made losing weight one of her New Year’s resolutions. And for those of you who already look like David Beckham or Heidi Klum, chances are you’d like to stay that way. But if you are a college student, keeping fit is often easier said than done.
Yes, Virginia, there is something called The Freshman 15. It’s not an urban legend, nor is gaining weight confined to your freshman year. You can deny it all you want, but you need to realize that bad choices in the cafeteria plus all those late-night pizza deliveries can really wreak havoc on your waistline.
It’s hard to become a health nut overnight when you’ve been a junk-food junkie all your life. So that’s why slow and steady wins the race when it comes to losing weight and getting fit and healthy. You can start making better choices in the care, like choosing grilled food over fried, and hitting up the salad bar a few times a week (go easy on the creamy dressings).
As for exercise–well, most campuses make it pretty easy, thanks to their state-of-the-art fitness centers, some of which rival the ones the pros use. Got a phobia of the gym? Set your alarm clock a few minutes early and take the long way to class, or refresh yourself between classes and take a lap or two around the quad.
And, of course, if you are looking to get those six-pack abs, go easy on the keg parties. It’s not called a beer belly for nothing.
–Barbara Bellesi
December 30th, 2010
On the fifth day of Christmas, The CollegeBound Network gave to me…
FIVE MONTHS ABROAD
What’s more exciting than spending a few lazy weeks at home during the holiday break? Packing your suitcases for a college semester abroad, of course. ‘Tis the season for a new crop of students to grab their passports and head off into strange lands around the world to study and explore for an entire semester—and WOW, am I jealous!
If I could go back and redo my college years, I would definitely go somewhere in Europe for a semester. It is my one true college regret that I didn’t take advantage of the study abroad programs offered through my school. When else besides during college would I ever have had that much time to immerse myself in a different culture? Sure, I can still travel now, but only in small spurts of time—nothing like spending the five months of a semester as a care-free college student abroad.
I was a theatre and English major in college, so my semester abroad choice back then would have been to go study Shakespeare and Chaucer in England—with frequent field trips to shows in London’s West End, naturally. However, if given the chance now, I might choose Italy. What better chance to practice my budding language skills in Rome or Florence? And the food! (My memoir, for the record, would probably be called Eat, Eat, Eat, but don’t judge me for my love of pasta and gelato alone.)
College students who opt to study abroad during the spring semester have the added bonus of spending the summer traveling and exploring their chosen regions even further. So it’s quite possible that instead of a mere semester, college students can spend upwards of eight months in a foreign land. It’s definitely possible to come back home nearly fluent in a new language, or at the very least, having experienced people, places, and things that will create a lifetime of memories.
So bon voyage to those who will be studying in a different time zone this semester—and le sigh for the rest of us at home. Don’t forget to send a postcard—or comment below.
-Barbara Bellesi
December 29th, 2010
On the fourth day of Christmas, The CollegeBound Network gave to me…
A 4.0 GPA
How often is perfection within reach? Hardly ever, which is why if you have the brains and the determination to earn a 4.0 GPA in college, I say GO FOR IT.
Here’s something you might have forgotten along the way: the reason you are going to college in the first place is to earn a degree. Lots of students—maybe even you?—view college as a four-year –long party. I’m not trying to rain on your parade, because there is plenty of fun to be had as an undergraduate, but you need to remember that the goal of college is for you to become a college graduate. And achieving that goal does require a bit of work.
It might take some time, but you will find the right mix of work and fun in your college life. College life isn’t meant to be a 24/7 party, but it shouldn’t be a 24/7 study session, either. Find a schedule that makes you happy, and you’ll find that you are successful in all areas of your life.
Don’t underestimate the power of a high GPA. As a freshman, you may think you know where life will take you, but no one truly knows what the next four years will bring, let alone what will happen when you graduate. Therefore, whether you plan to be a dancer or a dentist, make sure you work on keeping that GPA high. As far as I’m concerned, no one has ever been turned away from a job or graduate school for having too high a GPA. But I have known a lot of people who started out in majors where a GPA “didn’t matter” only to find that by graduation, they ended up in a field where their GPA was a pretty big deal.
Why stress out? Enjoy college, but remember why you’re there in the first place and be smart about your studies. You’ll be thankful in the end.
–Barbara Bellesi
December 28th, 2010
On the third day of Christmas, The CollegeBound Network gave to me…
THREE CRAZY ROOMMATES
My blog post is up late today, but if you heard about the weather in the Northeast, you’ll understand that I spent most of the day shoveling mountains of snow, not playing Farmville.
It’s going to be a pretty long week in the New York City area, with most of us waiting for plows to come by and rescue us from our apartments and our homes. It reminds me of the time that I was snowbound in college, and the fun that I had passing the time with my roommates and friends. This was way before Facebook, so we couldn’t while away the hours with Bejeweled or Mafia Wars. We actually played Monopoly and chess, and when we were tired of that, we’d just sit around and talk to each other for hours. And boy, did time fly.
So for the third day of Christmas, I wish for you to have roommates who are crazy enough to have fun with whatever the situation—be it in the midst of stressful exams, a bout of homesickness, or a snow-bound campus. After all, you might not remember what you finally scored on that history final, but you will remember that ridiculous song your roommate woke up to each morning on her phone, or the crazy antics your roommate tried to woo the girl of his dreams.
See you tomorrow. Goodness know I can’t go anywhere, so cheer me up and leave a comment. Or tweet me at @CollegeBoundNet.
–Barbara Bellesi
December 27th, 2010
On the second day of Christmas, The CollegeBound Network gave to me…
TWO-YEAR COLLEGE OPTIONS
Yes, I know I get a little giddy when I talk about college. But it’s only because I feel that a college education is something that can benefit everyone. I’m not saying that everyone is destined for an Ivy League education. I’m not even saying that everyone is destined for a four-year university experience, either. I do believe, however, that everyone deserves to give it “the old college try,” and that includes the option of attending a two-year college.
Community colleges offer countless reasons to start your education there. From reticent students to those who are really trying to earn a degree without breaking the bank, community colleges are a great place to test the waters with your academic interests or go forward to earn a two-year associate’s degree before you commit to a longer and more concentrated bachelor’s degree program.
For those unsure of their academic interests, or even if college is even right for them in the first place, enrolling in a community college is an ideal next step because there is little to no investment of time in applying. Two-year colleges do not usually require the strict application process that their four-year counterparts do, so barring classes already being at maximum capacity, you can enroll in a class as long as you have a high school diploma or GED. And since tuition is usually just a fraction of what you’ll find anywhere else, you’ll feel good about sampling a class here or there to find out what really suits your personality and your abilities.
For those who are sure of what they want to study, a two-year college is still a great plan of action when it comes to financing your college education. By enrolling in a community college, students can complete all of their general education requirements and save a ton of money that can be later used for a more expensive four-year school. The only thing that you have to pay close attention to is whether your general ed credits will transfer into the four-year college. If you are going to a state school within the same state as your community college is, this shouldn’t be a problem, as most states have agreements with local two-year schools in that they will accept all or most credits into their bachelor’s degree programs.
If you decide to go to a private school after your community college, then be smart with your choices. It’s a safer bet to take classes in the liberal arts and sciences, like basic literature or science courses, than it is to take classes like Survey of Video Games or other highly specific coursework that is not offered at other schools. A good idea is to look at the general education requirements of a four-year college—many curricula are similar in scope—and then plan your classes at your community college accordingly.
And of course, even though yesterday’s blog was so optimistic in talking about getting into the college of your choice, there is another big reason that you should consider community college: If you don’t get into the school of your choice and are convinced the admissions committee made a wrong decision, you can always try a semester at a community college and then apply again. After all, a solid semester or two in college is even better than SAT scores in proving just how well you can perform at the college level.
Did I get you thinking? Write a question or comment below and let’s continue the discussion.
–Barbara Bellesi
December 26th, 2010
On the first day of Christmas, The CollegeBound Network gave to me…
A BIG FAT ACCEPTANCE LETTER!
Who needs a partridge in a pear tree when you’ve got your eyes on a bigger prize? We know you’ve got visions of your #1 college dancing in your head, but know that getting accepted to college in the first place is a wonderful accomplishment.
Remember, you can turn ANY college into your #1 college when you get to campus and begin to make a new and vibrant life for yourself as an involved college student. There are many different colleges and universities out there, but the same exciting elements remain the same: the ability to take interesting classes, meet great people, and pursue opportunities you never thought possible.
You might be thinking, “Gee, CollegeBound, that’s great and all, but I REALLY want to go to College A or University B.” We know, we know. And that’s why we’re really pulling for you to get into the college of your choice. College can really be some of the best years of your life, and we know you just want to get started already! So while your acceptance letter might not be coming for another few months, it is our sincere Christmas wish that your Christmas wish comes true.
–The CollegeBound Network
December 25th, 2010
If we had our way, we would make sure that Santa brought all of our college-bound friends the gifts they most want this Christmas–acceptance letters from their first-choice schools. (And maybe some scholarships for those who were extra good this year.)
Instead, we will wish you a happy and healthy holiday season…but don’t think we’re leaving you out in the cold as we go home to celebrate with our families and friends. No, dear readers, we are taking you along with us as we celebrate the season in the way we know best: with a series of blogs that will take you through the 12 days of Christmas with a little collegiate flair.
So starting tomorrow, grab some eggnog, put on your Snuggie and get ready to celebrate all 12 days of Christmas with your friends at the CollegeBound Network. Merry Christmas!
–CBN
December 24th, 2010
The repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy has been an early Christmas present for those who advocate tolerance of gays and lesbians serving in the military. It’s a step in the right direction for many reasons, but it includes one that you might not have thought about: the end of DADT might signal the return of many ROTC programs to colleges and universities across the country.
The New York Times is reporting today that this new policy of tolerance might entice some schools that previously offered ROTC programs to reinstate them on campus. In the ’60s and ’70s, many top schools axed the program in protest of the Vietnam War, while in more recent years, many liberal-minded colleges and universities shied away from the military and its discriminatory policies. But now that DADT is yesterday’s news, the presidents of Harvard, Yale, and Columbia have already stated that the ROTC could very well be in their schools’ futures.
It has been reported widely throughout print and television media that while the U.S. military should not be permitted to drag their feet in repealing DADT, it will be given the opportunity to do so in a way that will be beneficial to all involved. Once the military has determined the proper course of action, it will then have 60 days to make it happen.
If you are thinking of serving your country as well as earning a college degree, this is very good news indeed, as there could very well be more choices for you in terms of ROTC programs over the next several years.
What are your thoughts on the future of ROTC programs in a post-DADT world? Sound off below.
–The CollegeBound Network
December 23rd, 2010
Your New Year’s resolution (or your parents’ resolution) might be to save money in 2011, but how is that possible if you’re heading to college?
While there’s still the burden of tuition, books, room and board, and other necessary school expenses, there are some financial perks to being a college student. Here’s a look at a few freebies and discounts you’ll be enjoying in college:
Movies and more
Flash your student ID and you’re likely to get discounts to movies and museums, making it more affordable see the latest Harry Potter or Twilight movie with friends. And most campuses offer movie nights and concerts that are free for students – and sometimes there’s free food too.
Sports and recreation
Admission to school sporting events can be at no cost for students, and schools also often offer discounts on amusement park tickets, ski passes, and rounds of golf. It’s enough free or discounted stuff to make you forget about studying … almost.
Banking
Banks in your hometown or college town often will offer free checking and other perks, getting rid of another monthly or yearly expense. Some require a monthly balance; others don’t. And if you’re wanting to do online banking, that’s often a free option, too.
Career help
Free job databases, job search consulting, resume help, and more are offered by school’s career services departments. A new college grad told me this weekend that she was surprised to learn she would continue to have free access to her university’s career services assistance.
Laundry
At least one school – Davidson College in North Carolina – has a perk where students can drop off their laundry to be washed and dried for free. Students can have their dress shirts and blouses pressed and returned on hangers, and sheets, pillowcases and mattress covers are washed too.
Legal representation
If you’re in trouble with the law, battling with your landlord, or need another type of legal assistance, your status as a full-time student allows you to seek help from school’s Student Legal Services office. If you can’t afford to pay for an attorney, it’s a much cheaper alternative. It’s offered by schools such as Indiana University-Bloomington and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Be sure to check out what other types of freebies and perks are offered at your school or the schools you’re applying to.
–Lori Johnston
December 22nd, 2010
Previous Posts
Seven dollars is the average minimum wage for workers throughout the U.S., so that’s around what you’ll be getting for any doing any work-study jobs on campus.
