Joyce Ivy Foundation Mentors @jifmentors - Tumblr Blog

Dear Me, 365 days ago

A Post on Upcoming EA and ED Decisions

Congratulations! You’ve made it to this anxiety-filled week! After all of those essays you pounded out before November 1st, you are finally going to hear from your dream school. Now, I know the feeling: your heart is beating out of your chest, you cannot focus on anything not related to that college, and your browser history is stocked full with College Confidential when you should be studying for semester exams.

Just do me and yourself a favor and stop for a second. Breathe. Your decision may come out tomorrow or maybe not for another week, but the task until then is to stay calm.

If you’re anything like I was, you are starting to imagine how you will react based on the three possible decisions. You begin to prepare yourself to be flat out rejected, and you peruse other applications to mentally prepare to write another 100 essays. However, there is still that sliver of hope that, somehow, you will be one of the lucky few.

All of that is just fine, and I might go as far as to say healthy. It is good to keep things in perspective, but with that comes keeping the decision as a whole in perspective. Even though it is the easiest thing to slip into, you cannot allow the college to control your next week. So, here are some hints for staying calm:

~Shut down College Confidential right now. But I – Nope. Turn it off. Block the website for the next week if you must, because it will only raise your anxiety. Even if you are someone who finds hilarity in other people freaking out, it is insanely easy to get sucked into it. Trust me.

~If you find the need to think about college all the time, there are ways to obsess about it that are more healthy. For me, this was MIT Blogs. I had zero interest in applying to MIT, but their blogs are very well written, and it allowed me to obsess about something that wasn’t Princeton yet that was closely related.

~Find fun distractions. It can seriously be anything, but I found homework wasn’t the best. It is much too easy to slip from “high school homework” to “Oh my gosh what if they don’t WANT me?” Distractions are best when it is doing something you love. Play music, dance, write poetry, do math, run, build a freaking snowman! Actually, building a snowman sounds really nice….post your snowmen please if you end up doing that!

Now comes THE DAY and your distraction ability has to improve ten-fold. I admit, this is NOT easy. I definitely counted down the hours, but I don’t recommend this. If you can, get rid of all means of checking the time until just before the release. Do something that calms you if possible such as listening to music, and hope that you don’t have an exam that day.

If your decision is to be released on a massive database that everyone logs into, I recommend waiting as long as you can stand it. It will likely be back-logged if you try to check it right at the minute they are out, and then you have to sit there anxiously as the wheel spins. I was lucky in that way to have a commitment until 20 minutes after they came out. It was really awesome to be able to see the decision immediately after typing in my password, no matter how hellish it was to be in that meeting. This is clearly up to you, but I do recommend waiting an extra 15 minutes for the guys at (insert college name) IT to clear out the traffic.

Your screen finally loads and here comes the Big Decision . The letter pops up on the screen and you have one of three fates: Acceptance, Deferral, or Rejection. Whatever happens, remember this: it will not define your life. If you are rejected or deferred, it will likely hurt, I know, but this is only one decision. There are many more to come in the spring. I also know that you can make your college experience great anywhere, because you are a high achieving student. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t have made it this far! If you are accepted, congratulations! I am glad they agreed that you fit the college! However, this also does not have to define you. If you are EA, this college does not have to be THE one. If you are at all unsure, I recommend leaving your options open and waiting until spring to decide officially. If you are ED, this is a lot more complicated, and there is a 99% chance you must accept the acceptance. (ED and have a question on this? Contact someone at JIF.)

Whatever happens, remember that ALL of us here at JIF are open to talk! You can ask us anything, or we can just be here to console! Let us know what your decision is, and our arms will be wide open to congratulate or comfort you!

Michigan/Missouri/Nebraska Circle Call Notes: Topics for Juniors September 27th 2015

Developing Leadership Skills

1) You don’t have to have a position to be a leader. If you present yourself as a leader, your club advisors and coaches will notice, and you will grow as a person as well. Often we worry about getting that leadership role (captaincy, presidency, etc) but if you make it a point to display leadership skills whether or not you have a leadership position, then the adults will notice and can still write a wonderful rec about that!

2) Show depth, not breadth. Even if you’re a part of a lot of clubs, don’t get hung up on trying to achieve accolades in all of them. Instead, look for the things you like to do and invest yourself in those! Put in your time and effort and actively seek out any available leadership positions.

3) Pick what you love to do. If you’re passionate about something, then you’ll be a much more effective leader. Actually, if you’re passionate about something, then people will automatically follow you, therefore turning you into a leader! We tend to find the most success in things that we love to do. Even from just a college admissions point of view, it will be much easier to talk and write about topics that you care about, and your passion, dedication, and leadership will definitely come through more strongly.

Public Speaking Tips

This translates into your common app because it helps you to elucidate your thoughts, ideas, and talking points

1) Find your top three. Figure out before hand: what are three things that I want the audience to walk away knowing? Emphasize those while you talk. You’ll have an idea of what you want to talk about, and that might calm you down because it will create a roadmap in your mind. Also, that way you won’t forget to say something very important.

2) Tell stories. Anecdotes are great!! Everybody loves a story, so using one to get your point across is a fantastic way to keep the audience engaged, especially during a long talk. Any student knows that it’s easier to absorb information that’s presented in a fun way than to absorb a lecture.

3) Slow down and relax. Ask yourself, am I calm? Just doing this can help you slow down and speak more clearly. If you’re tense or nervous, take a second to relax your shoulders and your body.

4) Take a video of yourself speaking. If you watch that, you’ll be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Make your monologue about something you’re passionate and confident about. Pay attention to everything: the way you speak, present yourself, your body language. Remember these things as you prepare to speak in front of an audience.

5) Have face-to-face conversations with yourself in the mirror. This will help your face-to-face interviews go more smoothly, because you’ll have practice maintaining eye contact and controlling your facial expressions. When speaking to somebody, reference the name of the person you’re talking to. It keeps them engaged because people like to be recognized. It shows you’re paying attention to your audience, and it makes them pay attention to you as well.

Michigan/Missouri/Nebraska Circle Call Notes: Topics for Seniors September 27th, 2015

How to Navigate the Common App

1) Deciding whether to EA or ED to a school: Pros and Cons

PROS:

-Earlier deadline: apply if you feel the extra time won’t enhance your application. You’ll avoid some stress by learning if you’re accepted/denied/deferred earlier.

-Demonstrates great interest in the school: It’s a good idea to apply early to your top choice because it shows them that you’re serious about attending.

-Smaller applicant pool: generally higher acceptance rates.

-You can still RD: If you are deferred, you’re not out of the running; you might just get pushed into the regular applicant pool and be reconsidered. –You can back out for financial reasons: ED is binding (meaning you have to go if you get in), but universities allow you to break that contract if your family decides that you cannot afford the financial package they give you.

CONS:

-Earlier deadline: you have to get all of your testing finished, your first quarter grades must be very good, and you have to get recs and transcripts in on time.

-More competitive: athletes, legacy students, and students who are very on top of things usually apply early. You’ll be competing against them.

-Difficult to change your application: any accomplishments that occur between the ED/EA and RD deadline may be difficult to report because your app is already submitted.

-Restrictions: The restrictions set by some schools on where you’re allowed to apply can be confusing. Some schools only allow you to apply early to certain institutions, which could affect your chances of getting in elsewhere.

2) Dos and don’ts of making an impression on the admissions office:

DO:

-Show off your uniqueness: In the application itself, accentuate your unique qualities or activities. This can be done in the activities section or in your essay.

-Call every once in a while: It’s okay to call the office with questions or comments.

-Show your interest in the school: visiting, talking to officers during visits, and interviewing are good ways to do this, if possible.

DON’T:

-Be too involved: They can tell when you’re just padding your resume. Show depth over breadth wherever possible in your application.

-Call too often: You don’t want them thinking “omg this person is calling AGAIN??????!

-Apply everywhere: having to write a billion essays will sacrifice the quality of the essays you write and thus could harm your chances of getting in.

3) Tips to choose and organize your activities:

o Pick 1-3 things that fit into each of the following categories to ensure well-roundedness in your application:

i. school involvement: leadership positions, sports

ii. community involvement: jobs, community service, programs, fundraisers

iii. state/national involvement: internships, science fairs

iv. global involvement: working for an NGO, research

v. things you did for fun: backpacking trips, cultural exchange, a class you took

o Pick three things you’d want the officers to remember about you, even if they forgot everything else. Make those three your top three activities.

4) Remember: It’s going to all the schools you’re applying to, so don’t put any school-specific information in the essay.

Recommendation Letters

1) Make sure you choose people who know you personally. They should know your goals, values, and extracurriculars. It might be a good idea to sit down with your writer and tell them highlights that you’d like to be included in the letter (so that they don’t use generic adjectives). Talk to them and ask them for the letter in person.

2) Waive your right to see the recommendation letter. This shows the college that the people writing for you weren’t pressured to write something you’d like. When it comes to deciding which letters to send, just think of who knows you best and who might write well about you. Pick people who have written successful letters for you before.

3) Ask more people than you need to write you a letter. Some people might forget, and you don’t want to be left without a letter. Ask them early! Teachers are very busy, so you have to give them a lot of time in advance. At least three weeks in advance is good.

4) Meet with your recommender in person and send them emails. Teachers are very busy and could need reminders about deadlines. If your recommender is taking forever, make sure to email them. They won’t mind.

5) It is not advised to have a family member write a recommendation. Family member recommenders are allowed, but it is not advised that you take advantage of this because of the obvious bias.

6) Try to pick teachers who teach the subject you want to go into. They can speak to your strengths in that subject. If you know a teachers really well, that might trump what subject they teach (if you want to go into science but you’re super close to the history teacher and you want him to write you a rec, then that’s fine). Ideally, find a teacher who knows you well and teaches something related to what you want to go into.

Common App Essay

1) Get started early. The questions are more or less the same every year, so it’s okay to start early because they won’t change. Writing various drafts in your junior year, could be a good way to get low pressure practice. If you’re looking for a prompt that will still be there next year, number one (see 2015-2016 prompts here) is a good one to start.

2) Make it personal. It can be anything about you, such as an experience, your thoughts, or something you’ve done. Avoid topics that many people could write about, such as mission trips, your role in a team, or a vacation. If you want to write about these things, make sure that you put your own twist on it so that it’s clear that it was written by YOU, and not by just any other teenage girl. Also, use action words: talk about things you did in order to make it more specific to you.

3) Avoid clichés. Pick a topic you can talk about very descriptively and very in depth. Avoid generic words like “great,” “thing,” or “interesting.” The topic itself doesn’t have to be super incredible and original, but the way you write about it does.

4) Proofread your own essay like crazy!! Keep an eye out for grammatical or spelling errors that will make you look sloppy. If that means leaving the essay alone and then coming back to it with fresh eyes, then definitely do that. Have someone else look over it too, but not too many people because you don’t want to lose your voice in all the editing. Pick people who know you very well or who can write very well. Don’t let them change the content of your essay.

MINDAK/OHIO Joint Circle Call Notes 09/21/2015

09.21.2015 JIF MINDAK/OHIO Call

Topic 1: Common Application

Add ANY college you’re thinking about applying to

It’s free to add schools!

Figure out which essay prompts you’ll use, and how to write your essays

Supplements are crucial to your application

Show your character and your personality!

Have someone edit/read your essay (preferably a college guidance counselor)

“Why College X” Essays:

What will you do with your college education?

Why is this college the right “fit?”

What will you do at this college?

Add JIF on your application!

Topic 2: Scholarships

Scholarship season has begun! Start applying now!

Look for scholarships EVERYWHERE- employers, schools, companies

Look for your local American Legion! Amazing scholarship opportunities there!

Get even the little ones-- $500 will go a long way during college

Guidance counselor is the best source for scholarship applications!

JIF has a library of all blog posts, look for one on scholarships, posted in April 2015

zinch.com, educationquest.org, horatioalger.org

Topic 3: Recommendation Letters

Ask teachers from your junior/senior year that you’ve had for 1+ years

Best class performance, not necessarily your best grade

Give your teacher a nice gift or thank-you card afterwards! They write a lot of these!

For STEM programs/schools, ask STEM teachers

Always waive your right to see your letters

Make sure you follow up with your teacher to remind them of due dates and such!

It’s okay to ask multiple teachers!

Guidance counselor can read your letters!

Topic 4: College Visits

Do lots of research beforehand!

Ask questions you CAN’T find the answers to online!

Ask questions pertinent to your understanding of the schools and how it fits you

Show interest in the school/its mission/location!

Admitted Students Weekend:

Try to stay overnight

Pay attention to the students there! These are your potential classmates!

EA/ED: Visit your schools in September, October, November!

Applying EA vs. ED vs. RD

As your senior year approaches and you begin that dreaded Common Application, you may notice that certain colleges use terms like EA, ED, RD, SCEA, REA, etc. The question is, though, what do all of these acronyms mean? And which one is right for you? Never fear, this blog post is here to alleviate at least a little stress! We’ll begin with the easiest: RD RD stands for Regular Decision. Your application will be judged after January and you will find out in late March or early April. Acceptance rates at the top-tier schools during RD are as low as %3. Sound daunting yet? On to EA EA means Early Action. There are two types of EA: Single Choice (SCEA) and Regular (REA). For both, you submit your application by early November (varies on college, see Common App to know for sure) and find out by Mid-December or early January. You can submit multiple REA applications so long as every single school is Regular. None can be SCEA. If you apply to a school SCEA, you cannot apply EA or ED to any other school. Applying SCEA indicates that this college is your top choice and you are likely to matriculate if accepted This by no means binds you to the college, but it allows you to know your decision earlier and you can choose whether or not to send in more apps before the January deadline. While you cannot do EA or ED for any other school if you use SCEA, you can apply to schools that have rolling admissions. Examples are state schools where they accept and decline applicants as they come in rather than having one huge admit day. I highly suggest applying to your safety schools as early as possible so that you do not miss out on potential merit scholarships. You can always withdraw the apps if you are accepted to your dream school. The most complicated of them all: ED By now you may have guessed that ED means Early Decision. In many ways it is similar to SCEA in that you can only apply to one school early, but there is one huge difference. If you are accepted ED (during December), you are bound to the school no matter what. Very, very few exceptions can be made if the financial aid package is not doable, but don’t count on it. ED means you are absolutely positive that you want to go to that school and that it would not be a problem if you are accepted. In my humble opinion, do not apply ED unless you are 100% sure you want to go there and that you can afford whatever package they give you. Estimated costs can be calculated on a Net Price Calculator from the school’s page and these are fairly accurate. Use them to your advantage. What’s great about EA & ED? Acceptance rates for these options are generally around 20%. Yes, many are recruited athletes, but of all of the EA people I have met in person, not one was an athlete. You will have a higher chance of getting in with these two tracks, no doubt. Just really make sure you like a school before committing ED. Good luck on your college applications, and if you need any help, anyone from JIF is standing by!

Harvard/MIT/Yale Circle Call

Amber Heard- [email protected]

These calls took place on Wednesday, May 27th from 5-6 p.m. EST and on Monday, June 1st from 6-7 p.m. EST.

What is campus like?

Yale and Harvard both possessed traditional architecture which created an atmosphere of mystery, intellectualism, and prestige. In contrast, M.I.T. possessed sleek and modern architecture which created an atmosphere of innovation as well as intellectualism. However since I had the privilege to attend Harvard for 7 weeks, and only made brief visits to Yale and M.I.T., I will choose to focus on what I know best. Harvard was always bustling with people from all walks of life—primarily tourists. Even though I saw the same people in my classes, I always saw a new face at Annenberg Hall or on my adventures around campus.

Where are the best places to visit?

Harvard was the nucleus to the lively city of Cambridge. In Cambridge, there were all sorts of quirky stores that could peak anyone’s interest. If you love buying souvenirs for your family or friends, the COOP was the way to go. If you are a food aficionado, there were various restaurants that could satisfy anyone’s palate such as Tasty Burger, Qdoba, shawarma shop, and many more. If you wanted a bit more entertainment and stores, Boston was only a train ride away.

How do I make new friends?

They key to making new friends is getting out of your comfort zone and socializing with diverse individuals. Do not be afraid to strike up a conversation! You never know if they could be your best friends for life. I made friends primarily through classes, dorms, and various activities throughout campus. The best connections I made was with my dorm mates. We did everything together during the program and still talk even today.

How can I be safe during my stay?

Since all three campuses are surrounded by large and robust cities, safety is an important component to consider when exploring. In order to be safe in such environments, it is always crucial to have a buddy that can accompany you especially at night. If you do not have a buddy to go somewhere at the time, make sure to contact your proctor and tell them where you will be going. If you have to go alone, make sure to stay in well-populated areas and to have a charged, operating cell phone.

What are the academics like?

The academics are very rigorous and challenging. The key to successfully completing your courses is to choose courses that peak your interest. This is crucial because you will spend most of your time attending class and studying.

What items should I pack?

If you are flying to campus, it is best to buy the items that you need from a local store near the campus in order to avoid fees. Some of the items that I purchased/packed are:

Wall length mirror

Tissue paper

Bedding

Iron and mini ironing board

Lamp

Hamper

Bottled Water

Shower caddy and flip-flops

Fan

Sanitary Wipes

Cornell University Circle Call Notes

Cornell University Circle Call

June 5, 2015

Ashlea Kennedy

[email protected]

Veronica Mercier

[email protected]

I would first like to thank Mrs. Linda Lee, who joined the circle call and shared her experiences at Cornell. She is a Cornell alum, and had many interesting stories to share!

What is the campus like?

The campus is sprawling, hilly, and very nature-oriented. There are several bridges throughout campus that traverse waterfalls and gorges! There are many natural spaces, including hiking trails and gardens! I urge you to explore the natural areas of campus with a group of friends. My favorite place to go with my friends at Cornell was a small picnic area along the bottom of a gorge. The hiking trail is behind Risley Hall!

Transportation

The bus system available to you will be the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) system. They have several fare and pass options, but I found it easiest to just pay as I went. You will pay the youth fare, which is $0.75 one-way. If you would like more information, and to look at the bus schedule, the website is www.tcatbus.com Look over the pass options with your parents if you’re interested, and figure out what would be most affordable for you!

Sometimes, it will be easier to walk than to take the bus. It takes approximately half an hour to walk from the residence halls to Collegetown, which has several restaurants (including Collegetown Bagels!). Like I mentioned earlier, the campus is pretty large. I often found myself carrying a paper map or opening Google Maps on my phone to find my way around both on and off campus.

What should you pack?

You should pack comfortable tennis shoes and sandals or flip flops. It can be hot and humid in the afternoon, but can also be chilly in the morning and evening. I suggest bringing a jacket, t-shirts, shorts/capris, and a pair (or two!) of jeans. Also, it rains A LOT in Ithaca, so you should pack an umbrella, and maybe even a poncho and rain boots! If you happen to forget to pack your umbrella, they are sold pretty much everywhere (AND a Cornell umbrella makes an excellent souvenir!).

Dorm Supplies

You will need to rent a fridge/freezer and microwave if you want one during your stay. You can order them online at: http://www.fridgeandfanrentals.com/CornellSummer.html Look over the options and choose what suits you best. If you are staying in BALCH HALL, you will NOT have air conditioning! The college actually will rent a fan for you, and it will be waiting in your dorm when you arrive, as well as your fridge/freezer and/or microwave if you rent one. I did not know this, and also rented a fan. It was nice to have 2! The other dorms have A/C as far as I know (Risley Hall might not!), so you may not need a fan. I rented the Microfridge, and it was nice to have the microwave.

I decided to bring my own bedding and towels, as I did not know what would be supplied. They give you a thin comforter, sheet set, and a pillow, as well as a few towels and washcloths. I also brought a bedbug mattress protector, as I am kind of a germaphobe and I didn’t know what to expect! The rooms are very clean, and I also bought some cleaning supplies to keep up with regular cleaning. If you are staying in Balch, you will have a sink room adjoining you and your neighbors’ rooms! It is like a small closet, and contains a sink and a mirror. I thought it was very neat and interesting! I kept hand soap and my toothbrush/toothpaste in the sink room.

You should bring detergent and softener to do your laundry. I bought a bag of Tide Pods because they were so easy! No candles allowed, but I did buy an air freshener for my dorm room to freshen it up a bit.

If your parents are driving you there, take advantage of the opportunity to go to Walmart or Target before they leave! I went with my parents and bought a huge case of water, food and drinks for my fridge, and things for my dorm that I forgot to pack or found out I wanted when I got there (hello, cleaning supplies!). I found it hard to carry a huge case of water on the bus later on, but I did manage to do it!

Friends!

Cornell hosts two ice cream socials throughout the summer semester. I stayed for 6 weeks, so I attended both! These are held the same days as the two move-in days, and I met the majority of my friends during these! It is a great way to meet people! It was held in the Balch Hall courtyard last year, and they had ice cream, sprinkles, whipped cream, and lots of other goodies! In addition, you will meet friends through your classes and roommate(s)! You will meet an extremely diverse group of people - I made friends with students from Thailand, Saudi Arabia, China, and Indonesia! It was interesting to learn about their cultures and experiences, and it was fun to teach them about mine!

What to Do and See

I was able to pack lots of activities into my 6 week stay. I really liked the Cornell Dairy Bar, where I had ice cream made on Cornell’s campus with milk from Cornell cows! I spent an entire Saturday exploring Ithaca with my friends toward the beginning of my stay. We stopped in lots of little shops and bookstores, especially the ones in the Ithaca Commons!

Definitely try to visit Buttermilk Falls. Last year, they held several “field trips” that were on a first-come first-served basis. They would load about 50 students onto buses and take them somewhere for a day, I went to Buttermilk Falls and Niagara Falls in Buffalo, NY! You can visit Buttermilk Falls anytime you would like by taking a TCAT bus. There are extensive hiking trails and a swimming area!

My friends and I visited a little ceramic painting shop in the Ithaca Mall twice! You get to pick out a ceramic figurine, paint it however you liked, and then pick it up an hour or so later after the paint had been set. It was a fun way to spend an hour or two with my friends while we were at the mall.

I highly recommend taking a tour through the clocktower on campus. The view at the top is stunning! There are lots of stairs, but you get to see the inner workings of the chimes and a spectacular view!

The Andrew Dickson White Library (within Uris Library) is absolutely gorgeous. It reminds me of the Harry Potter library! Make sure to take the time to see it. I didn’t, and I really regret it now.

Food!

You will eat at a dining hall located right by your residence hall. Robert Purcell Community Center (RPCC) has a third-floor cafeteria with many food options. They have food items that cater to gluten-free and vegetarian diets. There is a pizza and pasta bar, a salad bar, a fresh fruit bar, an Asian-style food bar (the lo mein is delish!), a home-cooked style food bar, and a fried foods bar (chicken nuggets, french fries, and burgers). They have waffles, bacon, sausage, eggs, made-to-order omelets and other breakfast items in the mornings, as well as a large selection of cereals! Lastly, there is both soft-serve and scoop ice cream available (even in the mornings!!). I found the foods to be diverse, and could always find something I liked.

Off campus, there are many dining options. I rarely went off campus to eat, because it was just so much more convenient to eat on campus.

Academic Tips

The only tips I can give you are to go to class every day and keep in touch with your teachers. Skipping class may seem like a great idea after late night studying when you have an 8 am class, but it really sets you back if you miss even one class. If you need help understanding a concept or are stuck on homework, reach out to your teachers BEFORE you take the test on it. I know that I have a problem feeling like an annoyance when I ask for help from teachers, but they really are super nice and all they want is to see you succeed. E-mail them or talk to them during office hours!

Good luck at Cornell! If you have any questions (or want some recommendations!) please feel free to contact me anytime! You are going to do great!

-Ashlea Kennedy

Brown Summer Program Call Notes

Circle Leader:

Michelle Zabat, Brown University ‘18, [email protected]

I’ll also be on campus all summer as an RA, so feel free to check in with me if you ever need anything at all!

---

What is the earliest you can check in (for the program and housing)?

Check in is from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on the Sunday before your program begins. You’ll get your room assignment/key, student ID, orientation schedule, and campus map. If you absolutely must arrive a day early due to travel restrictions, you can request housing for Saturday night for a $150 fee. (http://www.brown.edu/academics/pre-college/for-accepted/check-in-out.php)

What is the campus like?

Campus is fairly condensed, and it will take you at most about 15 minutes to walk from one end of the campus to the other. You’re about two minutes from the heart of downtown Providence, so it’s easy to get into the city. There are plenty of places to study as well as plenty of beautiful green spaces, so there’s somewhere for anyone and any time. Brown is a relatively urban campus, so you’ll see plenty of non-students and cars passing through.

What do I need to pack?

Casual clothes for the most part, but bring maybe a couple sets of nicer clothes (they’ll have All-Campus Dances now and then, you might need to dress up for presentations if your course has them, etc.). A swimsuit could also be useful, and bring athletic clothes if you’d like to work out (on your own, through campus-sponsored programs, or if you choose to buy an athletic pass at the athletic complex). As for dorm items, I’d say the essentials are towels, bedsheets, and a fan (it can get hot!).

Tips for getting to and from the airport?

I have plenty of friends who use Uber (although I never have because I can’t figure it out--oops!). I have personally used Economy Cab ((401) 944-6700), although you can Google cabs in Rhode Island and there are a ton to choose from. A cab ride is usually about $32-36 dollars, in my experience. I did forget to mention that although Brown runs a shuttle to and from campus according to this schedule (http://www.brown.edu/academics/pre-college/for-accepted/directions.php), IT IS $20. So bring cash if you’re planning on taking advantage of that.

Should I rent or bring a fan?

If you can fit one in your luggage, then feel free to bring one. Otherwise, Brown BSA rents out fans for $15 (plus a $10 deposit that they return to you when you return the fan) for the entire duration of your program. I would definitely recommend a fan though; Providence can get hot and I don’t believe any of the dorms are air conditioned. Brown BSA also rents out bedlinens, microfridges, and more (see http://www.brownbsa.com/summer/)

How do I travel inexpensively?

You get free rides on all Rhode Island public transportation, which has only meant buses to me in my experience. It’s super convenient if you have somewhere specific you want to go in Rhode Island; if you’re looking for somewhere in Providence, you can probably walk there. Downtown is very close to campus. Additionally, Brown will host day trips to other places, such as Boston or one of the Rhode Island beaches. Transportation to those is free on charter buses, so take advantage of them if they’re happening while you’re there!

How can I get involved with new friends?

There will be plenty of opportunities to meet new friends while you’re on campus. I believe there are welcome ice cream socials at the beginning of every program, which are great for meeting people right off the bat. You will be housed with other Summer@Brown students, which is great because I found that you make friends easily with your neighbors (say hello to people as they move in!). Your courses will offer opportunities for interacting with your classmates, and you can go to some of the many “extracurricular” workshops, activities, and hangouts that Brown reslife hosts throughout the summer.

Where will I stay?

All Summer@Brown students are housed on campus. If you’re in the Leadership Institute, unless they’ve changed things this year (which I don’t think they have), you will be housed with all the other Leadership students in Perkins Hall (which is probably the “farthest” dorm from campus, but campus isn’t all that big anyway and it fosters a nice sense of community). Otherwise, I believe that all the other students are housed in the dorms that are relatively central on campus. You should be fairly close to one of the dining halls and a good portion of the classrooms.

What are some academic tips?

Packing-wise, I don’t think you need much more than a notebook and a writing utensil, unless your particular program specifies you need something else. Having a laptop is useful, although definitely not necessary (there are plenty of computers to use at the library). In the classroom, don’t be afraid to speak up! You guys all have plenty of useful ideas to contribute to discussion, and offering up your perspectives is a great way to connect with your professor and interact with your classmates. It’s understandable to be apprehensive about being smart enough to keep up with the course (I know I was), but don’t worry--you’ll all be just fine.

How can I explore the city?

Providence is so close to campus that walking to and around downtown is super easy. Another thing I love is that Providence is big enough to feel like a “big city” but small enough to be maneuverable. If you find a group of friends who are willing, just walk around the city sometime. I’ve spent my fair share of afternoons and evenings during the semester just getting lost and enjoying the sights and sounds with friends.

What should I see?

Downtown, there’s always plenty to do. If you’re a coffee shop-chilling person, Providence has the highest number of coffee shops per capita (my personal recommendations are Dave’s Coffee and Small Point Cafe). Providence is a notable restaurant town too. Although you are on a full meal plan (and by no means am I saying that you will have to/be expected to eat out), if you’re a foodie, this would be a cool place to check out some restaurants (we have our own “Little Italy”-type place called Federal Hill that you can walk or take a bus to, there are plenty of cute cafes, and there are cool farm-to-table restaurants like Grange, which is an all-vegetarian restaurant). Waterfire also happens throughout the summer (I think you can search on Facebook for it and there should be a page that has dates and times), which is super cool--they light a bunch of fires on the Providence River, and it’s really nice to walk around and look at the river.

On campus, there’s not much in particular that I can’t think of. If the John Hay Library is open while you’re there, check out the reading room. It’s absolutely beautiful! Even if you don’t purchase the athletic pass to use the facilities, go take a peek at the natatorium and exercise center in the athletic complex. They were done just a few years ago and they’re really nice. Spend some time enjoying the sun on the Main Green, sit on the terrace on top of Andrews Commons, etc… There’s a ton to do!

And again, Brown will sponsor trips off campus frequently. One of my favorite things about New England is that everything’s so close together relative to how things are in the Midwest, and so it’s easier to get from place to place travel-wise.

How much spending money should I bring?

Between emergency money, cab/shuttle money, spending money, and money to rent a fan/bed linens (both of which I decided to get), I think I brought $200. I didn’t use nearly that much though. Really, I didn’t spend much money at all besides the BSA rentals and the cab money for the ride back to the airport (I left a day late, so Brown wasn’t running shuttles). Be careful about what banks are close to campus if you’re planning on using an ATM--I had to switch banks before I started school this past year because there wasn’t a Chase nearby. You can look up banks nearby on Google pretty easily. A debit/credit card is fine as well if you’d rather bring that, although I would definitely bring cash for paying for cabs/shuttles/food at places like snack bars at the beach.

Vegetarianism?

I was pescetarian my first semester at Brown (and still eat mostly vegetarian now), and I didn’t have a problem with it for the most part. There is always a salad bar for lunch and dinner, in addition to fruit/cereal/bread all day. One of the dining halls has make-your-own waffles all day, and both have soft serve ice cream machines (!!!) if those are up your alley. I can’t quite remember if the dining halls operate the same in the summer as they do during the year, but usually the larger dining hall has one buffet line devoted entirely to vegetarian options. Other than a very mild lack of variety (remember though, I’m there for two semesters, not just a few weeks), I wouldn’t worry about it at all.

Notes from MINDAK Spring call

College Decision

College visits made a huge difference. Feeling at home is a priority. At first, the school may seem like its the perfect place but its important to see how it feels once you're there.

Visit colleges when you get the chance during junior year. This way, you can better decide where you want to apply, and how the school feels for you before you apply. Spring and summer is a great time to visit. Visit your school at preview day! It might change your opinion about the school. Financial aid makes a huge impact on college decision. Make sure you comb through that financial aid package!!

Roommates

Select one through preferences that you know you will be able to be comfortable with. Some schools do not take requests for roommates, but most administer surveys for living preferences to make it easier for freshmen

Extracurriculars

Bond with other students in the college Stay involved, keeps up social involvement and makes college a lot more fun!

Juniors:

Easter vacation junior year. Visit schools to narrow down your decision Finalize your list on where you want to apply before senior year or the beginning of senior year However, make sure you take your time and research the college to make sure youre headed in the right direction Look at reviews and student blogs!! See if you can get along with the kids, but make sure you look at all aspects of the school first! Dont base your entire decision on a specific field you might want to go to (science, history, psychology, etc) because they may change! Try to Apply to a wide range of schools that might be focused on a variety of majors. After you get acceptance letters, you might catch a severe case of senioritis. Work hard all the way through high school and beyond! Some colleges, especially top-tier schools, might revoke your acceptance if your grades begin to drop.

Ohio Circle Spring Call

Happy Monday Joyce Ivy Scholars! Here are some tips from the most recent Ohio Circle call.

College Visits for Current Juniors

First step: talk to your parents! They are the ones that will eventually be buying plane tickets, driving, or possibly booking the hotel.

Make a list of possible colleges. Your initial list should include multiple schools in each of the following levels: reach schools, target schools, and safety schools.

Look for college “fly in programs” that provide free travel to and from the college you are visiting. A list of schools that provided this program in 2014 and are expected to continue in 2015 can be found here: http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/blog/2014-college-fly-in-programs/. Most programs are open to specific groups such as first generation college students, females, ethnically diverse students, or low-income students.

Attend regional college fairs that showcase schools from your state and from all over the nation, sponsored by organizations such as the NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling).

The Cost VS Value Debate

Keep the average salary of your intended job in mind when selecting your college. Example: if your dream job pays 50k a year, and your student loans are estimated to be 30-40k, it probably won’t work out financially.

Compare the aid packages your colleges give you. If needed, call (or have a parent call on your behalf) your financial aid officer. Their job is to make sure you get the aid you deserve and so that you can attend the college.

Consider alumni endowment/donation numbers. A large alumni endowment means two things: 1) alumni are typically financially successful enough to give back to their school 2) alumni feel that their education there was important enough to warrant giving back.

Keep in mind your possible future financial changes that could affect the status of your FAFSA or CSS profile. Ex. a sibling graduating college, a parent retiring, etc.

Welcoming the 2015 JIF SUMMER SCHOLARS!

PLEASE be sure to welcome the new group of JIF Scholars to the Facebook group! The group is meant to be a networking tool for JIF Scholars before college program, during college program, after college program, and beyond. Introduce yourself and identify what school you attended during your pre-college program and what school you currently attend, if applicable. This way, the Scholars can contact you if they have any school or program specific questions to ensure that their pre-college program goes smoothly.

January Ohio Circle Call Notes

The Ohio Circle met for a call on January 25th, here are the notes from the call.

Summer Opportunities

-JSA Summer School: This program takes place at top universities across the nation like Stanford, Georgetown, and UVA. It focuses on law and public policy, and alumnae interested in serving the public through law should look into this program.

-Buckeye Girls State: Provided by the American Legion, this camp is designed to train Ohio's bright young women on citizenship, leadership, and government.

-Rotary Youth Exchange: Alumnae interested in travelling the world should definitely look into RYE. This program is the cheapest exchange program available and focuses on developing global citizens and making the world a smaller place. If interested in this program, contact alumna Haley Varnadoe*, who is a current RYE ambassador in training.

-Internships are also a key activity to be taken advantage of during the summer. Look into internships at local hospitals, law firms, veterinary clinics, etc. depending on your interests.

-Summer jobs can be beneficial to both a college resume and a college fund. Work experience looks great on a resume and extra money can be great for school. Try and find a job in a field that interests you.

FAFSA and financing college

-As with all college endeavors, use your resources! Parents, guidance counselors, and financial aid officers are all there to help you.

-The CSS Profile is used by private universities to estimate aid needed from the university. It is modeled much like the FAFSA and some questions will be the exact same.

-The FAFSA itself must be filed every year you are seeking higher education. It allows you to have the ability to get a work study job, and determines your family's estimated family contribution (EFC). It can be daunting to fill out, but resources are available. Keep in mind that if the FAFSA questionnaire is left on screen untouched for more than 15 minutes, you will be kicked off the system and have to start over. There is a worksheet, AKA cheat sheet, available online that will help you determine what kind of information is needed, thus giving you the ability to have it all in front of you when the time comes. Remember, take advantage of your resources!

The Ohio Circle Call members hope this information has been helpful!

*If interested in Rotary Youth Exchange, contact Haley Varnadoe via Facebook or at [email protected].

A huge database to help you find and compare enrichment programs for teenagers – high school study abroad, summer camps, volunteering, STEM education, gap year programs and more. You can search by location or by type of activity so that you can find exactly the program, volunteer opportunity, or internship you want!

Mindak January Circle Call Notes

In the Mindak call, we spoke mainly of two things: Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Financial Aid:

FAFSA

There are some partner organizations such as TRIO Program that may aid with filing the FAFSA financially or with advice. TRIO Program requires that you are a first generation college student, low-income, or disabled.

Make sure you complete and pay your taxes as soon as possible! The form is sometimes due prior to when your taxes are normally done, but this is essential. If your taxes are not paid, your financial aid will not be processed till May, and this could lead to a lesser package.

DATA Retrieval Tool: this can be used two weeks after you send in the FAFSA. You probably want to do this or your form may be selected for verification (which is a much more strenuous process).

CSS Profile

There is a $9 processing fee and $16 for every school.

If you absolutely need it, there is a fee waiver for up to 8 colleges. This waiver is granted automatically based upon the information entered and is not applied for.

IDOC (Imaging Documentation Service)

This is an extra service that may be necessary. However, if it is, you will receive an email with the request to file it.

**More information on this process can be found on the previous post by Tammy Goerger specifically about financial aid.

Scholarships:

General:

There are some academic, some need-based, and some based off of community involvement.

If you are a direct descendent of a veteran, the American Legion is overflowing with scholarships. This does not have to be a parent-child relation.

Start Early! There are some October deadlines, and a few scholarships can or must be applied for in your junior year!

List of Scholarships:

National Honor Society

Gates Milennia (8 essays of 1000 words, 2 recommendations, 1 nominator)

FiSCA (April deadline)

Don't disregard "small," local scholarships. They can add up.

A list of scholarships both national and Mindak regional can be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-cp_IB5ndQDNOcOzyW2YkHSddn_K4PMY4dTVhnkrpuw/edit?usp=sharing

Miscellaneous:

Common Application/College Applications:

Seriously start early, juniors. The common app opens August 1st and sometimes they reuse questions. The questions did not change between 2013 and 2014. If at all possible, start thinking of responses over the summer.

If the amount of essays feels overwhelming, don't worry! Start with filling in your basic information and then move on to the essays as you feel inspired. Personally, I always kept the questions with me until they were all written so I could reference them in the middle of class or wherever.

The hardest part is probably sounding unique throughout the essays. To help with this, spread out the essays and try to not fall into only throwing an essay together just to check it off the list. Always read and re-read your essays.

For your recommendations on the common app, waive your right to see them. Your teachers may show you anyway, but this shows the colleges that you are not influencing what the teachers write.

Interviews:

Many interviews are pretty relaxed and in places such as coffee shops, over the phone, or Skype.

The questions focus around who you are as a person and why you would like to attend X school.

You may have to lead the way if the person is quiet and does not as many questions. If this is the case, do not be afraid to expound freely on your accomplishments/reasons for X.

That being said, the interview process does not hold a lot of weight. Some people do not receive interviews, so it is usually not a make it or break it situation (unless your character portrayed in the application is completely different than your actual person).

Consider bringing a résumé and transcript. They may or may not want it, but at least you will be able to reference it if needed.

Resume

Write one up to have a list of your extracurriculars, academic achievements/honors, employment, and volunteer experience at an easy disposal for filling out scholarships.

This usually is not given to a school or a scholarship committee directly, but it is useful to reference.

#MindakCircleCall

Banking on Success: Scholarship Tips to Graduate from College Debt-Free

Thinking back on my high school years, I remember the whirlwind that was applying for college. On top of taking a full courseload riddled with Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes (I still have nightmares of AP Physics & Calc) and 2 courses at the local community college (10 courses total!) to earn credits that could be transferred to my future university, I was also submitting college applications. It is an overwhelming process to juggle success in your high school classes, extracurricular activities, working part-time, creating quality college applications, excelling on the SAT & ACT standardized tests, visiting college campuses, working hard to get into your dream competitive university, and then, of course, considering the cost of college! It can be done, however, and the Joyce Ivy Foundation is here to help and support you along the way. At the time of applying to college, my sights were set on attending Harvard, Yale or another out-of-state competitive University. I had the best summer of my life studying Political Philosophy at the Harvard Summer School Program through the Joyce Ivy Foundation, and I loved everything about Harvard. I then proceeded to apply to various competitive colleges in my senior year after coming back from Harvard. The cost of attending college was one of my considerations in applying, but I honestly had not deeply thought about it. It was not until I actually visited the University of Michigan’s college campus that the thought of paying for college became real. I loved Ann Arbor’s eclectic campus, the world-class “fish bowl” computer lab, and the absolutely incredible research facilities at U of M. I began to realize that an in-state, world-class University could provide a high-quality education equivalent to that of an Ivy League school, and with a highly reduced price tag. When I attended college back in 2007, the tuition rate of U of M was about $12,000 for a full year of classes, whereas Harvard and Yale had pricetags of about $36,000. Because I also knew I would be applying to law school after college, I thought it best to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor as well. I knew I would receive a competitive education that would prepare me for law school and also be in a position to afford a legal education in my post-college grad years. Even though you have a lot going on, you will thank yourself later in life if you take some time to think about the cost of college and ways to reduce it. It is my intention in this Tumblr post to provide you with: (1) Advice on considering cost as a factor in choosing a competitive college to attend, and; (2) Ways to increase your success in securing scholarships before and during college, so that you can graduate debt-free. The Joyce Ivy Foundation: A Great Resource for Young Women If you are feeling overwhelmed with managing the college application process, remember that the Joyce Ivy Foundation is here to help you. The Joyce Ivy Foundation is a great resource in addition to any college counseling services that your high school may currently have. Feel free to contact one of the mentors or other leaders involved with the Joyce Ivy Foundation for assistance in navigating financial aid or for tips on securing college scholarships. Student Loan Stats: The Reality in 2015 and Beyond According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, American students have accumulated about $1.2 trillion in student loan debt. The average student loan borrower has about $30,000 in student loan debt. These statistics can become a serious issue if a student wishes to pursue a Ph.D, Juris Doctorate (J.D.), or Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.) in the post-college years. They can also be an issue if a student wishes to purchase a home or work in a high-cost city in the post-college years, such as New York City or D.C. The best way to overcome this hurdle is to try to minimize the cost of college through scholarship opportunities. The Solution to the Student Loan Debt Issue Joyce Ivy Scholars can position themselves for both academic and financial success. It is possible for Joyce Ivy Scholars to obtain a valuable, competitive college education without taking on a significant financial burden. Here are some tips to make this a possibility: (1) Attend an In-State Competitive University If you have access to competitive in-state Universities, such as the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, you may want to give these universities a serious consideration. In-state resident tuition can be significantly less costly than out-of-state resident tuition. At the University of Michigan, residents currently pay only $13,000 a year for tuition, while nonresidents pay $42,000 a year for tuition. The cost of attending U of M for a nonresident is the equivalent of the cost of attending Harvard or another Ivy League school. Attending an in-state university can also be a very smart option if you will be attending graduate school after college. State universities often have alumni networks that are very extensive as well. The University of Michigan has over 500,000 alumni throughout the world. I can't tell you how many times I meet proud University of Michigan alumni who are happy to provide career advice and more. (2) Take Community College Courses to Earn Transfer Credit While you are in high school, you may have the option of taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes or even courses offered at the local community college. I highly recommend you look into the option of dual-enrollment or taking additional community college classes. When I attended the University of Michigan, I was able to transfer all of the 28 credits that I earned during high school from taking courses at Macomb Community College during my senior year. I was also able to transfer credits earned from taking AP classes and the associated exams. The impact was so significant that I was able to graduate an entire year early from the University of Michigan and save over $25,000 in tuition and housing costs. I was able to graduate with two majors in three years, instead of the typical four years, due to my transfer credits. I was then able to pursue my dream of attending law school right after college. (3) Get to Know the Financial Aid Office at Your College Become acquainted with the individuals who work in the Financial Aid Office at the college you attend. They may be able to offer you tips on newly created scholarships that you qualify for. They may also be the ones who handle the processing of your scholarship applications. At the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, I found the Financial Aid Office to be very willing to help me with any of my scholarship applications. (4) Apply for Alumni Scholarships After my first year of attendance at U of M, I remember being given the opportunity to apply for alumni scholarships. These are scholarships that are created in remembrance or in honor of alumni who attended the University. The criteria for receiving these scholarships varies greatly; it may depend on fulfilling a GPA requirement or as simple as involvement in a particular University student organization. Even though I felt unsure of whether I stood a chance of receiving an alumni scholarship amongst all of the other competitive U of M students, I still submitted an application for an alumni scholarship after my freshman year. The College of Literature, Science & Arts (LSA) has a basic form to submit for consideration in regards to all alumni scholarships offered, which I filled out. To my surprise, I was provided a $500 scholarship for my sophomore year for an application that took about 10 minutes to complete. In my junior year, I was shocked to receive a $4,000 scholarship for filling out the same application for alumni scholarships. (5) List Your Unique Qualities, Heritage, Culture & Interests Scholarships can be very specialized and tailored. By listing out factors like your heritage or interests, you can seek out scholarships that may apply to you. For example, I was able to receive a significant scholarship due to my father’s service in the Marines. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) provides scholarships to students who are the children of former Marines. I also wrote for the student newspaper at U of M, and I was able to receive multiple scholarships due to my involvement as a student journalist. By considering your unique qualities, you can make it easier to secure scholarships. By applying for these highly specialized types of scholarships, you also do not have to be concerned about competing with thousands of other students. A specialized scholarship may only ultimately have a pool of a few applicants, which increases your odds of success. (6) Consider Employer Tuition Assistance Programs If you work part-time during college, see whether your employer has a tuition assistance program. Better yet, you may even want to seek a part-time job based on whether the employer can offer tuition assistance. An employer tuition assistance program can shave off thousands of dollars on your tuition bill at the end of the year. These tips are designed to help you maximize your likelihood of success in securing scholarships. There are also a variety of scholarship directory sites available online, but the tips outlined here were intended to help you strategize what can be an overwhelming process. If you have any questions about scholarship applications, feel free to contact Julianne Nowicki at [email protected].

Thinking About Law School? Some Pre-Law Tips to Consider

Thinking about attending law school? Being in high school, it can seem daunting to think about law school. It may seem like years ahead and far away, but you can make valuable use of your time in high school to explore the field of law and all that it has to offer. It is my hope to offer some valuable insight and advice to those considering law school and who may be in high school or college. As a Joyce Ivy Foundation Alumna, I graduated from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in 2010 and Ave Maria School of Law in 2013. I am currently licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. I have found the field of law to be both rewarding and fulfilling on a personal level and in contributing to society on a greater level. While some people choose to attend law school immediately after college (I did so), the reality is that people attend law school at all ages. Some people choose to work for a couple of years after college, whether to build a savings nest, explore a different career path, or for other reasons, and then attend law school. I found that attending law school immediately after graduating from U of M worked best for me, as I was already in the “study mode” and felt ready to conquer the hundreds of cases, thousands of pages of readings, and Socratic Method that awaited me and are part of the law school experience to this day. Remember, however, that attending law school is ultimately your personal choice and something that should feel right to you. Being as informed as possible will help you to make a choice that is in your best interests. Here are some pre-law tips to also help you as you consider law school. Consider Mock Trial: If your high school offers mock trial, consider giving it a try for a semester or for the year. Having gone through law school, I can honestly say that mock trial provides a similar environment to that of a court room and/or law firm. The way it works is that students are provided a “case” (which has been drafted by actual attorneys and/or judges) that they must work on. Students act as attorneys to prepare direct and cross-examination questions to interview witnesses during trial. Students may also take on the roles of witnesses in the case. Ultimately, students compete against other high schools to argue their side of the case before attorneys in the community. If you participate in mock trial, chances are that local attorneys may also be volunteering their time at your high school to assist students in preparation. Mock trial could provide you with a great platform for meeting attorneys in your community. Take Pre-Law Classes Offered If Possible: See whether your high school offers any type of “pre-law” or “general law” classes. I would highly recommend that you take these courses to gain a broader understanding of law. If your high school does not offer these types of classes, then you may want to see if you can take this type of course at a local community college. Some high schools allow you to take community college classes at a highly subsidized cost, and the additional benefit is that you can gain college credit that transfers to your college in the future. Get Involved Politically: Volunteer for a political campaign or election in your community. This can be a great way to make connections with political figures, as well as expand your knowledge on important issues affecting your community and/or state government. Consider The Cost: If you are absolutely sure that you want to attend law school, then you should keep in mind the significant investment that a legal education entails. The college that you choose to attend could drastically impact the ultimate amount of student loans you require to fund both a college and legal education. You may want to choose a college that is affordable in order to support your future endeavors in attending law school. Talk with Current Law Students: By talking with current law students, you can gain a real-world understanding of the law school experience, the financial pressures of law school and the time commitment that it requires. By speaking with a law student, you can understand the “total” investment that a legal education also requires. Law students may also help you understand the realities of what it is like to find a job after graduation, etc. If you are in high school, it may be difficult to talk with law students if you are not located near a university or law school. This could be something you plan on doing when you attend college and may have the opportunity to talk with law students at the university you later attend (such as University of Michigan or Michigan State). If you have any questions about the law school experience or are thinking about going to law school, please feel free to contact Julianne Nowicki at [email protected]. I have also written an e-book, entitled “Budgeting Your Way Through Law School,” that is available on Amazon and can help students understand the financial investment required for law school.

Missouri & Nebraska Call: 11 January 2015

COLLEGE INTERVIEWS: Eye-contact is essential, conveying not only respect but also an interest at the topic at hand. Some interviewers might only ask you questions for a small fraction of the actual interview, so be prepared with plenty of questions!

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING INTERVIEWS: As an ice-breaker, try asking general instead of more specific questions (e.g. feel of the student body, transition from high school, atmosphere of campus). Later on, ask the interviewer to dispel or confirm any rumors/stereotypes about the school- they have experienced all the school has to offer, so you might as well take advantage of this opportunity!

INTERVIEW PREP: Consider making a video of yourself both asking and responding to various questions, both ones that you are more comfortable with as well as more in-depth ones (e.g. favorite book vs. career choice or intended major)

UNFORESEEN EXPENSES IN COLLEGE: More than likely, you will not use your required meal plan to its full extent (unless you are an athlete) for various reasons or another (e.g. dorm is too far away from dining hall or the dining hall does not have convenient hours) and you will find yourself spending more money on food and groceries than initially anticipated. Your beginning-of-the-semester budget, especially as a first semester freshman, almost certainly will not take into account those late-night caffeine/pizza runs for studying or the occasional outing with friends, particularly at the onset of the semester.

#college interviews expenses

Financial Aid Applications - a Parent's Perspective

Tammy Goerger is the mother of three (David, Marie, and Samantha - JIF 2013). Her children have all attended (or will attend in the case of Samantha) highly selective universities. Because of this, she has been filing for Financial Aid for six years, and, according to Samantha, has mastered the process. Here is her advice on filing for Financial Aid.

Financial aid application—probably my three least favorite words at this time of the year. FAFSA, CSS Profile, IDOC just to name a few. I remember being told how difficult it was to fill out the FAFSA and now I laugh at that thought. The FAFSA is a breeze compared to the CSS profile. I remember the first time I filled out the CSS profile and, when it was completed, I needed to sign on the dotted line stating something like “to the best of my knowledge, this document is true and accurate.” I remember looking at my husband with tears in my eyes, saying “I don’t know anymore.” The CSS profile is approximately 300 questions ranging from your income to how many cars you own and how much you owe on them. By the time I was finished, I felt it was 100 questions asked 3 different ways to intentionally trip you up, but I can assure you that after you’ve survived the CSS profile once, you can survive it again! Once the CSS profile and the FAFSA were finished, I thought I was on easy street, but then came the request to send all of our tax documents to the Institutional Documentation Service, which is better known as the IDOC. Not sure how that acronym makes any sense, but let’s just say the IDOC process added another level of stress to my already stressed out brain. You see, you get an ID number and then you print off a checklist that must be included with you documents. You must fill in each bubble that coincides with the material that you are sending in and for those of you that file a 1040 rather than a 1040EZ, watch out. Lots of bubbles to fill in, lots of papers to make sure you send to the IDOC and, being a perfectionist, I wanted it to be just right.

If you are fortunate enough to not have to use the IDOC, then you must fax all your tax documents to said institution. The first time I faxed my documents, it was over 45 pages. Seriously, who looks at all of these documents?

If you managed to survive the FAFSA, CSS Profiles and the IDOC, never fear, if you own a business, there could be more. The Business/Farm supplement form. For me, I felt this form was rather redundant. If they already had 45 pages of my tax forms, why in the world would they want two more pieces of paper with what I felt was the same information? Someone must love to sort through paperwork!

In all honesty, the process is worth the stress. All three of my children have received wonderful financial aid packages at highly selective universities.

So, now for the helpful part: have your papers in order and start early. All of the forms are time consuming and very detailed so I encourage you to start as soon as possible. Don’t be afraid to take a break from the seemingly daunting task, and know that, in the end, it will all be worth it!

A word of advice on the FAFSA: if you owe the government any money for taxes, you need to pay them ASAP or your FAFSA gets put to the bottom of the pile. Also, when available, I would encourage you to go on the IRS website and order a tax transcript because if you are selected for verification, you are going to need that :)

My final word of advice is relax. If your taxes aren’t completed, do the best that you can with estimates using last year’s taxes. Once your FAFSA, IDOC and other forms are completed, you can breathe a sigh of relief and know that next year it will be much easier.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected]

Tammy Goerger

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

Joyce Ivy Foundation Mentors