Dorm in a Box

I will soon be posting a checklist of items to take to college. There are quite a few companies that will sell you a "Dorm in a Box". The college will usually send you flyers in the mail, and at orientations there is usually a table or booth with representatives from these companies.
Most dorms use an XL twin bed, so you have to get new sheets. Some of the package deals can be pretty good for sheets, comforters, etc.
Some of the packages are more expensive, but can be worth it. I found that I did not need all of the items these packages included. I did buy a sheet set from the company that the college recommended, and I bought a shower caddy set.
Just take a good look at what you are being offered. Do you need all of the items in the package? Could you buy the items cheaper yourself? Take into account all the running around you may have to do to make these purchases. Then decide!

ACT vs. SAT test

Well, test season is just over, but this is my two cents on college admissions tests. Your student would normally take these tests in their Junior year of high school. My daughter just took both this month. I do recommend having your child take both, because you don't always know which test they will do better on. Most colleges will accept either test score.
If your child knows the college they want to go to for sure, then check to see their requirements. I also recommend (for most kids), to take the June tests, as there is material that schools cover during the Jr. year and if you take a test in Feb/Mar. they may not even know all the material.
If your child does not do as well as they'd like, there is still time to retake one of the tests in the Fall.
There are great tips and practice test on the websites as well:
http://act.org/     and     http://www.collegeboard.org/

11th grade action plan

Junior year is so critical. This is the year that grade transcripts and volunteer or job info. will go with your college applications. We have had some drama with my daughter's grades being incorrect due to an illness, but it is finally getting straightened out!
I wanted to share some good information from Big Future (formerly collegeboard.com).
Check out this action plan for High School Juniors and parents:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/for-parents/parent-action-plan-11th-grade?ep_ch=CO&ep_mid=10539007&ep_rid=2065094

Great High School Graduation Gifts REpost for 2013

There are so many graduations coming up, and we are always trying to think of useful, but wanted, gift ideas. Later this month I am going to publish a 'what to take to college" list, but here are some grad gifts that they can also use when they move to college:
Shower Tote filled with body wash (girls and guys!), lotions, shaving items, shampoo and conditioner.
Towel set with washclothes
Laundry Tote with laundry supplies (I LOVE the Purex 3 in 1 sheets for a college student)
Rolls of quarters (if needed)
NetFlix membership
Portable speakers
Noise-canceling Headphones (students LOVE these)
Underbed storage
Locked box or lockable filing cabinet (especially when sharing a room)
Small set of washable dishes
small wastebasket and garbage bags
Fan (the majority of dorms are NOT air conditioned)
small microwave
small fridge (be careful here, as many colleges only allow a certain size)
Tide to go, sewing kit
Money and gift cards are always appreciated, of course. If you know where the student is going to school, check to see what restaurants are in the town, as all kids get tired of the school food options after awhile.

Don't Miss Deadlines!

Deadlines, deadlines, and more deadlines! I just had to remind my son to reapply to one outside scholarship he got last year. It is $1500, and while that does not sound like a lot, it has made a world of difference.
I have a spreadsheet created with all kinds of scholarships and deadlines, but I think I will have to add a tab with deadline dates for renewable scholarships.
The other deadlines to watch out for are application dates and acceptance dates. May 1st is the traditional 'decision day'. If your student has not decided you can usually let a college know that you might miss that date. You may also be waiting for all the financial aid and scholarship information. I know for my son, he decided on April 30th! Nothing like the last minute. For him it was down to 2 schools, based on the best financial deal.
My daughter will be a High School senior next year, so the Fall starts with all the applications. For her, there is an additional component to applications,since she will also have to have an audition for music.
Whether you use a spreadsheet, or some other organizational tool, the best thing I can tell you is to be organized! There are so many moving parts to this process, and you don't want to forget to do something!

Private vs. Public

Many people are surprised when I tell them my son goes to a Private University. My family is certainly not wealthy, but most of you would be surprised at how often a Private school is a better deal than the Public option. Private schools tend to have more scholarships and grants available to help students afford the tuition. The Private college or university will usually be able to work with your family more closely, and look at many alternatives in order to manage the costs. The other nice thing about a Private school is that the tuition is the same whether or not you live in state. For a student that really wants to experience a different state, this can be helpful.
Now, don't get me wrong, the Public University can still be a good deal. The costs are generally lower, so if you are planning to pay most/all of your student's tuition, then definitely take a look.
The best advice I can give is to not count a school out due to the perception of it being expensive. Let your student look at both types of colleges. After your student applies, and then receives the Financial Aid Award, is the the time to compare costs. The bottom line is your out of pocket costs, after loans, grants, scholarships,etc.
You may be surprised at what you see!

Scholarship for H.S. Seniors or College students..

Adventures in Education gives away a $500 scholarship each month (in a drawing)..
www.aie.org/milt-wright-scholarship/index.cfm
Here are the eligibility requirements: •You may enter the monthly drawing for the Milton G. Wright Scholarship if you: ◦Are eligible to receive federal student aid (Title IV) funding; ◦Are, at the time of entry, at least 13 years old; ◦Are a high school senior or graduate, or GED recipient; ◦Plan to enroll or are already enrolled at least half time in an undergraduate degree- or certificate-seeking program, or a non-degree program for teacher certification at an approved 4-year college; ◦Are not a TG employee or a dependent of a TG employee.