Tips for Attending a College Fair

Attending college fairs is one way that students can begin the process of narrowing down what schools to apply to for higher education. There are many institutions available with representatives on hand to explain the application process. This is a key step for high school students, especially those who have not yet made decisions on where they want to attend or what major they might pursue.

The Set-Up
Most college fairs are sponsored by a school or local career counseling agencies in an effort to help high school students find a career path through higher education. Many private schools and local government educational systems offer college fairs as a means to help their students excel in education and attend college. The event may be held during the school day or in the evening, depending on the location. It typically features representatives from at least dozens different colleges, universities and trade schools. The fair is usually set up in a large room, such as the cafeteria or gymnasium with separate tables for each school. At least one representative from each university - sometimes more - sits at the booth with a few empty chairs for students to sit and chat. Brochures and paraphernalia from the institution are available for visitors to take as they wish. Students walk around the room and visit each table to learn more about the schools and their programs. Most participants are from local universities that draw a large number of students from that high school or district, or would like to boost their recruiting class.

Purpose
The purpose of college fairs is two-fold. The schools want to find potential applicants that can enhance their student body. The students want to find a university that offers their major and is a good fit for earning a college degree. Students can find out more about various undergraduate scholarships for college, as well as grants and financial aid packages, by speaking to these representatives. When planned in advance, some universities will use this as an opportunity to interview potential bidders for academic scholarships and early admissions applicants.

Preparation
Students who want to make the most of the fair should do a little bit of homework beforehand. They should secure a list of attendees and determine whether any hold their interest. If the student does not know anything about the school, they might consider looking up location, school size, tuition costs and whether they offer the student's major interest or have a reputable sports program that fits the player's talents. Making a list of each university of interest is the first step. A list of questions will help to narrow down the choices for applications.

Visiting Tables
Each table will hope to have as many possible recruits visit with them as they can muster. The student should take time to visit only those tables that pique their interest. Most representatives will ask each child to fill out an interest card. This will put them on a mailing list. Kids who plan ahead will create and bring along stickers imprinted with their name, address, telephone, high school, expected graduation date, major of interest and sports or extracurricular interests. These stickers can be affixed to the interest cards, saving a lot of time and hand cramping from excessive writing.

Sessions
Some fairs will offer informational sessions or seminars about choosing the right college and familiarizing high school students with the admissions, acceptance, scholarships and financial aid processes. Those seeking more information will want to attend these free and objective events.

Author is the parent of college students who likes to research academic scholarships, like the ones found at http://www.collegeanswer.com/.

Saving Money On Your College Education

College days, to most college freshmen and their parents, is a time of transformation but it is also a very expensive time. While it may seem that you need to spend through the nose to get a very good education you will likely find that there are some ways to get around overspending that will still permit your student to come out of school with a good degree from a high end university in their hand.

To begin with even the best of students these days are finding that they can attend a local Community College and live at home with Mom and Dad for the first two years of their college education at least. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of a student's education and can allow them and their parents a little more time to save up for that high end university and the high dollar tuition that will come along with it.

The great thing about doing this is that you can still wind up with a degree from a good four year school but you will only wind up paying for one or two years of tuition to that institution and these days every little bit you can save will help. In addition to saving on tuition you will also find that when you do attend a school away from home that it may be just as cost effective to share an apartment or house locally with several fellow students as it is to stay on campus. When you transfer you are usually given this option. And while many think that they will save with on campus living they usually notice pretty quickly that the savings is minimal if at all and the limits and restrictions to a two person dorm room are very confining.

Used books are a great deal and a great way to save money on you college education as well. When it comes to acquiring your books you need to pick them up early if you want to get the cheaper used books because they can disappear fast. Of course, some subjects will only have new books to offer but even then if you are good at online shopping then you will likely be able to locate a deal on a particular text book you will need.

Certainly, in the end while you may be tempted to spend more to get that degree from a big name college or university, a degree is a degree. No matter what school your degree comes from you will most likely discover that you are able to get a good job in your field. And unless you are preparing to run for congress or become president of the U.S. you are likely to be just fine with a degree from a lesser known college or university.

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Dealing With Stress In College

In college, every student experiences stress. For some students, a little stress is a motivator that helps them prepare and perform. For other students, stress exceeds their level for tolerance and makes them lose their focus, wastes their time, saps their energy and sabotages their performance. Too much stress is never good for us.

In college, sources of stress can include:
1. People - Family members, boy/girlfriends, professors, employers, dorm mates and others can all cause stress when conflicts arise.

2. Deadlines, Workload and Difficult Assignments - It is easy to feel overwhelmed when there are too many difficult things to do and not enough time to do them. Consistently long hours can cause stress.

3. Money & Job Issues - Many students go through college using money they have borrowed and with the money they earn from part-time and summer jobs. When unexpected expenses pop up or when an income source is interrupted or stops, things can get complicated and stressful.

4. Loneliness / Isolation - Stress can occur when students get homesick and miss their families and old friends. Others fail to make friends at college and feel lonely or isolated.

5. The Environment - Dorm living can mean compromises, cramped quarters, shared bathrooms, bright lights, noise, little privacy and messy conditions. All of this can be stressful.

6. Trauma - When students have been in an accident or are assaulted, raped, harassed or in some way harmed, they will be stressed.

7. Health Issues - Students who are physically ill or psychologically injured, often are already or will soon become stressed and depressed. Signals from your body can include can include nervousness, headaches, eye strain, upset stomachs, tears and back pain.

Coping mechanisms include:

1. Physical Activity - Since stress usually manifests itself in the body, physical activity can help to relieve the problem. Forms of activity include: Exercise, Walking, Jogging, Sports of all kinds, Calisthenics, Dancing, Rope Skipping, Ping Pong, Yoga, Deep Breathing, A Massage, Singing, Stretching, Squeeze Toys, Twisting a Towel, Screaming and Laughing.

2. Food & Beverages - Avoid caffeine and sugar. Eat a healthy diet including fruit and vegetables. Recognize that carbohydrates can relieve stress but add weight. Consider Popcorn and Pretzels (Low-fat, Hi-Carb foods).

3. Establish Schedules and Routines - Go to sleep at the same time each night. Get 7 or 8 hours of sleep during the week. Get up at the same time each morning. Eat a healthy breakfast. Define you study times.

4. Preparation - Gather the tools and do the research before you get started. Understand what is needed. When you are prepared, there is little reason to be stressed. Break large projects into a series of small projects. Identify the critical parts and do them first. Get help with the things you do not understand. When you get tired of working on one segment, switch to another segment for a while.

5. Your Attitude - Consider meditation and use visualization for being in a peaceful place and being successful in what you are about to do. Create a few personal incentives and rewards for achieving a milestone and accomplishing the goal. Relaxing music can also help. Keep some flowers in your room. Play with a pet. View your favorite comedy movie. Spend time with an upbeat friend. All of these things can improve your attitude.

6. Think Prevention - Anticipate and prevent problems. Start and finish things early. Set priorities. Allocate enough time. Build in a cushion for the unexpected. Get help when it is needed. Fight procrastination. Take periodic breaks. Set Limits. Say "no" to the unimportant things. Avoid the last minute rush. Strive for a balance. Learn the principles of time management. Use a calendar, a To-Do List and a planner.

When you recognize and understand the causes of your stress, it is easier to develop a plan to prevent as many as possible and deal more effectively with those that remain. However, if you find that stress is severely interfering with your performance, visit the Health Services Office on your campus to get some additional advice.

Bob Roth, a former campus recruiter, is the author of four books: The College Student's Companion, College Success: Advice for Parents of High School and College Students, The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job -and- The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College. Known as The "College & Career Success" Coach, Bob writes articles for College Career Services Offices, Campus Newspapers, Parent Associations and Employment Web Sites. Bob has created The Job Identification Machine™, a system that colleges use to identify thousands of employment opportunities for students. He has been interviewed on numerous radio programs across the country and by many publications, including U.S. News & World Report and The Wall Street Journal. http://www.The4Realities.com. Bob's Blog- http://collegesuccess.blog.com

Ways To Enjoy An Alcohol-Free College Experience

A Bachelor's degree program is the four-year, traditional college experience that has pervaded popular culture. Many high school students look forward to entering their Bachelor's degree program so that they can join a Greek organization, enjoy an active college social life, and often indulge in the use of alcohol. Of course, many students do not drink. These students often worry that they will not fit in at college or that they will miss out on crucial college experiences. Of course, this is completely untrue. There are many ways to have a great time in college without drinking.

Whether it is due to being underage or because of your personal beliefs, it is perfectly acceptable not to drink in college. Many other students share your beliefs and choose to abstain from alcohol use as they work towards their college degree. Unfortunately, some of your peers may think differently, however. College culture in the United States too often revolves around alcohol use. It can be difficult for students to stand up for their personal beliefs by saying no to alcohol during college.

One of the biggest steps you can take as a non-drinker is to pick a college that supports your beliefs. You may not have been aware that some colleges and universities throughout the United States are "dry," meaning that they do not permit the use of alcohol on campus. In some cases, this is due to the religious beliefs of the organization that founded the college. Many students who choose to earn their Bachelor's degree from a "dry" college do so because they share this value. You'll find plenty of like-minded friends and alternative forms of fun on a "dry" campus.

If your college allows the use of alcohol on campus, that doesn't mean that every student chooses to make alcohol the center of all fun and recreation. Many colleges have organizations or clubs for students who choose not to drink. Joining this club will allow you to meet others with your same values, as well as to attend club-hosted parties that don't include alcohol.

Most colleges have plenty of fun activities where students can get involved and socialize without drinking. Joining a sports team, student club or organization, or participating in college-sponsored trips and outings are all great ways to have a rewarding social experience that does not revolve around alcohol.

Just because you don't drink doesn't mean you can't participat in social events where alcohol is served. If you feel pressured to drink at a party, simply pour your soft drink into an unidentifiable cup. No one will know you're not drinking.

Standing up for what you believe in is important, but you should practice being graceful about it. You don't have to explain your reasons for choosing not to consume alcohol, but being prepared with a casual statement about why you are making this choice may help others to accept this and stop pressuring you to drink.

You'll likely find that many of your friends in college will drink, but you don't have to give in to peer pressure. Also, for half of your Bachelor's degree, you will be underage. A university degree should not revolve around alcohol and parties. There are ways of having fun in college without drinking if you keep an open mind and encourage others to do the sale.

Co-Education Concept

Co-education is common in almost all the advanced western countries like, France, Britain, Russia, America and Canada. It is to be found in many great eastern countries like Turkey, China, Japan and Nigeria and in others parts of the world like Australia and South America.

There are surely some great benefits of co-education. First of all it gives a good training to boys and girls to work together. While studying side by side in different class they learn to cooperate for common aims or purposes. After completing their education they can easily join different professions together. They can work together for common national aims at scientific research centres, in hospital and offices and even in factories to increase national production.

Boys and girls studying together can discuss their subjects and can help each other in understanding them well. Boys may be able to understand and know some subjects or their parts compared to girls. They can explain and discuss them with girls. So girls may be able to explain some arts to boys in their own ways.

Co-education can make boys and girls compete with each other in studies. Both can try to learn more and do better in discussions and at examination. This can surely help raise education standards.

Co-education gives enough chances to boys and girls to study their subjects together from highly qualified and exceptionally able teachers. Both ale and female teachers of good repute can teach in co-educational institutions. Such teachers are not easily available in scientific and technical subjects like Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, Engineering and so on. Even in languages like French and German, we may not easily find highly qualified teachers for higher classes. Then male and female teachers can work together and discuss their problems of teaching. They can co-operate in scientific research or in advanced studies.

Co-education helps boys and girls to understand each other's problems. Girls can prove successful wives and boys successful husbands after the completion of their education. They can work side by side for a better society as equal citizens.

Yet co-education has some disadvantages. In educational institutions girls cannot always take part in sports, debates, etc alone with boys. They cannot often work actively with boys in social functions. They often have to make separate arrangements of their own games or other activities. But these are not as good as those for boys or those in girls' college. This gives a feeling of dissatisfaction to the girls.

It may not be possible to teach and explain all the parts of a subject to boys and girls together. There are some topics in subjects like psychology and medicine which cannot be easily discussed before both the sexes. As a result, the teacher may not be able to explain them fully. Sometimes the teacher may not be able to talk about problems of girls before boys and those of boys before girls.

In spite of the disadvantages of co-education we may not be able to do without it. It is necessary to make a proper use of co-education. It is quite possible to get benefits of co-education and avoid most of the disadvantages.