CAPlus Monthly - Aug/Sept

It's August, and students are beginning to think about back-to-school shopping and how they will enjoy their last few weeks of freedom before school begins again. As parents, you should also get ready to send your students back to high school or off to college by having a discussion about some of the important issues they may face, especially on a college campus.

Building strong character in your son or daughter is one of the most important things you can do as a parent, and this is a good time to work on that. Here is a list of several issues that you may want to address:

Drinking on campus is a very real and rampant activity. Many students want to fit in, especially at first, and going to bars or clubs is an easy way for them to feel accepted. Drinking, especially binge drinking, is not only dangerous but is also a waste of time and money. Statistics say that about 44% of college students have been involved in binge drinking, and college students are more likely to be diagnosed as alcohol abusers than peers who are not attending college.

Gambling is another activity that is increasing rapidly on college campuses. TV gambling reality shows and Internet gambling are rising in popularity, and it is easy for students to become addicted and lose money. Kids may play poker as entertainment, but it creates unhealthy situations and can end up costing much more than they expect.

Sex is also prevalent on campuses (and high schools), especially because students have fewer authority figures to hold them accountable. Although sex before marriage tends to be acceptable in today's culture, it causes problems. There is often emotional fallout, girls can get pregnant, and both guys and girls can spread or receive more than 20 diseases. Coed dorms, easily available condoms, and easy access to the opposite sex on campus, coupled with hormones, set the stage for "easy" sex. But the effects of premarital sex are never "easy" to deal with, and you should talk to your student about abstinence and giving himself fully to the person he marries.

Drugs are available in many high school and college settings. While alcohol is still the drug of choice, there are many other types of stimulants available. Most of your students are not involved in this scene, but it is important to address. Sometimes a little pill to help keep them up at night sounds good, but it is always a dangerous path to start down. Addiction is never a good things, and the negative effects far outweigh the passing "good feeling."

Pornography is a widespread issue in our country today and is affecting both men and women in negative ways. Parents often assume that their children are not involved in pornography (or are afraid to confront the children about it), while in reality many boys (and girls) are. Porn, in its many forms, only promotes selfish gratification. This is an issue that parents should discuss with both daughters and sons, even if it is a difficult subject to broach.

Safety may also be an issue on some college campuses. Speak with your children (especially daughters) and explain how to be street smart on campus. To discourage against rape and abuse, young women should always walk with someone else on campus at night. Students should be aware that theft is common and should remember to lock up valuable items. It is better to err on the side of caution rather than end up in a bad situation.

Credit card abuse is also a very real and dangerous issue. Financial responsibility is very important, and credit card companies bombard students with offers for credit cards with low interest and monthly rates. We suggest giving the student a debit card the first year at school, because it takes the money directly from the student's account instead of allowing him or her to buy things on credit. Make sure that your student understands that the money from loans, parents, and scholarships is for college, not for parties and pizza. The large pizza with 50 buffalo wings may cost $16.99 now, but how much will that be after adding interest for 20 years?

Making friends is one of the things that students worry about the most when entering college (or even a new year of high school). Encourage them to meet and associate with many different people and choose who they want to spend time with. Getting in with the wrong kind of crowd can be an issue. One of the best things about college is the fact that the student won't have any identity already established. He can be himself without worrying about an embarrassing rumor that went around the eighth grade locker room.

Don't be afraid of this new page in your child's life. Discuss these things to make the student aware of them and the consequences of making both bad and good choices. Although it is sometimes difficult to talk to your child about many of these issues, you as the parent are the best equipped to deal with it. It is your responsibility to bring up this child, and you should do everything you can to instill strong morals and good attitudes in your student. Remember to be encouraging, gentle, and non-confrontational. Continue to establish trust and love in your relationship with your child so that he or she will feel comfortable coming to you with problem he or she may have during the school year.

High school sophomores

If your student has had a summer job, you should sit down with him or her to determine how much money he or she has earned and set up a budget for the coming year. Parents shouldn't put the student's money in a special savings account, but help them learn how to budget and set priorities.

Encourage students who are able to become involved in extracurricular activities and clubs at school. Getting involved in activities early will give your student the opportunity to be active in leadership in later high school years, providing more leverage when negotiating with college admissions offices. When a student does get involved in clubs or organizations, he or she should be an active participant, not just a member!

Students should consider getting involved in community service activities. This can help complement a student's achievements in academics, athletics, or other areas and enable him or her to receive more or better scholarships.

Parents should figure out how much money they will be able to pay for a student's college expenses. It is useless for a student to consider a college that his or her parents can't pay for.

Students should begin preparing for the PSAT tests. Contact the guidance counselor at the high school to find out when the PSAT will be given; unlike the SAT test, it is not available at test centers and is administered directly through the high school. Doing well on the PSAT gives the student a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs.

Students should spend an hour a week preparing for the SAT test. Remember good SAT scores (above 1000) mean better financial aid packets, and the college will offer you more when they want you!

High school juniors

If your student has had a summer job, you should sit down with him or her to determine how much money he or she has earned and to set up a budget for the coming year. Parents shouldn't put the student's money in a special savings account, but help them learn how to budget and set priorities.

Students who were involved in clubs and organizations in earlier high school years should prepare to be in leadership roles. College admissions offices love student leaders, which will give you leverage in negotiating financial aid.

Students should consider getting involved in community service activities. This can help complement a student's achievements in academics, athletics, or other areas and make him or her more qualified to receive scholarships.

Students should continue to refine lists of potential colleges or careers/majors that they might be interested in; parents should make sure the student is following through with this and talk with them to help narrow down the list.

Students should meet with the guidance counselor at the high school to find out when the PSAT will be given; unlike the SAT test, it is not available at test centers and is administered directly through the high school. Doing well on the PSAT gives the student a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs. Register for the PSAT.

Students should begin preparing for the ACT and SAT tests. The next ACT test date is September 24; registration is due by August 19. The next SAT test is October 8; regular registration is due by September 7 and late registration is due September 15. Visit www.act.org and www.collegeboard.com for more information and to find testing sites. There is also an SAT prep center at the website. It is extremely important that students prepare for this exam; better scores can mean better financial aid!

Parents should move qualified assets into non-qualified accounts. This is an important key to receiving more financial aid that you may have thought possible. (Qualified assets are assets that qualify for the FAFSA, while non-qualified assets do not.) If your assets are exposed to either the federal or institutional methodology, you can reduce the amount you have to pay by altering the title or moving those assets into non-qualified accounts. Be careful to properly and legally implement these strategies. See your financial advisor or College Assistance Plus representative for any assistance in this process. Remember that college is a four-year adventure. If you receive $5000 more in free college scholarships each year, it adds up to $20,000 overall. That's a lot of savings!

Students should spend 1 to 2 hours a week preparing for the SAT test. Remember good SAT scores (above 1000) mean better financial aid packets, and the college will offer you more when they want you!

High school seniors

Students should begin preparing for the actual application process by drafting application essays, collecting writing samples, and assembling portfolios or auditions tapes.

Athletes who plan on playing in college should contact the coaches at the schools to which they are applying and ask about intercollegiate and intramural sports programs and athletic scholarships. Athletes should also complete the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse form if they hope to play Division I or II sports. (This form cannot be mailed until the student finishes his or her sixth semester of high school.)

Students should be preparing for the ACT and SAT tests, even if they took them the previous year. The highest combination of scores is always used, so taking the tests again will never hurt. The next ACT test date is September 24; registration is due by August 19. The next SAT test is October 8; regular registration is due by September 7 and late registration is due September 15. Visit www.act.org and www.collegeboard.com for more information and to find testing sites. There is also an SAT prep center at the website. It is extremely important that students prepare for this exam; better scores can mean better financial aid!

Check on application and financial aid deadlines for the colleges to which the student wants to apply. Deadlines may vary from school to school, and it is essential to meet all deadlines!

Plan visits to any colleges and set up interviews if you did not get to them during the summer or if you would like to return to a campus for a second time. Read bulletin boards and the college newspaper while you are there; also, talk to current students and professors about their experiences. Be sure that you have talked to your College Assistance Plus representative and know the cost of the colleges you visit before you go. We have information easily accessible for you; don't go without getting it!

Taking advanced placement (AP) courses can boost a student's standing in the "admission game" and can save money if the student can test out of a required course when he/she gets to college. It will also show that the student is willing to put extra effort into schoolwork, making him/her more attractive to a college.

College freshmen

Students should being preparing for college, always aware of how much money he or she is spending on school supplies and the like. This can add up. The student should also prepare a budget for him/herself for the coming year.

Parents should sit down with students to discuss and set expectations for the year. Set the expectations high! Good grades mean higher incentive for the college to give scholarships for the following year and years after that. Also, 30% of students transfer after their first or second year of college, and higher grades will give you the ability to negotiate a better deal at the college to which the student is transferring. Don't make the mistake of sending your student to college saying, "Just do your best!" The students need to know what is expected of them...and why.

Discuss with your student the possibility of on-campus work-study or an off-campus job if he or she is not playing sports or involved in other music or drama activities. Students who work or are involved in time-consuming activities (such as music or drama) during the semester often get better grades than students who are not, simply because they have to set priorities, be disciplined, and find ways to get everything done. Students who are not involved in extra programs have a lot of time to waste hanging out, playing games, and generally procrastinating. (Plus, students who have jobs can often get a little more spending money!)

Parents should also discuss the idea of having a credit card with their student. Having a credit card can allow a student to establish credit (which would help them in buying a house or car in the future), but it is also an extremely easy way to build enormous amounts of debt. College students are prime targets for free credit cards because the credit card companies know that many students get into debt and are forced to pay high interest rates on the money they owe. Parents should explain to their student how credit cards and interest rates work and why debt balloons so quickly if it is allowed out of the student's control.

Students should open a bank account on or near campus.

If there are any special family circumstances, such as the recent discovery of an immediate family member with a serious illness or a sudden death in the family that is causing extreme hardship, write a letter to the college asking for a one-time gift in some form. Colleges will often honor these kinds of requests if they have the funds to do so.

Find out if the cost of a land phone line is included in room and board. If it is not, strongly consider having the student take a cell phone to school; the monthly fee will be similar in price, but the student will often get unlimited calling on nights and weekends to anywhere in the United States. This can save quite a bit of money when the student is feeling homesick at the beginning of the school year. Having a cell phone also provides insurance in case the student has a car or is traveling long distances alone. Remember to make sure that the student will be able to get a cellular signal at the school before purchasing a phone plan!

Students should avoid buying books from the campus bookstore if possible. Do NOT buy books before classes begin; sometimes professors will only recommend books instead of requiring them. Buying used books from other students or online is much cheaper than buying new books from the campus bookstore. For a list of websites that offer cheaper or used textbooks, click here.

College sophomores

Students who have had work-study or off-campus jobs should ensure that they have a job when they return to school.

Students who did not have jobs should begin making phone calls to potential employers. Having a job or other collegiate activities will help the student learn to set priorities and balance his or her time instead of squandering it on games, television, and other entertainment.

If the cost of a land phone line is not included in room and board, strongly consider having the student take a cell phone to school; the monthly fee will be similar in price, but the student will often get unlimited calling on nights and weekends to anywhere in the United States. This can save quite a bit of money when the student is feeling homesick at the beginning of the school year. Having a cell phone also provides insurance in case the student has a car or is traveling long distances alone. Remember to make sure that the student will be able to get a cellular signal at the school before purchasing a phone plan!

If the student has a car and will be driving to college, parents should check their insurance policies to see if they have towing/roadside service. If the insurance policy does not include this, consider purchasing AAA for peace of mind. This can be especially helpful to parents who have daughters in college.

Parents should sit down with their students and analyze how the student used his or her meal plan during the previous year. Meal plans tend to be costly, and many students don't take full advantage of the meals. If the student is not utilizing all of the meals in the plan, switch to one with fewer meals and a consequently lower price. Even buying a microwave and some instant oatmeal packets are a better choice than a full meal plan for a student who only wants the occasional breakfast.

College juniors

Students should continue looking for scholarships even though they are beginning the third year of college. There are always new opportunities!

Students should continue saving money from their summer jobs to help with their contributions for the college costs.

If the cost of a land phone line is not included in room and board, strongly consider having the student take a cell phone to school; the monthly fee will be similar in price, but the student will often get unlimited calling on nights and weekends to anywhere in the United States. Having a cell phone also provides insurance in case the student has a car or is traveling long distances alone. Remember to make sure that the student will be able to get a cellular signal at the school before purchasing a phone plan!

Parents should sit down with their students and analyze how the student used his or her meal plan in the previous year. Meal plans tend to be very costly, and many students don't take full advantage of the meals. If the student is not utilizing all of the meals in the plan, switch to one with fewer meals and a consequently lower price. Even buying a microwave and some instant oatmeal packets are a better choice than a full meal plan for a student who only wants the occasional breakfast.

College seniors

Students should start planning how they will find jobs once they graduate. Finding a job by graduation depends on strategizing and marketing themselves well. Begin searching now and networking with others; don't wait until graduation.

If the cost of a land phone line is not included in room and board, strongly consider having the student take a cell phone to school. The monthly fee will be similar in price, but the student will often get unlimited calling on nights and weekends to anywhere in the United States. Having a cell phone also provides insurance in case the student has a car or is traveling long distances alone. Remember to make sure that the student will be able to get a cellular signal at the school before purchasing a phone plan!

Strategical Suggestions

We can't stress enough how important it is for high schoolers to practice for the SATs and ACTs. Some schools automatically reduce the costs of tuition by 50% if the student's SAT score is 1100 or above. Imagine if you had a score of 1350 and applied to that school! There are also many scholarships that students qualify for based on their SAT scores. At the very least, the student should practice for the SAT or ACT one to two hours per week; the Kaplan software that College Assistance Plus supplies to clients is very helpful in preparing for the tests. Students who have studied will go into the test not just with the knowledge but with the confidence of doing well. It literally could mean thousands of dollars per year.

High school students should also be positioning themselves to be in the best possible situation for college, including focusing on things they enjoy and trying to do well at those things. Some examples are putting themselves in leadership roles such as team captains, class president/other offices, or band leader; taking advanced courses or tutoring at school; and becoming involved in volunteer, community, and church events.

College students should work hard to get good grades, for getting excellent grades greatly enhances the ability to get extra money from the college. Also, if the student ends up transferring, a high GPA is extremely beneficial in getting a good financial aid package.

If there has been some circumstance in your family that has suddenly created financial hardship, write a letter to the college's Financial Aid Director explaining the situation. Be specific in asking for the university's support during the spring semester or this fall if possible. It would also be helpful to specify a dollar amount to assure them that the student would stay at the school if they could receive some extra assistance. Don't get ridiculous in your request but give the college a target. Also, make sure that they understand that you are not looking for loans but gifts/grants/hardship dollars directly from the college or university. If you call your CAPlus representative, he or she will assist you in drafting this letter.

Straight Talk with Students