College Liftoff

Creating Value out of Education

Aaron Greene — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:50:29 +0000

Creating Value out of Education

Over the past Four weeks I’ve had the great pleasure of working with a phenomenal family on preparing for their son to go off to Grace Brethren College in the fall. While I will keep the family nameless, we’ve been working on decreasing the cost of a seemingly expensive endeavor. In total the school would cost roughly $30k per year, multiplied by 4 years for a student who wants to become a youth minister. Noble endeavor, but a very high sticker price with out of pocket cost and student loan debt for the career path. So we have to find out, how do we make this education more cost effective?
There were several areas here we had to consider. Firstly, with the student looking into a career in Youth Ministry we had to make sure he was as dynamic as possible. He showed a lot of interest in tech/computer/IT, so why not pair a major in Youth Ministry with a hot field such as Information Systems? Well, that’s exactly what he did. With a background in Information Systems and a degree in Youth Ministry he will have a more modern, versatile portfolio of training that a church will really treasure.
Secondly, we’ve got to figure a way to lower costs. First things, first – breakdown the financing, next, see what else what we can capitalize on as far as classes are concerned. Well, by swapping out some basic Gen Ed classes at a local community college, where the per credit hour cost is $120 versus $1,031 at Grace, and taking a few of those classes in the summer months we’re able to pull time out of the degree (so now three years in school, not four, which saves a full year tuition). Also, we went back to the university and asked them to re-evaluate the family’s award letter. They did, and based off of certain circumstances, they gave the family an extra $6,000 per year!
So, in the end the student not only has now a more thoroughly defined path with Youth Ministry and Information Systems, but also a huge savings in the ballpark of $48,000 from where they started. That, my friends, is a solid college plan.

Aaron Greene

Planning Your College Visit

Aaron Greene — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:04:49 +0000

Planning Your College

Written by Gina Jacob

First question for you to answer: Why visit a college campus in the first place? Websites offer virtual tours, picturesque photos of the perfect campus, and plenty of information for you to chew on as you continue to learn about what a particular university has to offer.

My argument is primarily built around this thought: You are about to decide not only where you should acquire academic preparation, but also where you will call home for four years of your life. And in those four years you will most likely build life-long friendships, mentoring and networking relationships that will last a lifetime. So, think you should dedicate some time out of your crazy busy schedule and take in the vibe of your potential future home? Ok, then…good answer.

A few things we suggest as you plan for your visit.

• Plan in advance. The best time to visit a campus is when classes are in session. Tours are offered year-round and fill up quickly certain times of the year.

• In addition to attending the general campus tour or open house, we strongly recommend that you meet with an adviser from the Program/School that offers the major you are planning to study. Thinking about majoring in Business? Take the initiative to spend time touring and meeting with people within the Business School. You will be surprised to learn how very different each program prepares its students for employment or graduate work. Lots of homework to be done on this part of the visit!

• Don’t underestimate your “gut instinct.” This is a basic human ability that is often downplayed or ignored while trying to make life-changing decisions. As you are taking in the tour, meeting students and faculty, and processing the things you like or concern you, also take note of your overall feeling of “Do I see myself fitting in to this community?”

• Come prepared with questions! After 20 years of recruiting employees it is amazing to me that any candidate would come to a job interview with few or no questions about the position or company. You should consider your choice of college with as much weight – a major life decision. Which means you should demonstrate a great deal of commitment and diligence to this decision-making process. Put your reporter hat on and get going.

• Final thought that I wish I didn’t have to hit? You guessed…your apparel for this type of activity. A college visit is not the time to flaunt runway-ready outfits or take risks with your reputation. Dress conservatively and comfortably. This goes for your parents as well. Certainly avoid clothing that looks like you’ve rolled out of bed, are heading to the gym or nightclub. Enough said.

Questions about planning your visit? Post a comment and we’ll share more insight!

3 Things To Do BEFORE Fall Exams!

Bailey — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:27:01 +0000

For high school juniors/seniors and college students alike!

1. Email All Your Professors ~ so they know your name!

Email every professor, TA and advisor separately.

Ask a question about the text, or
If you’re genuinely interested in the course, invite the professor to coffee

Academic references will sweeten your résumé. A good connection with a professor can lead to research credit, graduate school placement, internships and jobs. Good professors enjoy bright students. And – believe me – a TA who knows you’re interested in his/her course can raise your grade. Don’t ask for this. Just show that you’re listening and good karma will follow.

2. Email Every Professor who ever gave you an A ~ their recommendations will be invaluable!

Did you do well in a course last year? Build a connection with the Professor or TA – even if you didn’t know him/her well during the class. Email them, visit their office hours, offer to tutor their current students or assist with research. They stay in touch with their best students – which can lead to career connections for you!

3. Email a Company. It’s never too soon to start looking for jobs/internships.

Are you currently taking a class in your major? Pick one topic that interests you. Search LinkedIn for the names of local companies in your field. Email a mid-level manager or VP (use your .edu address). Take them to lunch and engage them about the academic topic. Your Professor will be highly impressed – and that contact will start keeping you in mind for a job. It’s a great way to ask for a job subtly and get your foot in the door.

Do these BEFORE winter exams! If you need help crafting emails or finding contacts, write to us at writing center@collegeliftoff.org.

Can I go to college without perfect grades?

Bailey — Thu, 19 May 2011 17:03:13 +0000

To celebrate College Liftoff’s two-year anniversary, we’re answering over a dozen of the most common college planning questions. You can submit your question to writingcenter@collegeliftoff.org.

Q: Can I go to college without perfect grades?

Aaron Greene‘s answer:

Yes. I did. Many people do. It’s tougher – but you can do it.

Treat college as your individual journey. Don’t worry about competing with everyone else. Find a school that matches your learning style – and show them what you can do.

1. How do you like to learn? Think about subjects you’ve learned inside the classroom and out. What were the teachers like? How big were the classes? What do you like to learn? What facts and topics can you talk about for days? Some people like big lecture classes where they can listen to the professor, read the book and absorb knowledge quickly. Others prefer small discussion classes or skill practice. Pinpoint what works for you.

2. If you’re still in high school, pick two subject areas and excel in them this year. Don’t worry about a perfect report card. Show dramatic improvement in two academic classes. And remember, you’re not chained to the classroom. Ask to do an independent study. Find a passionate tutor. Look for games and websites that make the subject fun. Teach little kids. Visit museums. All this will help you write a great college essay.

3. If you’re a senior in high school or older, then build up your academic achievements by taking community college courses. In a different environment — away from the pressures of high school and the distractions of your friends, you might find that school work is much easier. Take classes that you like. Education shouldn’t be torture!

4. Get tested for learning disabilities. I wish they were called “learning styles” instead. Everyone learns differently. Even if you don’t have a disability, you might discover that some of the products and teaching tools designed for alternative learning can really help you.

5. Take a writing class. I’ve met (and worked with) dozens of book-smart geniuses who can barely write the alphabet. If you master the art of writing concise, grammatically-correct complete sentences that educate and persuade readers, then you’ll be way ahead of 90% of college freshmen. Start with Grammar Girl podcasts.

6. Perform as best you can on the SAT/ACT. Take practice tests. Invest in classes. Reading good novels will help too.

7. Have a strong résumé: three to four activities that you’ve done for three years or more. Community Service is HUGE. You can never have too much community service.

8. Here’s the most important part: find a university that matches the way YOU learn. Most high schools know one way to teach – lecture, homework, tests. If you have a different learning style, then you’re in the MAJORITY, my friend. Shadow college professors and find an environment where you can finally thrive.

Good luck! Email me anytime. Aaron@collegeliftoff.org

How much does college cost?

Bailey — Mon, 16 May 2011 15:41:59 +0000

To celebrate College Liftoff’s two-year anniversary, we’re answering over a dozen of the most common college planning questions. You can submit your question to writingcenter@collegeliftoff.org.

Q: My dream school has a huge sticker price. Help! Should I give it up and go to the state school? How much does college actually cost?

Aaron Greene‘s answer:

Funny thing about the sticker price ~ it usually doesn’t stick. Ignore it. To find how much your dream school really charges, calculate the Cost of Attendance:

1. Study their financial aid history. Most schools have a student financial aid website – like Ohio State‘s and UCLA‘s.

2. Look for the Average Student Financial Aid Package. Focus on their “gift aid” (that’s free money that you don’t have to pay back).

3. Your dream school will determine how much money to put in your Student Financial Aid Package based on need and merit. So, fill out the FAFSA. Get good grades and good leadership experiences with national organizations. Include all your best accomplishments on your application. They’ll consider all these factors when they award your financial aid.

4. Your true Cost of Attendance = Sticker Price – Student Financial Aid Package. That’s how much you’ll actually pay.

Jobs on campus can dramatically reduce your student debt. Try to find one in your department or career field.

5. Student loans INCREASE the Cost of Attendance because you’ll spend several years paying them back with interest. What’s your career path? Find out the average starting salary for your field. Your student loans should be less than half of that starting salary.

6. If your dream school’s Cost of Attendance is too high, you still have options.

Most careers require a Master’s degree. Choose a less expensive undergraduate program and save your dream school for the degree that really counts. Your future employer just might fund it for you.
Every Bachelor’s degree includes the same “core” classes – freshman English, sciences, foreign language, etc. Find out your dream school’s core requirements. Then, take these courses at a less expensive school. You can do them during the summers or finish them in a year before you move to the dream school’s campus.
Good luck! Email me (Aaron@collegeliftoff.org) if you’d like more help.

What should a college plan look like?

Bailey — Thu, 12 May 2011 03:57:30 +0000

To celebrate College Liftoff’s two-year anniversary, we’re answering over a dozen of the most common college planning questions. You can submit your question to writingcenter@collegeliftoff.org.

Q: What should a college plan look like?

Aaron Greene‘s answer:

1. Career Choice(s)

When you begin your junior year of high school, starting seriously exploring careers. Shadow people in an assortment of professions. What type of work do you like doing? What motivates you? Do you like the excitement of huge companies or the agility of small ones? What are the most glamorous parts of the job – and what do they really entail?

Understand what your first three years on the job will entail. Check out our career interviews for ideas!

2. Best Academic Match

Find schools that fit your learning style and your career choice.

If you’re studying business, design, nursing or engineering, find the top-ranked academic programs and explore each school. Visit at least five campuses before you apply. (Check back later this month — we’ll post the secrets of good college visits).

If you’re studying the sciences, education or liberal arts, you’ll probably need at least a Master’s degree to secure a good job. First, research the top graduate programs in your field — then look for an undergraduate program that can help you get there academically and financially.

As you create a list of your top schools, make sure they have plenty of extra-curricular activities, leadership opportunities and internship placement programs that interest you. You’ll be creating a whole new family when you go to college. Visit your top schools several times. If you don’t feel comfortable there, don’t go – no matter what they offer you financially!

3. Financing

Study each school’s internal financial structure. Find out which universities are really worth the price. Ignore the sticker price of tuition. What you need is the average financial aid package and the average student debt. That tells you how truly expensive or inexpensive the college will be.

Next, look for outside money through scholarships and grants. These won’t fund your entire education, but they provide excellent supplemental help and they look fantastic on your résumé.

Find yourself an on-campus job. These positions reduce your costs while you’re in school, help you avoid additional high-interest loans, provide networking opportunities throughout the university and give you real-world work experience.

Student Loans: Your loans should never exceed 50% of your anticipated starting salary. Ex: If you’ll be an accountant making $32,000 after graduation, don’t take out more than $16,000 in loans. Trust me.

Overall ~ you want a school that fits your career choice, fits your life & learning style, and offers you a good return on investment.

Questions? Conundrums? Need help? Email Aaron@CollegeLiftoff.org!

Career Advice for Teachers by Jay Pendrak

Bailey — Sun, 01 May 2011 03:13:59 +0000

Earn your degree in a field you love. Then REALLY learn it – by teaching kids all about it! That’s how thousands of college graduates are revolutionizing education. They join the Teach for America organization, spend two years in an at-risk school, and learn fantastic leadership skills for life.

To inspire the many College Liftoff students who envision careers in the non-profit sector, this week’s career series features Teach for America success story Jay Pendrak. He devoted the first years of his post-college career to the TFA programs in Texas and Oklahoma.

Best quote: “On a daily-level, I am both blessed and inspired.” Enjoy!

Hi Jay! What do you do for a living?

I’m currently serving as Program Director for a non-profit organization called Teach For America. This organization selects, trains, and places teachers in low-income public schools. These teachers come from a variety of college-degree backgrounds – but all are high achievers committed to giving every student a chance at a great education. As a Program Director, I have the privilege and pleasure of coaching and mentoring these teachers to help them become truly transformational educators for their students. This entails observing classrooms, leading professional development sessions, and coaching teachers one-on-one.

What do you love about it?

Many things! I think the top two things I really like about my job are: the people with whom I work and the true impact from my work. The teachers I serve and my colleagues on staff are among the most passionate, inspirational, selfless, and hard-working people that I have ever met. On a daily-level, I am both blessed and inspired. Having taught in the classroom myself, I recognize the importance of a highly effective teacher and am constantly blown away by how much impact an educator can have on the lives of students — not just in getting the grade, but in determining their future opportunities. So, to work with the people who have such a high influence on students, and to realize that our work together is making individuals, families, and entire communities stronger, that’s definitely a big motivator.

What’s the toughest part?

Honestly, because there is such potential for transforming lives and putting students on different trajectories that they wouldn’t have discovered on their own, I think the hardest part is failing. There are some things that my teachers and I have tried in order to surmount the challenges in the classroom, and sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. In college, it was easy for me to beat myself up if I didn’t do as well as I would’ve liked on an assignment. In this position, though, not doing well doesn’t just affect me or my teachers, but also the students we serve.

Where did you go to school?

I’m a proud 2007 graduate of the University of Virginia. Go Hoos!

Why did you select that school?

I grew up in Virginia, so I had the benefit of in-state tuition. I looked at a couple other schools in-state and around the region. The University of Virginia stuck out to me because it was rated the number-two public university in the nation and had many nationally-ranked programs as well. It had strong liberal arts program, and since I went into my undergraduate without a lot of specifics about what I wanted to do, UVA was the best choice I could’ve made.

What did you study? Did it prepare you for your current career?

I double-majored in Environmental Science and Environment Policy. I was deeply interested in sustainability practices, specifically architecture and urban design, because in all my readings I kept coming across how people always felt that the environment came at the cost of the economy, so I wanted to figure out a way for the two to support one another. I felt this was the biggest issue facing our country at the time – until I did some research and talked to some friends in the education field. I suddenly became a staunch advocate for educational equity and applied to Teach For America.

So, when first declared my major, I would never have imagined that I would be teaching high school science or becoming a Program Director for an educational non-profit organization. I would say the skills and abilities I gained from researching, writing lab reports, and driving towards the concepts behind science and environmental policy prepared me for my current position more so than the content; however, I considered myself a pretty decent science teacher because of my background and am glad that I have this experience so it can afford me opportunities in the future.

Did you take any internships or part-time jobs in your field?

The summer after my second year of college I worked as a Marketing Representative at VOA & Associates, an architecture firm. I developed promotional brochures for green design and sustainable building practices, and deepened my own understanding of the LEED criteria – which was essentially how buildings were graded on their environmental sustainability.

How did you find your current job?

At the end of my two-year TFA teaching assignment, I knew that I wanted to work on staff with Teach For America and be part of the bigger picture. My time in the classroom taught me that leadership in this bigger picture would really help advance our goal of closing the achievement gap. So: I talked to friends who were on staff, I researched the job openings in Teach For America, and once I found the job that seemed like it would suit me the best, I requested my colleagues’ and friends’ input and feedback so that I would be a strong candidate.

What did your boss expect you to know on day one?

I was expected to learn, and learn fast, because we immediately developed new goals in the first couple of weeks and I would be accountable for reaching these goals. So, I needed to be very proactive in asking for help and also very strong in problem-solving on an individual level.

How did you stand out in your first few years?

I think my best accomplishment so far is the strong and personable relationship I have with each of my teachers. I realized that building relationships and investing in the hard work that my teachers do day in and day out would be essential if we were to have a strong partnership.

What advice do you have for students who want to enter your field?

For those interested in the field of education, I believe a person’s mindset is the most important thing. There are many resources available to help you and many teachers who have a strong background of experience in education. However, I have found that the greatest teachers are those who are able to approach the many the challenges, difficulties, and victories with the mindset of “what can I do that will make me the best teacher I can be for my kids” is probably the greatest attribute to have. I have spoken with many people across education and this sentiment isn’t limited to great teachers. Great principals, policy makers, education consultants, and board members all have this same mindset. They are never complacent and are continually striving to maximize their knowledge, courage and impact on others. If people do not have their intentions in the right place, then all the resources, advice, and coaching in the world can’t make them what they could be. Good luck!

Huffington Post’s 9 Forward-Thinking Colleges

Bailey — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:39:50 +0000

Chairs, Desks, Lectures, Tests – what’s education really all about? This Huffington Post article showcased 9 colleges who are redefining the idea of learning. Here are our favorites. Read the entire article by Danielle Wiener-Bronner here.

Olin College of Engineering

Founded in 2002, this Massachusetts creative engineering school has caught the public’s eye with innovative approaches to higher education. With progressive policies –- like providing scholarships for each student that cover half of tuition costs, abolishing tenure and encouraging teaching over publishing –- Olin is one institution to watch in the new year.

Art Center College of Design

Don’t let the name fool you –- this school is more about craft than creativity. Known for its auto-design program and roots as a vocational school, the college–- which was named one of BusinessWeek’s best design schools in 2009 –- is a practical choice for artistic students who want to secure a job after graduation.

Florida A&M University

Although it’s been around since 1935, this historically black college is at the forefront of innovation. In October, FAMU embraced the green movement andwon a $50,000 grant to develop sustainable farming practices. It was also featured in BusinessWeek‘s list this year of the most innovative colleges for its stellar research facilities and for encouraging startups.

College Costs: Tuition Is Just the Beginning

Aaron Greene — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:22:51 +0000

College Costs: Tuition Is Just the Beginning

Written by Emily Glazer

Before sending her daughter off to college in Virginia, Sharon Pohlmann knew she’d have to budget for flights between Columbus, Ohio, and Richmond. But the $60 taxi rides to and from the airport were an unavoidable surprise.

Her daughter would wear a University of Richmond sweatshirt on the plane in hopes of finding someone to split the cost of a taxi ride back to school, Ms. Pohlmann says. It worked sometimes.

Her annual college-related travel expenses: about $1,600, $400 of it for cab fare.

[More from WSJ.com: Tips From Financial Advisors for Those Choosing a College]

When it comes to paying for college, tuition and room and board are just the beginning. To set a realistic budget, parents need to account for a host of miscellaneous expenses — and leave some room for the unexpected.

There’s travel, transportation, supplies beyond books and lab fees, parking permits, laundry and midnight food runs, just to name a few. You can easily expect to spend an additional 5% to 10% of the college sticker price a year, experts say.

“All these extra costs as a lump sum can add up to quite a bit of extra money that parents haven’t really considered,” says Deborah Fox, founder of San Diego-based financial-planning firm Fox College Funding.

So how do you go about identifying, and budgeting for, miscellaneous and unexpected expenses?

[More from WSJ.com: Why It Now Costs a Fortune to Do Your Parental Duty]

Talk to the experts — that is, parents and students who have gone through it. You can use social-media websites and sites like collegeconfidential.com to ask other students and parents specific financial questions. When sitting down to create your budget, include your college-bound kid in the conversation — he or she will undoubtedly come up with costs you haven’t thought of. And re-examine the budget at the end of each semester to make adjustments based on what you’ve actually spent.

Shelley Lloyd’s son, Gregory, majored in music in college. But when budgeting for school supplies, Ms. Lloyd and her husband didn’t take into account all the trumpet sheet music — $10 to $15 each — he would need to buy. The tab for one year: $250. Then there was the formal wear for concerts.

Ms. Lloyd, who lives in New Hartford, Conn., estimates that with those items, along with the mouth pieces, mutes and instrument cases, she spent several thousand dollars during Gregory’s four years in college. She says she anticipated additional equipment, but never this much. “I would cry” when adding up the costs, Ms. Lloyd says.

[More from WSJ.com: How to Take Money Out of 529 Plans]

Think all meals will be covered by the pricey meal plan you opted for? Think again.

Kids will oversleep and miss breakfast hours at the cafeteria. They’ll eat out with friends. They’ll buy lots of caffeinated beverages. And you’ll likely get stuck with the tab.

“No one will say ‘Let’s hang out and get a water at Chili’s and then get a snack at our residential hall,’[nbsp ]” says Bill Pratt, who teaches a personal-finance class at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.

Some parents don’t factor in clothing if the student is going to live in a climate that’s very different from home. When Diane Sturges’s children left Texas to attend college in Minnesota and Massachusetts, they weren’t outfitted for the harsh winter weather. They needed “new coats, heavy socks, snow-worthy shoes,” Ms. Sturges says.

She spent at least $1,500 on winter clothes the first year — on top of the $1,000 she coughed up for snow tires for her daughter’s car.

And what will you do with the stuff crammed into your kid’s dorm room at the end of the school year? If school is too far away to haul it home in a car, bus or train, you’ll have to pay to store it near school, ship it home or check extra baggage on a plane.

Mackenzie Firer-Sherwood, who lived in Chicago and went to school in upstate New York a few years ago, says she spent around $200 each summer to store three boxes filled with lamps, bedding and winter clothing.

But when parents write that last college-related check, Ms. Lloyd says, “it’s like winning the lottery.”

—Email: emily.glazer@wsj.com

Ask A College Planner!

Bailey — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:23:13 +0000

This May, College Liftoff will our anniversary by posting the top questions we’ve received from students and families across the country!

We’ll start with the most popular – “how much is my degree really worth?” and dive into a great selection of questions covering financing, student loans, majors, internships and long-term career planning.

You can join in – email your questions to WritingCenter@CollegeLiftoff.org!