Find a Tutor

A good tutor can help you get back on track, or get ahead. But a bad tutor can waste your time and money. So, how do you find a good tutor?

• Ask for recommendations from your instructors
• Ask for recommendations from other students—they’ll know what tutors are good, as well as which ones are bad
• Go directly through your local college or university, which is a particularly good idea if the school has a formal tutoring program in place. Tutors who participate in a university-sponsored tutoring program usually have to adhere to strict academic guidelines and are screened by the university. Many are teaching assistants and are familiar with the curriculum. This will also make it easier to find a tutor in your major field of study, or with the particular class you need help in.
• It’s always a good idea to interview the tutor before making a commitment to hire someone.
• Ask to see a copy of their transcripts to verify they have taken the appropriate coursework and received good grades

Make sure you get the most out of your tutoring sessions.

Once you have found the perfect tutor, there are some things you can do to make sure you make the most of tutoring. What do you expect to gain from receiving tutoring? Do you want to make up for time off from school and get caught up? Do you want to raise your GPA? Do you want extra help studying for a final exam? Whatever your expectations are, be sure to share them with your tutor. It may influence the time you spend on certain material, or the techniques your tutor uses to help you.

Make sure that price, payment methods, timeslots and frequencies of tutoring sessions are agreed upon upfront. With the “business” details out of the way, you can focus on the task at hand. Schedule a time of day when you’ll be most focused. Finally, hold your sessions in a public place, such as a library or common study area. You’ll want a place that is quiet so that you can concentrate, and also neutral so that both of you will feel comfortable.

SAT Prep

Most colleges or universities require either SAT or ACT scores in addition to high school transcripts as part of their admissions process. Contact the universities you are interested in and inquire about which exam they require, as well as minimum test scores for admissions. Every school has different score and GPA requirements. Usually a school will consider a combination of your entrance exam test score and your overall GPA, so an exceptionally high score can be helpful if your GPA is just mediocre (and vice versa).

There are a lot of different ways that you can prepare for taking the SAT or ACT, depending on how much time or money you have, and what style best suits you. Here are some of your options:

- Take college preparatory classes – these classes prepare you for the types of questions you will find on the college entrance exams

- Study – You will want to study for these tests, like you would for any major exam. Studying in groups can help, if this is an effective style for you.

- Books – There are many books on the market designed to help you prepare for the SAT/ACT

- Tutoring – Find good tutor, preferably one through your local university who has experience with college entrance tests

Take both the ACT and the SAT

Some test-takers do perform better on one than the other and there isn’t any way to know which one you would score higher on, unless you take both of them. While most schools do have an equivalent scale or provide admissions guidelines scores for both the ACT and SAT, not all schools do. By taking both exams, your school choice isn’t limited by your choice of exam.

Choosing the Right College

Choosing a college is one of the key life decisions you’ll make and one that will impact your future, both professionally and personally. There are many factors involved and as many campuses as there are personalities. So, how do you navigate through the overwhelming number of choices? There are some key things to consider when selecting a college:

- Does size matter? If you attend a large high school and feel lost in it then you should select a smaller university. On the other hand, if you attend a small high school and are frustrated by limitations of a small school, you may do well to seek a large university.
- What major of study interests you? If you already know what field you’ll be pursuing, you may opt to attend a college that specializes in your chosen major.
- Get homesick or have a hometown boyfriend/girlfriend? If you think you’ll be traveling home regularly or on weekends, distance may be a factor and you’ll want to choose a college close to home. Anxious to see or live in another part of the country? Then let your adventurous side take over and apply to schools in locations you would like call home for the next years!
- Do you play well with others? If you’re not a good roommate, or not keen on having to share a room, look into campuses that offer single housing units.

Once you have comprised a “short list” of your choices, the next thing you need to do is make a campus visit. You wouldn’t buy a new car without even taking it for a drive first, would you? Do not underestimate the importance of a college visit. Here’s how to get the most out of a college campus visit:

- Take someone with you—a parent and/or a friend
- Schedule some time with the financial aid office to discuss options
- Schedule time to sit in on a lecture or class (preferably in your chosen field of study)
- Schedule a formal tour, usually with a current student ambassador and ask questions!
- Plan to lunch on campus

Nothing can substitute for an on-campus visit. Take advantage of this opportunity to get all of your questions answered.

Online Graduate Degree

As the technology for distance education becomes more efficient and available, the interest in online learning opportunities grows. More and more people are now better able to take advantage of quality education opportunities due to the prevalence of the Internet and other technologies used for distance learning.

The Distance Education and Training Council in Washington, D.C., estimates that more than 2.25 million people currently are studying online at U.S. colleges and universities. IDC estimates that the number of degree-oriented students taking online courses will grow at a compounded rate of 33% for the next several years. In addition, more than 682 accredited colleges are now offering online programs (Dun & Bradstreet). This means that you have more choices than ever before to get a quality graduate degree online!

If you're thinking about pursuing your master’s degree through online education, here is a checklist of things you should consider:

- Make sure the program is accredited.

- Make sure the program has proven online success. This means that they’ve been established for a while—relatively speaking, have graduates who’ve make it through the program, and can provide references or testimonials. Talk to alumni and question the merits of an online university that will not provide you with contacts for students and graduates of their program.

- Make sure that the online university you select for your graduate degree has stable technologies and support in place. Look for a program that is easy to setup, won't crash, and doesn't require much, if any technical support. Make certain, however, technical support is available 7 days a week, in case you need them. Also, make sure that the technologies used are mature and work well with the bandwidth that your Internet access provides.

- Is the university program is truly online? Some programs integrate other methods of instruction such as video, CD-ROM, teleconferencing, and so on. If you are seeking a purely online degree—delivered solely via Internet, make sure that’s what the program offers.

- Make sure that the online university has quality customer service. This can be difficult to discern, as most online universities will boast of excellent customer service. Student and graduate references can be helpful.

- Request a curriculum schedule so you have a timeline for graduation.

- If you are working, be sure to ask your employer which online universities qualify for tuition reimbursement. Don’t assume that all programs are reimbursable.

- Like traditional campus graduate programs, class size can make a difference when taking online courses. Generally, smaller classes allow you more individual attention.

Whether you are exploring an online graduate program for convenience, flexibility, or to save time, you have many options in pursuit of your master’s degree.

Buying Textbooks Online

Student Watch surveyed 16,000 students on twenty-one campuses nationwide. According to the survey, students are buying 23% of textbooks over the Internet, either through the college store’s web site or another retailer, according to the National Association of College Stores. That compares with 16% of textbooks in 2004. 61% of online buyers said price was the determining factor. In addition, 21% said they shopped online because of friends’ recommendations and 18% because of professors’ recommendations.

Some things to be aware of when you buy your books online

- Be sure that you order the correct book by using the ISBN to search for it. Colleges often change editions from year to year or semester to semester.

- Make sure that the book you order is, in fact, available.

- Make sure you are not paying for any hidden costs, including discounts that are based on over-inflated prices. What is the actual price you are paying? Be sure to include taxes and shipping, this can make a huge difference in the final price you pay.

- Comparison shop! There are so many different websites that allow you to buy and sell your textbooks online, it is well worth your time to do some comparison shopping.

- A variety of shipping choices may be available; rush orders will typically have a high shipping charge.

- Check the return policy.

What you need to know about selling your textbooks online

The National Association of College Stores cautions students to carefully read buyback website's FAQs for selling back books beforehand. Here are some of the “gotchas”:

- High shipping costs: in many cases you are required to ship the book at your expense. Books are heavy and shipping can very costly, cutting into your profit considerably
- You want cash, right? Be aware that some sites do not actually pay you for your books in cash, but only offer an online store credit. If you want to use that money to buy other textbooks, fine. But if you planned on getting cash back, you’ll be disappointed. Read the fine print!
- Hidden fees can eat into your profits. Check the website carefully for fees such as cost to list your textbook or a percentage of your sale price.

College Supplies

Going to college? You will need a variety of supplies, and not just for the classroom, either. The best advice is not to go overboard on classroom supplies. When purchasing classroom supplies, it may be best to wait until after your first week of classes to find out what you’ll need. Different professors require different things and a list is usually included with the class syllabus. Of course, you can plan on at least a notebook and folder for each class, in addition to something to write with. Other helpful items include a backpack, a day planner or calendar, a calculator, a couple highlighters, a stapler and Post-It notes.

Outfitting your dorm room requires a completely separate supply list altogether. Here are some staples and accessories that you’ll need (or want) for your dorm room:

- Plastic crates or storage bins
- Shower tote
- TV and cables, DVD player, VCR
- Alarm clock
- Hangers
- Dry erase board
- Desk calendar
- Laundry bag or hamper
- Lamps
- iPod, MP3, or other music player & speakers
- Headphones
- Fans if your room doesn’t have air conditioning
- Bedding for a twin bed
- Compact microwave
- Mini-fridge (can sometimes be rented or purchased on-campus)
- Desk trays and organizers
- Something from home—photos, etc.
- Cell phone
- Waste basket

If you will have a roommate, get to know him or her ahead of time. Make plans to meet, if possible, or at the very least talk on the phone, chat, or send emails. Find out what he or she plans on bringing—the last thing you need is two microwaves and two fridges when real estate in a tiny dorm room is already at a premium! Decide ahead of time which one of you will bring what.

Do you really need a desktop computer or a laptop?

Before you can answer this question, you need to find out what your college or university already provides. Many schools now have computers fully equipped in all of the residence halls. So, you won’t need to purchase or bring a desktop. However, many schools now have wireless access on campus and much note-taking is now done on laptops. During your campus visit, visit a classroom—are the majority of students using laptops? The mobility of the laptop makes it a great choice—particularly if your college has wireless access. You may want to wait until after classes start to decide if you need a laptop—especially if you don’t already have one and would need to make that purchase. In the meantime, take advantage of what your school offers—that’s what you are paying tuition for!

Improve Your Grades

Are your grades lower than you would like? Do you want to improve your grades, but feel a little overwhelmed? Well, congratulations—you recognize that your grades are sub-par, but more importantly you want to do something about it and that’s a great start. It’s difficult to provide tips on how to improve your grades, because the advice depends largely on why your grades are bad in the first place. For example, if your grades are bad because you do not keep up with daily homework, then advice on preparing for exams does not address the original problem. If keeping up with daily homework is the root cause of your low grades, you need to figure out why and fix it. Are you weak in the area of time management? If so, building your skills in time management will help fix your homework problem. Are you a procrastinator? There’s help for that, too. So you see how first identifying the main cause of your low grades is the first step in bringing those grades up.

Here are several other scenarios that may be attributed to your low grades, and strategies for improvement:

Problem: Lack of organization, losing homework or assignments, “forgetting” test and quiz dates
Solution: You need to get organized! Buy a calendar or day planner. Gather the syllabus for each class you are taking and mark important project and test dates on your calendar. Using a color-coded system for each class can help tremendously.

Problem: Having difficulty concentrating or grasping concepts on your own
Solution: Join a study group or hire a tutor

Problem: You are having difficulties with one subject or class in particular
Solution: Talk to the professor and develop a relationship with him or her. If the subject matter is the issue, get a tutor. If the professor is an issue, try auditing the same class with a different instructor.

Problem: You’re a poor test taker
Solution: Sharpen your test-taking skills. There are many websites and books out there that can help you with this. Also, your school library may have archived sample tests on hand for the classes you’re taking. Check those out! They will help you prepare for the format of an exam in a certain class or with a certain professor. If possible, take sample tests—practice makes perfect.

Problem: A personal circumstance, family crisis or health issue is impacting your grades
Solution: Talk to your academic advisor and, if applicable, a counselor regarding the issues you are having. Also, discuss with your professors. Running away from the problem will only make it worse. For the most part, instructors are very understanding. If you are missing a lot of classes, or it looks like you may have to, talk to your advisor and each of your professors personally. Devise a plan for you to make up late or incomplete work. Do not risk losing credits and wasting money or lose any scholarships you may have. Amidst personal tragedy or turmoil, it may not seem like it, but there is always a solution!

Online Degree Versus Online Course

Okay, you’ve decided to attend college online—good for you! Now, would it be better to take single courses at a time, or should you enroll in a complete degree program? For the most part, the reasoning behind which option you choose depends on your motivation to go to college.

When Single Courses are Better

- Is money tight?
- Are you employed, but your employer doesn’t offer reimbursement?
- Are you undecided about your major?
- Do you want to explore your options?
- Is your major currently undeclared?
- Are you new to online learning? If so, try it out first and make sure it’s a good experience for you before committing to several years.
- Do you just want to sharpen a few skills or brush up on one topic?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then single courses are a better option for you. It’s easier to change your mind and take different classes without restrictions if you’re not tied down to a major field of study or the requirements of a specific program.

When a Complete Degree Program is Better

By answering yes to any of the following questions, you can determine if you should select a complete online degree program:

- Do you have a scholarship or grant that requires you to be enrolled in a degree program?
- Does your employer reimburse for online classes that are taken in pursuit of a degree or as part of a complete online degree program?
- Do you already have (positive) experiences with online learning?
- Do you know what field you want to study?
- Is your ultimate goal to get a degree?

A major factor in deciding whether or not to choose a complete online degree program relies on knowing what you want to do and declaring your major. If your ultimate goal is to get your degree, then you definitely want to select the complete online degree program and work toward that goal. And the sooner you declare your major the better. Why? So, once you have started down that path, if the curriculum or university requirements change for a degree program, you will be “grandfathered” in and your credits will still be good. You don’t want to lose time or waste money unnecessarily. Many online programs are still stabilizing and, like all college degree programs, are subject to change. You can protect yourself by selecting a program as early as possible.

Student Loans

Student loans make up the largest form of student financial aid, making up a whopping 54% of the total aid awarded each year. So if you’re like most students, you can expect to receive a student loan as part of a financial aid package. There are two broad categories of loans, loans based on financial need and loans not based on financial need.

Loans Based on Financial Need

Need-based aid is awarded solely based on your family's ability to pay for college, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The federal government is the largest provider of need-based loan funds.

Features of Need-Based Loans

Need-based loans share the following characteristics:
1. Low Interest Rates
2. Delayed Repayment – payments do not start until after you graduate or leave school, including a grace period, usually six months
3. No Credit Check Required
4. In-School Interest Subsidy -this means the government pays the interest that accrues on the loan while you are in school.

Three Examples of Need-Based Loans

Typical need-based loans are Perkins loans, subsidized Stafford loans, and Direct loans. For loans based on financial need, the aid office will help guide you through the process.

How is your financial need determined?

The FAFSA determines your financial need. The FAFSA uses a sophisticated formula, determined annually by the United States Congress, to assist with the equitable rationing and distribution of need-based aid. The FAFSA starts with the family's taxed and untaxed income from all sources. There are several other factors taken into consideration to comprise a comprehensive picture of your family’s financial situation. The formula even recognizes regional differences in taxes and cost of living. In the end, the FAFSA computes a figure known as the "Expected Family Contribution" or "EFC." This is the number that colleges use to determine financial aid eligibility.

Non-Need-Based Loans

The second type of student loans are those not based on need. These "outside of need" loans are used to help families that can't afford to pay their expected contribution from savings and current income.

How do Non-Need-Based Loans differ from Need-Based Loans?

Non-need-based loans:
1. Will usually have higher interest rates
2. Have no in-school interest subsidy
3. May also require immediate repayment of principal, rather than deferred payment

Four Non-Need-Based-Loans

The four main types of non-need-based loans are unsubsidized Stafford or unsubsidized Direct Loans for students, PLUS Loans for parents, Grad PLUS loans for graduate students, and private loans, for students or parents.

Even though non-need-based loans are not considered financial aid loans, they can play an important role in making college affordable, particularly for families that do not have enough funds from current assets, income and savings to adequately pay for their estimated share of college tuition.

Online Financial Aid

Many online degree programs offer financial aid—in particular, student loans—the most common type of financial aid for college students. If finances are an issue, you’ll need to research your options to find an online university that participates in the special government Distance Education Demonstration program. This program supports the use of technology to deliver instruction by issuing waivers of certain Department regulations in order to enhance access to federal student aid for distance education students pursuing college-level academic studies and training.

Over the past few years, there has been significant growth in the number of universities providing distance learning degree programs. According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are literally hundreds of thousands of students currently taking distance education courses.

Regarding graduate programs, it is important to be aware that not all distance-learning graduate programs participate in the federal government’s student loan program. Some offer only private student loans only. There is a difference between the two, namely much higher interest rates with private student loans. The benefits of a private student loan include the fact that there is usually more money available and you are not as restricted on how you use the funds.

Do some online colleges offer lower tuition for state residents?

Public distance learning universities may offer significantly lower tuition rates for in-state residents. Since state tax money supports these institutions, these institutions often charge less to state residents. This rule even holds true for online degree programs!

A few public universities have implemented a separate distance-learning tuition structure. California State University, for example, which offers a MBA, a MPA, and several other online degrees, charges all learners a single rate. All applicants to CSU’s online degree programs are charged the same low rate regardless of where they reside. At $9,000, the CSU distance MBA is a remarkable bargain for everyone.

On the other hand, a few public universities charge significantly more for distance degree programs than for the same degree earned in residence (on campus). This may be in part to support the technology and infrastructure needed to provide a distance degree program. Many factors influence the cost and value of a single distance degree program. In addition to exploring loans for your online degree, you will want to do your homework and thoroughly assess any online program you are considering.

It can literally take months from the time you complete paperwork until the time that a school actually makes you a formal offer of financial aid. You’ll want to apply to several different schools, in the event the offers of aid are not what you expect. For example, one school may offer a Stafford government student loan at 3.5% while your other school of choice may direct you to borrow from a private lender at a rate of 7.5% or even higher. All things being equal—quality of education, stable technology, good customer service, strong alumni, and reputation—it’s definitely to your advantage to have multiple options, especially if money is an issue.