Horizon Bound College Counseling & Tutoring

Early Decision require Test Scores and applications due on or before November 15th.

Request that your test scores from SATs or ACTs be sent to the colleges to which you are applying.

Check your personal college deadlines.

Keep copies of everything you send.

Fill out college applications: there are many ways to complete the college applications. (The best is via internet.) If you need assistance, contact your counselor. or donna@horizon-bound.com

Request letters of recommendation. Usually you will need 2 letters from teachers and one letter from your counselor.

Give each teacher who writes a recommendation a brief personal resume, an addressed, stamped envelope for each college you have applied to, and a check-off list with due dates.

Give each teacher plenty of time — usually 2-3 weeks — before the letter is due.

Turn in paperwork to your college counselor to send transcripts, school reports, and the counselor’s letter of recommendation.

Remember to always be polite when you contact school officials. You are one of 200+ Seniors requesting the same things at the same time.

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November 7th, 2008 | Tags: college admissions, November guidelines | Category: College Planning Tips, High School | Leave a comment

Don’t bother paying for an online degree if it won’t be held in high regard after graduation. If you spend your time and money earning any degree, you want to know that the degree will be recognized by your employer and universities to which you may transfer. It is for that reason that you should know the importance of accredited versus non-accredited online degrees and which one you should choose to pursue.

In order to move up the career ladder at work it is often necessary to have an advanced degree. Knowing this, some businesses have begun offering degrees in less time than would normally be necessary. These opportunities to receive an online college degree often are not legal. Be very wary of any business offering college degrees ‘quick and easy’.

In order to advance in your career, your employer may suggest going back to school. Maybe you have experienced this already. However, if you expect them to recognize the additional degree, it will have to come from an accredited school. Non-accredited schools will be overlooked, in most cases, so you’re better off not attempting to get a degree from that type of school.

Find out whether your company helps cover the cost of classes. You might also want to ask if they will accept a degree that you learn online since you will be able to continue to work and go to school at the same time.

Getting a Bachelor’s degree, or higher, has never been easier. In fact, you can get your healthcare degree online without ever having to step foot inside a classroom or onto a college or university campus. You will want to ensure that any degree program you choose is accredited so that it will be recognized by your current employer, any future employer, or any future school may choose to attend.

Your employer should deem your education valid provided it was earned at an accredited institution. However, you will want to verify this with your own employer.

The National Education Association is one the governing bodies determining whether a school is accredited or not, and all schools will get their accreditation through one of these in order to be considered a valid school. They must meet the standards as determined by the state or federal government. If the school itself, or the program being considered, isn’t accredited, that prospective student would be wise to consider another school or course of study.

Accredited colleges and universities abound, so there’s no sense in taking chances on your degree not being recognized. And, online degrees are much more readily available than in previous years. Don’t take a chance, search out the online degree program that will both meet your scheduling, financial, and online learning needs.

There are many resources on the Internet pertaining to distance learning programs. Check out several schools, their admission requirements, the available online degree programs, their accreditation status, and all costs associated with attendance. Also, find out if student loans or other forms of financial aid are a possibility.

Try to understand the advantages and disadvantages of earning your degree online. You can attend an accredited college or university, obtain the degree you want from any college in the country, and do it all in a way that will meet your scheduling needs. You’re not limited to attending classes at a particular time, because online courses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s even possible to receive college loans to help pay the bills.

Make sure, however, when you do enroll that you choose a course of study, degree, and educational institution that are accredited. You will save yourself time, effort, and money in the long-run by choosing an accredited school to begin with.

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November 2nd, 2008 | Tags: classes online, distance learning, online degrees | Category: Education | Leave a comment

When you are on the brink of graduating from high school, people will begin to ask your long-term plans for the future. You may have parents or others pressuring you to continue your education in college, and you also may feel an internal drive to attend college as well, especially if you have a lot of friends who are doing the same.

The real question is, are you going to make it through a four year college?

Is College Life For You?

The college life isn’t necessarily for everyone, even though there is certainly a school and course of study for just about everyone. If you can’t make yourself study or are no longer interested in structured learning, then college simply may not be for you.

An important part of that decision-making comes in trying to determine what you hope to accomplish in life. There are innumerable means of making money; however, most require a collegiate background and degree. However, you will also find flexibility in college options.

More to Consider than Only Money

College is expensive, but it is difficult to measure the college experience on a cost-to-benefits ratio. Many people have experiences from college that they consider priceless - even when getting their education online. Others waste a great deal of money by failing in school, winding up both in debt and several years behind others who didn’t bother to go to college.

Then there are those who are actually in the work force for years before finally pursuing a college education. Try to determine in advance which scenario is most similar to you.

Honest Self Assessment

Here are a few basic questions to ask yourself when considering college:

- Do I have the initiative it takes to study hard without quitting when classes and work from them become difficult?

- Am I interested in a career that requires a college degree?

- Considering the career you want, how much additional income are you likely to generate over your lifetime with a college degree than you would without one?

- Do I really want to go to college, or am I letting someone pressure me into going against my better judgment?

- How much debt will I likely incur by attending college?

- Will my eventual career earn enough money over time to pay off my college debt in a reasonable amount of time?

Consider the answers to these questions and weigh the probable benefits of college against the costs. If someone else is paying for your education, then it is a good idea to go unless you know that you will not succeed.

Pausing to Recalibrate

If you are in school and decide you simply can’t bear to continue, try taking a semester off or transferring to another college. Once you’ve already started paying for a college education, you will have wasted a lot of money and time if you don’t eventually.

Alternatively, you can get started your professional career and still be a part time student and earn that degree over a longer period of time.

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November 2nd, 2008 | Tags: choose college, choose university, choosing college, college potential | Category: College Planning Tips, Education | Leave a comment

Why High school summer camps!

When summer comes nearer, children have the choice options like traveling, getting a job, getting relaxed or attending a summer camp. Many select the last camp option that has become one of the most popular choices they ever have!

Selecting high school summer camps can be advantageous to your children a lot. This will facilitate them to make some of their own ideas as to how they can spend their own vacation time in a rewarding way.

As kids are free from their usual school curriculum, they are offered a choice in the huge range of subjects and topics which are on offer. It becomes a great summer time which brings freedom to those children who opt for attending high school summer camps.

Factors Responsible for Selecting a Camp

High school summer camps always vary in fee-structure. This plays a major factor for students in choosing a particular camp. There are options like scholarships available for those children who are with seeking financial help. Such children can get benefits from such scholarships.

Students need to ask the staff and the alumni to know the specific details and the main features of the summer camp. This will help them in choosing a right camp.

A broad range of options for choosing various subjects give freedom of choice. If your kids are taking interests in the technology based summer camp alternatives that feature computer programming, animation and games, you can search for related computer camps.

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November 1st, 2008 | Tags: High School, high school summer camps, summer camps | Category: Education, High School | Leave a comment

There comes a time for many college students when they find themselves dissatisfied with their primary course of study. Though they were very sure about it upon initially selecting their college option and major, later they determined it might not be the best path.

Before losing all enthusiasm for studies, people in this situation should consider changing their major. Having previously declared a college major, this is not a decision that should be made lightly, and therefore merits thoughtful evaluation of core issues.

* Is it really your major that is the problem?

The college experience can be stressful for even the best students. Turmoil with relationships and friends, in addition to a new level of academic expectations, can cause many problems, especially for freshman.

Before considering a change of your major, examine every aspect of your new life carefully and be sure you are making a switch is the right thing. Consult an advisor at your college; they are often trained and willing to talk about more than only academics.

Consider whether there are just a few classes giving you trouble, not the entire major. Lastly, allow a bit more time to go by, just to make sure your decision is firm.

* Select a new major carefully.

When changing your major, try to avoid whatever it was that made you determined to drop the last one. Unless you are absolutely certain, don’t pick a new major that is completely different from your last one or from the areas of study that you know well.

Weigh the pros and cons of each major, and remember that college is supposed to prepare you for a career. Can you see yourself doing this for decades or even the rest of your life?

* Verify you can meet the requirements and finish on time.

Several majors have varying requirements and prerequisites that you may not be able to satisfy. Sometimes you must fill an application, much like your original college application, to enter a new major.

Your grades will almost definitely be a factor here, so don’t let your current grades slip just because you are thinking about changing since they still impact your GPA.

Also, shifting your major may extend the time you need to complete your college career. If a new major has several required classes that don’t include most of those you have already completed, then you may need to take a couple extra semesters to catch up. If you need to do so, make sure you can afford the extra college time and expense, or even investigate an online college option.

College is a significant time of learning and change. Few students truly come in knowing exactly what they want, and it is your right as a student to change your mind. As long as you take careful consideration and make good decisions, your change of majors will likely turn out to be for the better.

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October 31st, 2008 | Tags: Add new tag, changing majors, college major, switching your major | Category: College Planning Tips, Colleges & Universities, Education | Leave a comment

Five Back-to-School Shopping Tips To Save Money!

Now is the time for the arguments to begin and choose over brand names or no name products when choosing your school supplies such as clothing and bags.

If you are a parent buying for your grade school children you’ve been learning the ropes for a few years. However, if your child is new to school or you’re doing your own school shopping for the first time, you can benefit from a heads up on how, what and where to shop.

Here are five tips to help you make the most of your money and keep you from pulling your hair out.

THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

The best things go fast at the discount stores, so don’t delay. Start your shopping early in order to find the best deals.

You will be able to buy your goods in August, not forgetting that the dollar stores will be good for pens, paper and other important accessories.

Head to the office supply stores or stationers if you’re starting late. Although they may not have the best prices, they’ll probably have what you’re looking for. Buying everything in one place can save you a lot of time.

GET OUT THAT MEMBERSHIP CARD

If you have a few friends that need supplies for their kids (or college buddies) consider buying in bulk at membership stores or other bulk stores.

You may not find all you want but you can split up boxes of pens and other items which will save you money.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SCHOOL PROGRAMS

If your school hasn’t already brought in a pre-packaged purchasing system, ask. If each class has a standard package then parents and students can split the costs of the bulk order

This is a convenient method which will save you money and avoids the usual shopping headaches.

END OF SEASON CLOTHING

Stock up now on summer clothes and sportswear. End-of-season sales are a great way to find deals on clothes, especially for children participating in after school sports.

Keep your eyes open for clothing which has multi-season possibilities. A summer tank top can go under a winter sweater, cropped pants can be worn with boots and skirts can be matched with warm, comfy tights. With a little creativity, you can be both frugal and trendy as you transform warm weather styles into fashionable cool weather clothes.

As a note of caution: make sure you’re aware of school dress codes when making fashion choices. Some schools forbid bare shoulders or skirts shorter than a required length.

THE PERFECT BACKPACK

Backpacks are important! You don’t want to buy one that is too heavy or too big because it could lead to headaches and sore muscles. Backpacks should have a waist strap and shoulder padding for support and shouldn’t sit any lower than the waist.

Large purses or hobo bags may be fashionable with teens and college students, but a properly worn on both shoulders is best for carrying heavy books. Wearing a backpack on a single shoulder is as harmful as carrying a heavy purse. But if you buy a purse or bag be sure to get the kind with a strap crossing the body to distribute the weight.

Every new school year holds possibilities and excitement. Have fun with back-to-school shopping and try not to stress out!

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October 29th, 2008 | Tags: school, shopping, student | Category: Education | Comments (2)

One thing’s for certain in this day and age: paying for college is tough, and it can barely be accomplished without outside help. The good thing is that there may still be a way for you to get student aid with an unusual college scholarship. These scholarships for students can be for just about anything - including things you probably never thought about. Although there are many more, here are 10 of them.

1. The All-American Apple Pie Recipe Contest

This opportunity for a college scholarship will enable the winner to get a $500 scholarship, plus he or she will receive a $1,000 cash award. In addition, the winner will have the privilege of becoming the spokesperson (Ambassador) for the National Beef Association. Contestants are required to enter a national speaking competition.

5. The Tylenol Scholarships

This college scholarship from the Tylenol Company offers 170 students the opportunity to win either $1,000 or $5,000 scholarships for college. They are based on academic standings, as well as leadership ability, and the student needs to be going into the medical profession.

6. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance Scholarship

This college scholarship goes to those who are overweight and in their high school senior year. It awards either $1,000 or $500 at two times. To qualify, you must already be a member of NAAFA and have a grade average of at least 2.5. You also must be in the New England area.

7. The Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship

This new college scholarship for skateboard lovers gives you an opportunity to make your skateboard hobby pay for your college. You can be going to either a 2-year or a 4-year college, and you will need to have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. There are 4 awards each year, one for $5,000, and three for $1,000. You will need to write an essay about how skateboarding has positively affected your life in order to qualify.

8. National Rifle Association Scholarships

The National Rifle Association requires that you be an active association member with at least one rating (ability to shoot - Marksman, Sharpshooter, etc.). It offers a scholarship of $5,000 for the winning essay about why you became involved in shooting as a sport. The NRA also offers other college scholarships, too, including financial aid for the children of a law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty.

9. The Helen James Brewer Scholarship

This college scholarship is awarded to those who are descendants of a Confederate soldier. In order to qualify, you will have to be studying Southern history or literature and be from a Southern state, such Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, or South Carolina. The award is $1,000.

10. The Students for Organ Donation Youth Leadership

If you have agreed to be an organ donor when you got your driver’s license, then you qualify for a possible scholarship. Those who win the scholarship will be promoting organ donation. The Scholarship amounts available are $500 and $1,000.

These odd scholarships are just a few that are offered to college students. As you can see, there is a wide variety - but there is almost no limit to what is really out there. There are also scholarships for Start Trek fans, duct tape proms, golf, women, fire safety, horse lovers, herbivores, height-challenged people, and so many more. The best advice is to leave no stone unturned, and look hard for all the scholarship money for which you be eligible.

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October 29th, 2008 | Tags: college, college scholarships, Financial Aid, Scholarships | Category: Education, Financial Aid, Scholarships | Leave a comment