So What Did You Do This Summer?

If you are a high school student, particularly a rising junior and senior, along with working and going to the beach, the answer should also include visiting college campuses.

Some college admission experts feel that the college visit is the most important factor in determining where a student will attend college. While websites, print materials, parent input and even peers do influence a student’s ultimate choice, nothing beats the visit to campus.

Visiting a college can be as simple as driving through campus or as formal as visiting for a weekend. Summer provides a great opportunity to conduct a college visit; however, one must remember that since most students are not on campus during the summer, that the campus may look and feel markedly different than during the school year.

Many a family vacation is planned around a college visit. It is highly suggested that an appointment for a general information session and a tour is made in advance for two reasons. One is that some schools will have limited opportunities for official visits during the summer. If you arrive at 10:15 and the only tour of the day left at 10:00, you may be out of luck. Secondly, by making an appointment, you are assured that the Admissions Office knows that you have visited and gotten official information. This may help when it comes time to review your application for admission as some colleges track every contact a student has with the institution and that may factor into whether a student is accepted or not. However, if you don’t have an appointment, a drive or walk through of the campus is better than nothing.

Visiting during the summer is often more relaxing for both families and the admissions staff. Summer mode usually allows for more in-depth and interesting conversations. It also allows students a chance to visit many colleges without missing school or other school activities which for students with jam packed schedules can help to narrow down what might be perhaps a long list of possible colleges considerations.

Whether you visit during the summer or the school year, here are some tips to consider:

• Avoid booking more than two official visits in one day. If you set up too many tours and information sessions into one day you will feel rushed and may miss out on some of the important bits of information and tour stops.

• Make sure you know where you need to be and what time the tour or information session starts. Many large campuses will prove challenging to find where you need to go. Remember parking can be a challenge so you need to plan accordingly.

• See if the tour guide will take you off the beaten path or to a particular building which is of importance to you. Most campus tours (especially on large campuses) consist of a set itinerary with perhaps little flexibility. If you are a music major you will probably want to see the music facility. Will the tour accommodate your request? This also holds true to dormitories. Most tours have specific dorms that are showcased. Is that the dorm where most freshmen reside? If not, try to see what the living accommodations would likely be like for an incoming student.

• Ask question of the tour guide that cannot be easily answered in the college literature. Asking whether a school has an English major or even how good it is will likely not be helpful (especially if your tour guide is a business major) but asking about why the tour guide chose this school over another or what is campus life like on the weekends will give you valuable information that may not be readily available in the official school publications.

• If you have the opportunity, just take time to sit in the campus union or on a bench and watch the student traffic. Is there activity at all times or just in between classes? Are their congregating places where students gather or do they just keep on walking? Do students act friendly and social to one another or keep to themselves?

• Pick up a campus newspaper. What is the hot topic or buzz about? Is the discussion about the arrests for excessive drinking during spring weekend or the fact that the education department won a national award? This type of information will give you insight to the issues on campus.

• If parents and students go on the visit together, make sure to discuss ahead of time what the expectations and rules will be. A student may be embarrassed by a parent asking too many questions, but parents have a right to know this information as well. By negotiating expectations prior to the visit, it may alleviate issues later on.

• Be sure to send a thank you note or email to the admission representative and the tour guide. This can prove extremely beneficial later on especially if you find the school to be among your top choices.

While summer campus tours may not provide the ultimate campus tour experience, it will help a student get a good sense of the campus layout, the campus climate and how the campus fits in with the surrounding community. A summer visit may help to keep a school on the list or eliminate it all together. Then a follow up visit can be scheduled at a later date to include an appointment with a professor or coach, sitting in on a class or even possibly an overnight experience when school is in full session. Depending upon the time of the year and time of the day the tour occurs, your experience can vary considerably. Ultimately this information should prove valuable in the decision as to whether to apply and if accepted, whether to attend the institution. At the end of the day it is not as important when you visit as it is important that you visit.

Higher Education Costs

May 1 is rapidly approaching and for many high school seniors, it’s decision time. While many seniors may have already made their college choice, others have yet to decide which school they will ultimately attend.


Imagine the American dream of higher education no longer affordable for many students. For the first time in this country’s history, Americans ages 25-34 are less likely to be better educated than the generation before them. This is the reality for many families as the spiraling cost of college and the economic downturn is causing many families to reconsider not only which type of schools to apply but also whether higher education is even an option.

Consider that college tuition and fees have risen 439 percent from 1982 to 2007 when the average family income has risen only 147 percent during that time according to the National Center for Public Policy and Education.

Families who were counting on investment funds to cover the costs of college are likely to be in a tough predicament. With some family investments shrinking from one third to one half of its value there simply is no longer the option of pricier institutions.

As a result high school seniors are re-evaluating which schools to consider. Parents who may have told junior that he could go wherever he wanted to go are now being forced to limit the schools to which he may want to apply.

Current college students are feeling the pinch as well. Some are faced with either dropping out of college, transferring to a cheaper school, borrowing more to pay the bill or taking on additional part time job(s) to cover college costs.

The winners in this predicament are the state public four year colleges and community colleges as the number of students seeking admission is on the rise, some schools reporting a 25 to 30 percent increase this year alone. In addition to traditional college students seeking cheaper options, unemployed workers are flocking to college for retraining or learning new careers in associate or certification programs.

But even these schools are being affected by a reduction in state support. In California last year at one point was expected to have a 460 million dollar reduction to the state college, university and community college budget to help cover the estimated 42 billon dollar shortfall. Many public institutions have instituted mid year increases in tuition and fees. Increased fees are a virtual guarantee for next year as well while other state schools have instituted caps on enrollment which comes at a time when more students are seeking admission.

With the increase in the number of applications and the possible reduction in the number of spots available, state colleges and universities will become more competitive which means that some students who would have easily been admitted just a year or two ago will likely be out of luck. In addition to applying to more schools, applicants are advised to apply much earlier than the posted deadline as some schools will operate on a first come first serve basis as they meet their enrollment goals.

So what does a high school student do in light of this negativity? There will still be options for students depending upon the family’s financial status, but perhaps not as many as in the past. Prospective students must spend the time to research the cost of a school and find out what financial support the family can provide. Additionally students should apply to a variety of schools, including some that are cheaper and those that have been known to be generous with financial aid. All of this is predicated on the fact that students must have good grades and standardized test scores as those with higher grade point averages and scores will get more aid. Students should also consider applying for scholarships and work part-time to help defray college expenses.

Some may say what difference does it make that the higher education crisis is squeezing the middle class out of higher education options. However we must remember that if we want the United States to remain competitively economically, in research and development, in our infrastructure and in the health care industry, then we must have educated and competent workers. The U.S. was ranked first in the world for the percentage of citizens who have a degree beyond high school. Now we are ranked 10th.

The affordability of higher education is not going to be resolved due to the stimulus package or even when the economy rebounds. It will only continue to worsen. Policy makers, higher education officials and consumers need to come together now to figure out a solution before it’s too late and an entire class of Americans are no longer going to college.

Sleep Deprivation and Teens

Do your high school students have trouble getting to school on time in the morning?  Do they go to bed late and want to sleep in?  Are the sleeping patterns of our adolescent changing as they grow older? Your students are not alone and the research says this is normal.

Studies estimate that between 20 and 30% of adolescents experience some form of sleep deprivation.  Teens on average need 9.25 hours of sleep per night, yet approximately 75% of teens go to bed after 11:00 p.m. on school nights.  This means they get less than 6.5 hours of sleep a night.   The average teenager typically gets 7.4 hours of sleep per night. Since the majority of high schools start before 8:00 a.m. and because adolescents are biologically driven to sleep longer and later than adults, the effects of insufficient sleep are more dramatic.  Starting between the ages of eight and twelve, triggered by hormonal changes, the adolescent’s circadian rhythm changes.  Research indicates that as adolescents progress through puberty, their brains are stimulated more later in the day which would result in better academic performance.  However most high stakes standardized exams such as the ACT and SAT occur in the early morning.

Parents surveyed report that 23% of teens complained of being tired during the day compared to only 11% of children under 12.  Fifteen percent of teens report that they fell asleep during school at some point.  Lack of sleep also contributes to increased disciplinary problems and poorer grades as well as memory deficits, lack of information processing, decreased creativity, decreased socialization and the inability to handle complex tasks.  A 1998 survey of more than 3000 high school students found that students who reported that they were getting C’s, D’s & F’s in school obtained about 25 minutes less sleep and went to bed about 40 minutes later that students who reported getting A’s & B’s.  Sleep deficiencies can also jeopardize one’s immune system and thus lead to an increase susceptibility to illness.

In addition, sleep deprivation is a problem for teen drivers.  One study found that annually drivers age 25 and under cause more than 50% of the 100,000 crashes resulting from drowsiness and fatigue.  Adolescent sleep difficulties are also associated with psychopathologies such as depression and attention deficit disorder (ADD).  Increased drug and alcohol abuse can also be linked to this phenomenon.

Some feel that the sleep missed during the week can be just made up on the weekends.  This is not the case.  The truth is that teens need a consistent sleep pattern and should maintain the same schedule every night, which means going to bed and getting up at the same time, even on the weekends.

In the interim, parents and guardians should establish a reasonable bedtime and wake time that is consistent throughout the week.  Nix the late night social activities and limit late night working hours.  Establishing a bedtime routine which includes a quiet activity such as reading a book or warm shower and avoiding caffeine later in the day will also help.  Computer games and flickering televisions should also be avoided as bedtime approaches.  Daily exercise is also suggested, however, it should not occur within two hours of bedtime.  While a quick 30 minute nap after school may help, longer naps later in the evening will negatively impact the bedtime routine.  Even dimming the lighting as bedtime approaches and exposing the child to bright lights in the morning can prove effective.

Just knowing that sleep deprivation is a normal adolescent experience may not provide the relief needed to offset the negative side effects.  However, with education, implementing the research-based recommendations and a bit of patience, the harmful behaviors may improve.  Education about the importance of sleep is just as important as education about exercise, nutrition and drugs and alcohol.  If all else fails it may be appropriate to discuss concerns with a medical professional. 

The most obvious solution is to move the start of school time to later in the day, although after school sports, jobs and other activities, transportation scheduling, family stressors and changing the school and community culture are huge obstacles to overcome.  Many high schools have implemented the change with success such as at Edina High, Minnesota, and Pike County, Kentucky.

Federal legislation (known as the ZZZ’s to A’s Act) was the introduced into Congress by Representative Lofgren (D-CA) and referred to the Education Subcommittee on Educational Reform.  The bill encourages school districts to move starting time to no earlier than 9:00 a.m. This bill has been submitted several times and referred to Committee but never acted upon.

Perhaps it is time to take a closer look at this phenomenon and implement solutions especially if all of the evidence suggests it is what is best for our students.  It is not a problem that will just go away.

For more information about sleep deprivation, go to www.sleepfoundation.org.

NACAC Conference in Baltimore

I recently attended the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) National Conference in Baltimore. Over 5000 high school counselors, college admission professionals, independent counselors and exhibitors attended. Over the course of four days, I was able to connect with hundreds of professionals who are committed to helping students gain knowledge and information and navigate the often rocky or overwhelming transition to college.

I attended my first NACAC National Conference in late September 2001 in San Antonio, TX. Yes, right after 911 I flew to Texas. Even though the attendance was drastically reduced, I was none-the-less hooked. Why you ask? The opportunity to network with thousands of colleagues from all over the world, to attend presentations facilitated by talented and knowledgeable professionals and to learn about the latest trends and issues in the profession are key reasons why attending the National Conference is critical to my success as a school counselor. In addition, many counselors take advantage of the numerous college tours in the surrounding area offered before, during and after the conference.

Okay, so call me a conference geek, but attending a professional development opportunity like a national conference is like no other. Many of my peers are either resistant to or unable to get out of their offices for such things. It baffles me as to why this would be the case. Yes, I understand that attending such an event can be a financial challenge when budgets have been severely limited and many counselors have lost their jobs. There is also a burden for the school counseling office when someone is out for multiple days at a time. No one fills in to do my job when I am out, unlike a substitute teacher who is hired when a teacher is out. Others may argue that students suffer as a result of my being out as they will have to wait to see me, unless of course it is an emergency. Still others are just not conferences goers.

I would argue that I am a better school counselor as a result of my presence at the conference. The cutting edge information that I receive, relationships that I develop with colleagues on both sides of the admission desk across the world and product updates are irreplaceable and in fact allow me to give my students an edge over their peers in other schools in which counselors do not attend. Yes my students may not get an immediate answer to a question when I am out, but I feel they benefit more by what I bring back to them.

Professional development conferences also allow me to grow as a professional and give my school some much needed attention that it is often lacking. Monson High School is on the map because I attend a national conference. Additionally I often present sessions about issues that affect school counselors. In Baltimore I presented about resources that can help school counselors improve their services and how to use data to improve their college counseling programs, both topics which have relevance and direct impact on student success. As a result of my presentation, I obviously have had to do research which helps me grow professionally.

On a more personal level, national conferences also give me an opportunity to connect with friends whom I have met at previous conferences. I may only see these associates just once a year at the conference, but the friendships and relationships are crucial to making the conference more than just learning about what is new in my profession.

So what did I learn in Baltimore? There were no real hot button topics this year. Standardized testing and colleges going test optional are still a buzz for some. Others were focused on the economy and how students will be able to afford higher education. But the tried and true sessions such as finding a college for the B/C student or using technology to develop “the list” are still big draws.

Next year I will be in St. Louis, September 30 – October 2. I’ll figure out some way to pay for it and yes, my students will miss me for a couple of days, but they will survive just like they did this year and undoubtedly will be better because I was there. Will I see you there?

A PARENT’S GUIDE TO ALCOHOL, OTHER DRUGS AND YOUR COLLEGE BOUND TEEN

Do you have a child going off to college this fall or in the foreseeable future? Then you need to become educated about the challenges and issues that your child will face in regard to drugs and alcohol on college campuses. While asking about the drug or alcohol scene may not be on the top of your list of questions during a college tour or information session, it should be. Consider the following statistics:

• 43% of college students report drinking in a high risk manner at some point in their college career; 20% report drinking in a high risk manner often.
• Within the past year, 32.3% of college students have used marijuana, 6.5% have used amphetamines, 7.5% have used hallucinogens, 3.7 have used cocaine and 3.6% have used designer drugs such as Ecstasy.
• Drug and alcohol abuse has been the cause of tragedies such as date rape crimes, hospitalizations, suspensions/expulsions and even death
• Even those who do not engage in high risk behaviors are affected by student drug/alcohol use and abuse
• 60.5 % had study or sleep interrupted
• 53.6% had to care for a drunken friend
• 20.1% of women had an unwanted sexual advance and 1.3% have been a victim of a sexual assault or date rape
• 13.6% had property damaged
• 9.5% had been assaulted

While some campuses might be dry or the social scene may not provide the opportunity or acceptance of alcohol and drug use, most colleges are faced with the challenges of providing programs and incentives to discourage on-campus use and abuse and work hard to avoid the negative publicity that comes with the label “party school.” We often hear of riot situations where extensive damage occurs. This then results in arrests, suspensions and expulsions and even death, all because of behavior fueled by drunken students.

Since students may want to attend a school with a well-known party environment, it is up to parents to make sure the college is a good match.

Here are some things you can do:

Ask questions - Is there a culture of partying that starts on Thursday and carries over to poorly attended classes on Monday morning? What percentage of incidents that are part of the campus police log were drug or alcohol related? Does the institution accept advertising revenue from businesses that sell alcohol? Is there a Greek system and if so what is the policy about drugs and alcohol and initiation rituals?

Visit the campus - While most parents do visit a prospective campus, when you do visit are you looking specifically for clues about the drug and alcohol scene? Talk to numerous students and resident advisors. Wander through the residence halls checking out displays, bulletin boards and campus newspapers. Look for off campus bars or liquor stores in close proximity to the campus. Find out what programs exist late at night or on the weekends to provide alternatives to the drug and alcohol scene.

Provide factual information - Make sure your child is informed about the harmful effects of drug/alcohol abuse. Discourage dangerous drinking games or hazing activities that involve excess.

Be supportive - In addition to teaching your child about the negative consequences of drug and/or alcohol abuse, it is also imperative to offer him/her support around making good choices. Encourage him/her to seek activities and peers that will not be consumed with activities involving drugs or alcohol.

Be a positive role model - Make sure that as a parent you are modeling healthy and acceptable behavior. What is your belief system and level of consumption of alcohol or other drugs? If you possess a permissive philosophy then it is more likely that your child will think it is acceptable to use such substances.

Talk with your child - Parents are a key influence on the values and beliefs that their children possess. Listen to what your child has to say about drugs and alcohol. Find out what concerns s/he may have. Make it clear what you expect from your child and be vigilant about maintaining contact with him/her so you know what is going on.

Remember that parents are often unaware of the severity of a child’s drug/alcohol problem. Only three percent of parents think their child would have five or more drinks in a row during the past month. The reality is that thirty-three percent of teens do have five or more drinks in a row last month. While you may think now that your child is an adult, off at college and on his/her own, your responsibility is not over. Don’t let your child make mistakes that a little bit of effort, education and perseverance could have prevented.

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Links:

http://www.factsontap.org/