Chicago University

Is Homeschooling Right for Your Child?

With more and more parents wanting their children to receive and education different from that being offered in the public school system, homeschooling is becoming more popular every day. Currently, there are approximately two million children home schooled in the United States – and that number is growing by about 10 percent per year. While some Americans are adamantly against homeschooling, studies show that kids who are homeschooled perform well on standardized tests, excel in college, become self-directed learners, and succeed as adult employees. Notwithstanding, if you're mulling over the option of homeschooling your children, there are many factors you should consider to ensure it will beneficial for them.

For parents thinking about homeschooling their children, below is a list of the pros and cons to consider. This list was derived from the day-to-day experiences of many families from across the United States who've turned to homeschooling as an alternative to the public school system. We'll start with the pros.

Ability to teach what you want, when you want. Probably the biggest benefit of homeschooling is the ability to choose your child's curriculum. You choose what your child studies, when they study and for how long. No one knows your child better than you. And now one cares about your child's progression more than you. If you want to spend more time study math, you can do so. If American history is of particular importance, you can include it in your child's curriculum. Children also have the ability to spend more time focusing their studies on areas of interest, such as art or science. In most states, homeschooled children have complete autonomy to complete their curriculum at their own pace. Notwithstanding, a bit more relaxed and less ridged structure than the public school setting, homeschooled kids tend to learn just as fast as kids in the public school systems – and sometimes much faster. (Due to new regulation, some states now mandate that certain curriculum be taught in a home school setting.)

Freedom to choose. While homeschooling in many ways can be quite demanding, in one way it can be a big relief. Families who home school their children are no longer constrained by the daily, weekly and monthly schedule imposed by the public school system. Families may choose to set up a homeschooling routine the mirrors that of the local school system, so that that their kids are off when other kids are off, but their lives no longer revolve the school's calendar and school hours. Families find they have much more freedom to go on vacation and live their live according to their own schedules.

Increased emotional and physical safety. These days bullying is prevalent in most public schools. While not every kid is bullied, its happens to quite a few – and the result can be devastating. It's not only emotionally damaging, but it makes receiving a good education and learning close to impossible for some kids. Unfortunately, drugs and gangs also show their face in the public school system. Homeschooling avoids all of these potentially harmful influences. Other negative influences that homeschooling avoids include peer pressure, competition and poor self-esteem issues. During the high school years, most girls struggle to maintain a high level of self-esteem. Studies show that girls who are homeschooled have high self-esteem that remains intact throughout their high school years. Homeschooled children also don't have to worrying about the whole issue of “fitting in” that plagues just about every child in the public school system.

Increased productivity. In most class rooms in public schools there is 1 teacher for every 20 to 30 children. Not only does each child in a public school receive very little one-on-one instruction from their teacher, they also end up doing a lot of unnecessary busywork. In a homeschool setting, children can often accomplish in a few hours what it would take all day to accomplish is a public school. Kids attending public schools often have a ton of homework – because the classroom setting isn't conducive to getting a lot accomplished. Homeschooled kids rarely have homework, as homework is completed while class is in session.

Freedom of religion. Religious beliefs and values are important to many families. While separation of church and state is at the core of the U.S. Constitution, historically religious values have always been a part of our public education system – but not anymore. Public schools today are going as far as to debased the strongly held religious beliefs and values that are central to the belief system of many American families. Homeschooling allows parents to incorporate their religious belief and value system into the educational curriculum for their students.

Better relationships. Some opponents of homeschooling assert that homeschooled children are less social and more introverted than publicly educated children. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Homeschooled children are not only as smart as publicly educated students, they are more emotionally stable, exhibit less destructive behavior and are quite socially adept. As previously mentioned, as adults homeschooled children are successful in both their interpersonal and occupational relationships.

Increased stability. Case studies indicate the homeschooled children are better equipped to deal with challenges they may face, such as the death of a loved one, illness, or life transitions like a move. When children are homeschooled, moving to a new city or state is far less traumatic than it is for children in the public school system – for many reasons.

More rest. Recent studies have suggested that getting the right amount of sleep is more important to the emotional and physical health of children than we ever imagined – especially for teen age youth. Sometimes sleeping in, just a little bit, is just what the doctor ordered. Early morning sleep can be especially beneficial, especially for kids that aren't morning people. Some children who attend public schools go to school exhausted and come home exhausted due to poor sleep habits.

Even though there are numerous pros to homeschooling, there are also several cons. Fewer friends, lack of extra-curricular activities and limited opportunity to interact with other children are just a few. Below we've listed the most common complaints from homeschoolers.

Increased stress. Life is already stress enough for most of us, but if you're homeschooling your children, it can get even more stressful. First, homeschooling takes a lot of time and effort. Day in and day out, lesson have to be prepared and children have to be taught. It's time consuming and can sap your energy. Homeschooling isn't as simple as most people imagine. It doesn't consist of a few obedient kids who are great at paying attention and following instructions. Parents who homeschool have to deal with many of the same issues as teachers do. They must also provide their children with hands-on learning experiences and activities. Homeschooling is not spent at the kitchen table with textbooks and worksheets – as many people envision. Homeschooling can be very draining physically and emotionally.

It can be expensive. Homeschooling isn't cheap, especially if you're used to being a two income household. Almost all homeschooling homes are one-income families. Living on one income is just a fact of homeschooling. This can be a big sacrifice if money is tight – but most homeschooling families find the sacrifice well worth having their kids reap the benefits of being home schooled. There is also the cost of books and supplies to consider. As home schooling is not subsidized by tax payer dollars – as public schooling is – parents must cover all costs associated with homeschooling.

Prepare for kid overload. We all love our kids. And why are you considering homeschooling your kids in the first place. Obviously, because you love them. But let's get real, being with your kids 24/7 can get bit overwhelming. If you decide to homeschool your kids, prepare to be with them all of the time. If you can't hand being around your kids that much, then you may want to reconsider your decision to homeschool. But for most parents who decide to homeschool, the time they spend with their kids is just another opportunity to grow closer together.

Limited extra-curricular activities. Parents homeschooling their kids have to come up with extra-curricular activities. This can be a time consuming process – a task that many aspiring homeschoolers don't appreciate until they're actually homeschooling their kids for the first time and find themselves overwhelmed with the work load. It becomes even more difficult as children move into the teen years and become interested in sports. While community sports are usually available for younger kids, teens that are homeschooled are often confronted with limited opportunity to be involved in team sports. While some public schools allow homeschooled kids to participate in their athletics programs, many do not.

Increased scrutiny. Even though there are more homeschoolers today than ever before, homeschooling is facing increasing scrutiny, criticism and negative pressure from federal government and mainstream educational organizations. Homeschooling seen by many as outside mainstream thinking and what's acceptable. Unfortunately, a large number of Americans see homeschooling as threat to mainstream educational systems and feel that all students should be educated through the public school system. Some critics just can't handle seeing regular parents doing a better job at educating their children than the “highly” trained professionals in the public education system. Homeschooling is seen by many as a fringe institution that exists too far outside of societal norms to be acceptable.

So there you have it! The pros and the cons of homeschooling. So is it really worth it? Well, most homeschoolers who say, “most definitively”. Everything in life that's really worthwhile usually requires effort and sacrifice.

FAQ - Scholarship

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions relating to scholarships.

What is the difference between a lottery scholarship and a merit scholarship?

Students who receive merit-based scholarships typically have exceptional grades, test scores, and have actively participated in community service and extracurricular activities. Students who receive lottery scholarships are randomly selected, so everyone applying has a good chance of obtaining a scholarship.

What are my chances of receiving a scholarship?

It depends on the type of scholarship, applicant qualifications, personal statements, and the overall quality of the application. You'll enhance your chances when applying for scholarships you qualify for and finding ones designed for specific groups you're affiliated with, such as school organizations, religious organizations, ethnic groups, etc. When a lot of students apply for the same scholarship, chances of receiving the award diminish. Apply for scholarships specific to academic fields or areas you plan to pursue in your future career since scholarship committees typically look favorably upon it. Remember, finding and applying for scholarships is time consuming and hard work, so be prepared to devote a lot of time and effort to the application process.

How does community service increase my chances for receiving a scholarship?

You will more than likely be asked about your participation with community service on every application form you complete. When many qualified applicants apply for the same scholarship, you can set yourself apart from the competition by being actively involved in your community. In fact, organizations offering scholarships often prefer applicants who've participated in community service since they want to assist students intending to actively help others and improve their communities.

Who should I ask to write my letter of recommendation?

You should seek letters of recommendations from teachers, coaches, advisors, managers, or anyone else who has mentored or supervised you. It's inadvisable to seek a recommendation from a family member or friend. Letters of recommendation are endorsements of qualifications and abilities, so seek people who can honestly verify your personal achievements and strengths.

If the required G.P.A. is 3.8 and I have a 3.7, should I still apply?

Do not apply if your numbers are below the specified requirements. Thousands of students typically apply for the same scholarships, so applicants not satisfying the requirements are often not considered.

How quickly will I be notified?

It usually takes a few weeks after your application is reviewed. However, it differs by scholarship.

How does the scholarship provider choose a winner?

Every organization offering scholarships has different criteria when making award decisions. Students receiving awards typically satisfy all scholarship requirements, and they typically separate themselves from other applicants in personal essays. When reviewing application forms, pay close attention to instructions to determine what providers are specifically seeking in applicants.

Does the amount I receive in scholarships affect my eligibility for financial aid?

It typically does. Organizations sponsoring scholarships usually transfer funds to schools, and financial aid departments cover unpaid tuition fees with these funds. After receiving a scholarship, you might be limited to how many other forms of financial aid you qualify for.

 I probably don't qualify for aid. Should I apply for aid anyway?

Yes. Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it. In addition, there are a few sources of aid such as unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans that are available regardless of need. The FAFSA form is free. There is no good excuse for not applying.

Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for financial aid at a particular university?

No. You can apply for financial aid any time after October 1. To actually receive funds, however, you must be admitted and enrolled at the university.

Why can't I submit my financial aid application before October 1?

You cannot submit the form before this deadline because the need analysis process uses your financial information from the prior tax year when calculating eligibility for the upcoming award year

Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

Yes. Most financial aid offices require that you apply for financial aid every year. If your financial circumstances change, you may get more or less aid. After your first year you will receive a "Renewal Application" which contains preprinted information from the previous year's FAFSA. Note that your eligibility for financial aid may change significantly, especially if you have a different number of family members in college. Renewal of your financial aid package also depends on your making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, such as earning a minimum number of credits and achieving a minimum GPA.

How do I apply for a Pell Grant and other types of need-based aid?

Submit a FAFSA. To indicate interest in student employment, student loans and parent loans, you should check the appropriate boxes. Checking these boxes does not commit you to accepting these types of aid. You will have the opportunity to accept or decline each part of your aid package later. Leaving these boxes unchecked will not increase the amount of grants you receive.

Are my parents responsible for my educational loans?

No. Parents are, however, responsible for the Federal PLUS loans. Parents will only be responsible for your educational loans if they co-sign your loan. In general you and you alone are responsible for repaying your educational loans.

You do not need to get your parents to cosign your federal student loans, even if you are under age 18, as the 'defense of infancy' does not apply to federal student loans. (The defense of infancy presumes that a minor is not able to enter into contracts, and considers any such contract to be void. There is an explicit exemption to this principle in the Higher Education Act with regard to federal student loans.) However, lenders may require a cosigner on private student loans if your credit history is insufficient or if you are underage. In fact, many private student loan programs are not available to students under age 18 because of the defense of infancy.

If your parents (or grandparents) want to help pay off your loan, you can have your billing statements sent to their address. Likewise, if your lender or loan servicer provides an electronic payment service, where the monthly payments are automatically deducted from a bank account, your parents can agree to have the payments deducted from their account. But your parents are under no obligation to repay your loans. If they forget to pay the bill on time or decide to cancel the electronic payment agreement, you will be held responsible for the payments, not them.

Why is the family contribution listed on the SAR different from the family contribution expected by the university?

The federal formula for computing the expected family contribution is different from those used by many universities. In particular, the federal formula does not consider home equity as part of the assets.

 If I take a leave of absence, do I have to start repaying my loans?

Not immediately. The subsidized Stafford loan has a grace period of 6 months and the Perkins loan a grace period of 9 months before the student must begin repaying the loan. When you take a leave of absence you will not have to repay your loan until the grace period is used up. If you use up the grace period, however, when you graduate you will have to begin repaying your loan immediately. It is possible to request an extension to the grace period, but this must be done before the grace period is used up.

If your grace period has run out in the middle of your leave of absence, you will have to start making payments on your student loans.

I got an outside scholarship. Should I report it to the financial aid office?

Yes. If you are receiving any kind of financial aid from university or government sources, you must report the scholarship to the financial aid office.

Unfortunately, the university will adjust your financial aid package to compensate. Nevertheless, the outside scholarship will have some beneficial effects. At some universities outside scholarships are used to reduce the self-help level. For example, at MIT the outside scholarship is first applied to reducing the self-help level, and only when the scholarship exceeds self-help does it replace institutional grants. At other universities outside scholarships are used to replace loans instead of grants.

What are GATE loans, and why doesn't my university participate?

GATE loans is a nonprofit private loan program (Guaranteed Access to Education) offered through participating schools in conjunction with Bank of America and the National Collegiate Trust (NCT). There is a minimal credit check (no FICO score or cosigner requirement) and schools can recommend whatever loan amount they'd like the student to receive. The interest rates range from LIBOR + 2.35% to LIBOR + 8.85%, with fees of 0% to 9%. The loan term is 13 to 20 years. The GATE loan program has been suspended effective June 15, 2008.

If this program is so wonderful -- no loan limit, no credit check, low interest rate -- why don't more schools participate? There are several reasons why a university might not want to participate in this program:

There is some risk-sharing by the schools. As a result, the program will be most attractive to schools with a low default rate.

There are no federal guidelines or regulations governing this loan program.

Membership is not open to two-year colleges.

Universities that are interested in participating in the GATE loan program should call 1-800-895-GATE (4283).

Where can I get information about Federal student financial aid?

Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 1-800-730-8913 (if hearing impaired) and ask for a free copy of The Student Guide: Financial Aid from the US Department of Education. This toll free hotline is run by the US Department of Education and can answer questions about federal and state student aid programs and applications. You can also write to

Federal Student Aid Information Center
PO Box 84
Washington, DC 20044

Are work-study earnings taxable?

The money you earn from Federal Work-Study is generally subject to federal and state income tax, but exempt from FICA taxes (provided you are enrolled full time and work less than half-time).

Federal Work-Study earnings during the calendar year should be included in the totals for AGI and Worksheet C on the FAFSA. Work-study earnings should only be included in Worksheet C when they represent financial aid to the student, since the answer to this question is used as an exclusion from taxed income. The student should also be careful to report amounts based on the calendar year, not the school year.

 Is it legal for a 17-year-old student to sign a promissory note for a student loan, even though the student has not yet reached the age of majority?

Normally, a minor cannot be held liable for a contract that they sign. However, in 1992 the Higher Education Act was amended to permit eligible students, defined as per Title IV regulations, to sign promissory notes for their own Federal student loans. As such, student loans represent one of the few exceptions to the so-called "defense of infancy". The specific citation is section 484A(b)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 USC 1091a(b)(2)), and applies to Stafford, PLUS and Consolidation Loans. It does not appear to apply to Perkins and Direct Loans, although it was clearly the intent of Congress that it should.

Several states have also passed similar laws that consider minors to be competent to enter into a contract for an education loan. This extends similar protection to private and non-federal loans. All private education loans require a cosigner when the student is under the age of majority, just to be safe.

FAFSA Questions

Where can I get a copy of the FAFSA?

You can ask your guidance counselor for a copy. You can also get the FAFSA from the financial aid office at a local college, your local public library, or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID. The online version of the form is available at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Are photocopies of the FAFSA acceptable?

No. Only the original FAFSA form produced by the US Department of Education is acceptable. Photocopies, reproductions, facsimiles and electronic versions are all not acceptable. (See DCL GEN-95-21.)

How soon after October 1 should the FAFSA form be sent in? Is it better to wait until the income tax forms have been completed?

Send in the form as soon as possible after October 1. Do not wait until your taxes are done. Although it is better to do your taxes early, it is ok to use estimates of your income, so long as they aren't very far off from the actual values. You will have an opportunity to correct any errors later. If you wait too long, you might miss the deadline for state aid. Most states require the FAFSA to be submitted by March 1, and some even as early as early or mid-February.

I sent in my FAFSA over four weeks ago but haven't heard anything. What should I do?

If you haven't received a Student Aid Report (SAR), call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (toll free) or 1-319-337-5665. You must provide them with your Social Security number and date of birth as verification.

You can also write to

Federal Student Aid Programs
PO Box 4038
Washington, DC 52243-4038

to find out whether your FAFSA has been processed or to request a duplicate copy of your SAR.

 I was born on January 1, when I will be 24 years old. Can I check Yes in the answer to the FAFSA question "Were you born before January 1, ..." to qualify as an independent student?

The official answer is no. If you check yes, your SAR will be flagged for verification. However, most financial aid administrators would use professional judgment to override the default dependency determination for a student born on January 1 who also demonstrates financial self-sufficiency.

6. What do those acronyms on the Student Aid Report (SAR) mean?

The acronyms on the bottom of the SAR represent intermediate results in the need analysis. To fully understand their meaning, you will need to be familiar with the federal need analysis methodology, such as is used by the EFC Estimator. The meanings of the acronyms are as follows:

EFC	Expected Family Contribution
TI	Total Income
ATI	Allowances Against Total Income
STX	State and Other Tax Allowance
EA	Employment Allowance
IPA	Income Protection Allowance
AI
CAI	Contribution from Available Income (Independent Student)
DNW	Discretionary Net Worth
APA	Education Savings and Asset Protection Allowance
PCA	Parents' Contribution from Assets
AAI	Adjusted Available Income
TPC	Total Parents' Contribution
TSC	Total Student's Contribution
PC	Parents' Contribution
SIC	Dependent Student's Income Contribution
SCA	Dependent Student's Contribution from Assets

If an asterisk appears next to the EFC figure, the student has been selected for verification. The asterisk is followed by a code that explains the reason why the student was selected for verification. The letter explains the reason for selection, and the number indicates the priority, with code 1 the highest priority and code 25 the lowest priority (although there are higher codes).

For additional details about SARs and ISIRs, please see the Guide to 1997-98 SARs and ISIRs.

7. I qualify for the Simplified Needs Test. Should I fill out Section G anyway?

Yes. Some states and most private colleges require the asset information in Section G to compute their own financial aid awards. Including this information will not affect your eligibility for federal financial aid (it is disregarded by the Federal Need Analysis Methodology if you qualify for the Simplified Needs Test). Even if none of the schools require the information, you should include it anyway, just in case.

Home Schooling and Financial Aid

 Are there any programs that provide student financial assistance to homeschooled children?

Homeschooled students are eligible for federal student aid for college if they have "completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private school under State law" (Section 484(d)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965). Homeschooled students have not been required to take the GED or take an ability-to-benefit test since the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. High school dropouts must take a GED exam or an ability-to-benefit test, but students who have completed a home schooled secondary education that satisfies the requirements of state law do not. For additional information, see Federal Requirements for Homeschoolers Seeking College Admission and Financial Aid, Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), May 2003.

Many private scholarships are open to homeschooled students. Some scholarships, however, require a high school diploma or GED. If a scholarship requires a high school diploma or GED, ask for a clarification or exception before applying. If you encounter resistance, it can help to point out that in 2005 the winner of the Siemens Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science and Technology's $100,000 scholarship was a 16-year-old homeschooled student.

There aren't many scholarships specifically targeted at homeschooled students, other than those sponsored by the Home School Foundation.

Divorce and Financial Aid

An entire section of FinAid is devoted to the topic of Divorce and Financial Aid. It discusses which parent is responsible for completing the FAFSA, the obligations of non-custodial parents to pay for college, college support agreements, the obligations of step-parents, and the ability of non-custodial parents to take advantage of the various tax benefits for education.

Bankruptcy and Financial Aid

An entire section of FinAid is devoted to the topic of Bankruptcy and Financial Aid. It discusses both whether student loans can be discharged by bankruptcy, as well as the impact of a bankruptcy on eligibility for student aid.

How to Select a Best College?

You’ve just gone through the arduous process of choosing a college and before you know it, you have to decide what to study! Selecting a college major is an incredibly important decision, and one that should be given ample time and serious consideration. You will be deciding a course of study that will influence your life in countless ways. 

But don’t fret! Even though it's a serious decision, you still have time—unless you’re already in your sophomore year. If that’s the case, then you better get moving!

It’s best to start thinking about majors while you’re still in high school. Having some idea of what you want to study will help you select a college and chart your future course. But the reality is, with some exceptions, you don’t have to declare a major until a little later in your college career. 

The major you settle on may or may not be directly related to your eventual career, but it will influence the way you approach critical thinking, problem solving and communication. That’s what makes it so important. But if you give yourself time and really evaluate how your major will fit into your goals for the future, you will select a college major that is a great fit for you.

How to Approach the Process

Most incoming freshman don’t know what they want to do when they grow up. However, you probably know what interests you and what doesn’t, as well as subjects that you have an aptitude for and those that you don’t.

This is a good place to start. Are you better at math and science, or reading, writing and analytical thinking? This will set you in the right direction and help narrow your options.

If you’re still in high school, it really helps to know if you’re leaning towards liberal arts or a more technical field of study. This will help you decide what colleges to apply to. Most medium and large colleges offer hundreds of different majors. It would be impossible for them to be first-rate in all of them. Ideally you want to attend an institution has a good reputation in your field of study. This will pay off later when you’re looking for a job.

Once you start college, you don’t need to declare a major right away. Most programs have plenty of general education requirements and those classes will dominate your first two years of college. There are exceptions. Programs such as engineering, architecture and pre-medicine have very specific pre-requisites and students are urged to declare a major as soon as possible, otherwise you may be in college for more than four years.

As you complete your general requirements, you can explore different subjects, find courses that excite you and rule out some that you thought you liked. You also have the freedom to take elective classes, which can open up possibilities you never considered before.

Many students choose their first major because of a general interest in a subject, sometimes dating back to childhood. But people are often surprised to find they don’t like a subject once they see what it is like to study it rigorously. That’s why it’s a good idea to take a program for a test drive before you commit to it as a major, otherwise it may just be your first major and not what you end up graduating in.

Switching majors isn’t the end of the world either. Plenty of students change majors midway through their college careers. But it can make that career longer and more expensive. That’s why you don’t want to rush into a major. 

Career-oriented Majors

Some students know just what they want to do and pursue a career-oriented major, such as business or nursing, two of the most common. These majors are focused on preparation for a specific career path. For these students, the decision is easier, but it is still wise to take some classes before you declare a major, just to make sure you really like it.

If you are considering a career-oriented major, find out more about the college’s career services. Some colleges invest heavily in these programs, often including an active alumni network, while others do not. Solid career counseling can make a huge difference in your ability to find internships and employment.

Other majors are designed to feed into a master’s degree. If this is the case, you need to be sure that you are ready for the extra commitment. If not, your bachelor’s degree may not be worth much without the master’s accompanying it.

A College Major is the Start of Your Future

As you take different classes and narrow down your options, it’s time to start thinking about your major in terms of your future. Ask yourself what kind of career you want to have.

Some majors are very specific to a career (see above), so in selecting a major you’re essentially choosing a career. Other majors are more open-ended and teach general skills like critical thinking, analyzing texts and communication. Most English majors don’t go on to become authors or English professors, but they have a broad range of skills that can be applied to many different careers.

Remember, your major will have a big influence on what you do for a living, but it is not determining your destiny. Plenty of people wind up in a career field that is completely unrelated to their major. You just never know where life will take you. 

When to Declare a Major

When exactly should you declare your major? It depends on the subject, but in general sooner is better. Some students wait until the beginning of their junior year to declare and have no problems. But this can limit your options and create some headaches.

For most majors, you can declare sometime in your sophomore year. If you’ve already taken some required classes, those will count toward your degree. If you’ve spent lots of course credits on electives in other subjects, those will still count as elective credits, something you need in almost any major.

Some programs are not so flexible. Remember engineering, pre-medicine and architecture? At certain schools, the more rigorous programs like these require students to declare in their freshman year. That is because these majors have lots of very specific pre-requisites. You’re going to have to get started on those right away to graduate in four years.

Investigate the Program

Taking an introductory class is a great way to find out if you want to be an anthropologist or a nurse, but it won’t tell you everything you need to know about the program. Dig deeper and find out exactly what is required for different degrees.

If you’re still in high school, it’s not too early to start. Talk to your guidance counselor about different college majors. He or she will most likely have some literature and online resources that can give you more details about a field of study and what is involved.

If you’re already in college, an academic advisor will definitely have this information for you and it will be specific to that college. Look at the required classes. Are these subjects that excite you? Do they line up with your interests and aptitude? If you’re still in doubt, talk to other students who are taking or have already graduated from the program.

Have a Long-term Plan

Ideally, the major that you select should fit into a long-term plan for your life. That sounds like an awful lot to decide right now, but don’t worry, you can always change your plan. The important thing is that you have one. That is a much better way to navigate through college than zigzagging here and there and finally settling on something.

If you have a plan for what comes after graduation, even if that plan changes—and it almost certainly will—you’ll have a much easier time making these crucial choices.

Selecting a college major is definitely a major decision. It can be scary committing to something, but that’s what adult life is all about. If you give yourself enough time and approach the process in a thoughtful way, you will find a major that helps you achieve your goals in life.

Applying for Federal Financial Aid | Study Guide

Applying for Federal Financial Aid can certainly be overwhelming, stressful, and confusing. With a little guidance, however, you'll find that the process is simpler than it may appear.

Know Your Deadlines

Most of the stress of applying for financial aid comes from waiting until the last minute. It's an involved process, and if you don't give yourself enough time, it can be completely overwhelming. Do your research, find out the deadlines for any form you need to complete, and get started early.

The deadline for the Federal FAFSA form is typically at the end of June for a given school year. In other words, the deadline for the 2015-2016 school year will typically be at the end of June 2016.

Deadlines for aid from the state, however, usually come much earlier. If you are applying for aid from the state, you'll need to fill out forms in addition to your federal paperwork.

Scholarships or other programs which are unique to your college or university will likely have their own unique deadlines. Many schools use the CSS Profile Form for private scholarships and aid.

Double-check the deadlines for all the kinds of aid you're applying for. The federal deadlines can be found on the application deadline page of the Department of Education's website.

Get Organized

There's a lot of paperwork involved in the financial aid application process, and it's crucial that you don't lose any of it. A great way to keep your papers organized is to buy an accordion-style file folder. Use this folder to store your completed FAFSA forms, loan agreements, personal financial documents, etc. Also, it's a really smart idea to print out every financial aid-related email you send or receive, as well as the online forms you fill out. That way, you'll have a hard copy in case your computer crashes, or in case you need to dispute any terms for any reason.

Your file folder will be full of very sensitive information (Social Security number, tax returns, personal information, etc.), and should be treated accordingly. Keep it in a very safe place. Doing otherwise is basically asking for your identity to get stolen.

Get Your FAFSA PIN Number

The Department of Education assigns each student a unique PIN number, which you must have in order to electronically "sign" your online FAFSA application. This PIN number is also necessary for accessing your account and information.

Make sure you apply for this PIN far ahead of time. It may take only 1-3 days to receive your PIN number, but it may take a fair amount longer if the system is overloaded, or if your information isn't correctly filled out. If you wait until the last minute to apply for your PIN, you could very well miss the submission deadline.

You'll use this PIN number throughout your entire college career, so keep it safe and never share it! You can create your FAFSA PIN number at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid.

Fill Out and Submit the FAFSA Form

Many people find the FAFSA form to be quite confusing. This is largely due to the fact that the FAFSA form asks for information from your tax return, and if you're one of the many people who hire someone else to complete your tax return, this information may be unfamiliar to you.

Before you begin filling out the form, go through a blank copy of the form and see if there are any fields, categories, or terms which you don't understand. If you do find some confusing parts, contact your tax preparer ahead of time for some clarification. Getting answers to all your questions may take some time, so it's important that you get started well before the deadline.

Before starting to fill out the online form, make sure you have you've completed the most recent year's tax return. You'll need a lot of information from your return to complete the FAFSA form.

Check Online for the Status of Your FAFSA Form

You can monitor the status of your FAFSA form online, at the FAFSA website. You'll need to use your PIN number to check if your form has been processed. Processing time for a FAFSA form may range from 1-2 days up to 2 weeks.

The status of your FAFSA form won't tell you what financial aid you're going to receive. However, it will tell you if you've completed the form correctly, and if it's been processed. Information about the aid you'll receive comes from the school you plan on attending.

Contact Your School's Financial Aid Office

After your application is processed, contact the financial aid department of the school you're planning to attend (or the several schools you're considering). The people in this department will be able to tell you what your options are, in terms of financial aid. You may qualify for scholarships, grants, subsidized or unsubsidized loans, tuition waivers, and/or work-study.

Be courteous and patient with the people in these offices, even if the process gets frustrating. It's a difficult job to divide up a school's limited financial aid funds, and being disrespectful to them certainly won't make the process easier for anyone.

Apply Again Every Year

New students often think that once they've received financial aid, they're set for the rest of their time in college. This can be a costly mistake. The FAFSA form, as well as most state applications, must be completed every year in order to receive financial aid. For school-specific programs and scholarships, students usually need to re-apply or re-qualify in order to continue receiving the aid.

There's Help Out There

If this all just seems like too much work, too confusing, or overwhelming, remember that there are professionals you can hire to help. Hiring a professional in no way guarantees that you'll receive the aid you're hoping for, but it can certainly ease the stress of the application process. Be careful, though: there are several financial aid scams out there. Do your research, and only hire a reputable professional.

Math Study Guide

Math is different than any other subject. It's objective, employs specific procedures, involves symbols and formulas, and it has a vocabulary all of its own. Consequently, the study skills you need to succeed in math are also unique. Although there is no one right way to study math, the following are a few of the most important things, tips and study skills you need to know in order to do well in math.

Math requires active learning:
Unlike some academic subjects, you can't excel or even become proficient at math by just listening and reading. Math requires actively doing. Consequently, to learn math you must do all your homework and assignments. If you don't do your homework or complete your assignments you won't memorize the formulas or internalize the procedures required to become really proficient in math.

Some people think they're just not good at math. Our experienc indicates that most people can do math, however, most people really need to work in order to become proficient at math. While studying a couple hours for a history exam at the end of the term is usually sufficient, math requires routine studying and daily learning. Anyone who isn't willing to get actively involved in the process of learning math, is going to struggle.

Math is cumulative:
Math is a very sequential subject. What you learn one day builds on what you learned previously and is required to support future learning. It's like building blocks. If you miss any of the building blocks you can't progress. This is why with math it's so easy for students to fall behind if they miss school or don't complete homework on time. While cramming can help you pass tests in other academic subjects, it will do very little to help you pass your math tests.

As you progress through school, you'll also find that one math class builds upon another. For example, without successfully completing high school alegebra it may be very difficult to understand college algebra. You can't perform poorly one year and expect to excel the next. You'll have to go back and re-learn previous math concepts and subjects you neglected to learn in previous years.

Focus on the principles:
In most secondary and lower-level college history classes being able to memorize names, dates and events is all you need to pass. However, with math you'll find that rote memorization of formulas and equations won't cut it. Yes, you do need to be able to memorize information, but that's just the beginning. More importantly you need to know how to use formulas, understand how equations work and apply mathematical processes.

Math involves so many formulas, equations and procedures that it can be difficult to remember everything. Don't try and memorize everything. With math, understanding is more important than knowledge. When you start taking advanced mathematics classes in college, some professors may allow you to take a list of formulas with you to your tests. Others may even provide open book tests. All the knowledge in the world won't help you if you don't understand mathematical principles. Focus on developing a good understanding of all the major concepts initially.

Many procedures used for solving one mathematical problem can be used to solve other math problems. As you progress in your math, try and apply what you've learned previously to each new math problem you encounter.

Learn the vocabulary:
Math has a vocabulary all of its own. Additionally, many commonly used words have different meaning when used in association with math. Take the time to create a math vocabulary log where you note down and define each new math vocabulary term you encounter.

Many students quickly come to the conclusion that they just aren't cut out for math or that they just can't understand it. This is very rarely the case. Math requires patience, discipline, and dedication. If you dedicate yourself, believe in yourself, and put in the effort you will make it through math – and you might even find that you really like it.

Math grows in complexity and difficulty:
Math becomes increasingly complex over time. Consequently, many students have to spend more time studying math than they do other subjects in order to succeed. It's not uncommon to spend several hours a night studying math once you get into college algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. So if studying math is consuming all your time, you're not alone.

Note taking:
Students often write down what they see the professor or instructor write down. Unfortunately, most professors and instructors neglect to write down every important concept they discuss. Unless otherwise instructed, you should focus your note taking around key concepts and formulas that are discussed during class.

Include in your note taking any explanatory remarks made by the instructor. These are often never written down by the instructor yet are key to fully understanding the math principle or concept being discussed.

Take copious notes on formulas or concepts the instructor emphasizes, as these are likely to show up on future quizes and tests. And again, if the instructor says something you don't understand, raise your hand and ask for clarification. We also recommend making a list within your notes of those concepts that you're struggling with so you can go back later and get additional help.

Immediately after class, review your notes. Take a moment to make sure you understand everything you wrote down while the lecture is still fresh in your mind.

Homework is key to learning:
Math is one subject that usually requires homework. Math homework is not intended to make life misserable. It's simply necessary if you want to develop good reasoning and problem solving skills.

Most people do not understand math instantly after hearing an instructor's lecture. To learn math you must experience it. You must work out mathematical problems and apply what you've learned. Homework provides students the opportunity to really learn how math works by in theory and in practice.

Homework is most effective when it's completed while the lecture is still fresh in your mind. While there's nothing wrong with waiting to complete your homework until later in the evening, sometimes completely math assignments in between classes, during lunch or right after school while the concepts are still fresh in your mind is most effective.

One of the biggest problems students have when completing math homework is that they don't read the notes and/or text associated with the assignment or individual problems. Many students will quickly attempt to solve a math problem and then give up when they can't see how to do it. Reading all the instructions and notes prior to each homework assignment is necessary to completely math homework problems.

When it comes to math homework, the answer isn't always what the instructors is most interested in seeing. Most math instructors are more interested in how you arrive at your answer than the answer itself. When completiing math homework, always show your work. Present the steps you took to arrive at your answer in an organized, logical manner. Many math instructors will give partial credit for answers as long as you show your work. Alternatively, some math instructors will not give any credit for a write answer, if work is not included.

How to ace problem solving:

The following are few points for how to go about solving math problems.

Read the problem: Read the problem carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked.
Re-read the problem: Now read the problem again and note down what you are given and what you're being asked to find.
What is the problem asking for? Write down in your own words exactly what it is the question is asking you solve or find.
Write down what you know: Now go back through the problem and write out the information, facts and figures provided in a organized format.
Draw a diagram: If applicable, develop a diagram that more fully represents the problem. Drawing a well thoughtout diagram often suggests a solution.
Put together a plan: Identify any formulas that may help you solve the problem. Figure out what you're going to need to work the problem. Often there are intermediate steps/answer that you'll need to complete before arriving your final answer.
Find an example problem: If you're having a difficult time getting your mind around the problem, try finding a similar problem that you do understand, or that has already been worked out. Work the simpler problem and then go back and work the harder, yet similar, problem.
Carry out your plan: Once you have a good grasp on what's being asked and what needs to be accomplished, work your plan. Make sure to show your work, step by step, so your instructor can see your reasoning and logic – and so that you can go back and check your work.
Check your answer: Sometimes your first answer isn't the correct answer. Does the answer you came up with make sense? If you're able to plug your answer back into the original problem do so. This will let you know if your answer is correct.
Review the problem: Once you've settled on an answer, go back and review the problem one last time paying attention to the concepts, formulas and principles that were required to come up with your solution. This will help you internalized what you've learned and prepare you to tackle more challenging math problems.

Get Help:

• Ask for help if you need it. Use your teacher, other students or a tutor if necessary. Learning math is much easier if you'll take advantage of the knowledge and experience of others.

• Do not wait until the last minute to get help. Math is cumulative. So if you miss a concept, you're likely to get behind really quickly.

• Don't be scared to ask questions in class. If you don't understand a concept, chances are there are a lot of other students who don't understand the concept either. Don't worry about what other people will think or how you might look. If you don't understand something, raise your hand, ask a question and get clarification. If there isn't enought time during class to get the clarification you need, visit the instructor during office hours or after class.

• Availing yourself of study groups is a very good idea for studying math. With a study group of 4 or more people chances are that at least one person will have a good understanding of a math concept and can explain it to the rest of the group. Having the opportunity to explain complex math concepts to others also helps to solidify your own understanding of the concept. All around, study groups can be very beneficial for studying math.