TIP OF THE WEEK - JULY 26, 2010

Keeping a Budget throughout College and for a lifetime is Smart….

Do you find it difficult to keep your spending under control? It isn't an uncommon problem, and for many people, spending money makes them feel good. But like most things, you need to practice moderation. The best way to do this is by creating a budget. A budget will help you itemize, track, and see where your money goes. While this is a good start, it won't cure your overspending habits. College students should take time to write down what they are spending their money on and how much money they are spending before calling home to ask for more. It may be that some of the expenses are unnecessary.
Like any other habit, there are underlying forces at work, and until you understand what factors are enabling the habit, it can be difficult to break. Overspending happens for a number of reasons, but some of the most common driving forces are:

• Easy access to cash.
• Easy access to credit.
• Misuse of credit cards.
• Spending to make you feel good.

Once you identify some of the factors that influence your spending behavior, you can then focus on changing those specific behaviors. This will go a long way in helping you break the habit of spending too much money or going into excessive debt.

TIP OF THE WEEK - JULY 19, 2010

Top 10 SAT and ACT Test-Taking Tips


1. Be Equipped
On the night before the test you should gather everything you'll need: the admission ticket, a valid form of photo identification, several #2 pencils, a calculator with fresh batteries (for the SAT only), a watch, and a high-energy snack.

2. Don't Cram
You've worked hard. The best thing to do the evening before the test is to get a good night's sleep. You've covered the content and you've perfected the skills. Now it's time to get in test mode -- calm, rested, confident, and ready.

3. Dress in Layers
The climate in test centers can vary from sauna-like to frigid. Be prepared for both extremes and everything in-between. You need to be comfortable to do your best.

4. Arrive Early
You may want to scope out your test location before test day to ensure that you know where you're going. Getting to the test should be the least of your concerns.

5. Don't Spend too Much Time on One Question
Each question is worth the same number of points. If a question is confusing or too time-consuming, don't lose your cool. Instead, move on to greener pastures. You can come back to hard questions if you have time at the end of a section.

6. Don't Look for Unscored Questions/Sections
The experimental section on the SAT is well-camouflaged. Sometimes the ACT contains experimental questions that are scattered throughout the sections. Do your best on every question--that way, you're covered.

7. Keep Track of Where You Are in a Section
On the SAT, obvious answer choices early in a set may be correct. Obvious choices near the end of a set are often booby traps.

8. Guess Aggressively
If you don't know an answer, don't leave the question blank or guess randomly. Eliminate the choices you know are wrong, then make an educated guess from the remaining options. Remember, if you can eliminate even one answer choice then it pays to guess on the SAT. On the ACT, students aren't penalized for guessing. Only the correct answers count toward their score, so it is better to guess than leave a blank.

9. Be Careful Filling in the Answer Grid
Make sure you're filling in answers next to the right numbers.

10. Relax
Your attitude and outlook is crucial to your test-day performance. Be confident.

TIP OF THE WEEK - JULY 12, 2010

SUMMERTIME PREPARATION CAN BE FUN!

Now that summer is in full swing, remember to stay motivated in your college planning activities before the school year starts up again. Here are some ways to stay on top of your college to do list and have some summertime fun. Remember anything you do that reflects service, leadership or being a part of a group can be added to your list of activities on you resume.

1. Do community service work - Pick up litter in a park, work in a shelter serving food, or contact someone to find out where they would need help that the whole family could get involved in.


2. Visit the elderly in homes; make cards for them and fresh cookies.


3. Visit Colleges – summer visits can be very enjoyable when added to a family trip. Make sure to contact the admissions department to see if they can meet with you. It will help the admissions representative put a face with your name when you decide to apply. Also, stop into the financial aid department to ask any questions you have about funding and scholarships.


4. If you are heading off to college this year or transferring schools, you may want to connect with your new roommate before the school year begins. If you live close enough- try to meet up.


You will be creating fond memories, keeping focused and also enjoying the summer!