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2 College guide Messenger Post Media Advertising Supplement for the week of January 21, 2013

Are You Financially Prepared For College?

(NAPS)College is a major investment, but the data proves its an investment worth making. According to information released by the U.S. Census Bureau in February 2012, workers with a college degree earned nearly twice as much as those without one in 2009. In order to make the best investment possible, families should begin planning early in order to gather and understand all available information. Every situation is different and sound planning can go a long way in helping families reach educational goals while minimizing the financial impact. The following are a few points to consider before making the higher education investment: DeveloP A tiMetAble AnD liSt of tASkS to be coMPleteD thAt cAn ASSiSt you in your PlAnning effortS. To ensure you dont miss anything, sign up for CollegeSTEPS, a free planning program offered by Wells Fargo. Register at wellsfargo. com/collegesteps. tAlk with your fAMily About whAt you cAn AfforD to SPenD on School. Share your beliefs and values about various approaches for paying for school, from using income to leveraging your home or savings accounts to taking out student loans to pay for college. AvoiD getting your heArt Set on going to one PArticulAr School. Apply to at least three schools and compare what it will cost you to go to each. Understand how much the school, scholarships and other funding options will cover and what your total costs will be. APPly for grAntS AnD ScholArShiPS. Start searching for scholarships the summer before your senior year of high school. Check online, with your high school guidance counselor and with organizations you are affiliated with, including your religious organization. In addition, some organizations have tuition reimbursement or scholarship programs for employees or their dependents. Every bit of free money makes a difference. uSe the fAfSA4cASter to get An eArly iDeA of your eligibility for feDerAl AiD AnD loAnS. To get a complete and accurate picture of your eligibility, youll need to complete the FAFSA form prior to each academic year, but the FAFSA4caster is a helpful tool for those who want to get a head start. Register for a PIN with the Department of Education and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 of your senior year. gAther inforMAtion AnD MAke A liSt of the oPtionS AvAilAble for PAying for School. Consult with your bank, your financial advisor and the financial aid office at prospective schools. One source that might be helpful as you go through the planning process for college is WellsFargoCommunity. com, a free online community of students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors and financial advisors devoted to creating an open dialogue about the college-planning process. The community hosts a number of ongoing topic discussions and is open to anyone looking for information on college planning. conSiDering StuDent loAnS. If you determine that youll need to borrow money to pay for school, carefully consider the full cost of the loan, including the type (fixed or variable rate), interest rates, origination fees and repayment options. Whether your loan is federal or private, it will accrue interest while you are in school. borrow only whAt you neeD. Working with a responsible lender can help you better manage your loans. Sound planning can go a long way in helping families reach educational goals while minimizing the financial impact.

Choosing your college

major

College guide Messenger Post Media Advertising Supplement for the week of January 21, 2013

is a personal journey

By Tom DaRin | Vice PResiDenT foR enRollmenT managemenT, nazaReTh college

may prompt interest in an education or counseling career. It is usually a culmination of experiences over time that helps forge the direction a particular major. Certain majors and degree programs require direct entry into that major beginning the freshmen year of college. Prerequisite coursework, closely followed by specific content, mandates that only students committed to that major apply and enroll. An engineering major is one such example. But generally, most degree programs allow students time to explore different interests before settling on a single major. This is usually before the start of their junior year of college. For example, many students enter college without a declared major, yet most eventually select one and graduate within four years. Required courses can help pave the way toward undergraduate degrees in many fields. Oftentimes, after a degree is obtained and then when time is spent in the job market, true career direction becomes more certain. So the question for high school students should be, Have you done your homework yet? Some can answer with a resounding, Yes! They have not only researched the specific career and the major necessary to work in that career, but have even completed some of the necessary academic preparation to make it happen. Other students might answer, I still need some time to decide. Both are good answers. Its important to remember that an undergraduate major and degree will only help students obtain a first job, or placement in graduate or professional school. As career direction becomes more certain, there may be a discovery that additional education is necessary. It is also important take advantage of professional development opportunities

iMPortAnt StePS in MAking A DeciSion

take a personal inventory of your interests, abilities, values, and character traits. Assess your strengths in academics, work experience, and life experience. Determine the requirements of potential majors, such as prerequisite coursework, specific content, and time frames. research potential careers and the academic preparation required to enter the field. be flexible as you pursue your goals, continue to make assessments, and enjoy the choices as they unfold.

any high school students feel like the question, Have you selected your college major? was probably first asked after their last childhood viewing of Sesame Street. Often, people dont stop asking even after they go to college because students dont immediately declare a major. We live in a world that seems consumed with filling every waking moment with activities in order to have a rewarding and productive life. Because of that, adults may too often insist that children decide on a career as early as possible. Is it well-meaning? Probably. Is it necessary? At some point, yes. But the process of how to choose your college major is every bit as important as the outcome. The path toward selecting a college major, and subsequently, meaningful life work, is one that starts with students assessing themselves. Students should take a personal inventory of interests, abilities, and values, combined with inherent characteristics such as their risk tolerance, ability to work with others, and whether they define themselves more as a leader or a follower. For some, this assessment begins when they identify their strengths in academic subjects or work experiences. Praise from a science teacher about aptitude in the lab may initiate thoughts of a medical or research career. A neighbors satisfaction with babysitting skills

such as conferences or workshops. Then the question will change from, What is your college major? to other questions requiring more personal inventory assessment. What am I willing to do to advance my career? Can I take on more responsibility at work, including managing people? Am I willing to relocate to a new city, or different country to advance my career? How will I balance income potential with quality of life issuessuch as time with my family or time for personal pursuits? That personal inventory will remain in flux and will require new answers to a new set of questions as life after college unfolds.

4 College guide Messenger Post Media Advertising Supplement for the week of January 21, 2013
By DeBoRah Blackwell | messengeR PosT meDia

How to

DiD you know?

on your college campus

whAt Are the thingS StuDentS ShoulD Do to StAy SAfe when AttenDing college? Use the same safety practices whether at home or at school. Use sound judgement. Take proper precautions such as keep rooms, cars, and valuables locked and secured; do not travel alone after dark; let others know where you are going and when you will return. Utilize all resources and services offered by the college. whAt SPeciAl SAfety ProtocolS ShoulD StuDentS PrActice? Program the safety office telephone numbers into your cell phone. Have a working knowledge of the functions of the safety services offered, such as blue light telephones throughout the campus that automatically dial a security dispatcher 24-hours a day. Do not prop open any locked doors leading into campus buildings. Call security when you observe or suspect any suspicious behavior.

here are many things to consider while attending college academics, independence, work and recreation but personal safety and security while on campus is of utmost importance, and is the primary concern of campus safety personnel. Bobby Maldonado is the director of Campus Safety at Nazareth College, after a 25 year-long career in law enforcement. Michael McCarthy is the director of Safety and Security at St. John Fisher College, and is also retired from a career in public law enforcement. Both are committed to the same mission: ensuring the safety and security of students, faculty, staff and visitors to their college campuses. Both colleges have many things in place to help with campus safety. They work closely with local emergency personnel, and are highly trained in campus security, first aid, mental health issues, conflict management, and more. Detailed information about full safety services are available on their websites, but they both concur on the basics.

According to bobby Maldonado, director of campus Safety, nazareth college, fire is by far the most hazardous condition faced on a college campus. here are some statistics that may surprise you: During an average year, there are approximately 2000 fires on college and university properties across the nation. this does not include off-campus apartments or greek housing. from these fires, there are an estimated 15 deaths of college students, staff, or faculty. over 50 percent of these fatalities involved alcohol use. According to Michael Mccarthy, director of Safety and Security, St. John fisher college, excessive drinking and intoxication poses a great danger to students who are away from home for the first time. the risk of self-imposed excessive drinking or that of a friend or roommate can be deadly. Quick and decisive response is necessary when someone is in danger. Students should know when to call for help, even if it means getting into trouble for underage drinking.

whAt Are the toP SAfety iSSueS AnD concernS for StuDentS? Moving freely around the entire campus feeling safe and secure, without concerns of crime. Being adequately and appropriately informed of issues and emergencies. whAt Are the toP SAfety iSSueS AnD concernS for Security StAff? Personal safety for safe travel and living across campus. Prevention of crime. Environmental health and safety concerns. Regulating drug and alcohol policies. Regulating sexual assault policies. how cAn StuDentS eDucAte theMSelveS on cAMPuS SAfety? Students are educated on campus safety when they first arrive on campus. They learn about the department and resources available; how to report incidents; good decision making; watching out for fellow students, and more. The website details services, policies, procedures, and contact information. Parents and students can speak with campus safety staff at any time. Information provided by Bobby Maldonado, Nazareth College, and Michael McCarthy, St. John Fisher College.

College guide Messenger Post Media Advertising Supplement for the week of January 21, 2013

inte nship
#2. APPly! #3. follow uP. #4. be PrePAreD.
Set yourSelf APArt AS A StuDent who iS reADy, willing AnD cAPAble. the reSt will fAll into PlAce.
Laura Sestito, a senior at Nazareth College, found her perfect internship at NextStepU! And NextStepU found the perfect intern in her; she was hired immediately following her internship and is now a part-time design assistant and writer for the company.

How to land the perfect college

Landing an internship as a college student can be critically important to your future career. Not only are internships great opportunities to gain some experience, but they can also lead to employment (assuming you perform well,) and provide an opportunity to network with key players in your field. So, how can you find the perfect college internship? Here are a few tips to help you land an internship that is not only a great opportunity, but is a great fit for you.

#1. exPlore your oPtionS.

Most colleges and universities require interns to take an internship course in tandem with their internship/professional experience. Therefore, resources will be available to help you find an internship opportunity that is suitable for you in your field of study. Take advantage of any listings your school puts together and be sure to let your professors know that you are seeking an internship and/or employment.

By kaTie BaRRy | eDiToR, nexTsTePU magazine

You will only land an internship if you actually apply. Be sure to complete the application(s) and fulfill all that is required of you. An incomplete application can just as easily help you lose the position as never applying for it at all. Double and triple check your applications to make sure you dont miss a beat!

After you submit your application, be sure to follow up with the employer/internship contact. Send a brief email to introduce yourself and inquire about the next step of the process. But try not to come off as too pushy. Remember, these are very busy professionals who will appreciate your due diligence, but will not find multiple phone calls, questions and emails endearing. Remain professional in your communication and simply let them know you are looking forward to the opportunity to find out more.

When you are called for an interview, be sure to prepare accordingly. Dress professionally (that means no sneakers, jeans or sleeveless shirts,) bring at least three copies of your resume (even if they dont ask for them,) and be ready to provide names and contact information for three references. In addition, bring along a portfolio if your line of work warrants one. Your potential employer will most likely want to see examples of your work. Also, be prepared to answer questions about your schedule and internship requirements.

#5. SenD A thAnk you note.

After your interview, be sure to send a thank you card to the person who interviewed you. An email will do, but a handwritten card is more personal and shows you are willing to go the extra mile. The note should be short and to the point; thank them for their time and let them know you look forward to hearing from them soon. Landing an internship is not that much different than landing a first job - you will have to prove that you are the best choice based on positive attitude, willingness to learn and a flexible schedule. Show your potential employer that you are not only interested in fulfilling internship hours, but that you have a genuine interest to learn and contribute to the team. Set yourself apart as a student who is ready, willing and capable. The rest will fall into place.

8 College guide Messenger Post Media Advertising Supplement for the week of January 21, 2013

freshman
freedom that comes with college can lead to bad habits

Avoid the

By Dan RaFtER | GatEHousE nEWs sERVICE

eneva Sarcedo views the dreaded freshman 15those 15 pounds that college students tend to pack on as they first experience on-campus eating as a bit of a misnomer. Yes, many college students tend to gain weight when they first move away from home and onto a college campus. But this weight gain doesnt only happen during their freshman year. And its far from permanent. College students tend to gain and lose weight throughout college with the ups and downs of being a college student, said Sarcedo, student support services adviser with the University of California, Berkeley. Sarcedo runs her own blog, Ask an Advisor, dedicated to helping firstgeneration and low-income college students succeed. Among the issues that

Sarcedo has addressed? The Freshman 15, though she refers to it on her blog as the Freshman 15 and then some. No matter what year students may be in, a particularly stressful class or extracurricular commitment can lead to weight gain for some students and weight loss for others, Sarcedo said. Ideally, college students should maintain a healthy weight throughout their college years, Sarcedo said. They should also focus more on their health instead of the numbers on their bathroom scales, she added. Here are Sarcedos recommendations for college students hoping to avoid unhealthy weight gains in any year of their education:

Avoid stress
its easier to keep weight off and drop extra pounds if youre not overly stressed. college students who are stressed tend to overeat as a way to relieve this stress. there are several better ways to do this, though: take a quick jog, swim laps in the college pool, shoot baskets in the park or take a long walk. All are far healthier than that cheeseburger and onion rings in the cafeteria.

Dont overdo your freedom

for many students, their freshman year of college represents the first time they are out from under their parents roofs. Many dont handle this freedom particularly well. they overeat, get too little sleep and may abuse drugs or alcohol. these actions can lead you to gain an unhealthy amount of weight. its ok to change the rules once you leave your parents house. but dont pick up unhealthy habits.

Seek help
college campuses offer plenty of support if youre trying to lose weight or keep it off. visit your campus medical clinic to get help crafting a healthy diet and exercise program. Meet with on-campus counselors if you find yourself indulging in unhealthy habits.

Join the Program

intramural athletic programs are a great way to stay healthy. colleges offer programs such as intramural floor hockey, softball and volleyball. Participating in these leagues in which you dont have to be particularly gifted athletically can help make exercise more exciting.

Balancing act
(NewsUSA) - Balancing work and the commitment of earning an advanced degree can be daunting. But it is a reality many adult learners face as they continue their education while juggling personal, family and financial responsibilities. The good news is that there are many tips and resources available to help ease stress and make balancing work and school manageable.

College guide Messenger Post Media Advertising Supplement for the week of January 21, 2013

Tips for juggling the responsibilities of work and school

1. cAPitAlize on flexible clASS ScheDuling.

An increasing number of colleges and universities are tailoring education to suit working students' schedules. DeVry University, for example, offers flexible scheduling in a "mix and match" format that allows students to enroll in a combination of onsite or online courses during the day or evening, based on convenience.

A calendar that outlines upcoming work and school projects, meetings and deadlines takes little time to create and can make a busy schedule feel under control. "Time management is an essential quality and core competency for most professionals, and this will be a good test of one's mettle," explained Jeffrey Greenberg, director of career services for DeVry University. "This skill gets easier over time and will ensure that your work does not pile up, preventing you from meeting deadlines." The weight of multiple obligations can be overwhelming. It's important to take breaks to obtain a fresh perspective. Exercise and social interaction provide the perfect opportunity to relieve stress and refocus your thoughts, allowing you to return to coursework with a clear mind and renewed sense of energy.

2. MAke A ScheDule AnD StAy orgAnizeD.

4. tAke ADvAntAge of your School'S reSourceS.

The network of classmates and professors your school offers can provide support and advice for balancing work and school. The economic recession has led many schools to launch career services departments or strengthen existing ones.

3. ADDreSS your StreSS.

5. creAte A SuPPort network.

Harness the support of friends and family, and see if they can help you accomplish your goals. This support could be something as simple as meeting with a roommate to plan household chores or meals for the month. It is important to remember that the hard work and sacrifice required to balance work and school often lead to career success.

10 College guide Messenger Post Media Advertising Supplement for the week of January 21, 2013

How to make your college room

By DeBoRah Blackwell | messengeR PosT meDia

hen you live on your college campus, your residence hall is your home. Residence halls, or dorms come in all shapes and sizes, with different amenities and accommodations. But they all have one thing in common the need to decorate to make your space your own. Personalizing your dorm room can be a challenge, both in affordability and in size. Most rooms are shared and small, so decorating takes some thought and creativity. But with a good plan and a few key items, you can make your home away from home a comfortable haven for sleep, study, and fun. We want students to realize before they come to college that where they are living is more than a place to just sleep, says Tiffany Lamberton, residence director, Ward Hall, St. John Fisher College. Planning is key, visiting the school is key and looking at residence hall rooms to see what the space is you have to work with. Knowing your space is the most important first step to decorating it. What size is the room? How many people will share the room? What size are the beds? Where are they located? Are they on the floor or will you build a loft for sleeping space to be above living space? How big is the closet? What furniture is already in the room? Can you paint the walls? Checking with your roommate(s) to coordinate decorating plans is also at the top of the list when considering how to arrange your space. Since most residence halls are doubles or triples, plan together to maximize the options instead of duplicating them. Once you determine the size of your space, the furniture you have, and where you will locate your beds, you can think about adding kitchen elements. The cafeteria is not always open, so having a mini-refrigerator and a microwave, or small appliances depending on what your residence hall allows, is helpful. But kitchen items take up space. So do entertainment items. Going modular with cubes, cubbies, or crates, to stack appliances, DVD players, stereo equipment, and video game systems along with kitchen items is a sure way to save space. Staying organized with clear storage containers for under the bed, in the closet, or on the dresser and desk makes it easy to find items and keep them neatly stored. Hanging sweater shelves can hold many items in the closet. Trunks can double as storage space inside and stackables on top, or used as a table. Ottomans made for storage can store and seat. Shower caddies for bathroom items, desktop organizers for school supplies, cleaning caddies for cleaning supplies, and a locked storage container for valuables are all

invaluable when trying to stay organized in a small space. Accessorizing is key to add simple and fun colors and comforts to your room. Accessories show off your style and personality, and can also help your room feel more comfortable. A soft area rug can add dcor and warmth to the floor. A comforter to sit on and sleep under adds softness. Throw pillows accent your room and soften your seating. Curtains are a soft touch to hide closets without doors, to canopy around your bed for privacy, and to diffuse the light from the windows. Lighting is important for studying, but can also change the feel and hue of a room. Desk lamps, floor lamps, and clip-on lamps come in many shapes, sizes, and colors to optimize lighting needs. Finally, personalizing your space with photos, pictures, memorabilia, inspiration, and visualization is essential to feel at home. Corkboards or pinboards are perfect for clippings, papers, pictures, pins, or other lightweight items. Photos can be blown up into posters for super-sized, easy hanging art. Calendars come in many sizes and styles and are important to stay on top of your schedule. Dorm room wall decals are removable stickers, and are a good way to perk up walls. Hanging mirrors, or full-length mirrors can provide an optical illusion of more space. You can check out your outfit, put on makeup, and decorate the sides of the mirror for style.

but with A gooD PlAn AnD A few key iteMS, you cAn MAke your hoMe AwAy froM hoMe A coMfortAble hAven for SleeP, StuDy, AnD fun.
Regardless of how you choose to personalize your college housing space, feeling comfortable both physically and emotionally is essential. Getting to know your roommates, your residence assistants and directors, and your neighbors is part of the process to feeling at home. Residents enjoy an opportunity to engage with other students with diverse backgrounds and experiences, with a sense of community and support, says Shelitha Dickerson Williams, director of Housing and Residence Life at Monroe Community College. Students are often very excited to return to the residence halls after closings because they miss the environment they have developed there.