Tag Archives: college scholarships

December 20, 2017 · 10:18 am

Podcasts for College Funding and YOU

For all things college – go to our website – building a better world.net.

This college funding thing is critical. And knowledge is power. With that in mind – it is vital that you thoroughly understand each of the terms listed below. We will take a Common Assessment that will revolve around each of those terms listed below. However, more important is that you know exactly what this stuff is all about. These podcasts will help you acheive these ends.

Also, since this whole college thing is dependent on a team effort between you and your parents, a great way to study for any upcoming test, would be for you and mom and dad to sit down together and listen to each of the following podcasts. In fact, go here if you’d like an extra credit assignment that you and your folks can discuss together. Talk about each one. Make sure that everybody is on the same page. Use this as a way to begin your college search…

The podcasts may quote incorrect % rates – correct rates are updated below…

Podcasts in blue / Websites in red

Reach, Target, Fall Back – college choices
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – website
Grants, Scholarships, Loans
Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
understanding student loans – “The IceBerg Awaits”
Perkins Loan – (5.0%) website
Stafford Loan – (sub 5.05% / unsub 5.05%) website
Parent Plus Loan – (7.6%) website
Bank Loan & Credit Card
Federal Pell Grant ($6095 max ) – website
Work Study Program – website
Michigan TIP Scholarship –brochure – Please Read for T.I.P. Update
American Opportunity Tax Credit– link
Final thoughts on College Funding

Comments Off on Podcasts for College Funding and YOU

Filed under 3 Economics

Tagged as college costs, college scholarships, econ, economics

November 17, 2014 · 7:02 am

College Talk #2 – The Bill…How to pay for it ALL

ASSIGNMENT DUE DATE – Tuesday November 25.

For all things college – go to our website – building a better world.net. Please go here for extra credit assignment in discussing this material with mom and dad. Go here for College Talk Review – “Podcasts and Websites”

College Talk #2 – “How to Pay for it All”
Listen / College Borrowing All-Time High (transcript) – NPR (11/17/11)
Listen / College Tuition Cost on the Rise (transcript)– NPR (10/28/10)
Quick Facts Student Debt – Project on Student Debt (3/1/14)
College Costs Out of Control – Forbes Magazine (3/24/12)
The Facts on T.I.P. – Musekgon Opportunity
Federal Education Loans – Info Chart – Types, Terms, Value
Top Ten Loan Tips for Student Grads – Project on Student Debt (3/1/14)
Fifth-Third Bank College Lending Guide

It isn’t just about deciding to go to college. It’s about choosing the right one and planning for the cost. A two or four year collegiate degree can be expensive. If you aren’t smart about the process you can be saddled with debt that will last long into your adult life. The key then, becomes, figuring out how to navigate the mind field of college costs; and making it to the finish line without mortgaging your future.

The most serious mistake you can make in this entire college challenge is to sign on every dotted line and take out every loan that comes across your plate. The second biggest mistake is to fear debt so much that you don’t go to college. The key is to go eyes wide open, to learn all that you can learn, and to make wise decisions. That and apply for as many loans and financial aid as you can get your hands out.

You can do this if you are smart about it. Good luck:)

Comments Off on College Talk #2 – The Bill…How to pay for it ALL

Filed under 3 Economics, Uncategorized

Tagged as college, college funding, college scholarships, econ

January 6, 2014 · 10:39 am

Going to College – And not going broke in the process

For Oakridge students and Oakridge parents.

OK – here you go – everything you need to know about taking on the challenge of paying for college, organized into a Blendspace post below. Please listen to the audioboo podcast and then read the Introduction TOC of Blendspace. That should get you comfortable with the post.

Watch the videos with mom and dad. Organize yourself for this challenge – the earlier the better – roll up your sleeves and jump in. If you are going to make it in this economy of ours, you’ve got to have some post high school education. This will get you started and hopefully provide a little inspiration to keep you moving in a positive direction.

listen to ‘An Intro – "Paying for College and not going Broke"’ on Audioboo

Comments Off on Going to College – And not going broke in the process

Filed under 1 Senior Current Issues, 3 Economics

Tagged as college, college scholarships, SCI

November 16, 2013 · 7:31 am

Nicole Depender Congrats on the 25!

…for re-taking your ACT from 22 to 25.

The ACT will never fully define your educational value. That being said, in this standardized “brick in a wall” we-have-to-measure-everything-in-the-classroom world, your final score has significance; fortunately not nearly as much as some think.

I’ve always believed that your ACT score opens doors; seldom does it close them. You don’t even need the test to get into MCC. In addition I’ve seen a lot of low ACT scores overcome by high GPA’s to gain university acceptance. Public universities are looking for more than a test taker, even if public schools seem to think otherwise. Your attitude, your effort, your intelligence, your extra-curriculars, your GPA trends, volunteering and sports participation and clubs and blogs and an ability to write a compelling essay – are all as significant or more vital in taking the next step, than your standardized ACT final tally. I would also say that they are a lot more reflective of predicting success at that next level.

Continue reading →

Comments Off on Nicole Depender Congrats on the 25!

Filed under 1 Senior Current Issues, Uncategorized

Tagged as college funding, college scholarships, econ, SCI

November 7, 2013 · 6:05 am

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…

For all things college – go to our website – building a better world.net. Please go here for extra credit assignment in discussing this material with mom and dad.

When you are talking about college and careers and quality of life issues – there’s a lot of things to consider. In Economics we are deep into a study of the cost of college. If that doesn’t shake you just a bit, then you’re either sound asleep or a very very rich high school student; however I see no BMW’s in the Oakridge High School student parking lot. In Senior Current Issues – we are off on college scholarship searches – we’ve learned there’s a lot of competition – even with the cool blogs.

images-2

Meanwhile, challenges abound. You’ve got so many options – colleges 4 year and 2 year, apprenticeships, military, school costs, choice of major, career direction, scholarships, grants and loans…it’s a lot to take on. But oh so necessary.