International Students End of Term Checklist.

International Students are not different than most USA College Students.
The end of the term is here and there is plenty to do.

Planet College has previously posted an end of term reminder. You can find it here .

With Finals Upon Us.

With Finals now upon most campuses in the USA Planet College Presents an annual reminder about your safety and security on campus during this busy time.

You can read it here .  If this is your first term on a USA campus this information could be useful.

Day of Thanks Days of Celebration The USA Holiday Season

Your studies may still be in full swing but you are likely to notice student's thoughts and actions are turning to the upcoming series of holiday celebrations known as The  Holiday Season.

The first of these you are about to experience is known nationally as Thanksgiving Day. This is a day, always celebrated on the last Thursday in November, set aside to give thanks for blessings, benefits or the good fortune of living in the USA.   Because this day is the initial celebration of this Holiday Season period nearly every institution, and this probably includes your school, spreads the celebration through the weekend.  Although many businesses choose to close on Thanksgiving Day, most remain open during the following three days of the weekend.

Your campus may become empty during this period as this is often the first opportunity students have to return home to visit friends and celebrate with their family. Because this holiday involves eating and eating and eating and eating  Planet College has previously posted a warning about expectations vs. reality for students during this long weekend. This warning is posted here.

Basically it says if you are putting off work intending to get to it over the break get real. You won't. You will eat your self senseless and go on an extended snooze cruise. This is to be expected. This is what this holiday is for.  Take a break. Eat a lot. Kick back and be greatful you are in college in the USA.

Happy Thanksgiving from Planet College

Disney College Programs

The USA has been known as The Land Of Opportunity for over two centuries.  International Students find many exciting opportunities for education and adventure in the USA.

One American organization which has traditionally provided opportunities for students is The Disney Organizations. Disney offers a variety of programs for students wishing to experience the possibilities of a career in travel, entertainment or hospitality.

Details about these programs are available here.

International Students and Social Security or What is a Social Security Number?

If you have been in the USA for even a brief while you no doubt have heard the term Social Security and Social Security Number many times.  This post is to assist you in determining whether you need a USA Social Security Number and if so how to go about applying for one.

 If you have not learned as yet, Social Security is an American program which provides services and benefits to United States Citizens.  These programs and benefits are categorized and accessed by The Social Security Administration, a United States Government Agency.  In order to utilize these services a United States citizen must first of all obtain a Social Security Identification Number. This number is issued by that same agency. 

The number issued to an individual is also used by other organizations.  One in particular is the Internal Revenue Service, the IRS. Employers in the USA, are required to report employee's earnings using this number to identify the worker. If you are permitted to work during your stay in the USA you will need a Social Security Number.  If you would like more information of a Social Security Number and how you can apply for one use this link.

Mid-Term Madness

Planet College understands that International Students sometimes feel overwhelmed while pursuing their college degree in the USA.  With this in mind Planet College regularly presents reminders which can be particularly useful for International Students. Especially if this is your very first term in the USA.
 Here's another one.
During this period of time in your school's term there have likely been mid-term examinations. This period includes assignments due and projects which are required.  The surge of activity does not at all reach the fever pitch which you will witness at the end of this term. Still this period, right now, is significant for your progress this term.  If you have been following this site you know Planet College has a wealth of helpful tips, suggestions, guidelines and information for International Students like you. One entry here suggests you discuss with your instructors your progress. Click on that link to learn how you can assure you are progressing satisfactorily.

TOEFL and you.

TOEFL, the test of English as a foreign language, is required for entrance to 2400 American Colleges and Universitys.  Additionally, many government agencies, scholarship programs and licensing certification agencies use this score to evaluate the English speaking abilities of non-native English speakers. A test this pervasive requires careful, thoughtful preparation for International Students to complete with success. With the TOEFL looming so significantly in your academic future - entering ' TOEFL' into the search engine of your choice will return thousands of sites-  becoming aware of  a few basic facts is helpful. Here they are.

The TOEFL is administered in two separate forms.  One is paper, The TOEFL PBT. The other is through the Internet, the TOEFL iBT.  You must take the the TOEFL at an authorized testing center. The cost of the TOEFL ranges from US $160.00 to US $225.00 depending on where you take the test.

The TOEFL is divided into four sections. Those sections are Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening.
Each section is evaluated and scored by both a computer program and a human.  For each section there are time allowances, usually between 60 and 100 Minutes.  Each section is scored separately and the separate section scores are then totaled to arrive at the students cumulative score or total score. There is no passing score for the TOEFL.  The significance of your TOEFL score depends on the score required for admission to the school or schools of your choice.

Due to the significance of the TOEFL for so many students Planet College reminds you that the basics of preparing and completing an examination apply to the TOEFL as well as any other test.

For useful hints to achieving your desired score use this link, a previous Planet College post.

Get Your BeachBucket - And All The Other Free Stuff

If you have spent any time at all on your campus you have, no doubt, observed the numerous displays, booths, card tables and friendly individuals offering you 'deals', usually including free gifts.

The presence of these company's' representatives, who present offers to students, is common at this time, the beginning of a new school year.  Companies, large and small, value college students as customers.  These company's presence on campus, usually part of an overall marketing campaign is to introduce you to their products or services. Their hope is if you try their product or service you will become a customer for a long long time.

The variety of offers can be dizzying. Automobile dealers, fashion retailers, phone plan providers and retail outlets all attempt to entice students with a variety of gifts, premiums and discounts. Often these gifts come with an offer.  The offer is usually an extension of  a discount, that is the product or service costs less than usual.  Along with this, as we have said, you may be given a gift, sometimes a small trinket like a key chain but sometimes a very useful object like a flash drive.

One popular gift with companies who sell grooming products; shampoo, body wash, deodorants, and such is a plastic bucket, a typical toy a child might get for the beach. But this bucket is different. It contains samples of the products which the provider hopes you will begin buying.

If you have been shy about accepting gifts like these from these businesses Planet College suggests you think again. You really are under no obligation to continue using the products when they run out. The gifts are free. And if you live in a residence hall the plastic buckets are handy for carrying your bathroom articles, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush and scrubbing sponge back and forth to the showers.

That is the Planet College tip today. Free stuff? Go ahead. Help your self.

New Term, New Choices

Planet College knows that for an International Student this time of year is among the most important times of your life in the USA.

New friends, new courses, new living arrangements and many personal details like banking, dining and parking, if you have a car, make this time among the busiest of the school year.

Among the many important choices to be made are the courses which make up your schedule for this term.  Whether your college schedules on the quarter or semester system the classes you take are at the core of your educational experiences.

If you have already made your choices, through pre-registration, available on many campuses, then you know where you will be and when you will be there. If you have not completed your class schedule it is time now to focus on that task.

If you find scheduling courses difficult you may need help. There is such help available on your campus usually through the offices of your major's department.  For example, if your major is Computer Science, it is likely that the office for this department has some advisers available to assist you in completing your schedule. Additionally, there is on your campus an Advising Office.  Most campuses maintain such an office and it's purpose is to assist students like yourself with completing their schedule.

If language is an issue, again, most campuses which admit International Students have language assistance available.

If these helps are not readily available do not be reluctant to ask for help.  If you are housed on campus your RA, the residential adviser in your building, may be a resource who will assist you. Also, the admissions office, which is probably located in the administration building on your campus, very likely has assitance for you.

Planet College consistently urges International Students, if you think you need help, ask.

Your Safety - Be Aware Of Your Campus Guidelines

Recent events reported in the news can lead to an alarming profile of America as a dangerous and violent place for International Students.  In some ways and in some cases this can be true.

With this in mind Planet College reminds you that your saftey can depend on the area in which you live but it more directly depends on how you conduct yourself.

As an International Student it is likely you will be residing in an area which is largely populated by students.  Universities located in major cities are frequently surrounded by neighborhoods of residences occupied by students.  In some towns colleges are the center of social and cultural interchange and commerce. These are the true college towns. One example, Athens, Georgia,  is profiled here in an article in the U.S. News and World Report.  As this magazine reports Athens, Georgia grew up around The University of Georgia, making it a real college town.

Whether you are attending or will attend a small college in a small town or a large university in a big, big city your safety is of paramount importance both to you and your school.

Your school will take helpful measures to assure your security while you are a student. Schools of every size maintain a security or police force with an office located on campus. This office now issues crime alerts to inform the campus community of crimes ocurring within or near the schools boundarys. These forces also patrol campus and are often clearly visibly in uniforms and marked cars.

Your school will provide you with guidelines for your safety and security. These guidelines are usually available on the schools website. Also you should receive a copy of these guidelines in the packet you received upon admission.  Universities also provide clearly marked telephones on campus which connect directly to the Campus Security Office.  Some campuses provide security escort and shuttle services for students to their residence or the schools parking area.

Even with these measures in place it is wise for you to further assure your security while you are a student.

First get a copy of your schools saftey procedures and read them carefully. The security office on your campus is aware of your needs and these guidelines will be helpful for you to maintain your saftery.

Program your campus security office number, the number for the campus police into your cell phone.

Do not go unescorted anywhere after dark.

Do not go anywhere you have not previously visited alone.

Do not respond either agreeably or coperatively to requests from strangers for help or even asking for directions. Refer them to the campus information office.

These basic guidelines can assist you in maintaining a your personal saftey while a student in the USA.

The Best American Holiday of All.

Next week presents an exciting opportunity for an International Student to practice English, make friends and have fun. Next week the USA celebrates The Fourth of July, the official national holiday dedicated to the birth of our country.

If you have not experienced The Fourth of July here you are in for a very exciting adventure. In the USA the Fourth of July  is celebrated with picnics, parades, and outdoor spectacles featuring fireworks.

If you venture out to parks or beaches near your campus you will see crowds of people, old and young, celebrating, playing games, dancing, eating and drinking.

This holiday has its historical roots in the events of July, 1776, when a group of men met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to determine the course of the colonies which they inhabited. Their decision was to become an independant country and they issued The Declaration of Independance to clearly establish their intention. Tradition says they issued this declaration on July 4, 1776.

Since that time the holiday has become the official observation of the founding of the USA and this celebration has expanded along with the country and is always celebrated on July 4th.

This year, because July 4th occurs on a Friday, you can expect weekend long celebrations. Among the traditions in which this holiday is based is that the USA is a Nation of  Immigrants, everyone here or their ancestors came from some place else.

Because you are now residing here, even as a citizen of another country, you are welcome to join in the celebration of this country's founding.  Go ahead and join the party.  It is a very good opportunity to practice your English, make friends and celebrate. Happy Fourth of July!

Your Friend On Campus or What Do I Say?

 Gen had been on his USA college campus for two terms. Gen arrived in August and attended the Interntional Student Orientation. He got setteled into the International House on campus with another international student roomate and began attending classes.

During the school year Gen did well in his subjects.  He attended school functions especially the basketball games at home which he really enjoyed. Gen's school is a small private college which takes great pride in their basketball team.

With his English improving Gen was able to volunteer to tutor at the math center and made a few friends there.

Now, however,  summer has arrived and the new friends Gen has made have left campus. Gen has remained on campus to take summer school courses which will enable him to graduate according to his plan.  Still with his friends gone Gen felt particularly lonely.

One morning while Gen was on his way to class a family, touring the campus, asked him for directions. Despite feeling a little awkward Gen provided the family with the directions they were seeking.  They thanked him and went on to their destination on campus.

Gen was privately surprised that he could be appreciated for the help he provided in English.  Then he hit on a plan.  After class he went back to his room and got one of his basic English guide books. It was a simple conversational lesson book.  The guide contains simple conversations like "Hello."How are you?  What is your name? is intended to provide basic English excercise.

Gen took his English guide book and walk around campus looking for some one who might help him with his English. His technique was simple. He walked up to another student, one he did not know and said, Do you have time to help me with my English?  When he found some one, which he did, he showed them his book and asked them to read through it with him.

It worked. Since he began using this method Gen has made several friends who are willing to get together with him to practice his English further.

If you are an International student who feels alone on your campus you might consider using Gen 's method. It worked for him. It may work for your.  Remember asking for help can be really helpful.

If you are wondering , " What do I say?" , it's simple.  Just say, " Could you help me with my English? " 

Good Luck!

All Alone And Far From Home

International Students have  traveled far to get their USA college degree.  International Students have for decades bravely left family and friends to pursue the advantages of andAmerican College degree.

While here these students have seen that America offers many attractions, sites, events and people to help an international student fill the void left by residing far from home.  Yet even this myriad of opportunities does not always completely close the gap International Students feel.

While it may not be 'cool' to be homesick sooner or later many International Students realize there really is no place like home.  While contact with home can now be easily achieved through smartphones, texting and even skype there is really nothing like being there.  And at times there is nothing lonelier that NOT being there. Loneliness sucks.

When an International Student feels this pointed lack there can be a solution right on campus. Other students, even American students, are often far from home and feel this same lack. And they may miss their friends and family, too.  Particularly now, during Summer Term, there are a wider variety of students on campus, possibly even International Students. At times it seems awkward, very awkward, for an International Student to approach another student not known to them.

It takes courage to do this. but one student found a way to use his limited English to his advantage.
Read the next post to find out how.

College Students USA Graduation Week Party Time.

After the drudgery of the term which has just past and the anxiety and stress of finals week Graduation Week is the most welcome week of the school year.  You'll notice the Congratulations Graduates banners displayed all over campus. You'll see the flower and gift vendors around the commencement area. You, yourself can attend and join with the proud friends and  families and grateful graduates.

And best of all You Can Party.  And party, and party and party. That is the idea. Graduates only graduate once. And this is the time to celebrate. So feel free. As a student you are definitely entitled to attend the numerous graduation celebrations occurring on and off campus.  Do so. These festivities only occur once a year and soon you will be the graduate and the guest of honor.  But right now, student, PARTY ON!

International Students Finals week.

International students at colleges in the USA are usually attending schools here for one primary purpose, their education. Due to this international students have a reputation nationwide as 'good students' and they usually are.

This week , if it is FINALS WEEK on your campus, you have an opportunity to clearly demonstrate your unique value to your campus community. As an international student your study skills and academic habits make you an example for other students, many of whom will be struggling this week to get through finals.

With this profile, that of a good student, you can contribute to the success of other students easily. You can do so by volunteering to tutor. A tutor in the USA is a school helper, the kind that help other students with their studies.  Possibly on your campus there is a Tutoring Center or a Study Skills annex.  Whatever the facility tutoring can be an opportunity for you to involve yourself further in the life of your campus and expand your social circle.  When it comes to what to tutor maybe your area of expertise is your major or your strongest subject.  It could also be your native language which some other students, non-native speakers, need help with.  Whatever it is , look around.  Your co-operation and contribution will expand your social circle and raise your profile on campus. And that would be a good thing.

Holidays USA Mother's Day

Internationally every country has its own schedule of days dedicated to their own unique individual, indiginous holidays and celebrations. No doubt, back home, you have participated in most of these observences.

For International Students the excitement of studying in the USA includes the opportunity to participate in national holidays unique to this country.  Your school's calendar probably includes many of the holidays which ocurr during your school year. * Each of these holidays is observed in a different way although most of them include some type of social gathering, a party or a celebration.

If you have been studying here for a while you are by now familiar with several of these national holidays. It would be nearly impossible to reside in the USA for any length of time and not notice the excitement of The Fourth of July, the colorful costumes of Halloween or the variety of observances around Christmas Day.

If you are out this weekend you may notice some restaurants are a little busier than usual on Sunday afternoon.  That is because, here in the USA, one of the many national holidays is coming up this weekend. It is known as Mother's Day. It is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May and, as the name suggests, it is a day when, nationally, Mother's are honored. This holiday is characterized by families gathering to celebrate. Sometimes included are gifts for the guest of honor, mother.  Those who are unable to attend usually communicate their best wishes, either by phone or e-mail or greeting card.

If you have friends who invite you to a Mother's day celebration you probably will not be required to contribute anything but your own presence.  Joining with a family in their own personal holiday is a worthwhile way to expand your cultural awareness as well as have a good time. 

So, if you are invited to a Mother's Day celebration, be sure and take the opportunity to attend along with your friend. While your education is the reason you are here there are lots of other things to experience while here in the USA. Take the opportunity, you'll enjoy it.

*If you are coming to the USA to study but have not as yet arrived your school's schedule contains a list of the holidays observed at your campus. This can be important for a numer of reasons one basic reason being that many colleges and universities in the USA do not operate on certain national holidays.  These holidays are known as ' Legal Holidays' and many other businesses and public agencys, such as banks and government offices are also often closed on these days. So be sure and get up to date on which holiday's your school observes.

Details for International Students; Automoblie Insurance

 Because many International Students come to the USA intending to drive while they are here Planet College presents this post.

International Students have traveled to the USA for many decades to obtain or improve their education and careers. Since the time International students began arriving  here many changes have occurred in American life. One of the most profound changes, a change not just experienced in the USA but also globally, was the arrival of the automobile during the early twentieth century. Both in the USA and worldwide the automobile changed the culture and life nearly every person on earth.

With the automobile came, inevitably, regulations, rules, procedures, manuals most of which were intended to bring order to a world now buzzing with individual motorized transportation. One of the now common requirements for autos and their drivers is insurance.

International students who intend to drive in the USA would be well advised to investigate the regulations regarding automobile insurance before their arrival.  Your college or university most likely has  information about cars and in particular guidelines for cars on campus on their website. However the establishment and administration of the general policys regarding cars and insurance is maintained by the state in which your college is located. You can find the regulations you need to be aware of on the state site of your college. Often this supervision is handeled by an agency known as The Department of Motor Vehicles and usually called the DMV.

If you intend to drive while in the USA check this site before you arrive. These offices have the information about driver's licenses, ( you will need one.), vehicle registration and insurance requirements. This office will also have a list of fees, in dollars, required for each of these items.

 Once here you can obtain the necessary documentation from a local DMV office but it will be helpful if you know in advance how much you can expect to pay, in dollars, for these requirements.

International Students; Welcome To The Global Village, USA

 College is often experienced as another planet for typical students. This site has been dedicated to presenting college life as the alternate reality it is for most students. Somewhat like visiting a foreign culture without ever leaving your home country. But. Many students do leave their home country and culture to learn in and learn more about the USA.

With summer nearly here travel is on many many students' minds. Planet College has regularly posted information for USA students traveling abroad since 2007. Some of those entries can be seen here.

Planet College understands that student travel works both ways. Many international students travel to the USA to study, both for Summer and the Regular Term. On the website operated here by the Institute for International Education  for who are curious about studying in the USA a student from Trinidad is quoted as saying, "College in the USA is like a global village."

This statement sums up the experience of many, many, students both international and native USA. College and college life is a global experience.

Planet College, this website, continues to offer ideas, tips, insights and help to all students, local and global who pursue the opportunies to learn, earn and grow in the uniquely stimulating culture that is Planet College.

Planet College International Payments And Your Student Acount Part Two

As an International student excited about the opportunity you have found at an American University you can benefit from an understanding of some basics of American higher education.

Initially you need to understand most colleges in America use a student account system to manage a students finances while they are a student at their school. Although the details vary from school to school, over all, the system is essentially the same. Student funds are deposited to the individual student's account. From this account payments are made for tuition, fees and residential arrangements such as  dorm rooms and meal plans. Some, but, again, not all, universities provide access to a student's account through the student's college identification card.  This card is often referred to as an ASB, for Associated Student Body, card. This card, which a student is required to carry while on campus or when attending school functions, bears the student's name and picture.

 At many colleges this same card can be used on campus much like a credit or debit card. With funds deposited to your student account simply swiping the card at the book store or dining hall will pay for your purchases from your account. Not all campuses use this card in this manner but nearly all college campuses use this student account system described here.

If you have any questions, remember, The International Student's Office on your campus is a central location for all your concerns.

Planet College International Payments And Your Student Account Part One

 As an International Students you will no doubt find your experience at an  American college exciting.  Along with the excitement of learning in a new and different environment can come confusion. One thing many International students are often confused about is money. The American monetary system is different from the system you are used to in your home country. 

One basic source of confusion is the exchange rate, how much your money is worth in American money. There are a few simple steps you can easily employ to reduce this confusion.

 It is helpful to be in contact with your college in the USA as soon as you have been accepted. Your first concern is how to pay for your education at that school. Your best source for this information is the international student information office.  You may contact by phone or e-mail.

Ask the international school office how you can deposit your funds in your country's currency.  If your country's currency is other than American dollars this may not be possible.  Therefore you may need to find a currency exchange or broker to forward your funds from your country to your school. This broker is a business and they will charge you a fee for this exchange. That is why it is important to find out how to pay for your school as soon as you are notified of your acceptance. Acting promptly could save you money.

 I

The Ten Steps to Graduation.

These are the Ten Steps which will lead you to your Graduation, definitely.

1. Go To Class.

2. Go To Class and stay for the entire class.

3. Go To Class and ask the instructor a question.

4. Go To Class and sit where you can hear the instructor.

5. Go To Class and take notes.

6. Go To Class and stay awake.

7. Go To Class and follow the instructions about handouts and down loads

8. Go To Class and turn in the assignment due that day.

9. Go To Class and make sure you know when and where the final exam will be held.

10. And then Go To Class, again.

Volunteers for America

This is a post about volunteering.  The overall profile of college students in the general culture does not include generosity. Yet, students regularly fill the ranks of volunteers for a wide variety of causes both national and international.Volunteer opportunities are regularly posted on college campuses across the country and some campuses maintain a volunteer office or desk or co-coordinator.

Previous Planet College posts available here detail opportunities for volunteering and encourage students to do so. This is another Planet College post about volunteering.

A few years back when Deena graduated she was searching for something to do. Having completed her degree and graduated she was ready for 'something new' as she told Planet College; " I did not want to go corporate right away so I found Americorps. For our assignment myself and a small group traveled around the USA working on building projects in rural areas. I met people I never would have met in a regular job and I saw things I never would have seen. Looking back now I can say it was the best year of my life.  I felt I was doing something worthwhile and I could clearly see the results. That whole experience was incredibly worthwhile and I'd recommend it to anyone who has time and inclination to give something back."

AmeriCorps the national service organization developed and implemented during the Clinton Administration is celebrating it's 20th anniversary. This is the link to Americorp.  Check it out.

Planet College Job Search Alert

Work is so important on Planet College that Planet College has devoted a number of posts in the past year to just this subject. You can find many of them here. Planet College is not the only site concerned with student employment. Because the continuing health of the now global economy depends on educated work force publications of all kinds but particularly those dedicated to business and finance regularly publish articles like this one from Business News Daily. The author, Nicole Fallon, cites two or three authors and business writers who provide some general guidelines for graduates.

Planet College brings this to your attention because whether your graduation is pending this term or still in the future it is important for you to continuingly update your knowledge of the market for your skills as a graduate.  Focusing your active job search significantly increases your chances of finding a suitable position after you graduate.

What Have You Missed So Far?

The day to day business of college life is fully underway by now on your campus. Your activites, courses, social life and just hanging out has now slotted in to the familiar pattern you've established.
This is a Planet College question for you.  What class have you skipped so far? Is it a boring lecture, an 'easy' lab you can make up 'anytime' or a section which is just to early for your partying body clock to adjust to?

This is a Planet College suggestion. Before this skipping  becomes a habit. Return to the class. Talk to the instructor or the TA.  Ask what you need to do to make up for the missed class or classes.  Then do it. You probably enrolled in this course for some purpose, essentially,  you need it.

The road to an abandoned college career is paved with skipped classes. And it always starts with just one. This time skip skipping, go back, attend and graduate. That is how it is done.

Fees Again Or How Do You Get Your Money?

Planet College has consistently maintained a vigilant approach to student accounts, money, your money.  By this time in your college career you have probably learned that money is even more difficult to hang on to than it is to get.  Planet College again reminds you about one of the basic and enduring drains on your funds, fees. There is a comprehensive post here. This is a Planet College update about your money and your fees.

First think, how do you get your money?  Most all campuses have a student account for each student. Whether you are aware of it not. The traditional college student account system is detailed here and here. Read those entrys if you are unfamiliar with your campus's student account program and policy.

For a while some colleges and university's have issued debit cards in the name of the school but actually sponsored by an outside financial institution. These cards often charged students fees for using ATMs which were not operated by the issuing bank.  If you have had such a card you may have had the frustrating experience of hurrying to the nearest ATM for some quick cash only to find that you have been pretty seriously dinged for a relatively small withdrawl.

 This situation had come to the attention of financial regulators.  Michael Stratford, who writes for InsideHigherED, has published a report about these fees and other matters relating to student financial regulation here.  Mr. Stratford reports The Department of Education is carefully examining the relationship between banks and colleges and the agreements they have concerning these student debit cards.

While these institution confer and decide their policies regarding what is essentially your money there are now steps you can take to preserve your precious dollars.  Simplest among them is locating the nearest no-fee ATMs. While the relative savings may be small the habit of saving or at least spending carefully can add up to a significant sum for you over the term.

Ask Your Freshman Self.

Planet College presents virtually endless possibilites for growth, social, intellecutal, emotional and even physical. Most of these occurr gradually in small increments. The end of the term or school year with the arrival of finals and grades demonstrates your growth in the academic department. Other areas are not so clearly defined. If you look back the changes in you and your life have happened steadily but without much fanfare.

So here's a method which will no doubt clearly show you how you have grown. Interview your freshman self.  That person who arrived on campus during welcome week or move-in day or even at Summer Bridge has a lot to offer you about the changes you have personally experienced on Planet College. Take a few minutes and remember that freshman self. Ask him what he expects from this experience. Ask him what he hopes to accomplish. Carefully consider his reply. Have you experienced what he anticipated. What advice would you give your freshman self? What can you tell him now that you did not know then.  Your reply, that is your advice to your freshman self is essentially what you have learned, about you, school and the world. It is very, very valuable. It is based in what you have lived. And worldwide, on or off campus, there is no teacher like experience.

Stuck Sucks So Get Help ASAP

Planet College veterans often feel stuck. Stuck in school, stuck with a sucky job or just stuck. Stuck sucks. And  this feeling of inertia, not getting anywhere, that can be overwhelming and discouraging.  The results of this feeling is clearly reflected in graduation statistics. Overall the statistics show only about half of those students who attempt a college program actually complete the requirements. f This is understandable because it is simply so difficult for an average student to stay focused through the entire process. Unavailable courses, work demands and changing family pressures among other things contribute to students slowing down, getting bogged down and giving up.

 Because this trend has become nearly a fact of college life some community colleges have insituted a program to assists students toward graduation.  One such program, termed ASAP, has been implemented by the City University of New York.  You can read a more detailed description of this program and the results here.

The significant thing about this program is that in order to receive the help and support available the student is required to enroll full time.  With this level of commitment the results are clear. This suggests that possibly your best tactic for success in your program is full time enrollment. Although this potentially sounds drastic, 12-15 units of coursework, it may be the challenge you need to get out of the nearly terminal suckiness of stuck.

If you are nearly terminally stuck on Planet College give full time enrollment serious consideration. This definitely will take some planning so it might not be possible this term. But, for next term, look over your work schedule, double up on earnings and save this summer and try full time next term.

It is worth a try just to get out of the suckiness. Stuck sucks.

FAFSA Renewal Time.

One of the tasks which should be on the top of your list right now before this term gets real busy is renewing your fafsa. If you are not back on campus yet you can renew your fafsa from home.  From where ever you re-new the basic information you need is here.  This is what it says.

You must apply for federal student aid for every school year that you attend. To reapply, you should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you submitted a FAFSA last year, and you are eligible to complete a Renewal FAFSA, you may choose to have most of the questions pre-filled with the information you provided. Simply updating the information for the new school year on a Renewal FAFSA may be faster. However, the Renewal FAFSA is available solely for your convenience. If you prefer to start fresh with a new FAFSA, you are free to do so.
To reapply, click Login on the home page to log in to FAFSA on the Web, and then click FAFSA Renewal.
Note: If you are eligible to complete a Renewal FAFSA, you will be asked to provide your PIN, as well as answers to income, asset, and tax questions. You must also update any information that has changed since last year.

There it is. So, go ahead, jump on it, right now. No time like now. Get on it.

Find A Seat

The new term is starting and it is time to find your class rooms and once there find your seat.
You probably , by now, know your way around campus and also probably know your way around most of the classrooms, labs or lecture halls classses are usually held in on your campus. In fact, by now, you also know pretty much where you will sit even before you've found your class. And your seat is the subject of this post.

Surveys have shown that the farther from the lecturer a student sits the lower their average grade. And the closer a student sits the more likely they are to get a higher grade. With this in mind, now, where will you find your seat? Close or far. Your choice. Your call. Your education. Your career.

Planet College Suggestion. This term sit where you can do yourself the most good.