College Prep Basics: The Top Ten
By Denise Boiko
As a homeschooling family, chances are, the biggest question you hear is How will you prepare your student for college? With our two students now incollege and medical school, I can use the clarity of hindsight to look back on our own journey andhighlight the top ten principles that worked for us. Though every family is unique, these basicsform a useful foundation for most homeschoolers traversing the college prep path.
Choose A Degree That Fits Your Career Path
Each college has subtle differences, particularly with bachelors degrees and their requirements. Colleges also have different accreditation policies, depending on what system a school uses. Higher education has also changed a lot in the past few years, so take some time to learn how recent college changes impact your education.
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How Does The Plan Work
The College Pension Plan is a defined benefit pension plan. Each time you are paid your salary, both you and your employer contribute to the plan. These contributions are pooled and invested so that you receive a lifetime monthly pension when you retire. About 70 per cent of the average pension payment is currently paid by the plan’s investment returns.
Your lifetime monthly pension will be based on a specific formula that includes:
- Your years of pensionable service
- The average of your five highest years of salary
When you retire, you will receive a monthly pension for your lifetime.
After you die, depending on the pension option you chose at retirement, the plan may continue to pay:
- A pension to your spouse for their lifetime
- Pension benefits to another beneficiary
- A lump-sum payment to your estate or an organization you have named as your beneficiary
As a new member, once you’ve made your first contribution to the plan, you can receive a pension at your earliest retirement age. If you’re an inactive member who joined the plan before September 30, 2015, other conditions may apply.
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Federal Loans Vs Private Loans
If youve sought any advice on applying for loans, you probably heard that you should apply for federal loans first. Thats because federal loans are funded by the federal government and come with lower interest rates.
Federal loans also come with certain borrower protections that private student loan borrowers do not always receive. For instance, due to the pandemic, there is currently a freeze on federal student loan payments until Sept. 30, 2021.
The interest rate is also set at 0%, so you arent penalized for failing to make payments on your loans. While some private lenders have offered forbearance for up to 90 days, private loans dont come with the same type of flexibility.
Thats because private loans are distributed by private lenders, like banks or online lenders. The lender sets the terms and conditions of these loans, and a credit check is required.
Private student loans are more expensive than federal loans, which is why they should always be your last resort. But if you still have gaps in your tuition after receiving federal aid and federal loans, then private loans can be a good option.
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Remember The Magic Word: Passion
From our experiences with fourteen different college applications, one magic word standsout over and over again: passion. Colleges are not necessarily looking for perfect GPAs andperfect entrance exam scores. What they want are students filled with passion for a particulararea: an academic subject, music, a sport, community service, or a political cause. They dontwant students who are so well rounded that they are predictablethey want students with adefinite angle to them to showcase their personal strengths and passions. Guiding your studenttoward extracurricular activities that encourage growth in thesefavorite pursuits is a key step in preparing your student for college.
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We’ve Got Your Basics Covered
We’ve all heard of “the basics” but what does this actually mean? The Basics, sometimes called core curriculum, is required, regardless of your major. This core set of classes is taken by all Texas undergraduate students to make sure that no matter where you receive your degree, you’ll have gained an understanding of general subjects included in the core curriculum. These requirements ensure that you receive a well-rounded and balanced education. At San Jacinto College, we’ve put together specific plans to help you knock out those “basics” and apply them toward a variety of four-year degrees. The College also has strong partnerships with universities to ensure that your core curriculum is approved for transfer. San Jacinto College has your basics covered.
Explore the core curriculum in the San Jac catalog.
Ease Into Sat* Or Act Test Prep
Most freshman university applicants will need to take the SAT or ACT exams. Thus, one realityof high school, even for homeschoolers, is studying for these exams. While preparation methodsaboundmany of them outrageously expensivea wise approach involves easing into preparationthroughout the high school years. Find a few good prep books in your local bookstore andintegrate the study tasks into your students curriculum a bit at a time, starting in ninth grade.You can include vocabulary lists in your English curriculum or have your student read classicliterature, which automatically builds vocabulary in context. You can practice multiple-choicemath questions a few at a time as you cover these concepts in your math program. You can evenintroduce the timed essay during tenth or eleventh grade. With steady work, college entranceexams will be less mysterious and intimidating by the time your student needs to take them.
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What Is An Algorithm
These days, youve surely come across the word algorithm. Whether youre a bit familiar with machine learning, or have just heard the term used to describe your Google results or Instagram post likes, algorithms are on everyones minds. Algorithms are tasks that computers execute. In other words, a procedure for computers to solve a problem, the recipe for programming. These will help computers to get users the right information, sort information, or find the shortest path to something.
Will My Contribution Rate Increase
It is possible that the contribution rates may increase.
At least once every three years, an independent actuary assesses the financial position of BC’s College Pension Plan.
This assessment examines the plan’s ability to pay all current and future pensions based on a series of economic and demographic assumptions . It also reviews the current contribution rates to see if they are sufficient to fund the plan. Under the College Pension Plan Joint Trust Agreement, trustees may adjust contribution rates when needed to meet the plan’s funding requirements.
If the actuary’s assessment determines there is a funding shortfall, both your contribution rate and your employer’s contribution rate may increase to meet the planâs funding requirements. Contribution rate increases are shared equally by members and employers.
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Train Your Brain To Support Your Professional Journey
and
you
Employer Rights And Obligations
Each plan employer has certain rights and obligations to employees:
- Provide complete, accurate and sufficient personal information and records required to administer the plan for all members
- Collect your pension contributions and their employer contributions and provide them to us
- Provide you with any information or records supplied by us or otherwise required by the Pension Benefits Standards Act
- Enroll new employees or get a signed waiver for employees who have the option to waive enrolment
- Pay for any costs or damages from not meeting commitments such as reporting information on time or accurately
Nothing in the plan affects the employerâs right to dismiss an individual.
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What Are Basics Called In College
College basics
Similarly, you may ask, what are the basic classes called in college?
Core Courses
- English: English 1-4, American Literature, creative writing.
- Math: Algebra 1-3, Geometry, statistics.
- Natural of physical science: biology, chemistry, physics.
- Social science: American History, civics, government.
- Additional: comparative religion, Spanish 1-4.
Furthermore, what classes are mandatory in college? Most colleges and universities require every student to take a certain number of classes that satisfy general education requirements.Mathematics and Science
- Earth Science.
Also question is, what are the college terms?
The most common terms are semesters and quarters.Semesters are about 15 weeks long. The fall semester usually runs August to December, and the spring semester January to May. Quarters divided the academic year into three pieces, a fall quarter, a winter quarter and a spring quarter.
What does core mean in college?
Core Course of Study. LAST UPDATED: 08.29.13. Also called core curriculum, core course of study refers to a series or selection of courses that all students are required to complete before they can move on to the next level in their education or earn a diploma.
Review Your Student Aid Report
Once youve filled out the FAFSA, youll receive a Student Aid Report . The SAR is a summary of all the information you entered. Youll want to check this report carefully to make sure everything is accurate.
At this point, the schools you included in your FAFSA may request additional information. Its essential to provide this documentation as quickly as possible, so you don’t miss out on any federal aid.
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Communicate Closely With Colleges Of Interest
Homeschoolers have to do a little more homework when it comes to searching out colleges,since no guidance counselor down the hall will dispense the appropriate information. Whatsmore, requirements and procedures often differ for homeschooled students. Get in the habit ofperusing websites for colleges of interest and even visiting if they are nearby. Most importantly,find out what a homeschooler should do differently in the application process. Colleges mayrequire course descriptions, additional SAT Subject Tests*, or recommendation letters writtenby a non-family member. Knowing the pieces of the application process early in the game willreduce the stress of assembling these items when the students senior year arrives. Typically,colleges want the application itself, recommendation letters , a transcript, an application essay, and SAT or ACT scores. Private colleges are frequently quiteopen to homeschoolers larger, more bureaucratic state universities may present some hitcheswhile processing your students application. But be persistent, professional, and patient. Ask lotsof questions, and again, start early!
Degrees In Computer Science
Ready for a career in computer science? The best way is through a degree. Study options include associate degree, bachelors degree , masters degree , and PhD.
The most common course is the Bachelors of Science option, but if you have limited time, an associate degree will earn you entry level in the field as well. If you plan to continue on in your career, some jobs may eventually require a Masters of Science.
Keep costs in mind when choosing a degree in computer science. The average yearly cost for a graduate program is $40,000. University of the Peoples Associate and Bachelors program, on the other hand, are tuition-free. You just pay the application fee and assessment fees. Besides being tuition-free, UoPeoples computer science degrees are also offered fully online, which means more flexibility to work around you schedule. Learn more about these tuition-free, flexible and accredited programs here!
Check out more here on exactly what you will learn with a degree in computer science and what you can do after.
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The Basics Of College Tuition Room And Board
You will inevitably wind up juggling college applications and considering your financing options at the same time. The three major costs of college are tuition, room, and board. Understanding all three will help you plan for college and prepare to apply for any financial aid you need to get you through.
Not Referred But Interested In Going Through The Program
Did you know that anybody can go through the BASICS program?
You do not need to be worried that you have an alcohol or other drug problem to do BASICS. If you are interested in your consumption patterns, are looking to learn more about protective strategies, are worried about a friend or just want more information about alcohol and other drugs, BASICS is for you!
All you have to do is contact the provider below to arrange your appointments.
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The Basics Of College Loans
- 7 Ways to Save Money Black Friday Shopping – October 21, 2021
Did you experience sticker shock the first time you realized how much it costs to earn your degree? If so, then youre not alone.
If you choose to attend a public university, you can expect to pay around $10,560 per year. If youre considering attending a private college, the costs could run as high as $37,650 per year.
Of course, these costs can vary depending on a variety of factors, including your major and whether youre an in-state or out-of-state resident. But even on the lower end of the spectrum, the total cost of attendance can quickly add up.
This is why a large percentage of college students will end up taking out a combination of federal and private student loans.
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Why Are Basic College Courses Necessary
College students are often excited to start learning about their major right away and are eager to graduate. Basic college courses such as writing, history and math can slow down the time it takes a student to get to her major classes. However, these classes, commonly called core classes, prepare college students for an increasingly competitive world by providing them with basic knowledge that they can use in a wide variety of fields.
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The Different Types Of Federal Loans
When you apply for federal loans, you dont have to worry about undergoing a credit check or finding a cosigner. If youve graduated from high school and are planning to attend college, youre automatically eligible to receive federal loans.
However, there are different types of federal loans you can receive as an undergraduate. And the two main types you want to familiarize yourself with are subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
Credits = 12 Contact Hours + 24 Study Hours = 36 Hours Per Week Of Work
Here is what you need to know before committing to a full-time load:
- Most learning occurs outside of class, independent of the teacher. This requires a high level of time commitment.
- The general rule is that for every hour spent in class, a student spends two hours outside of class reading, studying, and completing assignments. Many students take on too much at once and score poorly or drop courses. This could lead to a financial loss, feeling of failure, or a loss of financial aid.
Students should become champions ofcourse planning and advising. This is not something to take lightly. Plan carefully what is needed for graduation and when it needs to be completed. This will also help students see the big picture and make informed decisions on what course load to commit to.
The commitment of college courses requires letting go of other activities in life. This is a challenging reality, and many students fall into the trap of thinking they can do it all! Through being fully informed and making wise time choices, school can be a short-term endeavor with life-long rewards!
HCC Technology Set Up
Technology is an important skill for success in school. HCC has a technology help desk for students to get assistance with technology questions. Learning Support Services can also help students with basic technology setup or refer you to the technology help desk.
What To Expect In College
Skills for success include:
Knowing Thyself
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College Transfer Tips & Tactics
- As you narrow your college search for a transfer school, visit each college or university as many times as you can to make sure youll be happy in your new environment.
- Get letters of recommendation from your college teachers. Reach out to professors with whom you have a good relationship, especially if they are in your academic discipline. Tell your professors why you want to transfer, the majors and careers youre considering and what your academic strengths are, so they can write you a stronger recommendation. Don’t forget to send a thank-you note to each professor.
- Pay attention to your deadlines: Transfer deadlines differ from school to school, so find the college deadlines for transfer students on the schools website and keep track of them so you dont miss them.
- Check the scholarship possibilities with your new school before you start the transferring process. Sometimes it becomes harder for transferring students to get scholarships or maintain existing scholarships, but there are some schools that set aside some money exclusively for transfer students.
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College English: The Basics is intended for use in first-year college writing classes. Accordingly, it focuses primarily on the academic essay, discussing several main modes of essay development, along with specialized applications such as essay exams, literary criticism, and research-based assignments. But the book goes beyond this principal emphasis to provide coverage of workplace writing as well, reflecting an ongoing trend in composition textbooks published in recent years.
In truth, College English is not just about the kind of writing done in college its more than that, equipping students to write well even after graduation, when theyll be called upon to communicate on the job. There are clear-cut learning objectives, revision checklists, model documents, and helpful exercises, along with an appendix that identifies key strategies for developing an effective style and another that reviews the fundamentals of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
PART 1THE MOST BASIC BASICS: PURPOSE, AUDIENCE, AND TONE
Chapter 1 Purpose
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