Amazon Future Engineer awards 100 current high school seniors from underserved and historically underrepresented communities across the country with a $40,000 scholarship ($10,000 each year) to study computer science at a four-year college or university of their choice AND a guaranteed paid 12-week summer internship offer at Amazon after the completion of their freshman year. Students must plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering or other computer science related field. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community involvement, work experience, future goals, and financial need.
Did you know there are two types of “Summer Melt”? Why and how to avoid.
Very disturbing to watch happen…
The term “Summer Melting” is when a student is admitted to a college, accepts the offer but doesn’t show up. It is always disheartening to hear, especially when it’s avoidable.
Did you know there are two types of “Summer Melt”? “Melting” is used to label these different scenarios:
FIRST DEFINITION – MELTING DUE TO LOW SELF-CONFIDENCE OR SURVIVOR’S REMORSE: First-generation students (first to attend college in their family), low–income students and students who do not encounter many college grads in their lives experience this type of melt the most. The feelings often have no basis except in their own anxiety. There are feelings of guilt, pessimism and/or defeat before even getting into “battle”. They worry about being the “only one” of whomever they are. They let doubtful remarks made by insecure, jealous people get under their skin. After–all, the people who are more typical to be in that college must know better, yes? NO!
The insecure will look for a last-minute reason not to attend college. They think not going will avoid pain. But what about the pain of not attempting to accomplish a goal? It’s a dream that they-themselves defer!
Can that Melting be Stopped: yes, it can be overcome, either by the student recognizing what they are doing to themselves and/or by sharing their fears with a trusted adult and getting help to work through it. They should seek out alumni and older students who share their background. TALK TO PEOPLE; DON’T KEEP IT INSIDE! It is so important that they face their hesitation BEFORE heading to college so that they walk onto campus confident, ready to face anything and feeling that they belong.
The college wouldn’t offer them a seat if it did not want them to come; it’s time-consuming for hard-working admissions officials to sort through applications and it’s expensive to lose and may not be able to replace a student who suddenly doesn’t show up. These melting students must not let IMPOSTER SYNDROME get them.
Once they’re on campus, do not stew in your juices alone; find people who help and don’t hinder. They should join groups on campus or in town that can be a safe space, where they can comfortably “be themselves”. Or, take initiative and start a group or activity! Build self-confidence and leadership skills that can make them successful in their future career while helping themselves and others in school.
SUGGESTION: repeat it and believe this: “Yes! I DO belong here!”
SECOND DEFINITION – MELTING DUE TO LACK OF FINANCIAL PLANNING: Quite a few students accept a college offer but realize just before move-in day that they cannot afford the cost to attend college. This type of melt not only affects first-generation and low–income students; students ready to pay part of the costs often melt, too.
These students usually don’t understand their acceptance package’s financial aid report. Or they become really set on attending because the college is “perfect”, no other school comes close to being as dreamy and they think it will all work out, because it’s the dream school. Or, they are just bad at math. Unfortunately, if the gap is too big, the student will not be able to attend that school.
Can that Melting be Stopped: depends on when they realize they can’t pay, and how big the gap is. The closer to Move-In Day that it happens, the more difficult it’ll be to figure out how to fill the gap. Scholarship deadlines have likely passed. If they work, they should check if there’s an employer scholarship fund. Beware loans beyond the government student and government ParentPlus loans; private bank loans add up and require parents to put their credit in peril. It’s not worth losing the family home, either! Best bet is to contact the college to ask for more grants and arrange a payment plan. HOWEVER, these strategies will only work if amount owed can be realistically met. Melt alert!
SUGGESTION: Plan ahead, keep eyes open. The students who almost melt but manage to make it to school as freshmen will have to go through this precarious ordeal again in sophomore year if they don’t prepare. Strategy for the next year must begin the night of freshmen move-in day, at the latest.
WHAT CAN YOUNGER HIGH SCHOOLERS GAIN BY LEARNING ABOUT THESE SCENARIOS: Students and parents need more guidance in the college application and financial aid process but often they don’t receive it in a timely fashion. They must select a list of schools wisely, taking into account the family budget and the schools’ budget. A famous school name or rumor of generous financial aid does not mean that all students qualify for that financial aid.
Every summer, students are unnecessarily devastated upon finding out that they can’t go to college. It can happen to anyone who doesn’t have good advisors. It can end in heartbreak. Our “Talking College Search” course includes real-life scenarios, including one about a student who almost didn’t get to go to college. Learn how to make realistic decisions for education that will have lasting impact on your future. Get lifetime access to this three hour online course with bonus workbook for less than the cost of an application fee!
What vaccinations do freshmen need before stepping on campus?
Even before the 2020 pandemic, entering freshmen in colleges and trade schools have been expected to be up–to–date on immunizations. Students will not be allowed in class in most schools. Campus environments are intimate and turn into incubators quickly. So students must send proof of the mumps, MMR and tetanus DTP boosters.
It’s also recommended to receive the Meningitis B vaccine; many campuses experience a Meningitis B outbreak each year, and that strain can be deadly. The Meningitis B vaccine is usually a two-parter, so make doctor appointments now so that there is time to take the second one before moving on campus.
Keep yourself, your classmates, older professors and the entire school healthy! Semesters are short; don’t miss a day of classes!
High school seniors in Los Angeles County, New York City, and Washington DC: Nominations open mid-October for the $2,000 a year Milken Scholars Program. Students who maintain a 3.0 GPA in college will receive $2,000 each year! This scholarship also includes an expenses-paid trip to the annual event hosted by the Program.
What can you do with $2,000 a year if your costs and needs will be more (despite taking our “Talking College Search” course to help you choose the best-fit colleges)? The amount will make a dent. But that’s not why we’re doing a spotlight on this scholarship. Despite the “low” amount, the career connections made through the four years and at the Milliken Scholars’ annual three-day summits are more valuable.
Deadline is early November. Check their website for more information.
Applicants must demonstrate:
• Minimum grade point average of 3.6 (unweighted) or 90% in all academic high school subject areas; • Active participation in community service activities; • A record of leadership; • Financial or Other Obstacles; • Admission to a four-year college or university prior to final selection; and • United States Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or DACA Recipient.
Because this program is an ongoing relationship of academic and career counseling with internship opportunities, the application has a more rigorous selection process than a “one-and-done” scholarship. That’s why you should get on the ball as soon as the scholarship portal opens!
Students must be nominated by their college advisers, submit of letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, test score sheets (if applicable), and a financial aid profile. Finalists are then selected and invited to interview in the spring, once your college acceptances are in.
The scholarship is Test-Optional the 2022 award: SAT or ACT score is not required to apply!
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation (CCSF) awards scholarships to applicants who are currently high school students and who are American citizens, legal residents or on the legalization path. The three types of scholarship programs are:
• Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship – High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA may apply on our website in August of their senior year until the October 31 deadline. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship. https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org
• Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team – 50 Gold $1,500, 50 Silver $1,250 and 50 Bronze $1,000 scholarships. Current students at two-year community colleges may apply between October 1 and December 2. This scholarship is administered by Phi Theta Kappa, and application details can be found on their website, www.ptk.org.
• Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise – 180 scholarships of $1,000. Current students at two-year community colleges may apply between February 27 and April 30. This scholarship is also administered by Phi Theta Kappa, and application details can be found on their website, www.ptk.org.
Yes, many students will enter and few will win. But you gotta be in it to win it! Definitely apply to these!
It can be quite a transition to have a stranger for a roommate, to not be able to control the lighting and movement in the dorm room.
Some people are very shy; others are introverted and need down time alone to recharge.
Maybe someone can’t sleep if the sun comes up too early, or if their roommate is a nightowl, plays flashing video games or has to study all night.
Also, some students may have a condition that makes them sensitive to too much stimulation.
But students sharing rooms have to respect their roommate(s), and know there’s only so much that can be done within reason.
It will get too cold to take long walks to get one’s head straight. Can’t lie down and relax in the Library (even those libraries that have privacy pods for reserving).
Ultimately, a student has to go to bed, to the room that costs thousands a year…
Those are scenarios where students should consider getting a Bed Tent like this one on Amazon! Roll down the privacy curtains and create your own safe-you space:
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Warning to Parents: Privacy Laws Keep Parents in the Dark
This policy of not letting parents see grades and not allowing parents to talk to administrators is imbecilic— especially with the financial investment. So what that the students are 18+?
Most parents will always care about their “babies”.
If high graduation rates and successful college grads provide good public relations for a college, why do they resist parent involvement in making it happen? Only if the student signs privacy releases:
Want to pay tuition through the school’s online portal? The student has to sign a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Release (FERPA). Otherwise, parents would have no idea if there are new outstanding charges, or if a loan needs another step. Some students misunderstand or ignore flags on their accounts until they’re threatened with being asked to leave school!
Depending on the school, the FERPA may also enable parents to view students’ grades. Unless a parent has due cause, don’t go crazy with checking the college transcript. Parents ought to give the student some space. Keep a closer eye if the student’s scholarship is dependent on keeping up a certain average. If a student is experiencing severe anxiety and might begin to skip class, for sure it’s advantageous to have the FERPA signed before trouble starts.
Student falls ill? Better have a Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act authorization (HIPAA). The college doesn’t have to notify the parent, nor does the hospital. Hospital staff are not allowed reveal medical status nor consult parents about treatment unless the paperwork is in order.
Trouble with a professor, administration or the dorm? Out of luck. Colleges do not want to talk to parents. Professors, depending on their personality and patience level, will decline to answer questions politely or rudely. Roommates violate dorm policy and the student gets in trouble, too? Parents can’t defend the innocent student. Reminding the college as to who pays the tuition bill will not result even in a bat of the eye. The student will have to be on the phone with the parent and the school staff, and give specific instructions that the parent be allowed to speak.
This applies to students who’ve reached their 18th birthday. Parents still have input with the affairs of younger college students. Relish the access for those few months…
What to do to make Freshman Year comfortable socially
REAL STORY: there was a young freshman who couldn’t eat in the dining hall for the first few days of college because she didn’t know she could sit anywhere! And this was a Brooklyn kid used to a huge cafeteria in public high school who had chosen to go to a small single-sex Pennsylvania college. Yes, this article is only about getting through the first week or so because the awkwardness and nerves a new freshman feels don’t last the entire year.
Don’t Expect Anything. Put all those movies, books and tv shows out of your head. Wrong, unrealistic expectations will cripple your adjustment and set you up for disappointment.
Locate Student Support Services! Your tuition pays for them to be there for you. They provide advice on how to manage time, campus life and anything that concerns you.
Locate the Tutoring Center! Even the brightest kids seek help. Do it the first two weeks.
Don’t Resist New Things! When kids are little and introduced to new foods, especially when visiting other people’s homes, one tactic to use is the “Three Tries Rule”: a) Take a full first bite b) Take another full bite to be sure c) Have another full bite to be polite. Celebrity couple Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Sara Michelle Gellar have a 10 Tries Rule, no negotiation! (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/freddie-prinze-jr-parenting-quotes_l_60467c1cc5b6e6abac81f4bf) As long as the activities don’t clash with your class schedule, attend a variety of organized events. Don’t wait for your favorite theme. You may find new friends in unexpected places.
You Are Not Alone. Most schools admit a thousand or more freshmen a year. Odds are not only is there someone else who likes the same last place-ranked professional team, or who reads the same Deep South gothic ghost stories — but they’re not going to fall into your lap as you sit in the dorm room. Or if you’re a commuter, you won’t find them if you go straight home after class.
Forget High School Humiliations. Put embarrassing moments behind you. That’s a more difficult to do for students who did awful things — social media and newspapers live forever — but the new people you’ll meet will not remember how you wore your gym pants inside out in 10th grade. Don’t enter college classrooms in dread of snickering and teasing. Those old students conditioned you and now they are not in your life any longer. Breathe.
You’re Not Weirder than Everyone (and everyone else is busy being too self-conscious to notice you). And to be truthful, any other student who thinks you’re weird is not worth trying to impress. Don’t waste your time; move on.
Be Yourself! Phonies are not fun to be around. Besides, if you are not yourself, who will be you?
Talk First! People can’t read your mind as to who you are and what you need.
Shrug it Off and Keep it Moving! If your jokes fall flat with one group, move on to another.
Be Flexible to Change. You may like to do work at last minute; be open to starting assignments earlier so that they’re polished before submitting. College is not high school; it is not supposed to be.
Don’t expect to become best friends with your roommate(s)! You may like lights out at 8 to begin your wind down; your roommate may like to stay up longer — or they’re a little afraid of the dark and don’t want to admit it (or the reverse!). Find a middle point with your roommate and ask for help from the residence assistant to mediate. Resident directors and assistants are trained and experienced in roommate issues.
Try try again! Rinse (please shower everyday) and repeat the previous steps.
Watch Out for Predators. There will be people who prey on freshmen:
Don’t leave campus with students you don’t know well yet! You don’t know who will be at that party off school property. If something happens off campus, the college does not have to take responsibility.
Always keep your hands on your drink and never take your eyes off an open cup or bottle! Pour out drinks left unattended. The cost of the drink is MUCH cheaper than the hospital bill (or worse). Don’t drink anything if you tend to get distracted.
Stay out of areas where you’ll be alone.
Articulate out loud and make a plan with new friends: arrive together, don’t leave without each other. Always know where they are.
If things are moving fast with a possible romantic partner, pause! You have the rest of semester; don’t rush things. You have no where to go until the term ends. If they are a good person, they will have enough sense to go slowly, too.
If they act as if their feelings are hurt — because they may only be acting, remember — then they are too unstable to be in a healthy happy relationship with you! Be firm; end it early before you get sucked into a twisted situation that takes longer to untangle.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Don’t let people leave if they’re going to be in a vulnerable situation. Toss the drink and promise to reimburse them when your allowance gets sent. Don’t worry about losing potential friends; bad people give school a bad reputation. Better to be rid of them.
Don’t Give Up on Your Classes; try not to let your anxiety interfere with attending lessons and completing classwork. Freshman year is usually a bunch of pre-requisite classes; what’s covered will be the same at any college. So during those hours that you’re in class, focus and do well to keep your grades up. Don’t throw the dreams and money away, but…
…Know when it’s time to go. Sometimes a school isn’t a perfect fit, even though a student’s job is to go to class, take the tests, write the papers and get the grades. After all, that’s what the thousands of dollars are going to! But if you’ve taken the Three Bites (or Ten Tries) and you’re not clicking with the school, it’s time to check in with the counselor for next steps.
Get to the Counselor at Student Support Services — of which you’re already familiar because it was the first thing you located, maybe even before stepping on campus — to help you decide whether to return the next semester, or even finish out the first semester. Then, try to get a second opinion from another counselor or advisor. Listen to them. Do not make this decision on your own. Listen to them. Do not make this decision on your own.
The best approach to a new environment is to remember that it is new. Be careful but not scared. Kick old self-destructive habits. Investigate from every angle before jumping to conclusions; you may be misinterpreting situations through old eyes. Breathe. Get advice. Listen to experts who know, who’ve encountered thousands of students like you before. Keep Calm and Carry On!
* ONE MORE THING: if you find someone in a tough situation, have this Crisis Hotline Contact Information handy. You may never need it BUT one of the people you know may need it one day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
What to do the first week or so to make the best of Freshman Year.
Whether the freshman is coming from a large high school to a small liberal arts college or a small private high school to a large state flagship college, parents fear the child may not adjust, may fall through the cracks. Here are some ways to get through the first weeks:
Follow Directions. Meaning: heed the syllabus, note the assignments in advance, set alerts for all the deadlines. The professors don’t write them as suggestions; they expect students to follow syllabi in order to learn the material and be graded on it as described in the syllabi. There should be no surprises if the syllabus is detailed. Read it; heed it.
In a large lecture classroom, Sit Close in the First Couple of Rows. Being closer keeps the mind from wandering and encourages more eye contact with the professor. Just a fleeting glimpse will cause a connection. It also put intimidating classmates out of sight behind you.
Try to Raise a Hand in Each Session; having that goal will keep you focused and listening for the opportunity to ask a question or make a comment. Even if the opportunity to raise your hand never occurs, at least you were engaged in the lesson. Get noticed by the professor so they won’t have to guess what grade to give you. The raise-hand-every-session plan works in smaller classrooms, too. Listening closely in anticipation of contributing will increase comprehension of the subject and result in higher grades.
Make an Appointment to Go to Professor Office Hours. Professors post their availability; take advantage of it early in the school storm. You want the professor to know you’re there to use your tuition money wisely (learning). You’ll also be the first to hear from the professor more details about upcoming units in the course, extra credit, job openings, research opportunities and other “inside scoops”.
Don’t Get Frustrated. Students shouldn’t fear not knowing or not understanding. Every student gets lost in at least one course or subject area in their college career. Don’t give up right away.
Get Tutoring Early. Every student, no matter how brilliant they are, will need tutoring. Students should go in the first month even if they think they have a hang of a subject.
Join a Study Group or Create One. This is the best way to realize you’re not alone.
Know Your Limits Early. Freshmen will be taking core required courses, but if by chance your schedule includes a tough elective (a course not required) that will not impact on fulfilling your major but is harder than you’re ready for, then consider taking the class Pass/Fail or dropping the course altogether. Pass/Fail will not affect your average. The you drop one course, hopefully you’ll be able to register for a more appropriate course. WARNING: these course decisions must be done in the first couple of weeks of the term. Classes close out early so students don’t miss too many lessons and never catch up.
Ready to start school on the right foot? Going in with realistic, open eyes — and mind — is the way to go!
Dorm Packing Supply List for Incoming Freshmen Part II
Time to complain and whine a bit. We’ve observed over the years that so many items that freshmen bring to dorms never get used, never get pulled out the plastic bin or shipping box. Be careful with impulse buys. Not the time to channel Martha Stewart or HGTV to decorate!
First, we recommend you get measurements of your room and watch videos of students with your room layout. Then you’ll realize you probably have a lot of what you need at home already. Or, you can concentrate on getting used to being in college and move in with just the basics needed every day and build on it after Christmas break. Strongly recommend keeping the room on the simple side the first fall semester. Concentrate on toiletries and weather-appropriate clothing. But again, you won’t need as many outfits as you think, especially if it’s easy to do laundry. Please make roommates and parents happy: do laundry on a regular schedule…
The list below is really big, too bulky for most cars. So what to do? There are two options:
1) Order and pick it up from the Store close to the college.
2) Order online and have it Shipped to school.
TAKE NOTE: be sure to get the proper delivery address for campus. It may not be your dorm, “John Quincy Adams Hall, Room 202”. Know before ordering so that a student doesn’t have to wander through all the campus looking for their mail.
You definitely need a set of Twin XL sheets (double check with your dorm as to bed size; most dorm beds are Twin XL). Some kids get two sets but never open one package; they just wash the one set over and put it back on the bed. Best practice would be to put a fresh set of sheets on the bed while washing the dirty ones. That saves a lot of energy and time.
Egg Crate Mattress Topper helps to feel cozy and have a soft place to land, because those mattresses are not meant for comfort; they’re meant to last. Twin size will fit; make it flush with the foot of the bed and short it at the head.
Bedbug/Waterproof Mattress Enclosure. Twin XL size. The schools provide a mattress that’s been used before. The college will also charge if it’s damaged.
Comforter (one with a removable duvet cover for washing is better, especially if guests sit on the bed)
Pillows: bring two pillows plus…
Zip-On Pillow Protector Covers, mite/bedbug/waterproof covers will prolong your pillows’ lives…
Wedge Backrest Pillow for sitting upright in the bed to study and watch tv. Something like this:
Comes in many colors!
For Your Room:
Power strips, preferably with a longer cord. Recommend one for each wall that has an outlet.
Bending features make it easier to put in plugs of different sizes!
Flashlight (and batteries)
Microwaveable but not breakable plates and cups (save the trees)
Refrigerators: Check to see if schools provide a mini-fridge; if not, discuss with the roommate as to who will bring one. Fridges are good to have for medications, leftover takeout, beverages, and science experiments (please label and wrap experiments well to avoid contaminating other objects in the fridge!).
Box or Standing Fan (air conditioners are a rare luxury in older dorms)
Clip-on Fan to attach to the bed.
Lamp that can be clipped anywhere and also can sit on a desk.
Family pictures and Posters to put up with poster tape (Again measuring the amount of free open wall is key)
Shower Shoes you can probably get buy with cheap flip flops from Old Navy. They MUST be worn every visit to the share restrooms and showers; otherwise students can come home with fungi infections on their feet that take months to get rid of!
Safe (can fit medications, passports, emergency cash, house keys etc).
Clothing Steamer for dorms that don’t allow irons. Less of a fire hazard than irons and one that has an auto shut-off for the absent minded would be best.
Mini Fridge Refrigerator Caddy that provides storage pockets down the side of the small fridges. Must take advantage of any space you can!
Bedside Shelf if you want a flat surface while lying on the bed. Good to have one that comes with a cup holder and cable management features.
Bedside Caddy for those who don’t work at desks.
Lingerie Bag to not loose or damage delicates in the washing machines.
Laundry Bag/Hamper. Get the backpack version; it’s most convenient for taking dirty stuff to another floor or building.
Over the Door Hanger living in a small room for ten months out of the year means every single space must be well-used.
Shower Caddy to take your toiletries to showers. Make sure that it can hang over a divider or door.
Shower Speaker is not necessary but breaks the monotony of that activity.
First Aid Kit – buy a kit or put it together yourself.
Tool Kit with screwdrivers large and tiny, pliers etc. The owner of a rubber mallet will be one of the most popular students on the floor.
A Television we’re iffy on getting, since the laptop can take that role. HOWEVER, while the TV takes up space, if the student doesn’t use the desk, it can go there. And instead of causing the student to self-isolate like watching a laptop does, they actually get to be social and can invite people in to watch a big event. They can become very popular on big sports and awards nights. 36-42″ should fit on the desk.
LED string lights if you want to feel decorative in the simplest but impressive way. Run them along the ceiling, under the bed, around the desk, anywhere. Some rope light sets can change color with a remote control.
For the Desk
Printers are not needed because many campuses have printing centers where printing is free! But in a pinch, the student with the small printer in their dorm can become popular. Friends should buy them an energy bar to reimburse for the ink!
Basic School Supplies: pens, pencils, scissors, glue stick, markers, erasers, highlighters, permanent AND erasable markers, Post-its, paper clips, stapler, etc.
Tape: scotch tape, packing, duct tape. Duct tape can come in great colors now!
A Sheet of Stamps and Envelopes even if they only get used once to write a letter to grandparents
For Those Who Need a Lot of Privacy…
Going away to college is not always easy. It can be quite a transition to have a stranger for a roommate, to not be able to control the lighting and movement in the dorm room. Some people are very shy; others are introverted and need down time alone to recharge. Maybe someone can’t sleep if the sun comes up too early, or if their roommate is a nightowl, plays flashing video games or has to study all night. Also, some students may have a condition that makes them sensitive to too much stimulation. But students sharing rooms have to respect their roommate(s), and know there’s only so much that can be done within reason. Those are scenarios where students should consider getting a Bed Tent:
That’s it for the basic necessities… but there’s more! See Part III for the Go-Bag List.
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