Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Another Workshop Today

Today, we will do a repeat workshop for Pathways to Success. This is an opportunity too good to pass up. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you must apply. It is very important to start requesting letters of recommendation which should be done on letterhead if you are sending the paper application.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Current Scholarships

Last week I received two scholarships for you to consider.

La Quinta Arts Scholarship and NOW Scholarship.

If you interested in any form of Art, you might consider applying for the LQ Arts scholarship.

NOW which is the National Organization of Women promotes women's rights. They will accept scholarships from guys if they are in tune and support women's rights. Our COD students have been recipients of this scholarship.

I have information and/or applications for both of these awards in the Career/Transfer Center.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Letters of Recommendation

It is time to start requesting your Letters of Recommendation. You need three professional letters by professors, counselors or a boss or supervisor. They must be written on letterhead and follow the guidelines on my website. Please go to downloads for the Personal Data, Scholarship Resume and Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Recommedation forms. My website is www.findingmoneyforcollege.com

Also, please check the archives on this blog for past information on Letters of Recommendation.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Pathways Workshops

If you applied last year but, were not selected, be sure that you sign up for one of the workshops. Alex Bleza from Pathways will be at COD to explain the changes in the new application process.

It is also critical that you start now requesting three letters of recommendation from your professors, counselors or anyone who knows you well--friends and family do not count.

You will be competing with students who have had experience completing scholarship applications so it is in your best interest to attend one of the workshops. Start writing your personal essay now--it is the most important part of your application.

Check out my website www.findingmoneyforcollege.com for help with writing your personal essay. Everything you need is available in the download section.

I'll see you at one of the workshops tomorrow.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Pathways to Success Scholarship

This is a fantastic scholarship which is open to students from the Coachella Valley. I just wanted to let you know that the deadline is March 17th and I am offering two workshops in the Career/Transfer Center on Feb 10th and 16th. I'll give you more information tomorrow.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Another Love Quote

"Real love is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."

Friday, February 5, 2010

A Quote for Valentine's Day

"I hold it true, whatever befall: I feel it,when I sorrow most;'tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."

I welcome your thoughts on this quote by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Do you agree or disagree?

Scholarship Workshops

In preparation for applying for the Pathways to Success scholarship,we are offering two workshops in the Career/Transfer Center on February 10th (Wednesday)and February 16th (Tuesday). They are both from 1:00 to 2:00. Please call my assistant, Margo, to reserve a seat. Her number is (760)862-1351

The deadline for the scholarship is March 17th. Either electronic or paper applications will be accepted.

For students who have little or no experience in applying for scholarships, I stongly recommend that you plan to attend. You will be competing with students who "know the ropes" and it is important that your application stands out. Also, I have invited a staff member from CVPTS to answer questions.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Tips for BuyingTextbooks

Having your textbook when you attend the first day of class is critical. I know that books are expensive but, you cannot be a successful student without the necessary tools that I wrote about yesterday. You'll be behind before you even start.

Having your very own copy of the class text is the most efficient way to go. Here are some tips for you to consider:

1. There are two sites where you can purchase books very reasonably.
www.Bigwords.com
www.SchoolSoup.com
It takes about a week to ten days to receive your books but, even with postage,
which is about $3.99, you will still save a bundle. While you are waiting for
your books, you can use a copy that the library has on reserve. You can't
check it out but, you can use it for two hours. (The COD Library has a copy of
every textbook which is being used at the college.)

Both of these sites will buy back your books.

2. Rental books are now available. Try Chegg.com and also check with the COD
(Follett Bookstore).

3. If you are working toward a vocational degree, check out New Horizons for books
that you can borrow.

4. Buy USED books whenever they are available.

5. Sell your books back. Even though you get a fraction of what you paid, the
money can be used for books for the next semester. Furthermore, it is unlikely
that you will ever look at them again once you finish the class and they will
take up valuable shelf or counter space.

6. Share a book with a trusted friend who is taking the same class. This does
restrict your study time so organization and time management are important for
you to have the book available when you need it.

7. If you have a portfolio or workbook that is required for the class, sharing
just won't work. YOU NEED YOUR OWN COPY. (An example is the portfolio for the
Scholarship Class.) Your grade is based on the portfolio but, more
importantly,it should be a work in progress which you will use through graduate
school.

8. If you are having financial difficulties, talk to your instructor to check out
options.

9. Bottom line. If you are serious about being a successful student and having a
satisfying future career, you need to think of purchasing your textbooks as an
investment. They are a very essential component of your education.

10. If you need money, have you checked out the following?
FAFSA
BOG Waiver
EOPS/CARE
Scholarship Class (STDV 011)--there are two sections offered each semester
Scholarship and Money Workshops--sign up in the Career/Transfer Center
Discuss your concerns with your counselor for other options

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Are you ready for your classes?

Whether you are sewing a dress or repairing a car, you need the necessary tools and supplies to complete the job successfully. It only stands to reason that in order to be a successful student you need the minimum of a pen and paper when you go to class. Taking notes in class is vital to your survival. Ideally, your professor will be sharing information that is not in your textbook or, at the very least, enchancing what you have read in the book.

The following are the "tools" that you need as a student:
Pencil case
Pens/Pencils (#2 for taking scantron tests)
Eraser
Pad of college ruled paper with three holes.
Three ring binder for each class.
Stapler/extra staples
Single hole paper punch
Ruler
Rubber bands
Paper clips (several sizes)
Post-its
Glue for special projects
Tape
Calculator
Highlighters (assorted colors)
Index cards--get in the habit of making flash cards
Computer
Inexpensive small recorder

And, the "BIGGY"--your textbooks. Yes, they are expensive but, if you have signed up for classes, you know that you will need to buy books. I'll go into more detail on buying books tomorrow but, you must have your books on the first day of class. Believe me, this is VERY IMPORTANT!!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Some Tips for Being a Successful Student

I usually tell my students on the first day of class that everyone has an "A" but, it is their responsibility to keep it. So, how do you accomplish that? Well, for starters:
1. Get to class on time.
2. Go prepared with a pen and paper (college rule with a hard back and three holes).
3. Sit in the front row center.
4. Listen actively.
5. Take notes.
6. Ask questions if you don't understand.
7. Stay focused on the topic.
8. Be courteous to your professor and classmates by being quiet.
9. Stay engaged until the class is dismissed.
10.As soon after class as possible,review your notes.
11.File your notes in a three ring binder. It helps to have a binder for each class.
12.Review your notes several times before the next class.
13.Determine how much time you need to complete any homework assignment.
14.Divide the assignment into manageable components.
15.When reading the textbooks, take notes.
16.Turn assignments in on time.
17.Keep a positive attitude.

Log in tomorrow for more tips.

Monday, February 1, 2010

A New Semester

Today is the first day of the new semester--a new beginning. I have always loved fresh starts and my hope for you is that you will commit to your education and take the opportunity to give learning everything you have got.

I will be posting daily (except for weekends) and acting as your educational coach and giving you tips for finding money for college. Money should not get in the way of your dream of earning a college degree. There are millions of scholarship dollars available to you but, you need to learn the system of searching and applying for scholarships.

It is time to take your education seriously--it will pay off in the future.