Brooke Chaplan

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education

How to organize your college freshman school schedule

**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.**

A guest column by Brooke Chaplin

When you first meet with your school counselor, they’ll more than likely advise you to take a light load your first semester of freshman year. If you’re like many new college students, you’ll probably be surprised to hear a school official telling you to cut back on credits or take the easier general classes. While it might be surprising, it’s the best advice you can be given when you’re starting out and on your own for the first time. Arranging a loaded schedule to get your degree as fast as possible could affect your entire student career, so it is best to plan wisely. 


When you’re new to college life, it can take some time to get acquainted with the change. You’ll need to learn how to read your curriculum, how to keep track of due dates, and how to balance heavy loads of homework and arrange your class schedule. Here is some valuable alumni advice to help you learn from the mistakes of those who went before.

Choose a Class Time Where You Are Alert and Ready for Lectures 
The whole purpose of paying to attend college is to gain knowledge. If you decide you want to get a specific class over with early in the day, you could be putting yourself at a disadvantage. Some students like getting up bright and early, while others are night owls and are more productive later on. Consider when you are alert and look for classes in this time frame so you know will be ready to attend and learn. There is a reason why more students miss class in the morning than in the afternoon. 

Leave Time Between Classes For Mental Rest 
College professors can throw a lot of information at you in a single sit down. You may be typing pages of notes, reading dozens of slides, or having a class discussion that requires some serious critical thinking in class, and then watching film you will be quizzed on in another. If you go straight from one class to the next, you will have no time to rest or process what you have just learned. Whether you are coming from a psychology class for your sociology degree or heading out of a simple fitness course, give yourself some time to get organized before you get on to the next class. Giving yourself a short breather will help you retain information better.

Register For Your Classes As Early As Possible 
As a freshmen, you have never experienced what it is like to see that a class has reached capacity before you were able to register. Prerequisites are very popular because all students must take them. To ensure you get the classes you want, you should register the moment you are able to. 

Scheduling is all done online now that schools have online registration tools. Be sure to consider how challenging courses are, what other obligations and priorities you have, and how long you could spend on your studies. By being prepared, you can strengthen your chances of success during your first year as a college student.

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Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information on building a schedule for online courses like a sociology degree contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

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Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education

What future college students should know about winning scholarships

**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.**

A guest post by Brooke Chaplan

Scholarship searches aren’t for the faint of heart, but if you put in the effort, your searches can often pay off. Financial aid experts know that people who start searching for scholarships early stand the best chance of getting the most money for their schooling. There are also scholarships available for people who want to attend online colleges to get a degree, study particular fields, or have the right background. The trick to winning scholarships is to find the ones that match your skills and personal situation when applying.

Start Early… Really Early

If you’ve waited for your senior year to find scholarships, chances are you’ve waited too long. Many scholarships are available for those in their freshman, sophomore, and junior years in high school. These scholarships require an early application, and if you don’t apply at the right time, you’ll miss the deadlines. Scholarships are even available for pre-high school students from Kindergarten to eighth grade. You can get started as early as you want and have time to apply and prepare each one.

Sign Up For Alerts

There are several online scholarship databases you can sign up for to receive alerts. Create a special email for all your scholarship applications, and set up searches on various scholarship search websites to get notified of new scholarships. Apply as soon as possible, and keep track of every scholarship you apply for.

Go For Easy Prey

Don’t just sign up for the biggest scholarships. Look for essay contests and other small awards. These offerings can add up to a substantial amount once you enter college, and the extra time spent honing your writing skills will help to prepare you for college. Smaller contests can often be easier to win and generally are based on the quality of your submission.

Pay Attention to the Sponsor

Sponsors are looking for people who represent their goals and values. Make sure you carefully read all the regulations and find out some basic background about the scholarship before applying.  You might be just who they are looking for, or it could be really off-base for your situation.

Control Your Social Presence

If you already have a social media presence, see what types of information can be determined about you by looking online. Make an attempt to remove any information you don’t want a scholarship search committee to see. While you can clean up the content of most of your social media accounts, keep in mind some information may last a long time on the Internet. Be prepared to explain anything in a potential interview.

Colleges often offer discounts for students who enroll in online classes, like these online Rutgers programs. There are also special awards for people who wish to study completely online. Be open and look for any opportunity you are qualified for. Apply to as many opportunities as possible for the greatest chance of success.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

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Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education

4 important life skills college students need from the start

**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.**

A guest column by Brooke Chaplin

College is a time of great change for students who are used to living under their parents’ rules and protection. While some will commute and still live at home, a majority of students live on campus, and first-timers may be in for a rude awakening. These are just a few challenges students may encounter as they adjust to college life.

Time Management
Students just getting to college may not be accustomed to taking responsibility for their own schedule. They may have always had parents waking them up in the morning and nagging them to do their homework. Now, it’s up to you to get up for class and be diligent about completing assignments. Organizational aids can be a big help if you learn to use them right; a solid day planner is of great use for keeping track of what needs to be done and when. Schools are great to provide most schedules and assignment due dates in disclosures and websites, but for your own aid, make sure you put them all in one schedule or planner you can update and check yourself.  

Eating Healthy
Eating properly can be problematic in college. If you don’t have a built-in plan for food, you may be tempted to just skip as many meals as possible in order to save money and time. If you don’t eat enough, you won’t have the energy you need for good study habits or optimum physical health, and if you do have a meal plan, you might be tempted to overeat, since food is so freely available. Pay attention to your food intake so you can try to avoid that dreaded Freshman 15. What’s more, if you do eat an especially large meal, try to make up for it with an extra-long walk around campus. College life can be very conducive to exercise, so if you are diligent, it should even out.

Avoiding Drugs
If you’ve never been exposed to drugs or alcohol before, college can be a very dangerous time. Make sure you are always aware of what you are putting into your body and resist the temptation to experiment with illegal substances since the dangers far outweigh any potential benefits. Trying new things can always be fun and is part of the college experience, but make sure you do so safely and legally and with people you’re comfortable with. If you find yourself getting hooked, don’t be afraid to go to a professional for help. Or if you have a friend suffering the ill effects of drugs or alcohol abuse, gather some friends and stage an alcohol intervention to encourage them to find help. What is an intervention? If you’re not sure, you might need to seek out a service that can get you the right information on who should be there and what to say.

Staying Debt-Free
Chances are, you’re already paying student loans or taking them out for the first time, but you don’t want to add credit cards into the mix. Credit card companies prey on college students with enticing introductory offers. Before you know it, you’re thousands of dollars in debt as you spend money you don’t really have. Do yourself a favor and stick with cash and savings during your college career.

These are just a few tips that will help to make your college experience more enjoyable. College is full of important lessons, and many do not occur in the classroom. Stay safe and smart, and your education will be worth the ride.

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Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information on getting help with drugs, or if you have a friend suffering the ill effects of drugs or alcohol abuse, gather some friends and stage an alcohol intervention to encourage them to find help. What is an intervention? If you’re not sure, you might need to seek out a service that can get you the right information on who should be there and what to say

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Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education

College on Your Own: Tips for Safely Navigating Your New City

**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.**

Attending a new college in an unfamiliar place can be daunting. When it’s in a new city, it can be simply terrifying. The best way to get acquainted with your new city is to get out and explore. With a little common sense and some preparation, you can get out and see the city safely and get to know your new surroundings.

Bring a Cell Phone Charger
Your cell phone has a host of life-saving features that can keep you out of trouble. When you’re out and about, the last thing you want is for your battery to die on you. Bring along a mobile charger and you can ensure that if you do get lost and your phone dies, you can recharge it to find your way home using the built-in GPS and Map apps on your phone.

Go to the Highest Point in the City
There are few ways to help you get your bearings better than going to the highest point in the city. From here, you should be able to see your college and get a good view of the surrounding areas. This will make it easier for you to start to visualize the streets and neighborhoods, and it can also help you get some good ideas for where to go.

Learn the Transit System
Get to know the transit system even if you have a vehicle. Pick up a tourist map for your city, and visit the main sites during your first month at your school. This not only helps you get a good feel for the city, it can help you to appreciate the community you’ll be living in for the next few years. An understanding of the local culture can even help improve your relationships with your professors and make local friends.

Store Your Belongings Safely
Until you really get to know your roommates, it’s not a bad idea to keep your valuables in storage unit near you. A unit can also be useful for when you go out of town or back home for the holidays and don’t want to renew the lease on your apartment. You’ll be able to store all your stuff and not have to worry about it getting lost or damaged while you’re out enjoying the break. Dorm rooms are especially space-limited, so grab a storage unit to help you to bring more of the things that matter to you.

Don’t be afraid to get out and experience the new city your college is in. Your college experience is partially about learning how to take care of yourself while being out on your own. With the right attitude, you’ll develop your independence and excel in school.

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Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

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Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education

How to Earn a College Degree without the Debt

**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.**

A guest post by Brooke Chaplan

A college degree is becoming more and more important in order to succeed in society and to get a good career. The biggest problem with college is that it often puts many students in massive debt immediately after graduation. Luckily, it is entirely possible to get an education without getting a ton of student loans. These are the four best tricks to get a college degree without going into debt.

Rent Textbooks
Most people forget to factor expensive textbooks into their college budget, which can cause you to spend a lot more money each semester than originally planned. As the price of textbooks continues to rise, there are now several places you can rent your required reading material for a fraction of the cost to purchase new.

Live at Home
Living on your own may be a major part of the college experience, but it can be extremely costly. Going to a local college like UC Clermont College or an online college while living at home may not seem ideal, but it will actually save your thousands of dollars in the long run. All of the money going toward dorm room rent, food, and other miscellaneous expenses can all be used towards your tuition instead.

Get Scholarships and Grants
The great thing about scholarships and grants is they are literally free money. Unlike student loans, you will never have to pay back the money you receive in scholarships and grants. There are thousands of different places you get scholarships and grants from, so you will have to do some extensive research. Most scholarships and grants require you fit a certain criteria in order to be eligible. Applying as much as possible is a great way to drastically reduce your college debt burden.

Take College Courses in High School
Taking the time to plan ahead can go a long way to help you save money on college. Every high school offers college credit courses for their more gifted students. Taking these classes in high school will allow you to start earning college credits without having to pay the high tuition costs. If you do well enough in high school, then it is entirely possible that you can enter your first year of college having already earned a semester of credits.

Nobody should have to go into crippling debt just to get a better education. If you save your money and follow these five tips, then you should have no problem graduating debt free.

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Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

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Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education

5 Degrees You Can Earn in Less than 4 Years

**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.**

A guest post by Brooke Chaplan

Not everyone is able to spend four years and tons of money to earn a bachelor’s degree. You may be limited by circumstance, finances, family, and many other factors. Some students are tactile, hands-on learners, who may not thrive in a university environment. If you still want to improve you education, but aren’t looking for the traditional route, you may enjoy one of these five degrees.

Electrical Technology
Electricians traditionally complete a two-year degree at a technical school, and then transfer to a sponsored apprenticeship that takes four to five years to complete. During this time, most apprenticeship programs require attendees to take continuing education courses related to safety, regulations, and specific products or techniques. Students who study electrical technology will learn advanced math, electrical theories, code requirements, and first-aid practices. Apprenticeships are available through local unions, contractor associations, and state employment agencies.

Dental Hygienist
Dental hygiene is an excellent entry-level health care job that only requires a two-year degree and advanced training. In fact, some programs only require two years’ worth of related college coursework without an actual degree. The work environment is relaxed, the hiring outlook positive and the income levels good. Dental hygiene is considered an excellent academic choice for students starting their career over, and almost all states require dental hygienists to pass regional and national board exams to obtain the proper licensure.

Paralegal
Most companies hire paralegals fresh out of college with a program diploma, or those with extensive legal experience. Paralegals are attorney assistants who perform in-depth research, investigate facts, and prepare legal documents. Paralegal diploma programs often take one year to complete and will teach students how to properly conduct legal research, formulate defenses, and initiate legal actions. The median pay for paralegals is excellent and the work environment is intense, yet very professional.

Web Development
Web developers rarely have a formal degree. Instead, they have thousands of hours of personal time invested in creating, analyzing, and developing websites. Web developer programs take one to two years to complete and teach students how to analyze user needs, create content, and modify the performance of websites. Some also learn how to integrate websites with other software programs or convert audio and video elements between different standards.

Safety 
Occupational safety degrees and emergency management programs are becoming more popular as employees, the government, and the public in general realize the benefits of safety planning and emergency response. For example, state safety programs need their own OSHA inspectors to ensure the occupational well-being of workers. Emergency management is a growing profession because the need for public safety professionals is rapidly increasing.

Human Resources
Another option for students who want to quickly complete their degree is human resources. Many HR professionals start out their career with only college coursework and industry standard certification.

 

Going to college isn’t for everyone, but furthering your education can be. With these ideas you can still get a degree and more education without sacrificing four years of your life.

_______________________________

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

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Matthew Lynch published in International Education

4 considerations before applying to schools abroad

**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.**

A guest post by Brooke Chaplan

Attending school overseas is an exciting idea for any prospective student. But when push comes to shove, there are numerous practical decisions you have to think about before applying abroad. From the travel, cost, and even just the application itself, going overseas can mean a lot of time and work put in from you. Considering every detail is important to getting the best deal and finding the perfect program for you. Of these numerous considerations, the four most important are listed below.

Consider the Cost
Analyze the marketability of the degree you’re thinking about, the chosen school’s prestige, the availability of student loans for foreign students, and the exchange rate between the local currency and the currency used in the country where the school is located. If you fail to factor in the financial burdens associated with going to school abroad, you may be financially crippled for life. Keep in mind that many foreign locales have excellent programs for a fraction of what a degree would cost elsewhere, you just have to be sure. If your degree program isn’t going to guarantee you a job or internship back home, the cost of going to school may not be worth the reward. Look at students who have succeeded in the past and talk to faculty who can help you find out where you can use the degree to your advantage.

 

Consider the Housing
Specifically, does the university provide housing for foreign students, what is the cost of living on campus vs. off campus, is it safe to live off campus, and what type of public transit is available to ride to the school? If you find an economical apartment in a nice neighborhood but with no access to public transportation, then living there may be impractical. If they do provide student housing is it included in tuition costs? Are there any ways you can save money or get financial aid here as a foreign student. Look at all your options and find out what you can live with.

Consider the Travel
A U.S. citizen will need a passport to leave the U.S. and vaccinations for local diseases may be needed before you can safely enter a foreign locale. Certain students may need a student visa in order to enter a foreign country as well. For example, if you wanted to attend medical school in an exotic location like the Caribbean, a visa would be required for those staying in the country more than 90 days. Schools like St. Martinus University often offer a lot of student financial aid for travel and visas as well. If you are going to a more exotic country you might need to think about language barriers. If you will have a lot of fellow foreign students to help you around and if you are familiar with the culture it may not be such a shock.

Consider the Local Government
Utilize websites such as the CIA World Fact Book to evaluate the governmental stability of the country in which the school is located and research how locals are reputed to treat students of your own nationality. It would not be ideal to attend a school in an area where you don’t feel safe or welcomed. Look at reviews of the school from alumni and past foreign students. They can help you navigate your way in how life is after graduation and during the school semesters.

Wherever your educational goals take you, the most important thing to remember is to work hard and enjoy the country you’ve chosen to visit. Immersion into a foreign culture exponentially broadens your horizons and will provide you with a completely different perspective on life.

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Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.

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Matthew Lynch published in International Education, Uncategorized

6 things students forget to bring when they study abroad

**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.**

A guest column by Brooke Chaplan

It’s always tough to prepare yourself for a study abroad trip. In most cases, this will be the first time you’ve left the country, and despite your months of preparation, there are going to be unexpected differences. Until you understand your new living conditions, it’s best to be prepared and bring the basic items you need to survive well in a foreign country. Don’t be like the others who have gone before you and forget these essential items on your study abroad.

Personal Hygiene
Depending on where you go, you may find the personal hygiene products available don’t work quite the same way as your favorites back home. To tide you over while you find replacements, it’s a good idea to bring a three-month supply of any cosmetics, bath products, and deodorant that you use regularly. This includes a brush, shampoo, toothbrush, soap, contact lenses and solution, and razors.

Getting Money
In most instances, you’re going to do better exchanging your money when you get to the country in question. In the U.S., Forex fees are charged in addition to the fee charged by the establishment. If you go to a country like Japan, you will pay very close to the exchange rate. The best places to get money in a foreign country are usually at the local post offices, or by withdrawing money from your bank account at an ATM. However, you should bring at least $300 in local currency to help you get started

Portable Charger
Purchasing a portable charger in your home country is a great way to make sure your electronics work when you arrive. A portable charger can keep your cell phone alive, and then you won’t get lost without some way to communicate. Even if you don’t have a cell phone contract in your new country, you can typically find a Wi-Fi network you can use to communicate online.

Hair Dryer
Look for a hair dryer that uses dual-voltage. This is much better than plugging your dryer into a converter. You may think the country you’re visiting will have the same electronics as your home country, but this isn’t always true.

Favorite Snacks
You’re likely excited about trying out new foods, but it’s important to bring a cache of your favorites for emergencies. You’ll thank yourself when culture shock begins to set in, or when you find yourself alone in a foreign country and your stomach is upset from new water, living conditions, and foods.

Bottle with Filter
Bring a bottle that contains a built-in filter. You may find yourself stuck in the airport with little to no money. If you fill up your bottle with water, you can at least stave off dehydration and avoid much of the jet lag associated with long flights.

Many of the items you need can be found at your local stores like Target or Kohl’s. Use coupons from site like discountrue to save even more money, and make sure you purchase the lightest luggage possible. This will ensure you’re able to take as much with you as possible, without exceeding airline baggage limits.

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Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening.

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Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education

4 tips for balancing an education and a full-time job

**The Edvocate is pleased to publish guest posts as way to fuel important conversations surrounding P-20 education in America. The opinions contained within guest posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Edvocate or Dr. Matthew Lynch.**

A guest column by Brooke Chaplan

According to a 2011 survey, 71% of college undergraduates retained a job while they focused on their degree. Of these, 2 out of 5 worked at least 20 hours a week, and 1 in 5 managed at least 35 hours.

Of course, these statistics don’t accurately portray the difficulty for maintaining both a career and education. Between the two, you have to spend time hitting the books and the showers, reading the latest essays and taking in your boss’ memos and emails.

At times, you may feel as though you never have time to eat or sleep, let alone socialize with friends and family. So what can you do meet all of your obligations, despite your busy schedule?

Save Time through Online Courses

While pursuing a degree often requires you spend at least a few hours in the classroom, many degrees allow you to take online courses at your convenience. With an online course, you can still acquire your necessary credits to graduate, but can do so in the early morning before your shift, or in the few minutes you have on your lunch break. There are also full-time options available like the New England College masters of public policy online, and criminal justice degrees from other institutions.

Apply for Financial Aid

You likely spend a lot of your time simply earning enough money for food and groceries. Any extra funds you have then go toward textbooks and tuition. But what if you could cut some of your tuition costs? Plenty of financial aid programs will cover the cost of your schooling, so you can spend more time reading textbooks than working to buy textbooks. If you need help paying for college, fill out a FAFSA application or talk to your school’s financial aid counselor for additional resources.

Cook Your Meals All at Once

When you have to get up early to drive to campus, and then drive across town to make it to your afternoon shift, you might not have a lot of time to cook your own meals. But don’t spend your hard-earned money on fast food! If you prepare all your meals at once, you can save money on meals and still enjoy healthy fruits and vegetables.

To start, wash and cut fruits and vegetables as soon as you come home from the grocery store. Separate your key ingredients into easy-to-grab bags that you can pop in the oven, or dump in the slow cooker after school or work. Make each meal large enough that you can use the leftovers for your lunch the following day or freeze them for quick heat ups during the week.

Don’t Procrastinate Your Assignments

When you find a gap in your schedule, you may want to use those few extra minutes to take a nap or play some video games, but don’t get too comfortable just yet! Any extra time you have should go toward finishing assignments early. Have an essay due in a month? Start gathering research. Don’t have to write that report until next week? Jot down a rough draft anyway. By working on your assignments long in advance, you give yourself an extra cushion of time should your work schedule shift and you have to take extra hours.

 

With these four tips and tricks, you’ll have an easier time juggling your education and your job without the hassle or added fuss.

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Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening.

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