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COLLEGE MOTHERLODE -- links to past threads on college search/admissions/etc. & post-high school topics!


Lori D.
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Welcome to the "motherlode" of linked threads on college topics (with a few non-college bound topics thrown in). Enjoy exploring the amazing collected wisdom of The Hive! (In case links break, I have listed threads by their original subject heading, and have also provided the original post date and poster for search in various ways.) Warmest regards, Lori D.

CREATED: Sept. 2018

page 1 topics:
College Search Process
College Visits
Online College / College at Home / Distance Degree 

page 2 topics:
College Applications
Common App

page 3 topics:
Money Matters
Financial Aid
Scholarships
FAFSA / EFC
CSS Profile

page 4 topics:
Honors Programs / Phi Theta Kappa
Internships / REUs
NCAA

page 5 topics
Heading to College
At College
Study Abroad

page 6 topics
Alternatives to 4-Year College
Gap Year
Military
Career Exploration

========================

High School Motherload #1  --  pinned thread at top of high school board
page 1
- high school timetable
- getting started with homeschooling high school
- planning / scheduling / time management
- teen attitudes / expectations
- accreditation / cover schools / state regulations
page 2
- info/experiences with high school tests (PSAT, AP, ACT/SAT, SAT Subject, CLEP, GED, etc.)

High School Motherlode #2 --  pinned thread at top of high school board
page 1
- transcripts / credits / grading & GPA
- honors designation
- record keeping / course description / letter of recommendation
- graduation / diploma
page 5
- homeschool subjects (English, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Electives)
- making your own courses
- extracurricular activities
- outsourcing / online classes / dual enrollment

========================

COLLEGE SEARCH

Resources
Resources for researching colleges — Aug 10 2018, Joyful
What resources did you use to narrow down your lists of colleges to visit? -- Jan 23 2016, Daria
Colleges That Change Lives [book]: reviews, experiences — Feb 6 2017, Miss Mousie
What are your favorite websites for researching colleges (pinned thread; links to search engines, lists of “schools good for", links to past threads about specific colleges)— April 8 2016, Penguin

How to search / what to look for
Can someone walk me through the college search process? -- Aug 10 2016, Daria
How to search for colleges — Jan 25 2018, Roadrunner
Where to begin with the college search? — Mar 29 2017, OnMyOwn
Finding colleges/programs (how did you get started?) -- Nov 23 2015 -- Hilltopmom
Where do I start in the college search for DD? — Jan 10 2018, Kassia
Knowing how to choose college options (help!) — June 5 2017, Rebecca
Tuition, college campuses, admission, etc (what factors do you look for? do you also look at “fancy trimmings”?) -- The Accidental Coach
For those that chose out-of-state schools, how did you decide? -- Dec 17 2016, mirabilis
Considerations if DC goes out of state/far away — Jan 10 2018, teachermom2834
Choosing a college (what do you look for?) — Feb 28 2017, bibiche
College search considerations beyond the obvious — Jan 28 2017, wapiti
I think I need help with guidance counseling, i.e., I am clueless (topics touched on include: JanetC's link to her giant Evernote college guidance resource; CC vs. state university vs small private college; financial aid overview; NCAA overview; career exploration; etc.) -- April 24 2018, Evanthe

Comparing schools
How do you "check out a college"? -- May 20 2013, Hot Lava Mama
How important are [college] rankings? — April 4 2017, Attolia
How much consideration do you give the Forbes financial grades for colleges? — Nov 27 2017, bctnin1059
College spreadsheets (for comparing/choosing college) — Aug 22 2018, breton
NM [discussion on how to weigh scholarship/financial factors in deciding on schools] — Mar 30 2017, Attolia
Pros & cons of a small polytechnic U vs. big state U — May 25 2017, Hilltopmom
How to decide when the fancy private school is worth it vs. the good enough public? — Oct 6 2017, Hilltopmom
Can we talk big fish/small pond again? (discussion on options of 3 colleges and how to choose between them) — May 27 2017, plansrme
Small liberal arts school vs big university — May 15 2017, Janeway
How hard is it really to get into and pay for a selective school? — Jan 8 2017, whitestavern
s/o: CA admissions [thread]: article on “does where you attend college matter?” — Mar 22 2018, 8FillTheHeart

Narrowing the list / finding a "fit" / choosing "the one"
Possible college list: when is enough, enough? — Mar 17 2018, RootAnn
How do you cull the list? — June 29 2017, prim*rose
How do you decide whether to bother applying to Ivies (includes (URochester discussion) — Feb 14 2018, kokotg
Approach for finding best fit for college — Nov 19 2017, OnMyOwn
Choosing a college -- prestige vs program -- July 16 2013, Hoggirl
Wearing the counselor hat: how to help your students find the right fit -- April 30 2013, Jane in NC
Finding a “fit” — April 9 2017, Hilltopmom
How to choose “the” college — Feb 11 2018, whitestavern

Paid college consultant / guidance counselor
Homeschool Guidance Counselor — Mar 14 2018, Joyful
Do any of you have experience with college consultants? — Dec 6 2017, Jazzy

College Reach / Match / Safety Schools
How many universities should you apply to? And how do you choose backups [safety schools] — Feb 25 2017, lewelma
Is this combo of safeties/matches/reaches sufficient? — Feb 13 2018, Jazzy
Reach schools (how far to “reach”?) — Sept 5 2017, DawnM
PSA: make sure you have a true safety school — April 9 2018, Attolia
Perspective: the highly accomplished student rejections (discusses importance of having a true safety school that you like in case of rejection) — April 26 2017, 8FillTheHeart
College acceptances/rebuffs: would you do anything differently? — May 29 2017, mirabililis
Anybody apply to just one college? — Jan 18 2017, TwoEdgedSword
Is “one and done” a mistake? — Nov 5 2017, Chanley

Community Colleges
How do you rate a local community college? -- 20 May, 2014, teeterbunch

========================

COLLEGE VISITS

College Fairs
College fairs? — Oct 5, 2016, Hilltopmom
Should we visit a college fair? — April 18 2014, shanvan

What are college visits / visit or not
Touring universities: how does this work and what is the purpose? — Feb 25 2017, lewelma
What exactly does a college visit entail? — Jan 22 2013, Unicorn
How do college visits work? -- Dec 31 2015, swimmermom3
Advice for making college visits — April 29 2016, Grantmom
To visit colleges or not? — Aug 10 2018, Joyful
College visit by self or with mom? — Jan 11 2018, Jean in Newcastle
Would you even bother with college tours? — Jan 3 2017, DawnM
To visit or not to visit, that is the question; article on skipping college visits (which led to discussion) — April 27 2017, Hoggirl
When “meh” about a college visit — Mar 26 2017, TwoEdgedSword

When to visit
When to visit colleges? — April 7 2018, Joyful
What do you look for in a college visit, esp. early in high school — June 24 2013, Sebastian (a lady)
Is fall of sophomore year too early to make a college visit? — Mar 27 2013, MorningGlory
Individual college visit, or admissions “event”? — Oct 10 2015, bctnin1059
Visiting campuses after acceptance: “Accepted Student Days” or not? — Jan 31 2018, g1234
Accepted Students Day — Dec 19 2017, Hilltopmom

What to ask or look for
Questions to ask when touring universities — July 12 2017, lewelma
What to ask at a college visit — Mar 24 2015, Jane Elliot

Department visit questions
Department visit: what would YOU want to know? — Jan 20 2018, regentrude
How to arrange a department visit at college? — Jan 2 2018, bctnin1059
Meeting department faculty [during college tour]: What to ask? — Oct 19 2017, PinkyandtheBrains

College interviews
Preparing very shy kid for college interviews — Apr 10 2018, kokotg
Interview thank you notes — Nov 10 2017, OnMyOwn

========================

ONLINE COLLEGE / COLLEGE AT HOME / DISTANCE DEGREE 

Online College
Online college? -- Sept 30 2018, HollyDay
Online degree completion program suggestions? -- Nov 15 2018, mamakelly
Online college degrees? -- Jan 27 2018, Night Elf
Online universities - can we make a list -- Jan 20 2019, Æthylthryth the Texan

Lumerit (formerly College Plus)

Dual enroll at home through College Plus? 
Has anyone here real experience with College Plus? -- May 25 2015, Vida Winter

Edited by Lori D.
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CREATED: Sept. 2018

========================

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

Overview topics
Time to bring back college applications by the Zombies (funny music video on college applications) — Feb 23 2018, Margaret in CO
To parents of freshmen, sophomores next year (4 types college admissions; why plan ahead in high school) -- April 25 2014, Nan in Mass
College application lessons learned (experience/advice about the process) — Dec. 31 2016, Sebastian (a lady)
Anyone had a "rude awakening" when applying to colleges? (what to know about admissions) -- Mar 7 2011, profmom
Whine!! I didn't sign up to be a guidance counselor! (links to resources to get you started) -- May 16 2008, dirty Ethel rack ham
College application  [and Common App] process hard on homeschoolers? — Jan 30 2018, amathis229
[Applications for] admissions: did your DC do “more” than asked for? — Mar 26 2017, Attolia
Your favorite college admissions books (books/websites as helps for applying to college) — July 4 2017, daijobu

What goes into an application / paperwork needed
Viewing college applications now? (To see what info to start collecting) — Mar 12 2017, Grantmom
How did you set up your college applications checklist? — Feb 27 2018, Jazzy
College apps for homeschoolers (thread on tips, tricks, experiences, etc) — Aug 4 2018, FuzzyCatz

Transcript questions
Advice from a college rep — Apr 13 2018, dmmetler
How to meet this transcript requirement (official seal/watermark/email by secure document sending service) — Sept 5 2018, cjzimmer1
Sending in homeschool transcripts — Sept 10 2917, DawnM
Sending transcripts from outside providers — Sept 11 2017, lewelma
Outside transcripts (which to send?) — Aug 3 2017, M&MsMom
Unable to upload transcript PDF because too large — Oct 9 2017, workingmom
Don’t forget final transcripts — June 16 2018, Sebastian (a lady)
If you’ve applied to state universities in TX (what do they want on transcripts?) — Aug 29 2018, Evanthe
Mailing an official transcript by the admissions deadline (does this mean I have to FedEx it?) -- Dec 17 2017, Grantmom

Application Essay
College essay resources — Feb 28 2018, Jazzy
Question about how the essay is viewed by admissions — Nov 17 2017, Grantmom
College application essay: help! — Sept 12 2017, OnMyOwn
Have you, or do you anticipate you will, helped your DC on their essays? — May 29 2017, GinaPagnato
College admission essay services — Oct 29 2017, rbi mama

Course Descriptions
Course description: please share online provider/class — June 7 2017, RootAnn
Course descriptions (ISBN for books or not?) — Sept 16 2017, yvonne
Course description question (send it anyway, even if not required/requested?) — Sept 10 2017, Grantmom

Application Counselor Letter
Counselor letter (what to include? samples?) — Sept 3 2017, Rebecca
Counselor letter questions (how long? what to include?) — Mar 1 2017, rbk mama
Counselor letter question (vs. school profile — where to put homeschooling info) — June 16 2016
Counselor letter question (can I be more creative/use an underlying metaphor throughout?) — Aug 29 2018, RootAnn
Include counselor letter or not (when college doesn’t require it for admission) — Sept 6 2017, KarenNC
Counselor letter: how to address relative weakness? — Feb 12 2018, Miss Mousie
Addressing a low writing score in counselor letter? — Oct 15 2017, workingman
Counselor letter: heading, closing, formatting — Oct 28 2017, yvonne
And in conclusion: counselor's letter (stuck on how to end it) -- Oct 1 2015, JanetC
Fronting a counselor letter — Oct 29 2017 — yvonne

Resumes: extracurriculars / activities; academics; student resume
What does an “activity resume” look like? — Dec 20 2016 = Daria
Can someone please explain to me how extracurriculars work on an application? (includes info on Common App’s “zee-mee” page)— Mar 25 2017, lewelma
Activities Resume questions — Nov 25 2017, dirty ethel rackham
Academics Resume (what is it/what does it include) — April 17 2018, AStableBeginning
What is the purpose of a resume on the college applications? — Oct 10 2017, lewelma

Specific questions
How did you set up your college applications checklist? — Feb 27 2018, Jazzy
Unable to upload transcript PDF because too large — Oct 9 2017, workingmom
How much did you spend on college applications? — Nov 6 2017, DawnM
Learning disabilities and college admission — Feb 11 2017, AmyinMD
School letterhead? — Sept 4 2017, rbk mama

========================

COMMON APP

Overview topics
Common App Master Thread 2018-19 -- Aug 24 2018, Woodland Mist Academy
Big Common App thread for 2016-17 with links from 2015 — Aug 23 2016, AFwife Claire
The Common App 2015-16 compilation thread — Aug 30 2015, swimmermom3
The Common App: how/what do I need to do? — Nov 1 2017, Sandragood1
FYI: [FREE] Collegewise guide to the Common App — Sept 1 2017, MarkT
Quick Common App question: how long to hear back -- Aug 19 2018, kirag714
Common App mistakes - take me down! — Dec 28 2017, cave canem
Common App question about a specific box (re: distance/outsourced courses) — Oct 15 2017, RollerSkatingMama
Submitting on Common App (all colleges at once, or individually?) — Sept 19 2017, daijobu
Common App mistakes - talk me down!  (can you fix/resubmit?) -- Dec 28 2017, cave canem

Transcript / Course Description document
Common App: which transcripts to upload? — Nov 15 2017, yvonne
Common App: Transcripts - up to 4 - which to send? -- Aug 25 2018, Woodland Mist Academy
Common App: Most recent grades on transcript — Aug 15 2018, daijobu
Common App: Book list (include one? where?) -- Aug 24 2018, Woodland Mist Academy
Common App shrinks my transcript! — Aug 13 2018, daijobu
Common App question (uploading course description document as a 2nd transcript) — Oct 31 2017, luna

School Profile
Would anyone please share school profile and/or counselor letter? -- Oct 5 2015, cave canem
Common App: School Profile in the Counselor Section and School Philosophy in Student Section (how to break this up?) -- Aug 24 2015, mamato4
Please help! Common App: school profile, course description questions — Feb 18 2018, butterfly113
School profile/Common App questions — Oct 27 2017, PinkyandtheBrains
Where to submit school profile on Common App? — Oct 18 2017, workingmom
Common App questions (AP classes, school profile) — Oct 22 2017, dirty ethel rackham
How many hours per credit? (Include or not as part of the school profile)— Oct 14 2017, OnMyOwn
Common App: after the school report, next steps — Oct 30 2015, Sebastian (a lady)
Repeating yourself on the Common App, when all the info is in the school profile? — Oct 10 2017, lewelma

Additional Info section / homeschool section / extracurriculars & activities
Common App question (where to put homeschool philosophy/environment info?) -- Aug 8 2018, daijobu
Common App: Add’l Info [section] — Sept 21 2017, daijobu
Common App homeschool section: necessary to report all standardized test scores? — Nov 14 2017, yvonne
Where to upload student resume? — Aug 21 2017, Hilltopmom
Student activities - Common App — Oct 10 2017, OnMyOwn
Extracurricular awards, PE, and Common App (where to put physical activity/awards) — Oct 4 2017, Chanley

Recommender
Academic references [Recommenders] for Common App -- Sept 8 2018, Arch at Home
Common App Recommenders — Sept 16 2017, OnMyOwn
Need help choosing recommenders — Aug 25 2017, rbk mama
Common App recommender question — Sept 12 2017, Rebecca

========================

WTMer COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES / DECISIONS

2020
Class of 2020 acceptances -- Nov 5 2019, whitestavern

2019
Class of 2019 acceptances & decisions thread -- Oct 14 2018, RootAnn

2018
Class of 2018 acceptance thread — Aug 31 2017, freesia
Class of 2018 acceptances (list view) updated: 3/21— Nov 27 2017, The Accidental Coach
Class of 2018 decisions thread — Mar 15 2018, The Accidental Coach
Canadian (mostly Ontario) acceptances - woo hoo! (report on successfully applying to Canadian colleges) -- May 18 2018, Dicentra

2017
The 2017 acceptance thread — Aug 19 2016, The Girls’ Mom
List view of class of 2017 college acceptances — Nov 30 2016, The Accidental Coach
Class of 2017 decisions thread — Mar 22 2017, The Accidental Coach

2016
List view of 2016 acceptances -- Oct 15 2015, FaithManor
2016 decisions thread -- Mar 5 2016, FaithManor
Class of 2016 check in -- July 2 2015, swimmermom3
Service Academies and ROTC - Class of 2020 — April 6 2015, Sebastian (a lady)

2015
2015 - college acceptances -- Sept 30 2014, momofkhm
2015 college acceptances list only -- Feb 9 2015, TechWife

Edited by Lori D.
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CREATED: Sept. 2018

========================

MONEY MATTERS

College Costs
How much does college cost — Apr 26 2018, JanetC
Newbie Q[uestion] about college costs (and financial aid) — Mar 3 2013, profmom
Help me understand how to pay for college — Mar 13 2017, Dianne-TX
Flabbergasted by friends’ lack of awareness of college costs — Jan 19 2018, Hoggirl
Resident tuition — Dec 20 2017, frogger
Cost of expenses besides education, mom & board, and medical? — Aug 20 2018, g1234
College debt crisis (discusses rising college costs, stagnant wages, etc.) — Mar 19 2014, 8FillTheHeart
40% [of students] turn down top [college] choice due to costs — Mar 28 2017, 8FillTheHeart

Loans
Loans other than Stafford? — Mar 19 2017, Hilltopmom
Can someone explain college loans to me — specifically, do you have to accept the total financial aid package? — May 10 2018, freesia
Increasing student loan amount? (how to do it) — Aug 6 2017, PuddleJumper1

Savings and 529 Accounts / gifts / working to pay for tuition
Can we talk about college savings? -- Dec 9 2014, Just Kate
College savings? — Feb 27 2018, Rachel
Financial aid savings in child's name, 529 -- Jan 27 2017, learners4life
529 plans? — Mar 30 2017, solascriptura
529 Savings & Financial Aid questions (about possible financial aid pkg) -- Mar 16 2017, Hilltopmom
What is a “qualified educational expense”? Withdrawing retirement funds? — July 2 2017, stephensgirls
Grandparent 529 accounts — Sept 4 2017, klmama
Grandparent paying room & board this term: how best? — Aug 3 2017, Joules
Returning to work, EFC, NPC - worth it? — July 24 2017, Hilltopmom

Alternatives to fund college / reduce college costs
s/o Cautionary Tale/high college costs — a brainstorm $$ ideas thread! — April 18 2012, Lori D.
How are YOU managing to pay for college? (lots of real-life creative ideas) — Feb 6 2016, Nan in Mass
If you know you won't have enough money for college because of medical stuff -- Mar 27 2021, cintinative

College as cheap as possible: need advice — Aug 11 2017, regentrude
College breaking the piggy bank? (how are homeschoolers affording college?) — Mar 10 2018, SpringTulip
Unexpected ways to save a little money in college? — Nov 13 2017, teachermom2834
GI Bill and dependents of active military funding? — Mar 31 2017, 8FillTheHeart
CyberCorps: scholarship for service - anyone try it? — Nov 8 2017, dereksurfs
Anyone’s kid done the Disney College Program? — Mar 19 2018, hopskipjump
FYI: Disney Aspire offering hourly employees tuition paid upfront — Aug 22 2018, Arcadia

========================

FINANCIAL AID

How Financial Aid works
Understanding financial aid (great explanations and info) — Feb 24 2015, 8FillTheHeart 
Can someone please walk me through how financial aid works in the USA — July 14 2017, lewelma
I think I need help with guidance counseling, I.e., I’m clueless (great intro info on financial aid + other topics) — April 24 2018, Evanthe
Financial Aid vs. Merit Aid? — July 2 2017, snowbeltmom
What does financial aid go toward exactly? — Jan 30 2017, Attolia

College Costs and Financial Aid
Does FAFSA punish the frugal (good specific info on how FAFSA & Federal Financial Aid work + other financial topics) — May 26 2017, MarkT
How much does college cost — Apr 26 2018, JanetC
Help me understand how to pay for college — Mar 13 2017, Dianne-TX
Flabbergasted by friends’ lack of awareness of college costs — Jan 19 2018, Hoggirl
Newbie Q[uestion] about college costs (and financial aid) — Mar 3 2013, profmom

Determining what Financial Aid you might get
Financial Aid for those who have kids in college (family income and what can you expect for aid) — Sept 19 2017, whitestavern
Not helping with money for college kids: are we the only ones? (discussion on how economy/college costs have changed, and why it might be better to help with $$ than not help)— Sept 21 2017, charlotteb
Finding something you can afford (connects topics of financial aid and college search) — Jan 30 2018, frogger
Reasons to consider a less selective, less expensive college (big discussion on college search + financial aid + how to fund college) — Nov 20 2017, dereksurfs

College financial aid packages
EFC, Net Price, I’m confused? — specific set of financials at a specific school — Jan 25 2018, luuknam
Tactfully asking for more award $ — Feb 25 2017, TwoEdgedSword
How do you ask for more money -- Mar 5 2012, Kendall
Surprise Pell eligibility (what to include/not include on FAFSA) — Oct 8 2017, Pegasus
Accepting financial aid? When? — Feb 16 2018, Hilltopmom
Double check for deadlines on financial aid offers (some have acceptance deadlines!) — Feb 10 2017, klmama
Outside scholarship notification (with announce date after college acceptance date, affecting student choice of school) — April 1 2017, Attolia
Returning students: financial aid — May 25 2016, The Accidental Coach

========================

SCHOLARSHIPS

Overview topics
High scholarship earners - which test and at which grade did your high schooler take? (discussion of the specific tests morphed into a financial aid discussion) — Mar 9 2018, Momto4inSoCal
[Taking the] SAT vs. PSAT for merit based scholarships — July 11 2018, dereksurfs
What colleges give most merit scholarships? (ties into discussion of college search process + how financial aid works) — July 12 2017, Homeschoolmom3
Questions about scholarships (how do you know if you have a good chance of landing one at a specific school? what could we have done differently?) -- Sept 20 2017, Jazzy
How good is good enough for merit aid — July 25 2017, Chris in VA

Scholarship search process
Where to find scholarships? -- Jan 21 2015, Okra
Preparing for college: what scholarships/grants to apply for? (info on search process, inside vs outside scholarships) -- April 19 2013, Blessed with 7
Scholarships (search process, inside vs outside scholarships; explanation of Financial Aid equation: COA-EFC=Need) -- Oct 5 2015, Hot Lava Mama
DS is our first child and is a junior next year: what scholarships should he start pursuing? (search process; types of scholarships; how to look for a college that is a financial match for scholarships/merit aid) -- June 1 2017, Dianne-TX
Merit scholarships (how to figure odds of getting them, what earns them, etc.) — Sept 20 2017, Jazzy

Specific questions
Sports scholarships -- July 13 2014, flying iguana
Are there any selective schools that offer *merit* aid? -- July 17 2017, madteaparty
What colleges give the most merit scholarships? -- July 17 2017, Homeschoolmom3
GPA and scholarships (does this affect homeschoolers?) -- Feb 25 2016, doldberry
NYU and scholarships -- April 20, 2017, raritsy
What do you think of these [Utah] scholarships? (catches? downsides?) -- Jan 26 2018, Jen500
Spinoff of college scholarships (applying to schools below student's level to maximize merit aid?) -- Dec. 29 2008, Grace is Sufficient

College "Scholarship Weekends"
What can I do now to help prepare my son for a scholarship weekend — Feb 15, 2014, MorningGlory
Competitive scholarship weekend (tips?) — Nov 1 2017, TCB
Competitive scholarship weekend (what about the portfolio?) — Nov 1 2017, TCB
Introverts and competitive scholarship weekends? — Feb 13 2018, Jazzy
Scholarship weekend — Feb 23 2017, Attolia
Scholarship weekend question: a few more questions (follow-up to above thread) — Mar 13 2017, Attolia

Scholarship requirements / keeping scholarships / scholarships for returning college students
Scholarship requirements (requires 15 credits per semester - what do you think?) — Jan 26 2018, Joker
Just want to remind everyone picking schools & scholarships (pick school that's a good match to make it easier to keep scholarship and finish at that school) -- Oct 12 2016, Nan in Mass
Stats on how many kids lose their merit aid due to GPA — Nov 22 2017, Hilltopmom
Don't forget to take into account GPA to keep scholarships -- Feb 15 2018, Nan in Mass
What do you think of these scholarships (specific college, with high GPA requirement; discussion moved to difficulty of completing Engineering degree in 4 years) — Jan. 26 2018, Jen500
Merit scholarships and moving off campus (does this affect the amount awarded?) -- June 21 2018, Joker
Full ride scholarship and FAFSA (to have ANY scholarship renewed, do you need to reapply to FAFSA each year?) — May 20 2917, Attolia
Remind continuing college students to apply for departmental scholarships each year (as many are for upper classmen only) -- July 12 2017, Pegasus

Taxability of scholarships
Scholarships, taxes questions
 -- April 29 2016, hopskipjump
Student paying taxes on scholarships? -- April 3 2016, Attolia
Allocating outside scholarships and taxes -- Aug 27 2017, Nancy in NH

"Outside" scholarships
Some little-known scholarships -- June 18 2013, Sebastian (a lady)
New cyber Navy ROTC scholarships (link to the program) -- Mar 10 2010, Sebastian (a lady)
SMART scholarships (link to the program)  -- Sept 21 2010, littlebug42
Private providers of academic scholarship awards — Jan 17 2018, lewelma
In pursuit of local/private scholarships ("outside" scholarships) -- Feb 5 2016, hill farm
How do you know if a school reduces grants based on outside scholarships (or if it allows “stacking”) — May 22 2017, katilac
Poll: Outside Scholarships received (yes/no, and amount of the award) -- Nov 16 2017, Homeschoolmom3
How many decided NOT to apply for outside scholarships? -- Jan 28 2016, shaven

Transfer student scholarships
Transfer students, scholarships and starting college early? -- Nov 3 2015, Blsdmama
Scholarships for transfer students -- Aug 25 2015, TwoEdgedSword
Why no scholarships for transfer students? -- Nov 5 2016, Hilltopmom

National Merit (NM) Scholarships
     overview topics

Please explain PSAT and NM in plain English to me -- Oct 20 2016, Momto5inIN
Understanding PSAT scores and National Merit -- Sept 6 2018, teachermom2834
Can we talk PSAT and National Merit Scholarships? -- Aug 27 2008, Jane in NC
National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) — Feb 2 2018, dereksurfs
National Hispanic Scholar (later posts in the thread list colleges that give aid to these students) -- Sept 7 2018, Lanny
National Merit kids (what's the process) — Feb 10 2017, StephanieZ
     semi-finalist to finalist process topics
National Merit question: semi-finalist to finalist process? -- Aug 30 2017, RanchGirl
National Merit finalist question (hoops to jump to go from semifinalist to finalist?) -- Jan 7 2016, creek mom
National Merit application -- Sept 14 2017, nancy.suzanne70
Endorser submits National Merit application for homeschooler - was it always like this? -- Aug 27 2018, bctnln
Trying to decide how offended to be (discussion about endorser requirement) -- Sept 23 2015, angela in ohio
National Merit: letter of recommendation -- Sept 18 2017, g1234
SAT and National Merit semifinalist questions -- July 17 2017, TCB
     specific scholarship topics
SAT vs PSAT for merit-based scholarships -- July 11, 2018, dereksurfs
Can National Merit scholarships be used for non-tuition costs? -- May 1 2017, Sebastian (a lady)
National Merit scholar question (can you receive scholarship if already taken college classes? -- Aug 31 2015, charlotteb

========================

CSS PROFILE
CSS Profile question re: monthly housing payment — Oct 22 2017, whitestavern
CSS Profile help (how to answer military question) — Oct 19 2017, Joker
Difference between FAFSA and the CSS PROFILE -- Oct 4 2017, teachermom2834
FAFSA EFC vs CSS EFC -- Feb 28 2017, Sue in St Pete

========================

FAFSA  (Free Application for Federal Student Assistance)
FYI: Free FAFSA Guide (links to 2 online helps for filling out the FAFSA) -- Nov 20 2017, MarkT

FAFSA
FAFSA results (understanding the EFC #) -- Feb 1 2016, Joules
FAFSA questions (on several topics) -- Jan 6 2016, hopskipjump
FAFSA question (if certain your child won’t qualify, is there a reason to do the FAFSA?) — Apr 25 2018, edelweiss
FAFSA estimator [shows not eligible for grants]: worth applying to [FAFSA]? — July 9 2018, bethben
Does FAFSA punish the frugal? -- May 26 2017, MarkT
FAFSA and student income? -- Feb 18 2016, MerryAtHope
FAFSA question (student college status if student has done dual enrollment?) -- Oct 7 2018, Pronghorn
FAFSA wage question -- Jan 12 2016, Jean in Newcastle
FAFSA PIN #? -- Mar 23 2016, regentrude
FAFSA ID question -- Jan 22 2016, TheApprentice
When to apply for FAFSA? — Oct 21 2017, bethben
FAFSA for student starting college in January — July 18 2018, regentrude
FAFSA verification — Nov 4 2017, Jen500
When your FAFSA is processed (do you get notification)? — Nov 22 2017, Hilltopmom
Who owns the info on the FAFSA? — Aug 27 2017, cave canem
Emancipation for FAFSA purposes? — Mar 20 2917, cave canem
Full ride scholarship and FAFSA (to have ANY scholarship renewed, do you need to reapply to FAFSA each year?) — May 20 2917, Attolia

EFC (Estimated Family Contribution # on the FAFSA)
Google is failing me - FAFSA?? (what % of student income/assets does FAFSA count toward EFC?) — July 27 2017, teachermom2834
EFC is… big. Ugh. FAFSA content — Jan 31 2018, Chris in VA
EFC (when you have 2 kids in college) — Feb 9 2017, BlsdMama
FAFSA EFC vs CSS EFC -- Feb 28 2017, Sue in St Pete

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CREATED: Sept. 2018

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HONORS PROGRAMS / PHI THETA KAPPA

Honors Programs
Honors programs — Aug 24 2017, Julie of KY
Why choose to participate in an honors college? — Feb 23 2018, athena1288
Benefits and drawbacks of honors programs — Jan 3 2017, klmama
What college honors societies are worthwhile? — Feb 7 2018, mum
Value of various honor societies — July 9 2017, Pegasus

Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa worth it? — Oct 16 2018, Hilltopmom

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INTERNSHIPS / REU  (Research Experience for Undergrads)

Internships
Anyone’s kid done the Disney College Program? — Mar 19 2018, hopskipjump
Thoughts on unpaid internships — Mar 29 2017, J-rap
Interviewing for an internship? — Mar 28 2017, swimmermom3

REU
Tell me about REUs — June 2 2017, Lynn in Caribbean

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NCAA

Overview topics
NCAA Eligibility Center: our experience (personal experience) — Sept 11 2018, sands31210
A high school athlete’s journey (personal experiences over 18 months of the process) — Jan 23 2012, Sue in St. Pete
NCAA follow up (continuation of above thread) — Jan 14 2014, Sue in St. Pete

Coaches / recruitment
College athletics and your child -- Oct 15 2018, The Accidental Coach
College athletes: recruiting questions — Aug 8 2017, The Accidental Coach
Question for athletic recruits: tell me about phone calls from coaches — Mar 3 2017, plansrme

NCAA and Homeschoolers
Warning: NCAA Eliminated the Homeschool Department -- Aug 15 2017, Correlano
Navigating NCAA and planning high school - help, please! -- Oct 24 2014, Annabel Lee
Moms of athletes: talk to me about NCAA requirements — Dec 4 2015, regentrude
NCAA sports vs. homeschoolers -- anyone know (accreditation required?) -- 22 April 2009, Miss Marple

NCAA Registration / Clearinghouse
Help! NCAA registration (“name of homeschool” & “receive diploma” questions?) — May 9 2017, Mom25girls

Eligibility: Core Requirements / Transcripts / Records
NCAA Div I transcripts (what is the NCAA process?) — Jan 20 2016, my preach
NCAA homeschool requirements (transcript and core requirements) — Oct 14 2015, Alison in KY
NCAA: course titles and graduation dates — Feb 23 2017, Corraleno
NCAA transcript (same as what you send to colleges?) — April 4 2017, Connections
NCCA transcript: any way to avoid getting a transcript from freshman year? — April 19 2017, plansrme
​NCAA Core Curriculum Worksheets… Argggg -- Oct 17 2014, guarinogardener
Heard from the NCAA (about core class worksheets) -- Aug 2 2013, Blue Hen
Update on NCAA journey (update to previous thread) -- Aug 13 2013, Blue Hen

Approved / Not Approved coursework
NCAA and planning ahead (approved courses?) — Feb 3 2018, crazyforlatin
NCAA: packaged curriculum or DIY? — Nov 16 2017, braymalena
NCAA (approved classes) — Mar 4 2015, TN Mama
DS and NCAA (does NCAA allow you to count credits from middle school) -- Jan 22 2015, Gratia271
NCCA: help (acceptable courses? Common Core required?) — July 22 2015, Jlq4
NCAA rejects K12 courses — April 28 2015, SA Homeschooler
Athletes / NCAA eligibility / online classes? (NOTE! OLD thread; NCAA has made changes) — Feb 20 2012, NotEnoghtTime
NCCA and year-round schooling (is it accepted?) — July 9 2018, Ma Lisa

NCAA and Community College / Dual Enrollment
Some info for NCAA peeps (auditing DE courses does not affect eligibility) — July 26 2016, Corraleno
NCAA and dual enrollment? (audited DE courses can NOT be used as NCAA core courses) — May 23 2016, KarenC
Dual enrollment and NCAA requirements — Oct 17 2016, marahalanwilliams
NCAA: concurrent enrollment (i.e., dual enrollment) — Oct 7 2016, Connections
NCAA rules and starting community college really young: how does it affect eligibility? (Does early/lot of DE disqualify eligibility?) — Mar 13 2016, JenneinCA

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CREATED: Sept. 2018

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HEADING TO COLLEGE TOPICS

Preparing the student in advance
Before sending students off to college (things to do) — Jan 24 2014, Regentrude
Getting them ready to leave home — April 11 2017, kroe1
If you are a parent of an “average” freshman in college: what are things your child struggled with that first year? — Feb 11 2018, kfeusse
Anyone have a kid really unhappy about leaving?  — Aug 29 2018, kand

Freshman Orientation / Class Registration
Preparing for freshman orientation: written to the student -- June 3 2013, AngieW in Texas
We attended new student orientation today — May 29 2013, Kalypso
Freshman course registration — May 15 2018, teachermom2834

Packing / what to bring to college
Gwen’s complete college supply list — July 7 2012, Jane in NC
What to bring to college — Feb 13 2018, lewelma
What to take to college: list of must haves? — May 22 2016, Murphy101
What do they really need for the dorm? — June 21 2016, kewb
Packing for college dorm/apt life — Oct 21 2017, DawnM
Dress clothes for college? — June 6, rbk mama
Best vacuum for college dorm — July 17 2018, Heathermomster
Sheets and towels for dorm — July 12 2018, Hilltopmom
What sort of mattress cover did you get for the dorm? — July 7 2018, Chris in VA
Locking trunk? — Apr 22 2015, dhudson
Keeping things [secure] in a dorm room — June 27 2015, school17777
Small dorm storage: share advice or past mistakes -- July 30 2015, mom31257

Drop-Off Day / "Empty Nest"
What kind of drop off parent are you? -- Aug 14 2018, teachermom2834
2nd time leaving harder than 1st? (end of Labor Day visit blues) -- Sept 2, 2019, HollyDay
It hits me when I lease expect it — Aug 31, 2018, Nancy in NH
Having a hard time letting go -- Apr 7 2013, Jen in NY
Can you avoid the empty nest syndrome? — Feb 3 2017, BlsdMama

========================

AT COLLEGE TOPICS

Various topics
“W” on college transcript? — Feb 20 2017, MorningGlory
Social experience of college commuters /transfer students — June 3 2017, Jazzy
Car on campus: pros and cons? — Sept 15 2017, teachermom2834
Laptop for college? — June 4 2018, Joker
Lanyard ID holders for swipe cards?? — Aug 16 2018, Hilltopmom

Textbooks
Can we talk about textbooks? New vs used vs rental — July 9 2017, Attolia
Made a blog about buying college textbooks — Aug 10 2018, Melissa in NC

Meals / Dorm / Living Off Campus
Meal Plan options — Oct 11 2017, DawnM
Groceries vs. meal plan — July 6 2018, DawnM
Favorite recipe that’s easy to do in a dorm? — July 4 2018, KarenNC
Issues with getting roommate assignment for freshman year — June 14, 2018, KarenNC
Teeny tiny itsy bitsy dorm rooms — advice? — July 31 2018, Chris in VA
Getting an apt. vs staying on campus — May 18 2018, Chris in VA
On campus or off campus: what does your child do? — Jan 22 2018, DawnM

Medical / Health / Insurance
College [required] vaccines — Oct 20 2917, DawnM
College health insurance — Mar 24 2017, goldberry
Health insurance at college — Jan 15 2018, whitestavern

========================

STUDY ABROAD / INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

How do you find colleges with study abroad programs? -- Feb 21 2015, Greta
So, study abroad. Worth it? -- Sept 17 2015, plansrme
Talk to me about study abroad -- May 1, 2015, JanetC
If your child is planning to study overseas -- Mar 20 2015, Laura Corin
Financial aid at foreign colleges -- Aug 15 2012, Ohdanigirl
Has anyone had their student go for a semester abroad? -- June 26 2014, momofkhm
Is there a forum, anywhere, where university abroad is discussed? -- Jan 16 2016, madteaparty
Lessons about study abroad - so far -- Jan 10 2015, momofkhm
Any last-minute overseas traveling a dice for my DS? -- Aug 19 2015, Hoggirl
Tips for sending a teen abroad -- May 6 2015, swimmermom3
International travel accessories -- Feb 20 2015, momofkhm

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ALTERNATIVES TO COLLEGE

Overview discussions
Alternative college options — Feb 22 2015, OneStepAtATime
What do you do if dear child’s standardized test scores are *tragic* (sympathy + suggestions for alternatives to 4-year college) — May 3 2017, Quill
Help me brainstorm potential non-four-year college marketable skills — Nov 5 2015, Quill
Helping children choose college/career major (discussion about changed nature of college and the working world) -- Nov 16 2010, KingM
An epiphany about college attendance (students not able/interested pushed into attending college) -- June 29 2011, Sebastian (a lady)
Myth of the successful college drop-out (spirited debate and real-life experiences on both sides of the argument) -- Mar 4 2013, creek land
Can we discuss the relative merits and drawbacks of tuition-free Community College? -- July 16 2018, Quill

Non-college bound
Cross-post: High school for the non-college-bound (what's essential? what to skip?) -- Mar 5 2018, Innisfree
If your children finished high school but didn't go to college: what did they do instead? -- Jan 2 2017, Tap
Non-college bound students — Apr 17 2018, hollyhock 2
Mom diploma good enough for non-college-bound student? -- Mar 17 2017, bluebonnet girl
Links to Websites for non-college-bound high schoolers? — Dec 15 2012, CyndiLJ
Trade-bound vs. college-bound -- Dec 2 2016, Kile529
Resources for high schoolers going straight into jobs? (no college first) -- Apr 18 2017, imagine.more
Careers that don't require college -- Jan 7 2018, Janie Grace
NOT planning for college (options? how would that change high school?) -- Feb 19 2016, shinyhappypeople

Skilled trades / technical school or Associate Degree
Pros and cons of getting an Associate's Degree -- May 13 2013, TheApprentice
College dreams vs. technical school reality: trying to reconcile my edu-snobbery -- May 5 2013, Ms. Riding Hood
Stories and statistics about Blue Collar homeschoolers -- Dec 24 2015, Hunter
Scholarships for skilled trades — May 10 2018, plansrme
Mike Rowe and trades — Oct 25, 2013, CyndiLJ
Companies offering training for entry-level jobs — Apr 4 2017,  Plum Crazy

========================

GAP YEAR

Let’s chat about gap years — Mar 18 2014, Jane in NC
Revisiting the gap year concept -- Oct 2 2015, Jane in NC
Talk to me about a gap year after high school — Feb 13 2018, CaliforniaDreamin
Gap year ideas: have we lost our minds (specifically a wilderness experience) — June 27 2017, retiredHSmom
When to apply for college when a gap year is being planned? — May 3 2018, northcoast
Gap year and financial aid -- June 5 2015, Juliegmom

========================

MILITARY

Coast Guard info please — Jan 7 2017, Murphy101
National Guard: Defer college, or just wait to apply? — Feb 17 2018, Rosika
Air Force mamas (future DSil very interested; what do I need to know?) — Aug 30 2016
17yo DS is graduating next year and interested in the Air Force (ASVAB? Transcript? Other prep needed?) — Aug 6 2018, J’swife
DS17 very interested in doing army after graduating next May… advice, real life experiences, info — July 12 2018, Dianne-TX
Community College or online classes for 16-yo interested in the military? — Mar 20 2017, Prairie~Phlox
Is it possible to get in the military without a high school education, GED only? — Jan 28 2013, lynn
ASVAB at brick & mortar school in 9th grade — Jan 26, 2018, Pen
If you had a high school senior who is just done and having trouble staying motivated (wants to move on, enter military) — Nov 14 2017, Lynn
Another How do you handle an intentionally difficult high school thread (lots of military focus in the discussion) — Dec 7 2017, Pen

========================

CAREER EXPLORATION
Career testing/counseling (2nd post links tons of resources for tests, exploration, curricula, etc.) -- Dec 8 2017, Jazzy

career exploration
How to explore possible career/major fits? — Mar 22 2018, sbgrace
Ideas for [putting together a] course on career research/planning — Sept 19 2016, susanah4
Career guidance books/websites for middle schoolers? (middle school level) — Sept 19 2016, Arcadia
Seeking career exploration books and websites (middle school level) — Nov 16 2015, provenance61

career tests
Best free or cheap career tests? — May 15 2018, bluebonnetgirl
Career aptitude testing free? -- Jan 13 2017, HollyDay
How to explore possible career/major fits? — Mar 22 2018, sbgrace

career guidance
How do you do career guidance as a homeschooler? — Feb 21 2018, Joyful
College and career planning — Mar 18 2016, desiree77
How to help students choose a career (responses include ideas for career exploration)- Sept 10 2017, Isabelle DW
Wearing the counselor hat: how to help your students find the right fit -- Apr 30 2013, Jane in NC
Ability vs interest in degree choice -- Apr 26 2013, Miss Marple
Career counsel for teens when interests don’t match aptitude: looking for BTDT advice — June 6 2018, SebastianCat

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On 10/12/2018 at 9:19 AM, Penguin said:

HI, Lori. Thanks for such an amazing post!!!!!!!! I have been spending a lot of time using it this week.

The second link under course descriptions goes to a thread about cars, not course descriptions (ISBN for books or not?).


Fixed! And thank you!

This was a monster project of copy-pasting and there are bound to be errors, so I'm relying on people following the links to let me know where those are so I can take care of that. Thanks SO much Penguin for alerting me. And hope you're finding all that Hive wisdom helpful! Warmest regards, Lori D.

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