Start the New Year off One Step Ahead!

I hope that you have been able to have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season with your friends and family. As we look forward to ringing in the New Year, I want to let you know that now would be a great time to complete a quick, but important task towards college planning and financing. Now is the time to apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for filing your FAFSA form. You can apply for it at http://www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp . You need this unique number to be able to electronically “sign” your FAFSA form. The website for filing a FAFSA is http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ . And your parents will need to apply for their own PIN in order to “sign” your FAFSA form if they are claiming you as a dependent. So gently remind them to get online and apply. Or better yet, help them do it right after you apply.
And have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Finishing the Semester Strong!

The semester is winding down and students everywhere are looking forward to a much needed break from school. But semester finals are still looming on the horizon. As much as you can’t wait for the break, don’t let final exams and projects creep up on you without putting as much preparation and effort into them as you have the rest of your work for the semester. Nothing is worse than working hard all semester, then mentally “checking out” a week early only to have your performance bring you down a letter grade or two. Pace yourself. Start working on projects NOW. Don’t pull all-nighters. A good night sleep would be more beneficial.

Post your best idea for fighting off procrastination and finishing the semester strong!