The Weekly Takeaway 2/08 On College Life, Admissions, Financing, Parenting

HomeCurated ArticlesThe Takeaway Wk of 2/08This page may contain affiliate links.Feb 12, 2015Heres a summary of important articles  from the week of 2/08/15 that may give you more insight into the world of college life, admissions, financing, and parenting. Freshmen Are Leaning Away From Religion The R2C Takeaway: According to a survey done by a Higher Education Institute based at UCLA, todays incoming freshmen are less likely to align themselves with a church, mosque, synagogue or any other religious institution than any prior group of incoming freshmen. The finding may have much to do with this particular group being totally overwhelmed by other activitiesprimarily school.    A Campus Guides Guide The R2C  Takeaway: One of the most sough-after, prestigious, and sometimes lucrative jobs on campus is the campus guide, but despite some thinking the job is a breeze, those who lead prospective students and their parents on tours must go through rigorous training.    College Freshmen Socialize Less, Feel Depressed More The  R2C Takeaway: According to a survey, high school seniors seem to be taking school much more seriously than their predecessors, and when they ultimately enter college, they are interacting more via online social networks rather than physically going to parties. This lack of face-to-face interaction may be the reason this groups emotional health is at an all-time low.    Is Your First Grader College Ready? The R2C  Takeaway: Educators and parents are stressing the importance of a college education earlier and earlier these days, and some universities are conducting college tours   for students as young as sixth grade. Many feel planting theses seeds is the only way to keep up with the competition, while others believe this kind of behavior puts pressure on youngsters and robs them of their childhood.    Shrinking the Education Gap Would Boost the Economy, Study Says The R2C  Takeaway:  Studies have found that governmental investments that would shrink the education gap between lower income and wealthier students would result in more students performing better in higher education, thus increasing their earning potential and ultimately improving the economic well-being of the country.    As Policy Makers Push FAFSA Simplification, Colleges and States Worry About Lost Data The R2C  Takeaway:  In an example of easier is not always better, colleges and states are concerned that the proposal of law makers to simplify the FAFSA form by cutting as much as 30 questions will make it harder to determine which students are actually in need of student aid.    How to Raise a Universitys Profile: Pricing and Packaging The R2C  Takeaway: Using the philosophy that a prestigious brand sells more product, universities, in their effort to lure students their way, are more and more focusing, not so much on their academics as their bells and whistles. Its all about how exclusive they can make their schools out to be.             Road2College Road2College is dedicated to providing families with trustworthy information about college admissions and paying for college. We recognize the two processes are intertwined and our goal is to educate families on all aspects of admissions and funding so they can make smarter college financial decisions. View all posts CATEGORIES Curated Articles TAGS College Readinesscollege tour guideEducation GapFAFAS dataFAFSANEWER POSTIts FAFSA Time Dont Leave Money on the TableOLDER POSTA Viewpoint on Testocracy, K-12 Curriculum and The College Board