college decision 2015

Choosing the best path after high school graduation

Th e e n d o f h i g h school and the tran-sition into college

can be quite overwhelm-ing for an adolescent. Theres’s so much to do, so much to plan and so many decisions to make. The transition into a col-lege career can be much easier when prepared. With the help of the articles in this publica-tion, a college-bound or college enrolled student can gain advice and in-sight on what college life entails.

In this publication, you will find helpful tips for incoming stu-dents including ques-tions students should ask when choosing a col-lege and questions to ask

when choosing a major. Learn a few items ev-

ery student should bring and exclude from their move-in and how to put together the best care package to send to your studious one.

Make the most of your free time by being a part of your campus with a helpful list of popular college organizations and volunteer oppor-tunities or learn a few ways to make some ex-tra cash in a way that will suit a college class schedule.

Apps are one techno-logical attribute that can get a student through the toughest times in their college career. In this publication, find a

variety of helpful apps for college students in-cluding apps that assist in taking notes, study habits and handling per-sonal finance.

Living off campus can be an adventure, but be sure you check out the list of the do’s and don’ts of living off cam-pus.

To be sure that you’re prepared to take on the world after graduation, this publication also of-fers insight on life after college for the graduate.

College decisions can be some of the first real decisions that many ad-olescents make. Let this publication help for a smooth transition and a smooth graduation. photo courtesy of the university of mobile

A Gulf coast media specialty publication

choosing the right education and making the transition to college life.

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2 n College Decision 2015 GufllfCoastNewsToday.com Wednesday, January 28, 2015

he University of South Alabama is a comprehensive, global university that provides students a quality education in business, the liberal arts, education, engineering, computing, the sciences and health care.

USA’s commitment to student success includes small class sizes and hands-on research opportunities in nearly 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Students enjoy an outstanding campus experience, with state-of-the-art facilities, a 116,000-square-foot recreation center and more than 200 student clubs and organizations.

In health care, USA provides students with an exceptional medical education through the colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health Professions. At the same time, the USA Health System serves the region with advanced and innovative care through the USA Physicians Group, USA Medical Center, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital and the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute.

At USA’s Baldwin County campus, students can choose from programs in nursing, elementary education, public relations and criminal justice. The Baldwin County campus offers flexible scheduling, with both day and evening classes. In response to Baldwin County’s dynamic tourism industry, USA is now offering a new undergraduate degree program in Hospitality and Tourism Management, conveniently taught at the Gulf Shores Cultural Center.

The USA Jaguars 17 Division I sport teams compete in the Sun Belt Conference, with women’s soccer and men’s cross country capturing 2014 conference championships. Also, the Jaguars football team earned a berth in the inaugural Raycom Media Camellia Bowl in Montgomery.

USA annually enrolls more than 16,000 students and has awarded 80,000 degrees in its 51-year history. USA is an economic driver for the central Gulf Coast, with an annual economic impact exceeding $3 billion.

The University’s Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative, a $25-million matching challenge, is strengthening USA’s commitment to expanding opportunities for current and future students.

U n i v e r s i t y o f

South Alabama

ExplorE thE

For more information, visitwww.southalabama.edu or call the Admissions Office at

460-6141 or 1-800-USA-JAGS

t

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 GufllfCoastNewsToday.com College Decision 2015 n 3

U n i v e r s i t y o fSouth Alabama

Your Future Begins Here

GO JAGS!- Expanded Scholarship Opportunities- Nearly 100 Degree Programs- Commitment to Global Engagement- More Than 200 Student Organizations and Clubs- One-on-One Attention and Small Class Sizes- Beautiful Campus Near the Sandy Shores of the

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15 items every college freshman should have Before entering the college life, there are a few items every freshman should

make sure they have in stock. Avoid forgetting these important items with this helpful checklist.

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Coffee makerSometimes it's a hassle to go out and get coffee when you’re in deep study mode at your place. It might be a good idea to purchase a coffee maker so you can have access to a cup of joe anytime you need it.

Alarm clock/speakerIt’s always a good idea to have a backup alarm clock other than your cell phone. You never know when your cell phone is going to unexpectedly die and you don’t want to miss that early class.

Portable fan Most dorms don’t come with a ceiling fan and most apartments crank your bill way up for running the AC. The best advice is to purchase a portable fan to turn on rather than the AC.

Water bottleYou’ll need this for this long walks to class or in between classes. It’s always good to stay hydrated.

6-foot cellphone charger To make sure you can get to those hard-to-reach plugs behind your beside table or in the classroom.

Planner or calendarPut this in a very noticeable spot to ensure that no important dates are forgotten.

Laundry detergentUnless you plan on bringing home your laundry to Mom, be prepared to wash your clothes. Many apartments and dorms offer laundry facilities, so all you have to do is come with the supplies.

Ziploc baggiesThese can be used for taking snacks to class, for storing shower supplies, for storing jewelry and accessories and many more purposes.

Mini-fridgeIf your place doesn’t have one, think about investing in a min-iature fridge. You never know when you’ll need cool storage for something.

Duffle bagYou’ll probably arrive with this item, so keep it. You’ll need it for those trips back home or other trips you haven’t even planned yet.

BALDWIN EMC

HELPS LOCAL STUDENTS

CHASE COLLEGE DREAMS

College tuition is a huge expense. For many families, it’s one of the largest cost burdens they will ever have to bear. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, from 2001 to 2012, college tuition and fees at public institutions have increased 40 percent. At those rates, it’s no surprise that many students are unable to meet the cost of higher education.

Fortunately, part of Baldwin EMC’s role as a member focused and community-involved cooperative is our commitment to promoting higher education for local residents. Through Operation Round Up and the Electric Cooperative Foundation, we are able to provide col-lege-bound individuals with essential fi nancial support to help them achieve their academic goals.

Our most fi nancially rewarding scholarship is the Baldwin EMC Charitable Foundation College Scholarship. The winning applicants are chosen based on their academic achievements, character, lead-ership and fi nancial needs. Funded through Operation Round Up, the Charitable Foundation College Scholarship can provide a student as much as $3,750 annually to pursue a higher education. Applications for the Charitable Foundation Scholarship are due February 27, 2015, and are available at Baldwin EMC, or at www.baldwinemc.com.

In cooperation with our statewide organization, the Alabama Rural Electric Association (AREA), we are also able to offer annual scholar-ships through the Electric Cooperative Foundation, Inc. Available for any high school senior who is a dependent of a member of Baldwin EMC, the Electric Cooperative Foundation awards two $500 scholar-ships. Applications for this scholarship are available at all three Bald-win EMC offi ces or online at www.baldwinemc.com. They must be received at AREA no later than February 27, 2015.

If you or someone you know has dreams of higher education with-out a clear plan for how to meet the costs, Baldwin EMC can help.

Go to www.baldwinemc.com to fi nd out more.


5 things to not bring to college

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Power strip Your space may not offer enough electrical plugs to fulfill all of your student needs. In that case, be sure to bring a power strip so you connect multiple things at once. Just don’t overdo it.

Disinfectant wipesHaving easy-to-use cleaning supplies on hand helps take care of small messes in your dorm room or apartment.

Mini-sized vacuumWith visitors in and out, it’s hard to keep your space neat. Bring a small vacuum to keep in the corner just in case.

BeddingYou don’t want to arrive to your new place and re-alize you forgot your sleeping gear. Be sure to pack pillows, pillowcases, sheets (to fit your dorm bed size if needed) and blankets.

Shower caddyIf you’ll be sharing a bathroom with others, it’s a good idea to keep a shower caddy to keep your per-sonal things separate.

1. Off season clothingWith closet space so limited, it’s crucial that you

make the most of every inch. There is no need to bring your entire closet in August. Bringing your clothes in seasons allows you to have more room in your closet and makes it that much more fun when you switch your closet out and have a whole new wardrobe. During school breaks, bring home the clothes that are going out of season and bring back the clothes for the upcoming season.

2. Plates and silverware Chances are, you won't have a dishwasher in your dorm room. Don't pack

unneeded breakables. Instead, buy paper plates and plastic utensils that you can dispose of after use.

3. Books and movies Don't bring your entire novel and movie collection from home. Limit

yourself to maybe five books since you'll already have so many books from your classes and maybe five videos. Or take a more electronic approach by storing ebooks and movies on a laptop or tablet.

4. Bulky LuggageBetween weekend trips and fall breaks at home you

are going to want some kind of luggage — preferably luggage that is easy to store but still holds a lot. You are not going to have any space for bulky suitcases anywhere in your dorm no matter how hard you try. Keep fold-able duffle bags in your room. They make for the perfect travel bag and take up much less room.

5. Nice jewelry or other important keepsakes

It's not a good idea to bring important or expensive keepsakes in your dorm room. It's better to leave these items at home to avoid all of the chaos that comes with moving in and out of dorm rooms.


HeLPfuL APPS fOr COLLege STuDeNTS

Shopkickuse shopkick to get points

for walking into certain stores and then redeem your points for gift cards. shopkick also has coupons and deals for tons of stores that you already go to on a regular basis.COST: free

Quizletmake, study, and share

flashcards for all subjects us-ing this multimedia flashcard app.COST: free

google HangoutGoogle hangout allows live

video conferencing with up to ten participants at a time. col-laborate with group members at school or with family back home.COST: free

Dropboxyou can save important

things in Dropbox to backup your laptop. Another plus is that you can access it on your phone. it makes sending pho-tos taken on your phone to the laptop super easy. COST: free

flipboardA platform for students to

collect news, articles, etc. and to read material in a personal-ized magazine-style format. it combines pinterest-like orga-nization with facebook-style communication. COST: free

School A to Zthe school A to Z app is

like having a free tutor at your fingertips. enter any questions you have and the digital tutor will help retrieve an answer for you in just seconds. COST: free

Wolfram Alphaincludes “knowledge” from

multiple disciplines such as math or chemistry. insert any problem and get an answer and sequenced steps for cal-culation. best to use to check your work. the website is free: www.wolframalpha.com.COST: $2.99

Dictionary.comincludes many tools beyond

traditional dictionary defini-tions or synonyms. it does not require spelling skills — voice recognition provides a means to search for words. in addi-tion, unknown words may be decoded using the audio icon. COST: free

Brain Boosterthe brain booster app al-

lows the user to search for brain boosting, educational games by age and skill level. these are a great way to exer-cise your brain for free wheth-er you are waiting for the bus or at the doctor’s office.COST: free

easyBibthis free bibliography gen-

erator enables users to create mlA, ApA, and other citation styles by scanning bar codes on books. resources may be built, managed, and exported for use. COST: free

evernoteevernote provides stu-

dents with a way to take and organize handwritten or voice recorded notes on multiple de-vices through syncing capabili-ties. COST: $1.99

Taaskytaasky allows different cat-

egories of lists and is set up to allow you to have the top priority as a main option. this is the best way to be able to work through your list and tru-ly focus on the first item. COST: free

In today’s technological world there are apps for almost anything. Here are a few that can be helpful for college students to help with school work, plan-ning , saving money and more. Most of these apps are free and will work on both Android and Apple devices.

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There are many websites to help you track your spending and investments. Some even offer advice and help you plan a budget. Here are a few:

Websites• mint – Allows you to budget as well as connect and

view all of your financial accounts• Pay Pal – Pay for many things online securely.• Simplifi – Helps you reach financial goals like sav-

ing for retirement and repaying debt.• Credit karma – Offers a free score and advice on

how to improve it• portfolio monkey – Analyzes your expected returns,

losses; also lets you reallocate your portfolio.

Apps

iWallet Tracks income and expenses

IEO (iExpenseonline) Gives guidance on improving habits

TurboTax Let's you calculate and file taxes electronically.

EEBA Easy Envelope Budget Aide produces budgeting reports

Debt DogCalculates the true cost of purchases on credit.

Helpful tools for personal finance

10 ways to make money in college

The majority of the population has credit scores between 700–749. College students can start to build credit through renting as well as using credits cards for purchases such as a new laptop as long as they are paid off quickly.

courtesy of complexseArch.com

When you’re a busy college student with a full curriculum, it may be difficult to find another job to earn some extra money. However, there are a few ways to make money that won’t damage your study time and that pay well enough to get some needed cash. Here are a few simple ways to help you earn some extra bucks while keeping on top of those college courses.

1. Babysit Babysitting provides flexible hours, decent pay,

and often a chance to study while on the job. If you know of a family member, friend or colleague that may be looking for a sitter, be sure to offer your services. There are also many credible websites that connect you with locals who are asking for sitters.

2. Take a part time job off campus There are a variety of places that can provide flex-ible schedules for college students. If you have the

time and are interested, check out near-campus restaurants and retail establishments.

3. Sell your old stuff Declutter your closet. There are apps like Posh-

mark and stores like Plato’s Closet that will buy your old goods. Craigslist is another great way to sell used items.

4. Be a guinea pig Sign up for corporate or university studies to

make some quick cash. Definitely check out your schools psychology department.

5. get crafty If you’re a crafting connoisseur, you can sell your

masterpieces on sites like Etsy. Logos and art can end up being great sales.

6. Pet sit Love animals? If so, your dilemma of how to

make money in college can be solved by becoming a pet sitter (or dog walker). This job would provide flexible hours which is perfect for the busy college student. You will also get plenty of exercise.

7. get a job on campus Making money in college may be as easy as video-

ing a class. Check out the on-campus jobs offered in the different departments at your college.

8. get into landscaping You can make money in college by offering to

rake leaves or mow yards. These are flexible jobs that pay right away.

9. Help your fellow studentsIf you’re a good student, you can offer to help

others out in your classes by proofreading papers, creating study guides, tutoring, etc. Set a reason-able price and you may be surprised at how many students jump at the offer of a little assistance. Try connecting with an area school, community organi-zation, or parents’ group to sell your services.

10. Sell your old text books You can find places to sell your old text books on-

line and probably at your college’s bookstore. Even if it’s not the end or beginning of a new semester, you might still be able to find buyers for your books.

Many schools offer work-study programs where students can work a variety of jobs in exchange for compensation. Tutoring, library aides and front desk jobs in dorm rooms and campus buildings are just a few of the options on campus.

499 or less500–549

750–799

700–749

650–699

600–649

550–599

800 ormore

CreDIT SCOreDISTrIBuTION


Belief is the foundation of University of Mobile. A belief that a higher education that focuses on academics and spiritual growth prepares you to make a real difference in this world. We instruct and nurture your mind, body, and spirit so you can achieve something you know and feel is meaningful and impactful with your education.

#beliefinu //// umobile.edu/visit • 800.WIN.RAMS • 251.442.2222*A $2000 scholarship is available to new traditional undergraduate students who attend a UMobile Visit Day, apply for admissions, and enroll at UMobile. This scholarship awards $250 per semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, excluding the summer semester. Only one UMobile Visit Day Scholarship is available per person.

January 30, 2015

February 20, 2015

March 20, 2015

EARN A $2000

BY ATTENDING ONE OFUMOBILE’S VISIT DAYS*

Scholarship

At the University of Mobile, our belief is that higher education for a higher purpose does more than educate your mind – it also expands your heart and empowers your soul. We believe that choosing the best college for you is a major step toward preparing you to make a real difference in this world.

That’s why our academic programs do more than teach you lessons in the classroom – they encourage you to step out into the community and use your knowledge and talents to impact the world.

Our belief is that you can achieve something that you know and feel is meaningful and impactful. We know we can be a big part of that.

Our belief is in you.

Belief in QualityNow is the perfect time to drive across the bay and check out a great university that

has been selected in “America’s Best Christian Colleges,” chosen for “America’s 100 Best College Buys,” and recognized as a “Military Friendly School.”

And here’s another great reason to visit – you could receive a $2,000 Visit Day Scholarship.

You may schedule at a time that is convenient, or sign up for our special Visit Days on Jan. 30, Feb. 20 and March 20 for potential students and their families.

Visit Day includes campus tours, individual meetings and group sessions where you’ll hear from our current students and get a real look at college life.

There are special sessions on financial aid ¬¬– and we offer some amazing scholarships and financial aid packages that make our private college much more affordable than most others in the region.

Or, schedule a time to visit that is convenient for you and your family. To attend a Visit Day or arrange a campus visit at another time, sign up at umobile.edu/visit.

Belief in PeopleYou will meet professors, including some that just might be your Baldwin County

neighbors, like Dr. Ted Mashburn in humanities and Steve Carey in biology, Dr. Sue Gober in education, Barbara Brousseau in French and Maria Lourdes Baumer in Spanish.

Maybe you already know Dr. Joe Savage in Christian ministries or Dr. William Carroll in athletic training who is an internationally recognized expert and has consulted with the Olympics. There’s Brenda Chastain and Debra Chancey in education, Nick Cillo in business, and Phil Counselman in art, to name just a few.

You’re likely to have experienced a performance by one of more than 22 ensembles in our Center for Performing Arts, where you may have met Bruce Earnest in musical theatre.

Maybe you’re into athletics and you’ve met women’s soccer Coach Brian Person, men’s and women’s tennis Coach Uwe Tittl, or Dr. Rick Esposito who teaches human performance and exercise science.

Belief in GrowthWhen you go to the University of Mobile, you’re choosing a university where you will

learn how to be the best in your field, then practice what you have learned as you serve locally, nationally and internationally to change the world.

With small classes taught by professors – not graduate students – you have personal attention from faculty members who care about you.

We intentionally integrate faith and leadership into the classroom, so that you not only learn what to do in your career – you also learn how to be excellent in your profession and your life as a person of faith.

You may choose from among more than 40 areas of study offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Christian Leadership, Center for Performing Arts/School of Music, School of Business, School of Christian Ministries, School of Education, School of Nursing, School of Worship Leadership, Graduate Programs, and Adult and Professional Studies. Several areas offer 5-year programs where you can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Pre-professional programs prepare you for further study in medical, engineering and legal fields, and several academic programs let you earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years.

Belief in SupportYour college experience begins with Ram Rush, our new student orientation that kicks

off fall semester with activities designed to help you get involved in campus life right from the start.

Our “Freshman Year to Dream Career” plan guides you through the process of career and professional development, with events, seminars and individual attention on skill development from freshman through senior year.

You will learn the skills needed for college success during Freshman Seminar taught by faculty and staff, and with the advice and support of upperclassmen Peer Leaders.

Free tutoring is available in the Chora Godwin Learning and Writing Center, and our Student Success Center will assist you with everything from identifying your interests and talents to counseling, preparing a resume, and practicing interviewing skills.

Belief in ExperienceOur students learn leadership by leading. You can work side-by-side with UMobile

staff at events such as the University of Mobile Leadership Banquet that has brought speakers to Mobile such as former U.S. President George W. Bush and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

You may travel the world to teach children in Uganda, backpack through Europe, install irrigation systems in India, or paddle down rivers in the Philippines to share your faith.

UMobile campus life is also about serving the local community – working with residents to beautify their neighborhood, tutoring disadvantaged children, helping to repair a home, or collecting food and blankets for the homeless. We believe so much in the importance of service that we cancel classes one day each fall for UMobile Project Serve, so our students, faculty and staff can serve side-by-side in our community.

Belief in WinningOur small school is big in the national athletic scene, with eight national championships

in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. UMobile is a member of the Southern States Athletic Conference. UMobile student-athletes in all sports are consistently earning top honors in academics and athletics.

Belief in You The best way to discover if the University of Mobile is right for you is to schedule a campus visit. Call Enrollment Services at (251) 442-2222 or 800-WIN-RAMS, or go online to www.umobile.edu/visit.

University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is recognized in “America’s Best Christian Colleges” and “America’s Best College Buys.”

The University of Mobile is in “America’s 100 Best College Buys” and “America’s Best Christian Colleges.”

Our Belief is in You!

Dr. Ted Mashburn, associate dean of the University of Mobile College of Arts and Sciences and professor of humanities, and student Alex Lewis visit. Small classes provide big opportunities for faculty to really get to know and mentor students.

University of Mobile MagazineGo deeper. See videos and read articles in our award-winning University of Mobile Magazine to learn more about the University of Mobile and why our students and

alumni love their school.

Read about three UMobile students who competed on Jeff Foxworthy’s Game Show Network show “The American Bible Challenge,” and read an in-depth interview with our philosophy professor Dr. Ted Mashburn. An article on Ram Rush 2014 will give you an idea of what the first week on campus is like, and you will meet some of our

recent alumni who are on a world race, releasing albums, and publishing books they have written and illustrated.

Check out the magazine online at umobilemagazine.com – and be sure to scrolldown for a video about our School of Nursing.

Get ConnectedUMobile – www.umobile.eduFacebook – www.facebook.com/universityofmobile YouTube – www.youtube.com/universityofmobileTwitter – www.twitter.com/umobilenewsPinterest – www.pinterest.com/umobile


Belief is the foundation of University of Mobile. A belief that a higher education that focuses on academics and spiritual growth prepares you to make a real difference in this world. We instruct and nurture your mind, body, and spirit so you can achieve something you know and feel is meaningful and impactful with your education.

#beliefinu //// umobile.edu/visit • 800.WIN.RAMS • 251.442.2222*A $2000 scholarship is available to new traditional undergraduate students who attend a UMobile Visit Day, apply for admissions, and enroll at UMobile. This scholarship awards $250 per semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, excluding the summer semester. Only one UMobile Visit Day Scholarship is available per person.

January 30, 2015

February 20, 2015

March 20, 2015

EARN A $2000

BY ATTENDING ONE OFUMOBILE’S VISIT DAYS*

Scholarship


Care packages are a great way to help college students out and show them you are thinking about them. Some campuses even have care package programs once or twice a year where you pay for a package that they assemble for the students.

Care package ideasBy Destiny [email protected]

There are plenty of reasons to send a little love to your special student. Care packages are like Christmas morning to some students and can provide the neccessities to get through a

difficult time. Some of the best ideas are the simplest and you don't need to look any further for some great suggestions that will spark some of your own great ideas. Use this guide of care package ideas and send your college student something to show that you care.

first Day Care Package • school supplies like pencils, ruler, notepads,

white out, staplers, erasers and other special supplies needed for classes.

• coffee (if the student has access to a cof-fee maker)

• to-go coffee cup• Water bottle•crackers or some kind of snack for between

classes

The get Well Soon Care Package • honey• lemon• tea bags• mug• cough drops• Kleenex

The feel of Home Care Package • favorite hometown restaurant items• baked goods

The Things You forgot Care Package • floss• toothpaste/toothbrush• Deodorant• cotton balls• face wash/body wash• shampoo/conditioner• face wipes• tylenol• towel

The Sunshine Care Package collect these or other yellow items.• burts bees items• lemonheads, yellow starbursts, milk Duds or

other yellow packaged candies• lemon tea• Juicy fruit gum • regular lays potato chips• macaroni and cheese packages• crystal light lemonade packets

Stress Buster Care Package • energy bars• Granola• stress ball• coffee• index cards

Night at the Movies Care Package • microwave popcorn and/or candy• A few favorite DvD’s• popcorn folding boxes

1. Always include a hand-written letter or note.

it ’s important to send a memo to let your care package receiver know you care. your note can be as simple as saying “have a great day.”

2. Ask for help.some care package ideas can

come from bouncing ideas off friends and family. Whenever you hear of a clever package idea from a friend, be sure to remember it.

3. Think outside the box.themed care packages give

you a lay out to go by and stick-ing to a certain theme makes care packages assembling easi-er. themes can be as simple as a movie night package or a spring break survival kit.

4. Make sure you send enough to share.

if you bake cookies or send other snacks, be sure to include enough for them to share.

5. Plan early and keep a list.

it’s never too early to plan care packages. Keep a notebook of ideas as they come to you so that way you’ll always have a plan for that special occasion.

5 TIPS TO MAke THe BeST CAre

PACkAge


Help, I have student loans!By Destiny Brown

W hile preparing for college, some-times the only

choice is to take out a stu-dent loan. Before taking out a student loan, con-sider a community college for your core classes or getting a part-time job to help out. However, if your options wear thin, follow this advice.

Paying off student loans can be a burden and a headache. Keeping your student debt under con-trol can help you avoid interest and extra costs as well as keep your pay-ments affordable and pro-tect your credit rating.

keep Contact with Your Lender

If your lender needs to contact you and your information isn’t cur-rent, it can end up cost-ing you a bundle. When-ever you move or change your phone number or email address, tell your lender right away. Lend-ers are supposed to work with borrowers to resolve problems.

keep TrackIt’s important to keep

track of the lender, bal-ance, and repayment status for each of your student loans. These de-tails determine your op-tions for loan repayment and forgiveness. All stu-dent loans are managed through the Internet, so make sure you set up au-tomatic debit transactions for monthly payments or mark your calendar to pay your bill every month. If you set up automatic debit transactions, most lenders will decrease your loan’s interest rate by 0.25 per-cent. Contact your school if you can’t locate any re-cords.

Pay Off the Most expensive Loans first

If you’re considering paying off one or more of your loans ahead of sched-ule, start with the one that has the highest interest rate.

grace PeriodA grace period is how

long you can wait after leaving school before you have to make your first payment. Different loans have different grace peri-ods. It usually varies from six to nine months. It’s im-portant not to miss your first payment!

Lower Your Principal

When you make a fed-eral student loan payment, it covers any late fees first, then interest, and finally the principal. If you can sometimes afford to pay more than your required monthly payment you can lower your principal, which reduces the amount of interest you have to pay over the length of the loan.

To Consolidate or Not to Consolidate

A consolidation loan combines multiple loans into one for a single

monthly payment. For pri-vate consolidation loans, shop around carefully for a low or fixed interest rate and read all the fine print. Never consolidate federal loans into a private stu-dent loan, or you’ll lose all the repayment options and borrower benefits like unemployment defer-ments and loan forgive-ness programs that come with federal loans. Also, remember you can only consolidate your student loan debt once, so if you choose to do it, make sure it’s at a time when interest rates are low and that you get a fixed rate.

Loan forgiveness

There are various pro-grams that will forgive all or some of your loans if you work in certain fields or for certain types of em-ployers. Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a fed-eral program that forgives any student debt remain-ing after 10 years of quali-fying payments for people in government, nonprofit and other public service jobs. Find out more at IBRinfo.org. There are other federal loan forgive-ness options available for teachers, nurses, Ameri-Corps and PeaceCorps volunteers and other pro-fessions, as well as some state, school and private programs.

Subsidized vs. unsubsidized

Depending on your fi-nancial need, you may qualify for either subsi-dized or unsubsidized loans. The difference is in the interest. For subsi-dized loans, the govern-ment pays the interest throughout your time in college, during the six-month grace period after graduation and during de-ferment.

For an unsubsidized loan, interest will build up during the time you at-tend college, during your grace period and if you ever defer your loans. For

example, if you take out a $5,000 unsubsidized loan with an interest rate of 5.5 percent your freshman year of college, four years later, you’ll have accrued $1,100 in interest. When you graduate, this inter-est becomes part of your principal balance, so the $5,000 you originally bor-rowed four years ago is now $6,100.

A way to avoid paying thousands of dollars in in-terest after graduation is to pay the interest on un-subsidized federal loans and private loans while you’re in college. Multiply your loan amount by the interest rate and divide by 12 to find out how much

interest your loan will ac-crue each month. For our example, that amount would be $22 a month. If you chose to pay $30 a month, you would gradu-ate owing only $3,560 — that’s 2,540 fewer dollars to pay after graduating.

Don’t Worry!If you’re having trouble

making payments because of unemployment, health problems, or other un-expected financial chal-lenges, remember that you have options. There are ways to temporarily post-pone your federal loan payments, such as defer-ments and forbearance.

The factsn Nearly 20 million Americans attend college

each year. (Chronicle of Higher education)n Of that 20 million, close to 12 million — or

60 percent — borrow annually to help cover costs. (Chronicle of Higher education)

n There were approximately 37 million student loan borrowers with outstanding student loans as of 2013.

29.2% $10k to $25k

16.5% $25k to $50k

5.9% $50k to $75k

2.3% $75k to $100k

Student loan borrowers by level of balanceTotal number of borrowers: 37 million

Source: FRBNY/Equifax

43.1% Under $10,000

3.1% Over $100,000

Student Loan Increase Undergraduate students - 1999 to 2013

10,000

1999-2000 2004-2005

Academic School Year

Am

ount

of l

oans

2009-2010 2012-2013

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

Source: Edvisors.com, The Wall Street Journal2013


Questions to ask when choosing a collegeAdmissionsWhere can I get an application? What is the application fee and deadline? What do tuition, room and board cost? What are your GPA and ACT statistics? Are achievement tests required? How can high school courses count for college credit? Are there any other requirements? Do I need to take any special high school courses? Do you have a summer transition program? When is it best to visit the school? Can I stay overnight in the dorm and visit classes?

financial AidWhat types of aid do you offer? How do I find out about grants and scholarships offered by your school? What percentage of students work? How easy is it to obtain a job on campus?

The SchoolHow large is your school? How close is it to local life? How large is the city or town? Is on campus parking available? What is the school culture?

Programs and OrganizationsIs your college two or four years? What degrees do you offer? How large are classes? Do I need a computer? Are computer labs offered? When should I choose a major? What types of internship experiences are avail-able?

Student LifeIs there on-campus housing? Is on-campus housing coed? What percentage of students live on campus? How are roommates selected?

What's the social atmosphere? Is it a suitcase/commuter school on weekends? What type of organizations and clubs are there? What sports do you participate in? Intercollegiate, club, and intramural? What are some of the other extracurricular activi-ties? How good is the dorm security? What are the campus crime statistics? What percentage of students study abroad?

popular college organizations and volunteer opportunities

SgAA student government association is a student organization present in many colleges and universities. sGA is the students’ union and often voices the student body’s concerns about building on the campus, organizational activities and academic support. universally, the purpose of a students’ union or student government is to represent fellow students in some fashion.

Homecoming councilhomecoming is a big week for most campuses. from helping build floats, to painting signs, to getting fellow students pumped at the pep rally, there are many ways to get involved with your school’s big homecoming week.

Intramural sportsintramural sports programs are sports that are played among students at your school. if you miss the sports you played in high school, intramural sports are great option because they allow competition, contact and games with others within your skill and school.

College newspapermany college newspapers love freelancers for writing and photography. Ask if you can help out.

Cultural and religious groupsmany churches offer campus organizations. With weekly meet-ings, potlucks, game nights and bible studies, religious groups are a great way to meet new people and to grow in your faith.

greek lifeJoining a fraternity or a sorority is another common way to meet new friends. spending hours a week with these people can form lifelong friendships — just make sure you have the time to dedicate. Greek organizations require plenty of meet-ings, but also chances to join friend groups, philanthropies and an organization that will shape your skills for the future. Greek organizations also hold many events throughout the year that look for volunteers.

photo courtesy of the university of south AlAbAmA

Choosing a college major

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

BALDWIN COUNTY10 North Summit Street Fairhope, AL 36532251-928-8133 | myusabc.com | [email protected]

Founded in 1984, the University of South Alabama in Baldwin County (USA Baldwin County) conducted its first classes on the campus of Faulkner State Junior College in Bay Minette with fewer than one hundred students. In 1986, with double the student enrollment, USA Baldwin County began offering courses in downtown Fairhope to meet the demands of population growth in the county. Today, students attending the Baldwin County Campus enjoy all the benefits of being part of a large university while still being in a more personal environment.

Conveniently located on the Eastern Shore, the campus serves all of Baldwin County helping students earn a degree fitting their future career goals. USA Baldwin County offers courses to complete five bachelor degrees which include Communication-Public Relations Track, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Accelerated Nursing, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Additionally, USA Baldwin County offers courses toward the completiom of a degree in Emergency Medical Services Education, Physical Health Sciences and Psychology. Whether a student is currently working in the field of their choice or earning a degree to get started in the field, the faculty and advisors at USA Baldwin County are available for academic guidance. The professors are friendly and enthusiastic and really understand the value of a student’s time and commitment to completing their degree. USA Baldwin County offers general academic advising for students interested in transferring to USA, as well as degree advising for programs offered at the campus.

Unique to USA Baldwin County is the ability to bring a major university right to Baldwin County’s doorstep while maintaining an atmosphere of one-on-one instruction. Students get to know each other through participation in classes as well as by socializing in between classes at the scenic Baldwin County campus. The campus is truly breathtaking with its beautiful oak trees flanking the buildings and walkways, to its quaint courtyard and performance center which serve as the central points of the campus. Students can often be found meeting and studying in the picnic areas and on the benches in between classes.

To help with the rising costs of tuition, the USA Baldwin County Campus awards scholarships twice a year to students attending classes on the campus. Students can apply for scholarships for the fall or spring semester online. Additionally, students can use federal and state financial assistance to help pay the costs associated with attending college. All types of financial aid are processed through the university’s Financial Aid office. The campus has three physical locations: the Administration Building located at 10 North Summit Street, the Classroom Complex at 111 St. James Avenue, and the College of Nursing Complex at 161 North Section Street.

Applying to USA Baldwin County is easy. Visit the University of South Alabama Admissions web page at http://www.southalabama.edu/admissions/. To schedule a campus tour, call (251-928-8133) or stop by at 10 North Summit Street, or to learn more about the campus go to www.myusabc.com.

USA BALDWIN COUNTY: CLOSER THAN YOU REALIZE!


Questions to ask when choosing a collegeBy Destiny [email protected]

It’s difficult to pre-plan for the career you’ll choose after you throw the graduat ion cap. There’s no rush in decid-ing your college major, but when graduation is on the horizon, be sure you’ve chosen a major you’re passionate about.

exploreYou don’t have to know

what you want your ma-jor to be before college begins, and it’s OK to change your mind once you get there. Be adven-turous in choosing your classes and explore your options during your time in college.

get guidanceSeek help from college

resources. Career centers on campus offer guidance through personality tests and directing you to the correct advisers. You can also seek out students who are majoring in ar-eas you’re considering to ask them about the classes they’re taking and how they decided on that particular field of study. You can learn much more quickly this way, rather

than trying to look up details on a university website.

Choose your passion

Choose something you love. Otherwise, your t ime during col lege classes and after gradua-tion will be dedicated to something you’re not pas-sionate about. Be sure you can see yourself pursuing your major choice for years in the future. Think of the job possibilities of that major choice and be sure it’s something you’re interested in. Career cen-ters can also help with job descriptions in your chosen career field.

Changing your major

Before changing your major, be sure. If you take seven classes for a zool-ogy degree and then de-cide you want to switch to journalism, your class requirements will change and some of the classes you have already com-pleted will not count to-wards your major. Before changing your major, take some time to think about your options and make a list of future paths for each major.

The hard classesThe easiest major is

not always the major that will take you the fur-thest in life. Don’t skip on your dream major just because you can’t stand the thought of Chemistry 4000. Tutors and teacher help sessions are avail-able to help during those tough times. Completing a tough course will make you feel accomplished.

Choosing a college major

The major you wish to pursue should have an impact on the college or university you choose. Not all institutions offer every major and some may have stronger reputations in certain fields.

photos courtesy of the university of south Alabama

TOP 5Highest earning majors in 2014

• petroleum engineering• chemical engineering• nuclear engineering• computer engineering• electrical engineering

Lowest earning majors in 2014

• child and family studies

• elementary education• exercise science• broadcast Journalism• social work

Source: ThinkAdvisor.com

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

BALDWIN COUNTY10 North Summit Street Fairhope, AL 36532251-928-8133 | myusabc.com | [email protected]

USA Baldwin County...Closer Than You Realize

Call Today251-928-8133

ACADEMIC PROGRAMSCollege of Arts and SciencesCommunication- Public RelationsCriminal JusticePsychology (minor)

College of EducationElementary Education

College of NursingAccelerated Track

School of Continuing Education and Special ProgramsInterdisciplinary Studies - Hospitality& Tourism Management

We’re What You Need

• Scholarships• Location • Comfortable atmosphere • Convenience • Accessible parking


Insight on life after college for the graduate for 2015 graduates,

the end of spring marks the end of the

collegiate life. Respon-sibility sets in and the transition can be quite a change for most. You’ll be required to make many more adult decisions than you were required during your college years, but don’t worry — it sounds more stressful that is.

Here is some insight on what’s next for college students who are plan-ning past spring break.

Begin looking for job opportunities right away. You won’t be able to act on anything until you know what location your income will be coming from. Most colleges of-fer updates on job op-portunities in the area. If you have questions, you should visit the career de-partment at your college. They are usually more than willing to help. If you prefer to live in a spe-

cific location, it’s never too early to begin the job search. Networking is a huge part of college, so be sure to take advantage of your college sources to expand your options. You want to have many op-tions on where to go after you toss the cap.

While considering a place to live, consider a place that’s already fur-nished if you don’t plan on staying long. It will save moving cost, time and patience. You don’t want to buy expensive furniture when you don’t know how long your com-mitted to a place. Save the furniture expenses for a place that you can see yourself spending at least 3-5 years.

To assist with the ex-penses of living, it’s never too early for college stu-dents to start building credit. To rent most apart-ments or homes, good credit is a must. Begin

paying your bills and other expenses you think you can handle on a credit card to build up cred-it. Research more about which provider to use and your credit choices, because there are many options to choose from. Ask your banker, who are usually more than helpful with getting young adults a fresh start on building credit.

Now that you’re past your college days, it’s a good idea to start paying more attention to your diet and your body. One tip to eating healthier is to leave your college diet behind. One of a college students biggest diet mistakes is forgo-ing nutrients for conve-nience. When easy mac and ramen noodles used to be staples, switch to healthier options since you will be able to shop and cook with no late-for-class worries. Spend

time at the grocery store, like an adult, and figure out a healthy meal plan that you can get into a routine of.

To go with your new diet, be sure not to hold back on exercising also. While you used to get away with walking to class for exercise, now it’s time to pay more attention to your body. Join a gym or sign up for a local yoga class or other activity. If your apartment complex has a gym, take advantage of those facilities to get into your best post college shape. Getting active is also a great way to make new friends after college.

The end of college is the beginning of the real world. It can be over-whelming if you’re not prepared, but with the help of friends and family, and these post graduation tips, you’re on your way to a smooth after-college transition.

photo courtesy of the university of south AlAbAmA

Do's and don'ts of living off campusSo you've decided

to live off campus? With the indepen-

dence, privacy and space, the idea seems desirable to plenty of incoming stu-dents. However, there are some important things to remember while living in your own place. Here are a few tips to maximize your off-campus experi-ence.

DO'SDo set a food budget.

Most on-campus stu-dents are required to pur-chase meal plans, which can be expensive. Since you're living off campus, be sure to watch how much you spend on food daily. Set aside a limit every week and try not to overspend.

Do eat healthy. Since you’re respon-

sible for buying your own food, choose wisely. Living off campus can help avoid the freshman fifteen if you eat right. Find the nearest grocery store with the best prices and keep an eye out for sales. It may be a good idea to set a meal plan for the week so you'll know exactly what you're look-ing for in the food isles.

Do build credit. Paying rent and utili-

ties on a credit card on a monthly basis will start building solid credit his-tory. Post college, you'll be glad you got an early start on building your credit up.

Do choose your roommate wisely, if you choose to have one.

You have more control over who your room-mates are when you live off campus. It may be a good idea to get to know your potential roommate beforehand, this way you aren't stuck with some-one you can't stand to be around.

Do take advantage of your amenities.

So you have a pool at your apartment complex?

A gym? Take advantage of these facilities any chance you get. Most of your comrades are work-ing out at the student activity center while your gym is pretty much in-home.

DON'TSDon’t take your space for granted.

Cooking and cleaning are all great ways to pre-pare for the transition of life after college. Clean at least once a week to tidy up your space and

keep in mind that cook-ing tends to be healthcare than eating out.

Don’t be a hermit. Just because you live

off campus, doesn't mean you should refuse to par-ticipate in campus activi-ties. Living off campus makes it easier to stay at home, but don’t let that ruin your social life. Join a club, volunteer or attend campus activities to makes sure you don’t fall into a life off campus slump.

Don’t skip class. It’s much more tempt-

ing to skip class when you have to go through the extra work of finding transportation to class. Don't let living off cam-pus interfere with your class attendance. Moti-vate yourself to skip as little class as possible. You'll be grateful when exam time rolls around.

Don’t make your place the hang out spot.

Living off campus means more distractions.

It’s great to have your friends over every now and then, but remem-ber you have neighbors to be cautious of. Limit the number of friends at your space and take park-ing into consideration. Remember noise com-plaints are much more serious when the cops knock on your door in-stead of your friendly RA.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to find good housing.

It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to do your research.• Choose a place close to

campus. If you want to save some gas money, research bus routes or find a place close enough to bike or walk to class.

• Establish a good re-lationship with your landlord, resident staff and neighbors. These re la t ionships wil l come in handy in the future.

• It may be good idea to find a place with ap-pliances such as a re-frigerator, dishwasher and washing machine/dryer so you don't have to purchase these items yourself or use them elsewhere.

• Don't be lazy. It’s very important to research neighborhoods and complex cost compari-sons so you get the best deal.

• If you have a pet, be sure you pick a place that allows you to own a pet.

photo courtesy of the university of mobile


time at the grocery store, like an adult, and figure out a healthy meal plan that you can get into a routine of.

To go with your new diet, be sure not to hold back on exercising also. While you used to get away with walking to class for exercise, now it’s time to pay more attention to your body. Join a gym or sign up for a local yoga class or other activity. If your apartment complex has a gym, take advantage of those facilities to get into your best post college shape. Getting active is also a great way to make new friends after college.

The end of college is the beginning of the real world. It can be over-whelming if you’re not prepared, but with the help of friends and family, and these post graduation tips, you’re on your way to a smooth after-college transition.

Do's and don'ts of living off campusIt’s great to have your friends over every now and then, but remem-ber you have neighbors to be cautious of. Limit the number of friends at your space and take park-ing into consideration. Remember noise com-plaints are much more serious when the cops knock on your door in-stead of your friendly RA.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to find good housing.

It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to do your research.• Choose a place close to

campus. If you want to save some gas money, research bus routes or find a place close enough to bike or walk to class.

• Establish a good re-lationship with your landlord, resident staff and neighbors. These re la t ionships wil l come in handy in the future.

• It may be good idea to find a place with ap-pliances such as a re-frigerator, dishwasher and washing machine/dryer so you don't have to purchase these items yourself or use them elsewhere.

• Don't be lazy. It’s very important to research neighborhoods and complex cost compari-sons so you get the best deal.

• If you have a pet, be sure you pick a place that allows you to own a pet.

Associate of Science (AS) Agribusiness Economics Agricultural Economics Biological Science Business Administration Computer Science Education (Early Childhood/Elementary) Engineering Environmental Science Forestry General Studies Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Mathematics Pre - Architecture Pre - Denistry Pre - Dental Assisting Pre - Medicine Pre - Nursing Pre - Pharmacy Pre - Surgical Technology Pre - VeterinarySurveying and Geomatics

Associate of Arts (AA) Art Computer Management/Information Science Criminal Justice English Liberal Arts Music Pre - Law Social Science

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)Commercial Art/Computer GraphicsComputer Technology Computer Aided Drafting Specialist Network Administration System Specialist Technical Support SpecialistDental AssistingHospitality Administration Culinary Arts Event Planning Hospitality Management Pastry BakingIndustrial Maintenance Technology Heating and Air Conditioning Welding Technology Construction/Building Technology Industrial Maintenance

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) (Continued)Landscape and Turf Operations Management Landscape Operations Horticulture Landscape Design Golf Course and Turf ManagementManagement and Supervision Technology Accounting Clerk Management and Supervision Technology Small Business/EntrepreneurshipNursing Mobility (LPN to RN)Nursing RN (Associate Degree Nurse RN)Office Administration Administrative Assistant Legal Administrative Assistant Medical Administrative AssistantParalegalParamedicSurgical TechnologyVeterinary Technology

Certificate Programs (CERT)Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Visual EffectsCommercial Art/Computer GraphicsCulinary ArtsDental AssistingGolf Course and Turf ManagementLandscape TechnologyNursing (Licensed Practical Nurse)ParamedicPastry BakingSurgical Technology

Training Certificate Programs (STC)ArtChild DevelopmentCommercial Art/Graphic DesignComputer Aided Drafting SpecialistCulinary ArtsEmergency Medical Technician (EMT) Advanced Emergency Medical TechnicianEvent PlanningHospitality ManagementIndustrial Engineering Technology/TechnicianLandscape DesignNetwork Administration/Systems SpecialistPastry BakingTechnical Support SpecialistAutomotive TechnologyBuilding TechnologyWelding Technology

A Real College, A Real Degree, A Real Career at Alabama’s Lowest Tuition

Call to speak to an advisor today. Interested in student activities or clubs and organizations? We have a place for you, whether you want to enhance your social life or get a step ahead academically. See a full list on our website. Also, check out our scholarship and financial aid pages to see how affordable college can be.

We have what you’re looking for...at a tuition you can afford.

www.faulknerstate.edu 1-800-381-FSCC (3722) Bay Minette - Fairhope - Gulf Shores

It is the official policy of the Alabama State Department of Postsecondary Education and Faulkner State Community College that no person in Alabama shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, gender, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination or harassment under any program, activity, or employment.


FAULKNER STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGEA GREAT EDUCATION • A LOT OF FUN

Alabama’s Lowest TuitionMore than 100 majors to choose from

Academic courses guaranteed by state law to transfer to any Alabama university

COURSES TO FIT YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE:•1, 2 and 3 days a week•Nights and weekends•Internet courses

Apply Today!Come for a campus tour and meet our

friendly faculty, staff and students. Scholarships and financial aid are available.1-800-381-FSCC (3722) or 251-580-2100Bay Minette • Fairhope • Gulf Shores

It is the official policy of the Alabama State Department of Postsecondary Education and Faulkner State Community College that no person in Alabama shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, gender, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to

discrimination or harassment under any program, activity, or employment.

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