With the 2008-2009 school year just around the corner and the credit crunch tightening lenders' belts, students are turning their pockets inside-out to find adequate finances for their education. But the latest in lending alternatives might surprise you. Some private companies are utilizing the social networking phenomenon to aid students in their quest for financial aid.
Sites like Fynanz provide "peer-to-peer" lending services for students and private lenders alike. Students are encouraged to create a profile indicating their educational and personal goals, as well as their anticipated finances. Individual lenders, whether private benefactors, family members, friends, or alumni, can contribute to students' loans in an interactive online marketplace.
According to this article about the twist on student loans from eSchoolNews.com, "Fynanz, which debuted in March and currently operates in 16 states, called itself the first such service to target student loans. The site evaluates students for credit risk and matches them with an individual investor or investors, who bid to finance the loans."
For more information about financial aid, go to eCollegeFinder's student loan page.
College is a time to grow, learn and… emulate the greats? Of course it is! Hollywood films have been glorifying the college experience for generations. From the newfound independence to the forum-type classes, every high school student couldn’t wait to move to universities after seeing any of the top 10 college movies.
1.Animal House – In 1962, the Delta house is the worst fraternity at Faber College, and Dean Wormer is determined to expel them for good, if only he can stop their hilarious hi-jinks from continuing. In the words of Dean Wormer, “Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.”
2. PCU – After pawning off a visiting high school senior on his housemate, Droz, a seven-year student at Port Chester University goes about his daily activities, which include disrupting a political rally and throwing meat at vegans. Most memorable is the worldly advice Droz gives to Tom, his visitor: “Well, here's all you need to know. Classes: nothing before eleven. Beer: it's your best friend, you drink a lot. Women? You're a freshman, so it's pretty much out of the question. Will you have a car? Someone on your floor will. Find them and make friends with them on the first day.”
3. Old School – After a bad break up with a cheating girlfriend, Mitch moves into a house on a college campus, a perfect solution to the problem his friends currently face: how to reclaim their college years while still being adults. As they create their own fraternity of students and middle-aged men, Mitch and his friends remind audiences of the glory days of college, “because this is a very big idea my friends. We're talking about a non-exclusive egalitarian brotherhood where community status and more importantly age have no bearing whatsoever.”
4. Revenge of the Nerds – This 1984 classic shows the degrees of vengeance nerds will go to to get back at the jocks who humiliate them. The high-tech warfare waged by Gilbert and Lewis at Adams College is just what’s needed for nerds everywhere to take back their freedom from the hands of all jocks. Jocks beware: “Those nerds are a threat to our way of life.”
5. Back to School – “When I used to dream about going to college, this is the way I always pictured it.” This is what Thornton Melon states just as he’s about to embark on his college experience – with his son! When millionaire Thornton Melon enrolls at university with his son, as a way to convince him that college is a good idea, no one expected him to become the Big Man on Campus, but is that the best way to pass college?
6. Rudy – Rudy spent his whole life dreaming about leaving his small mill town to play football for Notre Dame. Unfortunately he’s smaller than all of the other players, and his athletic skills are considered sub par. Rudy knows that “having dreams is what makes life tolerable,” and with endless energy and determination, Rudy makes his dreams become reality as he gets the chance of his lifetime to play for the Fightin’ Irish.
7. Dead Man on Campus – Cooper and Josh are in danger of flunking out of college. When they hear about an urban legend implying that any student whose roommate commits suicide receives straight A’s due to their grief, the twosome goes on a man hunt looking for the perfect roommate. Eventually, just like every other college student, they learn that “there's only one thing that can save you now. You need to study.”
8. Legally Blonde – After being dumped by the love of her life for not being serious enough, Elle Woods decides to show her ex just how wrong about her he is – by getting into Harvard Law School! Warner is surprised to see Elle at Harvard, not believing that she, of all people, would get in. When Elle glibly responds with, “What? Like it’s hard?” everyone knew she’d be the top dog in her graduating class. Though Harvard is a far cry from Beverly Hills, Elle is determined to come out on top.
9. Road Trip – Josh and Tiffany have been together practically forever, but when he makes an inappropriate tape with another girl and accidentally mails it to his girlfriend, hi-jinks ensue. Josh and his friends decide that that only way to stop Tiffany from seeing that tape is to take a road trip and get to the video before she does. Guys laughed through this movie as girls wondered, “Are there any guys out there who are just normal?”
10. Higher Learning – A group of students from a variety of races, religions, and backgrounds are forced to integrate as they all matriculate at Columbus University. All of them face adversity and discrimination in a multitude of forms. They learn, in the words of their professor (quoting Frederick Douglass) that “without struggle, there is no progress.”
If you think we missed something, or if you disagree with our choices, leave a comment to let us know what you think should be added or removed from this list!
According to a recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, distance education students may be in for an 'invasive' awakening.
A small portion of a 1,200-page Higher Education Act suggests that distance education providers must require spy cameras in students' homes.
Though the bill has not been voted on by Congress yet, few strong objections have been voiced.
In order to maintain the advantages of online education (taking classes anytime, anywhere), the bill outlines measures to decrease cheating. Some colleges have already embraced these efforts by reading students' fingerprints, installing Web cameras or recording keystrokes.
The proposed bill will certainly raise concerns regarding individual freedom versus institutions' ability to discourage and prevent cheating. We'd love to hear (read) your thoughts in the comment section below!
Since the Women's Movement, the number of women entering the work force has been steadily climbing - until this decade, that is. Economists chalked up the
decreasing number of working women to the motherhood movement just two or three years ago, when they first started to notice the decline. Originally thinking that many women were going home to take care of their children, economists are now saying that women are facing the same problems as men in the work place: layoffs, downturns, outsourcing, stagnating wages, and the prospect of an outright pay cut. Women leaving the work force in the same numbers and manner as men have potentially dangerous consequences for families and their lifestyles. These trends are just about the same in well- and less-educated women, married and never-married women, white and black women, and women with teens as well as women with children under 6 years old. As a result, women with an
associate's degree, or no degree at all, find themselves back at school in hopes of finding a higher paying job after graduation.
The federal government annually evaluates the rates for federal loans. Despite this year's dismal economy, the government has cut interest rates and fees for federal loans, putting more money back into the pockets of student borrowers. New rulings for specific loans and grants include the following:
Stafford Loans (subsidized):
New loans (the first pay out between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009) are offered with 6.0% interest.
Pre-exisiting Stafford loans taken out prior to July 1, 2006 and not yet entered into a loan consolidation program are offered a 4.1% interest rate, 3 points lower than its original 7.22% interest rate.
Stafford Loans (unsubsidized):
The maximum amount that an undergraduate can borrow in any one year is now $2,000.
Stafford Loans (both):
Total maxmimum loan limits for both unsubsidized and subsidized Stafford loans is $31,000 for students who claim dependent on a parent or guardian's tax return. For independent students, the loan amount has increased to $57,000.
TEACH Program:
The 2008-2009 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education program offers $4,000 to eligible students who teach
after graduation in schools serving low-income students.
Loan Forgiveness:
For
college graduates entering the public service industry, the government
has instituted a new loan forgiveness plan. Employment in this industry must be by one of the following: federal, state, local, or tribal government; the
military; the public school system; or non-for-profit organizations.
Find out more about student loans!
Former Vice President Al Gore is urging Americans to abandon the use of electricity generated by fossil fuels within the next decade and rely solely upon "
environmentally friendly sources of power, or risk losing their national security as well as their creature comforts." Gore recently gave a speech at an energy conference that reiterated the issues of Global Warming and Greenhouse emissions he made in his Oscar-winning documentary
An Inconvenient Truth as well as the potential risks national security faces should we continue using electricity as opposed to natural energy sources. His work to stop Global Warming, the former VP has also won a Nobel Prize.
We’ve all been there. Sitting online, staring at the Facebook page of someone we don’t even know, or shopping online when we’ve sworn we wouldn’t spend money until our next paycheck arrives, or just wasting time on our PCs. Like everybody else, we’re capable of partaking in idiotic activities online. When you to think of all of the silly things you’ve done online in the past, and you become red with embarrassment all over again. But then again, aren’t there some things you’d hands-down admittedly do online if you could? Like order a cheeseburger and have it delivered to you immediately by the internet gods to your hands? We’ve created a list of the “shoulds” and “should nots” of what to do online.
- Should: Be able to vote. Though election days are few and far between, the voting process would be so much easier if we didn’t have to scramble to make it to our district’s polls before they closed. Plus, who really feels a sense of privacy behind that flimsy curtain? As you stand there pondering which lever to pull, you’re worrying about the people in line behind you thinking you have no clue what you’re doing because you’re taking so long. Online voting not only eliminates the need to rush to the polls, but gives you a sense of privacy and anonymity. Online polls should be available through your e-mail provider and the sites of all major news papers.
- Should not: Spam. We’ve all received the “pass this on to find your true love” emails. Nobody likes them, yet somehow, despite a top of the line spam-blocker, they find their way into our inbox. Instead of racking your brain to come up with a list of friends, family and exes to forward these junk e-mails to, you could be more productive, spending more time playing Soduku and perusing tmz.com. Computer and internet programs should notice spammy e-mails as they’re being constructed and block them from being sent.
- Should: Renew expired drivers’ licenses. Just like going to the polls is a hassle on Election Day, heading over to the DMV to renew an expired or almost-expired license is no one’s cup of tea. Not only is it time-consuming to sit at the DMV for upwards of an hour before being helped, you always get that half-smile half-grimace from the person behind the console. License renewals online should be easy – fill out a quick form with your information and request that your current picture from the database remain on your new license or upload an appropriate one from your Facebook profile.
- Should not: E-mail or IM above a certain BAC. We aren’t allowed to drive with a Blood Alcohol Count above .08 for good reason: alcohol impairs judgment: Similarly, we shouldn’t be able to e-mail or IM when we’ve had too much to drink. What we drunkenly perceive to be casual flirting is in reality a bunch of gibberish with a few “I love you”s and “I miss you”s thrown in when they shouldn’t be. Just as your friends have learned to take your phone away from you, they should put locks on your computer to save you from embarrassing yourself with an ex or a current flame.
- Should: Be able to primp online. Finding time to get in a massive work-out or get a hair cut can be difficult when we work full time and prefer to spend our weekends relaxing with friends and family. And everybody dreams of having the body of their favorite celebrity whether it’s Madonna’s or Brad Pitt’s. How great would it be if we could get it all done online while we’re at work? Having the virtual you work out at the online gym or make an appointment with the internet esthetician could save us time, and money, and especially pain! Our virtual selves would do all the work while we reap the benefits: burn the calories, lose the weight and get the fabulous hair without having to miss work or family time.
- Should not: Be allowed to download bad music. It’s always so upsetting to learn that a friend has horrible taste in music, a curable addiction that is only being fed by the always-growing selection available on iTunes. And you would rather have your ears chopped off than listen to cheesy soft-rock songs on the radio when every other station seems to think that an over-abundance of commercials is just what their listeners want. There should definitely be a computer program that blocks the downloading and listening of bad music; this includes boy-band revivals and migraine-inducing heavy metal.
- Should: Enroll in an Online program. Though it's already available, earning your online degree is one of best uses of your time! Beginning a program online enables you to work at your own pace, complete the coursework from the privacy of your own home, and eliminates the extra finances associated with driving to an on-campus program or hiring a babysitter in order to get out of the house. Whether you're interested in business, teaching, healthcare, or technology, be sure to check out all available specialty areas available to find one thats right for you.
Foreign and American policies spilled into the world of education recently as three
Gazan Fullbright scholars were denied access into America by Israel, deeming them "too dangerous." The students, all former scholars or teaching assistants of the Islamic Univeristy of Gaza were denied entry into the US and had their awards revoked by Israel. The university is a stronghold of Hamas, the radical group currently in control of Gaza. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice publicly stated that the Fullbright program was a vital part of American policy and reinstated visas for the students. They are currently undergoing detailed security checks. Should foreign policies bar students from other countries from pursuing an American education?
Many students need financial assistance in order to pay for tuition. When considering student loans, there are many options including federal and private loans. Before applying for a loan, it is important to consider
which loan is right for you.
Federal Loans: The Options
- Stafford Loans: regulated by the government; usually accompanied by low interest rates; interest is paid until end of pre-determined grace period
- Perkins Loans:smaller than Stafford loans; must apply for a Pell grant first; interest rates generally around 5%, and payment period is negotiable
- PLUS Loans: not federally subsidized and therefore have higher interest rates
Parent PLU: these loans cover total amount of tuition; repayment is soley the parent's responsibility
Graduate PLUS: for those that are in graduate or professional-level degree programs, this loan is ideal; repayment is soley the graduate student's responsibility
Private Loans: The Options
- Loans given by private institutions, individual lenders, or banks
- These loans vary and eligibility is determined by the individual's creditworthiness
- Interest rates vary
- Payment period determined by individual lender; either payable immediately or payment upon graduation
Thousands of soon-to-be students are hunting for extra financial assistance for college tuition. Without a perfect SAT score or the ability to run a sub 4.5 forty yard dash, you might find your chances of securing a scholarship aren’t looking too bright. However, you might not realize that your odd talent or hobby may make you the perfect applicant for one of these 15 strange but real scholarships.
Oink, Oink
Has your room been compared to a sty? Are you comfortable living in a messy habitat? These aren’t requirements for a scholarship, but they are attributes of the creatures you care about – pigs! If you’re interested in creatures of the bovine persuasion, this is the scholarship for you; the International Boar Semen (IBS) Scholarship is available for those interested in swine management. For more information, visit piggene.com/IBS/ibs_home.htm
The Next Generation of . . . Klingons
Trekkies, leave your capes, figurines, posters and other memorabilia behind. Just bring, well, yourself! Klingon Language Institute, in an effort to promote language study, awards one lucky winner a $500 Kor Memorial Scholarship—but don’t worry, fluency in Klingon is not a requirement. Check out the requirements for this scholarship at: kli.org/scholarship/.
Think Tall Thoughts
You’ve got Michael Jordan’s stature but you’re about as agile as a water buffalo. That’s okay with Tall Clubs International! Males over 6’2” and females above 5’8” are encouraged to apply. The reward is no small (pun intended) amount either; Tall.org awards a whopping $1,000 scholarship to the winner. Find more info at: www.tall.org.
Yo, Shorti!
For the vertically challenged, the Billy Barty Foundation offers scholarships to students of “short stature”. Similarly, the Little People of America awards students – and their families – scholarships. To join, members must be 4’10” and shorter. Scholarship amounts range from $250 to $1000. Read all the requirements at: lpaonline.org
More Trans fat, please!
Say goodbye to the cabbage soup, grapefruit only, or south beach diets! The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance encourages “fat” people to apply for one of their two merit-based scholarships. The scholarships, offered to already-existing NAAF members, awards $1,000 for first place, while the second place prize is $500. For more fat-friendly information regarding the scholarships, go to: naafa.org/newevents/shcolarship.html
For the Herbivores
Calling all veggie-lovers around the world! Two health-conscious winners will be awarded $5,000 in scholarship money from the Vegetarian Resource Group. But be forewarned: unless you love your legumes, this scholarship is not for you. Eligible applicants must not only exemplify a healthy lifestyle, but also promote vegetarianism within their community too. For more information visit: vrg.org
Sk8 through School
Thanks to Tony Hawk and a few scrapes, bruises, and breaks, your skateboarding skills may have finally paid off. The Patrick Kerr Skateboard scholarship program awards four different scholarships each year. One applicant will receive a $5,000 college scholarship and three others will receive $1,000 awards. And your mother thought skateboarding would never get you anywhere! Requirements include maintaining at least a 2.5 out of 4.0 GPA, be a graduating senior, and a United States citizen. Be sure to read all the requirements skateboardscholarship.org
Bit of the Bubbly, Please
Finally, your weakness for wine might serve another purpose—besides the pounding morning-after headache. The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (AASEV) awards multiple students for enrolling in science fields relating to the grape and wine industry. The scholarship amount is not predetermined; it varies year to year. To read other requirements for this scholarship, go to: asev.org/scholarship-program.
Bowling for Dollars
Though those middle-school years of loitering around bowling alleys have ended, your talent for earning turkeys may finally be cashing in. The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) offers a range of scholarships, including the Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow that offers a $1,500 renewable scholarship for distinguished male high school bowlers and the Alberta E. Crow Star of Tomorrow that also offers $1,500 in renewable scholarship funds for great female high school bowlers. Read more at: bowl.com/smart/locateState.aspx
Got Milk?
The Scholar-Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year award is given to twenty-five graduating high school seniors who have what it takes to sport the famous milk mustache; winners receive $7,500 in scholarship funds. If that’s not enough, winners receive a special ad that runs in USA Today. If that’s not enough, winners receive an all-expense trip to an awards ceremony at Disney Wide World of Sports’ Milk House in Orlando, FL and an induction into the Milk House Hall of Fame. Check out applications at: sammy.bodybymilk.com
Offer an Organ
You signed up to be an organ donor when you received your license. Put that heart on your ID to use! The Students for Organ Donation Youth Leadership award one or two $500 to $1,000 scholarships to full-time high school or undergraduate college students. Successful candidates actively promote organ donation and transplantation. More criteria to apply for this scholarship can be found at: studentdonor.org
Tee It Up
You’ve seen them trudging up and down the greens, toting thirty pounds of iron on their backs, and offering tips to improve swings, distance and posture. Finally, they’re due their recognition; Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, founded in 1949, offers anywhere from $1,500 to $7,500 per year to caddies. Eligible applicants must have served at least two years as caddies, helpers in the pro shop or course superintendent operations at a club in Massachusetts. Read more information: ouimet.org/scholarships/
Color in the Lines
Did you meticulously color in the lines of your coloring books as a child? You may have graduated from crayons to acrylics, but the concept is the same: you’re an artist at heart. Established in 1983, the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrator of the Future contest awards both quarterly and annual scholarships, ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. Read more : writersofthefuture.com
Hot, Hot, Hot
You’ve heard it, those three little words…in case of a fire: stop, drop and roll to safety. Earning a scholarship from the American Fire Sprinkler Association is almost just as easy; AFSA offers ten $2,000 scholarships per year to graduating high school seniors. Requirements include reading an essay and taking an online (and open-book) test. Read more about this sizzling offer on: afsascholarship.org
Giddyup, cowboy!
The Arabian Horse Foundation offers an annual scholarship of $2,500 to one eligibly equine enthusiast. The scholarship, named in remembrance of William Zekan, is offered to horse lovers that demonstrate financial need, are currently either a high school senior or college freshman and can provide two letters of recommendation. For more eligibility criteria: arabianhorsefoundation.org