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This video gives Running Start at Clark College information to River HomeLink students. Information covered is testing and eligibility.

The importance of a college education has been stressed more times than you would care to hear.

Whether you look at it from a practical angle or in terms of a sense of accomplishment, it still better to have stepped into a reputable college and graduate with a degree, rather than being merely out of high school and applying for an easy or quick earning job which is not guaranteed to give you a lifetime career.

In addition, it would not hurt to give yourself, and your parents something that they can be proud of, which is a college degree, something that is invaluable.

If you are a student out of high school, you would be so busy with filling up your college application forms and composing your entrance essays as you reach the end of the school year.

Your curriculum vitae would be even more impressive once you get into a reputable college. Thus, it would not hurt to think about getting into a top ranking college of your choice.

As early as the first day of your last year in high school, you can make plans and prepare so that you can get into the college of your choice. Here are some tips for you to follow:

1. Make a list of all the top ranking colleges and universities that you want to get into.

If you do not have an idea of what you will major in yet, you can put your dream school on top of your list. Then, put on second, third to nth place the colleges which offer some related fields that catch your interest.

2. Once you have a ‘target college’, research and review the requirements.

A general rule for colleges is to admit a prospective student who has graduated from high school in the past five years. If you go straight from high school to college, then this should not be a problem for you.

Another requirement is to pay an application fee. Remember that this fee cannot be refunded, even if you do not get into the college after taking the entrance exams.

3. Study hard and invest in having good grades if you want to get into the school of your choice.

If you plan on taking up medicine, or if you dream on going to law school, you can never study hard enough. It does not hurt to be overly prepared. After all, it is your future which is at stake so it is a good thing to really study and prepare for your college education.

If, for example, you plan to go into law school, you need to take your undergraduate degree at top schools like Yale, Princeton or Harvard.

Prior to the college entrance exams, make sure that your grade point average is acceptable and good enough to get into such reputable colleges and universities.

With these tips in mind, you can be on your way to getting into a top ranked college and start studying for that ever-important college degree.

The average cost of a college education increases every year, and is expected to continue doing so in coming years. However, the benefits of obtaining a college education far exceed the costs. An October 26, 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report states that in 2004, people with only a high school diploma had average annual earnings of $28,645, while adults with a bachelor’s degree raked in an average of $51,554. With the prospect of significantly higher lifetime earnings made possible by a college degree, it is easy to see why so many Americans are willing to make the investment despite the soaring cost of college. As students enter college and take the first step toward a promising financial future, they are also faced with budgeting for the hidden fees and costs that will inevitably arise. When it comes to funding a college education, whether it is through a grant, student loan, or income, paying tuition is just the beginning. Budgeting for these hidden costs will help you avoid financially straining surprises along the way:

-Textbooks and other necessary supplies. The price of textbooks can be summed up in one word: expensive. It is not uncommon for students to spend $400 and up for the books they need for one semester, so failing to plan for such costs is a major mistake. Adding to the cost, some classes require materials in addition to textbooks, such as a portable memory drive, a specific calculator, art supplies and the like. These costs are of course in addition to the basics you will need to have on hand at all times—notebook paper, pens and pencils, notebooks and binders.

-Deposits and start up fees for services. If you are moving into a new apartment or house, there will likely be deposits and other initial fees to begin utility services such as electricity, water, cable and telephone, all in addition to the deposit for leasing the residence. Speak with utility providers in advance to determine exactly what fees you will owe and when. If needed, inquire about payment options; some utility companies are willing to divide start up fees over a couple of months to make deposits more affordable.

-Your own upkeep. So you have allowed funds for food in your budget, great! But there are other costs associated with college living that many new students neglect to consider, such as laundry. If you will be using a common laundry facility, all those quarters can really add up! Also consider the cost for items such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, razors, and any other items that you will purchase on a regular basis.

-Entertainment. Let’s face it—for most students, being in college is not just about academics. As long as your other bases are covered, allow some room in your budget for pleasure. Concerts, movies and other social temptations will inevitably arise, and allowing for them in your budget is a good way to avoid spending money that is designated for something else, like food.

In college or not, being confronted with unexpected expenses is a part of life. The benefits of having an emergency fund to which you contribute on a regular basis cannot be overemphasized. Smart financial decisions, such as developing a thorough budget that accounts for hidden costs and saving for unexpected expenses, will put you on track to enjoy the enduring financial benefits that arise from a college education.

Did you know that the United States Department of Education allotted a $60 billion budget for low-cost student loans this year?

Out of this amount, $82 billion will be assigned for college grants, loans and other financial assistance for students.

This is an astounding leap, making it possible for 10 million students to benefit from government-financed aids, according to Secretary Margaret Spellings.

Your parents can never stress enough the importance of your college education. As early as the day that you were born, they were already saving up for your future.

Looking at it from a practical point, first, studies show that a college graduate has the potential to earn more in the workplace as compared to somebody who just came out of high school. Second, a college education is invaluable and cannot be taken away from you.

However, with the rising costs of college education – if your family is not that well-off – your parents might not have saved enough to send you to college. One of the options that you have is to get a private college loan. The disadvantage of personal loans is that they need to be repaid.

A college grant, on the other hand, is like any other financial aid provided by the government which does not need to be paid back.

Thus, it is better to take advantage of the federal aids and grants provided by the government to help you have a college degree. Take a look at the following grants that you can obtain:

1. Federal Pell Grant Program

This is the most common form of federal grants available to help finance your college degree. It is awarded to undergraduate students and may be used alongside other college grants and financial aids.
The amount of Pell Grant money given to a student depends on the cost tuition fees, books, room and board and transportation, as well as the financial capacity and size of the applicant’s family, and whether the applicant is a part-time or full time student.

2. Academic Competitiveness Grant

This government financial aid for college students will provide as much as $750 for your first year in college. For your second year of undergraduate study, you can be awarded an amount of $1,300.

You are qualified to apply for this grant if you have completed a rigorous program in high school. The most important requirement is for you to qualify for a Federal Pell Grant.

3. National SMART Grant
SMART stands for Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent. This grant is provided for third and fourth year students who are also eligible for the Pell Grant.

To qualify for the National SMART Grant, you should be enrolled in an Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science or Critical Foreign Languages major. There are other related majors which will qualify you for National SMART grant.

4. SEOG or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. The SEOG is granted to undergraduate students and is based on the applicant’s financial need. Just like the Federal Pell Grant, this can be combined with other financial aids for college. The usual amount given is about $1000.

5. Individual Grants Provided by different Colleges and Universities. You can also go to the college or university of your choice and ask about the grants that they offer for qualified students.

Another important thing to remember before applying for any college grant is that you need to fill up a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the FAFSA form.

If you are nearing your high school graduation and you just can not wait to pack off your bags and head off to college, make sure to check out all of the available college grant options that you have to help kick your way off to getting that ever-important college degree.