Interviews & the Image You Project

Soon you will be receiving responses from your scholarship applications. If you are a finalist, many organizations will invite you to an interview. Not only is it critical to remember what you wrote on your personal statement, but you should do some research on the group that is offering the scholarship. Know their purpose and philosophy. Why was their organization created?

The way you dress and the image that you project is very important. Dress as though you are being interviewed for a professional job. Put away the jeans and skimpy spaghetti strap tops. It is best to lean toward the conservative side. Cover any tattoos; remove obvious piercings; and minimize unusual hair coloring.

Body language is very telling. Walk in with a smile; give a strong handshake; make eye contact; and express enthusiasm. You must be yourself, but be your best and positive self.

Remember, you want to be selected for their award. They are looking for a good investment for their money and someone who will be a future leader in the community. Like it or not, people do judge you by the way you look and act.

To My Students

Today is a lab day in the Career Center. See you there.

Eve-Marie

Are You Motivated?

Be sure that you are enrolling in college for the right reasons. Unless you are motivated, the most prestigious school with the highest tuition will not provide the education that you are seeking.

If you are pursuing your passion, and not just hoping for a high paying career, nothing can stop you from being successful. You must be following your dream and not what others tell you that you should do. You are the only one who can prioritize your interests.

Private School Education

4. "Would the money be better spent on private high school education? Take a look at the gap between private and public college education, and then look at the gap in your area between private and public high school education. Where would your money be best spent?"

5. "Are the graduates getting jobs or into graduate school?" I would never encourage my children to attend any school that considered employment beneath their concerns. This applies to both private and public institutions."

"What does your student need? What can you afford? What is your motivation? Think about it...and make a wise investment."

Will S. Keim

Now, more than ever, is the time to think seriously about the cost of going to college. It is my belief that most students receive an excellent education by doing their lower division classes at a community college and completing upper division at a four-year institution.

Save your money to attend the best graduate school that you can afford. It is the graduate degree that prospective employers will be looking at.

If you are offered full tuition at a top college or university, by all means go for it. BUT, look ahead at how many years it will take you to pay off student loans. My son, who is 47, still has $50,000 in student loans. Yes, he went to the finest schools (University of Santa Clara and Thunderbird) but as you mature, life presents new responsibilities and student loans become a tremendous burden.

For My Class

Remember, today we meet in the Career Transfer Center.

Can You Afford it?

3. "Can you afford it? Can your student afford it? Be really careful as you look at financial aid packages. Grants mean something akin to scholarships, work-study means you work for the cash on campus, loans are loans. Dissect the package and ask yourselves, "Is this education worth being $40,000+ in debt at the end of four to five years?"

Will S. Keim

Choosing a College

2. "What percentage of entry-level classes are taught by Ph.D's or terminal degree holders (i.e. J.D., M.D. CPA, etc.)? This is the area where the private schools usually hold the edge. There is a huge dropout problem after the first year of college life. Will your student be receiving the kind of instruction that will make him or her want to return to the university?"

Will S. Keim