Take a Break from the Break: Be Productive between Semesters

If you’re a college student, you may listen to “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” and hear "It's the Most Hectic Time of the Year!" You just finished juggling finals, projects, papers, and presentations with your life and holiday plans. All I wanted to do was eat, sleep, and have myself a merry little Christmas when I put down my pen after my last final. Though it's difficult to find motivation during your much-needed break, it's advantageous to spend some of your time planning for the upcoming semester. Here are a few proactive, productive steps to take during your R&R:

Create a SuccessFund

During undergrad, I received a letter every year around Christmastime informing me of the tuition and fees increases the board of trustees had approved. It never failed to put a damper on my otherwise favorite time of year. Creating a SuccessFund is a great way to get a gift you'll really use—your funds can go toward a range of educational costs from tuition to study abroad. It’s an easy gift for family members who are separated by distance or are unsure of what to get you. They’ll feel good contributing to your education and their gift is meaningful in your life. Through SuccessFunding, your great-aunt can donate toward your dream of studying in France. Wouldn't you rather enjoy a croissant in lieu of her holiday fruit cake?

Do Your Research

This is the perfect opportunity to look out into the horizon and evaluate your life. When I say "do your research", I don't mean thesis or research paper sorta research. Do life research. Which grad school would be the best fit for you? What apartment complexes have a good reputation and the amenities you want? What classes will you have to take and GPA will you have to maintain to get into that program you're interested in? During the spring semester you'll be charged with making decisions left and right. Start researching and thinking about your options now so you'll be ready to make a choice when the time comes.

Apply

You have more time now than you will in the midst of next semester. Take this opportunity to apply for all the programs and opportunities you’re interested in. Once you factor in class, your social life, involvement in organizations, job, etc. it’ll be much harder to write a required essay or ask for a letter of recommendation during the semester. If you're not quite ready to apply, take a prep class for a grad school admissions exam (GRE, MCAT, LSAT, etc.), work on your resume, etc. so you'll be able to apply soon.

Now's Your Chance—Send that Email

Do you need a career counselor's help with your resume? Is the 4th edition of the textbook really necessary for your sociology class or will the 3rd suffice? There are probably professors, advisers, and other staff on campus who you have questions for or need assistance from. Now may be the best time to email them with your questions or ask for their help. Their life has likely slowed down between semesters just like yours has. Allow them to have their time off; don't contact them before January 1st. There's no guarantee they'll respond. They might be playing catch-up, teaching an intersession class, or taking a vacation from email during their break. However, any headway you make or resolution you get now will lighten your load in the spring.

by: Paige Witthar

Student Debt Urban Myths: Part III

Community College

Community colleges play an imperative role in the communities they serve. They fulfill a variety of educational needs for students from a range of backgrounds, offering continuing education and certificate programs in addition to associate’s degrees. However, as our national student debt escalates, community college is becoming an attractive option for those planning to continue on to a bachelor's degree too. Many name community college as the quick-fix to the student debt crisis. Is it?

This post may very well be the most controversial installment in the series. However, it’s important I address community colleges because they are often cited as the go-to solution to the student debt crisis. From the get-go I want to make it clear that I appreciate community colleges, and I don’t want to undermine their value and place in American higher education. I am grateful for the community college in my hometown and the roles it played in my life. I took violin lessons at the college for seven years and began my freshman year of college with many credits already fulfilled because I took dual credit classes through the community college during high school. To the myth believer’s credit, community colleges are usually the cheaper alternative to the same credits at universities. However, community and junior colleges are not direct substitutes for four-year institutions.

Fact: community colleges do not confer bachelors or graduate degrees. Mark Kantrowitz, Senior Vice President and Publisher of Edvisors, stated in an interview, “Starting off at a community college may save money, but that’s a detour that may cause you to miss your destination. Community colleges are great if you want to get an Associate’s degree or certificate. But among students who intended to obtain a Bachelor’s degree, only about a fifth of those who started at a 2-year institution succeeded in getting a Bachelor’s degree within six years. That compares with two thirds of students who started off at a 4-year institution.” I’m not trying to confuse correlation with causation; an astute student isn’t going to lose any academic prowess by attending a two-year school. However, they have more ducks to line in a row in order to earn their bachelor's degree in the same time. Furthermore, the financial benefits of community college can be negated when it takes additional time (and additional funds) to complete a four-year degree.

What are you looking to get out of your college experience? Universities and community colleges offer different trade-offs. Community colleges offer the same lower-level classes universities do for less per credit hour, and many students choose to live at home which saves money. They also give students the opportunity to improve their academic record so they can try to gain admission into universities they may have been unable to get into earlier. Additionally, they can offer a more relaxed setting for college students to take core classes and explore potential fields to choose as a major. Universities have academic opportunities community colleges don't like involvement in research and study abroad opportunities. A program allowed me to enroll in a class comprising of mainly juniors and seniors as a first-year student. There are many more extracurricular opportunities at universities with more widespread involvement because universities foster student life. Community colleges serve the community; universities create a campus community.

When evaluating the two financially, community colleges usually beat out four-year colleges and universities. But I'm a proponent of anyone seeking higher education no matter where that may be. Some people start out at a community college or take classes online because it's the best fit for their situation. Some people start out at a public or private university because it's the best fit for their academic and career ambitions. There's room for both and a need for both.


by: Paige Witthar

Other Resources: Breakthrough Collaborative outlines why it focuses on four-year colleges and universities instead of community colleges.

Student Debt Urban Myths: Part II

Don’t Want Student Debt? Pick a Different Major.

People frequently question a student's choice of major in discussions about the student debt crisis. I commonly see comments like “don’t take out student loans for a degree in underwater basket weaving,” when perusing articles' comment sections. There are inherent inequities when comparing college majors, including differences in expected salaries and employment rates. Additionally, the salary potential and employability of specific degrees make them easier to repay student debt. However, are Millennials really any more "impractical" than any other generation in their choice of studies? And more importantly, is it a good idea to choose your major based on the current marketplace demand and salary for a degree?

Millennials May Be More “Practical” than Your Generation

Though Millennials take the brunt of this criticism since we consist the current college-aged and young adult population, statistics paint a different story. I plotted NCES (National Center for Educational Statistics) data on the distribution of degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions over the course of 40 years. The most dramatic changes you notice are the staggering increase in students with degrees in Other Fields and the plummet of Education degrees. Traditionally "impractical fields" (Humanities & Social Sciences) are equally or less popular than they were in the early 1970s. While degrees in Business and Computer Science & Engineering are less popular than they were in the 80s and early 90s, they have increased since the 1970s. Our interests and career goals aren't any less practical or more outlandish than those of generations who came before us—there are more of us getting degrees (more than double those awarded 40 years ago). Because of this, we are not being absorbed into the job market as easily and in the same way earlier generations were.

Click here to see the data in table form.

*Other Fields include "Agriculture and natural resources; Architecture and related services; Communication, journalism, and related programs; Communications technologies; Family and consumer sciences/human sciences; Health professions and related programs; Homeland security, law enforcement, and firefighting; Legal professions and studies; Library science; Military technologies and applied sciences; Parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies; Precision production; Public administration and social services; Transportation and materials moving; and Not classified by field of study."

Should the Marketplace Dictate Students' Majors?

Your view on this topic largely boils down to your educational philosophy—whether you’re in the “Follow Your Heart” camp or “Show Me the Money” camp. Do you think a liberal arts education or one focused on a student's chosen discipline is better? I believe college students should educate themselves on the potential pitfalls of their desired career (the projected growth of the industry or discipline, the anticipated salary, saturation of talent, and the barriers and timeline for advancement). One major drawback of many careers is the size of student loan payments in comparison to each month's paycheck. However, choosing a major based on current in-demand fields is also flawed. Positions that are readily available and pay well now may very well become a saturated or nonexistent industry by the time new college grads retire 45 or 50 years after graduation. You've heard Confucius's quote, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life". As the hours in a workweek continue to grow and the age of retirement rises, choose a job you don't love, and it may seem like you're working every day for the rest of your life.

by: Paige Witthar

Student Debt Urban Myths: Part I

Read almost any news publication for a few weeks and you’re bound to come across an article related to the student debt crisis; read it online, and you’ll find comments just as discouraging as the information relayed in the original article. Sometimes I find myself speeding to these opinion mines to see what people more removed from the situation than I—a 22-year-old, recent college grad who blogs about this stuff—have to say about student debt. What do I find? Blanket solutions and disparaging of millennials. I don’t place blame on one institution for the student debt crisis and therefore don’t expect one person to take responsibility for solving it. However, I believe it's important to clear up some common misconceptions or "student debt urban myths" in order to create a foundation to build viable solutions.

Student Debt Myth I:

Exorbitant Student Loans are Due to a Lack of Parental Foresight or Student Responsibility

Take shelter! This is going to be a Chicken Little blog post. Are you the plan-ahead parent who has saved for your child’s education since they were named and footprinted? According to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data you should probably be saving much, much more than you already are. Based on the most recent NCES statistics on the cost of college (the average undergraduate tuition+fees+room & board for full-time students in the 12-13 school year), a year of college costs $20,234. This would require an extra $4,500 budgeted annually from birth until a child's 18th birthday to save enough for a four-year college education. An 18-year-old entering school in the 12-13 school year was born in 1993 or 1994. In the 93-94 school year, college only cost $12,549 (in 12-13 dollars) or $7,931 at the time. It's difficult to plan for such a steep increase when looking into your financial crystal ball.

Maybe you haven’t been able to set money aside because you’re living paycheck to paycheck like many Americans. Or you believe your kid should be the one with skin in the game; after all, it’s their education. Either way, they won’t be able to cut it without financial aid. In 1993 and 1994, minimum wage was $4.25 and college cost an average $7,931 for the 93-94 school year. A college student could pay for college by manning the fryer. Working full-time at minimum wage for 47 weeks could cover college expenses. Today’s college student isn’t so lucky. With a $7.25 minimum wage and college costs of $20,234 in the 12-13 school year, they can’t pay for college as a full-time employee. It would take 1.34 years (70 40-hour work weeks) to pay for one year of school, and that’s before taking taxes out of their paychecks.

The disparity between the cost of college and the abilities of students and parents to pay for it is creating a dependence on financial aid. Financial aid is becoming a necessity for a college education. Everybody needs a scholarship but there isn’t one for everybody. When scholarships aren't there, grants aren't there, and savings aren't there, student loans are there—all leading to the creation of a more than 1 trillion dollar storm.

Statistics Used:

Average undergraduate tuition and fees and room and board rates charged for full-time students in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by level and control of institution: 1963-64 through 2012-13

Historical Income Tables: Households
-Table H-3. Mean Household Income Received by Each Fifth and Top 5 Percent

Federal Minimum Wage Rates: 1955-2013

Could the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Reveal the Secret to a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign?

At least once a year, a video; song; meme; etc. seemingly comes from nowhere to reach elite Internet virality—remember Tebowing or Gangnam Style? It's nice to see the ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Ice Bucket Challenge has successfully combined a phenomenon with increased awareness and donations for the ALS Association. If your crowdfunding campaign is collecting dust somewhere in the cobwebbed portion of the Internet, try using these Ice Bucket Challenge takeways to revive your fundraiser.

Attract Attention

Be original. Be funny. Tell a story. A potential supporter or backer needs to feel personally invested in order to donate to a crowdfunding campaign. Think about the reasons you watch a video or read an article and emulate the same qualities in your own campaign. Make sure the information you provide is purposeful. Every word, picture, or video should work to answer the question "Why should I donate?"

Awareness Precedes Donations

The odds are against your campaign being unearthed if it's currently dormant, and donations won't roll in if it isn't getting any hits. You're job isn't done when you create a profile—it's just starting. The Ice Bucket Challenge's success is perpetuated by its presence on every social media platform and news source. Devise a plan to get your campaign in front of as many eyes as possible. Use every social media profile and communication tool you have to promote your campaign.

Trends Are Fueled (and Sustained) Through Sharing

Sharing is caring, especially online. Think about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge—the nomination component of the challenge is its lifeblood. You can similarly enlist your friends to spread your crowdfunding campaign's reach. Also think about ways you can make your campaign "share worthy" through the creativity of others. The simple premise of the Ice Bucket Challenge invites participants to create their own spin. The challenge wouldn't be as enthralling if all videos were cookie-cutter.

An Open Letter to the Class of 2018

A few weeks ago, I had lunch with a college freshman attending my alma mater. The meeting made me think, “What would I tell those gearing up to start the journey I just finished?” It doesn’t take much scouring of the Internet to find tips for incoming college freshmen, so I decided to pen a letter in lieu of a Buzzfeed-esque list. In the midst of move-in day and starting classes, I hope my guidance helps you get your bearings.

College Freshmen of the World,

We pass the torch to you. We leave our alma maters to your capable minds and zealous hearts. Our “masterpiece” is your doodle pad. You must have seen something special in our school when you chose to apply and attend it. Preserve the strides of those who came before you but don’t let the accomplishments of your school's titans intimidate your own experiments and creations.

College is your oyster—craft your own undergraduate experience. Take interest-piquing classes, join organizations, learn a new language, use the services available to you, make friends in a variety of social settings, explore the town or city surrounding your school, or study in a country you’ve never been. Don't buy into the portrayals of college you've seen. Mean Girls and Ferris Bueller's Day Off didn't reflect your high school experience, and your college experience won't adhere to the movies you've seen or stories you've heard. Be the person you want to be.

Look beyond the classroom for learning experiences. You'll learn what you value in your living environment from your good and bad roommates; your conflicting social, school, and career interests will force you to evaluate your priorities; and new friendships will be nurtured while older ones may wither. I thought I knew who I was before I went off to college, but I now realize my sense of self was interrelated with the context of my childhood: the house I grew up in, my family and friends, etc. I developed a more nuclear understanding of myself during college. Your college years will be transformative ones as well.

The campus before you is the product of generations of students, faculty, administrators, and staff—never forget you’re both fulfilling a legacy and creating your own.

Paige Witthar
Class of 2014

SuccessFunding: A Real Answer for Students

Student loans are viewed as the universal solution to disparities in college expenses and student finances, but as one of my marketing professors used to say, “One size fits all fits no one well.” Alarming student debt statistics and news stories have shown student loans to be as much of a problem as they are a solution. I recently read a MSN Money article by Maryalene LaPonsie highlighting options for those overwhelmed by student loan payments. While the article is a good resource for current repayers, current or soon-to-be college students can benefit from researching the alternatives available to them now rather than the options available once weighted down with student debt.

There are only two ways to combat the student debt crisis: make college less expensive or create alternatives to student loans. The cost of education will continue to rise unless there is an overhaul of the system—that will take time. However, innovators are creating new options for financing higher education expenses. Crowdfunding is no longer just for the arts and inventions—it’s for college students too through SuccessFunding. SuccessFunding acts as a preventive measure against student debt. Students create a profile on SuccessFunding and leverage their network to crowdfund higher education expenses. Donors on the site can be assured that all funds raised go to the student's 529 account, a savings plan designated for higher education. SuccessFunding goes beyond paying for tuition. Students can raise funds for study abroad, books, on-campus housing, etc.   

The traditional criticism of student borrowers is they're pursuing an education they know they can't afford. This argument downplays the role of the incremental and unexpected costs of getting a degree. When you're offered a financial aid package as a high school senior you're given one year of financial information on which to make a four-year financial decision. The most disheartening surprise I had in college was the growing gap between the tuition & fees and my financial aid package every year. I retained my scholarships throughout college but tuition, fees, and room & board increased annually. Meanwhile, my grants were cut and there were few school scholarships open to application. Most scholarship money was appropriated to students based on their admission materials and renewed every year. Federal loans, which conveniently increased in amount each year, seemed to be the only option for mending the gap. Student loans are no longer the sole option for students. Student loans offer a temporary solution with a looming consequence. SuccessFunding provides a real answer.

by: Paige Witthar

Before the Grace Period Ends

If you graduated in May or June, you’re likely like me—one of the 7 in 10 students in the Class of 2014 with student loans—and you may be equally celebrating your completion of college and dreading paying back your student loans. Graduation day may have been the best day of your life so far but the repayment countdown clock began the minute you received your diploma. Never fear recent grads, I’ve investigated paying back Federal student loans. Here are steps we can take to prepare for the day the grace period ends:

Develop a Personal Finance Style

Graduating changes your financial circumstances. If you’re starting your first salaried position, you’re likely dealing with new financial variables. No matter where you fell on the frugality scale in the past, this is a good time to reevaluate your relationship with money and start setting goals. There is no lack of advice on personal finance—follow columns, read blogs, and buy or check out books. If you have a financial adviser or trust someone's financial advice, develop a game plan with their help. There’s no perfect method for handling your personal finances—the right way is being cognizant and in control of your money.

Your Education Continues

“It’s 10 pm. Do you know where your children are?” The public service announcement you may really need is, “It’s less than six months before your student loan payments start. Do you know who your loan servicer(s) is?” It’s been years since you’ve signed some of your promissory notes and you may not remember the terms and conditions associated with each loan. Channel the skills college helped you develop by educating yourself on what you signed. If you haven’t completed exit counseling yet do it ASAP; it will give you much of the information you need. Additionally, Project On Student Loan Debt's Top 10 Student Loan Tips for Recent Graduates is a great starting point for sorting out your student loan situation.

Spend Time Considering the Best Repayment Plan for You

Federal Student Aid lists the details and eligibility for each repayment plan. If at all possible, choose the plan with the least interest accrued over the course of ten or twenty-five years. It may not seem like the salary accompanying your entry level career will go far, but you don’t want your student loans to compete with the increased financial responsibilities you’ll likely incur in your personal life while advancing in your career, not to mention inflation. Pay more principal now and save yourself interest in the long run.

Start "Employing" Your Money

During my junior and senior year, I was responsible for paying the apartment-related expenses my roommates and I split. I opened a separate checking account dedicated to depositing my roommates’ share of the expenses and paying the bills. I’m now using the same account to build a nest egg to pay for my student debt. Giving your money a job description by budgeting it. Budgeting for your student loan payments will ensure you have more funds to dedicate to your financial responsibilities.

Find New Ways to Chip Away

You can use innovative or not-so-creative ways to supplement your income and pay down your debt faster. Here are a few ideas:

I remember digging into my change to pay for a sandwich about a year ago when a customer behind me commented it was cool to see someone actually use change. I didn’t realize it was passé. Money seems to spend itself faster in the form of plastic rather than paper. Another benefit of "going green" is the change. Collecting coins in a spare change jar can add up—in fact, I went to the bank with $115 worth of change last week. I also get a weird rush out of selling “stuff”. I’ve bought and sold books on Ebay’s Half.com for years. I also use Craigslist (carefully) and Facebook Buy and Sell groups to sell furniture and household items I don’t need. My newest financial find is Ibotta, a phone app where you can earn rebates for buying everything from groceries to clothes and movie tickets. Once you reach a $5 credit you can cash out by transferring the funds to your PayPal account.

by: Paige Witthar

School’s Not Out for the Summer

Is your summer going to have more homework than pool time? The school year may normally fall between August and May but there are advantages to taking classes during your summer months. Here are four reasons you made a good decision by spending your summer studying:

Your Plans are Made Possible

Do you need to get in a nearly impossible combination of classes to finish your collection of degrees, majors, and minors? Summer sessions and intersessions enable you to achieve your educational goals. Summer classes also relieve pressure from your fall and spring semesters—you have more room than eight semesters to fit in your needed classes.

New Experiences

Sometimes summer terms offer you opportunities you don’t have during the fall or spring. Two years ago, I spent June at the SMU-in-Taos campus. Both courses I took—Aquatic Biology and a management course—were taught by professors who don't normally teach undergraduate classes at SMU. My management professor only teaches MBA students during the school year and my biology professor teaches at a university in South Carolina. Both classes took advantage of our campus's location. My management class took a field trip to Taos Pueblo, and we waded in streams to collect and study fly larvae in Aquatic Biology.   

I was also a marketing intern for the Town of Taos during the term. In my internship, I promoted tourism to the town through a Facebook contest for a customized Taos vacation. I also forged friendships with other students I would have likely never met on SMU's main campus during the school year. Looking back, my month in Taos was my favorite undergraduate experience.

Complete a Semester in a Month

Have you ever been burnt out by a semester shortly after midterms? Month-long summer terms are a quarter of the length of normal semesters and intersessions in May and August are even shorter. Though your classes meet longer, their pace ensures the semester doesn't drag on. Furthermore, summer classes can save you money since they are often less expensive than the same credit hours taken during the spring or fall.


Graduate Sooner Rather than Later

This point feeds off of "It Makes Your Plans Possible"—taking classes over the summer can make it possible to graduate a semester or whole year early, allowing you to save money and start your career or postgraduate plans sooner. Similarly, if you won't be able to finish your credits to graduate in May, summer courses allow you to graduate in August instead of December or the following May. 

by: Paige Witthar

Graduation Inspiration

Graduation season is upon us. During May and early June, families flock to stadiums and auditoriums to witness the turning of tassels and the disbursement of hard-earned, expensive pieces of paper. One of the most anticipated traditions of a college graduation is the speech given by the commencement speaker. As a spectator of several speeches at my own graduation festivities earlier this month, I know graduation speeches can foster curiosity and provide a moment of introspection.

Just like a good Chicken Soup for the Soul story or an intriguing TED talk, a graduation speech can provide needed inspiration. NPR has collected and classified over 300 commencement speeches, many of which include videos. So take a few minutes and listen to the advice of your favorite comedian, politician, author, or business leader.





Here's one of my favorites, Conan O’Brien’s speech at Dartmouth's 2011 Commencement:


by: Paige Witthar

Take out fewer loans and increase your opportunities on campus (Michael)

SF: Tell us about yourself?
MP: My name is Michael Pittman and I'm a junior at SMU majoring in Engineering Management and Information Systems. I am from Denton, TX and I am a member of SuccessFunding!

SF: What is your biggest challenge in college?
MP:  Biggest challenge was adjusting to the lifestyle balance. College provides a lot of freedom and opportunity, but it is important to remain focused on the goals you set out to accomplish.

SF: Are you impacted by student loans & debt?
MP: Yes. I have thousands upon thousands of dollars in student loan debt.

SF: What would you do if you didn’t have any student debt?
MP: I would have considered opportunities like studying abroad for a semester or for a summer if I didn't have student loan debt. But I did not want to dig myself into a bigger financial hole.

SF: Who is your hero and why?
MP: My father. He is a great example of a man, and he has taught me how to treat people with respect and class.

SF: If you could change one thing about your education system, what would it be and why?
MP: Well, my education at SMU is currently at $61,768 a year... so I'd probably start with that lol

SF: What would you suggest to students who are facing student debt?
MP:  I'd tell them to use SuccessFunding as an opportunity to take out fewer loans and increase their opportunities on campus and beyond!

The New College Try

I can’t pinpoint the source or place & time I first heard the adage “give it the old college try” but what matters is that it stuck. I’ve long associated “the old college try” with Norman Rockwell’s illustration of leaving for college in his 1954 painting “Breaking Home Ties”. The painting depicts a first-generation college student waiting with his working-class father for a train to arrive and deliver him to “State U”. Thus the “old college try” not only represented approaching challenges with zeal but leaving home behind for the promising unknown.

But the image of college has changed as decades have passed. Today, illuminated apples on MacBooks watch a professor’s lecture instead of eyes. My grandfather’s Rockwellian college experience is very different than the campus and classrooms I’ve known the last four years. If our Norman Rockwell image is antiquated, than what constructs the “new college try”?

Carpe Diem

In “Dead Poets Society”, Robin Williams urges his students, “Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? - Carpe - hear it? – Carpe, Carpe Diem, seize the day…” The same advice resonated in the 1950s but I would argue it’s more crucial today. A smaller portion of the population had graduated from college then which made holding a college degree a trump card. Today, it’s all about distinguishing yourself from the pack—and everyone’s trying to do it. Modern college experiences often involve double or triple majors; minors and concentrations; Greek life; and infinite programs, clubs and associations, and study abroad opportunities. Acceptance into grad school or the extension of an entry level job offer rely on seizing the opportunities you have as an undergraduate.

With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility

Technology is your friend, except when it isn’t. I’m so thankful I’m in college now when resources are digitized, collaboration is made easier by Google Docs and Dropbox, and studying is aided by professors’ PowerPoints and eBooks. However, anyone who has spent at least five minutes in a college lecture the last few years knows the distraction potential a laptop, tablet, and smart phone possess. Genuine engagement in a discussion or lesson is much more valuable than most people realize. You may not immediately reap the rewards of your focus, but it’s easier to seek help in office hours or get a letter of recommendation from a professor when you’re one of the few making eye contact and asking questions during lectures.

Adapt. Adapt. Adapt.

One of the beauties of college is that every semester is different. One of the misfortunes of college is that every semester is different. You can have a perfect schedule one semester—waking up at 10:30 am, loving all of your classes, and have a thriving social life—and then you’re in 8:00 am’s, overextended, and always stressing about assignments the next one. Adaptation is often the biggest source of personal growth while you’re an undergrad. College can be an exciting, adult-making factory—you’re hit with juggling marginally more responsibility semester after semester, and by the time you’re out, you resemble a self-responsible taxpayer. Don’t fight adaptation, embrace it.

by: Paige Witthar

Surviving the Other March Madness

It’s the second week of the tournament and you've lost your shot at the $1 billion perfect bracket, but if you’re a high school senior you might be experiencing a more nerve-wracking March Madness—hearing back from the colleges you have applied to. Will you experience the elation of an underdog victory over a much higher seed (getting into your reach)? Will you be disappointed by an upset (getting rejected by a match or even a safety)? Until the game is played, you can only look at teams’ stats and your own to project a win or acceptance. Most schools have admissions notification deadlines of April 1st or early April, so by the time the Championship Game is played on April 6th you’ll likely know how your personal tournament has played out. In the meantime, here is my advice to make your March a little less maddening.

Cherish the Wins

As a college senior looking back on my own college application process four years ago, one of my biggest regrets is undervaluing my victories. During senior year of high school, my eye was on “the prize”—getting into the College of William and Mary, my dream school. I began getting acceptance letters from the eight other universities I applied to months before hearing anything from William and Mary. I was almost apathetic when I was accepted or given a scholarship by another university. Why should I get excited when I was favored to win these games? They didn’t carry the same weight William and Mary did—I was an underdog on that court. The day came when a letter signed in green ink (indicating acceptance) was delivered by my mailman. I was elated.

But guess what? I didn’t attend William and Mary. My high school work ethic led to an undefeated personal March Madness, but I let my sense of personal accomplishment hinge on 1 out of 9 victories. In the end, the victory from another game has had a greater effect on the direction my life has taken. I know my story is an extreme one but let it serve as a cautionary tale—cherish the wins, all the wins. If you allow them, the wins will mitigate the inevitable losses you will have in life.

Be Empowered by the Losses

This one is hard, really hard. After a season of successes and challenges a loss or denial, especially a crucial one, can be crushing. I realize this isn’t a new piece of advice. I could use a number of clichés to drive this point home but I prefer to use a different analogy. In most good sports or superhero movies the protagonist deals with doubt or a major setback right before he or she goes into a big game or a dangerous situation. This adversity leads to introspection and makes our hero or heroine more resilient. The character is no longer good at what they do—they exhibit mental prowess, are in peak physical shape, and their powers are stronger than they were at any other point in the film. Real life is much more complicated and less predictable than the plotline of one of these movies. However, viewing loss as a nurturer of future success will lead to victories. It’s difficult to move on to your next success if you’re dwelling on a past loss.


Take Off the Blinders

Don’t let your focus wane, but take off your blinders in order to consider the complexity of the decision and your range of options. Although William and Mary was my top choice, factors like financial aid and location ultimately made other schools better options. This month will be an emotional one, but don’t let your excitement or frustration supersede making a smart decision.

Similarly, don’t let disappointment affect your long-term outlook. You can take a different path than the one you originally envisioned and reach the same destination. One of my best friends was distraught her senior year of high school when she was rejected or waitlisted at many of her top choices. She ultimately attended a respected university she considered a safety. She is a paramount example of someone empowered by a loss. Four years later, she will begin her first year at a prestigious medical school along with another high school friend who went to a top 20 university.

by: Paige Witthar

Crowdfunding: Find Your Inner Girl Scout

Crowdfunding is much more than a buzzword—it’s a tool for people to turn an idea into a film; start a business; and in our case, free promising college students from the burden of student debt. Still, it can be difficult for people on crowdfunding sites and those supporting them to understand the concept. Since it is prime Girl Scout cookie selling season, I thought Girl Scout cookies would serve as the best analogy for SuccessFunding and other crowdfunding sites.

When Promoting Your Profile, Think Thin Mints

Most people reading this blog have been on one side of a Girl Scout cookie transaction either as the Girl Scout selling the Thin Mints or the hungry patron. If you’ve never sold a box before, think about the situations in which you’ve bought Girl Scout cookies: from a family friend, a coworker’s daughter, or a troop of Brownies with a booth at your local grocer. It’s beneficial to share your fundraiser with the same networks. Part of Girl Scouts' success can be attributed to their enlistment of parents in cookie selling. Similarly, your family and friends can be your best assets in promoting your fundraiser. Ask them to use social media, email, and in-person meetings to share your educational ambitions and SuccessFunding fundraiser. Soon, your SuccessFund will get page views from family; friends; coworkers; the friends of your family; the family of your friends; the kind, cookie-loving strangers at the grocery store—you get the idea.

It All Adds Up

Are you hesitant to start a profile on a crowdfunding site or donate to one because you’re skeptical your small donation will actually make a difference? Think about Girl Scouts. Are selling Girl Scout cookies a lucrative opportunity when they’re only priced between $3.50 and $5.00 per box? Absolutely, cookies sales were over $780 million in 2012! While we know individual crowdfunding campaigns won’t reach the hundred million dollar level of success, the Girl Scouts do prove that every box (or donation to a crowdfunding campaign) really does add up.

SuccessFunding is Better than Cookies

We can’t assert that we taste better than Carmel deDelites but we do know your dollar makes a greater impact when donated to a SuccessFunding campaign. Although buying a box of Girl Scout cookies does support the Girl Scout's troop, most of the money goes to the the local council and the commercial bakers that make the cookies. It's also common for crowdfunding sites to take a piece of the pie—Kickstarter applies a 5% fee to the funds raised in successful campaigns. But on SuccessFunding, 100% of donations go into the student’s 529 savings plan, a tax advantaged college savings account. We don't pass on our costs to the students crowdfunding on our website like most do; instead, donors pay a 3% credit card processing fee and a flat $2.50 "keep us in business" fee. You can rest assured knowing every cent of your donation goes toward the SuccessFundee's educational expenses.

by: Paige Witthar

Eliminating Student Debt: A Penny Saved is a Nickel Earned

I'm sure you've heard the wisdom "A penny saved is a penny earned". But with student loans, a penny saved is much more than a penny earned. A graduate with $25,000 in federal student loans who is enrolled in the standard 10-year repayment plan will pay nearly $35,000. I recently began my last semester of college and decided to write down a few "tricks of the trade" I've come across. Here are five ways to reduce your college IOU:

1) Start a SuccessFund.

SuccessFunding champions higher education, supports college students, and fights student debt through crowdfunding. The site allows students to crowdfund money for college tuition, freeing students from the burden of student loans. It's safe for both the student (called the SuccessFundee) and the supporter (SuccessFunder) because the funds are put in a 529 college savings plan. Visit SuccessFunding's website to create a profile and start raising money.

2) Become a Scholarship Bloodhound.

Did you get carpal tunnel writing scholarship essays your senior year of high school? Once you’ve become a vibrant college student often the last thing you want to do is revisit that process. However, spending a little time applying for scholarships can save you a lot of time repaying loans after you graduate. Are there scholarships offered by the department that houses your major? Do civic organizations in your hometown have scholarships open to current college students? Uncovering the answers to questions like these can lead to finding otherwise missed scholarship opportunities.


3) Get to Know Your Financial Aid Counselor and Know Them Well.

Are you on a first-name basis with your financial aid counselor? In any situation in life, it pays to know the gatekeeper. In the case of funding your college, the gatekeeper is your financial aid counselor. Getting to know your financial aid counselor is beneficial in several respects. When scholarships and other opportunities arise, it pays for you to be the first person they think of. Forming a good relationship with your financial aid counselor can also lead to a better understanding of both your college finances and the responsibilities tied to your financial aid.


4) Join a Forum.

I created a profile on College Confidential before I entered my senior year of high school and was quickly engrossed. Joining forums on college related matters is a great way to get advice and discover hidden opportunities. Forums like those on College Confidential are full of students, alumni, parents, school representatives, etc. who may have been in a situation similar to yours or know of ways to help you. I’ve learned that people on forums are passionate and tremendously helpful. Once you understand the ways of the forum, create a thread asking about opportunities at your school, in your field of study, or specific to your situation.


5) Start Paying the Interest While You’re in School.

While you’re in school, the government pays the interest on Direct Subsidized Loans, however Unsubsidized Federal Loans still accrue interest during this time. Get to know all the information about your loan servicer(s) by logging into your Federal Student Aid account. Contact the loan servicer(s) about paying the interest on your Unsubsidized loans. Budget for partial or full payments on the interest monthly so you’ll only be paying the capital once your loan payments start coming due.


by: Paige Witthar

Student Debt: Don't Stress Because Many People Face It (Tyler)

SF: Tell us about yourself:
TZ: I am a freshman at Texas State University pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Management. I was born in London, ON Canada but was raised in the great state of Texas. Growing up, I enjoy(ed) playing sports, being outdoors, hanging out with friends, and striving to make people happy. I am an avid golfer and played all through high school, earning All-State honors as a senior. Since I have been in college, I have worked part-time for a local insurance company and joined the World Ranked Intercollegiate Quidditch Team at Texas State. I plan on networking with more individuals about SuccessFunding as well as other business related organizations that well benefit me in the future.


SF: What is your biggest challenge in college?
TZ: My greatest challenge in college is keeping my mind off the mountain of debt in which I will incur after graduation. With student loan debt hanging over my head, I have struggled to keep my mind on the ultimate prize, and that’s making the most of every opportunity to benefit me in the future.

SF: Are you impacted by student loans & debt?
TZ: Absolutely. I think about student loans and debt on a daily basis. I always wonder, is it worth it? Is my education really worth all this debt that I will face come graduation? It takes a lot for a student like me in the financial position that I am in to not think about all the student debt. It scares me.

SF: What would you do if you didn’t have any student debt?
TZ: If I didn’t have any student debt, I would be much more at peace with where I am today. I wouldn’t be “daydreaming" in class about how much my interest has accrued in the past month for my loans.

SF: Who is your hero and why?
TZ: My mother and my sister. They have showed me through thick and thin what it takes to be successful. I have watched my mom sacrifice so much for my own good, and I can’t thank her enough. My sister showed me just recently what it takes to get through college, determination and the drive to accomplish her goals. She faced thousands upon thousands of dollars in student debt as I will, but through savings, application, and networking, she was able to land a stable job right out of college that will enable her to tackle her student debt with no stress.

SF: If you could change one thing about your education system, what would it be and why?TZ: Everything would be self-paced. It is hard to create an effective education system that makes students cram information into a semester class when their learning/attention span may be far off from that. I would like to see education systems move towards a Khan Academy platform.

SF: What would you suggest to students who are facing student debt?
TZ: Don’t stress. Many many many people have to face it. Also, check out SuccessFunding. They can help guide you to financial help just by networking with others.

Create Your SuccessFunding Profile in 5 Simple Steps

Ready to begin taming your student debt? Follow these 5 steps to create your SuccessFunding profile.


1a. All you need to get started is your name, a .edu email address, and password!

1b. Spruce up your profile and give people a face to put with your name by uploading a picture. Make it easier for your potential donors to find your profile—include your hometown or the location of your college.

Voila! You’ve finished Step 1. The profile creation wizard is now visible. You’ll notice that you’ve already completed the “Name” tab.

There is now a percent bar on the right side of the window: it shows your progress toward completing your profile. Additionally, our “fan plan” is now visible to you. The fan plan gives you a blueprint for a successful fundraiser.

2. Next, tell us about your collegiate passions. Give us a taste of your love for your school. What degree are you seeking and what is your major?

3. Decide on a reasonable goal for your SuccessFund. Remember, you can always surpass your SuccessFunding goal!

Why did you decide to create a SuccessFund? What effect will the funds have in your life? Give your potential donors a glimpse into your life and talk about your plans for the funds in your "SuccessFund Title" and "Short Blurb". Make your profile easier to find by creating a friendly profile URL.

4.Show your personality through your profile. Add pictures of you in action and create a video. A video will increase the likelihood of receiving gifts from potential donors.
Check out our tips on how to make a great profile video!

5.You're almost done! Write a note thanking your donors for their generosity and belief in you. This message will be automatically sent to anyone who donates to your SuccessFund. Additionally, you can upload a picture of your signature to give your note a personalized touch. Click "Submit for Approval". Once your profile has been approved, you can begin receiving donations!

You'll have 45 days to raise funds toward your goal. During that time period, you can edit your SuccessFund and add more information like your career and education history.Tell your friends and family and use social media to spread the word about your SuccessFund in order to get maximum exposure.

Have any questions or need guidance creating your profile? Contact us--we're happy to help!