Real Students....Real Stories: Briana V. from Massapequa, NY

"Real Students...Real Stories" are featured interviews with students designed to give real perspectives on the college experience. Todays interview is with High School senior Briana V., a homeschooler from Massapequa, NY.

Briana V..

High School Senior
Age: 17
School: Homeschooled
State: New York

Rob: Do you know what you want to major in?
Briana: Yes, I would really love to major in Art Therapy, so I can use my passion for art and creativity to help people express themselves in a positive way.

Rob: What are your top three college choices?

Briana: I am looking for certain schools that carry my major, which not many schools do. Especially since I want to stay local and close to home, there are definitely not many choices for me to choose from. My first two choices are tied between C.W. Post and Nassau Community College. If neither of those work out, then I suppose I would choose Hofstra, which also carries Art Therapy as a major.

Rob: What are the top things you are looking for when selecting a college?

Briana: Well primarily, as I said, I need a school that carries my major, since I would really rather not double major. Of course, if I had no other option, I would, but it would be a really big help to me if I could find it as a single major. Another thing I look for in a school is the price. I do not feel right going to a school that forces me and my parents to pay an uncomfortable amount of money. I also like to hear people’s views on the college before I choose. I think it’s important to hear from a few students who attended the school before making my decision.

Rob: Do you want to go away to college or stay home?

Briana: I would like to stay home for now. I need to be able to pay for myself before I go away to college and I personally don’t think it’s the smartest idea for me to go away right now. Even though it is important for me to experience responsibility and learn how to handle certain freedoms on my own, I feel that I still need my family close to me for emotional, financial, and general support. My family is a big positive influence on me, and I don’t want to drift to far from that. Any school that I went away to would have to be a strong Christian environment.

Rob: How much does economics influence where you go to college?

Briana: I feel that economics really do influence where I go to college. Schools are extremely expensive, and even more so to dorm. It’s a big part of why I want to stay local, at least for the first two years.

Rob: Have you applied for any scholarships?

Briana: I have not applied for any scholarships yet, but I will definitely get around to doing that.

Rob: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst) how scary/intimidating is the college application process?

Briana: The application process is not as scary as it seems and I truly believe that God will put me where he wants me to be. I would say a 3.

Rob: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst) do you feel you are prepared for college?

Briana: I definitely don’t feel as prepared as I could be. Maybe a 6.5.

Rob: What are you looking forward to most about college?

Briana: I am looking forward to starting fresh in college with new people, new teachers, new grades, and a new environment. I’m hoping to increase my determination for my work with classes that I enjoy. I am also looking forward to working my way towards my career life and the first steps to creating my future.

Rob: What are you looking forward to the least about college?

Briana: College is a pretty scary step from high school. So, all together, it’s kind of nerve racking. It takes a lot of patience to deal with the long classes and the hours of studying, a lot of money to carry the financial baggage, a lot of courage in yourself to keep going and not fall out when the work gets difficult, and a lot of trust in God to stand up to professors that want to put down your faith. There isn’t exactly one thing I’m looking forward to the least, I just hope I’m ready.

Rob: What one thing could you NOT survive without?

Briana: One thing I could NOT survive without is probably my car. It has become a total necessity in my life and I could not get by without it.

Real Students....Real Stories: Nick G. from Levittown, NY

"Real Students...Real Stories" are featured interviews with students designed to give real perspectives on the college experience. Todays interview is with High School senior Nick G. from Island Trees (levittown, NY).

Nick G.
High School Senior
Age: 18

School: Island Trees
State: New York

Rob: What are your top three college choices?
Nick: Five towns College, Hofstra University or Baruch city university

Rob: What are the top things you are looking for when selecting a college?

Nick: Size, students and location.

Rob: Do you want to go away to college or stay home?

Nick: Stay home.

Rob: Do you know what you want to major in?

Nick: Music Business, Audio

Rob: How much does economics influence where you go to college?

Nick: ALOT! College is expensive and money is tight.

Rob: Have you applied for any scholarships?

Nick: Yes. I will also be applying for YCL soon.

Rob: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst) how scary/intimidating is the college application process?

Nick: 7.6 Papers, exams and being denied doesn't intimidate me. It's just paper.

Rob: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst) do you feel you are prepared for college?

Nick: 8.7 I have taken AP courses and college classes in high school that are based on a college style.

Rob: What are you looking forward to most about college?

Nick: Finally learning what I want to learn and actually enjoying school.

Rob: What are you looking forward to the least about college?

Nick: Real life.

Rob: What one thing could you NOT survive without?

Nick: iPod

8 Financial Tips for New College Students

Financially, the world is an uncertain place for new college students. No one is sure about what the economy holds, and you might even be a little concerned about what life after college will hold – even though you are just beginning. The good news is that you can use your college years as a way to lay a solid financial foundation for the future.

Instead of waiting until after you graduate to start planning your finances, now is the time to get started. As you embark on your college journey, here are 8 financial tips to help you set your feet on the right financial path:

1. Open your own bank account: Now is the time to begin establishing a separate identity from your parents. If you have a join bank account with your parents, it doesn’t mean you have to close it. If you want to keep it open for the ease of access to funds, it’s not the end of the world. But you should also open your own account, and make that the place where you handle most of your transactions.
2. Start building credit – responsibly: A credit card can be a great financial tool, when used correctly. You can start building credit now, with the help of a credit card(if you don’t have a job, and you’re under 21, you will need a co-signer). You can also use a personal loan, or a car loan, to help you build credit. Responsible credit use now will make your life easier later.
3. Avoid debt as much as possible: You might need to borrow to pay for your education, but it’s best to have as little debt as possible. Look for ways to pay for schooling without using debt. And, when you do borrow, make sure you don’t go crazy. Remember: Just because you can borrow up to a certain amount, doesn’t mean that you should.
4. Earn money: A part-time job can really help during college. You can start an online business to provide income, or you can work part-time on campus. In any case, an income stream is important. Getting a B or two won’t be the end of the world.
5. Start saving/investing: If you have earned income, you can open an IRA. This tax-advantaged investment account will help you save for retirement. Now is also a good time to begin building an emergency fund. Start a habit of saving, and it will benefit you the rest of your life.
6. Create a spending plan: Whether you have a budget or a spending plan, the important thing is to know what you want your money to accomplish. Figure out your priorities, decide what items you want to pay for, and then create a plan for your money. Stick to your plan so that your necessities are covered, and the most important expenses are taken care of.
7. Look for perks and discounts: Many college towns offer special perks and discounts to students. Take advantage of these to save a little money, and keep to your budget. Coupons and sales can also help you stay ahead financially.
8. Network: Your ability to build relationships now can help your career later. Network with professors, alumni and fellow students. Be willing to lend a helping hand, and remember that the contacts you make now can help you later.