A great way to spend your summer is through a language immersion experience. Trips to France, Italy, Spain and Japan are readily available. Most students stay with host families (sometimes more than one) and have the opportunity to travel throughout foreign countries, learning about different cultures and becoming more fluent in other languages. For example, The Experiment in International Living offers a ‘Photography in Paris’ trip that includes kayaking, photo sessions and trips to museums and galleries. The entire experience spans four weeks and costs $7,500 (airfare included). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

2. Go to Harvard

Have you always dreamed of attending Harvard? Well, here’s your chance to be a student for four weeks. Summerfuel offers a pre-college summer program for students in grades 9-12. Course concentrations include: Law & Society, Business & Finance, International Relations & Foreign Policy and Criminal Justice. A typical day includes two classes, meals and free time, as well as planned trips to the beach, Boston and a Red Sox game. The program fee is $6,895 (not including airfare). Full payment is required for any application submitted after May 15, 2012.

3. Volunteer

Many high school students are required to complete volunteer hours prior to graduation, so why not rack those hours up in another country this summer? There are a variety of programs available in hundreds of locations across the globe including Brazil, India and Nepal. Global Routes offers a 4-week trip to Costa Rica where students help plant trees and maintain trails in the Cloud Forest, spend two weeks helping a village build structures and spend their final week exploring volcanoes, investigating waterfalls and learning how to surf. The short adventures start at $3,850; the full adventure will run you $4,975 (neither includes airfare).

4. Capture the Moment

Do you dream of being the next Steven Spielberg or Nicholas Sparks? Consider spending your summer learning the ins-and-outs of the film industry. Sarah Lawrence College, in association with the International Film Institute of New York, offers students a chance to learn how to direct and write for the screen, as well as work on both production and post-production activities. Students learn through lectures, guest speakers and behind-the-scenes visits to Manhattan production studios and editing facilities. By the end of the 5-week course, each student will be able to write, direct, shoot, produce and edit his/her own short video. Total cost is $6,245 (not including airfare). Applications must be submitted by May 25, 2012.

While these trips may be a little more expensive than a typical family vacation, remember that the fees cover a month’s worth of instruction, housing, meals and planned trips. Whether you are immersing yourself in a foreign language and culture, volunteering, or working toward your future career, the lessons learned during these summer student adventures are priceless. You could spend your summer sitting around the house, or you could be building villages in Costa Rica – the choice is yours.

1. Laptop

Every college student needs a good laptop or tablet. While the college library or computer lab may have some machines available, it’s not always practical (or possible) to find the time to complete projects and assignments during library and computer lab hours. Find a computer that is small (15” is often recommended for college students) and lightweight. Be sure to install frequently used software programs, such as Outlook (calendar assignments/projects) and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, especially when purchasing Mac machines, as some colleges are less “Mac friendly” than others.

2. Storage Items

Dorm rooms can be notoriously small. To increase your space and keep your area clutter-free, request stackable storage bins, hanging linen storage and rolling storage bins for under your bed. These items will help keep clothes, books and even food stored neatly in your room.

3. Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones are a must at college. There may be times you want to study, but your roommate is busy downloading tunes, cyber-chatting or playing video games. A good set of headphones will help you drown out the noise and any distractions.

4. Video Game System

All work and no play can drive a college student crazy. College freshmen may not have personal transportation or disposable income, so it’s important to have something to entertain you while away. A system like Playstation 3 will not only provide hours of endless gaming fun, but also a Blu-ray player for those nights you want to catch a flick.

5. Bike

If you don’t have a car, or if your college prevents freshmen from having cars on campus, ask for a good bicycle. Bicycles are typically easy to store in your room and will get you around campus much quicker than walking. You can also use them to make a quick trip to town for some groceries. Be sure to ask for a chain and lock too, so your bike doesn’t go missing.

We know that cash is at the top of every senior’s graduation gift list, but you may find that it runs out rather quickly between now and the start of classes. If you really want to be sure it lasts, ask your family and friends to give you gift cards to grocery stores and other retailers where you may need to shop for supplies throughout the year. By having friends and family knock out some of the larger items on your college shopping list, you’ll have more time (and money) for fun this summer. Whatever you end up receiving, be sure to send thank you notes to express your gratitude and appreciation. And one last thing, enjoy the celebration – you’ve earned it!

Each summer, colleges around the country host summer enrichment programs intended to help academically gifted students, aid those interested in art and music programs, and benefit other students who seek assistance in the college admission process. Programs vary widely in length and in cost, but nearly all give students the chance to experience life on campus as a college student. When determining what summer program might benefit you the most, consider the following:

• What do you hope to gain from the summer experience?
• Do you want to earn high school or college credit?
• Would you prefer to attend a day program or an extended, residential program that allows you to live on campus?
• How much are you willing or able to afford?
• Is there a program available at any of the schools on your short list?

Once you have decided upon a budget and the length of the program you would prefer, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices, and focus on the other aspects of choosing a summer program (location, areas of study, etc.). We do feel the need to share this financial warning with you: the majority of summer programs for high school students can be pretty expensive and most offer very little in terms of financial assistance.

Here are a few examples of the summer enrichment programs offered at some well-known colleges and universities:

Cornell University: Cornell offers a variety of programs over both three- and six-week sessions. Both sessions allow students to earn college credit and the price includes housing, meal plan, activities and more. The program fee does not cover travel to Cornell, the cost of books and supplies, or any meals outside of the plan. There are a limited number of partial scholarships available. Cost: $6,020.00 (3-week) or $9,995.00 (6-week)

Boston University: Boston has several different programs available for students, including Research Internships, High School Honors and the Summer Challenge program. The Summer Challenge is open to students who are currently taking college preparatory classes in high school and will be sophomores, juniors or seniors in the fall of 2012. There are three sessions, and each is 12 days long. The program fee covers everything needed for the program except spending money and the optional fitness center fee. Cost: $3,435.00 (no financial aid available)

Summer Discovery: This program is offered at several U.S. colleges and some schools abroad. Courses are as diverse as the campuses and include: golf, film, sports management, government and more. Study for as little as two weeks or as long as six weeks. The fees also vary from as low as $2,999 to over $13,999.

For students from low-income families or those who are the first in the family to attend college, another option is the Upward Bound program. The colleges that offer these programs often allow students to attend for free or for a greatly reduced fee if they meet all enrollment requirements. While you won’t be able to attend a college outside your immediate area, you’ll still receive the opportunity to earn college credit and immerse yourself in the college experience during the summer.

A summer enrichment program can be very rewarding; you’ll have the chance to meet other students with similar goals, test the college waters, and pad your college admission resume. Competition can be intense at some of the Ivy League schools and for some of the other prestigious programs, so do your homework, double-check the application requirements and submit early. This just may be your first step toward attending a college of your dreams.

1. Get Plenty of Sleep – This may be the hardest step to follow; your mind is racing with information on future college living, senior prom, graduation and, most importantly, how to spend your last remaining moments with high school friends and family.  Unfortunately, you’re not a machine. Your body and mind both need plenty of rest to function properly. Not only will lack of sleep add to your stress levels, it can contribute to other health issues, too. Try to get at least six to eight hours of good sleep every night.

2. Stay on Top of Your Classes – You may think that once you are accepted to a college, the school work is over. Wrong! Most colleges will expect to see your final grades and may even rescind their offers of admission if your grades drop dramatically at the end of your senior year. Now is definitely not the time to become a slacker. Be sure you have recorded all important testing dates and have scheduled time to complete all papers and projects due prior to graduation. Attend all classes and maintain your grade point average. You’re almost there, so don’t drop the ball now.

3. Challenge Yourself – Students often feel like the final weeks of school are dragging along. Take this time to challenge yourself. Start volunteering somewhere to stay motivated and engaged. Are you still undecided about your college major? Take this time to find internships or job shadowing opportunities at various companies or organizations to see if something clicks. You may just find your calling!

Before you know it, graduation will be here and the summer will be flying by. But before you can start the next chapter of your life, you need to make sure you finish high school on a high note. Keep focused on your homework and be sure to prepare for your AP, IB or AICE exams. Stay in contact with your college and be sure to send them any remaining documentation needed to complete the admission process. Oh, and one last thing: celebrate your high school successes…you’ve earned it!

The average cost of a college meal plan last year was $1,500 per semester. At Keene State College, for example, the 12-meal plan (meaning students get 12 meals each week) recommended to incoming students is $1,344.  That’s approximately $7 per meal.  Realistically, however, a student eats more than 12 meals in a 7-day week, so the student would have to pay more to cover the meals not included in the plan. Also, do students really need to spend $7 on a breakfast or a lunch meal? In fact, a student could probably cover an entire semester’s worth of breakfasts (oatmeal and cereal and fruit) for about $100. In a typical 16-week semester, that works out to be about 112 breakfasts at a cost of around $0.90 a meal.

Even if students never use a single coupon (which never happens when I shop), the total grocery bill for food over a semester, including a trip here and there to McDonald’s, could be as low as $700 to $800. I don’t know about you, but I would prefer to put the extra money I would have spent on a meal plan toward my tuition and books.

Of course, there are some benefits to purchasing a meal plan. First of all, eating meals in the cafeteria or other campus restaurants will give you the opportunity to meet new people. You probably won’t meet as many people if you eat in your dorm room every day. Also, with a meal plan, you are guaranteed to have food, and some campuses have an all-you-can-eat option. If you find yourself munching and snacking all the time, a meal plan may actually work to your advantage and keep you from going over budget on runs to fastfood restaurants. And finally, meal plans are convenient. The food is already prepared, and you can simply swoop in to grab a bite when needed. Most campus food locations are situated close to the main traffic areas on campus, so grabbing a bite between classes may be easier at the cafeteria than hoofing it back to your dorm room.

If you have a choice (and many do not) whether or not to purchase a student meal plan, weigh your options carefully. Those who can budget wisely and are savvy consumers may find it more fiscally advantageous to opt-out of a meal plan. Those who have trouble planning or students with control issues may find the security of a meal plan a better option in the long run. Remember: You don’t always have to choose the largest meal plan either, as many schools will allow you to upgrade if you find you need more meals; it can be much more difficult to get a refund or to downgrade your plan. In the end, it’s really up to the student (or parents) to decide whether a meal plan is worth the cost.

Many colleges offer overnight visits to potential students, but you usually must make your reservations well in advance. In addition to reserving a date, you may also want to try to schedule an interview during your stay. Here are some other suggestions for what you may want to check out during your overnight college visit.

Campus Food – You’ll be spending four to five years at your selected campus, so you should make sure to investigate the food options on campus and nearby. Ask current students where the best spots are for late night snacks and quick meals; also seek opinions about which meal plans make the most sense. Colleges usually supply meal vouchers to visiting students, so be sure to do some food sampling while you are on campus to better inform your decision about where to apply/attend.

Classrooms & Lecture Halls – You should probably make an effort to attend a couple of classes while on campus. Be sure to check out a class that would not be required for your area of interest, especially if you are still on the fence about your major. Spending a few hours in the thick of things will give you a good idea of what to expect as a regular student.

Dorm Life – On a regular day tour, the tour guides are likely to show you the best rooms the campus has to offer, which does not necessarily reflect where you might end up living. Staying overnight may allow you to get a better sense of the overall living situation for incoming freshmen, including the size of your room and availability of resources (kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, etc.). If you prefer to study in your room, this is also a great time to find out where “party central” rooms are typically located so you can steer clear.

Social Scene – Not all of your time will be spent in classes or studying, so overnight visits present an opportunity to see what the campus and community have to offer. If you love cultural events, check to see if the campus is located near a metropolitan area. If hiking and outdoor activities are more your style, be sure to see if there are trails and nature areas within your community to satisfy your needs. Walking around the campus in the evening is a great way to gauge how active the campus is and to get a feel for the other students, as well.

If you decide to participate in an overnight college visit, be sure to talk to other students and ask questions. You are probably much more likely to get the ‘real’ story during an overnight stay than if you simply attend a day visit hosted by a campus tour guide. Get off the beaten path and explore your potential new stomping grounds. All it takes is a little planning, some curiousity and possibly a sleeping bag.

Parents: Remember, This Is Not About You.
Receiving a rejection letter should not be misinterpreted to represent a reflection of your parenting skills or your student’s worth. Instead of getting angry and upset, try to stay calm and look to your child for clues on how he or she is feeling. If your child is clearly upset about it, provide some space to process everything; just remind him or her that you are there if he or she needs to talk. It may take some time, but eventually your child will come to you for a comforting hug or some parental advice.

To Share or Not to Share, That Is the Question.
When my oldest son was rejected from his top choice college, I immediately called my family and shared the news. Big mistake! My son felt hurt that others knew he had been rejected. What I had failed to realize was this was his news to share (or not) and not mine. It’s tempting to contact your friends and family because you may feel a sense of disappointment, too, but always remember this is not about you. Instead, keep the news to yourself and let your child decide when it’s time to share. My son created a Facebook page where he could sound-off about being rejected. In fact, if you visit Facebook and search for “College Rejection,” you will find plenty of pages created specifically for students to vent about their recent rejections or waitlist notices. Afterall, misery loves company.

Help Find the Silver Lining.
It’s often hard to see the bright side of being rejected, but if you look closely, it’s almost always there. Remind your child that there are other options for college. Was he accepted to one of his other choices? Are there other schools on the list you can visit and consider? Did another school offer a healthy financial aid package, making it very affordable to attend? These are all things to consider when choosing another college. Also, don’t forget that getting into a particular “dream college” may still be possible. If it seems like a good idea, your child may want to consider contacting the school to find out if there were any specific reasons why he or she was rejected, and inquire about transfer options in the sophomore or junior year. This could give your student a goal to work toward and keep his or her spirits up while formulating “Plan B.”

Dealing with rejection is never easy or fun, especially when it comes to college admissions. As parents, it can be hard to remove ourselves and not take the news personally; we want the best for our children and never want to see them hurt. Unfortunately, not everyone will be accepted to first choice colleges, but that doesn’t mean your child’s dreams won’t come true at another college. In the end, finding the way to a college that fits is not always about just one school–there are many great colleges out there for all types of students, and there are usually many paths to take to get there. Help your child accept the news, adjust his or her plans, and encourage him or her to continue to seek out opportunities for the great future that most certainly awaits!

It’s all too easy to hand out money here and there, especially when our children are performing well in school and are staying out of trouble. Unfortunately, we are also teaching them that money is easy to come by without much effort. When they head off to college and find themselves without the Bank of Mom nearby, it can have devastating results — like frittering away their cash on pizzas and burgers every night or spending their financial aid disbursement on a Spring Break trip to Cancun! So, unless you have an endless supply of money to hand out to your children, here are some great tips to help them get into the habit of establishing (and maintaining) good spending habits while they are still in high school.

1. Start checking and a savings accounts. While this does not necessarily affect credit scores, it will build relationships with their banks and help them to understand how to balance a checkbook. Encourage them to set aside a certain amount every week (or month) to place into their savings account.

2. Give them chores or allow them to hold part-time jobs. If you feel your child’s school work may suffer from holding an outside job, set up a chore schedule at home and assign a monetary value to each activity. This allows your child to earn his/her allowance and understand that everyone must work to earn a paycheck.

3. Create a budget with them. Work with them to put together a budget plan that includes entertainment, food (for school lunches, snacks, dates, etc.), school trips and other expenses that come up on a regular basis. When they see what’s going out versus what’s coming in, it may help them understand the differences between wants and needs.

4. Track their spending. This is a very useful exercise, even for adults. Keep a spreadsheet (or use Quicken) to log all receipts over a month’s period of time. This allows your child to see where he/she is spending the most money and how much may have been wasted on frivolous items.

5. Consider getting a student credit card or prepaid Visa. Getting a student credit card (like the Discover® Student Card) or signing up for a prepaid option (like the UPside Student Prepaid Visa®) may be something you want to explore. Credit options that allow parents to set low limits ($300 to $500) help ensure that students will avoid going on spending sprees. Encourage your student to make small charges and to pay in full each month to help build the credit score. A student card will also give you the chance to monitor spending habits and payment histories, but do not start an account until you have had a long discussion about interest rates and penalties for not paying on time.

Children often learn too late that their parents won’t provide for them forever and find themselves struggling to get a handle on their spending and debt. Having a healthy credit score can be the key to many things: purchasing a car, renting or buying a home, and sometimes even getting a job. If you teach your children now the value of establishing monthly budgets and how to handle credit cards wisely, you will help them build the blocks for successful financial futures.

If your first choice school has placed you on their waitlist and you are still committed to attending, be sure to notify the school of your intent to remain on the list, as this will preserve your place on the list. Unfortunately, many schools do not assign a ‘number’ to applicants on the waitlist, so it’s nearly impossible to estimate your odds of being accepted from the waitlist. Instead, a variety of factors contribute to who may or may not be offered admission. Schools may need to fill remaining seats in the class based on majors, geographic locations or other factors that will help provide the school with a diverse student population.

Fortunately, there are a few actions you can take that may help you improve your odds of getting off the waitlist and into the class.

Contact the School. Send a letter indicating that you are serious about attending the school and it is your first choice. Call the admission office (unless they expressly state not to call) and ask for feedback regarding your application. Inquire about any additional documentation or supportive materials you can submit to strengthen your file.

Request an Interview. If you did not interview previously, you may want to find out if it’s possible to get in front of the admission staff to have an opportunity to speak with them. Even if you did interview prior to submitting your application, it may help to have a second round with a different staff member. Sometimes it is difficult for your personality to shine through on paper.

Submit New Information. If you have new test scores or have received an award that was not included in your original application, be sure to send that information in to the admission office, along with any additional letters of recommendation you may have received.

Even after following these steps, your chances for admission may be slim; you should be looking at alternate plans with excitement and interest. Be sure to review all offers from other schools and decide which would be your next best fit. Place a deposit to hold your position, but be aware this is non-refundable. You may also consider taking courses at your local community college (cheaper) or possibly taking a gap year. While it can be heartbreaking to give up your dream of attending a certain school, remember to keep a positive outlook. You may actually find your second or third choice college is a perfect fit. However, if you still find yourself longing to attend college ‘A,’ investigate transfer options for your sophomore or junior year. Just remember, some very famous people (Ted Turner, Warren Buffet and more!) were also turned down by their first choice schools, and they turned out just fine. We’re betting you will too!

Keep School in Perspective

Are you an over-achiever? There’s nothing wrong with being one, unless it starts to make you sick or stressed out. Adding a ton of activities to your schedule at this point won’t really make or break your chances of being accepted to the college of your dreams. During the remainder of your senior year, concentrate on those activities you enjoy; it’s usually quality, not quantity, that impresses admissions officers.  If you over-schedule yourself, you may find it has an adverse effect on your studies, which is something you definitely want to avoid. And speaking of studies, don’t get too wrapped up in the competition game. It’s not the end of the world if you aren’t the class valedictorian; just be sure to maintain a solid grade point average. Nobody expects you to be perfect.

Reality Check

Hopefully you applied to several schools and did not rely on one or two applications to make the grade. Students often make the mistake of setting their sights on a ‘dream college’ that may or may not be a good fit. Pinning all your hopes on one or two schools can definitely cause your stress levels to skyrocket. Have a back-up plan and apply to a few other ‘good fit’ schools to give yourself more choices. By the way, mom and dad may need a reality check, too. If you are feeling pressure from them to attend a certain college or to take certain classes, make the time to sit down together to discuss your vision for the future. Keep in mind that if your parents will be paying for your education, you should be prepared to explain why you may not agree with their vision for your future. You’ll need to be prepared to offer up more than just the word “because” as your answer for why you won’t be attending their school of choice.

Me Time

If you find you are having problems concentrating, sleeping, or are feeling depressed, be sure to take a break. Stress can lead to a variety of health problems, including a lack of appetite and severe headaches. This is your body’s way of saying enough is enough. Take a run or go for a walk; try some deep breathing exercises or visualize yourself somewhere warm and peaceful. Just a few moments away from your everyday grind can give you a renewed energy and alleviate some of the stress you are feeling.

Also, be sure to steer clear of drugs and alcohol. Many students have fallen into the trap of using drugs like Adderall or Ritalin to help stay awake for long study sessions or to increase concentration, but these drugs can have serious side effects. Do not take any medication unless prescribed to you by a licensed physician. Taking medications meant for those suffering from ADHD can lead to strokes, heart attacks, seizures or even death. Use healthy alternatives, such as fruit and exercise, to stimulate your brain and get an added boost when you are feeling rundown.

If you find you are seriously depressed and are having thoughts of harming yourself (or others), be sure to talk to someone or seek help. You are not alone when it comes to experiencing stress as a result of the college admissions process. In fact, if you ask most of your peers, I’m sure you’ll find many are having similar feelings. Try to keep the whole process in perspective. Many of today’s most successful people were rejected from their first choice for college, proving that it’s not necessarily the destination that leads to your success — it’s probably mostly about the journey.