Learn campus jargon

As a first generation or low income college student, you might not be aware of the language of college specific to your campus. This language of college is campus jargon, and it is so important that you understand it to be successful as a student.

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Basically, campus jargon is the way class names are abbreviated, what course numbers mean, names for different requirements, acronyms for campus offices (and higher education loves its acronyms!), and other things specific to your school.

How important is knowing your campus jargon? Well, try to decode this sentence: "Do you want to meet at the DC to study for ENG 101?" It could mean "Do you want to meet at the Dining Commons to study for our advanced electrical engineering class," or ""Do you want to meet at the Diversity Center to study for our basic English composition class," or any other number of things. It all depends on your campus jargon.

Not knowing campus jargon is like being in a foreign country and not speaking a lick of the language. Sure, you might be able to muster up basic communication, but knowing the language makes things a ton easier.

You can go about learning campus jargon by reading the general catalog, reviewing the campus website, and talking to a campus advisor. Knowing this language of college is just one step in the right direction.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Get the most out of Twitter, part 2

I am a fan of Twitter for first generation and low income students, but honestly, I am not using Twitter to its full potential... Don't be me.

Start learning about Twitter now and make the most of it as a student so that later on you can rule your world with it. And while you're at it, you might as well follow @AskanAdvisorOrg, too. (Yeah, that was some not-so-subtle shameless self-promotion)

Our friends over at CollegeScholarships.org have put together a list of 15 Twitter hashtags every college student should know. Don't know what a hashtag is? No worries, learn about them here.

Oh, the possibilities... Happy tweeting. 

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Poor first semester grades and medical school

A reader writes:

"I just got my first semester grades today and I am really worried. I didn't do so well, like almost on academic probation but barely not. I'm pre-med and scared that I'll never get into medical school now. What should I do?"

I'm sorry to hear that you first semester didn't go as well as you would have liked. Unfortunately, this is a situation that a lot of first generation and low income college students find themselves in at the end of their first semester or quarter. I found myself in a similar boat after my first quarter in college, too.

But, don't fret, it's not the end of the world.  For medical school (or graduate or another professional school), one term of bad grades does not spell doom. When you experience bumps in the road like this, what a medical school is looking for is improvement the next semester or quarter.

So, don't worry too much about one less-than-desirable semester of grades. Instead, set you sights on how you can improve for the coming semester. Do you need to change your study habits, work on time management, or re-evaluate your commitments? Also, check out these tips for dealing with and preventing academic difficulty.

Taking these steps can help you put yourself in a better position for next semester. I'm wishing you a semester of academic achievement in the new year!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Intern at the White House!

Imagine how awesome it would be spending the summer doing research, learning about public service, and gaining valuable leadership experience in the White House. Well, it doesn't have to be a dream. You may be able to do just that by applying for the White House Internship.

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This exciting internship is open to:

• United States citizens
• At least 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program OR graduated in the past two years from undergraduate or graduate program OR a veteran of the US Armed Forces who possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent and has served on active duty at any time over the past two years

 You can apply for an internship in different areas, including but not limited to:

• Chief of Staff
• Office of the First Lady
• Office of Management and Administration
• Energy and Climate Change
• Health Reform

If your eyebrow is raised and you think this could be the awesome internship  you are looking for, here are a few more tidbits of information about it:

• The summer internship term runs from May 31, 2011 – August 12, 2011 (If you go to a school on the quarter system, the FAQ page has some info for you!)
• The White House internship program is an unpaid program
• The White House internship program is a full-time program and Interns will be expected to work from approximately 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday
• A completed packet includes: two essays, a current resume, and three letters of recommendation

If you've got questions about this internship, check out their FAQ page for answers. If you think this is the right internship for you, you can apply online. Applications are due January 8, 2011 before 11:59pm Eastern time. Good luck!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Do you put first generation status on your resume?

A reader writes:

"Do you put first generation in college on your resume? And where does it go?"

The simple answer is no, being a first generation (and/or low income) college student does not belong on your resume. While it's awesome that you have first generation pride, this information is not for your resume.

However, this information might be fair game for your cover letter, but only if it's relevant to the job, graduate or professional school, internship, or scholarship that you are applying for. For example, if you're applying to be a front desk receptionist at a non-profit that serves a low-income community, it's probably a good idea to share your status. If you're applying to be a front desk receptionist in a dentist's office, you should probably not mention it.

Still not sure whether or not your first generation college student status is relevant? Think about it from the perspective of the person who will be reading your cover letter. If that person would care about it or it positively impacts your qualifications, then you might want to include it.

And if you are going to include it, make sure you tie in to the position. For example, taking the non-profit example from above, you could say something like "As a low-income, first generation college student, I really understand the needs of the community that your non-profit serves. This personal experience will strengthen my ability be provide a welcoming environment for clients."

Good luck with your resume and cover letter writing!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Take advantage of study abroad

I just got back from a sweet vacation in Japan, so this seems like a good time to talk about taking advantage of study abroad, which is an awesome opportunity to explore another country, experience a different culture, and earn some academic credit. Oh, and it's a chance of a lifetime!

A lot of first generation and low income college students mistakenly believe that they cannot afford to take advantage of study abroad or that it cannot fit into their academic plan. But don't be so sure!

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If you're worried about cost, chances are that if your college or university sponsors a study abroad program that your financial aid package can be used to cover the cost of study abroad. In fact, depending on what school you attend, study abroad might actually be less expensive than your home college! You can also include savings in your budget to help with the costs not covered by financial aid, if any.

If you're concerned that study abroad couldn't possibly fit into your academic plan, talk to an advisor at your college first. Study abroad programs come in summer, semester-, and year-long forms, so there is sure to be something worth your while.

Now is a great time to start researching programs for the summer or next year! I can say that not doing a study abroad program is the only regret I have about my college experience as a first generation and low income college student. Don't let that be you!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it. 

The Advisor is on vacation!

This means no new posts until December 22nd...

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While I'm out of town, enjoy a few of my favorite posts. Oh, oldies but goodies:

• Learning from lap dancers...
• Procrastination is like...
• 5 students advisors hate
• First generation & low income pride!

Maybe my travels will lead me to some wisdom to share with you when I get back... maybe it won't... You'll have to come back on December 22nd to find out!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

How to save money for the holiday season

As I drink spiced apple cider, deck my halls, and wrap gifts, I can't help thinking 'tis the season for gift-giving (and receiving, too). This can be a fun, exciting, and stressful time for many first generation and low income college students, especially if you are feeling pressured to give awesome gifts.

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No matter what holidays you may or may not be celebrating, these tips can help you save money for the holiday season while giving those awesome gifts: 

DIY. Consider making gifts yourself on the cheap, like baking cookies, burning CDs, or writing a poem. If there is something that you are good at, use your skill to make personalized gifts.  

Plan for next year. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping for next year by hitting up the after-Christmas sales for some great deals. This is also a great option if you celebrate Kwanzaa. 

Opt out. You can always play the "poor starving college student" card and just not give any gifts. Most people will be understanding of this.

My apologies that these tips are too late for Hanukkah this year, but I'm sure these will be useful tips if you are giving anyone else gifts. You can also get more money-saving tips from our friends over at CollegesSholarships.org and their post 10 ways students can save money this Christmas.

No matter what you decide to do, make sure you stick to a budget, avoiding getting yourself into credit card debt, and have fun. Happy holiday!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Don't answer your phone in class!

Today I was volunteering with a non-profit organization and calling first generation and low income college students about an upcoming event. Maybe 30 seconds into one call, the student casually mentions that he is in class... um, seriously? Did he really answer his phone in class?

I would think this goes without saying, but apparently it does not... Do NOT answer your cell phone while you're in class. Just don't do it!!! Answering your phone in class is worthy of being on the things professors hate list. Don't let this be you:



If you think it's an emergency and need to answer, leave class first and call the number back. Remember, you have voicemail for a reason!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Mentorship opportunity for immigrant students

I am a huge fan of mentorship for first generation and low income college students, both being a mentor and having a mentor. There is so much to be gained from sharing your lived experience and guidance with someone else that is ridiculously rewarding for everyone involved.

So for all the immigrant students (including undocumented students) out there, here is an exciting opportunity to be mentor to another immigrant student or be mentored by one, brought to you by Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC):

E4FC’s National Mentor Network provides immigrant students opportunities to share their experiences, offer guidance, and support one another. The National Mentor Network is open to immigrant students nationwide.

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One of the main challenges facing college-bound immigrant students is finding other students who can answer questions and give guidance. Resources and guides cannot replace the power and inspiration of meeting other immigrant students who, in the face of overwhelming challenges, are also pursuing college. The goal of our National Mentor Network is to help immigrant students build a safe, supportive, and informed community.

To be a mentor or be mentored through E4FC’s National Mentor Network, all you have to do is fill out a brief, anonymous profile questionnaire, get an email confirmation, and wait for a follow-up phone call. That's it!

If you have any questions about this mentorship opportunity, please contact Jose Arreola, the E4FC Student Outreach Coordinator. Happy mentoring!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

3 tips for surviving finals

The end of the semester or quarter is here, and that means that finals are here for all the first generation and low income college students out there.

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Here are 3 tips to help you survive and thrive during finals week: 

Get your grub on. Eating right sets you and your body up for a great finals week, so make sure to stick with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins like chicken breast or tofu. Check out MIT Medical's handy list of brain food for exams to help you make healthy choices.

Hydrate yourself. You will feel much better if you drink plenty of water. If you want something other than water, choose juice instead of tea or soda. Also, avoid coffee and alcohol. Yeah, I said no coffee... stick to decaf if you just like the taste. see the next tip if you're unconvinced...

Hit the hay. One of the best ways you can keep yourself at your best is to get some sleep. This means no all-nighters and take a nap every now and then.

These tips will help keep you healthy, alert, and ready for the week so that you can have a great week of academic achievement.

Oh, and while you're at it, here are a few other blogs and shameless self promotion with other pieces of wisdom to help you have a successful finals week:

• Hack College: Survive your finals hell weeks
• Grades Blog: How to get through finals
• Ask an Advisor: 6 steps to get ready for a test
• Ask an Advisor: Just say no to cramming
• Ask an Advisor: Dealing with stress
• Ask an Advisor: Boosting your self-esteem
• Ask an Advisor: More ways to boost your self-esteem

Good luck on finals!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Using to-do lists

Getting everything done when you need to finish a bunch of stuff can seem crazy for some first generation or low income college students. It can even feel downright overwhelming as finals are fast approaching.

But one of the easiest ways you can juggle all that you need to juggle is to keep track of it all by using to-do lists. A good to-do list will help you figure out your priorities, keep track of what you've accomplished, and help you plan out your day.

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When making a to-to list, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

Be specific. Provide yourself with details, like instead of saying "Go to office hours" put down "Go to Psych 101 office hours to ask questions about midterm" on your to-do list. Do yourself a favor by laying it out.

Break down larger tasks in smaller steps. For the big tasks you have on your plate, always think of them as a bunch of little tasks. "Write 10-page research paper" is easier when you break it down to "Write 1-page intro," "Research sources at library," "Write 8-page body," "Write 1-page conclusion," and "Finish reference page." Things will be less scary if you take it one step at a time.

Prioritize tasks and set deadlines. Make sure you know what is most important, when it needs to be finished, and plan to get that done first. You can use numbers, ranks, pluses and minuses, smiley faces, or whatever to note what you need to accomplish first. This is definitely where paying attention to details will come in handy.

If you really want to write a killer to-do list, check out 43 Folders' Building a smarter to-do list. As you craft your to-do lists, have a productive day of academic achievement.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

The difference between a B.A. and a B.S.

When it comes to choosing your major, or even a specialty area within a major, one question that comes up often is "What is the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree?"

This is a top question for first generation college students because there's no one in your family to answer the question for you. In general, a lot of college students wonder about this, too. So, what is the difference?

Generally speaking, a B.A. is a liberal arts degree, which is supposed to be more of a broad degree to make you a well-rounded student with some expertise in one area. A lot of the time, this usually requires significant general coursework outside of your major, study of a foreign language, and a lot of classes in the "arts." Here, the "arts"  an mean academic areas such as social science, humanities, music, or fine arts. Think lots of discussion, reading, and paper-writing.

In contrast, a B.S. tends to be geared toward a strong science foundation with specific knowledge in a scientific discipline. This usually means most of your coursework will be science classes in academic areas such as life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, or math. Think lots of analysis, lab work, and hands-on activities.

These are the two most basic Bachelor's degrees out there, However, in addition to the B.A. and B.S. degrees, you might also see these:

• B.F.A. - Bachelor of Fine Arts
• B.S.N. - Bachelor of Science Nursing
• B.S.B.A. - Bachelor of Science Business Administration
• B.Ed. - Bachelor of Education
• B.Eng. or B.E. - Bachelor of Engineering
• B.Mus. - Bachelor of Music

And there are other types of Bachelor's degrees out there. Basically, beyond the B.A. and B.S., another type of Bachelor's degree is going to be based on the specific area of study.

Also, some schools will offer the same major under more than one type of degree. For example, students at my alma mater can be a math major and earn either a B.A. or B.S. Typically a student who wanted to teach K-12 math would work toward a B.A. and a student who wanted to be a mathematician or college math professor would be earning a B.S.

Any way you cut it, the Bachelor's degree is what you will be spending four years working toward.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.

Grieving losses

A reader recently asked about getting an extension for an assignment after the death of a family member.Sadly, death of a friend or loved one is probably something you will have to face as a college student.

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 In my own experience, a friend of mine was killed in a car accident just a week before we graduated. I've had students of mine lose sisters, brothers, parents, and family pets. And not just deaths have a devastating effect; I've also advised students that got life-altering news like having cancer or lupus.

I don't mean to dwell on the negative, but when tragedies like these creep up on you it is so very important to take the time to grieve your loss. Our friends over at College Thrive wrote about dealing with grief as a college student earlier this week, so check it out.

And in the words of Jerry Springer, "Take care of yourselves and each other."

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.