Dismissing a college based only on cost, as many families tend to do when considering private universities, may overlook a valuable choice for an individual student. The following podcast discusses how to “value” a public university in relation to a private university, as well as offers tips for planning for future college expenses. For more…
Author: Jill Yoshikawa, Ed M, Partner of Creative Marbles Consultancy
Jill Yoshikawa, EdM, Harvard ’99, a seasoned, 25 year educator and consultant, is meticulous in helping clients navigate all aspects of the educational experience, no matter the level of complexity. She combines educational theory with experience to advise families, schools and educators. A UCSD and Harvard graduate, as well as a former high school teacher, Jill works tirelessly to help her clients succeed.
College Costs: Myth vs. Reality
A tongue-in-cheek look at rising college costs, yet gives another incentive for college bound teens to think thoroughly about their college choices.
Common App Essays Part 2: How to Write College Essays
Knowing what the college essay adds to a college application, as we discussed in the first podcast of our Common Application essay series, is only the first step in developing a competitive personal statement. The following podcast advises Seniors how to actually write the autobiographical college essay, and addresses common challenges in the drafting process. The college…
Paying for College vs. Saving for Retirement, Round 1
Worries about paying for rising college costs can be compounded by concerns over saving for retirement. As seen in the chart below, with average retirement savings of people aged 45-54, the general age range of parents with college-aged children, at $10,100, can explain parents’ concerns. The Baby Boomer group just ahead in age (55-64)…
The Great Math Divide
When a math grade goes south, often parents assume an academic tutor is the answer, as the problem must be a lack of understanding. Students often draw the same conclusion, under the reasoning that the “teacher can’t teach.” The latter sentiment of the student is what needs further examination; for while the student may…
The A B C’s of the New Common Application Essays
College essays that add value to the application explain the meaning of the applicant’s life experiences and give insight to the applicant’s personality. Being able to craft that content, while in the middle of the fall semester of Senior year, and fit their 17 years of life into 500 words or less can be a…
Is College Financial Aid Really Aid?
The difference between the value of college, indicated by price and intrinsic worth, and what a family feels they can afford to pay creates the need for financial aid. But, college bound buyer beware: NOT ALL FINANCIAL AID AWARDED BY THE UNIVERSITY IS ACTUALLY AID.
Paying for College Is Complicated
Proof that median household incomes are less today, than 4 years ago: The drop in median household incomes is occurring simultaneously with an almost triple digit increase in tuition at the University of California and double digit average tuition increases at private universities nationwide. There’s little wonder that middle income families are concerned about paying for college.…
Part 2: Learning May Not Be Simple–The Student’s Perspective
In Part One of our “Learning May Not Be Simple” series, we discussed the complexities of presenting new information in an average classroom, as well as how a teacher’s management of the class can influence the learning process. The following highlights the student’s perspective and the complications of understanding new information, particularly for high school…
Moving Away to College May Be More Complicated Than Expected
Move-in day is looming for soon-to-be college freshmen all over the country. What to pack, what to leave at home, saying good-bye to close friends, concerns about an unknown roommate(s), signing up for the “right” classes at a brand-new school, and moving out of a childhood home can make for a bittersweet time. On the…
Paying for Childhood: Average Cost of Raising Children
Wondering how your parents were able to raise multiple kids (and none of you felt deprived) on a single income back in the day? A new report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates families with children born in 2012 will spend an average of $241,080 in the next 18 years to raise their offspring–NOT…
Social Media & College Life
Anonymous Facebook pages, known as “Confessions” pages are allowing college students to post whatever they want about their campus life–unedited–which can be both cathartic and mean-spirited, stoking fears about cyber-bullying. After a quick survey (very quick), the pages read like old fashioned bathroom stall graffiti–only forever preserved in bits and pixels. Like bathroom stall graffti,…
“But, I’ll Be Bragging…” And Other Perils of Writing College Essays
Mention the words “college essays” to any soon-to-be high school Senior, and watch their faces contort. Although expected, the autobiographical college essay that’s included in college applications can provoke a unique stress, as few 17 year olds are: A) used to promoting their qualities and qualities, and B), has thought in detail about big questions,…
Guest Post: Life at A Large Public University…Reality vs. Myth
In contrast to a university with a small student population, which another former Creative Marbles client shared in a guest post last spring, life at a large, public, flagship university brings its own benefits and disadvantages. Sasha and Suzanna, two more past Creative Marbles Consultancy clients, now rising college juniors, share their experiences at…
Location, Location, Location: More Tips for Choosing Colleges
College bound students are choosing a new home, as much as they are choosing a new school. Often, students we advise want to move to Southern California–one, because its further away from home (since we’re Northern California) than the San Francisco Bay Area, yet still in their home state, and two, for the beaches and temperate…