Author Archives: Julie Reif

How to Explore Career Paths and Plan for Your Future

As children we all have big dreams for what we will become when we “grow up.” These dreams often change and develop as our interests or focus changes. In kindergarten I fell in love with school and just knew I’d be a teacher.  But in 4th grade we studied the Civil Rights Movement, and I instantly wanted to be a civil rights attorney. Then throughout the years, I vividly remember also wanting to be a veterinarian, a police woman, and even President one day! It wasn’t until high school that the proverbial question “what do you want to be when you grow up” seemed to draw a blank and the weight of my future began to press on my young shoulders.

If you’re in high school or a recent graduate, no question may strike more fear in your heart than one that requires you to make a commitment to a college or career path. You know the stakes are high (though not as high as you may feel) and you want to get it right. Don’t panic, there’s still time. That’s why exploring different career paths and finding your gifting is so important. Here’s how:

Getting Started

My father always taught me that wise decisions will always involve list making. If you’re researching career paths or wondering what career choices are a good fit for you, the best place to start is by making a list of what you enjoy. Take the time to consider what brings a smile to your face, your extra-curricular activities, volunteerism, and best subjects in school. Consider not just what you’re good at, or what your parents think you’re good at, but truly what activities and subjects interest you and make you want to learn more.

It’s true that if it doesn’t feel like “work” or “learning” it could be a great passion or career choice for you. On the flip side, make a list of those things that bore you or that are overly challenging for you. If you hate math, list it. If you find history really boring, write that down. Knowing what you like, and what you dislike, will set you on a great path towards finding your future career.

Once you’ve got your lists together, use a search like O’Net Online to find occupations that match your goals and interests. This search will help set you on the right career path based upon your interests and may even surprise you with job options you never considered!

If you’re not sure where to start or if your list is just too overwhelming, complete this Interest Profiler from O’Net. This brief survey will allow you to find what your interests are and then match you to possible careers. You can then explore those careers including job zones, pay, etc. Make a list of these possible careers and then do some research on your own into what level of education, pay, etc. is involved.

Taking it Further

Now that you’ve got a list of possible career paths, it’s time to narrow down your list. Knowledge and experience are very different things. Just because I like learning about history doesn’t mean I want to be a history teacher! This is why I strongly suggest experiencing each possible career path. Use your network of family, friends, church, mentors etc. to get some experiential knowledge of each possible career.

If you’re interested in teaching, shadow a teacher for a day. If you’ve discovered that community planning or non-profit work may interest you, contact your local community and shadow with one of their employees. This may seem like a lot of work, and it is. But don’t miss this step! These experiences will go far in helping you to narrow down which career paths will truly interest you long term and help you build a satisfying life. And it can even save you years of heartache and financial strain.

Making Career and College Choices

After you’ve narrowed down what career path, or paths, you are interested in, it’s time to find the best education or on the job training fit. You want to find a place that is going to prepare you for the future without breaking the bank and that fits your emotional, spiritual, and personal needs. If you’re headed to college, you need to first select a major that will prepare you to work in your area of interest.

This career search from the College Board will not only help you to identify what you’re interested in, but it will help you to discover the major that best fits that category.  The opposite type of search, one that matches careers to your college major, can also be helpful if you’re already in college and trying to decide what you want to do with your major.

Finally, this school search from study.com is a great way to narrow down which colleges and universities are rated well for your interests, career path, or chosen major. Once you’ve created a college list, be sure to compare and contrast each school based upon finances, location, social opportunities, etc. and to narrow down which schools you have the best chance of getting into based upon your grades and testing scores.

Finding a career path that suits your interests and goals isn’t difficult, but it does take a bit of consideration and research on your part. But the benefits of going into college knowing what you want to be when you finally grow up, far outweigh the work you’ll do. Follow this method and you may just be a few good lists away from taking hold of your bright future!

How to Prepare for Life after Graduation

You’ve made it! All of the work, the struggles, and the perseverance has paid off and you are about to graduate from high school. Congratulations! No doubt your mind is filled with dreams for this summer, to travel, relax, and spend time with friends and family before you move into this next phase of life. Most likely the last thing you want to do is more studying and learning. But, these are precious and important months, the last before you fly the nest and take your first steps into the real world as an adult. And, if you want to soar into your future, and not crash land, you need to get ready and equip yourself with what you’ll need to know to reach your goals. I’ve watched thousands of graduates soar, and many fail. It all comes down to preparation. Here are the best ways to prepare for life after graduation.

6 Ways to Succeed in Life after Graduation

  1. Develop a strong support system. There’s safety in numbers, especially if you’re headed off to college or starting a new career. You’re going to be faced with many challenges, some of which will make you feel woefully unprepared. That’s where your support system comes in. Make sure you have wise, older people in your corner who are available to give you advice, help you stay organized, pray for you, and support you during the changes. If you’re headed to college, you’ll want to include friends you make at college, professors, and wise adults (yes, your parents should be included!). If you’re starting a new career, find a mentor at your new company who is willing to support and pour into you. And once you know your people, use them! Ask for help, prayer, and direction when you need it.
  2. Learn to manage your time and money wisely. If there’s one thing that causes more college students or new employees to fail, it’s poor time management. The truth is you’re about to be challenged in ways you cannot even imagine. The amount of new skills, homework, and requirements coming your way is daunting, and knowing how to prioritize and manage your time wisely before they hit will ensure you can stay on track and meet expectations. Understanding how to “work smarter, not harder” is one of the true keys to success and will help you throughout your life. Start here to learn how.
  3. Master “adulting” skills like laundry, banking, cooking, cleaning, etc. I know, I know, it seems silly to spend your summer learning how to clean, cook, and do laundry. But, these skills are essential for life and self-care. You never know when you’ll need to change a tire unexpectedly or use first aid. But, you certainly will need to do your laundry, stay on budget, and cook a few meals for yourself. Mastering these important skills will serve you well long after this new journey is over. Plus, your roommate and future spouse will thank you.
  4. Create a safety and help plan. Life after graduation is exciting and wonderful, but it can also be dangerous and scary. The best way to overcome fear is through knowledge. Have a safety plan, know how to contact the authorities on campus or at your workplace. Mental safety and health is important too! Be sure to know whom you can go to for help when you’re overwhelmed and how to get the medical and emotional care you need. Be smart and be safe.
  5. Read and write over the summer. Whether you’re headed to college or the workforce, your mind is about to be crammed full of new information. Chances are you’ll be challenged to read, a lot. You’ll also need to be able to write well, whether it’s essays or emails. Spend some time this summer challenging yourself to read and write often. Write a resume, a persuasive essay, a book report, and a professional email. Then have mom, dad, or your support person read through your writing and help you improve. And read as much as you can to keep your mind active and learning.
  6. Keep an open mind but remember who you are. You’re on the verge of the awesome, a whole new life after graduation. You’re going to meet new people, see different things, and be challenged in ways you’ve never been before. Stay open to these new thoughts and ideas, to meeting new people and making new friends, to succeeding and failing and always learning. But, never forget who you are and from where you have come. Stay connected to your family and friends, to those who have known and loved you for your entire life. Keep up the passions and habits that feed your soul and keep you grounded. Find people who are passionate about those things as well and you’ll instantly have your support system. Knowing who you are and where you want to go will help you to sift through the many new things, ideas, and people that will come your way and only keep those that enrich your life and push you forward.

Congratulations on making it this far. Your future is waiting so arm yourself with the skills and knowledge you need to face it head on with passion, practicality, and perseverance. “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”
 

Student Showcase: Fighting Dyslexia: The Gift of Homeschooling

When the private school Ella Crawford was attending decided to implement Common Core, mom Holly knew it was time for a change.

“I tried for so many years to build her self-esteem,” Holly says. “Common Core is not made for a dyslexic child. I did not want to destroy her self-esteem. You never want to do that to any child whether they have dyslexia or not.”

Holly decided the best course of action for Ella, already an elite-level swimmer as an elementary schooler, was to homeschool.
For Holly, the decision to homeschool was scary but necessary.

“I’ve done research on dyslexia, been to the big conferences and tried to learn how to teach her, and that goes back to why I was scared to death to homeschool,” Holly remembers. “But all of the teachers and therapists, they said, ‘Holly, you will be her best teacher.’ So I took a leap of faith and decided to homeschool.”

Through intensive research, she chose Bridgeway Academy because of the support and care of highly trained academic advisors.

“I think the best part of homeschool is that we can go at her speed,” Holly explains. “Mainstream school, everything is so fast and there is so much more information at one time. With homeschool, we can go slower. We can break the curriculum down into smaller increments. We can can go at our own pace. This is the gift of homeschool.”

“The best part is I don’t have to change the curriculum. She has the same subjects as everyone else. We just break the curriculum down into smaller increments. I talked with our advisor Angela about that last week. She said I can do it piece-by-piece, and that’s something we do. We break it down into smaller pieces. This is the gift of homeschool.”

“I put long words into two words,” Ella explains about reading strategies. “I learn the base word and break it into two, like explanation: explain and a-tion. In Math, we have ‘million’ words. Usually I have to separate numbers. In writing, it’s usually not that bad. If I don’t know how to spell a word, I look it up.”

Nearly 20 percent of all school-aged children suffer from a language-based learning disability, and dyslexia is the most common. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 5 percent of all school-age children are diagnosed with dyslexia.

October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month, and Ella’s story serves as an inspiration for others. She is a multi-tasking triple threat, competing in the classroom and in the pool while constantly training to overcome dyslexia.

Ella and younger sister Faith, who is competing in the National History Bee and was in the U.S. Geography Olympiad, are able to schedule schoolwork so that it fits best with their wide variety of activities and interests.
faith-holly-ella
“I enjoy homeschooling a lot,” Ella says. “We do have a schedule, but we don’t have to be up and working at 6:45 in the morning. If we go out of town, I can do an extra day’s worth of work today, or do it at night, so it’s pretty fun. Sometimes we go to an open swim [at the pool] during the day and swim laps. Other kids are in school, but I get to swim.”

Ella swims five afternoons a week, in the morning on Saturdays, and practices yoga as part of her swim training on Saturday afternoons.
She uses that same mental toughness in her training to battle dyslexia.
Bridgeway is helping Ella pursue her dreams of swimming in college and becoming a marine biologist.

School. Swimming. Marine biology. Dyslexia. They all require constant training and dedication to ensure success.

Bridgeway Academy is proud of Ella’s dedication and success. Help ensure your child’s success through homeschooling.

Bridgeway has empowered a cadre of qualified academic advisors to support, assist, advise, and keep records and transcripts for its homeschooling families. We can do it for you! Learn more about how to join the academically accredited programs that allow Bridgeway families to homeschool with confidence.

Homeschool Myth Busting: My Child Will Not Get Into College

If you are in the home stretch of homeschooling high school, you are most likely staring down one of the biggest mountains yet, the college application process. Applying for colleges, from the essay and the transcripts to the campus visits has left many seasoned homeschoolers shaking in their boots. But, while college admissions for homeschoolers, studying for SAT and ACT exams, deciding on a career and determining the best college options can be overwhelming and scary, you do not have to fear. Here is what you need to know to ensure that your homeschoolers get into the college of their dreams – worry-free.

Changing Tides

If you are nervous about college admissions for homeschoolers, specifically how your dream college will receive you as a homeschooling student or if you think “my child will not get into college because she homeschools,” there is good news. The tide has changed regarding homeschoolers and college acceptance. Colleges and Universities are beginning to view each child as an individual, regardless of their educational background. The following quote is from Rutgers University:

“We view homeschooled students similar to students taught in other environments. For all our applicants, however they are schooled, we require specific academic work and accept homeschool diplomas similar to other high school diplomas for proof of graduation.”

Throughout the past couple of years, Colleges and Universities have started noticing strengths among their homeschooling applicants. They now realize that many homeschool students have already learned time management skills and how to take responsibility for teaching themselves, both of which are essential for academic success in college.
University campus in fall

But what if your student has his eyes on the Ivy League?

Even then you have no cause for fears as universities such as Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Penn State, and Liberty to name a few, also indicate that they gladly accept homeschooled students with proper documentation. The truth about homeschooling has come out, and homeschool graduates around the world are proving that homeschooling, with its flexibility, individuality, and freedom, produces outstanding learners ready for anything college may bring.

Get Your Foot in the Door

So, you know you can make the grades in college. But, your application looks very different than the average student. What do you need to do to ensure that your college application is on the same footing as your traditionally schooled peers? Follow these simple steps.

How to Find the Documents Needed for your Dream College or University:

  1. Know and have the basic documentation. Almost all Colleges and Universities require SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Transcripts, and information about your Extra Curricular Activities. You can have these ready to go in advance.
  2. Visit their website. Many Colleges and Universities give information to homeschool applicants on their admissions website. For example, Liberty University has multiple links for homeschoolers including, the 4 A’s of Admissions, a Homeschool Admissions Policy Page, a Transcript Guidelines page, and a Homeschool Advantage Programs page. These types of documents are added to many college websites to make applying to their college easier for you.
  3. Ask Questions. Sometimes it can be difficult finding all of the information from the website, so do not be afraid of calling an admissions counselor to ask some questions. After all, that is why they are there!
  4. Make a list and timeline. By making a list of items needed for your dream college and knowing the deadlines, you can be sure that you will not miss anything. Start gathering the items you need 3-6 months before the deadline so that you have plenty of time to work out any kinks that may come up.
  5. Be sure your transcript is complete. The most critical piece of a college application is the high school transcript. If you are not working with an accredited homeschool partner, be sure that you know your state’s requirements and have met them before you begin applying to colleges and universities. It is  also a good idea to check out what colleges see as ideal candidates and frame your academic plan around their requirements (community service, 1 year of foreign language or two, etc.).

College: Girl Moving Into Dorm with Box
Still unsure if your child is ready?

It is important that you devote time to developing and preparing for the challenges that your child will face in college. Time management, study skills, and critical thinking are all extremely important for success on a college campus. According to Penn State University,

“All students must make a big transition from high school to college. Homeschooled students may have some advantage over traditionally-schooled students in that college work requires a great deal of self-learning. Instructors expect students to learn material that is not actually presented within the confines of the classroom.”

If you are not positive that your child is building these skills, you can gain peace of mind by working with a homeschool partner and allowing experts to help keep your child on track.

After all, 85% of Bridgeway graduates get into the college of their dreams.

That’s one statistic you want to be part of, right? We focus on rigorous academics, accredited transcripts and diplomas, and flexibility so you can focus on helping your child achieve their goals.     

Applying to college as a homeschooler can be a scary time, but do not let fear get the best of you! Chances are your homeschooling has better prepared you for the challenges your student will face. But, if you’re not completely confident in how your child will look on paper, visit us at bridgewayacademy.com or call Bridgeway at 800-863-1474.

NCAA Requirements: How to Know You’re On Track

You’re at the top of your game and your dreams of being an elite athlete as your chosen college is within reach. Training and learning are like breathing for you, and you’re working hard to balance them with the other demands on your plate. But, did you know that you could disqualify yourself from playing at the college level if you don’t follow the rules of NCAA? If you want to compete at a Division I or II college, NCAA eligibility is your ticket. But, navigating NCAA requirements can be as daunting as the big game. Follow these rules to ensure that you meet NCAA requirements and are ready for college athletics when the time comes.

Understanding NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association, also known as the NCAA, is a non-profit association that regulates the athletics for most colleges and universities in the US. NCAA rules and regulations help to ensure that students are ready for college and is founded on the principle that student athletes are students first. College is a big leap for many athletes as the bar is set higher both academically and athletically. NCAA requirements are the same in that they prepare you academically for the challenges you will face as a college athlete.

Play by the Rules

Once you hit high school, course planning becomes a critical part of ensuring you’re eligible to compete in college, and while you can meet NCAA eligibility without going to a traditional school, it’s important that you understand what credits and requirements you must meet to stay eligible. If this seems daunting to you, consider partnering with a homeschool provider that understands the NCAA requirements and can ensure you take the right courses and gain the right credits.
Above and beyond the courses and credits, you’ll also be required to take the SAT or ACT, register with NCAA, and a few more important tasks. Here’s a short list of the main requirements you will need to meet eligibility.

  • Register with the NCAA at eligibilitycenter.org
  • Pay your NCAA registration fee.
  • Follow all NCAA regulations for credits and coursework throughout your high school career as there are specific courses that must be completed at each grade level.
  • When it’s time, register to take the SAT/ACT using the NCAA code 9999 to ensure your test scores are reported to NCAA.
  • Submit an official transcript to NCAA in your senior year.

Want to learn exactly what you’ll need to do to meet all NCAA requirements? Download our FREE ebook today! While it can seem overwhelming to keep that NCAA eligibility, it can make all the difference in your future as an elite athlete.

Need additional support from an NCAA expert so you can focus on your dreams?  Find out more about our unique Elite Program that helps each of our homeschooling student athletes meet all their educational and athletic goals.

FASFA Financial Aid Strategies for Homeschoolers

Is your homeschooler getting ready for college?  Do you have questions about what kind of federal aid you might be eligible for?  Over 71% of college students will graduate with student loan debt. What a frightening thought!  We don’t want your student to be a part of that 71%, so we have done the research for you and created some resources to help you along the college and financial aid journey.

First, you must understand Federal Student Aid.

Federal Student Aid, part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the country.  The Federal Student Aid office works to assist college education funding by providing billions of dollars in federal grants, workstudy funds, and loans each year to millions of students hoping to go to college.  If your homeschooler wants to attend college, but needs financial assistance, filling out the FAFSA is a wise choice.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a form used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending a postsecondary school.  The results of the FAFSA are used in determining student grants, work study, and loan amounts.

 The following are some good FASFA financial aid strategies to help you maximize your eligibility for need-based aid:

  1.  Reducing income during base years.
  2.  Reducing “included” assets.  Converting included assets into non-included assets will increase eligibility by sheltering you from the need analysis process. However, most financial planners recommend that parents maintain a contingency fund equal to six months salary in relatively liquid form for emergencies and other unforeseeable circumstances.
  3.  Increasing the number of family members enrolled in college and pursuing a degree or certificate at the same time. The family contribution is split among all children who will be enrolled in college.
  4.  Taking advantage of the differences in the way the need analysis process assesses the assets and income of the student and his or her parents.
  5.  Changing the student’s status from dependent to independent. This is generally not a simple process.

For more information about FASFA financial aid strategies, check here.  
Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are federal student loans that help eligible students cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college, university, community college, trade, career, or technical school. The U.S. Department of Education offers eligible students at participating schools Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans, also known as Stafford Loans or Direct Stafford Loans.  You can find out more about these loans here.  

Don’t forget- there are other forms of financial aid, as well.  Some homeschool students may be eligible for scholarships.  There are several organizations, schools, and private donors that offer homeschool scholarships to help students obtain a college degree. Since many homeschooled students don’t have access to a high school guidance department, it’s important to inquire about scholarship opportunities through the community, churches, parents’ employers, and online searches that list homeschool scholarships and resources.  

Have a look at some of our top 9 ways to find assistance!

  1. Local service or professional organizations. Oftentimes, these organizations offer scholarships. A few to consider include Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Club.
  1. Inquire at your church.  Sometimes they offer scholarships to families within their community or going into the ministry.   
  2. Check out Achievement opportunities!  If you are looking for places to start, try Elks Most Valuable Student Competition, AXA Achievement Community Scholarship and Robert C Byrd Honors Scholarships.
  3. Try large corporations. Many of them give the next generation of students the chance to earn money for their college years. Try the Coca Cola Scholarship, the Ronald McDonald House Charity US Scholarships, and the Gates Millennium Scholars Program.
  4. If you are interested in Science and Mathematics, check out SMART (Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation Scholarship for Service Program).
  5. Varsity Tutors:  Monthly $1,000 college scholarship contest where students write an essay in response to a monthly prompt. Visitors to the Varsity Tutors scholarship webpage are able to vote via social media for submitted entries. The top five entries with the most votes are reviewed by Varsity Tutors at the end of the month and one winner is subsequently chosen to receive the $1,000 college scholarship. Interested students can enter the contest here.
  6. Check where you work or where you have memberships. Many companies will give employees benefits for their kids going to college.
  7. Research websites that compile scholarships for you!  Here are our top three: College Financial Aid Advice, Imagine America, and Fastweb.
  8. Attend our Financial Aid webinar!  We will address what financial aid is, the types of aid available to your students, and how to use federal aid programs. Click here to register!

Billions of dollars are given every year to students, helping them get through college!  Make sure you and your student take the time to research the best options for your family.

Want more information and tips for your homeschooling? Follow our Blog and Facebook page where we will keep you up-to-date for what’s happening in the homeschooling world.

Homeschooling Ahead of the Curve, Keep College in Mind

Parents often wonder if their homeschooled child is ready for college. As a school counselor that has been working with kids for five years, I often hear the question: How soon is too soon to begin thinking about college for homeschoolers? Depending on the student, you could start as early as eighth or ninth grade. What matters most for parents, is understanding how to help your child while not completely taking over the application process.

And, it’s never easy to stay calm while stressing about finances and trying to help them pick a career path. But, if you take the right steps toward preparing for college together, you should be just fine. With the help of a counselor or advisor, there are so many valuable resources available to help your child prepare for their future.

There’s no perfect formula for finding the right school or dream job, however, there is an effective process you can take in order to get moving in the right direction.

To get started, here are six helpful tips to get your homeschooled child ready for college.
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