Podcast Summary
Creative ways to cope during uncertain times: Unsubscribe to spam emails, consider financial situations during college decision-making, save on brunches with Whole Foods, and use technology like Apple Card to maximize savings.
During uncertain times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, people are finding creative ways to cope and make the best of the situation. Lucy O'Neil from Peoria, Illinois, shares her hack of unsubscribing to spam emails to keep busy. Meanwhile, the college decision-making process has been impacted by the pandemic, with many schools extending deadlines and offering more flexibility. Alissa Nadworny, who covers higher education for NPR, explains that this extra time allows families to weigh their financial situations more carefully, as some may need the income more than the credits. In addition, consumers can save money on celebratory brunches by shopping at Whole Foods Market with wallet-friendly finds, and technology like Apple Card can help maximize savings on everyday purchases. Overall, it's important to stay informed, be flexible, and find ways to make the most of the current situation.
Exploring resources for students facing financial hardships: Apply for federal student aid, consider appealing financial aid packages, use online tools, prioritize financial considerations, and seek guidance from financial aid offices.
For students facing financial hardships and needing additional assistance, it's essential to explore all available resources. Begin by filling out a federal student aid application to determine eligibility for loans, scholarships, and grants. If your financial situation has changed, consider appealing your financial aid package through the individual school's financial aid office. Utilize free online tools like Swift Student to help navigate the process efficiently. When making college decisions, prioritize financial considerations by involving family members and having open discussions about affordability and potential alternatives, such as community college or requesting additional financial aid. Remember, it's a challenging time, and many students are reevaluating their plans. Don't hesitate to reach out to financial aid offices and seek guidance.
A shift in higher education due to pandemic: Many high school students are reconsidering college plans due to pandemic's financial impact, with some opting for community colleges or part-time attendance. Colleges face financial challenges and plan for various fall semester scenarios.
Due to the financial strain caused by the pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming academic year, many high school students are reconsidering their college plans. Some are opting for community colleges due to their lower tuition costs and the ability to commute from home. Others are considering part-time attendance or even dropping out to help support their families. Colleges and universities, on the other hand, are facing their own financial challenges and are planning for a range of scenarios for the fall semester, including online learning and social distancing measures. The situation is complex and uncertain, with many variables at play, making it difficult for institutions to make definitive plans. Overall, the pandemic is leading to a significant shift in higher education, with more students choosing local and cheaper options and colleges bracing for potential enrollment surges.
Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Semester Structures: Colleges and universities are adopting various alternatives to traditional semester structures due to COVID-19, including block scheduling, housing freshmen only, shortening semesters, and utilizing local hotels for student housing. Institutions are prioritizing student safety and education amidst uncertainty.
Colleges and universities are exploring various alternatives to traditional semester structures due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. One such alternative is block scheduling, where students take one or two classes at a time for shorter cycles, allowing for more flexibility in transitioning between in-person and online learning. Institutions like Colorado College have successfully implemented this model for decades. Other ideas include housing freshmen only, shortening semesters, and utilizing local hotels for student housing. Stanford University has even suggested holding classes outside under tents. While some students may consider taking a gap year, it's essential to clarify the distinction between a traditional gap year and simply delaying enrollment. The latter can make it more challenging to secure a spot in college. Amidst the uncertainty, colleges are considering all options to ensure the safety and education of their students.
Impact of Delaying College Attendance: Delaying college attendance without a clear plan can decrease graduation rates and earning potential. Community colleges adapt to current job market, and experiences and opportunities during college shape career paths. The degree is more important than the major, and high school staff can help in college decisions.
Delaying college attendance and not having a clear plan can negatively impact graduation rates and earning potential. Students who don't go to college right after high school are less likely to obtain a bachelor's degree and more likely to get a certificate, which may not provide the same financial benefits. Life circumstances can make it challenging to return to college, and the economy's uncertainty may influence students' major choices. Community colleges are adapting by offering specific programs and courses to match the current job market. Career counselors advise that while a major can provide a foundation, it's the experiences and opportunities gained during college that shape career paths. Ultimately, the degree itself may be more important than the major, and high school staff are still available to support students in their college decisions.
Seeking Guidance from Trusted Mentors: When making important decisions, reach out to trusted mentors like guidance counselors for valuable perspective and advice.
When making important decisions, such as choosing a college major or navigating the college application process, it's beneficial to seek guidance from trusted mentors like guidance counselors. They can provide valuable perspective and advice based on their experience and knowledge. Alyssa Nadworny, an education reporter for NPR, emphasized the importance of not making these decisions in isolation, and encouraged reaching out to those who have previously helped and supported us during our academic journey. For more resources and information, listeners can check out NPR's Life Kit, subscribe to their newsletter, or leave a voice mail or email with their questions or tips. The episode was produced by Sylvie Douglas, with Meghan Keane as managing producer and Beth Donovan as senior editor. For more podcast recommendations, listeners can tune in to NPR's All Songs Considered or Choiceology. Additionally, PBS offers a series called "A Brief History of the Future" that explores the possibilities of where people are today and what could come next. And for those interested in understanding complex economic ideas, they can listen to the Planet Money podcast from NPR.
