QR codes. You've seen them everywhere, even though you might not have even realized it. They are those black and white patterns in square boxes popping up on posters, ads, magazines and soon, almost everywhere. What are they?

What is a QR Code?
A QR code is simply a barcode that doesn't need one of those special store scanners to be read. Anyone with a smartphone can read them, so they have become a new form of marketing. QR codes now give advertisers a way of letting you click on a link from billboards or other offline materials. The QR code, once scanned, might contain information about a company, links, images and more.

How do I use a QR code?
How do you see the information from the QR code? You need to have a smartphone with a camera. Then, you need to download a QR code reader app, of which there are many for free. The QR code reader will automatically transfer the picture of the code into a URL, contact information, phone number, etc. To find an app for your phone, just type QR into your app store search and you will have many choices.

How did I first learn about QR codes? From my son, of course. Have you already been using QR codes? Have they been useful? Which app do you use? Please share your experiences.

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The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.

“High school classes haven’t been that bad, but I’m not sure how I’ll fare in lecture halls with hundreds of other students. How can I stand out to professors and keep from feeling overwhelmed?” – Steve A., Decatur City, IA.

A: Momma knows best!

Remember your mother begging you to read ahead on school assignments and you just rolled your eyes at her? Well, it turns out mom was right (isn’t she always). She was advocating the psychological principle of Advance Organizers.  The goal is for students to be introduced to new information prior to actually receiving formal instruction on a given topic. Find a favorite website, such as Khan Academy (http://www.khanacademy.org/) or Free Video Lectures (http://freevideolectures.com/). There, a short tutorial can be viewed exposing you to key concepts preceding the next day’s lecture. With just minimal planning, this simple cognitive strategy will help you better integrate the material and clarify complex lessons.

-          Robin Boren— Founder - The College Doctor LLC

                     

A: Practice makes perfect!

One of the best things you can do to “practice” college classes is to begin taking them in high school. If your state doesn’t offer college classes as a high school option, take a class or two in the summer. If you’re ready to start college classes and haven’t had prior experience with them, take a small load – anything over 12 hours qualifies as full-time – and a mix of large and small classes. If you’re going to be part of a living group, ask returning students for their recommendations when you attend summer registration. Choose at least one class you can say you’re taking because it’s of interest and not just a requirement.

-          Anne Johnson—Director of Admission - Iowa Lakes Community College

A: Success – Tips to keep you focused!

Transitioning from smaller classes in high school to a large lecture hall in college can be daunting.  First and foremost, it is important that you attend class and treat it like any other class in which you are enrolled.  You want to sit in the front of the lecture hall so that you won’t be distracted when the students in front of you pull out their laptops and start browsing Facebook.  You might even want to audio record the class so that if you miss something you can review it when you are back in your dorm. Remember to stay focused – this class is an investment in your future.

-          Kiersten Murphy– Director - Murphy College Consultants

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Don’t miss answers by the President & Founder - HernandezCollegeConsulting.com & ApplicationBootCamp.com, and more – at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork.  To send your question to our experts, visit www.unigo.com/expertquestions

Have you been enjoying these Unigo college questions and answers. Am I publishing them too often? Not enough? Please let me know if you have any thoughts at all on the subject.

See also:  
College Size - How Important Is It In Choosing a School?

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If you are a fan of Lifetime's hit show Drop Dead Diva, then I have good news for you. Season 3 of Drop Dead Diva will premiere on Sunday, June 19th, 2011 at 9pm ET/PT and it picks up right where season 2's dramatic cliffhanger left off.

In case you don't remember, season 2 of Drop Dead Diva ended with Grayson being hit by a car, then recognizing Jane as Deb before falling into a coma. As season 3 begins, Jane is at the hospital, anxiously waiting for Grayson to wake up, not knowing if he will still recognize her. It is an episode not to be missed.

Since it premiered two years ago, Drop Dead Diva has been one of my favorite television shows. It is fun and enjoyable to watch and teaches great lessons on body image. Once Deb, a vivacious model, inhabited Jane's body, she transformed it. Even though she is heavy, she now dresses, acts and speaks like a beautiful self confident person. Brook Elliot has done an amazing job as both Jane and Deb and makes the transformation believable.

Drop Dead Diva also has a supporting cast to die for (pun intended). I love April Bowlby as Stacy her best friend an Ben Feldman as Fred her guardian angel. Their scenes are usually the funniest. However, the office cast is fantastic as well, and is made up of Margaret Cho as Teri, Jane's assistant, Jackson Hurst as Grayson, Jane's co-worker and Deb's love, Kate Levering as Kim, the tough lawyer and Josh Stamberg as Parker, their boss.

This season Drop Dead Diva will include guest stars Paula Abdul, Wendy Williams, Mario Lopez, Kathy Griffin, Wanda Sykes, Clay Aiken, Lance Bass, Tony Goldwyn, Amanda Bearse, Howard Hesseman, Sharon Lawrence, Faith Prince, Jennifer Tilly and many more. The premiere episode includes a musical dream sequence with the entire cast that reminded me a little of Glee but better.

For more information on Drop Dead Diva, you can follow them on Twitter, their Facebook page, or go to the Drop Dead Diva website on MyLifetime where you can watch all of the season 2 episodes for free. You can also buy both Drop Dead Diva season one and Drop Dead Diva season 2 DVDs and catch up on the entire series. You will be happy you did. This is a great show for families, especially for mothers and daughters to watch together.

Do you watch Drop Dead Diva? What is your favorite summer television series?

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Enough with 60s pop culture already. Its time to start remembering the 1970s and 80s. Pop Culture fans will love Whatever Happened To Pudding Pops?: The Lost Toys, Tastes & Trends of the 70s and 80s.

Reading about pop culture from our youth brings back more than just pop culture memories. We remember our life at the time and a whole wave of memories can be provoked by a few paragraphs on Dark Shadows. Do you remember taking typing class in high school and owning a transistor radio? Did you ever play Barrel of Monkeys or watch Battle of the Network Stars? Take a stroll down memory lane with Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops?

Whatever Happened To Pudding Pops? was written by two Pop Culture aficionados. Cael Fashingbauer Cooper has blogged at Pop Culture Junk Mail since 1999. Brian Bellmont, a public relations consultant, is a former TV news reporter and producer who has interviewed many pop culture favorites. The two of them write a blog together called GenXtinct.

Althought Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops? is aimed at Gen Xers, the generation that grew up in the 70s and 80s, as a Baby Boomer, I enjoyed it very much also. As a teenager and twentysomething during those years, I have fond memories of most of the pop culture items represented. And the great thing about books like these is that it is a great tool for sharing pop culture memories with your teens. 

See also: Goodnight iPad the Video of the Ann Droyd Book Parody
 

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Common Sense Media, the organization and website that parents and educators turn to for media ratings, reviews and educational curriculum, has taken on a new battle. Tracking and profiling kids and teens online has become widespread and Common Sense Media is providing information for parents and policymakers to try to put an end to this growing practice.

To begin with, the Common Sense Media website now has a new page specifically on the topic of privacy and online tracking. There are links to articles on protecting kids' reputation, how kids are tracked and targeted and when clicks leave an online trail.

There is also a link to a white paper published by Common Sense Media, "Protecting Our Kids' Privacy in a Digital World" on why we need a "do not track" law. I highly recommended that you read it. Here are the 7 key principles, laid out in the brief, for a new public policy agenda to protect the privacy of children:

1. Children and Teens should not have their online behavior tracked.
2. Children and Teens should be able to delete information they have provided about themselves.
3. There should be no behavioral marketing to kids.
4. The industry standard for all privacy should be Opt In, especially for kids.
5. Privacy Policies should be clear and transparent.
6. Parents and children should be educated about online privacy.
7. Privacy protections should apply across all online and mobile platforms.

Common Sense Media is a wonderful organization that all parents, educators and policymakers should check out. In addition to the ratings and reviews, there is a very comprehensive parent advice page and educators page. Their mission of this not-for-profit organization is to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. Using Common Sense Media as a resource just makes common sense!

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Would you like to go back to school, whether for a degree or enrichment, but don't think that you can because of your kids? With online colleges and University classes, it is easier than ever, because you don't have to commute and your timing is flexible. Now, the University of Phoenix has created a free mobile app that makes it easier than ever to stay connected to your coursework and classmates on the run.

About ten years ago, I wanted to get a graduate degree in library science. At the time, my sons were too young to leave alone at home, and I was trying to figure out what to do. Then I found that I could get my degree online and all problems were solved.

I loved taking online classes. All of my classes were asynchronous, so I could take them after the kids went to sleep or while they were in school. The classes were just as challenging as traditional ones, just much easier to get to. And there is actually more conversation because it is easier to post to a message board than speak up in class.

Now, with additional help of mobile apps, like the one from the University of Phoenix, going back to school at any age, has to be even more convenient. With PhoenixMobile, students can access classroom discussions and assignments and receive real time alerts when grades are posted, right from their iPhone or iPod Touch. You don't even have to be home in front of your computer.

I am a big fan of education. You can never learn too much. If you've been putting off advancing your education because you are home with your kids, you don't have to anymore. You will still have work to do, but online schooling is so flexible and convenient, you can fit it into any schedule. And just think of how good it will look to your teens to see their mom studying and doing school work. It can be another way to bond. 

See also: Education and Technology #140edu Conference Day 2

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ABC announced its new Fall 2011 schedule this morning, and it will be adding many new shows to its lineup. Two that immediately caught my eye were Charlie's Angels and Once Upon a Time.

Charlie's Angels
The original Charlie's Angels series was such a pop culture phenomenon that during its first year, guys everywhere hung Farrah Fawcett posters on their walls, and girls all got her hairstyle (yes, I had those wings for years).  This new Charlie's Angels is a big, loud, fun take on the 1970's smash hit. It will air Thursday nights at 8pm ET/PT before Grey's Anatomy. Meet the cast and characters:

There's Abby (Rachael Taylor) a Park Avenue Princess who became a world-class thief. Then there's Kate (Annie Ilonzeh), a Miami cop who fell from grace, losing both her career and her fiance. Finally there's Gloria, a disgraced army lieutenant who has a way with explosives. When one of the angels' missions ends in Gloria's tragic death, Charlie persuades them to partner with Gloria's childhood friend, Eve (Minka Kelly), a street racer with a mysterious past.

Check out a sneak peek video of the new Charlie's Angels:


Once Upon a Time
A new series from Lost's Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, Once Upon a Time, where fairytales and the real world collide.  Jennifer Morrison (House, HIMYM) is Anna Swan, an ordinary 28 year old, until she discovers she's a lost princess destined to save her world from darkness. Once Upon a Time also stars Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love) as Snow White/Sister Mary Margaret.

Check out a preview of Once Upon a Time and let me know if you don't say WOW!


As a true Lost fan, I can't wait for this series to begin. Anything coming from an ex-Lost writer is worth trying and this looks truly amazing. Once Upon a Time will air on ABC on Sunday nights at 8pm ET/PT right before Desperate Housewives. It looks like a great television series for the entire family.

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Back at the 2011 NYC Toy Fair, a man at a booth for Astute Games was handing out a deck of dabong! cards to everyone that walked by. I finally had the chance to try out dabong! and now I can see why. He knew that the word of mouth would sell this game.

dabong! has aspects of every card game you love, yet it is entirely different. It also has three skill levels of rules. You can start at the beginning rules level and play easily right away. Then, depending on the ages of the kids in your family, you can move to intermediate and ultimately the master rules. Each level provides several additional options for playing while also introducing additional elements of other popular card games. To keep things interesting, you can change the way you score, which affects your strategy during the game. You can even create new rules.

The dabong! card game is great for anyone aged seven and up and a fun game for families with kids, teens, or even all adults. dabong! is a new game, that is sure to catch on. It is already available on Amazon and select stores around the country.

See also: 5 Teen and Tween Products From Toy Fair 2011

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The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.  Have your questions answered at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork 

“I leave for college in a few months, but don’t know what to bring. What should every college student bring with them for academics, social, and dorm life? What does every student kick themselves for forgetting?” – David S., Fresno, CA

A: Lists, organization, and brainstorming will be the key essentials in transitioning from home to campus life.

First, develop your list(s) of tasks to do, in order to minimize emotional stress.  The lists will help you stay focused and organized, reducing the possibility of forgetfulness.  Jot down all the necessities you feel you will need at college.  This will help you determine what is feasible for travel; especially if there will be limitations due to your transportation; such as, a small car or an airplane.  Don’t panic if you forget something; surely you can find a replacement on campus, or in town.  If not, your parents will probably be delighted to assist you.

-          Marjorie Goode—Founder - Start Early: College & Career Planning Service

                     

A: Someone to talk with who can help you navigate your first year

I would recommend bringing contact info for a trusted and reliable mentor to whom you can turn for miscellaneous advice. It could be a teacher, older college or grad student you met at a summer program, a guidance counselor, college consultant, or even a family friend who works in a field you might someday like to enter. No matter how close you are with your parents, sometimes it's better to get an independent opinion. Most colleges work hard to provide a support network for their first year students, but with all the new experiences you will encounter, nothing beats a conversation with someone who already knows you.

-          Doretta Goldberg – Founder, College Directions

A: What NOT to pack is more important than what to pack…

Dorm rooms are small. Don’t stuff the car with not-so critical items, because the likelihood is your parents will return home the same day with half the car full of many of those not-so critical items. So how can you prevent the reloading ritual? First, check the dorm regulations. Most colleges will be very specific as to whether they allow microwaves and refrigerators. Many dorms have antiquated electrical systems and the colleges choose to rent out their own appliances. Second, get in touch with your roommate in advance and decide together whether you'll share the purchase of big-ticket products. Don’t bring: your whole wardrobe - plan to switch out summer clothes for winter at Thanksgiving.

-          Lee Bierer– President, College Admission Strategies

Don’t miss answers by the Dean of Admissions at University of Illinois, VP of The College Board, and more – at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork.  To send your question to our experts, visit www.unigo.com/expertquestions

See also: 
College Size - How Important Is It In Choosing a School?

Over 700 Unique Lists about College 

5 Great Lists for College Bound Students 

Sending Your Child to College - Best Manual for Parents and Teens to Prepare

Organize Cord Clutter With Colorful Dotz Products

 

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Added: 18 Best Movies for Teens Fall 2011

The Summer Movie Season of 2011 began with the opening of Thor on May 6 and will really get going with the upcoming arrival of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Following are the movies that teenagers and/or tweens will want to see this summer:

May
5/6  Thor - 3D movie based on the Marvel Comics character.

5/20  Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - Johnny Depp is back as Jack Sparrow in the 4th installment of the Pirates franchise.

5/26  Kung Fu Panda 2 -  3D animated sequel, starring Jack Black as the voice of Po. A video game based on the movie is being released on May 23.

June
6/3   X-Men First Class - The teenage years of the first team of X-Men to come out of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. Prequel to the original X-Men movie.

6/10  Super 8 - In what could be the blockbuster of the summer, J.J. Abrams wrote and directed this movie, based in 1979 as a tribute to Steven Spielberg's 70s and 80s science fiction films. Spielberg is the producer.

6/17   Green Lantern -Ryan Reynolds stars as the DC Comics character, The Green Lantern. Blake Lively plays his childhood sweetheart.

6/17   Mr. Popper's Penguins -  Jim Carrey in a live action comedy in which he plays a NYC businessman who inherits six penguins.

6/24   Cars 2 -  Computer-animated 3D sequel produced by Pixar. A video game based on the movie will be released on June 21.

July
7/1   Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The 3rd film in the series, Shia LeBouf returns without Megan Fox.

7/1  Monte Carlo - Romantic comedy about three friends posing as wealthy socialites in Monaco. Starring Selena Gomez, Katie Cassidy and Leighton Meester. Also with Cory Monteith of Glee.

7/15   Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - The End.

7/22  Captain America: The First Avenger - Based on the Marvel Comics character, Captain America, starring Chris Evans. Joss Whedon is one of the writers.

7/29  Cowboys and Aliens - Alien spaceship crashes in the old west. Starring Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde and Harrison Ford.

7/29  The Smurfs -  3D live action/CGI movie starring Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays (Glee), Hank Azaria and Sofia Vergara. The smurfs go through a mortal from the middle ages to present day NYC. The smurfs a voiced by a wide array of celebs including Katy Perry, John Oliver and Alan Cumming.

7/29 - Crazy, Stupid, Love - A comedy about relationships, older teens will want to see this film starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Analeigh Tipton, Kevin Bacon and Marisa Tomei.

August
8/5  The Sitter - Comedy starring Jonah Hill as a student suspended from college that gets talked into babysitting.

8/5   Rise of the Planet of the Apes - The first movie in a total reboot of the Planet of the Apes series. James Franco stars as a scientist working for a cure for Alzheimer's by testing on apes.

8/12   The Help -  Based on the bestselling 2009 novel, teenage girls might be interested in this film starring Emma Stone.

8/12  30 Minutes or Less - Comedy about a pizza delivery guy (Jesse Eisenberg) who is forced to rob a bank by two not so bright criminals. Also starring Danny McBride and Aziz Ansari with a cameo appearance by Taylor Lautner.

8/19  Fright Night - A teenager discovers that his neighbor (Colin Farrell) is a vampire, but nobody, including his mother, believes him.

Which movies are you looking forward to seeing?

See also:
30 Movies for Teens 2012
15 Halloween Movies for Teens
75 Classic Movies Teens Should See

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FiOS Mobile App

After years of getting our Internet and TV service through two different cable companies, about two years ago our family had the opportunity to switch to Verizon FiOS. It was a no-brainer and we never regretted the decision to switch. We are so much happier with FiOS service than we were with cable for so many reasons.

Here are 5 ways that Verizon FiOS has made my life easier:

1. With Verizon FiOZ, there is Never a loss of service. Not ever. I can't even count how many times we lost Internet service when we had cable. And to my two teenage sons, this was like the end of the world. Dealing with them was worse than my loss of the Internet.

2. Verizon FiOS has great apps. Not only is there a mobile remote app to set your DVR from the outside, but there is a Verizon Mobile app that you can use to completely run your TV. You can set it to each individual television in your house, and it works as a remote control, a television guide, a Video on-Demand guide, a DVR controller and a guide to what is hot on TV that day. And it is free.

3. Flex View - I can watch any of the On Demand movies on my television, computer or mobile device. While the TV is usually preferred, there are time when it is good to have the option. You can even start a movie on one device and finish it on another.

4. I like tutorials. Unlike my sons who like to figure everything out on their own, I'll take a hands-on guide any day. Verizon FiOS channel 131, FiOS TV Tutorials and Features, runs 24 hours. With all they offer, it is very helpful to have.

5. Video On Demand - There is a tremendous selection. But what I love most is how big the selection and variety of free video is. If you aren't very good at setting your DVR, free On Demand has the last four episodes of many television series. You can also watch past shows and specials from almost any type of channel, including sports, kids, news, home, music, etc.

Has Verizon FiOS come to your area yet? If so, you might want to consider switching over. Unless you have never had a problem with your cable company (please let me know, you might be the first I ever spoke to), you really should see the difference. If you think I'm happy with FiOS, you should talk to my husband, he's even a bigger fan than me.


Full Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Verizon FiOS sponsored Blogging program. Any views, opinions or experiences express are my own.

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The Nintendo® 3DS™ is this year’s hottest new gaming device, offering a portable 3D gaming experience that the whole family can enjoy.  At a glance, here is what parents should know about the Nintendo 3DS:

• It’s 3D—without the glasses! You won’t need 3D glasses to experience the depth and richness in gaming on Nintendo’s 3DS.
• With the 3DS, you can play 3D video games, capture photos and videos in 3D and then share them with friends using the built-in Wi-Fi.
• Parental Controls are available to restrict the 3D mode for children ages 6 and under.

 Other product features include:

• An adjustable stylus that extends up to four inches in length so it’s easy to hold and use
• Six “augmented reality” cards that come to life with a 3D image when detected by the 3DS cameras
• Great built-in software, such as Face Raiders™, Nintendo 3DS Sound and the Mii Maker™ application, which turns a self-portrait taken using the 3DS into an animated, 3D Mii avatar

There are already a wide variety of games for the 3DS available, such as Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, Rayman, Madden NFL Football and Super Monkey Ball. With new, exciting games for all ages, the Nintendo 3DS is something the whole family can enjoy. For more on ESRB ratings, visit the official ESRB website at www.esrb.org.

Trial stations of the 3DS are set up in most Target stores if you want to play it before you buy it. To save on the purchase of the Nintendo 3DS, Target’s guests can trade-in a Nintendo DS and receive up to $50 in store credit that may be applied toward the purchase of a Nintendo 3DS or other Target purchases.

Do you already own a Nintendo 3DS? If so, what do you think about it. If not, do you plan on buying one? Are you waiting for holiday season?

See also:
3 Ubisoft Video Game Holiday Previews
3D and Vision: Harmful? Hear from the Experts
K'NEX New Mario Kart Wii Building Sets

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The missing manual series of guidebooks are the most interesting, colorful and well written technical how-to books you can find. iMovie '11 & iDVD: The Missing Manual, written by David Pogue (NYT technology columnist) and Aaron Miller (author of the blog Unlocking iMovie) is probably one of the best of the bunch, and that is really saying something.

The introduction to this manual alone was one of the most informative introductions I've ever read. I learned:

• About the birth of home movie editing and the history of iMove
• 10 Things you can do with iMovie
• A tremendous amount about camcorders
• What to expect from the rest of the book and where to get more information

iMovie & iDVD: The Missing Manual is divided into three parts:

1. Using iMovie to Edit - The most important part of the book. Includes, transferring your video into iMovie, editing clips, putting them into a timeline, adding fades and titles, editing your soundtrack and much more.

2. Finding Your Audience - How to bring your completed video to the world (or selected friends and family) - You can easily export your film to the web, to YouTube, an iPhone, Apple TV, a QuickTime file, your hard drive or to an iDVD for burning. All of these options are explained.

3. Using iDVD - Although iDVD is an extremely easy to use DVD design and burning software, you will get all types of additional advice.

I know that many of you think you don't need a manual to do anything on a computer. You will either figure it out or look up advice online. However, iMovie '11 & iDVD: The Missing Manual is much more than just a How-To book. If you've read any of David Pogue's columns in the New York Times, you know that it is a joy just to read what he writes. iMovie '11 & 'iDVD: The Missing Manual is a very interesting and entertaining look at iMovie '11 and what it can do.


See also: iPad: The Missing Manual - Learn ALL the iPad's Features

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Building healthy relationship with your teenagers can be one of the biggest steps towards preventing them getting involved in unhealthy and abusive relationships with others. That was the topic at a panel I attended last week, hosted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The foundation is tackling teen dating abuse and engaging parents through its Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships initiative.

The Start Strong Program is the largest initiative ever funded to target 11-14 year olds and rally entire communities to promote healthy relationships as the way to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. This is done in part by educating and engaging youth and youth influencers such as parents and teachers. Visit the website for tips, support, education and resources on healthy teen relationships and problems.

Three experts speakers gave amazing talks on the topic of teens and healthy relationships.

• Jennifer L. Hartsein, PsyD - You may know her as the psychological contributor for CBS' The Early Show, she is also in private practice specializing in high-risk children and adolescents. Her talk was extremely relatable to the average mother of teens and I found myself nodding my head the entire time. Please watch a few minute clip of her talk below.
• Kristin B. Schubert - Program Officer with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, she focuses her time on improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable children, particularly adolescents. She has a Masters in Public Health and fits in perfectly with RWJF, whose overall mission is to improve the health and health care of all Americans.
• Alexandra Smith - Project Coordinator of the Start Strong Bronx chapter. She believes in nurturing and educating children to helping their families.

Jennifer L. Hartsein

Some very important tips discussed were:

• Model your relationship(s) on the type you would like your teens to have
• A very important part of communication is listening to what the other person has to say
• Begin talking about relationships early and continue to do so often
• Let your teen know they can ask you anything and you won't judge them
• Ask them open-ended questions to get them talking
• Know your teen's like's so that you have more things to talk about (hopefully, if you read my blog, you have been doing that all along)

This is a very important topic, especially since the digital age has made it so much worse. If you have any other suggestions for parents of teens to help them prevent their teenagers from falling prey to dating abuse, please share.

See also:
Thats Not Cool Website Deals with Digital Dating Abuse 
Katie Couric on Teen Dating Violence

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The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.

See answers from the Dean of Admissions at University of Illinois, VP of The College Board, and have your questions answered at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork 

“I just got my financial aid package and don’t know what to make of it.  What are some terms I should know, things I should look for, or tips and tricks to maximize my aid?” – Mary S., Boston, MA

A: Accepted to college!!! Now, let’s help you afford to go

Submit your 2010 tax info NOW for the best offers!!! Financial aid packages differ. Make a chart by college of 1) grants and scholarships (free money), 2) loans, 3) family contribution, and 4) your contribution via work. Which colleges give you the most money you don’t have to ever pay back? Private colleges that cost $20K more than public colleges often provide better packages. Explain to your family that loans are tax deductible, low-interest, and safe. Ask colleges if they can match the offers of other colleges. Choose the best college you graduate from with the least amount of debt.

-          Rebecca Joseph – Executive Director and Founder, Get Me To College

                     

A: Start with the COA – Cost of Attendance

When comparing financial aid awards it’s important to keep in mind that the COA will vary from one college to the next.  The COA is not only the tuition, fees, room & board, but also books & supplies, transportation and personal expenses.  Subtracting the financial aid award from the COA will determine the contribution required of the family.  It’s also important to compare the total gift aid (scholarships and grants) and the self-help portion (loans, college/work-study).  Managing the overall student debt is important and generally $25,000 over four years is a benchmark.  Stafford and Perkins Loans are preferred over private loans.  Families with financial circumstances not reflected in the EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) calculation should contact the colleges Financial Aid Offices to offer clarification and seek possible adjustments to the awards.  Colleges want to make it financially feasible for their admitted students to attend.

-          Robin Groelle – Founder, CollegeCounslling.com

A: Put aside rose-colored glasses and remember:  loans must be repaid!

Congratulations - if you’re reviewing financial aid awards you’ve been admitted to college and hopefully one that excites you.  But now it’s time to look through clear lenses at what the awards actually tell you.  Look at each college’s billed costs including all fees, then subtract the total amount of grants, scholarships and federal work-study offered.  The net figure remaining is what you and your parents will have to cover through family contributions and loans.  A word of advice:  be conservative in taking out loans, despite colleges offering PLUS (parent) loans by the cartload.  Make sure that you and your family will be able to pay off debt incurred without mortgaging your collective future.  And if you’ve received more generous offers from other colleges, it can’t hurt to ask a financial aid office politely whether your award can be reviewed and adjusted.

-          Jane Shropshire – Founder, Shropshire Educational Consulting LLC

Don’t miss answers by the Dean of Admissions at University of Illinois, VP of The College Board, and more – at www.unigo.com/expertnetwork.  To send your question to our experts, visit www.unigo.com/expertquestions

See also:  
SuperFutures Offers Teens Online Guidance Counselors

Junior Year Preparation for College 

Make the Most of College Campus Visits

 

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