Choosing a College

Obviously, we talk to our children about the types of things they need to do in order to be accepted to a college.  Earning good grades, taking the right classes, preparing for the ACT and involvement in meaningful extracurricular activities may be a a few of the  recommendations we offer up.   In addition to helping your child obtain the credentials needed for college acceptance, another important exchange to have with them is about the importance of selecting a college that is their right fit. The college experience can be an incredibly powerful tool in shaping the adult your child will become, therefore helping them find that truly perfect school is crucial.  This article from "Prepscholar" discusses some of the key questions that ULS students are faced  with through our college counseling process. These questions show that one of the most important elements that helps a high school student in selecting the right college for them  is having a firm understanding of self. That is a pretty tall order for a 17 or 18 year person, but if we work with our children to reflect often and think independently from the onset of their schooling, they will be well prepared for this important decision as Juniors and Seniors in High School. Read more below ....

What College Should I Go To?

Digital Citizenship and Kids

We know as parents that it is our responsibility to help our children become good citizens, but what does this mean when so much human interaction takes place via a virtual world? Our children need to learn an entirely new code of etiquette as well as safety protocol that was non-existent when we were children.   Brittany Oler of Cyberwise addresses the importance of etiquette in the following statement:

Etiquette is a code of behavior that defines expectations for social behavior. Children who grow up without learning this important code may not develop important social relationship skills for interacting with others and are at a greater risk of conflict when interacting with their peers.  

This risk of conflict can actually be more dramatic in a digital environmental in which body language, tone and often context are removed from communication.  In addition, a false veil of anonymity often entices people to say things they would never say in person.  

Please read Dr. Shabbi Luthra's article below.  It offers detailed advice on how to help your child navigate in an ever changing digital world.  

Good Digital Citizenship for Kids