Look at This Loan

"Tell your mom friends who are still homeschooling about that."

Such was the advice I received from a friend as we were discussing college and how our students are paying for it.

She was telling me about the Texas Be On Time Loan (or BOT).  How had I missed this no interest loan that would be forgiven if a student graduates in 4 years and maintains at least a 3.0 GPA? 

I probably discounted it due to the nature of its name:  loan.  We prefer our students not need to take a loan for undergrad.  However, this loan intrigued me.

What my friend Melanie wants you to know, however, is that this loan requires students to have completed a "Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program - Advanced High School Program or its equivalent."

Can I Write a Letter of Recommendation to Colleges for My Student??

 

Part of the college application process involves asking for letters of recommendation from school counselors, teachers, and other people who know the student well.

Homeschool students often run into the problem of who to ask for a letter of recommendation.  If students have been involved in co-op classes, dual credit classes, music lessons, or community service, they should have plenty of choices for letters of recommendation.

Can you, the parent/teacher/counselor write a letter of recommendation for your own child? 

Family Favorites Friday: Banana Wedding Cake

My second oldest got married in January.  She made her own cakes and did a fabulous job!  Not wanting the traditional white cake (who really likes white cake, anyway?), she made a tiered banana cake and two mexican chocolate cakes.

The cake in the middle is the Marvelous Banana Cake

College Applications: Now We Wait

Even though I have been silent lately on my son's college application process, it doesn't mean he hasn't been busy.

He has applied to:

Welcome to the Real World, Part 6 (final)

This class was taught during 10 class sessions at our local co-op.  I have combined some of the weeks into this 6 week blog series.  The tenth class period was spent making display boards to display during our afternoon of enrichment.

Last week, students were required to find a home they could afford to buy and research a little about home loans.

Some of the students learned that they didn't have enough savings for a down payment or didn't have enough income to afford to buy a house, yet.

In class, we discussed types of loans and some decisions that need to be made when purchasing a home.

Some of the in class teaching included:

WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD, part 5

I am back from my blogging hiatus and ready to finish my series on Welcome to the Real World.

In part 4, students were given homework that included finding a place to live and making a budget.

Most of the students found that rent was more than they expected. 

How to Achieve Your New Year's Resolutions

I don't make New Year's resolutions.

Turning the calendar to a new year does not motivate me.

What motivates me to consider exercising more, eating better, or cleaning more is the end of the holiday season.

Besides, a year is too long to try to achieve a goal.