Being ‘a poor college student’ is not a necessity. There are a lot of options for earning extra money while you’re in college. Here are a few ideas: 1. On Campus Job – Many campuses offer employment outside of the Federal Work Study program. Ask around campus. You might even find something that will help you in your future career. …

Having a mentor can assist you in your college and career pursuit. A mentor is someone who is interested in helping another with career and college information and guidance. There are several organizations dedicated to matching mentors with students who are interested in their field. Finding a mentor can give you a leg up in pursuing your goals. Here is …

Doing well on the ACT or SAT can not only boost your chance of getting into the college of your dreams, but your score can dramatically impact how much scholarship money you receive. Several companies offer prep classes. Be sure to check out the organization before you sign up. Who will be teaching the class? What are the credentials of …

Illinois College Exposition is being held in March. This is a great way to ‘see’ 200 schools at once. It’s a good idea to bring your resume for the college admissions representatives. Once you meet with them, ask them for their business card and write a personal thank you. Remember to put your best foot forward by being courteous and …

The FAFSA, Free Application for Student Aid is the government form the government and colleges use to determine financial aid. The majority of forms are filled out incorrectly costing thousands of dollars and time. Here are some tips to help you fill out the form correctly. Don’t wait. Fill out the form in the beginning of January and then update …

The break over the holidays is the perfect time for you to job shadow in some careers that interest you. Simply call an organization and ask for the person that does the career that you’re interested in pursuing. Once you have the person on the phone, simply ask if you can shadow them for a day because you are interested …

When college admissions counselors are reviewing applicants, one of the considerations is volunteer and service. We recommend you pick one or two areas that you are passionate about and commit your time and energy, admissions counselors notice. If you love animals, find a local shelter. If you’re interested in health care, volunteer for a local hospital. Find a club in …

November is National Scholarship Month. Scholarships are a great way to pay for some or all of your college education. November is a great time for prospective and current students to start applying for scholarships. There is a comprehensive list of scholarships on our website at www.lighthousecollegeplanning.com. College scholarships are awarded to students of all ages and levels of education. …

Here’s an article from the Chicago Sun Times we thought you’d enjoy. It features Lighthouse College Planning’s President, John Groleau. http://specialsections.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/8174257-555/finance-experts-offer-innovative-ways-to-save-for-college.html There’s a minivan driving around Aurora right now, sporting window stickers from no less than three colleges and one local high school. How are they paying for all those kids to go to college? Edward Jones financial advisor Rebecca …

Most college applications request two or three recommendation letters. Read the application carefully and ask for letters of recommendation from people who know you well. The colleges are trying to get an idea of who you are as a person so having someone write a letter that barely knows you doesn’t give an accurate view of who you are as …