The official e-newsletter of The Equestrian College Advisor.

From the blog:

In my last blog entry, I outlined the steps that I take prior to a campus visit to ensure that I walk away from every campus with all of the information that I need to get a good sense of what life there is like.  But after I’ve taken all of those steps, gone on tour, and asked all of my questions, how do I make sure I retain all of that good information and put it to use?  More importantly for you as a student, what should you do after your campus tour to evaluate the school and determine if it’s one that you should apply to? Read More

ICYMI - Applications are now open for the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Foundation J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant, which provides $1,000 to one junior rider who has qualified for a select national equitation championship at a fence height of 3′ or higher. Completed applications must be received by Aug. 1.

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In related news:

As college costs rise, scholarship scams employed by predatory companies continue to target prospective students and their families. A student 

searching for scholarships

 to help pay for college might find lengthy surveys promising a pot of money waiting at the end, an inbox cluttered with spam emails and U.S. Department of Education logos emblazoned across websites asking for an upfront fee to apply.

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Distant Colleges – Are They for You?

The idea of going away to college (we’re talking away, away, here folks - as in a different time zone away) is often very enticing to high school students. It presents the opportunity to live in a different region, meet different types of people, and step far outside one’s comfort zone as part of the educational experience. But is it right for you?There are several considerations you must take into account if you plan to look at schools outside your home region (or even your home country), including:

• Costs. Tuition costs vary widely between a public institution in your home state and one in another state (unless it has reciprocity with yours), but with private colleges, you may find that your financial aid awards are similar across the board. The main difference will be the increased cost of getting you to and from your chosen campus several times per year. Plane tickets are pricey; driving comes with increased costs for fuel, oil changes, and additional automotive repairs. Plan accordingly for these differences when you compare school costs.

• Schedules. Though the academic calendar for most U.S. colleges and universities is similar in all parts of the country, some calendar items could have a big influence on your life as a student; for example, many smaller, private colleges hold orientation sessions for freshman in May or June, which necessitates an additional cross-country trip. In addition, some schools have an extended Thanksgiving break, come back for a week of exams, then break up for the semester – which could cause additional travel headaches for your family.

• Cultures. Culture is a handy word that describes different elements of the college matchmaking process, but it’s important – especially if you’re thinking of leaving your home region. If you’re a small town student, will you thrive in an urban environment that requires you to navigate mass transit daily or will it overwhelm you? Will your religious or political beliefs be challenged if you attend college in a place where ideals differ – and if so, will you welcome the challenge or shy from it? These considerations and others must be taken into account.

• Family support. Right now, support from your parents, siblings, and possibly even grandparents, aunts, and uncles is within your immediate reach; if you’re hundreds (or thousands) of miles away, how resourceful will you be when you need assistance? Can you care for yourself if you’re sick with the flu? Can you handle your own bank accounts, vehicle maintenance, laundry, and grocery shopping needs? (More importantly – do you know the Netflix password?!)

Traveling far from home to attend college can be the perfect choice for your higher educational experience – but only if you plan for all pitfalls before you enroll.

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