Backtoschool on Shine

4 tips for a strategic college visit

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So you’ve found a college you might like, you did the long drive, and now you’re finally there. How are you going to make the most of your two-hour long visit? Having gone on about 14 or so college visits at this point, I’ve fine-tuned a couple of strategies that will help you get the most out of your short visit.

Why do some parents oppose President Obama telling kids to take responsibility, study, and get an education?

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After the White House released President Barack Obama’s address to school children, there remain schools that will not air the president’s educational pep talk because of pressure from parents who don’t like the president’s political positions.

Even if you are aghast at the vitriol spilling at public meetings about health care reform proposals, you can understand that many people are worried about what changes to our current health care system will mean for those currently insured as we attempt to insure the 46 million Americans who have no coverage. But to oppose an address by the president to students about taking their studies seriously at the start of a school year--why? At best, it’s “silly,” as Education Secretary Arne Duncan put it. At worst, it’s downright frightening, uninformed, and terribly, unnecessarily alarmist and disrespectful.

Back-to-school video games

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I know. I know. It's counter intuitive to recommend video games for students, but let's consider the lighter side of gaming. Casual games are here to stay and that's great news for parents and loved ones alike. And let's not forget that students are on a budget, so they've got to entertain themselves somehow. My back to school game list includes games that are easy to fit in during a quick break from studying and will flex your brain powers to boot.

Last-minute back-to-school savings strategies

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We are a week away from the start of school at our house, and we are wringing every last bit of summer out of these final days. That means we are not running from store to store, grabbing up armfuls of notebooks, pens, and jeans. My kids all love back-to-school shopping as much as most kids, but after a few years at the back-to-school routine, together we've come up with back-to-school strategies that help us save money and precious end-of-summer time.

Even if school has started for your family, chances are you're still picking up the odd notebook or folder required by a certain teacher, or starting to look for clothing sales and deals as the weather turns cool. So, here are a few last-minute school shopping tips before the homework really starts to pile up.

Tips to get back-to-graduate-school ready

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Back to school time isn't just for the kids. Nearly half of you are headed to graduate school for your first year or to continue your program this Fall. If you're not destined for the classroom, chances are you know someone who is. Get back-to-grad-school ready with my eight tips, or pass them along to a friend who's gearing up for the semester.

My Lunch Box: Back-to-School Recipes for Kids (and Adults)

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Getting kids ready for the school day often includes making lunch the night before, something that's most likely done by an adult. But how to get kids more involved, especially young ones who still need lots of help?

New Lunchboxes: Gearing Up for Back to School

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It's hard to believe but it's nearly time for the kids to head back to school. In addition to stocking up on notebooks, pencils, and erasers, you likely need to shop for new lunch gear. Different kids have different needs so there isn't really a one-size-fits-all lunchbox solution.…

SAT vs. ACT: Standardized Testing

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However much students might dread taking the terrible standardized tests of junior year, no one can deny the importance of test scores in college applications. Though you’ll hear admissions officers say in every college information session, "We don’t judge strictly by test…

Back to school on a budget

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By Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore

Didn’t school just let out? Like it or not, retailers get ready for back to school early, and they don’t save the deals for later. The early back to school shopper gets the worm.

Get your supplies before the end of the month and you won’t just save a bundle, you’ll save your sanity by avoiding the last minute crush. Be sure to check out office superstores, like Office Depot, as they have great things for getting your kids and yourself buttoned up for the new school year. Here are some thoughts to get you started.

So Long, Summer?

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Arne Duncan wasn't the new Secretary of the Department of Education long before he started talking big change for America's kids. The former CEO of the third largest school district in the nation, the Chicago Public Schools, wants to say goodbye to the school year as we know it.…