This month

April is Financial Literacy month

Is your financial knowledge in need of a tune-up? Learn all about money in AIE's Financial Literacy section.

This week

• Feature — Get the money to get you through college — it's worth it!
• Your turn — Find your next job at a job fair
• Stay on track — A checklist of "to-dos"
• Take notice — Important dates
• All about AIEmail — Subscribe, suggest, review

Feature

Get the money to get you through college — it's worth it!

Continuing your education past high school is one of the biggest challenges you will face in your life. For many, finding a way to finance the journey is the first, and most difficult, challenge.

One challenge — the money challenge — defeats more students than it should. If you're having trouble paying for your education, remember one thing: financial aid makes education possible for everyone.

Borrowing money for college

Why would someone borrow money to go to college?

Because college is an investment — workers with a college education almost always make more money than those who don't. In fact, recent studies determined that a person that earns a bachelor's degree will earn over a million dollars more over the course of his or her working life than a person who only attains a high school diploma.

Find out how much your student loan may cost

While borrowing for college is a good investment, you should borrow only the amount you absolutely need to cover your expenses. (Borrowing extra for that really nice stereo might seem like a good idea now, but when you have to pay it back and your stereo is four years old, you won't see it quite the same way.)

It’s a good idea to know about how much interest you’ll pay and how much your loan payments may be before you actually have to start paying them back. To get an idea of how much your loan may cost, take a look at AIE’s new College Loan Repayment Chart (www.aie.org/College/Paying/repaymentchart.cfm). The chart displays minimum monthly payment amounts and the amount of interest you’ll pay for loan amounts from $2,000 to over $138,000. Use this chart as a quick reference when planning your college loan needs and future payment budgeting.

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Your turn

Find your next job at a job fair

Looking for a summer job? You might be able to find one at the next job fair. As a high school student visiting a job fair for the first time, there are simple guidelines to follow to make the most of your visit.

Take your resume
Make sure you have your resume printed on resume paper (found at office supply stores or print shops) and take plenty of copies with you. If you don't have a resume and need assistance creating one, visit visit the "Get a Job" section of Adventures in Education (www.AIE.org/HighSchool/hs_job.cfm) for a guide.

Ask for employers' business cards
Employers visit with hundreds of job seekers during one career fair. Be proactive. Ask for the employer's card and follow up after the event.

Research attending employers
Take time to visit the employers' Web sites to learn more about the organization and current job openings. This will save you time at the fair and allow you to ask the recruiter more in-depth questions.

Know the layout of the room
Job fairs can be hectic. It's up to you to make the most of your time. Visit your top employers first before the crowds show up. And don't hesitate to browse other employers after you talk to the ones you are most interested in. You never know who you might meet.

Get there early
Employers sometimes leave the fair early. By being there when the event begins, you will have the opportunity to meet with all or most of the employers.

Dress professionally
Treat career fairs as an interview — making a good first impression is important. Also, some employers will interview on the spot, so make sure you're dressed appropriately.

Have a pen and paper
Whether you're taking notes about a specific recruiter, jotting down resume ideas, or completing an application, pen and paper are a necessity.

Job fairs are a great tool when seeking employment, especially when you arrive prepared.

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Stay on track

Checklist for this week

For freshmen

As you prepare for final exams over the next few weeks, remember these tips:

• Organize your folders for each subject.
• Look over previous tests to review the materials previously missed.
• Form a study group to help you prepare.
• Set aside time to study regularly.

For sophomores

Here are a few final items for your summer break:

• Read two or three college admission books, or check out some college Web sites.
• Familiarize yourself with college and financial aid vocabulary.
• Review finances and budget for the next two years. Start turning in applications for summer jobs.
• Coordinate work and vacations with the school calendar.
• If possible, visit one or two colleges during the summer.
• Discuss summer enrichment programs with your parents and counselor.

For juniors and seniors

Last-minute hints for Advanced Placement exams:

• Dress in layered clothing on the day of the test. Testing rooms can sometimes be very chilly or very hot. You want to be comfortable in any temperature.
• Wear a watch and monitor your time.
• Take plenty of pencils and pens to the test. Check your calculator and test the battery. Take an extra battery, just in case.
• Keep your candidate pack. Place the booklet in a safe place, as you may need to refer to it later for information regarding your scores.
• Remember the advice of your AP teachers.

For parents

Over the next few weeks your child will be taking different types of tests. To assist him or her during this time, remember these suggestions:

• Mark all test dates on your calendar so that the family's events do not interfere with study time.
• Be informed about the types of tests your teen will take and the role that the tests play in your child's education.
• Volunteer to help your teen review for the tests.
• Set the stage for a good study atmosphere by keeping unnecessary distractions to a minimum during these weeks.
• Celebrate when testing is over with a favorite meal or activity.
• These tests are important for your teen. Your support and involvement are critical to his or her success.

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Take notice

Important dates

To get more information on the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, access useful tools, or register, visit the College Board's Web site (www.collegeboard.com) or call (866) 756-7346.

To get more information on the ACT, access useful tools, or register, visit the ACT Web site (www.act.org) or call (319) 337-1270.

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