Endangered Enrollment

Private colleges are reporting a higher number of early-decision applications this year. However, the number of regular applications is about 30 percent lower.

The deadline at most colleges is still a few weeks off, so a last-minute flood of applications could raise the numbers to last year’s level. But admissions officers aren't counting on that.

Rumors about how private colleges are unaffordable may be the reason for the decline and because of this students are turning to their state university, which will be at capacity.

It's a shame that students will miss out on the chance to attend a private college that has more financial aids available this year.

Do-It-Yourself Scholarships

Athletic scholarships are hard to come by these days, especially since athletes need to pay high-priced private consultants to connect them with coaches beforehand.

According to The Wall Street Journal, kids who can't afford to pay the consultants are turning to do-it-yourself services that allow them to showcase their abilities for a fraction of the price. You can read about it here.

It's a great idea since college coaches don't get charged for viewing profiles and student athletes from all over can be discovered.

Secretary of Education

It’s unclear how successful No Child Left Behind has been, but under President-elect Barack Obama this policy may finally take off and make a difference.

Obama has chosen longtime basketball buddy Arne Duncan, who is the chief of Chicago Public Schools, to be the secretary of education in his Cabinet.

The selection of Duncan will certainly renew debates about Obama's commitment to public schools since he has chosen not to send his daughters to the district that Duncan oversees. However, Obama defends his decision to send them to a private school, saying it was the best choice for his family.

Starting Over

Imagine going back to school when you’re 50 or even 60 years old. I would love to do that when I get older. It’s a great opportunity to learn something new and get another fresh start in life.

Well, this week Harvard began a program to find “encore careers” for retiring baby boomers. Its purpose is to help senior citizens learn how to become successful social entrepreneurs or leaders of nonprofit organizations.

This is a perfect solution for those who don’t particularly like the traditional retirement ideal of leisure and travel. If all goes well, schools at other universities can follow suit and more people can join in on the fun!

Paris Hilton and Princeton

I know it’s none of my business, but it really bothers me when people who inherit money don’t spend it wisely. For instance, in just 30 minutes Paris Hilton spent $20,000 on only 70 items (none of which she had tried on). Sounds crazy, right?

Recently, a dilemma like this happened to a well-known university. Princeton got in big trouble for misusing donated money and has finally settled a legal case dealing with the problem. You can read about it here.

I guess Paris had a little excuse for her impulsive shopping... but Princeton? I wonder what was more important than education.

Gates of Hope

I know for a fact that I don't have the money for my dream college. But now that the poor economy is in turmoil I also know that this may be true for many others as well.

Sometimes, I question whether or not I should even try in school. What's the point of going to college if you don't even have enough money to graduate?

Many of us have to work full time or get an expensive loan in order to just get in. And with the recession growing exponentially our problems are only mounting higher.

Luckily, Bill Gates announced an initiative to help low-income students finish college. Let's hope that something happens and fast!