Higher-Ed Hacks

What to Expect on College Applications Blog

Ep. 8: Financial Planning

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed Kassidy Marshall and together we dove into “college basics,” the basic building blocks for preparing for college and making the transition from high school to college.

During our conversation, we covered college visits, college applications, financial aid planning, college orientation reimbursement and CONNECT U. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!

Episode Links:

College Basics

College Visits

Reach out to your School Specialist

Oklahoma College Assistance Program’s College Application Checklist

College Application Support Webpage

Finding Money for College

College Orientation Reimbursement

CONNECT U

How to Succeed in College Blog

What GEAR UP College Coaches Can Do For You Blog

Connect with your College Coach

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Higher Ed Hacks

Oklahoma’s Promise Website

Ep. 7: Oklahoma's Promise

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed Dr. Colbi Beam, and together we dove into Oklahoma’s Promise and how Oklahoma GEAR UP partners with students and parents as they apply and prep for college.

During our conversation, we reviewed how to apply for Oklahoma’s Promise, who can apply, what the scholarship covers and more. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!

Episode Links:

Oklahoma’s Promise Program Requirements

Reach out to your School Specialist

Learn more about Oklahoma’s Promise

FAFSA Fast Facts Blog

Learn more about financial aid at StudentAid.gov

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Higher Ed Hacks

FAFSA 101: A Q&A with School Specialist Jamie Shanks

Ep. 6: FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid)

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed GEAR UP School Specialist Cassie Landers and together we covered all things FAFSA, and the resources Oklahoma GEAR UP provides parents and students during the application process.

During our conversation, we dove into what the FAFSA is, how to fill it out and overall advice and tips for the whole process. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!

Episode Links

StudentAid.Gov - Create your FSA ID!

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Oklahoma Community Colleges

Ep. 5: Financial Planning

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed Jamie Shanks, and together we dove into financial planning for college, and the resources Oklahoma GEAR UP provides parents and students as they prepare.

During our conversation, we covered the top ways to plan financially for college, how to reduce costs and tips for parent and students. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!

Episode Links

Oklahoma’s Promise

Oklahoma 529

OKCollegeStart

Work-Study

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College Application Essay Tips

Ep. 4: College Application Essays

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed GEAR UP College Coach at Northeastern State University, Kasady Marshall, and together we covered how to write an amazing college application essay, and how Oklahoma GEAR UP partners with students as they apply to colleges.

During our conversation, we dove into how to pick a college application essay topic, how to get started writing and how GEAR UP can support students as they apply to colleges. We covered the importance of selecting a personal topic and provided specific tips on how to write an impactful essay. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!

Episode Links

Connect with us!

Ep. 3: How To Choose A College

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed GEAR UP College Coach at Rogers State University, Sarah Adcock, and together we dove into how to pick the right college, and how Oklahoma GEAR UP partners with students to help them explore their options and find the best fit.

During our conversation, we dove into the various factors to consider when selecting a college, including location, campus atmosphere, financial considerations, extracurricular activities, course offerings, academic support services and more. We covered the importance of scheduling college visits to experience the campus atmosphere firsthand and provided tips on making the most of these visits. From exploring colleges to assisting with scheduling a college visit, GEAR UP is here to help students succeed. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!

Episode Links

Nonacademic Factors

Academic Factors

Schedule a College Visit

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GEAR UP Helps Landing Page

Ep. 2: The Path to College (& how GEAR UP helps)

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks welcomed GEAR UP Education Coordinator, Connie Arneson, and together we explored the many benefits of getting a degree, how to get on the path to college, and the resources our creator, Oklahoma GEAR UP, provides for university-bound students.

During our conversation, we discussed the reasons why it’s good to go to college, both short-term and long-term. From job security to increased earnings, getting a degree can have an immensely positive effect on your career and life path. We also covered how students can get started preparing for college and the resources GEAR UP offers to support them along the way. From selecting the right college to financial planning to college orientation reimbursement, GEAR UP is here to help students succeed. High school students in GEAR UP districts can connect with their school specialist today to learn more and get started!

Episode Links

Why Go to College?

Grade-by-Grade Checklist

Financial Aid

Top Scholarship Databases

EdReady ACT Online Prep Tool

College Orientation Reimbursement

Oklahoma’s College Application Resources

CONNECT U

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Higher Ed Hacks webpage

Ep. 1: Benefits of Concurrent Enrollment

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Higher Ed Hacks dove into concurrent classes and how they benefit students preparing for college. We welcomed experts, Lynne Walker (GEAR UP Education Coordinator for Clinton, Duncan and Woodward) and Lorri Windom (GEAR UP School Specialist for Clinton and Duncan).

During our conversation, we discussed how concurrent classes can help students get a head start on general courses and gain college class experience. Many high schools in Oklahoma have Early College High School (ECHS) programs that partner with local colleges and universities to provide the opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit. High school seniors in qualifying GEAR UP districts (scroll to bottom of page to view districts) who meet the concurrent enrollment eligibility requirements are entitled to receive tuition waivers for up to 18 credit hours, and juniors can receive tuition waivers up to 9 credit hours. That’s a possible 27 tuition-free hours! Scroll to the bottom of the OKCollegeStart Concurrent Classes page to see if your high school has an ECHS program!

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Higher Ed Hacks landing page