Every once in a while, we could all use sage and sound advice from those who have been there and done that.

Here are a few cues that newly-minted college students may well be wise to take, courtesy of The College Whisperer™ -

1. Find your comfort zones, on campus and in the community beyond, becoming involved in and out of the classroom. Then, step out of those comfort zones with an open mind, understanding that, in the real world, there are no "safe spaces" and few "trigger warnings."

2. Get ...
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A commencement address with meaning, not just for the Class of 2013 (or for the Kenyon College Class of 2005, to which it was presented by the late David Foster Wallace), but for all of us. . .



Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2013!

Plan. Prepare. Prevail!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer™.

Who knows what peril lurks in the college application and admissions process? The College Whisperer™ knows. . .

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If for no other reason than knowing that 20 innocent children will never have the opportunity to apply to college, it's time to say, "enough already!"

Read the full text of President Obama's speech at the Newtown, CT prayer vigil.

Remember the victims of this national tragedy.

Then, take action to bring an end to the senseless gun violence that has taken too many lives, devastated too many families, and brought too much pain and sorrow to a grieving nation.

FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/guncon...
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As we remember the heroes of September 11th, their families, and those who stand on the front lines of freedom, every day, everywhere, reflecting upon lives lost, dreams unfulfilled and promises deferred, we also look to the future, rekindling that spirit of democracy that is the essence of this great nation.

Today, we lay aside partisan politics, petty bickering and the small-mindedness of self indulgence to join hands in that which unites all Americans in a common cause -- a National Day of ...

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M.S. of Syosset, NY writes:

What do you think of the recent decision in Colorado allowing students to carry concealed weapons on campus?

The College Whisperer replies:

Try as we might to stay above the political fray -- or at least close enough to the middle to avoid being hit by the shrapnel -- that darned celebration of ignorance keeps dragging us back in. Now, we not only have to dodge vitriolic comments, acerbic Tweets and off the wall emails, but bullets, as well!

We presume you are talking ...
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. . .Is That You Can Always Come Home Again!




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"Play nice!"

Parents have been admonishing their children with this omage to civil obedience since the days of Cain and Abel. [Would that they had listened!]

Get along. Be respectful. At work. At play. In the home.

If it seems that civility, from the street corner to the world stage, has not been a presence since the Small World Pavilion opened at the 1965 World's Fair, you are not alone in such thought.

Indeed, Rutgers University, the flagship of the New Jersey State University system, recognizi...
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Not to date oneself, but The College Whisperer remembers vividly when college campus fare consisted of reconstituted plastic food substitute, served by lunch ladies wearing hair nets under see-through shower caps.

Those days are so over!

While not always a feast fit for the Galloping Gourmet, a trip to the campus dining hall is, more often than not, an enjoyable gastronomic experience.

Indeed, students look to the dining options the way their parents devoured the course catalog. Food on campus i...
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G.L. of Dix Hills, NY (via the University at Albany), writes:

Just came back from the campus bookstore. Shocked to see the prices for textbooks, even the used ones. Any advice on saving us impoverished students some bucks?

The College Whisperer responds:

Ahhh. The joys of spending too much for the obligatory texts (often written by the professors and read by only a select few).

The College Whisperer still has vivid memories of his eldest daughter's days as an undergrad. She'd pre-order textbooks ...
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M.T. of Little Neck, NY writes:

I am about to enter my senior year of high school, and will soon be preparing my college applications (YIKES!). I'd like to visit a few colleges this fall, but want to know if such campus tours are really worthwhile. Any thoughts?

The College Whisperer responds:

Lots of thoughts, M.T. [Right about now, I'm thinking "lunch." ;~)].

Yes, campus tours, particularly at colleges that top your wish list, are worthwhile. Visits to campus will give you -- and your parents...
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Top College Newspapers

Princeton Review -- which magically conjures up its "Best" lists every summer -- adds to the Hit Parade the best college newspapers.

Among the recipients of this year's honors are schools you would expect to sit atop the literary scale. The Harvard Crimson. The Chronicle of Duke University. Northwestern's Daily Northwestern. The Cornell Daily Sun. Yale Daily News.

Then there are those of which many would have asked, "Who would have thunk?" Diamondback of the University ...
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It's not just The Choice at The New York Times and College Inc. at The Washington Post blogging about college. From admissions protocol to dining hall etiquette, what to pack for the dorms and what not to upload to YouTube, Long Island's Newsday is talking the talk for those who walk the college walk.

Check out Newsday's College Prep Talk for the scoop on everything from academics to campus social life.

Here's a recent piece of what to pack for college, and what is better left at home.

Yes, brin...
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Pat of Port Washington, NY writes:

My daughter will be off to college (Bennington, VT) in a few weeks. Should she take along her laptop, Blackberry, and assorted (sordid?) toys?

The College Whisperer responds:

Toys? Did you say, toys?

Laptops, Blackberries, and those other accoutrements of 21st Century life are not toys, madam (um, er sir? ;-). They are a modern means of communicating, of emoting, of staying in touch with friends, drinking buddies (21 and over, please), Sorority sisters, profess...
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R.S. of Woodmere, NY writes:

My child will be a college freshman this fall and is covered under our family health insurance plan. Do we need to purchase health/medical insurance through the school?

The College Whisperer responds:

While one would surmise that a covered person, including a student dependent, would be similarly covered for routine health care and medical emergencies while away at school, as he or she is at home, this is not always the case.

Just as not all health care providers -- w...
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