Sponsored by the Federal Family Education Loan
Program (FFELP), the mission of “Mapping Your Future” is to “counsel students and
families about college, career, and financial aid choices through a state-of-the-art, public
service web site.” To achieve this mission, the site provides visitors with current
information about student aid, student aid services, and technologies and industry trends.
Information for high school and middle school students are also available.
Created in 1999, “RateMyProfessors” claims to have over 200,000 ratings for professors from 1700 schools across the United States and Canada, making it the largest listing of professor ratings on the web. Students anonymously evaluate their professors in three separate categories: helpfulness, easiness, and clarity. The creator’s goal is for students to use the site to “plan their class schedules, and improve the quality of their educations”.
Founded by the “Coalition of America's Colleges and Universities”, the “College is Possible” site helps students and families answer some of the most important questions regarding future students; How does the application process work? What sort of college is right for me? How much will college cost? The purpose of this site is to locate resources on admissions and financial aid information that is suited to an individual’s needs.
“Collegeboard.com”, a national nonprofit association, “prepares, inspires, and connects students to college and opportunity” by providing members SAT and PSAT registration and reports such as “College Bound Seniors”. Other areas of interest are “10 Fastest-Growing Occupations”, “Choosing Your College Major”, “Reality Checks for Your Career Planning” and “Explore Majors & Careers”.
The “Mind Tools” site provides visitors with helpful information on skills and techniques to help them excel in their careers, whatever it may be. Topics such as stress control, time management, tool to improve memory, and decision-making techniques are just some of the areas covered. Also included is a section on job-hunting skills.
The “Study Abroad” site is an effective place to start acquiring information on studying abroad. A country-by-country resource guide of specific programs and an advisory section make the decision process easier. Discount airfare and travel information is also offered.
The “Teach For America” program employs recent college graduates with all academic majors and backgrounds to educate inner city and rural community students for a two-year term. The program’s aim is to inspire individuals to “become lifelong leaders in the effort to ensure that all children in our nation have an equal chance in life”. Since 1990, over 9,000 people have joined “Teach For America”, changing the lives of 1.25 million students.
Created by the “College View” site, the “Career Center” section offers helpful advice on preparing for a career while in college. Career planning strategies are categorized into freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years for a more specific approach.
Founded in 1994, “Monster.com” claims to be the “Leading online global careers network and #1 hiring management resource”. The site is designed to make career searching and employment hiring efficient and practical. Areas on how to create a resume and career advice are also available.
