SAGE Scholars Monthly Newsletter | February 2023

Fifth Annual Dr. James B. Johnston Scholarship Competition

The SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation is delighted to announce the start of our fifth annual Dr. James B. Johnston Scholarship Competition. This year, SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation is offering scholarships of up to $5,000 to SAGE Scholars High School Seniors who submit a winning essay or video and attend a member college or university. Login to your Tuition Rewards account to see how you can apply. The scholarship submission opened on February 15th, 2023, and will close on May 15th, 2023.

Good luck! We look forward to receiving your submission.

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NewU Joins SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards

One of the most innovative colleges in America, NewU University, has joined the SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards® Program. NewU is the first three-year Bachelor's degree college in the U.S.—empowering families to attend a quality, private, and nonprofit Bachelor's degree program without breaking the bank. At NewU, students and parents save an entire year of time and money on college. Average tuition and fees after scholarships average just $6,500 per year, with classes on campus in the heart of our nation's capital, right next to The White House.

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Getting the Most from a College Visit

By Mackenzie Roberts

Going to college involves adequate planning. A big to-do list item is visiting college campuses to understand what they offer. Visiting a college campus has many benefits. You get a first-hand experience of the environment and facilities and the chance to speak with faculty and students who can answer your questions and provide plenty of insight. While there is no wrong way to visit a college, you want to make the most of your visit. This article will act as a guide for your college visit. Read More

Freshman Essentials: The Things People Often Forget

By Xavier Royer

Packing for college can be stressful, especially as a freshman. Many of us find it easy to forget the little things that don't seem very important, but when it comes to living on your own, it's important to focus on the things you wouldn't normally think about. During the week before you head to school, paying attention to everything you use daily might be useful, even if it's something as small as a Q-tip. You're used to having everything on hand at home, so it's hard to remember that these things won't be there when you move in. Read More

How to Overcome the Fear of Speaking in Class

By Sharon Callender

It's the first week of the new semester. You take your seat in your second-afternoon class for the day. It is a popular course and a requirement for your major. The classroom is at maximum capacity, which means there are over fifty students in the large lecture hall. You've never taken a class with this professor before, and their syllabus indicates that class participation is tabulated into the final grade, and the percentage is relatively high. Since registering for this course, nerves emerged about talking in class. Most of your previous professors focused on exams and papers as the majority of the final grade. Participation was not on the radar at all, and if it was, it was worth a small percentage of the final grade. Now, you feel a twinge of anxiety hours before this class begins. You also feel added pressure since public speaking makes you cringe. How do you overcome a sense of dread about participating in class and vocalizing your thoughts? Here are five simple confidence boosters you can use to support and encourage yourself to speak. Read More

Bellarmine University Joins SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards

Bellarmine University, which attracts 2,400 undergraduates from 43 states and 26 foreign countries to a campus on the edge of downtown Louisville, has become the 8th Kentucky private college to join the SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards program. Bellarmine graduates have the highest salaries of any Kentucky university, according to Payscale. Dedicated to affordability, Bellarmine offers "The Public Price Promise". The University will match the current direct cost at the state "flagship" university of any applicant.

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Advocating for Your Financial Benefit in Three Situations

By Al Dickenson

More often than not, we are told that we have to accept whatever offers we are given, regardless of if the offer pertains to finances or other issues. Whether by people or institutions, there is a sense of "they are offering their best, I should accept it." However, that is not always the case. More often than not, the offers given are good offers; they are at market value, they make financial sense, and so forth, but they are rarely "the best offer possible." Ultimately, the best way to receive the "best offer" is to advocate for yourself and come prepared for any financial situation. There are three places in particular where everyone has the opportunity to negotiate a better offer. Read More

Moving On from the Previous Semester

By Mackenzie Roberts

Let's face it: finals can be detrimental to our mental, physical, and overall well-being. Studying for exams, writing lengthy essays, and constructing A-worthy final projects or presentations requires a lot of time and energy. It also has the potential to result in an overwhelming amount of stress. For some, finals can mean the difference between passing or failing. Before beginning a new semester, it is important to figure out what you should take and leave from the last semester. Read More

Furnishing Your First Apartment Sustainably and on a Budget

By Mari Whitmore

Transitioning from living at home in high school to living in a typical college dorm room to getting your first apartment involves a lot of change. Most of your possessions may just be clothes, bedding, books, technology, and hobby-related items when you're living at home. You may add some simple furnishings, decor, dishes, or appliances in college. Whether you get your first apartment during undergrad, grad school, or post-grad life, moving in can make you suddenly realize that you don't own many of the things that fill a typical apartment or home. As you start shopping, you quickly realize that furniture can be ridiculously expensive! While you definitely can (and probably need to) start small with very few things, it's always nice to have things that make your apartment comfortable and homey. Perhaps you also want to minimize your environmental impact and avoid purchasing too many mass-manufactured goods. Keep reading for tips to save money and choose sustainable options as you furnish your first apartment. Read More

Cottey College Joins SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards

Cottey College, where an individualized Leadership Development Plan (LDP) is a curriculum ingredient for every student, has become the 14th women's college to join the SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards college consortium. Ranked by a national publication as the "Best Regional College in the Midwest" — #1 among 86 options — Cottey draws its 300+ undergraduates from 38 states and 17 nations to a 67-acre campus in Nevada, MO, 100 miles south of Kansas City. 72% of students are from out-of-state, drawn to a unique college where the average class size is nine. Read More

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How to Become the CEO of Your Life

By Sharon Callender

The adapting that each of us does to interpret what we learn is one of the ways we become the CEO of our academic experience. Finding out what learning approaches work best for us and being disciplined and determined all nurture self-awareness, empowerment, and better decision-making. The key traits of being the CEO of your life are C- Clarity, E- Evolution, and O-optimism. Applying a CEO mindset to your academic and personal life can positively influence your outlook and help you persevere when you feel challenged. Read More

Five Considerations for Attending College as a Member of the Armed Forces

By Al Dickenson

Many colleges and universities allow active and reserve military and veterans to transfer their skills and course credits to their institutions. Each branch of the US Armed Forces (Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, and Air Force and Space Force) also have programs and personnel dedicated to helping vets and current military personnel succeed in post-secondary degree programs. This article discusses the impact of being an active or reserve service man or woman has on your college education. Read More

Personal Safety on a College Campus

By Samantha Bockoven

College campuses are not immune to crime. With so many people living in such a small area, it is almost guaranteed that there will be at least some reports of violent and non-violent crimes happening in the area. Although this can sound scary, there is no need to be anxious. Instead, ensure you are prepared and educated to reduce the likelihood of ever being in an unlikely situation. In this article, I outline some tips and tricks for staying safe on your college campus. Read More

The SAGE Scholars Newsroom

Your Educational Resource Library For Every Step Of The College Process

The SAGE Scholars Newsroom is a curated resource for multi-generational audiences navigating the college process and investment. The Newsroom's expert team of contributors includes educators, admissions officers, Ph.D.'s, current students, and even professional athletes. With over fifty articles published monthly, families have access to the most up-to-date information on all things college.