May is for getting your party on, and we’re not just talking about Cinco de Mayo—although an ¡Arriba! is certainly in order. Did you know that May is National Bike Month? It’s also National Hamburger Month and National Tennis Month. If that’s doesn’t rouse your inner party animal, late spring is also a great time to celebrate the people who make all the difference in your college search: Teacher Appreciation Week, National School Nurse Day—Hey, that potentially crippling kickball sprain didn’t ice itself, remember?—and, of course, Mother’s Day all happen in May.

In the grand tradition of concerned parents, good moms like mommusic, mamom, and katliamom are beginning to wonder when the economy will start yielding career opportunities for their college grads. Such worrisome discussions have made career services a crucial college decision point in recent years. No time like the present for incoming freshmen to take a look at what prospective schools will be able to offer four years from now.

Speaking of great jobs, where would any of us be without the teachers and school administrators who serve as leaders, advisors, and surrogate parents to potential-riddled students everywhere? This May, whether you’re enjoying a sit-down with your favorite teacher to discuss your freshman fall schedule, leveraging the resources offered by your counselor, or planning your strategy for transitioning from high school to college, take a moment to remember all the little folks who have helped you along the way.

Finally, what says party time like free money? Call us obsessed, but we’re working around the clock to become thee authority on every phase of the college search process—and we need all the help we can get from our faithful CollegeView and CollegeConfidential users! This month, we’re upping the ante with a chance to win a $100 American Express gift card, just for completing our super easy survey. (It’s seriously like 40-ish questions. NBD.) So what are you waiting for? Click here to get started!

Other Potent PUNCHables:

• Seniors who still don’t have a firm college of choice should check out the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) annual Space Availability Survey. Published May 4, this state-by-state index lists schools that still have places—and even some financial aid—for freshmen.
• Ring the bell, sucka! Admissions advisor (and battle-tested academic referee) Hollis Bischoff helps parents and students navigate that age-old “Should your college major make you rich or happy?” debate.
• Heard of Net Price Calculators? Neither had we until we recently read that by October 2011 all colleges will be required by law to post them on their websites. Find out what CC users are saying about these doo-dads, which reportedly allow students to estimate personal out-of-pocket costs for a more specific economic picture than traditional EFC calculators provide.

April 9th 2011 Scores
In ACT Preparation by cortana431

Help! I need some advice. My daughter is in a relationship
with her professor!
In Parents Forum by needadvice12345

Are you excited about the royal wedding?
In Parent Cafe by Youdon'tsay

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