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I was just at a conference for higher ed writers, where this topic resulted in a heated discussion. The idea of colleges adding rock climbing walls while cutting faculty positions particularly angered one professor.

I think students are extremely stressed by all of the costs of college -- tuition, housing, meal plans, books, clothing, Thursday night pitchers, spring break travel AND student fees. But I don't think the average student is fully aware of the exact cost breakdown -- or that they have the power to lobby their student government to reduce their student fee. (Or in some cases, have part of their fee refunded if they agree not to use the rec center or pick up a student newspaper.)

Student government reps, college newspaper reporters and super-involved-types can talk you to death about the need for student fees and how students choose to take on this expense. But those students are not average students. And the ones who truly can't afford even a small increase in any expense are the ones hurt the most.

A lot of people don't quite understand "students taxing themselves." I agree with Jenna that often students don't understand or even know the dollar amount of their student "fees."

At Middlebury (my alma mater), the "student activities fee" is a hefty $380 per year and it is doled out to student organizations left and right. But I find it interesting to see the intersection of what the administration cuts and students in response pick up on their "tab." For instance, when dining services cuts midnight breakfast during finals, the Student Government Assoc. picked up the tab. 

Do you see similar examples? What costs are being redistributed from administration to students by way of the student fee?

While some policies vary campus to campus, if you are over 18, no one should have access to your health records without your permission except for you.

Frankly, I was surprised -- it's definitely a bold move, which is why there have been so many national headlines about it.

But, with that said, it will be interesting to see if it really changes the amount that most students pay in tuition and fees.

At most private universities, hardly any students pay the "sticker price," which is routinely reduced through financial aid and scholarships. While Sewanee has reduced that sticker price, some students will not see a dramatic reduction in what they pay, because they are likely already paying a discounted amount.(University officials have promised that no one will end up paying more under the new system.)

What does everyone else think?

Bold move for Sewanee president John McCardell (who is also known for his Choose Responsibility campaign to lower the drinking age to 18). If they can afford it, why not? The national attention around tuition could usher in more applications next year and maybe further improve the quality of their students.

A lot of savings can come out of going trayless, and I too have never seen a rebate for that savings. If you think about it, though, there seems to be very little incentive to offer a rebate for the savings when a school can reinvest the money back into dining. Wouldn't you want to get better food out of the deal? Still other schools have plenty of other places to reinvest the funds too.

I think some people miss the sheer enviromental impact of going trayless. That's certainly why Middlebury went trayless over four years ago. Students actually voiced very little complaint when it happened. Instead, taking away juice at dinner stirred outrage. 

A lot of times, that extra money goes to off-set increasing operating costs. This morning I talked with Jonathan Bloom, who runs the blog Wasted Food. He said some colleges have put that money towards sustainable practices, like adding more organic or locally grown food to the menu.

Personalize, personalize, personalize. Intern coordinators are currently being swamped with dozens of applications that look like copy-and-paste jobs. Spend some time getting to know the places where you are applying and the type of work you would do -- then customize your resume and cover letter to highlight accomplishments and expertise that directly speaks to those things. Recruiters can tell when an application was created just for them, and when it's simply one of dozens.

And don't wait until the last minute -- the sooner you can send off those apps, the better.

(And for more tips, check out our Intern City Web page.)

The majority of students applying to internships slap a cover letter together from some template and ship their pre-formatted resume out to dozens of places. Stop doing that. You're not going to win the numbers game.

So, yes, personalize and select internships you really think fit you well. But really, if you want to stand out, you should be exceptional in the effort you put forth. Get into the head of an intern coordinator. What would you look for in their shoes?

Better yet, try to find people that have already interned there. What do they say about applying? Who do they know that might be able to help?

OK - tough question for those of us not considering law school. But from what I know and hear, it's not so much a law school's reputation but rather where you intern/work during law school. The argument then goes that the more prestigious the school you go to, the better internship opportunities you have or at least the more accessible certain positions at law firms are. Other perspectives welcome.

Ryan is right -- reputation is definitely something you need to take into consideration before applying and paying thousands for a law degree. The truth of the matter is, there just aren't a lot of job openings for lawyers right now. At least, not as many as there once were. And not at the same starting pay rates.

Graduates of the top schools usually don't have too much to worry about -- but grads of lower-tier institutions could face a tough job market when they graduate.

Admissions officers say it doesn't matter how they get to know a student -- it can be through a campus visit, a college fair or a well-written essay.

The most important reason to visit a college campus before enrolling? To make sure that your daughter loves it! You wouldn't believe how many high school and college students have told me they were determined to attend one certain college... until they visited and didn't feel comfortable.

And if your daughter is still a junior, you have tons of time. I know a lot of families that don't do their college visits until they know which schools have accepted their children. And I think most schools offer lots of summer tours -- just check their Web sites for full info.

Oh, and good luck!

Schools do look favorably upon people who have visited but it's a tiny fraction of what goes into gauging interest from the point of view of the admissions committee. Jenna is right - the real reason to visit is to get the feel for the place: how far are buildings away from one another? Do students drive from one side of campus to another? Are there hills? trees? This "gut feeling" matters.

I should also mention that a lot of students don't visit far away schools for financial reasons. And that's why a good website with a virtual tour can be indispensible for students who want to attend but know they won't get a flight out to visit any time soon. If you do get an acceptance, are choosing between schools, and want to see the campus -- ask the school to see if they can help you financially to come for a visit.

Oh, great advice. Thanks so much. Anyone else have some insight?

Hmmm, that's a great idea! I must confess: I am far from the expert on sorority rush, especially this business about making your own name tag. Who should I have on to answer questions?

Really!?! That's fascinating. That is some extreme tray devotion. And where does one buy such a tray?

BYOT - bring your own tray. That's dedication.

Right on. Awesome suggestion to "just get a feel." Big differences between urban and rural, big and small, state vs. private, etc.

And I know some parents that go much earlier in a student's life not really to put pressure on their children, but rather to just get that "feel" thing out of the way so more focused college visits can ensue come Junior/Senior year.

Already, student loan interest rates are some of the lowest out there. But -- you have a point -- many of the 18-year-olds taking out these loans don't fully understand how their monthly payment will factor into their post-graduation budget.

Financial aid officers need to make this very, very clear to students. Parents need to ask lots of questions and not be afraid to say "no" to their kid's dream school if it's not affordable.