Live Q&As

I hadn't heard OOS until today -- I'm guessing it stands for "out of state," right? I like it.

As far as I know, at most schools in-state tuition is just for students who live in state. I have heard of a few schools that offer their in-state rates to students living in nearby states or the children of alums -- and all schools offer scholarships that can help offset the price. Each school operates differently, so you will just have to ask.

Colleges want to accept students who want to go there -- those are the students who are most likely to get involved, graduate and be a devoted alum. Things like visiting and applying early communicate that excitement. Be up front with schools about your want to go there (and your budget for doing so).

You are only a sophomore -- it's okay, you don't have to know what you want to do when you grow up. There are people in their 40s still trying to figure that out.

But unless you want to be in college until you are 40, it might not be a bad idea to pick a major (maybe a more general one) and stick with it. What are you most interested in? What have been your favorite classes so far? Can you shadow some professionals and learn about their jobs?

Yesterday I had no fewer than five people ask me about Four Loko. Everyone seems to be buzzing about it lately, especially with Sen. Schumer calling for a ban yesterday.

College students have been mixing alcohol and caffeine for years. And Four Loko isn't the first beverage of its kind (remember Sparks?). Still, I bet more and more schools, cities and states will jump on the ban bandwagon until college students move onto the next trend.

Well, not *all* students and grads get defensive -- but, yeah, many do. Part of the problem is that there are so many unfair stereotypes about the Ivy Leagues (like that all students are trust fund babies) that students constantly find themselves on the defensive, even when they don't have to be.

It is getting easier -- although try telling that to a college senior freaking out about graduation. The Class of 2009 faced one of the worst job markets ever -- and some of them are still trying to find jobs that utilize their major. It got a little better for the Class of 2010, partly because students planned ahead, applied early and were more willing to keep their options open. Let's hope it's even better for the Class of 2011?

Oh, I hope it's not uncool! But, yes, I think that some students really do forget to take the time to thank their professors for going above and beyond. I am sure that they are extremely appreciate, they just don't take the time to say so. A few schools have actually added lessons on basic manners to things like freshman orientation.

Students: Right now send an e-mail (or Facebook message or text) to a professor who has helped you out. It only takes a minute and it will mean the world to them.

(Also, here's a column Santa Clara professor Ruth Davis wrote about manners: http://wapo.st/9UfFsm)

Great info! Thanks.

You touched on something that college presidents are really debating right now. Some presidents and chancellors have joined the Amethyst Initiative (http://www.amethystinitiative.org/) and advocated for a lower drinking age. Others worry that doing so will only worsen the college drinking problem.

But everyone agrees drinking is a major problem on college campuses and, in some cases, it keeps getting worse.

While officials debate that, there are things parents can do. Remember, you are probably one of the most influential people in your son's life. Take the time to talk with him about his drinking habits -- and not just once. Make it an issue that he feels comfortable discussing with you.

I'm am trying to think of a college student I know without a Facebook account... and... can't think of one...

Yup, everyone is on Facebook and most college students use it much more than e-mail to organize. But I am sure there are students who live perfectly normal, social lives without it.

Last I heard, the trend continues on -- especially as the economy pushes people to change career paths.

Don't listen to them! Your career should be something that you love to do. And keep in mind that journalism is changing quickly and there are lots of new opportunities for young journalists, like blogging, telling stories through video and engaging readers through social media.

Good luck :)

Oh dear. First off, take a deep breath and remember that your daughter is still a kid. And I am sure that she has lots of other talents other than writing -- and colleges know that. I am concerned that competition to get into school has pushed parents to hire someone to edit their child's work. Shouldn't their essay be a reflection of who they truly are?

John Kelly, a columnist here at the Post, wrote a great column about why he isn't helping his daughter with her college essays: http://wapo.st/cuCsFD

Haha -- yet another serious challenge facing colleges today.

Not that I have heard of. And while there were lots of tuition protests on U.S. campuses this spring, I haven't heard of many lately.

Great to know. Thanks!

That's what I would love to hear from you! In the next few weeks, I am planning to tackle admissions issues and applying for summer internships. I also plan to have some guest chatters help answer questions.