Blogs: Information Resources! Who Knew?

I wanted to focus this blog on discussing one type of information resource: blogs! Blogs can be a very useful resource for finding information provided by first-gens, professors, and administrative staff on their experiences and knowledge on attending Community College or University! I've compiled my own "top ten" list of blogs that I was able to find on the internet, and I've included them below. Keep in mind, not all blogs give factual information; they can be opinion based with little to no reputable resources cited. However, even if they are based on the author's opinion, blogs can offer insight into others' struggles, lessons, and successes!  Pam’s Top 10 Blogs

Blogs for and about First-generation college students

The following is a list of blogs found on first-generation students, for first-generation students, and about academics as they relate to all students. The names and URLs for the listed blogs have been given, along with a brief description of the blog, a rating provided by Pam Wood on a scale from 1-5, and comments on whether or not Pam would recommend the blog, and to whom.

 

Name of blog	Location of blog	Brief description (some info taken from blogs’ About section)	Rating (1=no good, 5=excellent)	Recommend?
I’m First	http://www.imfirst.org/blog/	“I’m First is an online community founded by Center for Student Opportunity to provide first-generation college students—and those who advise them—with inspiration, information, and support on the road to and through college.” There are links to information and support for students, advisors and for supporters.	I would rate this blog at a 3. The blog is an open forum for members to post, but there are few posts for viewing. I attempted to sign up for their blog, but the page would not link me to a sign-up. The website for I’m First seems very informative, but the blog doesn’t offer much.	I recommend the I’m First webpage to students, parents, and advisors, but not the blog.
First Generation Student: What it takes to get to and through college	http://www.firstgenerationstudent.com/blog/	“FirstGenerationStudent.com is devoted to helping first-generation college students navigate the college application process, from beginning to end and beyond. Our content will always be free, information-packed, and—we hope—inspiring!”	I would rate this blog at a 5. There are multiple entries by first-generation students, First Generation.com staff, and professors. The website this blog is connected to is user friendly and seems to provide great information and stories.	I recommend this blog to students, advisors and parents.
The Chronicle of Higher Education	http://chronicle.com/section/Blogs/164	“Based in Washington, D.C., The Chronicle has more than 70 writers, editors, and international correspondents. Online, The Chronicle is published every weekday and is the top destination for news, advice, and jobs for people in academe. The Chronicle's Web site features the complete contents of the latest issue; daily news and advice columns; thousands of current job listings; an archive of previously published content; vibrant discussion forums; and career-building tools such as online CV management, salary databases, and more.”	I would rate this blog at a 3.5 for first-generation students, and at a 4.5 for advisors in higher ed. This blog and its introduction offers a lot in the way of information and news, however its language is geared toward those with a broad vocabulary and not easy to navigate. The amount of information could be overwhelming for first-gens.	I do not recommend this for less experienced first-gens, unless they are comfortable with a lot of information.
Project 1st Gen in Student Affairs	http://project1stgen.blogspot.com/	This is a blog started by students and professors from Indiana State University, Georgetown, and Massachusetts University at Amherst. The blog’s About section highlights that “Something interesting is happening. There are more first generation students working and studying in student affairs than people think. We are interested in collecting and sharing stories about people’s experiences as first generation students working and studying in student affairs. We are especially interested in why people chose to go into student affairs. This blog is a place to find connections, inspire others, and be inspired. Every Gen is welcome to contribute here.”	I would rate this at a 2.5. The content is helpful, and seemingly insightful, however there are no recent entries.	I do not recommend this blog because there are so few entries and the ones that are available are dated.
The Harvard Crimson: Admissions Blog	http://www.thecrimson.com/admissions/article/2013/10/10/the-first-generation-admissions-experience/	This blog entry consists of entries from “first-generation Harvard students' experiences applying to and attending college.” The interviews were edited for concision.	I would give this blog a 4 for ease of read, content, and accessibility. There are no dates included on the entries, but it seems these entries would be helpful to first-gens during any year.	I recommend this blog to students interested in applying for admission into Harvard, as well as those applying to admission at many four year Universities.
College Green Light	http://www.collegegreenlight.com/blog/	“College Greenlight is a platform that allows high school counselors and community-based organizations to provide support to their students throughout the college search and application process. With features such as "best fit" college lists, customized college profiles, and a rich scholarship database, students will receive assistance each step of the way to help create the smoothest possible transition from high school to college.”	I would rate this blog at a 5. It provides useful and seemingly accurate information (from all that I read) on admissions, financial aid, student life, help for undocumented students, and more.	I definitely recommend this blog to first-gens, counselors and others who support first-gens.
Making the Online Grade	http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/making-the-online-grade	This blog is written by Devon Haynie who is an education reporter at U.S. News, covering online education. I was unable to find information on the author of this blog after searching US News for information on who Devon Haynie is, and what qualifies her to report on this topic. It seems that she is a contributor to US News, and that her qualifications include her being a current student that is enrolled in an online school.	I would rate this blog at a 5. The author gives great personal insight into her experiences during her online classes, and keeps the content ‘real’. She offers a helpful list on the topic of lessons learned, discusses her journey with time-management lessons, and her feelings related to grading and assignments.	I recommend this blog to first-gens that are considering enrolling in an online university, or those who are considering taking online courses.
Morse Code: Inside the College Rankings	http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-rankings-blog	This blog is written Robert Morse, with other authors contributing to some entries. I was able to find through the US News website that “Robert Morse is director of data research for U.S. News & World Report and has worked at the company since 1976. He develops the methodologies and surveys for the Best Colleges and Best Graduate Schools annual rankings, keeping an eye on higher-education trends to make sure the rankings offer prospective students the best analysis available. Morse Code provides deeper insights into the methodologies and is a forum for commentary and analysis of college, grad and other rankings.”	I would rate this blog at a 5. It is used to explain the methodologies created for research conducted by US News on colleges and Universities. The blog entries are easily understood; using language that is not mystical or confusing.	I recommend this blog to first-gens, parents, advisors and counselors.
Academic First Year Experiences; Teaching First Generation Students	http://www.csun.edu/afye/; http://www.csun.edu/afye/Teaching-First-Generation-Students.html	The Academic First Year Experiences blog is a blog mediated by California State University Northridge. Overall, this blog provides information and commentary from professionals on working with and teaching college students. The Teaching First Generation Students blog highlights information specific to teaching and working with first-gens.	I would rate this blog at a 5. It offers an abundance of information for educators related to working with first year students, and the first-gen blog offers great additional resources for first-gen educators.	I recommend this site for educators and professionals within the academic realm. I would not recommend this blog for students or parents.
The Ivy Coach: Making Ivy League Admission a Reality	https://theivycoach.com/the-ivy-coach-blog/	This blog is written by its company’s owner. It’s About section states that “The Ivy Coach is a private college counseling practice committed to providing college admissions assistance and college consulting to students from around the world so that they can gain admission to Ivy League and other highly competitive universities.”	I would rate this blog at a 5. It offers insight to a world-based population, is easy to navigate, and provides helpful information. There are numerous categories, including categories directed toward international students in the US, College Athletes, Selecting a College and many others. The information provided seems to be legitimate, as I am able to follow the numbers to an reputable source.	I recommend this site to students, and parents with a disclaimer that it is linked to a business that is trying to sell their services.