Tuesday, July 25, 2017

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Safely Meet a Person You Met Online

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 05:00 PM PDT

Meeting people online is fairly common, and often works out just fine for everyone involved. Still, there are risks when you get together in person with someone you've met online for the first time. Whether you're on social media or on a dating app, safeguard yourself and your private information from would-be criminals. If you want to safely meet a person you met online, keep your first few meetings public and brief, and always have an escape route.[1]

EditSteps

EditInteracting Online

  1. Keep personal information off your profiles. If you want to stay safe online, anonymity is the way to go. Don't even use your real first and last name, or list where you live or go to school. You don't want strangers online to know too much about you.[2]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • With some dating apps, you have to enter your real location to get the most out of the app. Keep your location as general as you possibly can and still use the app properly. Be extra cautious who you talk to.
    • On some social media platforms, such as Facebook, you can create groups of friends and control who sees what information on your profile. For example, you could have your high school only visible to a group of your friends who went to high school with you, and invisible to everyone else.
  2. Check your privacy settings. Every social media platform or dating app has privacy settings that are designed to protect you. These settings allow you to control who can see specific information or posts you make.[3]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • If you don't understand the way the privacy settings work, talk to a friend who can help explain them to you and get things set up the way you want.
    • Most social media platforms give you the option to view your profile the way a stranger would, so you can make sure you're not revealing more information than you want.
  3. Look into the background of people you meet. Once you've started talking to someone regularly, it may be time to do a little online sleuthing before you meet up in person. Even if you don't have a lot of personal information about them, there are still ways you can determine if they are deceiving you.[4]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 3 Version 3.jpg
    • Look carefully at their page. If you have any friends in common, contact those people and ask how they know the person and if they've ever met them in real life.
    • Copy their photos and do an image search of them to see if they appear elsewhere on the internet. If someone is trying to pretend to be someone else, they may intend to harm you.
    • See how far back their page goes, and look at any comments or interactions they have with other friends or followers. You can usually tell by these interactions whether they actually personally know each other.
  4. Avoid giving away any personal information. In general, you want to avoid telling anyone too much about you until you've met them. Get to know them a little better before you tell them your address, your birthday, and your life history.[5]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 4 Version 3.jpg
    • This can be a delicate balance. If they are being safe, as you are, they won't reveal any personal information either. This can make it difficult to look into the person's background, but try to respect that they have the same privacy concerns you do.
  5. Take it slow. It can be easy to divulge too much information about yourself too quickly when you're talking online – especially if you talk to the person frequently. Keep your emotions in check and check yourself regularly to make sure you're not getting ahead of yourself.[6]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • You don't want the person to know too much about you until you've met them in person at least two or three times. Keep conversations focused on common outside interests, such as music or movies, and avoid talking too much about your own life or your thoughts and feelings.
  6. Trust your instincts. When you make friends with somebody, it can be tempting to shrug off comments or behaviors that normally would give you pause. Keep in mind that this person is a stranger, and avoid giving them the benefit of the doubt.[7]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 6 Version 3.jpg
    • If the person says something that bothers you, mention it directly. Be honest, and don't allow them to think you're okay with something when you're not.
    • If you don't feel comfortable saying something to the person directly about something that's bothering you, that in and of itself is a red flag that maybe this person isn't the best friend for you.

EditMeeting in Public

  1. Choose a place where you're comfortable. You may not want to meet too close to home if you're worried about the person knowing where you live. But at the same time, you don't want to meet someone for the first time in an unfamiliar part of town.[8]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 7 Version 3.jpg
    • Often you will feel more comfortable in a place where you've been several times, especially if you're anxious about meeting this person for the first time.
    • Ideally, you still want a place that you don't frequent often. If things don't work out, you don't want to risk running into that person again.
    • Plan your meeting during the day if at all possible. If the two of you are only available in the evening, choose a place that typically is fairly busy at the time you're planning to meet.
  2. Talk before meeting. Before you meet someone in person who you've met online, you want to make sure they are who they've said they are. The best way to go about this is to have a phone call or live video chat with them.[9]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 8.jpg
    • If the person isn't able to video chat with you, ask them to take a selfie holding a sign with particular words on it. This can help assure you that they aren't pulling photos off the internet or otherwise deceiving you about who they are or what they look like.
    • If you and this person have developed a friendship to the point that you want to meet in person, they shouldn't have any problems doing this. If they refuse or make excuses, it could be a red flag.
  3. Bring a friend. If you're really nervous about meeting the person, bring a friend along with you or organize a group date with several friends. If the person legitimately wants to get to know you, they shouldn't be put out that you want to meet in a group first.[10]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 9.jpg
    • Especially if you're meeting the person further away from home, or in an unfamiliar part of town, bring someone along who knows that area.
  4. Avoid alcohol on your first meeting. For people of drinking age, it's quite common to meet people at the local bar or pub. The problem is that alcohol can lower your inhibitions and cause you to lose control.[11]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 10.jpg
    • If you do decide you want a drink, order a single drink with a low alcohol content, such as a light beer. Get a glass of water along with your beer, and sip slowly, alternating between the beer and the water.
  5. Ask lots of questions. The point of meeting in person is to get to know each other better. Since the person might be more reserved in person than they were online, be prepared to ask questions to get them to open up.[12]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 11.jpg
    • Referring back to a conversation you had online can help make both of you more comfortable. You'll be able to link the person in front of you to the conversations you had before.
    • For example, you might say "I remember you telling me that Radiohead was your favorite band. Did you hear that they're playing a concert here in a few months?"
  6. Keep your first meeting brief. For your initial meet-up, find some place you can sit and talk for a half hour or so, but don't plan on anything any longer than that. This way, if you find you're not interested in the person, you don't have to spend too much time with them.[13]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 12.jpg
    • A short meeting gives the two of you the opportunity to sniff each other out and figure out if there's any connection in person as there is online.
    • Make a commitment with another friend so you have an easy out if the person tries to convince you to come somewhere else with them. Keep in mind a predatory person might try to lure you to a more private or out-of-the-way location.
  7. Take personal belongings with you. If you have to excuse yourself at any point, such as to use the restroom, do not leave your purse or cell phone unattended with the person you're meeting. Treat them as a stranger and don't give them access to your private information.[14]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 13.jpg
  8. Plan another meeting. If the first meeting went well, plan a second, longer meeting rather than extending the first meeting. This way you're continuing to take things slowly and you're remaining in control of the situation.[15]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 14.jpg
    • Assuming your first meeting lasted 20 or 30 minutes, your second meeting should be a similar duration, maybe a little longer. You can work up to sharing a meal together or engaging in other activities.

EditHandling Sticky Situations

  1. Go with your gut. Even though things are going well and outwardly the person seems fine, you may have a nagging feeling that something isn't right. Don't ignore that feeling. If you feel like you're not safe, get out of there as quickly as possible.[16]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 15.jpg
    • You don't owe anyone anything. If you feel that you need to leave, just do it – especially if you feel like your personal safety is in jeopardy. Go to the restroom and call a nearby friend to help you.
    • You also may be able to talk to someone who works at the place where you met. Explain the situation to them and they may be able to help you.
  2. Have an escape route. Before you meet up with the person, have several options in mind that will enable you to get out of the situation quickly if anything happens. Rely on your own transportation as much as possible.[17]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 16.jpg
    • If you have your own car, drive to the meeting and park as close as you can. Don't go anywhere else where the person could potentially isolate you from your transportation.
    • Have a couple of options if you don't have your own car or are relying on public transportation.
  3. Get a friend to call or text. Always make sure that several people know exactly where you're going and when. Arrange for a friend to check in on you during the meeting so you can let them know if things aren't going well.[18]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 17.jpg
    • Keep your phone on your person at all times, either with the ringer on or on vibrate so you won't miss this text or call.
    • You also can get a friend to drop by and act as though the two of you just ran into each other. Only try this if both you and your friend are capable of acting through the situation.
  4. Report threatening or dangerous behavior. If the meeting goes really bad, and the person turns out to be someone dangerous, report them to the local police as well as to the social media platform or dating app where you first connected.[19]
    Safely Meet a Person You Met Online Step 18.jpg
    • If you report their behavior to the website or app, you may be able to get them banned.
    • You also have the option of blocking them so that they cannot see your profile or contact you again.

EditWarnings

  • If you are under the age of 18, it probably is best if you don't meet people in person who you've met online. Make sure you have a parent or other trusted adult present if you do end up meeting a person you met online.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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How to Get Financial Aid for College

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 09:00 AM PDT

Getting financial aid for college in the U.S. can look intimidating. However, the process of applying isn't as complicated as it first seems, as long as you tackle one thing at a time. Start by filing FAFSA application to become eligible for federal grants. Negotiate with your school of choice for better aid. After you've done that, you can conduct a thorough, creative search for non-federal grants and scholarships. Consider federal loans and low-interest private loans when necessary, and don't give up.

EditSteps

EditCompleting a FAFSA Application

  1. Apply for a FAFSA as soon as you can. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the first task to complete to see about getting free money for school. The FAFSA application is available online from October 1st each year. Be sure to fill it out as early as you can. Applying early will ensure that you can get the maximum amount of aid. FAFSA forms cover federal aid and state-specific aid, so there are several deadlines you need to keep in mind:[1]
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • Make your school deadline. Check with your schools of choice and ask when they need your FAFSA form. This information will probably be available on their Office of Financial Aid website. If it isn't, you can call.
    • Find out your state deadline. Apply early enough to make your state's cut off in order to receive state-specific grants. This can be found here: https://fafsa.gov/deadlines.htm
    • The federal deadline isn't until the school year starts, around June 30th, so it shouldn't affect you.
    • You can apply for your FAFSA before you are admitted by a college. However, you won't actually be awarded the money until after you are accepted.
  2. Locate the FAFSA form. The application will ask for information about your education, your plans for college, and your and your parents' finances. Filing your FAFSA will determine your eligibility for a number of grants, scholarships, or loans.
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • Go here to complete this application: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
    • Fill this out with the help of your parent or guardian if possible.
  3. Gather the information you'll need to complete the form. If your parents or guardians are helping you pay for college, you'll need their information as well as your own. Ask them for help if they are available to help you. You'll need:[2]
    Avoid Miscommunication Step 10 Version 3.jpg
    • Your social Security number
    • Your alien registration number (if you are not a citizen)
    • Your parent's social security numbers (if they are helping you pay for college)
    • Your driver's license (if you have one)
    • Federal tax information or tax returns including IRS W-2 information, for you (and your spouse, if you are married), and for your parents if they are helping you pay for college. Forms might include:
      • IRS 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ
      • Foreign tax return and/or tax returns for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau
  4. Create an FSA ID. Make a username and password combination so you can sign in and out of your FAFSA application. Make sure to record your username and password once you have made them. You can create your ID here: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid
    Avoid Miscommunication Step 11 Version 2.jpg
  5. Fill in the schools you are interested in. List all the schools to which you are applying. For federal aid, the order doesn't matter. However, some states require you to list schools in a particular order so you can receive state aid. Find your state here: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/school-list#order
    Avoid Miscommunication Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • Many states require you to list a state school first in order to be considered for state aid.
    • Some states recommend that you list your top choice college first. However, if your preference changes you can update your application to reflect this.
  6. Enter the highest level of education that your parents completed. Questions 24 and 25 on the FAFSA ask about your parents' level of education. Be sure that, if your parents only completed some college, you select "High School" as the highest level of education completed. Some states award extra aid to children whose parents did not complete college.[3]
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 3 Version 2.jpg
  7. Pay your bills before applying. The FAFSA will ask you how much money you and your parents have at the moment you are applying. The amount of free aid you receive is based on those numbers. If you have unpaid credit card bills, car payments, or any other expenses that you know you'll be paying off soon, pay them before you apply. This can help increase the amount of aid you receive.[4]
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 4 Version 2.jpg
  8. Manage investments. If you or your parents have investments, this may lower the amount of federal funding you receive. Know what to exclude from your declared "Investments," and consider moving money around if you have the option.
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    [5]
    • Do not include assets paid into a home or retirement account. Money that you have in retirement accounts or that is invested in a home does not need to be listed as "investments" on your FAFSA.
    • If you or your parents have money in a non-retirement account, consider putting it into a Roth IRA account or making a payment toward your mortgage. That way, the money can legally be excluded from your FAFSA, which can make you eligible for more free aid.

EditGetting Aid from Your College

  1. Speak to your potential college's financial aid counselor. Many colleges offer scholarships and grants to their students. To find out the types of aid that are available to you and how to apply, schedule a phone call or an appointment with the financial aid counselor of the colleges you are considering. Be sure to ask about deadlines for applications as well!
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 6 Version 2.jpg
  2. Appeal for more need-based aid. If your preferred school has not offered you sufficient aid, you can ask for more. To do this, write a personalized letter in which you ask for a "professional judgment review." Explain that the school is your first choice, but that you need more aid in order to be able to afford it. Gather evidence so you can make a strong appeal:[6]
    Do Automatic Writing Step 9.jpg
    • If your FAFSA makes it look like you or your parents have more money than they do, provide documents that show this. For instance, you might document serious medical bills or a recent job loss.
    • Don't be frightened of sharing potentially private information. If you have a parent with an addiction (to drugs, gambling, etc) this can present costs that will not be reflected on your FAFSA. Financial aid advisors have seen it all, and won't be shocked.
  3. Ask for merit-based aid. Some schools will offer you more money if you have been given a better aid package at a rival school. If you have better-paying options, document them and include this in your letter.[7]
    Apply for a Masters of Health Administration Step 17.jpg
    • Send your appeal before you confirm attendance at the school. Schools will be more eager to meet your requests if they are afraid of losing you.
    • Ask for "second chance aid." Some schools will raise your merit-based aid if you bring your grades up in the last few months of high school, for instance. Others will improve your aid for the following year if you do well your freshman year.
  4. Look into work study. Some schools receive federal or state funding to offer jobs to students in exchange for tuition remission. Ask the Office of Financial Aid if your school offers work study funding. This is determined by your FAFSA, and does not require a separate application.[8]
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 21 Version 2.jpg
    • To qualify for work study, turn in your FAFSA as soon as you can.

EditTaking out Loans

  1. Take advantage of the Perkins loan if it is offered. If you turn in your FAFSA in a timely manner, you may qualify for a low-interest loan called the Perkins Loans, which have a set interest rate of 5%. To qualify, you must demonstrate high financial need. Funds for these programs are given on a first come, first served basis.[9]
    Get a Rebate on Consolidated Student Loans Step 3 Version 2.jpg
  2. Make use of federal Stafford loans. After filing your FAFSA, you may be offered federal student loans in place of or in addition to grant money. Student loans consist of money that you must pay back with interest in the future. Stafford loans are the most common type, and they can be either subsidized or unsubsidized. If the loans are subsidized, then the government will pay your interest while you are in school. If the loans are unsubsidized, you are responsible for paying all the interest that accrues.[10]
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 19 Version 2.jpg
  3. Apply for PLUS Loans and Grad PLUS loans. PLUS loans are loans given to the parents of undergraduate students, and Grad PLUS Loans are given to graduate or professional students. After filing your FAFSA, many schools require that you fill out the supplemental application for PLUS Loans, here: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/launchPLUS.action.
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 20 Version 2.jpg
  4. Consider taking out private loans. Private loans may come from a bank or another private lending organization, such as Sallie Mae or College Ave. In most cases, it is best to use federal loans instead of private loans, as they have lower interest rates and various options for loan forgiveness. However, if you need to take out private loans, there are some important things to keep in mind:
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 22 Version 2.jpg
    • Compare interest rates. Look for a loan with a low interest rate that is fixed, which means it will stay the same over time. Loans with variable interest rates may increase or decrease as economic conditions change.[11]
    • Look for loans with options to defer payment or make a flexible repayment plan in case there are times when you can't afford your payments.
    • Ask about any fees that will be required in addition to your interest payment.
    • Determine whether or not the loan requires a co-signer, and if you have someone who can co-sign for you.
  5. Manage your student loans. It is important that you don't neglect paying back your student loans, as doing so can negatively affect your credit. Consider consolidating your loans to simplify the repayment process. If you are unable to afford your payments, speak to your lender about changing your payment due date each month or changing your payment plan altogether. No matter what you do, don't neglect making the payments. This will hurt your credit score and can lead you into a life of debt.[12]
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 23 Version 2.jpg

EditIdentifying Other Grants and Scholarships

  1. Search for scholarships online. Begin by searching on the U.S. Department of Labor's free scholarship search tool, found here: https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx. Try different filters, such as the level of study or the place where you plan to study. Some other scholarship-specific search engines you can use are Fastweb, Scholarships.com and The College Board website.[13]
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Be creative in the search terms that you use to search for scholarships. Keep in mind that there are thousands of scholarships available for specific circumstances, such as having a certain disability, being part of a minority group, or having a parent in the military.[14]
  2. Search for grants that are specific to your state. In addition to grants from the federal government, many states offer grants of their own. You can search for grants specific to the state where you'll be attending college here: https://www.nasfaa.org/State_Financial_Aid_Programs.[15]
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 8 Version 2.jpg
  3. Leverage your skills. Many scholarships are available to those who have a special skill, such as being a fantastic basketball player or golfer, or having amazing grades in a specific subject. Enter specific keywords related to your skill or talent on one of the scholarship-specific search engines to see what scholarships are available.
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • While some sports scholarships are intended for serious athletes, there are also a few available for those who play recreationally. Don't give up searching just because you're not the star of the team! Try entering keywords such as "recreational" or "club" when searching for sports-related scholarships.
  4. Search for scholarships based on your community service. If you have done community service or volunteer projects, you may be eligible for scholarship money. Type in the words "community service" or "volunteer" when searching for scholarships to see the options available to you.
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 10 Version 2.jpg
  5. Look for scholarships through identity-based organizations. Various organizations offer scholarships to students of certain ethnicities. To see if you are eligible for any scholarships based on your ethnicity, go to the US Department of Labor's website here: https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx. Then, in the left sidebar, scroll down to "Affiliation Required" and click on "Ethnic Group Membership."
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 11 Version 2.jpg
  6. Contact local businesses, religious organizations, and professional organizations in your area of study. Some organizations are eager to help members of their community attend college, so they will offer scholarships to students from their area. You can do a quick search online to find the contact information for businesses and organizations in your area, and then reach out to them to see if they offer any opportunities that you may be eligible for.
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • If you are a member of a particular religious organization, that is a great place to start looking for a scholarship.
    • When you reach out to a local organization, do not expect that they will offer scholarship money. Be polite, appreciative, and if they do offer a scholarship opportunity, be sure to write down all the details about how you can apply.
  7. Seek out scholarships for non-traditional students. If you are an adult, a single parent, a displaced worker, a returning veteran, or anyone other than a recent high-school graduate, you are considered a non-traditional student. After filling out your FAFSA, search online for scholarships specific to your age, gender, intended career path, and parental status. You can also search online for general scholarships for non-traditional students.[16]
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 13 Version 2.jpg

EditDeclaring a Sponsored Major

  1. Look into TEACH Grants if you are majoring in education. If you decide to pursue a degree in teaching, you may be eligible for the TEACH Grant. The TEACH Grant is a government grant offered to students who enroll in a TEACH-Grant-eligible program in college and are willing to commit to teaching for 4 years after graduation in a high-need area of the United States. You can learn more about the TEACH grant by going to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/teach.
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 14 Version 2.jpg
  2. Check out SMART grants if you are pursuing a math, science, or engineering degree. Students who major in fields such as math, science, technology, engineering, or critical foreign languages may be eligible for the SMART Grant. Consider one of those majors if you would like to be eligible for this grant! You can learn more about the SMART Grant here: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/ac-smart.html.
    Get Financial Aid for College Step 15 Version 2.jpg
    • Students can receive the SMART grant in their third and fourth year of college.
  3. Try for a nursing or health care grant during shortages. There is federal funding to offset shortages of highly necessary professionals in the field of health care. If you are studying nursing or another health care related profession, look for funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services: https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships
    Cope with the Fear of Abandonment with a Mental Disorder Step 6.jpg
    • State scholarships may also be available, though they tend to require you to work in state in underserved hospitals or critical shortage facilities.[17]
  4. Look into subject-specific grants for women and minorities. If you are a woman, a person of color, or otherwise are from an identity group that is underrepresented in certain fields, you may be eligible for scholarships designed to broaden the professional populations of those fields.[18]
    Become a Substitute Teacher in New York City Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Ask the financial aid office at your schools of choice for subject-specific opportunities.

EditTips

  • This article focuses on the process of getting financial aid for college in the United States. The process will be different in different countries.
  • Most free money received from the government comes in the form of Pell Grants, which are typically awarded only to undergraduate students who have not yet received a Bachelor's degree. Pell Grants are given based on financial need. The maximum amount of a Pell Grant for the 2017-2018 school year is 5,920 USD.
  • Other types of grants that you may be considered for after filing your FAFSA include the FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) or the ACG (Academic Competitiveness Grant).

EditWarnings

  • When you consider how much money to take out in student loans, be sure that you only take out the minimum amount that is needed. It can be tempting to take out as much money as possible so that you can enjoy it in the short term. However, the more money that you borrow, the more interest you will pay and the longer it will take for you to be debt-free. Do your future self a favor by borrowing only the amount that you absolutely need.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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How to Use Night Shift on iOS

Posted: 25 Jul 2017 01:00 AM PDT

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