SUMMERTIME CHECKLIST-11th &12th Grade
We’re halfway through the year enjoying the wonders of the summer months. When I look around, I see how busy everyone is. In our house, we have already celebrated our youngest daughter’s wedding, our 44th anniversary, a long weekend in Savannah, and had a chance to attend college graduations for students who started with me four years ago. I’ve taken on new students and rising seniors to prepare for their application process and introduced 11th graders to what is in store as they look to begin their planning in October.
Recently, I spoke to a Forbes staff writer while researching an article on paying for college. We discussed the problems families experienced with the 2024-2025 FAFSA Application and the hope that we will return to some normalcy in October. I have my fingers crossed . Here are five other tips and observations I shared.
- Financing for college-bound students in year one, and they’ll be enrolled the entire time. Up to 25% of first-year students leave college, and financing years two through four is one of the three reasons.
- Using any amount of disposable monthly income in the form of an interest-free monthly tuition payment plan is a financially savvy move. Plans are offered through colleges.
- Don’t stop hunting for scholarships; philanthropic donors don’t just love first-year students.
- If there are financial changes to income (decreases) in the household, alert the Financial Aid Office ASAP—no time to be shy.
- Paying for college is no different than buying your first home, car or saving for retirement. It needs to be guided by realistic and family-centered planning.
Midyear Standouts
It is a great time to look back to plan forward.. Here are a few things that stand out from this past admission and financial aid cycle.
- FAFSA issue set aside: three out of five families I talked to are unaware of the cost of college, how to finance the journey, and why some colleges provide little or no tuition assistance. Plus, 80% find out in the spring of their senior year. You can’t wait!
- 75% of all students applying for admission, including in my practice, were accepted when they applied early. 90% of all students in the top 30% range of a college’s acceptance criteria were accepted.
- Highly selective schools remain in their category by pumping up their application volume without adjusting the number of enrollment slots. Remember, they represent about 300 of the 3400 schools open for business.
- 30% of colleges bought students’ names to generate prospects and leads, mainly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. This mail-it (email) and they-will-come marketing approach might open a student’s eyes to an option but is not increasing acceptance rates. Get to know a college Admission Counselor before applying.
- SAT and ACT are creeping back in for admissions, GAP Year, Apprenticeship Programs, and ROI for the ROE, which are common questions and the focus of conversations with families.
- For the wrong reasons, students and families continue to be influenced by a hope-and-dream-admission mindset. The waitlist and declined volume went up significantly at REACH schools; not enough was applied to their authentic MATCH, while applications at SAFETY schools doubled.
My Advising Approach
To help students and family’s find the right education pathway at the right school for the right reason at an affordable investment.
As a parent of four and having spent a career working with colleges and families, I understand the complexity and emotions that comes with planning for a students life after high school. Questions need answers, inquiries need clarity, and sometimes you need some to walk with you. Everything starts with a conversation-call/text at 617-240-7350 or email at tom@getcollegegoing.com. Learn more at www.getcollegegoing.com