by Tom O'Hare | Nov 5, 2025 | College Planning, During & After - Just Thinking
What Does Thanksgiving Mean to ME?
Turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, and stuffing? High school football games? A house full of energy and happiness.
T-Day is a time to take stock and give thanks for our blessings, gifts, and those in our lives. Wishing everyone joy and excitement, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day throughout the year.
Thanksgiving is the first significant break in the action for college and career students, especially first-year students who arrive home after leaving in September. As the father of four, I can report that the break can be an interesting time for parents and returning students. We are anxious to learn everything, while students are interested in the three R’s: refueling, reconnecting, and recharging their batteries. They can be talkative or quiet.
Parents do not despair.
Remember, they’re on break when you pick them up. I recall how challenging it was to resist asking them about their classes, friends, and activities. Most rides quickly became quiet as they fell asleep (three out of four), and I listened to smooth jazz.
The moment will come when it’s time to ask questions and dig into how campus life is going—and if there are potential bumps in the road. As parents, we must listen for signs and be patient. Please send them to the T-Day football game and feed them. Then, inquire about the first semester. If they’re struggling, let them know it’s normal, but encourage them to consult with academic support, resident life, and explore options for joining a club or organization to get involved. Thanksgiving is a bit past the midpoint of the semester. Your student has three weeks to “crush it” before the end of the semester and Christmas break. Address things now.
For high school students and their families, Thanksgiving marks a significant milestone in the college planning calendar.
- By now, seniors (families) should have submitted 99% of their admission applications and the FAFSA (maybe CSS Profile). Their eyes should be on watching college portals and emails for information, as well as searching for scholarships.
- If students are undecided, the break can be a perfect time to discuss the next steps. No one path after high school fits everyone, even if that’s what you hear (feel). Work, community college, service, apprenticeship, and a structured gap year are all effective options.
- Juniors (and 10th graders), it’s time to turn up the heat on your college planning, including creating a resume, thinking about living in a dorm, and how big is too big (campus), and where do you draw the line on distance from home. Come January, you’re building a list, learning how to evaluate options, and where to visit during February school break.
- Upper-class college students need to be focusing on checking their timeline and credit requirements to graduate on time. Five and six enrollment timelines are very expensive.
- Graduated or graduating soon, it is time to planning as student loan grace periods are about to expire and loan repayment begins on Federal and private education loans.
- Parents, yes, there is a lot to talk as you continue to coach and guide your high school, college-age and working young adults.
Thanksgiving break is an exciting and busy period, but a time stay ahead of pressing deadlines and tasks.
Wishing all a very Happy Thanksgiving.
by Tom O'Hare | Nov 1, 2025 | College Admissions, College Planning
Families of high school seniors bound for college in September 2026 have been filing applications that are 80% complete… a relief, but now we wait. Although the heavy lifting feels over, all eyes should shift to how we will pay.
Choosing college and how to get in is critical, but determining how to pursue the educational choice post-high school is vital. Completing and filing applications for financial aid and external private scholarships shouldn’t be overlooked. One critical application to complete is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . This application covers the calculation (Student Aid Index – SAI) and awarding of need-based financial aid provided to eligible students and families from all public and private colleges, universities, approved career institutions, federal and state programs, and some private external scholarship providers. Take the 30 minutes to complete and file the FAFSA. Need help – call.
Another vital activity while waiting to learn about acceptances and financial aid offers is applying for scholarships. Yes, it is reportedly time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, but uncovering a scholarship and receiving an award can mean the difference between going and not. Please email me at tom@getcollegegoing.com, and I’ll send you a PDF copy of my Scholarship Workbook. It contains tips and ideas on how to find $$$$.
Community College – Career School – Heading in a different direction after high school requires planning, too. Learning the rules and guidelines to attend and pay should not be left to the last minute. Many programs fill up fast, and applying for financial aid and scholarships follows the exact timelines as a student at a four-year college.
I hope the government shutdown will end when RT One BNG Magazine hits the street. The shutdown has been impacting the delivery of services by the Department of Education, specifically in handling calls to resolve and assist with the FAFSA. Whether it was the shutdown or an undeclared higher education bubble, colleges and universities are making their own cuts. Reductions in staffing and programs are now occurring on campuses. The impact is currently felt in the delivery of some services and the availability of academic programs. Current 12th-grade families, especially 11th graders beginning the planning process, should be inquiring how these changes may affect a college that has offered a spot in September or is on the radar for the future.
Finally, families of 11th-grade students, your journey begins now. November and the Fall provided a great time to get an early jump on boosting study and time management skills that impact GPA and SAT scores, and begin the discussion on funding, finding, and setting realistic expectations for life after high school. Please take a second to review my Fall activities for 11th graders. https://getcollegegoing.com/fall-planning/
Everything starts with a conversation! We help students, families, and individuals with one-on-one consultations, DIY references, and when questions pop up. We are here to share our knowledge, answer your questions, and give you peace of mind.
Learn more at www.getcollegegoing.com
Need some additional cash to pay for college or career school, consider hunting for scholarships. Send me an email [tom@getcollegegoing.com] to receive a PDF copy of my Scholarship Workbook. ITs full of tips and insights on how to search and apply for external scholarships, local, regional and even national. Subject line: Scholarship Workbook.
