Why Hire A College Counselor (Advisor)

by | Mar 15, 2025 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness

Occasionally, we all need an advisor or coach to help us navigate the unknown. For parents of high school students, deciding what to do after high school can be daunting. That is where a college counselor can help. A good counselor is unbiased and nonjudgmental and is working for the sole purpose of helping a student succeed. A counselor (advisor) should be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of planning and funding college and keen to be able to help students and families find the four rights to life after high school: the right education pathway, for the right reason, and at the right school for an affordable investment. (The four rights i follow in my private practice)

Parents and students should begin working with a counselor around October of the junior year, when their student takes the PSATs, earlier if possible. A counselor should provide insights and direction on how to pay for college, where to consider going, and how to apply. They’re there to answer questions, share insights, identify deadlines, and help manage connecting the dots between admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and student recruitment.

As my youngest son reminds me, hundreds of students and families navigate the process and successfully enroll in college every year. Yes, that is true, but for the select few who find themselves overwhelmed, paralyzed, and fearful of failing, a college counselor (advisor) can be the key to their sanity and students’ success.

Finding the right fit is based on working with a student and their family to align them with colleges and universities where they can continue to grow academically, feel personally safe, have a chance to have a strong, supportive social network, and where the cost of enrolling is affordable. Finding the right fit is a personal, individual process that takes time and discovery and can benefit from having a college counselor or an advisor helping to guide the way.

Here are a few other reasons:

  1. Personalized Guidance
  • Through regular meetings, we help students identify schools that are the best fit academically, socially, and financially.
  • We provide insights on raising the bar to show interest through email campaigns, 1-1 meetings, and keeping the school aware of a student’s strengths, interests, and goals.
  • Help to identify different paths after high school and navigate the conversation at home.
  1. Application Strategy & Organization
  • Advisors help manage deadlines, essays, recommendation letters, and standardized testing schedules.
  • They create a structured timeline to reduce stress and last-minute scrambling.
  1. Essay Coaching & Editing
  • Many advisors assist students in crafting compelling college essays that stand out.
  • They provide feedback to ensure authenticity while meeting the expectations of admissions officers.
  1. Financial Aid & Scholarships
  • A good advisor helps families navigate financial aid forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
  • We provide endless training on how to hunt for scholarships, including starting early and never stopping.
  1. Reducing Stress & Family Conflicts
  • Involving a third party can ease tensions between parents and students and ensure open communication and shared goals.
  • Were neutral, unbiased, and nonjudgmental with the student and their family’s objective always in mind.
  1. We Focus on the Probability of Acceptance
  • At the right college that falls under three categories, unlikely >30%, but let’s apply; targeted <50% and Likely >75%.
  • Advisors provide insights into what colleges are looking for in prospective students.
  • We assist with interview preparation, extracurricular planning, and strong application positioning.
  1. Knowledge of Changing Admissions Trends
  • The college admissions landscape changes frequently (test-optional policies, holistic admissions, financial aid, government intervention, college and university business decisions), etc.
  • As an advisor, I stay current on these trends and help families adjust their strategies accordingly.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, paralyzed, and fearful of failing your student, give a call or text – 617-240-7350, Every good ending starts with a good conversation!!

2025 SPRING COLLEGE FAIRS & EVENTS

by | Mar 8, 2025 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness

2025 SPRING COLLEGE FAIRS & EVENTS

They want to meet you.  Who? College, university, and trade school Admission Representatives. They will be at your high school and regional and national college fairs. They want to meet you to discuss their academic programs, campus life, clubs, and extracurricular programs. They are coming to pique your curiosity as a prospective student.

This is your chance to connect with colleges, universities, trade schools, and members of the Armed Services recruiting students. An opportunity for you to meet with Representatives on your list or learn about ones to add. Time to explore, ask questions, shake hands, and sign up to receive information. PLUS, share your high school resume!!

If you cannot attend one of these events, don’t worry; in the future, you will be able to participate in a virtual meeting sponsored by the individual colleges, NEACAC (New England Association of College Admission Counselors) and NACAC.(National Association of College Admission Counselors).

Check with your Guidance Department to learn about colleges and universities attending!!. College Fair Checklist

Here are events happening in the evenings, weekends, and special events in Massachusetts this spring

High School Visits and Collee Fairs

  • Lowell Catholic College Fair
    Wednesday, March 5 at 6:00 PM
    Lowell, MA
  • Brookline High School College Fair
    Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 PM
    Brookline, MA
  • Reading Memorial High School College Fair
    Wednesday, March 12 at 6:30 PM
    Reading, MA
  • Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School College Fair
    Thursday, March 13 at 8:30 AM
    Upton, MA
  • Billerica Memorial High School College Fair
    Thursday, March 13 at 6:00 PM
    Billerica, MA
  • Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School College Fair
    Thursday, March 13 at 6:00 PM
  • NACAC Springfield
    Tuesday, March 18 at 9:00 AM
    West Springfield, MA
  • Littleton High School College Fair
    Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00 PM
    Littleton, MA
  • Great Northeast Career & College Fair
    Wednesday, March 19 at 5:30 PM
    Middleboro, MA
  • Catholic Memorial High School Mini College Fair
    Wednesday, March 26 at 8:30 AM
    West Roxbury, MA
  • Boston College High School College Fair
    Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 PM
    Boston, MA
  • NACAC Boston – Morning Session
    Thursday, March 27 at 9:00 AM
    Boston, MA
  • NACAC Boston – Evening Session
    Thursday, March 27 at 6:00 PM
    Boston, MA
  • NACAC Boston – Morning Only
    Friday, March 28 at 9:00 AM
    Boston, MA
  • Greater Essex County College and Career Fair
    Thursday, April 3 at 6:00 PM
    Newburyport, MA
  • Malden Catholic High School College Fair
    Thursday, April 3 at 6:00 PM
    Malden, MA
  • Bishop Stang High School College Fair
    Tuesday, April 8 at 5:30 PM
    N Dartmouth, MA
  • Phillips Academy-Andover College Fair
    Monday, April 28 at 5:00 PM
    Andover, MA
  • NEACAC Merrimack College Fair
    Sunday, May 4 at 6:00 PM
    North Andover, MA
  • Bishop Feehan High School College Fair
    Wednesday, May 7 at 6:00 PM
    Attleboro, MA
  • NEACAC Assumption College
    Wednesday, May 14, 5:30 PM
    Worcester, MA
  • Woburn High School Junior College Fair
    Thursday, May 22 at 8:00 AM
    Woburn, MA
    NEACAC Bridgewater State University
    Thursday, May 29 at 9:00 AM
    Bridgewater, MA

 

 

 

Pivotal Year Begins Now

by | Sep 23, 2024 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning

FALL PLANNING

We are back into the swing of learning, fall sports, performing arts, extracurricular activities, and even little work. Families of 12th-grade seniors are actively finalizing essays, narrowing college options, and working to be prepared to hit their admission and financial aid deadlines.

As parents of 11th-grade high school students, it is time to launch the all-important planning process. It begins with early fall activities and kicks into high gear in January 2025.

  • PSATs— The PSAT exam, scheduled for mid-October, is a crucial milestone in the college planning journey. It serves as the unofficial starting point for students and families, paving the way for the Spring SATs. The results of the PSAT can be instrumental in identifying areas where a student might require academic support. Moreover, it is a gateway to the most prestigious academic scholarships offered by the National Merit Scholarship Program and its partner institutions. Understanding the significance of the PSATs will empower you as a parent to guide your child effectively.
  • Define My Pathway— As students and parents look to the future, it is critical to start discussing life after high school. The education-to-work pathway is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Whether it’s attending a traditional, four-year public or private college, starting at community college to transfer, volunteering, serving our country, entering an apprenticeship program, or pausing the button to work and plan some more, there’s a perfect fit for your child’s unique talents and aspirations. The variety of pathways should reassure you that there is no wrong choice, only the right one for your child. This diversity of options should inspire a sense of open-mindedness and reassurance in you as a parent.
  • Funding Assessment—How will we pay? What are our resources? Investing in education after high school is a significant financial commitment. Parents should begin assessing their family’s financial capacities to craft a college funding strategy. This process can be time-consuming and knowledge-intensive and may necessitate the help of external resources. College is too substantial an investment to be left until the last minute or, worse when it is time to accept the college offer.
  • Grades, Writing, and Mental Health—While challenging academic performance, a strong GPA, well-written essays, and a robust high school resume are critical. As parents, we want the best for our students, as do colleges, but not at the expense of their well-being. It is essential to utilize the value of time to manage the college planning process at the student’s pace. Let us remember to let students be students.
  • Too Far; Not Too Close— Distance is measured in feet or miles. Planes, trains, and automobiles are the measurements for college. Plus, are we talking about the burbs of a big city or the trees in the country? These open questions can present a stumbling block for many when building their college list. Use the Fall to help students get their GPS bearings.
  • Meet the Representatives—Before we visit a campus or take a tour, students create a list of schools that meet their goals and college preferences—a list of possibilities to research and uncover to find the right fit. We use technology and apps and attend local and regional college fairs. Many students and families can meet admission counselors during these events in the fall. Attend one in your area.
  • January 2025—Mark your calendar. As the holidays end, college planning begins. The journey will be exciting and emotional, with the occasional uncertainty and questions. Remember, it requires time, patience, knowledge, curious minds, and a plan.

To obtain a comprehensive 11th-grade planning checklist email tom@getcollegegoing.com or visit www.getcollegegoing.com.

2024 Fall College and Career Fairs

by | Aug 20, 2024 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning, Uncategorized

Time to Meet Your College Counselors

High school gyms, cafeterias, and local auditoriums open their doors so students and families to meet college representative and learn about life after high school options..

Families of 10th and 11th grade students its time to explore and learn about colleges and universities, locally, statewide and in other parts of the country. You will learn about educational offerings, cost and how to get in. For seniors on the door step of graduation  and the end of high school its a chance to ask unanswered questions, share a resume and shake hands with a member of the Admissions decision making team.

Specialty events are also held for students and families interested in visual and performing arts, and STEM.  Events are always open to students and families living or working in the immediate area of the fair.

Maximize Your Event

  • Bring your list of prospective schools
  • Learn about new “unknown” possibilities
  • Ask questions, and be inquisitive
  • Register for information
  • Shake hands, introduce yourself, and collect business cards
  • Leave Behind Your Resume

Hint: When you return home, send your current and new interests an introductory email with a second copy of your resume (leave off your GPA and test scores).
Let the ‘reverse’ recruiting begins!!!!

Stay alert to announcement from your Guidance Department on when a specific college or university will be visiting your high school. It could be your one to one interview.

2024 Massachusetts Fall Evening and Special Event College and Career Fairs
Check with the host school or organization for a list of colleges and universities scheduled to attend.

To learn more about our services, and approach to assisting family’s with planning and funding your student’s educational pathways after high school, visit www.getcollegegoing.com. Start a Conversation- the office is always open.

 

Rethinking the Approach

by | Mar 11, 2023 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness, Financial Aid

Recently I spoke with an employee group as part of an educational enrichment program attended by parents of high school and college-age students. We talk about the classic nuts and bolts, managing deadlines, scheduling campus visits, the application processes, and how to pay for college. All are part of the responsibilities parents must oversee as they navigate selecting their students (families) right education pathway after high school.

As the meeting started to break up, a few parents voiced their frustration, some even saying they might have a better chance throwing a lucky penny into a fountain than getting their kids into school and being able to afford it. I looked at the session organizer and asked if we could extend the lunch and learn for those who wanted to continue.

For the next twenty minutes, we discussed the importance of planning, with a twist – it’s time to understand and recognize the wild vortexes families can get drawn into, willingly and unknowingly – why – because we allow ourselves. Parents must rethink their approach to education, work, and careers after high school by first accepting that the system has created some significant pitfalls.

Six Vortexes To Avoid  

  • Emotions – we hope we follow a natural thought process. Still, once our son or daughter gets their hope up, it becomes emotionally driven, and things like the right choice and our financing capabilities get thrown out the window.
  • Financing Realities – after purchasing a home, investing in college is the most expensive life change event in a family’s life. So why do educators, financial planners, and other advisers position families to focus on paying for college incorrectly? Knowing if we can afford the cost is paramount to how we help our students find their authentic education path in high school. Financing first – shopping for the beautiful campus is second.
  • Vanity and Prestige – for some psychological reason, we worry about what our neighbors, relatives, and friends think about the choices we hope our students (family) will make. Are they paying the bill? Are they losing sleep over the agonizing process? Do they really know your student – truly. Or is it some misguided reality game we are allowing ourselves to be playing? Why?
  • First Generation – like having a child (I have four), first-time high school and college-age families have questions and need help. Even if you are a veteran college parent, without practical and experienced-based guidance, you can get overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. Always ask why? How come, and can you help me? Knowledge is power!
  • Poor Communication – there is a massive gap in the flow of information. School systems expect students to communicate vital information to their parents – NOT! Parents with questions or inquiries must seek answers, not wait for meetings. Living in the dark is another primary source of stress and anxiety.
  • Peer Pressure – what 17-year-old will raise their hand and proclaim, no, I’m not following the herd; I’m going to do my way? Education to career planning post-high school is no longer a one-fits-all process. Helping students step out of social media’s shadows and peer pressure to find their authentic self takes courage. Celebrate the student-athlete, the skilled trade professional, the academic dancer, and the community college learner on the same level.

Starting Point – Just One

  • Goals and Expectations – if you are a parent of a high school student and have not discussed four critical topics, then get at it – start helping them shape their future – ask:
    1. What are your strengths, skills, and experiences – in and out of school
    2. Who do you balance a checkbook, calculate compounding interest and be financially literate
    3. What are you interested in, values, hobbies, ideas, and the occasional job, and
    4. What do they like their life to look like? What hopes, dreams, and lifestyle preferences

We ended the intense and highly energetic session with the need to keep talking. Everyone had to go back to work. I shared my number – the office door is always open.

A reminder – this is an emotional process with many peaks and valleys for their students and themselves. And yes (I beat a dead horse), proper planning and asking (not waiting) for guidance, advice, and help will make the journey much more enjoyable.

Ben Franklin once said, “Failing to prepare is planning to fail” The college search, selection, and payment process can be a long, sometimes consuming experience. Understanding the twist and turns, rules of the road, and how they apply to you and your students are crucial to surviving the journey. Need help with your plan? Schedule a free consultation to learn how we are helping students and parents. Text or call 617-240-7350 or email tom@getcollegegoing.com. Learn more at www.getcollegegoing.com

Our four pillars at Get College Going: find the right education pathway, for the right reason, at the right school, at an affordable cost

Excitement of May

by | May 10, 2022 | Before, College Planning, College Readiness, Financial Aid

The arrival of May 2022 has never been more needed than this year. Longer days and warmer days are upon us as we welcome back the likes of the Red Sox, summer sports, dance recitals, and getting the double-wide family trailer opened at the beach.

In households of soon-to-be graduating seniors, May 1 marked National Deposit Day, the day the Class of 2026 commits to enroll in college. Exciting for students and surreal for parents. The journey to find the right college to start one’s 13th year of learning and personal development is complete. All that’s left is finding a roommate, obtaining medical and legal documents, and finalizing how to pay. Congratulations to all.

If exploring higher education after high school is still being considered, maybe a different path is in order. No longer is it a one-education pathway that fits all. Exploring interests and options to achieve individual expectations and goals is the key.

May is equally important to current 11th-grade students on their threshold, 12-grade. College planning for juniors and even sophomores should be in high gear with scheduled campus visits. Campuses are alive with activities and opportunities. Schedule your on-campus visits now!!

To all the hard-working moms, thank you for your devotion and love. We celebrate you on Mother’s Day and every day!!

Have questions, we’re here to calm the waters.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Congratulations – Graduation is in sight.

But, yes, there are a few more things for parents of college-bound students; one critical – is finalizing how to pay the remaining cost to attend.

  • Step #1: Using the school’s financial aid award letter, calculate the net tuition price
    • Cost – all merit and need-based aid awarded = the net tuition price
  • Step #2: Review the financing options specific to your family’s resources – savings, gifts, investment earnings, home equity
  • Step #3: Add to the help all external scholarships awarded at graduation or from external sources.
  • Step #4: If a balance remains and no other resources are available, families can consider two credit-based loans, the Federal PLUS (Parent) Loan or an Alternative Private Education Loan (student is the borrower; parent is a co-signer).
  • Access my Financing Worksheet, which walks you through the process.

Federal Education Loan Freeze
Once again, the U.S. Department of Education (ED), at the request of the Administration, has extended the student loan payment freeze to August 31, 2022. The extension suspends loan payments, drops the interest to 0%, and offers other benefits to delinquent and defaulted student loan borrowers.
While you wait for the thaw, borrowers with private education should investigate refinancing benefits: fixed interest rate, one account, or liquidating loans faster. It is unclear what the political air will be in September, so stay tone.

National Testing
The on-again, off-again debate goes on. SAT/ACT or not. The pandemic made it almost impossible for students to take the test; high schools stopped offering Test Day, resulting in a nationwide test-optional movement at colleges and universities. Many schools are rethinking their policies and reintroducing the requirement for admission and scholarship awards. What does this mean for 11th-grade students? If you can register and sit for the test, do so. BUT suppress releasing your results. Don’t take the free offer. Tipping one’s hat too early can be a barrier to acceptance!!

Don’t Wait …. Show Your Interest
Today, college-bound 11th-grade students need to introduce themselves and work to educated schools of their interests and academic and personal talents. It’s no secret that colleges and universities purchase students’ names and information. Part of their sophisticated enrollment management plans to target prospective students. But receiving an email or glossy brochure does not define a relationship. Using digital and traditional communication methods, students need to step forward, build relationships, and raise awareness about their interests. It’s critical in today’s college recruitment environment.

Planning Checklists

9th | 10th | 11th Grades  

Five Steps to Planning and Financing 

  • Learn about costs – in/out of state, public or private, and community college.
  • Determine what you can afford – get a pre-assessment of a family’s contribution and financial aid before going shopping.
  • Learn how college makes their decisions, acceptances, waitlists, and financial aid awards
  • Shop broadly – big, small, known, and unknown; avoid the trap of the rankings
  • Create a comprehensive college plan to find the right education, at the right school for the right investment

College-Bound Seniors – 

A few more essential tasks to address to ensure a smooth start to the academic year in September.

  • Activate your NEW College Student email and ID
  • Send in your Dorm Deposit & Find a Roommate
  • Register and attend Orientation
    • Complete Outstanding Forms (Meal Plan Selection, Campus Security Policy)
    • Submit a Student Health Waiver (if the student is covered under a parent’s healthcare plan
    • Submit the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Waiver (allows parents to retain their right to view student records after the student turns 18 years of age.
    • Health/Immunization Records
    • Submit AP/IB Test Scores (Credits)
    • Take Placement Tests (if required) + Register for Classes
  • Before leaving High School ensure your Final High School Transcript is sent
  • Research extra-curricular on and around campus
  • Work with your insurance carrier/agent if a car is going on campus
  • Shop lightly; pack for the fall
  • Enroll and be successful!

Partners Corner 

Thoughts and Interests from Joanne Light – Parenting Empowerment Coach
Former Vice President of Enrollment Services, North Shore Community College

As parents, tweens, teens, and teachers contemplate a relief from pandemic issues and restrictions, they are also experiencing more stress. Stress is a result of uncertainty and anxiety and right now there is no shortage of causes of that. World unrest, school challenges, financial challenges, relationship challenges – all felt and seen.

However, personal stress is plaguing our tweens and teens in greater proportions. They are facing challenges and worries about identity, social interactions, academic pressure, and future unknowns. So since the world is unpredictable, let’s talk about stress management. First kids need to be aware of their stress and how it makes them physically feel – the racing heart, tightening chest, sweating, and mood changes.

Teenagers’ brains are fast developing, and the fight or flight part of their brain is producing hormones that lead to physical symptoms. They prepare to react to the “danger”. The rational part of their brain is not fully developed, so they may, unless in a calm state, overreact to the “danger” which may be an argument with a parent, an upcoming test, a slight by a friend, an unfinished college application, etc.
Some stress can be a good thing as it motivates planning, practicing, and resilience. Chronic stress, however, for your teen or for you is unsustainable.

There are choices for our kids in coping with their stress, and we parents can model stress management and guide them to make healthy choices. Talk to them openly about healthy vs unhealthy choices. Healthy choices will enable them to gain control and resolve their concerns and minimize some of the stress. The unhealthy choices – drugs, alcohol, poor eating, self-harm, risky sexual behavior, etc. only lead to poor academic performance, regrets, and lower self-esteem. And, of course, more stress.
I will be writing more to suggest creating stress management plans for your kids and for your family. Very important, however, is the example you set in managing your own stress.
Breathe, breathe, breathe…
Visit https://joannehlight.com/ to learn more

This is a new section where we will be featuring information from our colleagues and friends. Individuals who are outside of our lane, but linked through their wonderful work. Trusted partners.

WHAT WE’RE READING & WHO WE’RE FOLLOWING
Trends, changes, and things on the horizon

  • Read about the pros and cons of taking a Gap Year. – Bottom line, have a PLAN Gap Year –
  • Mental health issues on campuses are real – especially for student-athletes
  • SAT changes are coming for 2024 – increased access, digital versus paper,  shorter questions.
  • New FAFSA rules and guidelines will affect 2023-2024, starting Oct 1
  • Always good reading at Grown and Flown; Lessons to learn, conversations before going to college.

 

Events

College Planning Workshop – LIVE & In-Person – Free

Free workshop for parents of high school students

Topics to cover include

  • How the pandemic has changed the way colleges evaluate and recruit students
  • What not to do with retirement savings
  • How to create a plan to find, select, and pay for school.
  • There will be ample time for questions!!

Where: Wakefield Recreation Center
When – Two choices – May 17th and 25th from 7 PM to 8 PM
Sponsored by Pivotal College Years  Register 

SUMMER CLINICS

The PCY Workshop Series is now available! SMALL online classes with the experts. Topics covering Getting Started, Applications, Essays, and MORE…Register today! https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pivotal-college-years-15529534…

Check out the robust online library of information covering a wide range of topics, before, during, and after college. Resources include videos, PDF downloads, Workbooks – College Essays, Hunting for Scholarship, and other reference information on everything college. College Planning shouldn’t be complicated, intimidating, or expensive.
Use PCY30 for a free trial – Learn more

For you, your clients, and employees!

 

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