by Tom O'Hare | Sep 10, 2026 | Before, College Planning, College Readiness
In my travels and work with students and families this past month, I learned about a new condition affecting high school families: Nervcited.
Nervcited: the combination of nervousness and excitement, often referring to a big, emotional, nerve-wracking event.
Not to be found in a medical journal or parenting magazine, this playful reference to a condition is playing out in many homes of high school seniors now and throughout the Fall. It could have even started over the summer, or been festering in the house since an older sibling graduated from high school. Either way, If not caught in time, Nervcited can be very disruptive to the lives of a student, parents, caregivers, and guardians. Can even get passed down to younger siblings waiting to start their life after high school planning.
What are the symptoms of Nervcited, how can it be detected, and is there a remedy to correct the condition? The answer is yes.
SYMPTOMS
Include heightened parental blood pressure, roller-coaster student behavior, clashes in the car or at the kitchen island, failure to have and follow a plan, and, most notably, noise from well-meaning friends and social influencers.
HOW TO DETECT?
Excitement after a campus visit, until a caring friend says it’s not for you (or your student); realizing savings are limited and we’re looking at $80K in school; revealing the 1st draft of the college essay only to have one explode after it’s read; or a bewildered look as one attempts to follow a different path with little or no support on how to move forward.
WHAT TO DO?
First, as a parent, caregiver, or guardian of a 10th- or 11th-grade student, hit pause. Slow down slightly, but with purpose. Your student is just restarting school and sports, dance, and extracurricular activities. They’re worried. Plus, you’re balancing your own work-life balance now that the summer is over.
Second, anything missed in the past is over; it’s time to focus on what you need to be dealing with now and over the coming months.
Get to Work NOW – Get ot the plan and deadlines, review priorities due now, in October, November, and into the later Fall. Less for 10th graders (PSAT’s, military academy, college fairs, assessing savings, hunting for scholarships), more for 11th grade, college/career school-bound students (essay, FAFSA, Common App, school selections). Also, turn to your trusted colleagues and professionals for unbiased, non-judgmental assistance.
Remember, Nervcited isn’t always visible. Some symptoms only reveal themselves after we, as parents, caregivers, guardians, and professionals, ask the right questions the right way.
If you reading this for the first time, let me introduce you to my four pillars: Finding the right education pathway, at the right school, for the right reason, at an affordable investment. My ongoing focus is to reinforce that we are no longer living in a one-size-fits-all post-high-school educational pathway. Action steps to find the ‘right fit’ to foster the growth of a student’s mind, body, and spirit are plentiful and 100% dependent on goals, capabilities, and wants, with the support of family and friends. We’re no longer following the playbook of our parents’ generation.
If you like what you’re reading, drop me a line at tom@getcollegegoing.com
If you have questions, inquiries, or what-if scenarios on areas before, during, and after college, call or text me: 617-240-7350.
by Tom O'Hare | Feb 15, 2026 | Before, College Planning, Uncategorized
Now that the new year is in full swing, we’re wrestling with whether to keep our resolutions or change them; life’s events keep pressing forward and filling the calendar.
Can you believe it? Students are entering the final semester of their 1st year of college, their K-12 career, 4 years of college, or 18 months of career school. WOW
When speaking with students, especially high school seniors, they express a strong sense that things “are real now”. “Ya, I am going to be done in May. Those completing their 1st year of college often note that classes, faculty, and possibly the adjustment were more complex than anticipated. For now, focus on preparing yourself as a parent! https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/deviced/202205/how-to-parent-a-graduate
ICYMI
Significant changes are coming to college funding this July 1, 2026
The changes affect the rules governing federal student loan financing and repayment programs. Here is a small taste of what’s ahead for new and existing families and individuals:
- Elimination of Grad PLUS Loans: This program has been a critical resource for individuals seeking financial aid to pursue professional degrees, including Nurse Practitioners, Physical and Occupational Therapists, and Teachers.
- Parent PLUS Restrictions: New Parent PLUS loan limits to be capped at $20,000 per year, with an aggregate limit of $65,000.
- Limited Repayment Options: New borrowers after this date will only have access to two plans: the New Standard Plan and the RAP.
Final details on the full implementation of these changes have not been revealed. My calls to Congress and the Administration to inquire have gone unanswered. We will share more as we learn.
NOTE: Before you plan to raid your retirement or ask a 65+ to co-sign a private education loan, check with your financial professional or call me. There is always PLAN B.
Employers & Employees
Last month, I briefly touched on the impact of financial wellness on employees’ productivity and mental well-being. Money stress isn’t just a personal problem anymore—it’s a business risk.
Managing debt, financing college, and helping high school- and college-age students pursue their dreams are not employers’ direct responsibilities. But if your employees bring their stress to work, and they will, having the workforce’s financial well-being programs can save your bottom line. can have on the bottom line and spark employee loyalty. Call to learn more.
WHAT’s NEXT
Families of High School Seniors
- Comparing College Offers – Apps are in, and now it’s time to step up the process of evaluating and comparing offers, admission & financial aid to select the college, university, or career school to attend in.
- Don’t Be Pressured – Postponing the start of college by taking a gap year is becoming increasingly common among students at all levels. After a K-12 journey, many students question their next steps, need a break, or want to evaluate which path to pursue after high school. Read my blog article on Education and Career Pathways After High School https://getcollegegoing.com/education-career-pathways-after-high-school/
- Scholarships – The hunt is on! Check with the School Counselors Office, current employers, colleges of interest, and beyond. Be creative, use unique keywords, and make it a family competition. The more you can find, the less you might need to borrow.
Families of High School Juniors
- The Old Way is Broken – What is your spending and buying power? Are you ready for the cost to obtain a 4-year public or private undergraduate degree, or a career school education? Understanding investment savings, eligibility for financial aid, and expectations for each family is critical before creating a list or visiting a campus. The financial risk is too high!!
- Line in the Sand – This year is Pivotal! Students need to focus on their academic and personal development. Enrolling in challenging academic courses, maintaining strong grades, drafting an essay, and refining one’s skills are essential this year. I’m asking my clients, what makes you unique?
- Build College Relationships – If you think college admissions know you, think again. They buy students’ names, mail, and email love notes, and we all think we’re being recruited. No!! Students need a resume, a LinkedIn profile, and a plan to reverse the recruitment process.
Kickstarting Your Return – Transfer
Whether you’re a recent high school grad, have been out for a short while, or are considering a different venue, your work is not any different. Just shorter!!
- What are your personal goals? – Are you ready for full-time or part-time? Do you need to keep working to maintain your lifestyle or meet your family’s needs? Which educational environment suits me best? Community College, Certificate, Online, or Skilled Professional Training at the IBEW Training Center?
- How will I afford this reboot? – Employee tuition assistance, traditional college financial aid, scholarships, and other resources are all on the table.
Guidance – Counseling & Advice?
For retirement savings, we turn to a financial adviser; for buying a home, a realtor; and for home remodeling, contractors. Thinking of college & career school; how to pay, where to go, and how to get in, and managing education debt? That’s our lane, our expertise. Consider Get College Going!
Schedule a free consultation to learn [617-240-7350] (email: tom@getcollegegoing.com ) or visit www.getcollegegoing.com
by Tom O'Hare | Oct 15, 2025 | Before, College Planning
FALL PLANNING
We are back into the swing of learning, fall sports, performing arts, extracurricular activities, and even a little work.
As parents of 11th-grade high school students, it is time to launch the all-important college planning journey. It begins with early fall activities and kicks into high gear in January of the new year.
Here are a few activities to focus on in the Fall of the 11th grade
PSATs— The PSAT exam, scheduled for mid-October, is a crucial benchmark. It serves as the unofficial starting point for students and families, with exam results used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program’s prestigious academic scholarships. This exam helps determine if additional academic help can boost a student’s GPA and prepare for the Spring SATs.
Define My Pathway—As students and parents look beyond high school, it is critical to start discussing one’s college-to-career path. Whether attending a traditional, four-year public or private college, starting at community college to transfer, serving our country, entering an apprenticeship program, or pausing the button to work, it is not a one-size-fits-all decision. The variety of pathways should reassure you that there is no wrong choice, only the right one for your child.
Funding Assessment: How will we pay? What are our resources? Purchasing an education after high school is a significant financial commitment. Parents should assess their family’s financial capacities early to craft a college funding strategy. This process can be time-consuming and knowledge-intensive, and may necessitate obtaining external help.
Grades, Writing, and Mental Health— 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 means of transportation for college. When talking about the burbs of a big city or the trees in the country, students need to use the fall to get their personal 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.
As you dig into your students plans for life after high school, feel free to contact us at Get College Going. We love questions and inquiries. We’ll share insights, advice and where to find resources to help. Everything begins with a conversation – schedule a call today
by Tom O'Hare | Jun 16, 2025 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning
Over the past few months, I have spoken with students and parents, both individually and in groups, listening to their challenges and sharing my insights. Families and individuals included those with high school and college-age students, those about to graduate, and many already in the workforce.
I’ll share some insights addressing the four groups, but first, I want to share a brief testimonial from a dad of younger students. This dad, like me, is a planner. As I have written before, planning is critical to prepare for life after high school and before graduation. If you’re a parent of young kids, read on.
Young Family’s Insights
“I am big on planning, and I recently met with Tom to review/refine my plan, which has been extended for 10+ years. My wife and I have three children aged 3 to 8. We are currently pleased with our public elementary option, but we are always intrigued by the private option. Our oldest children are good athletes for their age, and as Tom highlighted, aptitude starts to develop in middle school. After talking, we sensed that a private middle school option might be best for our family. This will allow us to evaluate the quality, affordability, local high school options, and talents of our children. I am a product of public education from kindergarten to college, but I also recognize that standards are changing and that we want to position our children for success. Tom reinforced the importance of perseverance, learning to share space, and the value of planning financially (asset location). After sanity-checking my plan with Tom, I felt better and made the savings adjustments to hopefully realize our oldest child’s private middle school option”.
Thank you, Dad!
What’s happening in June
Congratulations to all fellow Geminis. June is extra special for me as I celebrate 45 years with the most wonderful, caring, and beautiful spouse and mother of my four kids… I’m blessed!!
A new wave of young adults is leaving college, some advancing to graduate school, and tweens who need to transfer after rethinking their first choice. However, the vast majority will be looking for their first real “adult” job. They will need your help to:
- Learn how to network to find work versus using Indeed
- How to understand employee benefits
- Understanding that internships or temp-to-hire can lead to full-time work
- The importance of creating a financial budget
- Embrace the start of their student loan payback
Don’t let the noise from Washington and the tremendous late-night bantering paralyze you from taking proactive steps to manage your student loan obligations. Repayment benefits through the federal government, private education loan providers, and, in some cases, employers are available to help all students and families.
Preparing for September
I’m 18 NOW – If you send a son to college or work at 18 or older, your student and family must be protected. They may always be young in your mind, but in the eyes of the legal, medical, and higher education world, they are on their own. Old enough to speak and advocate for themselves. Protecting them means having proper documentation, so you, as their parent, can continue to assist them in a safe and healthy growth.
Essay, College Options, Scholarships, and Applications
Snap your fingers, and we’re there. It’s time to apply to college. The list is down to 12, the writing is complete, and recommendations are in. We found and applied for scholarships based on our academic interests, hobbies, high school resumes, and family backgrounds. We have had numerous meetings with college admissions and toured campuses. We ran our financing numbers and understood how much we would need to pay.
Don’t pause during the summer. It is valuable college planning time!
Start a conversation if you need help with your 11th-grade checklist, calming the waters, managing education loan repayment, or hosting an on-site employee seminar. Call today!
Get College Going, a full-service education advising practice based on the North Shore, has been helping families manage the college process before, during, and after college for four decades. Learn more about how we are helping families and individuals find the right education pathway at the right school for the right reason at an affordable investment. Visit www.getcollegegoing.com to learn more.
by Tom O'Hare | 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!!
by Tom O'Hare | 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
