by Tom O'Hare | Mar 30, 2023 | College Admissions, Financial Aid
While raking the yard today (March 25), I got a call from a parent. Upset and confused. It seems that her daughter did not get accepted at her dream school, not to mention any of her other ivy and selective schools—1350 SAT, 3.8 GPA, active in sports and dance. From the three she did get into, little financial aid was offered, just a loan. I promised to call her back in a few minutes and put the yard tools away. The air was getting colder, and half the yard was raked. Yes, my office is open on the weekends.
Inside I jumped on a call and congratulated mom and her daughter on the outstanding acceptance offers from schools in and outside New England. I thought she would be very successful in any of the three. I listened, acknowledged her and her mother’s emotions, and shared some insights on what is happening in today’s college enrollment.
In March and April, families compare offers and make the final push to select the right school for the right reason at the lowest cost. An eye-opening and sometimes unsettling experience. We made plans to have a follow-up call to review possible appeals and finalize financing strategies with dad. I could feel the emotions in both voices and even a few tears. I reflected on the anxiety and stress; unfortunately, it is not unusual.
Parents of 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students looking to college after high school are encouraged to begin the college planning process early. Like our students and their progressive learning, parents must invest time to obtain a working knowledge of college enrollment. Learning the who, what, when, and how of college admissions, funding, and available resources takes time and patients. Getting ahead start is a surefire way of eliminating April Tears! I’ve been a post-secondary education geek for 35+ years, and I’m still learning.
I’m In What’s Next
Check out my colleague Shelley Honeycutt from Pivotal College Years as she shares her insights on practical steps once accepted – I’m In What’s Next – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3v5DHP5b1c
For those who have decided, the deposit should be on its way. National Deposit Day is May 1. However, families can submit their acceptance (save my seat) and housing (I need a dorm room) deposit anytime prior.
Families working through their final selection and calculating the plan to finance the remaining education we have information on our website. Two reference tools: Five Criteria to Say Yes and the 2023-2024 Funding Checklist. Visit our Resources page to download the documents
A Different 13th Year
I hear more and more families talking about skipping college after high school, choosing a different education path, or entry point to the workplace. Recently a brighter lens has been focused on the importance of families looking at alternative pathways after high school. Educators, business leaders, and others now encourage families to begin as early as middle school to introduce the many opportunities students can to pursue their talents and interest after high school. If your family is one, I recommend you check out the work underway at American Student Assistance – www.asa.org
Need Someone On Your Team – Consult an Independent Education Advisor
Need help calming the waters, getting started, and addressing technical questions before, during, or after college, consult an experienced independent Education Advisor. They listen, focus on needs, and should have a holistic view from funding to enrolling (and beyond). Plus, you get the peace of mind that a professional is on your team 100% of the time.
Schedule a Conversation
by Tom O'Hare | 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:
- What are your strengths, skills, and experiences – in and out of school
- Who do you balance a checkbook, calculate compounding interest and be financially literate
- What are you interested in, values, hobbies, ideas, and the occasional job, and
- 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
by Tom O'Hare | Dec 16, 2022 | College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness
December is one of the most exciting yet emotional times for families of high school and college-age students. It is the month when 12th-grade students anxiously await news on their college applications and choices for September 2023. First-year college students return home having experienced the college grading system and the reality of being independent. For 9-11th grade and younger, it’s about the start of winter sports, Christmas concerts, dancing in the Nutcracker, and the anticipation of Santa.
Parents, you continue to juggle work-home responsibilities, tweaking the transportation schedule, finishing Santa’s list, and looking forward to 2023.
It is a magical time of the year.
YEAR ENDING
Preparing for Guest
During the holiday, questions arise from visitors that can increase stress levels. Good-hearted aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends will ask, have you heard yet? OR, Did you apply where I went? OR even more piercing, have you started your college search yet? Help your students be ready. If an acceptance has arrived, even if it is not the dream school, hang it on the frig. If the process has yet to end, coach your student to smile and promise to send an update. Announcements are arriving, and more are to come from Admissions and Financial Aid. Comparing offers is next and saying yes to the college is right around the corner.
Adjusting to Winter Break
Disruption, late nights, yes, our college students have returned for winter break. Students return from college ready to eat, sleep and hang out. Ask them about their roommates, grades, and the Fall semester; it could be silence, joy, or tears. Be ready for it all. Be patient in responding and, if needed, consider what alternative plans might be made if returning to college is not in the cards. Plus – tips for students adjusting!
Talk with Your Financial Coach
As the year ends, it is essential to discuss your financial house. You check your vitals at the doctor’s office, and winterize your car. Families of high school college-bound students and those already enrolled should not miss the chance to conduct a year-ending financial wellness check up. Do you know if you will have the resources to pay for college, a post-secondary financing need? that dream college. Talk to your Tax Preparer, Financial Planner, or CPA. If you run your own business, are considering a divorce or have multiple students bound for college, financial aid rules are changes. Learn your families financial readiness and capabilities. Once you know where your family stands, we can help you find the right education, for the right reason, at the right school at an affordable investment!
Hats off to Melrosekind
Recently I presented at the Melrose Parent University, a great morning full of informational and educational sessions sponsored by the Melrose Education Foundation. I had the pleasure of meeting the coordinators of the wonderful community-based group Melrosekind. They are on a mission to foster the art of sharing kindness. In this season of giving and celebration, I encourage everyone to follow their slogan – tag your it.
CALMING THE WATERS – Have questions? Feeling paralyzed, Everything Starts with a Conversation – Learn more at www.getcollegegoing.com
by Tom O'Hare | Oct 9, 2022 | College Admissions, During & After - Just Thinking, Financial Aid
October is a month when a lot of things begin to happen. We welcome the arrival of crisp air, pumpkins, and earlier sunsets in the Fall. I look forward to Halloween, football under the lights, college fairs, and adding a vest to break the chill.
For families of high school students, especially those in 11th grade, October ushers in the thought of planning for post-high school, the 13th year. College, work, apprenticeship, or a combination. Twelve-grade families, it is an all-hands-on-deck push to complete applications, admission, and financial aid with an eye on September of 2023. For parents of college-age students, October is a time to check in on first marks and adjustments to being away.
Last month I took you into the weeds of this important to the college planning process. This month we’re looking at dates, deadlines, and events on the October calendar.
DATES
Wednesday, October 12th – PSAT Test Day
The preliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is administered nationally on one Wednesday in October. High schools work with the College Board to administer the test in Massachusetts and across the six-state region. Scanning a sampling of MA, NH, and ME high schools, students will take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 12. All students are encouraged to take the test to set a benchmark for future testing and as a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship. Check with your high school to confirm the date for your school system. Homeschooling families are eligible to sit for the test at the town/city high school. Note: Saturday, October 15th is an alternative date
Saturday, October 1 – FAFSA Application Opens
The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is the universal application that ALL students and families considering attending or returning in September of 2023 must file to be eligible for need-based financial aid. Whether a student is considering undergraduate, graduate, a 4YR college or university, Community College, or a qualified trade and professional school, completing and filing the FAFSA is a must. We have published a FAFSA Checklist outlining the steps to take and the information required to complete the application in the Resource section of our website. It only takes 45 minutes to complete – Don’t leave valuable financial aid on the table.
Download a copy of the 2023-2024 FAFSA Checklist get started.
November 1st | 5th | 15th – Early Action Application Deadlines
Students planning on submitting their application for admissions using the Early Action timeline should be working to gather all necessary documentation to meet the deadline. Check with your specific college for admission requirements and dates. Be aware, I am not an Early Decision advisor. It limits choice and technically is a binding agreement process. Early action accomplishes the same, early consideration but without the stress of a binding agreement. Regular admission deadlines are in January and February. To be ready, you need:
⊗ Fully Loaded Application – the Common Application or school specific app
⊗ Dashboard loaded with school choices
⊗ Authentic well written essay
⊗ Responses to school specific Supplemental Writing (Questions)
⊗ Recommendations
⊗ High School Resume (if wishing to upload)
⊗ Fee Waiver – if eligible
⊗ Credit Card – pay the fee
EVENTS
High School College Fairs
Meeting and speaking with a college Admission Representative is an important experience for all high school students and their families, especially those in 11th grade. When you can’t get to a college to take a tour or meet on campus with an Admission Counselor, attending a College Fair is a great alternative. Representatives participate in local high school mini-fairs or regional events throughout the Fall. Students should listen to daily announcements or check the Guidance Department’s website to learn who & when are colleges coming to the school. Learn more about virtual fairs sponsored by NACAC
College Open House
High school seniors and families working to narrow their college selection should consider attending an Open House. Schools that are on the top of the list or not yet visited are prime choices. Need help narrowing the list, attend an Open House. Open House events are typically held on Saturdays and they are all-hands-on-deck events. You’ll have a chance to meet and speak with school administrators, faculty, and coaching staff, attend seminars, visit classrooms and speak with students. Check the college website for dates and times.
Family (Parent) Weekend
First-year and returning college-age students have been on campus for more than 30 days. Parents of newly anointed college students will find attending their student’s Family (Parent) Weekend event helpful. A weekend devoted to helping parents learn more about what their student is experiencing and the role they can play in helping their student be successful. As the dad of four, my wife and I always enjoyed attending these events with our younger students. We connected with other parents, listened for clues as to how our student was doing, and of course, went to dinner. Check the college website for dates and times.
TOP OF MIND
Loan Debt Forgiveness and PSLF Program
Although the White House and Secretary of Education have announced the creation of a program that will impact upwards of 813,000 MA residents, as I write this article (9/21/2022) we are still receiving guidelines piecemeal. What we do know is that borrowers with Federal Student Loan debt will be eligible for $10,000 ($20K if a Pell Grant recipient) based on income requirements. We have also learned that a separate Application will be required, available in mid-October and due by December 31, 2022. Adjustments to loan balances will be issued in early 2023. In the meantime, individuals who feel they may be eligible based ensure their account is up to date with their loan servicer and at www.studentaid.gov.
If you feel you are eligible under the PSLF provisions, file your application electronically now. There is a temporary limited PSLF Application deadline in place until 10/31/2022.
Note of Caution – DO NOT fall prey to the robocalling scam offerings. Their smooth-talking easy to handle service can lead one down the wrong path.
by Tom O'Hare | Sep 12, 2022 | College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness, Financial Aid, Uncategorized
Are you rested and ready to get into the game?
Yes, fall sports are in full swing, but I am talking about planning for college.
Time to open up the playbook that will guide a family through the process of finding, selecting, applying, and financing college. September can be a busy month as students and families work to get back into the groove, and if working on the college planning process has been left to now, it’s time to scramble.
This month I’m dedicating my column to sharing information that families in 11th and 12th grades should be working on. Knowledge is power; The more you know, the less worry and stress a household will experience.
Every parent of a 12thgrade student going to college in September of 2023 should be finetuning their college planning checklist, identifying what’s completed, and focusing on what needs to be done in the coming weeks to meet deadlines for admission, scholarship, and financial aid.
- Budget and Costs – first and foremost, if a conversation about cost and affordability has not occurred, stop and have it! What will it cost, how much will we have to pay, and can we swing it, year one and beyond? Don’t finish the shopping experience without a budget number in mind – we can afford $$ on an annual basis. .
- Refining college choices – have you done the research, visited campuses, understand the who is a reach, highly probable for acceptance, or a so-called financial safety? What’s our best path – 4-years, community college, skilled training?
- Essay – is it in draft form or completed? Is it authentic, and will it captivate the reader? Grammar and spell check? A well-written essay can be the differentiator and catalyst for acceptance to college.
- Common Application – deadlines are approaching, what schools require answers to supplemental questions, when to pull the trigger to file, and should we will report test scores. Some of the many prep actions to get completed.
- Scholarships – is the hunt on? Many deadlines, especially national, statewide, and regional scholarships, are in the Fall. Don’t be fooled by the deadlines in the Spring, they usually only cover local awards given out at graduation. Download the Scholarship Workbook at Pivotal College Years to get a jump on the hunt.
- FAFSA – need-based financial aid is an important part of a family’s financing strategy. Completing and filing the Free Application for Student Aid is mandatory.. Resources from schools, Federal and State agencies, and philanthropic donors (scholarships) require the application. The window opens on October 1st.
- I’m I Known – most colleges do not know students are interested in them. Students need to be the recruiter, emailing, texting, and setting up a virtual meeting to introduce themselves, and their interests, obtain answers to questions and build relationships is critical. Don’t be shy!
- Credit Worthiness – Finally if a loan may be needed to finance the gap, the net cost to a family, don’t let one’s credit (co-signer) be a deal breaker. Act now!
Footnote to 12th-grade students not planning on going to college. Your 13th-year plan can also carry deadlines, applications, interviews, and mental and physical preparation (military) are a must as part of planning for the 13th year-you need a plan too. Whether your goal is to attend an apprenticeship to learn a skilled trade, enter the workforce, or serve our country, you too should have a plan.
11th Grade Checklist
It is not a clique when someone says this is the pivotal year. GPA, grades, academic progression, and demonstrating a commitment to activities in and out of school culminate at the end of the 11th Grade. The first semester of the 12th Grade is a bonus, but the magic happens in 11th Grade.
- Start Early – time is your enemy if you live with the hectic student and household schedules. The months turn quickly, and the clock even faster. Sports, dance, performing arts, volunteering, academics, and testing can overwhelm a student. Busy schedules can jam up the best of plans. October is the kick-off month with all students subscribing to take the National PSATs. Once test scores are returned, most 11th-grade families get the college planning bug.
- Building A List – but get it started – every student committed to attending college right after high school must pursue their own goals and aspirations, but with an eye on realistic expectations. Schools to consider will offer opportunities that challenge one academically and foster personal growth; yes, we can afford them! Start with crafting a broad list of colleges and universities based on a student’s high school resume/profile and initial preferences.
- Footnote: consider substituting academic interest when questioning majors, careers, and jobs when running these early lists. It is less intimidating for a student as many schools allow for the selection of a major after the first year.
- Need Academic Help – first marks tell the tale. Are grades from early tests on par or missing the mark? If so, consider bringing in an academic coach/tutor to supplement classroom and study skills work. Starting extra help in the 9th and 10th can bring even better results!
- Get Financially Prepared – understanding college costs and a successful financing strategy is equally important as good grades and a student character. Understanding what one can afford is essential to the college selection equation. Scholarships, grants, and federal loans won’t cover the entire cost of education. The gap may be small or large depending on the type of school, average aid awarded, and resources available from a family. Students and families should create a paying-for-college strategy, including determining their costs before shopping. Sounds like the senior year, maybe – but you have more time.
- Spring comes quickly – drafting a plan, learning the rules, and deadlines (scholarships, auditions, portfolio reviews), and prepping for when the snow melts will make for a successful experience.
College planning may not be considered exciting or sexy, but as the father of four and advisor to many, if you want to minimize stress and maintain harmony in a household, get a move on. Give us a ring or download a grade-level checklist (they begin for Middle School) at www.getcollegegoing.com Join our e-newsletter community, start a conversation or ask questions. No pitch or hock – just the facts.
Going the DIY path…. that’s OK too – consider subscribing to Pivotal College Years*. Designed as a digital portal, Pivotal offers guidance, tips, downloadable PDF documents, special topic workbooks, and more. Information, and assistance at one URL for families, before, during and after college. http://www.pivotalcolegeyears.com
Let the game begin!!
* Pivotal College Years is an affiliated partner of Get College Going.
by Tom O'Hare | Jul 15, 2022 | College Admissions, College Planning, Financial Aid
We have reached the mid-point of the summer. We’ve been wearing our PFS 50, working, playing sports, walking trails, and enjoying outdoor dining at our favorite restaurant.
Like all processes in motion, keeping an eye on the college planning process is very important, even in the summer. Before you know we’ll be turning in our bathing suits for sweaters, and we’ll be in the thick of it. Take advantage of this time to make the Fall stress free.
TOP OF MIND
Tuition Bills – if the college tuition bill has not hit the mailbox, it will be there soon. The bill covers tuition, fee, campus housing, and meals for the first fall semester, with payments due by August. Before one can access their dorm, academic schedule, or meal plan, accounts for incoming or returning students must be resolved. Learn your resources, and put your financing strategy into action. Have questions; we’re here to share insights and best practices.
Add a copy of the Practical Funding Workbook from Pivotal College Years to your resource library.
Anxiety Before Departing – first-time and even returning college-bound students experience changes in their behavior leading up to the start of college. Modes, conversation, and temperament change. Experts stress the importance of keeping students focused on work, sports, friends, and summer hobbies while finetuning the process of hitting the campus. As parents, as excited as we are, it is important to avoid overselling the start or return to college. Watch, listen, and support – read more
2022 HS Seniors – Still Thinking – if going to college left you thinking of something different post-high school, you’re not alone. On average, up to twenty percent of a graduating class may not have been ready for college or had other plans. Work, defer a year, take on an apprenticeship position in a skilled profession, transfer, or take a few courses at the community college are all outstanding options. If you are unsure, cool, but have a plan on how and when to continue your learning! Need help sorting out the plan? Start a conversation.
10th – 11th and 12th-Grade Students – summer is a great time to explore colleges, participate in enrichment programs and plan for 2023, 2024, and 2025. Campuses may be in their off mode, but they’re open for business, tours, and a chance to speak with school representatives. Can’t get there, evaluate academics and campus life virtually and go in the Fall.
Examining financing strategies, drafting the essay, starting the application, and reviewing the checklist now. Use the time wisely and make the Fall stress free!!
Recent College Graduates – preparing for work and adjusting to life might include managing educational debt; federal and private loans are due to start repayment in November. It’s essential to learn one’s rights and responsibilities and investigate employer-sponsored benefits programs associated with your loan obligations.
