by Tom O'Hare | Aug 13, 2019 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness
Attention Parents with High School Students
Planning for the new school year is underway. Trips to the mall, school supplies, getting ready for classes and new surroundings are now top of mind. Question: Is planning for after high school on your mind?
Freshman and Sophomore – The newest students to the high school scene will be experiencing new surroundings, academic thills, and the start of building their resume. Freshman and Sophomore students should use this time for discovery and exploring what interests and motivates; academically and personally. For the family, it is time to learn about college cost and a review of financial capabilities.
Juniors – This is the pivotal college year and September is when it all begins. Time to create the post-high school plan! A plan that maps out the steps, tasks, and activities required to enroll in college, start a skilled professional career or maybe a combination of both. Here’s when the search, evaluation, and hard-core preparation for post-high school decision making truly begins. Visiting colleges, promoting a student’s interest, test-taking and determining how to pay for college just a few of the things many things to do during this pivotal year. Hint: the clock ticks quickly!!
Seniors – If a plan is not in place or not being worked, it’s scramble time!! What typically takes the whole junior year now must be condensed into 3-6 months. Doable, yes. Faster pace and a little more intense, for sure! For those seniors already working their plan, September kicks into gear the final steps and action items including filing admissions and financial aid applications and culminating by making a choice! It’s all about the 3 W’s and one H – on the fast track!!
6 Keys to Making the Post High School Move Easier
The thought of determining what happens after high school can turn calm and easy-going households into the Goliath ride at Six Flags. A ride that can make what should be an exciting experience a stressful ball of fire. Here are a few ways to turn a potentially wild ride into a smooth and rewarding experience.
Communication
Communication is the #1 ingredient when developing the secret sauce for a successful experience. Establishing and keeping a stream of information flowing is critical. A two-way flow that feeds openly by a student, parent(s), and others involved. Strong communication that is connected to a sound plan is essential to mapping out what’s next for a student after high school.
Expectations
Understanding what one wants to do, might be thinking, and capable of, are critical to the planning process. Majors, type of schools, family spending power, available resources are just a few areas that need to be on the table. Identifying wants and understanding expectation is essential. Being on the same wavelength is critical for everyone on the team. Communicating and maintaining a clear understanding of expectation adds to the success of the secret sauce.
Understanding the Game
Knowledge is power. Learning and understanding the different parts of one’s options, moving on to college, securing an apprenticeship or even enlistment in the service is critical to the sauce. Deadlines, application flows, cost, eligibility for funding resources are complicated in themselves. Developing and maintaining a strong understanding of all the parts will make connecting them easier. Asking questions, attending information sessions, and obtaining information are all critical steps to the learning experience.
Share the Tasks
As they say, there is no “I” in team! Everyone, a student, parent(s), school administrators, teachers, coaches, and extended family members are all part of guiding a student’s next move. The work should be shared and communicate regularly. Researching, networking, traveling to college visits, and managing the calendar of events is a group effort. No one person can or will do it all!!
Be Realistic
“Dream big but be realistic.” A statement used when we encourage and motivate students to strive to be their best. Out of fear and societal influences we under mind to the true essence of the message. We fail to celebrate the value of individuality. In the college world, it worsens when students and families exceed their realistic levels, a measurement of authentic (genuine) abilities and capabilities. As a result, students and families overshot their opportunity to be “their best,” only to keep up with classmates, myths, and those dam societal pressures. Let’s shift the conversation. Dream big, be realistic, and be proud!!
Have a Plan
Today, mapping one’s path after high school can be very overwhelming. College, work, skilled professional, military service, a gap year can easily lead to I don’t know! Sometimes the pressure can make one seem like the Mad-Hatter; too much to do, not enough time. Add in what society and social media communicates, and yes, it’s no wonder more, and more students and families do not struggle with their options and choices. Utilizing a comprehensive college plan can be the key to reducing stress and helping everyone stay focused. Putting a plan in place that outlines tasks, activities deadlines and critical steps throughout the junior and senior year can bring harmony to any household
by Tom O'Hare | May 14, 2019 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning
National Decision Day has come and gone. Students have made their choices and are now thinking about roommates, orientation and summer work. Parents are shifting their thoughts from acceptance to trying to figure out how to pay the educational cost.
But what about me? I didn’t commit – I’m still undecided. You’re not alone!
Considering college after high school can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience. For some the process of deciding on what to do and where can require a little extra time. Today the pressure to go to college straight out of high school may not be the right “next step” for all. Pursuing one’s education after high school can take multiple paths, each designed to support an individual student and family needs.
Yes, the general trend continues to be that all high school students and families to think four-year college right after high school. Although a traditional path to college after high school is not wrong, the pressure to follow the pack is wrong. Working through one’s college plan can take a student past May 1 and for some offer alternative paths, equally important to students desired career, first job outcome.
Delaying one’s choice, stepping back and slowing the decision-making process can be a wise option for many students and families. On the fence, not 100% sure are strong reasons to invest more time. Questions related to academic and personal readiness, ability to pay and overall interest in school are all valid reasons to take one’s time. College planning is an individual experience!
What’re my options?
Enrollment at traditional college and universities did not end on May 1, National Decision Day. The truth be told, a vast number of colleges and universities across the county (400+) are still accepting and enrolling students for September. In Massachusetts alone, 25 schools (as of May 13) are actively considering new admissions applications and some even have financial aid available. Across New England, NY and the Mid-Atlantic there are 120+ college and universities actively looking for you. As the process moved past the May 1 date, rolling admissions kicks in! Interested students and families who are ready should contact the Admissions Office at their school(s) of interest to learn about their specific admissions and financial aid procedures. Applications for admissions and financial aid will be required and details related to following up should be watched closely.
If a 4YR school is just too early than beginning at community college first is just the right thing. Completing one’s Associate Degree and transferring to a 4-Year institution is an excellent option and one that should be celebrated. In the fall of 2017, 34%1 of the total undergraduate student population was enrolled in a community college. Attending a two-year program is a great option that allows a student to strengthen their academic and personal resume and obtain an Associate’s Degree at a very affordable rate. For those who begin at a community college individual states, like Massachusetts, Maine and others offer tuition and enrollment incentives for students to utilize the Associates to Bachelors educational paths.
Ok, but if the idea of going to school after high school is just not in the cards, launching into work is a perfect way to use the gap to analyze current and future goals. Work and learn! The need for trade and skilled professionals as well as individuals working in financial services, healthcare and sales are all critically needed today. In the fall of 2017, 58% of those students enrolled in school after high school was part-time2. High school and recent graduates who are interested in this path, work and earn, are encouraged to continue with their direct employment searches, building their personal network and using a local career center. Investigating trade organizations like the IEBW is also an excellent resource for those thinking of a skilled professional or apprenticeship.
Choosing to attend college right out of high school is not an easy task. It requires a strong evaluation of the student wants, needs and expectations. It should not be based on the fact that everyone is going or even one single consideration. It is about where will the investment; academic, social, emotional, financial and career-outcome will take a student. For if the investment hits the mark then the selection for the college is the “right fit”!!
1 Community College Research Center (CCRC)
2 US Bureau of Labor
by Tom O'Hare | Jan 10, 2019 | Before, College Admissions, College Readiness
Start the Clock – High School Juniors!
Pivotal time of the year, definitely!
Parents, mom’s of high school juniors, if not already, the college planning experience should be started! College admissions and financial aid is a complex and competitive process. Here are five considerations to add to the “going to college” experience.
Know Your Affordability
Equal to finding one’s educational path after high school is understanding college cost. How will one pay the college bill? Getting in is essential, but having a plan to pay is critical.
The average annual cost of tuition and fees for private four-year college in 2017-2018 (College Board) was $34,740 while $9,970 for a state resident at a public college. But, add in room and board, transportation and personal expenses and the true annual cost of attending is closer to $52,000 (private) and $25,00 (public).
A college search must start with understanding college costs and a realistic idea as to how educational cost will be paid. How much has the family saved to cover college cost? How will we handle one student, not to mention multiple students in college? What is the expectation for scholarships and financial aid and will we be eligible? How much will we be expected to pay? These questions along with others need to be asked and addressed early college planning conversations. Understanding cost and how to make an affordable college choice is critical to the overall college experience.
Understand Your Student
There are many factors that go into searching for and selecting a student’s educational path after high school. Should a student follow a traditional four-year institutional path, maybe community college first or even go to work and feel out the real world.
The junior year is a pivotal time to evaluate a student’s readiness and interest to continue their education after high school. Today, the pressure associated with going to college and incurring debt, just because everyone goes, should no long be the accepted norm. Yes, education after high school is important for gaining financial and social stability, however, there are multiple paths to follow. Education is a lifelong pursuit and the choice of a path that meets a student’s academic and personal talents (and interest) needs to be championed and supported by educators, business leaders and society!
Understanding your junior (scrambling senior) is difficult enough. Guiding one through the education-work conversation can be numbing. However, parents today need to stop the train and have an open, no judgmental conversations. Junior year for sure, but even earlier is better. Works with one’s hands, driven by design, creative writer, can fix anything, loves science are just a few of the discovery questions that might reveal a path to follow. Liberal arts, economics, electrical apprentice or even an entry level banker while attending courses part-time. Grades, rank, testing, sports and leadership fill in the gaps regarding questioning interest. As parents (Dad of four) we want our students to be successful, however, success after high school can be defined as attending college, entering a trade or a combination of earning and learning. Once we understand our student, we explore the educational paths open to pursue after high school.
Learn the Financial Side
Set on going to college. Fantastic. Remember, we already asked you to consider how will you pay and what is your affordability limit. However, understanding how scholarships, grants and need-based financial aid works is another essential part of a student and family finding an affordable choice. All three are vital to helping pay the bill, but each have their own criteria, eligibility and spoiler alert, many not be available to everyone. Financial aid, specifically need-based aid, plays a key role in helping students and families meet college cost. Parents of current sophomore and juniors need to spend quality time learning how financial aid is determined, what is a families what financial information reporting “base year” and the impact of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Equal to where a student wants to attend is how will the bill get paid. Learning the financial side will shed a great deal of information to answer the question.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Plan
The junior year is the pivotal point when students and family begin to the process of determine a high school student’s educational path after graduation. Will it be traditional, four-year degree program, attending community college or starting working first?
Consider Mom’s College Planning Checklist. Designed for Mom (sorry Dad), to help map out the steps necessary to finding, selecting and determining an affordable educational path for their student after high school. The plan should include month to month tasks, deadlines, touring campuses, test taking and completing financial aid forms. A comprehensive plan can be obtained when working with Get College Going, however, Mom’s Plan, will keep everyone on track and harmony in the household.
Watch the Clock
Time can be your enemy or your savior. The typical college planning – enrollment timeline starts in December of a junior’s high school year and can run on average for 18 months. Now, 18 months sounds like a long time, however, academic, social, athletic/dance/performing arts, and other activities can make the time disappear in the blink of an eye. The power of planning is critical to finding an affordable educational path after high school.
Ask for Help
We are only scratching the surface with the advice provide in this piece. College planning can be a complex and sometimes overwhelming period in a student and family’s life. Ask for help. Students stay connected to your parents. Plus, collectively, ask friends, extended family members, the high school guidance department. And, if you need to, ask for independent professional assistance. Learn, Explore & Question!
by Tom O'Hare | Dec 3, 2018 | College Admissions, Financial Aid, In-School Persistence
The joy of the holiday season is upon us all. Excitement and anticipation of the holiday season and the arrival of a new year, makes December a wonderful time. This holds true for high school seniors/parents and current college students. Making Santa’s “good list” for college admission decisions and awaiting the arrival of a “gift” in the form of an Acceptance Notification, can make the holiday’s a stressful time. The holiday break is also a time when college students return from campus, many for the first time since departing home. Parents await the arrival in hopes of good tidings (grades) and a joy for a great first semester.
As we put word to paper, Admissions Departments at college and universities throughout New England and across the US are busy at work. They are gearing up for the fluid of Admissions Applications from high school seniors seeking to join their institutions. Some have already arrived through Early Action but e-mailboxes will be overflowing soon. Like Santa reading his list, college counselors will be burning the midnight oil to read “files” (mostly electronic), interrupt interview conversations and evaluate student profiles in hope of a match. Their work culminates with the delivery of the all-important communication, You Have Been Accepted!! Welcome to the Class of 2023.
Have You Filed the FAFSA?
In the November issue of the Route One Magazine, filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) we wrote about and its importance to the college planning process. The FAFSA is the primary catalyst for determining one’s eligibility for need-based financial aid. If not already submitted, time is now. Whether a student is considering a community college, 4-year public or private or a trade or professional school, the FAFSA is key to learning about financial aid and the question of affordability. If a student is considering enrolling in September of 2019, the FAFSA should be on the holiday list. Getting accepted might be is #1, but knowing if you can pay decides where one goes.
My 1st Semester Was a Blast
But what about your grades, asked Mom and Dad? For sure, the holiday break is a time when new college Freshman are quiz on how well they are doing, academically and personally. Discussions surrounding first semester grades, social interaction and one’s overall well-being are very common during the holiday break. As a parent of four and having navigated the “how are you doing” conversation more than once, parents need to be cautions when probing and sensitive to their process of trying to uncover the unknown. Yes, it is extremely vital to know how the new college student is doing, especially if assistance is needed, however, cracking the shell of a new independent students may require time and patients. Use different times during the break to create a conversation and watch body language as much as verbal communication to get a sense as to how things are going. In the end, everyone will celebrate to learn everything is fine.
Juniors Are Waiting Too
Not to be left out of the celebration, rising Juniors (and parents) should use the holiday break to taking a pulse check on the college planning process. Working on building the college lists, prepping for ACT/SAT test dates and mapping out campus visits are just a few things to focus on during the break. Parents too should be using the time to sharpen their “financing college” pencil. Equal to making Santa’s “good list,” having the ability to cover the cost of enrollment makes for joyful outcomes. With the average cost of $30-$50K, Santa and his reindeers will not be delivering that kind of present next year. Rising Juniors and their parents should use the holiday break to talk about expectations. Those associated with attending and paying for college come September of 2020.
by Tom O'Hare | Nov 6, 2018 | College Admissions
November is THE Month ….……
If you are a PARENT of college bound student who is deep into the process of searching, applying and wondering “how in earth” am I going to pay for college, November is your month. If you’re a recent COLLEGE GRADUATE, this is your month. Time to settle up and begin repayment!
Shout Out to Mom’s and Dad’s
As a parent of my own four (and working with others), turning up the November heat was not just do to the chill in the air. Planning and paying for college hit home in November as college search list narrowed, the Common Application was submitted to meet early action and Thanksgiving deadlines [this one is my own] and final campus tours were completed. Although the investigation into the “match/fit” of a college and “academic recruitment” conversations with Admissions Counselors and Coaches should continue, November turns the page from where to how! “How in earth” are we going to pay for college. Equally important as the first part, the process of determining eligibility for financial aid and other types of tuition assistance is critical to the overall selection of an affordable and right fit college for a student after high school.
Learn What You’ll Need to Contribute 
On October 1, the U.S. Department of Education released its newest version of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Every student interested in federal, institutional and some scholarships need to be focused on filing the FAFSA. Why? It is the universal application for financial aid, used by every school small and large, public and private, technical/community college and traditional. Unless you were the “1” in 302,575,350 to hit the $650 million in the October MA drawing you and hundreds of other parents of college bound students need to file the FAFSA Application. The Application process is used to determine the “expected family contribution” (EFC), a calculation that determines a student’s overall “financial need” and eligibility for grants, self-help and other aid. It calculates need-based aid for Federal, State and College financial aid programs. I can hear you saying “heck, were all needy” and yes that could be true. So, to get to the conversation going on how much and from where will aid be awarded, open up your browser and type www.fafsa.gov.ed. If you already filed the FAFSA, congratulation. Now you can look deeper into affordability.
For many students and parents waiting to hear about acceptance decisions and eligibility for financial aid can be stressful. Following a simple communication plan, students should continue to engage Admissions Counselors in conversation expressing one’s interest and desire to attend. Although the final determination of whether a college is going to be truly affordable will not be learned until college recruitment and all $$$ (merit scholarships and need-based) is awarded, families using a Net Price Calculator can quickly calculate a colleges affordability. Understanding college cost and the affordability factor will make for a successful selection, the “right fit” institution for all.
May College Graduates
For the newest group of graduates November marks, the reality that student loan repayment is beginning. Managing student loan debt (federal and/or private) can be an eye-opening experience especially for the graduate who did not keep a watchful eye on how much borrowing was occurring wile in-school and the impact on one’s debt when they finished. Fortunately, there ways from recent graduates as well as current payers to address managing student loan debt. The most important begins with educating oneself on benefits and features of student loan repayment programs (www.studentaid.gov.ed) followed closely by dialing one’s cell phone and speaking with the organization (loan servicer) handling the account(s). Eligible borrowers can turn to a number of resources to help establish a repayment program that fits current financial strength and weaknesses. This might include Income contingent repayment schedules, loan consolidation and student loan refinancing. But it all begins with knowing one’s options and making the call.
Just Starting the College Planning Process – Download your free College Planning Checklist
by Tom O'Hare | Jan 7, 2018 | College Admissions, College Readiness
You approach a fork in the road. You are pressed to make a decision. Do I turn left, right or go straight? Will my GPS guide me?
College Right After High School?
Many high school students, parents and young adults find themselves in a similar situation when it comes to decisions on what path to follow after high school. Thankfully, there are different choices for an individual to reach their goals and aspiration. Finding the fork in the road is key!!
However, over time society has not shinned the brightest light on all options. But why? Attending college right out of high school has historically been the path that students are all encouraged to follow. A path that is appropriate for 75% of a graduating class. For students interested in pursuing their education but not ready for the traditional path, alternatives are available and should be strongly considered.
Today, is it critical to expose young minds, as early as Middle School to the different types of roles, jobs and professions that as a nation and society we need (will be needed) to remain competitive and financially strong. Roles that many times take different educational paths after high school, but each are valuable to the student and their future. Paths launched through a high school experience designed around a college prep, vocational/technical education and/or a blended combination. A students academic, personal and financial background as well as aspirations and goals are key factors to determining the path.
Which Path is Yours?
High School to College – the traditional route to a 4-year public or private college. Focused on an outcome that provides a gateway to graduate school and/or a professional career in any number of industries. Students who follow this path are typically enrolled in a college prep program (or combination) with a GPA equal to a B- or better and following mandatory state equivalent academic courses for acceptance in a state college. Students take college prep, Honors and AP course. Individuals seek acceptance 4-year public and private colleges and universities throughout the U.S., Canada or internationally.
Associates to Bachelors – students who struggle academically in high school but have the aspirations to complete a Bachelor Degree program can turn to the successful A2B program option. Students begin at the Community College level developing their college readiness (academic and personal) full-time (working part-time), complete their 2-year Associates Degree transferring to complete the remaining 2 years at a 4 Year college and/or university. Many states, including Massachusetts sponsor “transfer’ programs that offer tuition incentives. The A2B Program is a very important option for all students including those seeking a financially affordable option. (example: Mass Transfer)
Earn and Learn – individuals who wish to enter the workforce but continue their educational path attend college can also find options. Options including Community College, Continuing Education/Professional Studies Program in a wide area of disciplines and focuses. Students generally work full-time and school part-time. Individuals come from work forces in financial, health care, retail, hotel management fields. Many states offer programs to assist individuals pursue this option including incentives to commit the this post high school options (example: Commonwealth Commitment)
Gap Year – time between high school and college when students with aspirations for college but are not ready to enroll, take a break to evaluate their next steps. Many individuals need this time to mature, evaluate and plot academic and career options. Individuals during this one-year span will pursue volunteer services, enroll in non-academic courses, internships and/or work. This is not a period that this author endorses as a “travel the world” option.
Technical and trade – property owners know the critical importance of a professionally trained technical and/or trade individuals. But today plumbers, electricians and contractors are joined by organizations looking for individuals with skills in technology, cyber security, healthcare, aviation & auto mechanics, wellness, manufacturing and 3-D designing. Individuals can enter these professions directly from vocational technical high school, trade unions and/or trade and technical colleges.
Military Service – a role that calls for a special type of man or women who is willing to place their county and its citizens before their own Individuals who are called to this role are high school and/or college graduate with academic and personal character positioning them to meet the enlistment eligibility criteria of the specific brand of service. Individuals select from a wide range of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) that include communications, administrative, technology, engineering, infantry, equipment and others. Once one completes their service commitment they are able to take their training and leadership skills in pursuit of an educational and/or workplace path.
Supporting Options and Choices
Parents and extended support groups, you have the greatest responsibility to be remain the advocate for your student(s). Educating young minds on the options after high school needs to be introduced as early as middle school and re-enforced throughout high school. High school seniors and those who have left high school undecided (17-25 years of old), must be encouraged to their specific education path. Parents and extended support groups need to be vigilant and aware of biases willing to placing barriers in front of students. Supporting different paths to achieve desired outcomes should be the goal for all students and parents.
Civic, business and educational leaders must focus on providing guidance and direction that supports different paths to education and careers. Championing all paths through greater education and exposure at an early age can plant great foundations for individuals and overcome the opportunity gap to help young adults gain financial stability and personal happiness.
