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 | Jan 9, 2026 | College Admissions, College Planning, During & After - Just Thinking
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with family and friends.
As far as resolutions – don’t make them…..for me it’s all about:
- Getting to NC to visit my granddaughters more….
- Taking more walks on Long Sands Beach and at Nahant…
- Keep doing right for my students and families
- Sharing more education and knowledge on life after high school planning
- Keeping a diligent eye on the changing landscape of higher education
- Networking more, listening more, helping more
If you’re into making resolutions and still thinking, here is a good read on the subject.
Closer to home, in your home and business, a lot of excellent, wonderful, and exciting things are going to happen in 2026.
Here is what I am hearing, seeing, and learning to help ensure you have a successful year as parents, grandparents, and working adults.
- If you’re looking to borrow from the federal student aid programs to pay for college or career school, rules are changing on July 1, 2026: loan limits and program eligibility.
- Repaying your student loans will look different, especially for those who have not been paying since 2022. Tighter and less flexible repayment terms may cause many to fall into delinquency and default—rules of the game change on July 1, 2026.
- Hoping to stay away from the national testing scene, many colleges will be returning to their pre-COVID-19 admission requirements, including the reintroduction of national testing (SAT/ACT).
- Considering an elite, highly selective, sought-after college or university for 2027. Apply early. Over 2/3 of the Class of 2030 were taken from early applications, and upwards to 20% from the binding Early Decision applicant pool.
- Free and discounted tuition and fees will continue to be offered at community and private institutions for those who qualify. But legislative funding appropriations can throw a wrench into the 100% access for all.
- High schools, public, private, and charter, will grapple with an increased number of students and families leaving for homeschooling as families worry about the impact of budget cuts, safety, and bullying.
- Colleges and universities across the country will continue to eliminate underperforming, undersubscribed academic programs, resulting in reductions in staffing and faculty.
- The words skilled trades, community college, and non-degree credential programs will gain greater exposure and enrollment. Outstanding!! However, social pressures & the nature of higher education, it’s a business, will continue to promote the college for all mindset.
- Purchasing education after high school will remain expensive. Daunting for many…. Tackling the ‘how will we pay’ and ‘where should we go’ questions is critical. Answers we need before you fall in love with a dream college or get accepted and realize you can’t pay without depleting your retirement – Never – Never – Schedule a call with me 😊.
For Professionals, CEOs, CFOs, leaders in business and especially the financial services sector, your clients and workforce will be affected by these and other personal, emotional, and economic changes. Here’s what I see:
- Parents and young adults will be spending more time at work seeking answers to the questions causing them stress and anxiety day and night. Financial, health, family
- Productivity and general health for many will weaken as stress over tuition bills, loan repayment, and troubling college experiences for their students haunt their minds.
- More parents will consider delaying retirement contributions, while others will raid their retirement savings to pay for college.
- More families will ask grandparents to risk their golden years to cosign a private education loan.
- Parents with questionable or troubled credit profiles will scramble to find ways to pay for college as further limitations on federal student loan borrowing.
- Millions of borrowers will experience negative credit score hits, limiting or erasing access to consumer borrowing as the government catches up on student loan repayments after a six-year pause.
- Wage garnishment, bankruptcy, and lost SS benefits will return, affecting payroll and bank account deposits.
- Employees and clients will turn to you as their trusted employer and advisors for guidance. Please take a minute to prep your employee assistance programs and outreach services to ensure they offer a broad range of support. Schedule a call if I can help.
NO, I’m not starting 2026 with a negative lens. It’s laser-focused on these and other issues affecting families and individuals. I want 2026 to be better than 2025, for my children, grandchildren, you, and yours!
If I have hit a cord at home or work, let’s start 2026 on a positive note!!
Everything begins with a conversation – schedule a no-obligation time to talk at www.calendly.com/tom-126 or call 617-240-7350.
by Tom O'Hare | Nov 5, 2025 | College Planning, During & After - Just Thinking
What Does Thanksgiving Mean to ME?
Turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, and stuffing? High school football games? A house full of energy and happiness.
T-Day is a time to take stock and give thanks for our blessings, gifts, and those in our lives. Wishing everyone joy and excitement, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day throughout the year.
Thanksgiving is the first significant break in the action for college and career students, especially first-year students who return home having left in September. The first time for a brief, but extended break. As the father of four, the break was always an interesting time for them, with their new dynamics and my desire to learn everything about their academics and campus life.
As parents we’re anxious to learn everything, while students are interested in the three R’s: refueling, reconnecting, and recharging their batteries. They can be talkative or quiet.. Don’t despair, just be patient..
Remember, they’re on break when you pick them up. I recall how challenging it was to resist asking them about their classes, friends, and activities. Most rides quickly became quiet as they fell asleep (three out of four), and I listened to smooth jazz.
The moment will come to ask questions and dig into how campus life is going—and whether there are potential bumps in the road. As parents, we must listen for signs and be patient. Please send them to the T-Day football game and feed them. Then, inquire about the first semester. If they’re struggling, let them know it’s normal, but encourage them to consult with academic support and resident life, and to explore options for joining a club or organization to get involved. Thanksgiving is a bit past the midpoint of the semester. Your student has three weeks to “crush it” before the end of the semester and Christmas break. Address things now.
My colleague, Mya Anderson from Student Empowered, shares other important tips and ideas to support your 1st year student home for the holidays.
For high school students and their families, Thanksgiving marks a significant milestone in the college planning calendar:
- By now, seniors (families) should have submitted 99% of their admission applications and the FAFSA (and maybe the CSS Profile). Their eyes should be on college portals and emails for information, as well as on scholarships.
- If students are undecided, the break can be a perfect time to discuss the next steps. No one path after high school fits everyone, even if that’s what you hear (feel). Work, community college, service, apprenticeship, and a structured gap year are all effective options.
- Juniors (and 10th graders), it’s time to turn up the heat on your college planning, including creating a resume, thinking about living in a dorm, and how big is too big (campus), and where do you draw the line on distance from home. Come January, you’re building a list, learning how to evaluate options, and figuring out where to visit during the February school break.
- Upper-class college students need to focus on checking their timelines and credit requirements to graduate on time. Enrollment timelines for five- and six-year-olds are very expensive.
- Graduated or graduating soon, it is time to plan as student loan grace periods are about to expire and loan repayment begins on Federal and private education loans.
- Parents, yes, there is a lot to talk about as you continue to coach and guide your high school-, college-age, and working young adults.
Thanksgiving break is an exciting and busy period, but it’s also a time to stay ahead of pressing deadlines and tasks.
Wishing all a very Happy Thanksgiving.
by Tom O'Hare | Nov 1, 2025 | College Admissions, College Planning
Families of high school seniors bound for college in September 2026 have been filing applications that are 80% complete… a relief, but now we wait. Although the heavy lifting feels over, all eyes should shift to how we will pay.
Choosing college and how to get in is critical, but determining how to pursue the educational choice post-high school is vital. Completing and filing applications for financial aid and external private scholarships shouldn’t be overlooked. One critical application to complete is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . This application covers the calculation (Student Aid Index – SAI) and awarding of need-based financial aid provided to eligible students and families from all public and private colleges, universities, approved career institutions, federal and state programs, and some private external scholarship providers. Take the 30 minutes to complete and file the FAFSA. Need help – call.
Another vital activity while waiting to learn about acceptances and financial aid offers is applying for scholarships. Yes, it is reportedly time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, but uncovering a scholarship and receiving an award can mean the difference between going and not. Please email me at tom@getcollegegoing.com, and I’ll send you a PDF copy of my Scholarship Workbook. It contains tips and ideas on how to find $$$$.
Community College – Career School – Heading in a different direction after high school requires planning, too. Learning the rules and guidelines to attend and pay should not be left to the last minute. Many programs fill up fast, and applying for financial aid and scholarships follows the exact timelines as a student at a four-year college.
I hope the government shutdown will end when RT One BNG Magazine hits the street. The shutdown has been impacting the delivery of services by the Department of Education, specifically in handling calls to resolve and assist with the FAFSA. Whether it was the shutdown or an undeclared higher education bubble, colleges and universities are making their own cuts. Reductions in staffing and programs are now occurring on campuses. The impact is currently felt in the delivery of some services and the availability of academic programs. Current 12th-grade families, especially 11th graders beginning the planning process, should be inquiring how these changes may affect a college that has offered a spot in September or is on the radar for the future.
Finally, families of 11th-grade students, your journey begins now. November and the Fall provided a great time to get an early jump on boosting study and time management skills that impact GPA and SAT scores, and begin the discussion on funding, finding, and setting realistic expectations for life after high school. Please take a second to review my Fall activities for 11th graders. https://getcollegegoing.com/fall-planning/
Everything starts with a conversation! We help students, families, and individuals with one-on-one consultations, DIY references, and when questions pop up. We are here to share our knowledge, answer your questions, and give you peace of mind.
Learn more at www.getcollegegoing.com
Need some additional cash to pay for college or career school, consider hunting for scholarships. Send me an email [tom@getcollegegoing.com] to receive a PDF copy of my Scholarship Workbook. ITs full of tips and insights on how to search and apply for external scholarships, local, regional and even national. Subject line: Scholarship Workbook.
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 | Aug 19, 2025 | College Planning, During & After - Just Thinking
Thoughts from a first-year college student on their way to year two.
Recently, I spoke with a group of students who have just completed their first year of college. We discussed their experiences, challenges, and the advice they would give to themselves as they entered for the 1st time. Their stories, which were filed with lessons learned, are shared below.
Who are they, you ask? My students were from a diverse group. Their schools are close to home, two hours away, and one arrived by plane. They enrolled in medium-sized (5K), large (10K), and those with 20+K students. They’re pursuing various academic interests; some are dancing, and others are playing DII, DIII, and club sports. Like you, their diversity is reflected in the experiences they brought to their college.
Things to consider as you embark on this exciting next stage of your education and personal growth. Here are the top 10 comments:
#1. Get out of your dorm. A dorm room is for sleeping, unwinding, and relaxing with friends and roommates. But they ALL wholeheartedly stated that they needed to leave their dorms to study. Find a quiet & calm place to study away from the dorm. Library, tech center, or the academic center.
#2 New friends are not all in the dorm. Outside of your roommate/floor mates and neighbors, all agreed they met more friends outside the residence hall. They joined a club or two, got involved with intramurals, and attended events. One will enter her sophomore year with a new roommate, in a new dorm, after being involved in a civic organization.
#3 College academics— again, a 100% acknowledgement that classes and faculty at the college level were harder than anticipated. Whether high school was a breeze or one spent long hours studying, the first semester was rough. There was a lot of reading and taking notes, and the faculty expected you to do the work, develop good study habits, and stay on top of work. There was no handholding.
#4 Get to the Academic Center early. Two of the rising Sophomores waited until the end of the semester to see out help—not their best move. Collectively, they all mentioned that their expectation of getting A’s, like in high school, became the reality of B’s and C’s. See the faculty during their office hours, and don’t hesitate to sign up for help at the Academic Center. Do not procrastinate.
#5 Lonely 1st week – then it rubs off after getting involved on campus. Everyone was homesick initially, but all acknowledged that they learned they could be independent.
#6 Read your emails—Events, messages from faculty, assignments, deadlines, and more are communicated through emails and the student portal.
#7 Less is More – Everyone agreed; they took too much stuff to campus and sent most of it home.
#8 Be healthy—exercise, eat right, hydrate, get enough sleep, and watch out for free time. Check in at home periodically; they want to know how you are doing.
# 9 Use an Alarm Clock—you can sleep late on weekends. Faculty hate students who come to class late!
# 10 Communicate with Parents—agree on a method (text, email, call) and schedule a time to check in at home periodically; they want to know how you are doing.
Remember, students and families are consumers of a post-secondary education. Advocate for your needs, use your resources on campus and back home, and if need be, text me.
