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.
by Tom O'Hare | Jul 11, 2025 | College Planning
September is right around the corner.
Attending orientation to learn about the finer details of life on a campus, negotiating off-campus housing for older college students, and calculating the financing of the remaining balance are all top of mind for new and returning college-bound students. But there is more!
Protecting your college student, new or returning, and your family is critical. Please take a minute to consider some essential steps to make their (your) academic year successful and safe.
What’s the big deal? It’s all about reaching the ripe old age of eighteen. A milestone in their lives and a new designation in the eyes of colleges and universities, as well as the legal and medical world. They are now adults.
Our children will always remain young at heart, but when they turn 18, the rules change. An eighteen-year-old becomes responsible for themselves, including their medical care, status as a citizen to vote, legal and law enforcement actions, and other consumer actions. As adults on campuses, traveling to and from, and beginning to live independently, it is critical to have the proper documents and agreements in place to support and protect your college-age student and family.
Life on Campus
Here is a summary of the essential documents and areas to help protect your student and family:
- FERPA Agreement – signed by the student and parent(s) annually; the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), is an agreement that permits school administrators to speak with parent(s) about academics, housing, financial, campus life, infractions (public safety), and more. .
- The HIPAA Authorization Form allows a physician to speak with a parent regarding the medical needs and condition of an individual eighteen years or older. Having a HIPAA Form (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) in place can assist a college student when seeking medical attention. It is recommended that the jointly signed document (parent(s), legal guardian, and student) be kept on a student’s smart device.
- Health Care Proxy, also known as a Healthcare Power of Attorney – it allows the designated individuals (parent or guardian) to act on behalf of the student to make health care decisions on their behalf if unable to make or communicate those decisions. Check your specific state guidelines
- General Durable Power of Attorney—The designated person can act on behalf of a student and assist in managing financial needs, paying bills, and handling business-related matters.
- Living Will—for students who have assets, are part of a family trust, or have other investments.
- Tuition Insurance—protects your investment when your student can not complete a semester due to injury, illness, or an unforeseen reason. Typically schools do not issue refunds after thirty days once a semester begins. Many have stricter guidelines. Note: Plans do not cover early separation, withdrawal due to academics.
PLUS
- Immunization records must be current, including all vaccinations. For many higher education institutions, this now includes COVID-19 for the Fall. Check with the college to determine if they have a specific form that a student’s primary care doctor must complete before arriving on campus. Medical records take time; don’t wait.
- When students are attending school outside their family’s health care insurance network, it is important to determine upfront if there are in-network providers covered through the insurance carrier; medical, dental, ER. Added protection from service like Aflac can bring peace of mind and financial support, especially for Division III student-athletes.
- Having a valid US passport is vital for students who plan to attend college outside of the US (full-time or study abroad). With the current reported backlog, students should plan accordingly to apply for a new or renewing document.
- Students bring lots of items, some of which are valuable, which can potentially be misplaced, lost, or stolen. Smart devices, laptops, and other technology can be a huge temptation, so parents should check their coverage through their homeowners insurance policy.
- If a car is going on campus (commuting or dorm student), parents should check coverage including personal injury, and property liability. .
- Personal safety, self-defense, and situation awareness are paramount on a college campus. Learn 10 School Safety Tips every student, high school or college-age, should know. Encourage your college students to be vigilant and remember to say something if they see something!
Individuals who are part of the Sandwich Generation and caregivers for their parents may be very familiar with some of these documents, but they often miss executing them for college students. Consult with your Family Law, Estate Planner, and insurance agent to add peace of mind to your lives. Don’t have one, call me.
There is no denying it, annually, many college students consume an excessive amount of alcohol, resulting in visits to the ER to have their stomachs pumped or worse. The temptation is enormous, and pressure can outweigh wise choices even for the most mature. Have that frank conversation about drinking, drugs, and making wise social decisions. Their choices are the key to a successful college career.
Sending a young mind off to college can be like opening the barn door and letting the horses run free. Help your college-age student understand the need to be their advocate and make wise and safe choices. Schedule a time for regular check-in, texting, or calling. Listen for changes in behavior and energy levels. Don’t helicopter, but don’t leave issues sleeping until a semester break or the end of the year.
As the dad of four college graduates, I encourage all parents to prepare the documents and resources before students and the family need them.
For more information on these and other college planning needs or to connect with a medical, legal, insurance, or safety professional, call me at 617-240-7350.
