by Tom O'Hare | Apr 8, 2020 | College Admissions, College Planning
Everything Equal
High school juniors and sophomores looking beyond high school are planning for college or other paths while focusing on their academics and continued personal development. Seniors are finalizing offers, comparing financial aid award letters, and discussing the next steps at the kitchen table. Questions are being answered with visits to the guidance office, attending an accepted student day invitation, and speaking with former students now in attendance. Maybe the path after high school is instead moving into a skilled professional position or pursuing an Associates’s degree or serving our country. The process of elimination is in full swing.
[Insert the sound of screeching tires}
COVID-19 – Now we’re pivoting!
Normalcy may be out the door; however, sticking to the plan should still be the PLAN. Yes, adjusts are now required; the norm is no longer the status quo. Changes and modifications are the new norms, but sticking with the script should be the climate for every household. Normalcy will return with a few twists. On-line and on-campus experience may split the interest scale. More students won’t feel pressured to go just to go, and becoming a skilled professional will again be applauded.
With a Plan in hand, college or not, students and their parents will be able to navigate the current emotional and personal challenges. The key will be how we adapt and seek clarity through the nose. While bobbing and weaving, the key will be for students and their parents to make their modifications but remain on track by executing their plan.
Everyone Needs a Plan
Know YOU’RE Criteria: Distance, size, location, athletics, performing arts, courses, and affordability are just a few of the want and offers that remain constant when a student builds their college list. Students need to stay committed to their needs and wants in the early stage and when conducting that final review before committing.
Register Your Interest: Visiting a college or university website and drilling down to the Admissions page allows a student to register, acknowledging one’s interest in the specific school. Welcoming information and other communications will follow. Students can inquire about particular areas of the campus, academics, and student life. You’re now part of the college’s database, step one of showing your interest.
Recordkeeping: Create a way of recording and retaining information: emails, e-viewbooks, contact information, and other documentation from schools under consideration. When researching a school virtually, keep notes, and maintain them by the school. As one moves through the process of elimination, one cannot rely on memory!
Your School Counselor: Work with your School Counselor. Today due to the COVID-19 concerns were all at home. So is your School Counselor. Now that you are at home navigating either the beginning, midpoint, or end of your college search, reaching out to your Counselor for assistance is vital. They can provide insights on schools, locate a former student who is enrolled, and generate all to critical documents that are part of the application process.
Use the Eyes of an Insiders: Gaining hands-on feedback from individuals who are attending or are recent graduates is a great way to learn about a school. Former high school classmates, friends, relatives, and alumni are a great source to learn college back story. Don’t know someone, check in with your School Counselor or Admissions Office.
What’s Changed?
Campus Visits & College Fairs: For the time being, Informational Tours, Accepted Students Day, local and regional college fairs are all on hold. The stay home, 6FT of social distancing, and the critical need to protect everyone’s health, the school needed to cancel all events on campus. They’ll be back, but for the time being, virtual is the new tool. Virtual Tours – Webinars – Facetime
Virtual Tours: While nothing can replace walking across the quad, peeking into a classroom or dorm, or sampling the latest culinary delights, technology can be the next best friend. Navigating to a school’s website or through one of a few different third-party providers, students can investigate college options.
On-Demand Streaming- Along with virtual tours, colleges and universities are offering streaming video, live and taped webinars, and other events. Check their websites for events and schedules.
Facetime: Chatting, answering questions, and providing specific insights to campuses is available to prospective and accepted students. Students and parents can speak with a current student, Admissions Counselors, Coaches at designated times, or on-demand.
Meeting College Representatives: With the closure of college campuses around the country, Admissions Counselors, Coaches, Performing Arts Advisers, and Faculty are all working remotely. Getting to know these individuals should not be a barrier during these times. They’re just an email and text away! Admissions Representatives who frequently visit high schools and attend college fairs are not traveling. But, they are working to build the next two enrollment classes. So are those looking to field the next team of student-athletes, dancers, and performers? If the contact information is not known, searching a school website or contacting the high school should produce their name and info. Getting to College Representatives are essential to building relationships and communicating why you are the top candidate to accept, this year or next.
With or Without COVID-19
Where I’m Applying: When it is all said and done, selecting a college or university to attend is a personal choice. A choice based on multiple factors, including educational training and personal development. An institution whose internal structure supports a student’s emotional wellbeing and leads to a career outcome. Through the process of elimination, a student’s final list of choices, schools I want to apply to fall into three categories where the average student is:
- Above MY Profile – I’d be psyched to get in!
- Right ON MY Profile –perfect match, and
- I’m Above the Profile –”I’m the big fish in their small pond!”
Let’s Not Forget Affordability – Colleges are not free. Attending an institution of my choice is an investment. Today, yes, it is troubling to consider how to finance a college education; however, even in prosperous times, affordability must be a critical consideration. Getting in is one part; paying the bill throughout four-years must is equally essential and should not be ignored while narrowing the list!!
Explore| Evaluate| Refine| Select – Don’t Let COVID-19 Change the Process; Continue to Work Your Plan
by Tom O'Hare | Apr 3, 2020 | College Admissions, College Planning, Financial Aid, Uncategorized
Yes, these are unusual times for everyone, including millions of college-bound high school seniors and their families. Within the last two months, everything has turned upside down, affecting even the greatest of plans. Or so, one might think.
Financing one’s college education has become one of the top five most significant financial investments an individual will make in their lifetime and that of their parents. Choosing to go to college should be treated as an investment, one that doesn’t put the student or their parents at a financial risk.
But How?
Depending on where a student and their parents are in the college planning process, multiple strategies can apply. Plans should take into consideration college choices, financial resources, dependency on financial aid, and future goals. Wise steps are needed next today.
Seniors: Unfortunately, you are under the microscope, experiencing the most significant impact. You and your parents may have chosen a college, submitted a deposit, or you have been narrowing the list and were ready to pull the trigger. However, now as you compare financial aid awards and calculate the net cost, the gap has grown. In both cases, filing an appeal is your next step. Deposited or not, if your ability to meet the cost of one or more college on the list, a request is in order. You must convey the new, current financial status of the household and the specific reason (loss of or drop in income). The appeal is sent to the Financial Aid Office and copied to Admissions. Then give them time, monitor emails, and follow up.
Deposited Days Extended: By now, most college-bound seniors know that the official May 1 Deposit Day is on the move. The vast majority of colleges and universities are moving their deposit date to June and a few even, July. For students and families who are evaluating the cost side of choosing, enrolling this is a helpful sign.
New Recruitment Practices: I’m not referring to athletics, all though they too are affected by the current COVID-19. I am speaking about potentially new recruitment practices coming to the forefront of higher education. The idea of schools reaching out past the deposit date to have a conversation about considering their campus. A practice generally unheard in higher education, but one that this Adviser feels its time has come. Maybe call re-inforces second or third might just be the best fit. A call the student can also make!!
Financing Resources: Traditional funding resources are still here. As is typical for this time of year is the exercise of finalization of payment strategies. What current savings or income as part of the financing plan and what if any future income, loans were going to be needed. Of course, now, for many families, learn if an adjustment to merit and financial aid awarded will accrue and if it will be enough.
- Family savings: Potentially hit the hardest due to the COVID-19; families may continue to have resources through 529 Plans, other college savings programs, and investment programs. It may be too early to learn of the overall effect COVID-19 has had on families.
- Monthly payment plans: A program offered directly through the school, providing 5, 7, 10 installment payments over a semester or year. Most plans require a small application fee and are interest fees, a very cost-effective loan program. The question becomes, what resources within the current budget are available?
- Federal Direct Student Loans: A loan extended to the student directly as part of the completion and filing of the FAFSA, awarded based on grade level and academic progression. A first-year student may be eligible to receive up to $5,500 with payments are due six months after graduation or early separation from school. The loan carries a fixed interest rate, which, based on current projections, maybe as low as 2.89%* for the coming academic year.
- Federal PLUS Loan: A credit-based loan available to parents of a dependent student. This fixed-rate loan (projected to be as low as 5.44% for July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021*) allows a parent to borrow a portion of or the entire remaining balance owed to the college or university. Payments begin 30-45 days following the disbursement of the full loan. The loan is repaid monthly between 5-20 years. Although not recommended, loan payments can be postponed during the student’s enrollment period. Interest accrues during the postponement and is either paid or added to the balance at the end.
- Private Education Loans: A credit-based loan is provided through a small nucleus of lenders and credit unions and may be available to an eligible student and parents. Interest rates are based on the creditworthiness of the borrower and co-borrower if required (90% of undergraduate students require a co-borrower) and whether the loan will is repaid or deferred while the student is in school. The average fixed interest rate today can range from 3.99% to 12%. A private loan has become prevalent resources, but one that can be the most costly. It should only be one’s last resort!
Alternative Decisions: Looks like I will be the one to address the elephant in the room. Students’ first choice may not be their choice today. The decisions to select a top runner from the second or third row may be in the best interest of the student and their family. Shouldering the cost of high-interest private loans, allowing a parent to (never) think of using retirement savings to enroll in a school that yes, is the dream, but an investment risk needs to be studied, evaluated and questioned. Moving to a top second and third choice may be the wises decision, a new first-year college student will make in their life!!
In such trying times, we are here to serve as a resource and provider of useful content from the college industry. Our team has walked thousands of families through the college process over the last few decades. Please feel free to call, text, or email your questions. We hope you find value in our information and welcome you to join us virtually.
Reference: Mark Kantrowitz March 11, 2020, Savingforcollege.com
by Tom O'Hare | Mar 31, 2020 | Before, College Planning
Keep the Plan Alive
We are embracing a whole new lifestyle, means of working and learning. For many, it is a shock to the system, an experience that takes time to adjust. If there is a silver lining to this new experience, it’s that everyone is experiencing it together.
High school students and their parents embracing homeschooling while thinking of the journey beyond, may now be taking on extra stress and anxiety. To help minimize the temptation to be drawn in such a direction, students and their parents need to stick with the plan. Yes, the feeling might be that everything has been turned upside down. However, with a few modifications, adjustments, life can get back on its intended course.
The Great Pause: If life was in its regular rotation and everything was relative, students and their parents would be looking towards September with enrollment in mind. Final lists narrowed, last campus visits, and Q&A’s would be happening. In the end, the goal is to select one’s fit, matching critical selection criteria. Ah, the plan. We shift to virtual tours of campuses, and the use of other touchpoints to finish the evaluations. College and universities are moving to 360 Degree and virtual reality tours, they’ll connect accepted students with faculty, coaches and students. To ease the stress, campuses are rolling back ! Campuses are pivoting, so you can too. Remain on track, be flexible, and keep the plan alive!!!
Paying the Bill: In the blink of the eye, this critical aspect of enrolling and attend school went form traditional to the unknown with the snap of the finger. Resources, meeting college costs, and financial aid awards for the incoming Class of 2020, changed in a heartbeat. Students and their parents went from; we can finance that balance too, not now. A message that institutions are hearing loud and clear. Students and families who find themselves experience changes in income, loss of employment, and significant changes to their financial profile need to file an appeal for additional aid. Will, the school, be able to meet all need, most likely not, but their mission will be to reach what is financially possible.
Plan B: All plans, whether when making a restaurant reservation, putting in an offer on a new home, or selecting the choice to pursue one’s next level of education, alternative plans are a reality. Today, this is never truer. If the college list went from broad to my choices, the truth is an opportunity is the list. After filing appeals, is there a new choice that checks all the boxes, including affordability? The question is, can we pivot, and keep the plan alive?
Plan ME: If you’re part of what seems to be a new movement to postpone, defer or not go to college after high school, that’s fine. But do it for the right reasons. If a college has been in your path along, but this current time has paralyzed you. OK, but I challenge you to get work on your plan. Hundreds of colleges need you on their campus, and your fit is ready to accept you. If going to work, invest in a skilled professional role, serving our country is your alternative path, go for it. Make it your plan.
Juniors – Your Journey Awaits!
Essay, Building Your List, learning about your Options, and Speculating Costs. All part of the lives of the incoming Class of 2021. Parents, you, too, have items in your plan that need attention. Yes, I’m talking about what the plan is to meet tuition, the education cost in 2021? Were writing about you next!!
Resources – These are interesting times for sure! Utilizing all of your support and resources is the #1 priority to assist with managing the College Plan. Students need to be proactive and communicate with their High School Counselor, engage college administrators, coaches, and other advisers. As the father of four working college graduates, I know firsthand the effects of stress on relationships at home and work. I also understand and appreciate the power of having a plan, a comprehensive college plan. It will keep everyone focused, and on the same page while traveling on the college search and selection journey.
by Tom O'Hare | Mar 19, 2020 | College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness
As I put thoughts together today, my mind is racing with what to pen. So much has happened in the last month; it is crazy not to think that this past month (or more) has not left many feeling paralyzed. Over the week, I need to get a card, and as I drove to and walked in the parking lot, I have the feeling I was in a tourist area in the offseason. In my decade(s), what I can compare this recent experience too is the Blizzard of ’78 and 9/11. Both left me paralyzed and asking why? But as we did after those life-changing events, we are/should be moving forward supporting our families and friends.
As the parent of four working college graduates, the current stressors and strains bring me back to their journeys, stressful but nowhere near what current students and parents are navigating. Thoughts during these unsettling times:
Admitted Students: Congratulations! Many students are learning of their offers to join the incoming Class of 2020, their next Freshman class. Generally, to follow is an invitation to an “Accepted Students Day” program. The event held on campus is designed to take a student and their family across the finish line. It’s the “Say Yes” to the college event with deposits to follow, reserving a seat in the class, and a dorm room.
Still Thinking – Comparing Choices: College is an investment, mind, body, and money, so slowing the pace is while evaluating strengths and weaknesses, is a critical step. Academics, emotional and social stability, affordability, and an ROI that points one towards employment are all the boxes to check. Yes, some schools, those in the Elite, Ivy, small liberal arts sectors may hold their May 1 Deposit Day firm; however, hundreds of others, campuses equal in the brand and experience, are moving their dates. Breath and check their website.
Rising HS/Transfer Students: Although the Corona Virus has changed everything, many things for HS sophomores, juniors, and seniors still contemplating their path after high school remain the same. The difference is how to get it done. Testing, campus tours, evaluating colleges, and calculating college cost are some of the many critical tasks on every college planning checklist. Executing them now as we bounce back will be the key. Tours have become virtual; learning through Webinars communication turns to Skype/Facetime/phone, and Testing Dates are going to be June.
Stick to the Plan: In these times of uncertainty, the best resource is one’s plan. A plan that identifies the tasks and responsibilities shows accountability and structure, uses resources and tools and is modified as needed.
Don’t Be Passive: Everything related to obtaining services and assistance needs to flavored with honey versus vinegar. But, if things are not working, questions are going unanswered, students are not learning, one needs to be their most influential advocate.
Today’s News – What’s the Decision: Hitting the pause button has been my rule of thumb during times of crisis, emotions, and life-changing events. The pause button allows me to seek out support, begin my questioning, and remain holistic in my view. Whether it was little Devlyn’s seizures, Thomas Jr.’s deciding to join the Corp as a grunt with a Bachelors Degree (i.e., no OCS) or releasing my 84-year-old dad from his suffering, life-changing events are never easy to manage. Understanding the rules, thinking ahead, and using one’s network of friends, family, and trusted advisers (not to forget faith) allows us to weather the storm. So whether we are still confronting the virus or working to bring our lives back to some sense of normalcy, let’s remember we have a league of supports ready to assist us on our journey!!
Don’t weather along!!
by Tom O'Hare | Dec 15, 2019 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning, Financial Aid
Football on Sunday drives everyone’s competitive mojo. The game of hunting for scholarships requires some strategy and a lot of luck. Just like the game of football.
There are the classic plays and those that can surprise you. Some scholarship providers, schools, philanthropic and high schools, control the matching and awarding, while others require some tenacity on the part of the student to compete on talent and leadership.
Sampling of Offerings
Massachusetts Public Programs
Small Private
Big Private
Adult Students – Traditional & Community College
Early Grade Search
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
