by Tom O'Hare | Dec 21, 2023 | College Planning, College Readiness, In-School Persistence
The first semester of the new college school year is in the books. Finals are over, grades will be posted, and for many students, they will learn how their transition to college life is progressing. It’s time for the Christmas break!
Christmas is a beautiful time. It is a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate the holiday spirit. For new first-year college students, the break is a vital time to relax, refuel, and re-energize. For many, this first significant break is a time to question their college path and whether they will be successful.
For parents, the Christmas break is their first time to be with their student for any extended time since move-in day. There are many questions to explore regarding a student’s new college experience. College academics, study demands, roommates, and social life are just a few pressing thoughts a parent has about their new college freshman.
Parents, too, are excited to see their students. As the dad myself (four), I have arrived on campus anxious to learn everything, only to be greeted by a month’s worth of laundry and an exhausted human being. Thoughts of talking to my daughter or son about classes, professors, clubs, and social activities on the ride home turned to silence as they slept, and I stressed!
Students returning home during this extended break bring a variety of emotions and excitement with them. Minds are full of accomplishments, good times, names of new friends, and thoughts about next semester.
Pause the Questions
Challenging courses, issues with fitting in, food selection, and other concerns can affect students. Even the slightest negative feeling of not being the best can create anxiety. Understanding how to approach the conversation is a challenge for any parent.
Parents instead need to restrain the impulse to press for details and turn on their good listening skills. Yes, the instinct is to inquire and even push for information. Your students react like they have entered the jury box and are about to go through an inquest.
Instead, resist the temptation, listen, take mental notes, and watch for behavioral changes. Celebrate the holiday. There will be time to open up the conversation. Students who are struggling want to talk; it’s just a matter of timing!
6 ways to avoid conflicts with your returning college student.– Psychology Today
After They Recharge
You will find that once a student has had a chance to recharge their battery with food and sleep and a few phone calls to catch up with their close high school friends, the signal will flash that it is time for the conversation. How you begin will be critical to the outcome. You may have covered the topics during Thanksgiving, but things may still be happening. Ask open-ended questions, not those that allow for a yes or no answer.
- What new professor or class are you finding interesting?
- Tell me about a new classmate that you have met.
- How is the food in the dining hall? How does it compare to my cooking?
- What interesting clubs have you checked out?
- What course gave you the hardest time?
- What has changed since Thanksgiving?
From their reactions, you should have a line on whether you should dig deeper. If the combination of your observations and conversation leads you to believe there might be some more concern, superficial or severe, then it’s time. If needed, plan a second time to talk and reassure them that whatever the turn of the page offers, they have 100% support and that things will be OK.
Returning To Campus
Students returning to campus typically bring clean laundry, snacks, and forgotten items from when they initially moved in. As they return, it is also important for students to understand that they have resources to help overcome obstacles BUT thy need to be their own personal advocate – Resources if needed:
- A visit to the Academic Support Center to seek out help with overcoming a drop-in grade, help with time management or writing skills.
- Resident Life to manage dorm room and roommate concerns**
- The Dining Hall Manager discuss dietary needs
- Visit Student Life and Student Affairs to search out Clubs, Organizations, and even a part-time job.
- Important tips and ideas to support your 1st year student home for the holidays.
** Dorm Room concerns that may require a request for a room transfer or new roommate should be handles during the break!
Parents, your role is to tether the line a wee bit to allow your students to take the lead to empower themselves. However, if a concern requires your assistance, don’t wait. Coaching and guiding your students through an issue whiling monitoring a positive outcome is critical.
Finally, a lot of parents express concern about “never hearing from my student”. Before a student returns to campus work out a plan on when to connect. Reassure your student your not looking to invade their new level of maturity, but you want to hear how things are going. Whether texting or call figure our frequency and time. Peace of mind to all.
When May rolls along, and your student has returned after having a successful year, all you’ll need to ask is, where are you working this summer
Foot Note: The average withdrawal rate of 1st year students has risen by 8.1% to 28.1% nationally with over 43% of all students who start never finishings. Academic readiness, ability to pay college costs and social/emotional wellbeing of a student are the three most common reason why student leave. Keeping an open dialog, using resources and staying ahead of concerns can keep a student progressing to their end goal – a degree. .
UDATED 11/21/2025
by Tom O'Hare | Dec 19, 2023 | College Admissions, College Planning, Financial Aid, Uncategorized
Celebrate the New Year by completing and filing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) – Gradually!
Every student and family who has already applied to enroll and is still considering or will be returning in September of 2024 must complete the application to receive need-based financial aid.
Whether it is a four-year public or private school, community college, or an accredited skills-based institution, filing the FAFSA Application is critical to awarding financial aid by any of the over 4000 eligible institutions.
However, the application, historically available on October 1, was delayed until December 31, 2023. The US Department of Education has been working to complete initiatives targeting efforts to simplify questions, improve the communication link between the IRS and the Department of Education, and increased eligibility for the Federal Pell Grants Program.
Other changes include:
- Eliminating the multiple student-in-college discount
- Introduction of new terminology: calculated results will be known as the Student Aid Index (SAI), and parent(s) a contributor
- In the case of divorced and separated families in the past, the parent responsible for completing the application was the person the student lived with 51% of the time during the year. Beginning with the 2024-2025 FAFSA, the determining factor will be the parent who provides the student with the greatest financial support, regardless of living arrangements.
- There will be an increase in the income protection allowance, elimination of annual retirement contributions, and many untax income criteria.
- Students can send completed results to up to 20 colleges and universities simultaneously.
While students and parents await the opening of the FAFSA window, each should register and obtain their FSA ID and password. It’s the golden ticket to launching the application and e-signing at the end. Once received, save it in a secure location, as it will be needed to complete annual FAFSAs and access the studentaid.gov website.
One final note: The 2024-2025 FAFSA will be rolling out on December 31, 2023, describing it as a soft launch. The US Department of Education recognizes families’ urgency but raises cautionary concerns that the system may experience delays and minor bugs. DOE will not send FAFSA results to colleges and universities until the end of January, and they are encouraging families not to rush to complete the application once the window opens.
Every student and family who has already applied is still considering or will be returning in September of 2024, regardless of income, needs to complete the application to receive need-based financial aid or discuss extenuating circumstances that may prevent a student from attending a post-secondary institution.
Go to wwww.studentaid.gov to learn more about registering for your FSA ID and more information on completing the FAFSA.
by Tom O'Hare | Nov 24, 2023 | College Planning
Need help with how to finance your education after high school? Check out the many game changing options available to residents of Massachusetts.
4-Year Public Institution – apply to and receive an acceptance to attend any of the 4 UMASS Universities or 16 State Universities and pay in-state tuition, fees, and housing.
Mass Transfer Program – begin and complete an associate’s degree at any of the 15 Community Colleges and be eligible for reduced tuition and fees when transferring to obtain your four-year degree at one of the state’s 20 public colleges and universities.
Community College – enroll at any of the 15 colleges to boost your academic profile and obtain additional credentials or the business skills to help run your business.
MassReconnect – individuals 25+ a chance to start or complete a degree or gain valuable credentials at a reduced cost when enrolling in one of the 15 community colleges across the state.- learn more
MassGrant – valuable financial aid awarded to eligible MA residents enrolled full-time (12 credits) at any approved public, private, certificate, associate, or bachelor degree-granting institutions in Massachusetts. Awards may vary based on a student/family’s demonstrated need calculated when completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Mass Grant Plus – financial aid awarded to eligible MA residents enrolled full-time (12 credits) OR part-time at a public college or university offering a certificate, associate, or bachelor degree-granting program. Awards may vary based on a student/family’s demonstrated need calculated when completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
MassGrant Plus Extension –the program provides free tuition and fees to MA residents who qualify under the Federal Pell Grant Program. The MassGrant Plus Extension program will now cover a student/family’s demonstrated need, the Student Aid Index (SAI). Provisions of the program also include a $1200 award for books and supplies. The program does not cover housing or living expenses.
In addition, middle-income students enrolled full-time (12 credits) with family incomes from $73,000 to $100,000 will now be eligible for reduced out-of-pocket tuition and fees to 50%.
To qualify for many of these valuable resources, students and their families MUST complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA Application will be available on December 31, 2023. Download the 2024-2025 Financial Aid Checklist today to take steps to be ready to file FSAFA!!
High School Completers – under the guidelines of the MA “High School Completers” Program, eligible non-US citizens and undocumented students can receive in-state tuition rates and MA state financial aid benefits. Eligible students must complete the Student Application and Affidavit Form and the MA Student Financial Aid (MASFA) Form. Student who are covered under this benefit are not eligible for traditional need-based financial aid from the US Department of Education.
These programs are game changers for students and families residing in Massachusetts. Regardless of education path and career, every student and family should investigate the wealth of resources available here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including scholarships, financial aid, and tuition assistance. Learn More
These programs are game changers for students and families residing in Massachusetts. Regardless of education path and career, every student and family should investigate the wealth of resources, including Scholarships, financial aid, and tuition assistance available here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Learn More
Individuals and families in other states should check with the agency overseeing Higher Education or Post-Secondary tuition assistance, scholarships, and financial aid resources. Many states have similar programs for their residents.
Have a questions on how to make a higher education work for you.. call. Were here to help you navigate the funding, finding, apply and enrolling!
Article Updated 1.11.2024
by Tom O'Hare | Nov 24, 2023 | College Planning, College Readiness, Uncategorized
Originally published 2021 – Revised 2023
What Lies Ahead After High School?
Many high school students, parents, and young adults ponder this question. What direction should I take? Follow everyone or go on a different path? Finding the right one can be the key to future financial and personal success. Thankfully, there are many choices.
Attending College right out of high school has historically been the path everyone has been encouraged to follow. The Higher Education Act of 1965 was a catalyst in moving a country to adopt the mindset. The expansion of student financial aid programming, the strengthening of veterans’ benefits, and the greater need for professional workers all came with the signature of President Johnson.
In 2023, new approaches to education and careers after high school are available. Today, conversations are shifting to embrace the needs of individuals and workforce needs. Affordability in higher education, gaps in our skilled workforce, and the critical importance of supporting young minds who need a pause after twelve years are just a few of the pressing reasons.
Beginning as early as middle school, we must shift the narrative to the importance of introducing to young minds different roles, jobs, and professions for Today and Tomorrow. Parents must be encouraged to develop their students’ authentic educational and personal abilities and stop chasing prestige and vanity. Educators and thought leaders need to step back from the buzz of STEM and STEAM, which often forces students into boxes and fuels the competitiveness of higher education. Local, statewide, and national government leaders need to re-evaluate funding allocation. Businesses that generate enormous profits at the risk of students’ mental well-being need to recalibrate their so-called mission. Let’s celebrate lifelong learning as a catalyst for social and economic success.
Which Path Will Be Yours?
High school to 4-year College – yes, continuing the traditional route designed by our educational system is the path for 80% of a graduating class. Students work in high school, developing a range of academic proficiency and personal character to be ready. Meeting the demands of this path can be challenging, emotional, and competitive. For 20% who feel the social need to follow the herd, ultimately leaving after their first semester or year, we must proactively support and encourage different paths.
Technical to Skilled – students enrolled are traditionally on a skilled or specialized/ trade career path. Currently, qualified professionals are aging out of the workforce, so where will the next plumber, electrician, HVAC, and others come from to cover continued consumer and business demands? The absence of trained, skilled professionals will slow the economy and increase service costs. Apprenticeships and certification programs after high school allow individuals to pursue their interests to secure financially and personally successful careers.
Associates to Bachelors offers students who aspire to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree but need time to hit their academic and personal stride can succeed through a 2+2 program. Beginning at a community college can boost a student’s academic and personal readiness and provide a very affordable path to a four-year degree. Students start at Community College full-time and transfer to a four-year public or private institution upon completion.
Work, Earn, and Learn for many individuals allows them to pause, enter the workforce, earn a little, and get a feel for the future. The delay can be to start their career and pursue a college degree, associate, or bachelor’s degree. Joining a business and transitioning one’s technical and interpersonal skills can be a perfect way to benefit from employer-based tuition assistance programs.
Military is for a select group of men or women willing to commit to serving their country in one of the many branches of the Armed Services. This calling sometimes begins as a member of the JROTC program via a military academy or post-high school. Individuals select from various Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), including communications, technology, cyber security, defense, engineering, infantry, and special operations.
A Gap Year today is no longer the idea of pack backing nationwide. Students who take a break can pursue volunteerism, job training, internships, or externships to explore and gain from different learning experiences. These include programs like Year Up and the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy.
Exploring and analyzing the various paths should be guided by an individual’s education to a career plan. A plan that considers all life-long learning opportunities now and in the future, financially affordable and unique to a student and their family.
As the parents of four, each who took a different path, I understand how emotional and daunting advising one’s student can be. guiding and advising our children can be. Have questions, need to compare notes, schedule a time to talk.
by Tom O'Hare | Nov 2, 2023 | College Planning, Financial Aid, Uncategorized
We can all agree the pathway to education after high school can be expensive. One of the most significant financial investments an individual and family will make in their lifetime. Right behind purchasing our first home, saving for retirement, and raising a family. I know; I am the parent of four. The number #1 question I am asked is, can a student or family finance this critical life-changing event?
The answer is all about individualized, realistic goals and planning. Best for your student and family now and in the future. It is about expectations based on your student’s authentic academic and personal profile and the family’s financial capabilities. My dad, an educator, teacher, and early architect of the federal financial aid program of the ’70s, is still chirping in my ear, “Education is a lifelong exercise.” We forget to coach our kids as such, and as parents, we think poorly of our parental skills if we are not keeping up with what we hear in the grocery line or read on social media. Here are eleven of my favorite parent secrets.
Before We Leave High School
- Secret #1 – Colleges and universities lose up to 20% of first-year students; many do not graduate due to readiness and ability to pay. If your student does not want to go to college or needs more time, it is best to hit the pause button and start when ready.
- Secret #2 – If going in that direction, know how you will pay before starting the search process. Yes, it will be a rough estimate, but we do not buy our first home, a car, or even a new sofa until we have some concept of the cost. Getting in but not being able to pay can be a financial risk. Learn your family’s financial obligation early and always apply for financial aid.
- Secret # 3 – It is not always about our financial resources, money in the bank, income, or even eligibility for financial aid. If a four-year traditional undergraduate degree is the path ahead, let us ensure it is at the right school, for the right reason, and at the right investment. There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the US and Canada, 250 in New England alone, which means there is a dream school for every student—search based on your student’s authentic GPA, not prestige.
- Secret #4 – pursuing a skilled professional career in the trades, financial services, retail, or hospitality industry can offer personal and financial fulfillment. Many require apprenticeships, OJT, or an associate’s degree to enter and should not be overlooked for the right individual.
While We’re Enrolled
- Secret #5 – ask for more tuition assistance through scholarships and need-based financial aid. If the college a student attends loses one student after the first year, they may get a transfer student but could have an empty seat for three years. That is lost revenue. They can’t afford to lose another!
- Secret #6 – keep searching for scholarships. Most students and families do not invest enough time and energy searching before the 1st year, never mind after enrollment. If you read the eligibility criteria for most private external scholarships, they are available to “high school seniors, enrolling AND returning sophomore, juniors, and seniors.” Keep searching and applying.
- Secret #7 – start lining up internships, paid part-time research, and coop positions (work while enrolled) at the end of the sophomore year of college. Opportunities can turn into offers for employment before graduation and valuable resources while enrolled.
- Secret #8 – graduate on time. It is too expensive to remain in college beyond your anticipated grad date: two years for community college and four years for traditional.
After College
- Secret # 9 – if you have private education loans, pay them down aggressively. Interest rates are generally higher than the Federal Direct Student Loans, and they carry limited repayment benefits. Refinance them if you need to and can.
- Secret # 10 – take advantage of all benefits offered through the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, including income-driven repayment terms and public services loan forgiveness.
- Secret # 11 asks your employer for help with loan repayment obligations. Recent changes allow employers to use traditional employee tuition reimbursement benefits to help pay down educational loans. Inquire with HR.
For more information on the contents of this article, questions or inquiries to support your students and family, contact us to schedule a conversation.- 617-240-7350 or www.getcollegegoing.com.
by Tom O'Hare | Oct 17, 2023 | College Planning, Financial Aid, Uncategorized
The Fall is a beautiful time to be in our beautiful state and New England. Just a stone’s throw in five directions, you can be in another State/region to enjoy different types of food, entertainment, activities, and the local settings. You can even track a few more miles and find yourself in New York and Canada. Ah, but this is not a travel piece. We’ll leave that to the travel experts and folks at AAA Northeast.
This Fall is a critical time for high school and college-age students and their families as the focus turns to what’s happening in and out of school. Academics, extracurricular activities, and work keep students busy while parents juggle transportation, social activities, and work-life balance. As parents, we work to be the guiding light, providing support and direction to help our students and young adults. It is essential to monitor how our students perform academically, personally, and emotionally during the Fall. Adjusting to new surroundings, coursework, a sense of independence, and classmates can result in a new level of excitement and quieting one’s outlook and behavior. Finding the right balance between learning what’s up and providing help can be a delicate process for parents. As a parent of four, I understand and can offer great resources to help you and your students.
Happening this Fall
Money – Money
I’m not talking about the continued rise in the cost of higher education, but that the freeze on Federal Student Loan payments and interest rates is finally over. Borrowers and May 2023 graduates are now hearing from the US Department of Education and Loan Servicing organizations (they manage the day-to-day) as part of the kick-start of repayment. There are a lot of resources available at StudentAid.gov if you have questions on who to pay, benefits and programs if you can not make the regular monthly payment, and if you might qualify for one of the loan forgiveness programs.
Lifelong Learning
Choosing an education pathway can be a maze of twists and turns that can baffle even the best of individuals. The recent announcement of the Mass Reconnect Program is a new, affordable opportunity for individuals 25 and older to complete their degrees or obtain valuable upskill credentials. Added to the traditional 4-Year pathway, the Mass Transfer Program, and our network of affordable Community Colleges, we have some of the strongest educational opportunities in the country.
Gateway to Financial Aid – FAFSA
Paying for college begins with learning about tuition assistance programs and how to apply for financial aid. The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to learning about the availability of financial assistance from colleges federal, state, and many private scholarship providers. The completion and filing of the 2024-2025 FAFSA has been pushed back to late December. So, if you plan to attend college or an eligible skilled professional school in 204-2025, you have a little extra time to prepare. Start now by registering and creating your FSA ID account. Go to studentaid.gov and get the process going. Then, watch for and attend a workshop on Completing the FAFSA. They’re coming!!
Cracking the Secret to What Happens After High School
How do students and parents decide on college, work, or both? For parents this question can weigh heavy on their minds. Here are four questions for parents of 9th to 11th grade students.
- How will we finance our student’s next level of education?
- What are the goals and expectations for year 13 and beyond?
- Is college, work or a blend of both the right “next” for your student?
- Where are we now with post-high school planning, and what resources do we need?
Answering these initial questions can prepare every student and family for a successful and exciting post-high school planning experience.
Families now have a “workable workbook” to help organize and manage a successful college planning experience. Pivotal College Years’ newly released College Planning Workbook is now available on Amazon. The workbook describes and showcases tips and information on how to fund, investigate, apply, and select the school that matches a student’s academic and personal goals. Look inside the workbook today.
