by Tom O'Hare | Apr 5, 2022 | Before, College Planning
Gardens are returning to their luster, greenhouses are restocking, and the grower in all of us is ready to plant some seeds.
Families of high school seniors are on the doorstep of closing out their journey. May 1st, National Deposit Day is just around the corner, and crunch time is upon them. Big decisions, exciting decisions are just a few weeks away.
Those in the wings, 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students and their parents, are activity working and may be experiencing a little anxiety. The business of college planning does not take a break. The journey to find the right education, for the right reason, at the right school, and for the best investment is a 360o experience.
Getting to Yes
Finding a college starts with setting goals, identifying needs, and understanding expectations, which are realistic and authentic. It is a process of meeting admission and financial aid administrators, visiting campuses, speaking with students and faculty, and looking at the surroundings. It’s students performing a little self-evaluation on what might be one’s academic interest and families questioning where they can afford college.
Seniors and their families that have traveled this exciting journey are now reaching the end. In my private practice, I ask all students to consider five categories. Compare the final choices to determine which one checks all the boxes using the categories. It’s time to say yes to the college.
Which school will provide a student with the chance to?
- Grow academically, technically, and personally, bringing them to the next level, prepare for graduate school, or enter the workforce
- Provide an environment to meet personal needs; remain healthy, in mind, body, and soul
- Make introductions to individuals who share one’s passion for learning and socialization
- Be affordable with the right financial support to minimize personal debt level
- Offer internships, access to alumni, and foster completion – graduate in four years
Comparing Offers is Critical
April is also when the eyes of students and families turn to finalize strategies to finance college. Comparing offers is critical, and sometimes, the first choice is the most expensive. Many award letters look the same; however, a deeper examination reveals differences. How do they compare? As shown in the chart, looking deeper into the configuration of the awards, differences do exist. Although the sticker price is never the actual price, what are the contributing awards that make up the net price?
Note: If an award letter includes a Federal PLUS Loan, which is a credit-based loan, this loan is not a guaranteed award. A separate application and approval process is required.
Don’t Wait for the Bill – Are You Ready to Pay?
They will be arriving in July, if not sooner. What is your financing strategy? Will it be a monthly payment plan, alternative private student loan, savings, or a combination? What is the debt tolerance level if borrowing is the only resource? Email team@pivotalcollegeyears.com receive a free copy of the Pivotal College Year’s College Funding Workbook.
9th | 10th | 11th Grades – No, I Haven’t Forgotten You
What is the WHY for attending college after high school? Your tasks and activities to answer the question should be in high gear. Enrolling students in challenging curricula for strong grades (GPA), curating personal development, reviewing testing strategies, exploring talent, and investing to give back or work should all be on the table. Here are six core parts of a successful college plan:
- Understand college costs, tuition assistance works, and what will is expected – financially.
- Learn the supply and demand side of higher education?
- Work on student development; academic, personal, talent, and civic.
- Don’t fall to social pressures; celebrate the authenticity and needs of the student.
- Define and map out the Admissions and Financial Aid Strategy
- Be known as a student of interest, especially to schools of interest.
Don’t wait for the plan to come to you. Seek out the guidance, advice, and resources to create and manage a successful college plan. A click of your fingers – and it’s the senior year!
Consult an Independent Education Advisor
Everything begins with a conversation. Need help calming the waters, getting started, or just answering questions. We’re here to listen, focus on needs and expectations, and help students and families manage realistic and holistic college planning, before, during, and after college. PLUS, we’re parents just like you!
by Tom O'Hare | Mar 4, 2022 | Before, College Planning
Know how the industry works
Rank, GPA, academic rigor, test scores, athletics, dance, and part-time work are many of the components that make up a high school student’s resume. As parents, we work hard to guide our students to become their best, authentic selves. We motivate with rewards, encourage hard work academically, and become good citizens.
So why does a student with a stellar resume find themselves deferred or waitlisted at their dream college? Or, receive little or no tuition assistance, scholarships, or need-based grants? The answer is, it is not always about the student.
In a previous article, pre-qualifying your college costs, we discussed how important it is for families to understand their financial capabilities before starting their college search. We do not go house shopping before we know our budget, college searching should be no different.
Equally important is knowing that higher education institutions are a business with specific needs and wants. Many are controlled by internal and external influencers and business factors. Sometimes these are in direct conflict with the consumer looking and hoping to buy (enroll).
How do these factors affect the outcome of the college planning experience?
Supply and Demand – selective institutions reported dramatic increases in their incoming applications pool during the pandemic. Increases due to amended admissions policies, heavy brand marketing, and consumer behavior. But 60K applications for 3100 enrollment seats. To overcome the disappointment of a waitlist or a denial, families need to expand their reach by including a larger pool of smaller to medium size residential colleges and universities. Their offerings, academic and personal make dreams come true.
An Institutions Financial Status – colleges and universities rely on tuition, fees, and indirect revenue from housing, athletic events, and on-campus consumer purchases. Swings in enrollment, on/off-campus, and the pandemic can result in belt-tightening, and course redirections. The financial status of an institution should always be on the radar, just like at home.
FIT – academic, personal, social, and financial are the categories that produce the answer yes. College and universities have their fit, which can mirror or be very different from a student and their family. Mastering the FIT can depend on how a student’s achievements, personal accomplishments, and authentic self, align with institutional needs.
Costs – achieving one’s educational goals within one’s financial means is the art of affordability. Knowing how the sticker price becomes the consumer price at every college is part of the buying process. Understanding the impact of tuition assistance, scholarships, need-based, and self-help aid is essential. Knowing how and when to request more can balance the affordability equation.
Emotional Purchase – investing in one’s education is a personal and financial commitment, one of life’s biggest. Such a purchase requires the gathering of information, research, evaluation, and even consultation with a knowledgeable adviser (a shameless plug). Students should not be left to figure it out, a trend I see in my private practice that can have disastrous results. Families do not purchase $350,000 homes at a first glance, selecting a college or university should not be any different.
Planning – the high school class of 2022 is on the last leg of their journey approaching the decision-making deadline of May 1st. High school 10th and 11th-grade students are right behind. Students and parents are encouraged to create their college plan following realistic goals and expectations while keeping a keen eye on the needs, of the student and higher education institutions.
Fairies and good luck charms – raised in an Irish household, grandparents delighted us with stories and tales. But behind every tall tale was the question, what if the luck of the wee people doesn’t work? What’s the Plan? A question this contributor asks all of his students and families. Need Plan B.
Have a question, concern, or an AHA moment, call, text [617-240-7350] or email tom@getcollegegoing.com
CALMING THE WATERS – Are you feeling a sense of college paralysis? Anxious? As a parent of four, having spent a career working with families, college, and university administrators, I understand the complexity of planning for life after high school.
Have a question, concern, or an AHA moment, call, text [617-240-7350] or email tom@getcollegegoing.com
Looking for college planning support during these uncertain times, consider Pivotal College Years. Pivotal College Years, is online college planning library of resource, offering educational information, valuable workbooks, downloadable reference documents, and resources before, during, and after college. Use PCY30Days to access the College Planning Portal for Families Everything you need before, during, and after college in one place!
by Tom O'Hare | Feb 9, 2022 | College Planning, College Readiness
After high school, everyone should pursue their education. Following one’s goal of achieving a higher education is a critical next step in every person’s life. New and brighter lights are now being focused on the multiple ways individuals can obtain financial stability, wellness, and personal growth. Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) is required in many workplaces, however, there are now other vital ways, programs available to advance one’s education and credentials. The pandemic, a shift in demographics, and the “great resignation” warrants a look at community colleges, skilled professionals and trades, at 13th year of exploration and other specialized programs. All were open before, but now are equal to a traditional college path.
THAT’S MY DREAM SCHOOL
What is it about the school that makes it so dreamy? Is it the academics or social environment that makes the heartbeat fonder? Can it be how they promise to meet personal needs, taking care of health & wellness, or the offerings of extra-curricular? Maybe its their hands on commitment to helping guide a student to timely completion and graduation or placement in the workforce? Ultimately are they with you to extend the financial support to make the school affordable?
Falling in love with a dream school is more than looks, and what everyone else is doing. It’s a financial and personal investment, It requires time, evaluation and casting a wide net to find the right education, for the right reason, at the right school, for the right investment.
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH ENROLLMENT
Answers lie with the pandemic, lack of access to campus and faculty, and other underlining socio-economic factors. Enrollment at colleges across Massachusetts, New England, and the US is down. Community College is even worse.
However, over the past month, I have seen a steady increase in the number of schools opening their doors to alive and energized campuses. College and universities are welcoming new students and families to learn about their services and programs. The recruitment season for the next incoming class of first-year students (2023-2024) is underway. Are you in the game? Curate your college list, sign up for a tour and and get to know your higher education options.
BE A WISE BUYER
Three things to know – we’ll there more but lets start here:
College Costs – understanding how costs are calculated, the difference between a sticker and net tuition price, and how the many layers of tuition assistance (scholarships, grants, need-based financial aid, and self-help) money are determined and awarded. Do you know your family’s financial threshold. What if you need to be prequalified, how much could you afford to spend over four years?
Cast a Wide Net – Yes, there are those dream schools that everyone is chasing, but there are hundreds schools that should not be the ones that got away.
Relationships – the pandemic has changed the relationship game between colleges and students. Texting, virtual 1-1 meetings, chat, and emails are now in play. They are critical for a student to use to introduce and showcase their accomplishments and interest. Classic in-person, local visits to high schools will gradually return, but new methods of connecting driven by the student must now be part of the plan.
I HEARD AT THE FLOWER COUNTER
Myths, misunderstand statements and tall tales are some of the most significant causes of anxiety and stress.
I’m a parent of a sophomore in high school. Is it too early to start thinking about paying for college?
Never – learning now about college costs, financing strategies, and how the right school can impact the equation is critical. Knowing this as part of early college planning is outstanding.
My middle school student is interested in technology. Are there options at the high school level?
YES – High school students can pursue an interest in technology at many technical-vocational schools and through the STEM Program.
My high school senior didn’t apply yet!
Most college and university deadlines are February. Public colleges and universities are a little later – June 1. For students interested in a Fall start but not ready, enrolling in community college is an outstanding option. Slow the pace, focus on readiness, save some money, and transfer to the four-year campus to finish after obtaining an Associate’s Degree.
Our income is too high; we won’t qualify for financial aid, so why apply?
Yes, income is decisive in calculating need-based aid, far more than investments. Still, without the aid application, FAFSA, being on file, there is no basis to have a conversation. Applying for aid is the door to learning more. A discussion with the school to identify a family’s unique circumstances students’ interest in maybe learning the right school for the right reason will be the best investment.
College is too expensive; I’ll never get my degree.
Not True – yes, it may take a different path than others, but utilizing all of the resources, is achievable. Your loved ones are there to help!! Learn the paths, draw up a plan, tap into resources, and press forward.
Click here to read more myths, misunderstand statements and tall tales
Have a question, concern, or your own “AHA” moment, call, text [617-240-7350] or email tom@getcollegegoing.com
CALMING THE WATERS – Are you feeling a sense of college paralysis? Anxious? As a parent of four, having spent a career working with families college and university administrators, I understand the complexity of planning for life after high school. If you need clarity and insights to your questions, tools to manage your work, or individual one-to-one assistance, reach out. Feel free to reach me by text or telephone at 617-240-7350 or email at tom@getcollegegoing.com.
What is Pivotal College Years – a digital library created to provide families of high school and college-aged students with a wealth of planning information in one easily accessible website. Subscribers have access to over 68 lessons, 20 videos, downloadable documents and workbooks, and live webinars, all designed to aid the in navigate individual needs, before, during and after college. Get College Going is an affiliated partner of Pivotal College Years – Use code PCY30days www.pivotalcollegeyears.com
by Tom O'Hare | Jan 3, 2022 | College Admissions, College Planning
The waiting game is over for many college-bound high school seniors and their families. The holidays brought added excitement as many received acceptances to be part of the incoming class of 2022, including the acknowledgment of scholarships recognizing students for their academic and personal talents.
WORK TO DO
The hard work of investigating and narrowing choices that lead to filing admissions and financial aid applications now turns to work that will ultimately reveal the final choice for September 2022 enrollment. The multiple tasks and activities that lie ahead for families include:
- Comparing financial offers from schools including merit scholarships, need-based grants, and self-help programs (student loans and work-study).
- Examining family resources, saving, monthly disposable income and the ability to serve as a co-sign if a private education loan is needed.
- Scheduling meetings with faculty, academic advisers to confirm a school aligns with student expectations.
- Conducting campus visits to ensure the campus and its offerings at application hold true today.
- Hunting for scholarships to fill the gap in resources to cost.
- Organize legal and medical documents to protect your 18 year-old student and the family
Jack Frost Remains
The Biden Administration once again has extended the deadline for the restart of payments on federal education loans. This pause in payment began back in March of 2020 when the nation began to experience the challenges of the pandemic. To help individuals and families who lost employment, saw their income decrease, the Administration instituted a temporary freeze on payments due from borrowers with Federal Direct and Federal HELP Loans, students, and parents. The freeze also called for a temporary drop in interest rates to zero. The new projected restart is now May 1, 2022.
- Private education loans are not subject to these changes and borrowers are expected to continue to make their regular monthly payments.
- Borrowers with private education loans should use this time to investigate the benefits of education loan refinancing to lower interest rates and modify monthly payments.
How Will I Pay? – Year One, Two and beyond
Twenty percent of first-year college students leave after the first year. Academic readiness and personal needs are two key factors, but finances are the leading cause.
Ensuring that resources will be available for years two, three, and four is critical to ensuring a student remains in school and completes on time.
- Questions that family’s need to ask:
- What happens to need-based grants awarded by colleges for year one? Renewed or disappear.
- How can family savings be stretched to cover four years?
- If we need a private loan, will parents be able to serve as creditworthy co-signer?
- Will there be disposable income to assist with incidental on-campus expenses?
January Planning Checklist
Freshman & Sophomore
The second half of the year can open up major opportunities for the discovery of academic and personal interests.
- Gamers, dreamers, and problem-solving interests should be explored through robotics, Skills USA, and creative internships.
- Student-athletes, student-performers, with strong grades and a goal of pursuing their talent (sports, dance, vocal) at the college level should use the Spring to showcase and investigate the college scene.
- Strengthen time management, organizational, and communication skills. skills and
Junior Year
Families with an eye on college after high school should be deep into activities and tasks important to the college planning process.
- Building a college list that reflects the students’ performance and capabilities now and that will allow successful growth and development.
- Scheduling campus visits for the two hot vacations, February and April, plus weekends and when the schedule will allow.
- Strategies for courses in senior year, national testing dates (SAT/ACT), and what to do in the summer.
- Meeting and greeting campus representatives at school, on a campus tour, and through direct communication. 99.9% of all interested high school juniors are unknown to the college
Plans Don’t Call for College
Interests may lie in pursuing a trade, skilled professional after high school. We need your talent, but you too need to have a plan.
- Community college to learn business management, accounting, marketing, and proposal writing can be learned through low-cost academic programming.
- Evaluate your approach to transferring your current interest, credentials, and skills required and where to continue the technical learning.
- The competition is strong and having networking and communication skills can also be a plus.
Turning the Calendar
A new year, 2022, is here. Parents are back to their routine, working, serving as transportation, attending sporting and dance events, and, yes, stressing. We have learned a lot in the past 18-24 months. Help the next generations to understand the importance of education, community, and maintaining a sense of self. Help them find their WHY?
CALM THE WATERS – Are you feeling a sense of college paralysis? anxious? As a parent of four, having spent a career working with families, college and university administrators, I understand the complexity of planning for life after high school. If you need clarity and insights to your questions, tools to manage your work, or individual one-to-one assistance, reach out. Feel free to reach me by text or telephone at 617-240-7350 or email at tom@getcollegegoing.com.
by Tom O'Hare | Dec 10, 2021 | College Planning
We are pleased to share our thoughts and insights on everything college, before during, and after.
Planning the education to career path after high school begins early and planning is critical.
As parents of our own college students, now young adults with families of their own, we understand the challenges faced by family and work to provide guidance and advice.
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
August 2021
by Tom O'Hare | Dec 3, 2021 | College Planning, During & After - Just Thinking, Uncategorized
The joy of the holiday season is upon us all. Excitement and anticipation of the holiday season, the arrival of snow, and waiting to hear the reindeer land on the roof are what make December a wonderful time. For many, it is the exchanging of gifts, words of happiness exchanged with family, and blessings for those missing or silent.
The excitement holds for high school seniors and those restarting the education pathways. Anticipating the arrival of college admission decisions, offers of acceptance, and a merit scholarship can be more challenging than waiting to hear if one made the naughty or nice list. Hanging such notice on the refrigerator door can silence the age-old question, where are you going to college? The holiday break is also when college students return from campus, many for the first time since departing home. Parents await the arrival in hopes of good tidings and joy.
As we go to print, Admissions Departments at college and universities throughout New England and across the country are like Santa and his elves, busy at work making decisions on who will be part of the incoming Class of 2022. Counselors will be burning the midnight oil reviewing hundreds of applications, essays, and recommendations to deliver the all-important communication; Congratulations, you’ve been accepted! Keep listening for the bell!
May 2022 Graduates
What’s ahead – What’s the Plan?
Journey Beyond High school – College, work, blend of both, what’s the discussion at the dining room table. I currently have three groups of seniors in my private practice, all graduating in May of 2022, all following their paths of interest. They’re college-bound, attending an apprenticeship, and entering a technology position in the workforce. Today, the education to career pathway is opening up new options to meet the demands of family’s and society. As the Class of 2022 will tell you, whatever the direction, it’s essential to have a plan.
Exiting College – the graduating class of 2022 is gearing up for the most exciting time of a student college life, the Spring semester. Now and through the Spring semester, soon-to-be college graduates should take the time to kick start their job search and create a preliminary financial budget. Walking across the stage with a job in hand makes graduating even sweeter. Start networking, schedule information conversations, and seek out introductions to the hiring manager. Also, remember, if you financed your college experience through education loans, repayment begins six (6) months after you graduate!!
Have You Completed Your FAFSA?
If been writing about the FAFSA for the last few months. So, I’ll ask again. Have you completed and filed your FAFSA?
If you graduate high school this May 2022 and plan to continue your education at a 4YR college or university, Community College, Trade and Professional school, and need help with financing, completing the FAFSA is a must. If you are applying for scholarships or might have some skin in the game (take a low-interest federal loan) to pay tuition, room, board, and other costs, the FAFSA is a must for you. It takes 30minutes…The door opener to year 13th of your education journey!!
My First Semester Was a Blast
But what about your grades?
For sure, the holiday break is a time when new, first-year college students return home for the winter break anticipating good food, long naps, and reconnecting with friends. I’ve navigated the “how are you doing” conversation more than once as the parent of four. What I’ve learned (the hard way) is we need to have patience. Yes, it is incredibly vital to know how the new college student is doing, especially if assistance is necessary; however, cracking the shell may require time. Trust me. You can watch and listen to nonverbal, but try to avoid the Q & A session on the travels home from campus. They’re with you till January. http://www.getcollegegoing.com/semester-break-check-time/
Check List, Road Trips, and Crunching the Number
High school juniors and their parents have lots to do at this mid-point of the academic year. Consider these:
- Checking academic progress and seeking out extra help in a subject where potential can grow
- Discussing the world of opportunities; thoughts on the post-high school journey
- Sharpening the financing pencil; education savings, need for tuition assistance and credit
- Building, narrowing, and investigating college options, virtually and on the road
Take the Early Planning Quiz
Not to be forgotten, parents of middle school, ninth and tenth grades should be taking the time to begin road testing plans for the future. It is amazing how fast the calendar turns and before you know it, it’s cap and gown time. Are you ready? Take a short quiz.
- Are you saving for college at the pace needed to cover costs?
- What financing strategies – moves might apply to your family now, and in the next six months?
- What post-HS education pathway is your student leaning towards now?
- Is it time to boost academics through tutoring – academic coaching?
- How much is known about tuition assistance, and how it works at the college level?
Take the complete quiz – start here
Managing a Workforce
A lesser-known provision created through the CARES Act signed into law in March 2020 allows an employer to make up to $5,250 in student loan payments for an employee annually. Funds traditionally tied to tuition benefits for new educational courses can now shift in this new direction. Until 2025, funds reallocated to help employees with education loan debt are considered tax-free and excluded from employer payroll tax. So if you’re struggling to hire or retain employees, this might be your differentiator. https://finance.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/employer-pay-5-250-annually-190007628.html
Finally, in this season of giving, let’s all make a donation or two to a local non-profit or organization helping our citizens, next door or around the US.
