As I wrote last month, the current approach is the old way! Planning for college and career school after high school, or in our adult years, is no longer about finding the school first, applying and getting in, and then figuring out how to pay for it. Why? Well, let me ask you.
Known as the Enrollment Barrier1, students and families discover too late in the senior year of high school, when it’s crunch time to decide, and while enrolled in college or a career school, that they can make the payment. Families will take out a private education loan to cover the payment, which may carry a high interest rate if credit is a concern.
The New Reality is approaching the process of acquiring a college or career school education as one would purchase a first home, buy a car, or invest for retirement. Ask yourself, would you make one of these high-cost investments without first understanding the cost of the investment? What will the long-term cost be, especially if loans are involved? Do we have the financial resources to make the 1st year, 2nd-year, and subsequent payments? Are resources immediate, disposable income, savings, or a reliance on scholarships and need-based aid?
To determine your purchasing power, conduct a college or career funding assessment. What would your demonstrated need be if applying today, based on family income and assets? Would we qualify for merit scholarships, and what would the net process amount be? Then ask, where will the money come from, what’s the financing strategy?
Shopping without this critical knowledge does not preclude a student or a family from pursuing their dream. It means ensuring that the search, evaluation, cost comparison, selection, and enrollment are grounded in reality rather than hope and dreams, thereby protecting one’s personal and financial investment.
College Planning in March looks a little different for high school seniors than their counterparts in the lower grades.
Class of 2026 – Decision Season
The focus shifts from possibilities to which institution will be my next educational home.
- Watch for Admissions Decisions: All notifications should arrive in March or early April. Check your applicant portals frequently, as many schools no longer send physical mail.
- Compare Financial (Aid) Offers: Once you are accepted, you will receive a financial aid award letter. Review these carefully, comparing “net price” (what you actually pay) rather than just the scholarship amount.
- Visit Campuses: March and April are prime times to ask the hard questions to uncover the answers to the 5 Criteria to Say Yes. Go as a family to “Admitted Student Days” or through visits arranged by the Admission Counselor.
- Mid-April Decisions Due: Official deposit day is May 1, but to lessen stress, get it in on or before the deadline.
Class of 2027 – Launch Stage
If we’re heading to college or a career school after high school, it’s time to get serious.
- Spring Testing: This is a peak time for national testing. More and more colleges and universities are reinstating admissions requirements. The March SAT is a popular first attempt, allowing you to identify weak spots, obtain help, and plan retakes in May or June.
- Build Your List: Start narrowing down your “Stretch, Match, and Safety” schools. The aim is a balanced list of 10-15 by August. You should attend Open House events and schedule your own visits to evaluate your options.
- Draft a Résumé: A snapshot of your high school career to date, academics, activities, awards, and work—an important reference tool to share and demonstrate your uniqueness.
- Plan Summer Activities: Research internships, summer programs, or work. Admissions officers look for “meaningful engagement” during the summer before senior year.
The journey of finding and selecting a college or career school can be complex, daunting, and exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is how parents can simplify the process and lower the temperature:
1 Have the Money Talk before the search starts to qualify the aspect of purchasing a higher education
- Talk about the Process, Journey periodically, not every day. Too much can lead to burnout for students, parents, and guardians.
- Stay organized; use calendars to track appointments, visits, and especially admissions, financial, and scholarship deadlines.
- Need help, outsource the nudge using your high school counselor, testing, essay, or college adviser. Keep the student-parent relationship strong.
- Read the 10 Admissions “Secrets” Families Often Miss2 by Kate Sonnenberg
For retirement savings, we turn to a financial adviser; for buying a home, to a realtor; and for home remodeling, to contractors. Thinking of college & career school; how to pay, where to go, and how to get in, and managing education debt? That’s our lane, our expertise!
Schedule a free consultation or learn more at www.getcollegegoing.com