Over the past few months, I have spoken with students and parents, both individually and in groups, listening to their challenges and sharing my insights. Families and individuals included those with high school and college-age students, those about to graduate, and many already in the workforce.
I’ll share some insights addressing the four groups, but first, I want to share a brief testimonial from a dad of younger students. This dad, like me, is a planner. As I have written before, planning is critical to prepare for life after high school and before graduation. If you’re a parent of young kids, read on.
Young Family’s Insights
“I am big on planning, and I recently met with Tom to review/refine my plan, which has been extended for 10+ years. My wife and I have three children aged 3 to 8. We are currently pleased with our public elementary option, but we are always intrigued by the private option. Our oldest children are good athletes for their age, and as Tom highlighted, aptitude starts to develop in middle school. After talking, we sensed that a private middle school option might be best for our family. This will allow us to evaluate the quality, affordability, local high school options, and talents of our children. I am a product of public education from kindergarten to college, but I also recognize that standards are changing and that we want to position our children for success. Tom reinforced the importance of perseverance, learning to share space, and the value of planning financially (asset location). After sanity-checking my plan with Tom, I felt better and made the savings adjustments to hopefully realize our oldest child’s private middle school option”.
Thank you, Dad!
What’s happening in June
Congratulations to all fellow Geminis. June is extra special for me as I celebrate 45 years with the most wonderful, caring, and beautiful spouse and mother of my four kids… I’m blessed!!
A new wave of young adults is leaving college, some advancing to graduate school, and tweens who need to transfer after rethinking their first choice. However, the vast majority will be looking for their first real “adult” job. They will need your help to:
- Learn how to network to find work versus using Indeed
- How to understand employee benefits
- Understanding that internships or temp-to-hire can lead to full-time work
- The importance of creating a financial budget
- Embrace the start of their student loan payback
Don’t let the noise from Washington and the tremendous late-night bantering paralyze you from taking proactive steps to manage your student loan obligations. Repayment benefits through the federal government, private education loan providers, and, in some cases, employers are available to help all students and families.
Preparing for September
I’m 18 NOW – If you send a son to college or work at 18 or older, your student and family must be protected. They may always be young in your mind, but in the eyes of the legal, medical, and higher education world, they are on their own. Old enough to speak and advocate for themselves. Protecting them means having proper documentation, so you, as their parent, can continue to assist them in a safe and healthy growth.
Essay, College Options, Scholarships, and Applications
Snap your fingers, and we’re there. It’s time to apply to college. The list is down to 12, the writing is complete, and recommendations are in. We found and applied for scholarships based on our academic interests, hobbies, high school resumes, and family backgrounds. We have had numerous meetings with college admissions and toured campuses. We ran our financing numbers and understood how much we would need to pay.
Don’t pause during the summer. It is valuable college planning time!
Start a conversation if you need help with your 11th-grade checklist, calming the waters, managing education loan repayment, or hosting an on-site employee seminar. Call today!
Get College Going, a full-service education advising practice based on the North Shore, has been helping families manage the college process before, during, and after college for four decades. Learn more about how we are helping families and individuals find the right education pathway at the right school for the right reason at an affordable investment. Visit www.getcollegegoing.com to learn more.