Category Archives: college planning

admissions, college guidance, college planning, parenting

Is college just about ROI?

This week on #CampusChat there was a guest that informed us that college is a bad investment for a large percentage of teens. Granted, I could see her point (You can read the transcript here). Many teens aren’t ready for college. I agree it is important to counsel our teens on finding out what they love and guiding them along a career path. But is college truly all about ROI? Do we encourage our kids to go to college solely based on the fact that they will give us a good return on our investment?

It’s not that I don’t agree that college, for some, is a bad decision (Should everyone go to college?). Not because it’s a bad investment, but because they aren’t suited for it and would be happier pursuing other options. Should you go into massive debt for a liberal arts degree that leaves you unemployable? Absolutely not (Being realistic about college debt). But, could you get a liberal arts degree and in the process discover your passion? Absolutely.

If you ask both of my children if they thought college was about ROI, they would have different answers. My daughter would say that college for her was so much more than getting that degree and finding a job. She would say that it gave her life experiences. She would say that she found lifelong friends in college. She would say that her study abroad experience was invaluable. She would tell you that she learned about the business world doing internships related to her major. It was at college that she learned independence, budgeting, developed a strong work ethic, got an education, and basically grew up. And she would say that you can’t put a dollar amount on those four years.

My son, on the other hand, had a very different experience. He was not a good student in high school and didn’t show much interest in college, opting for a 4-year term of service in the Marines. After the Marines, he decided to go to college. For him, it was more about pushing himself to attain the degree and proving to himself that he was capable of that level of education. He attended community college for two years and transferred to a 4-year college to finish his degree among the top graduates in his major. And while he did incur some debt acquiring that degree, he would never say it was a waste of time and money or a poor return on investment even though he’s not working in a career related to his liberal arts major.

I’ve known smart kids who knew their career paths at an early age and got to college and failed. I’ve known average students without a clue of what they wanted to be, attend college, find their passion and excel. College opens up your mind, introduces you to experiences and submerges you in academia. Should you be wise about which college you choose and how much you pay for that education and life experience? Of course you should!

I admit. I’m a proponent of college. Perhaps it’s because I never had the opportunity to go. Perhaps it’s because my parents never encouraged me to go. Perhaps it’s because both my kids found value in two different educational paths. For me it’s so much more than ROI. Maybe I’m burying my head in the sand. But I still believe that a college education is something that has great value beyond its cost.

And that, my loyal readers, is one parent’s opinion!

admissions, college planning, parenting

Parents–Upcoming #CampusChat Topics

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I just received the agenda for the upcoming #CampusChat discussions. If you’re a parent of a college-bound teen (or even a parent of a college student), mark your calendars for some great information and some eye-opening realizations about college preparation.

#CampusChat is hosted by Kelly @collegevisit who is the founder of SmartCollegeVisit.com. She works hard to find guests that are timely and helpful in the college search process, and especially helpful for parents.

Here is a list of upcoming guests and topics (Wednesdays at 9PM EST):

11/3 – Carol Christen – “What Color is Your Parachute for Teens”

11/10 – Jeannie Borin – http://www.college-connections.com/

11/17 – Harlan Cohen – The Happiest Kid on Campus: A Parent’s Guide to the Very Best College Experience (for You and Your Child)

11/24 -Thanksgiving break-Happy Turkey Day!

12/01 – Tim Gasper, social media guru for Marquette University

12/08 – Maureen Tillman – http://www.collegewithconfidence.com/ (also writes for a regional NY Times news outlet)

admissions, college guidance, college planning, college visits

3 Reasons You Can't Miss CollegeWeekLive FALL

I just received an email from College Week Live that I wanted to share with my readers:


CollegeWeekLive FALL, the largest college fair, is your one stop shop for all things college admissions. Here are 3 reasons you need to take advantage of this free resource:

  1. Discover Schools: Over 300 colleges are participating in CollegeWeekLive FALL with virtual booths and online presentations. Research schools that interest you and discover schools that you may not have heard of. CollegeWeekLive FALL has it all.
  2. Find Scholarships: CollegeWeekLive FALL features a database of scholarships worth more than $2.5 Million. One lucky attendee will also be eligible for the CollegeWeekLive $10,000 scholarship just for logging in!
  3. Strengthen Your Application: Let our admissions experts guide you through the application process, including financial aid applications, college essays, test prep, and more. Attend live presentations to ask questions. Anything you miss you can catch on demand!

Login to CollegeWeekLive FALL on November 3rd and 4th for all this and more!

college guidance, college planning, parenting

Should everyone go to college?

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I read an article recently in The Atlantic: “In the Basement of the Ivory Tower“, that gave me some food for thought. It’s been on my mind for quite awhile, especially since I have a close friend who is a financial aid counselor at one of those infamous “for profit” colleges.

She would answer my leading question with a loud and emphatic, “NO”, based on her experience dealing with those who are not prepared to attend college and don’t understand the consequences of borrowing money that they can’t pay back. They have been convinced that without a college education, they can’t get a job or pursue a career. They’ve been told by someone that it doesn’t matter how much money you borrow as long as you get that degree. Once you get that degree you can earn enough money to pay back what you’ve borrowed. But we all know that’s not often the case.

In the above mentioned article, the English professor makes an interesting point:

America, ever-idealistic, seems wary of the vocational-education track. We are not comfortable limiting anyone’s options. Telling someone that college is not for him seems harsh and classist and British, as though we were sentencing him to a life in the coal mines. I sympathize with this stance; I subscribe to the American ideal.

Sending everyone under the sun to college is a noble initiative. Academia is all for it, naturally. Industry is all for it; some companies even help with tuition costs. Government is all for it; the truly needy have lots of opportunities for financial aid. The media applauds it—try to imagine someone speaking out against the idea. To oppose such a scheme of inclusion would be positively churlish.

I’ve come to realize that Americans truly are snobs. We brag about what we have and what we have obtained. Like it or not, we are a classist society. We snub our noses at those who haven’t been to college and brag heavily about our numerous degrees as if they are badges of honor. And while graduating from college is an accomplishment, so is learning a trade.

Often, we push our kids to attend college when we know it’s not for them. Why? Because we are a society that measures success by the number of degrees hanging on a wall or the dollar signs that can be found on our bank accounts. It is noble to dream big and education is always a noble goal. But so is being a plumber, a carpenter, a cosmetologist or a civil servant like a police officer or fireman.

What’s my point? My point is that you need to know your child. If they want to go to college and have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful there, then encourage them to go. But if they aren’t interested or motivated, save yourself some heartache, disappointment and money by letting them pursue a trade. There are so many fabulous careers out there that they can do without higher education. You will be happier, they will be happier and they will fill an important role in society. College really isn’t for everyone.

admissions, college guidance, college planning, parenting

Narrowing College Searches

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What college do you want to go to?— one of the most stressful conversation topics you and your child will ever have. While you want your child to stay close to home, they want to get as far away as possible. While you want your child to attend a 4-year public college because it’s cheaper, your child wants to enroll in a costly private university.

Much like choosing a wife or husband, your child’s school-of-choice will ultimately have long term effects. And, like when selecting a spouse, your child not only wants for it to be a perfect match, but secretly seeks for your approval. In the end your child will pick a school that he or she feels is best suited for them, but you can play an important role in the decision process –helping your child pick a school that’ll make the both of you content.  There are more than 7,000 higher education institutions in the U.S. and filtering through all the choices can be hectic. Here are some questions to discuss with your child to narrow down the options in the hopes of finding the perfect college for your child.

  1. While your child doesn’t initially need to know exactly what they want to major in, looking into their interest is a good start. Does your child enjoy art? Writing? Technology? Are they more focused on developing technical skills?
  2. What schools are tailored to meet your child’s needs and interests?
  3. What specific programs and sequences are offered at the school?
  4. Does your child want to attend a college that is close to home or out-of-state?
  5. What type of school would your child prefer? A small intimate college or a large university? Do they prefer a public or private school?
  6. Do they prefer to attend a school with a particular religious affiliation?
  7. Is the institution accredited and by which agency?
  8. What is the student/teacher ratio?
  9. Is it coed or single sex school?
  10. Is your child interested in online courses? Does the school offer them?
  11. Does your child want to participate in a specific extracurricular activity or sport? Which ones? And does the school offer these options?
  12. What kind of living arrangements would your child prefer? Does the school offer on campus and off campus housing? Would your child rather walk to class or drive?
  13. What’s the cost of tuition? This includes room and board, textbooks and miscellaneous expenses.
  14. Does the school offer financial aid or scholarships to help cover these costs?
  15. What else is important to you and your child? Does the school meet these additional concerns?

While most school Web sites, brochures and admission officers will answer most of your questions regarding the institution, College Navigator is also another good source to scour different colleges around the country.

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This guest post is contributed by Olivia Coleman, who writes on the topics related to online colleges and universities.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: olivia.coleman33@gmail.com.

college guidance, college planning, Uncategorized

Recent Grads Reveal College Regrets


Advice from those who have “been there and done that” is always valuable. I like talking to college students and recent graduates to find out what they might have done differently, as evidenced by a recent post on my blog written by a current student at Virginia Tech. Below are some thoughts from recent graduates whose advice can be helpful in planning for the future.

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Everyone’s college experience is different. We come from places far and near; we run in different social circles; we pursue different activities and classes and majors. No one college student can be at two, three, four places at once — not every sporting event or party or meeting or cookout. We just try to make the most of these four years and hope/wish/pray that they don’t fly by too fast.

But wouldn’t it be nice to hear what college grads have to say about their experiences? Their regrets, their proudest moments and their sage advice? We took a look back with four recent graduates:

JAIME JACKSON GILES

The 2003 Roanoke University alum recently received her master’s in education from Shenandoah University.

Biggest regret: “I wish I’d played sports.”
Giles was heavily involved in Greek life and the student-activities organization at Roanoke. “Yet I still wish I had pursued more, joined more clubs,” she says. “I played softball growing up as a kid, and I didn’t even try out for the club team when I got to college.” Giles also wishes she’d attended more sporting events. “You take a lot of the sports for granted while you’re there and then regret not going to watch more of your fellow students in action.”

Proudest accomplishment: “I let go of my fears.”
“I’ll always remember speaking at graduation,” says Giles. “It was an honor.” Of  course, she’s also proud of her master’s degree. “I think it represents how hard I’ve worked since graduating from Roanoke.”

Best advice: “Go to class!”
“Even if no one’s forcing you to, you’ve got to discipline yourself to go,” says Giles. Nevertheless, she stresses the importance of balancing work and play: “Instead of all that reading, go to a party instead because you’ll regret not going later.”

DAVID AMOS

After graduating from the University of Virginia in spring 2010, Amos is taking time off before law school.

Biggest regret: “I put things off.”
Typical traditions at UVA include streaking the famed lawn and touring Monticello, the home of founder Thomas Jefferson. “I spent too much time pushing all of those things off into an ‘I’ll do it later’ category,” says Amos. Clearly, he can still pursue those things (hopefully not the streaking) … but not as a student.

Proudest accomplishment: “I took some risks.”
Amos is most proud of getting accepted to UVA’s McIntire Commerce School (currently ranked second among undergraduate business schools), as well as running for the Commerce School presidency — even though he lost by a measly three votes. “I’m obviously not happy I lost, but I was proud of being part of the UVA student government process.”

Best advice: “Have fun!”
Enjoy the college experience while you can, says Amos: “Grades will matter for the next three years. Memories will be with you for the rest of your life.” And to all of you new UVA Cavaliers reading this, he offers a few more words of wisdom: “Hate Virginia Tech with a passion.” Kidding, of course … but not really.

LEIA VACHON

The 2008 Appalachian State grad is currently working but has dreams of becoming a missionary.

Biggest regret: “I wasted time not pursuing my passion.”
“I ended up taking part in a lot of activities during my time at App,” says Vachon. “I tried to take advantage of every day and make it exciting.” But she wishes she’d spent more time during her first years on campus doing what she wanted to do. “I pledged a sorority but then deactivated because I realized it just wasn’t for me. Then, in my last couple of years, I became really involved in the campus ministry — and loved every second of it, meeting some of my best friends.”

Proudest accomplishment: “I learned to effectively multitask.”
Balancing her various extracurriculars, keeping up a high GPA and earning her degree by double-majoring in public relations and business was quite a feat for Vachon. “I feel like I had a well-rounded, rich college experience,” she says. “I’m very proud of what I achieved — and want to use what I learned to do bigger and better things in the future.”

Best advice: “Soak up every minute of it.”
“Enjoy every new day you have! Count each one as a blessing, and try to live life to the fullest,” Vachon says. “Meet new people, take cool classes, get involved, but also take time for yourself once in a while.”

CHARLES MILLER

The 2010 University of Virginia grad is taking time off before medical school.

Biggest regret: “I did way too much.”
While many students advise making the most of your time in college, Miller might have been too involved. He was a member of a fraternity, competed as a top player on the club tennis team, conducted countless hours as a research assistant, volunteered at UVA Hospital — often late at night and on weekends. “I wish I had just focused more on the moment, on being a student,” says Miller. “It’s important not to spread yourself too thin. There are so many hassles to deal with after college that you shouldn’t be worrying about them while you’re there.”

Proudest accomplishment: “I got into med school.”
“I’m thrilled I was accepted,” says Miller. “It’s tangible proof of all the hard work I put in during my time at UVA.”

Best advice: “Do what makes you happy.”
Says Miller: “That’s the biggest piece of advice I can offer — and probably the most useful you will hear.”

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This article was written by David Replogle at The Real College Guide and  is made available to Parents Countdown to College Coach through a partnership with The Real College Guide.

college costs, college planning, parenting, Uncategorized

That all-important "money talk"

money talk
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

It’s never too early to talk to your teens about college costs and what is expected of them once they take that much anticipated journey. If they understand the family’s financial situation and know what they will be expected to contribute towards college costs, they can start planning ahead by working dur thing the summers and saving (Note: just make sure they put those savin

According to a recent article in the Sacramento Bee about talking with your kids about college costs, kids are acutely aware of their need to contribute :

Despite the continuing cloudy economic forecast, one thing is crystal-clear: College costs continue to climb. And it’s made many students acutely aware. In a recent Fidelity Investments online survey of U.S. high school seniors, a majority said saving for education was “overwhelming.” Good news for parents: 94 percent of students were willing to pay for at least some of their college costs; 56 percent of those said their share should be half.
When having the conversation, however, make sure it’s just that–not a lecture. Approach it as a collaborative discussion and use this as a start to helping your teen understand the importance of budgeting and “needs vs wants”.  Here are just a few bullet points highlighted in the above mentioned article:
  • Start off by making sure your teen knows what a “need” is and what a “want” is in relation to college costs. For some teens, all wants are needs. This is the time to nail the definition down and clarify it in their minds.
  • Decide just who will be paying for each college expense. Every family is different but it’s important to make this clear from the very beginning so that there won’t be any surprises.
  • Use a budget worksheet and understand ALL college expenses. Don’t just assume that tuition, room and board will cover it.

When your teens contribute to the costs of their education, they will be more invested in their success. They will also learn valuable budgeting lessons that will stick with them past college and into adulthood. You’re doing your teen a disservice if you don’t involve them in the college financial discussions. They need to be active participants in the decisions and also play an active part in paying for that high-cost college education.

Many of the college debt disasters in the news recently might have been avoided if the parents had sat down with their teens and had the “money talk”. Don’t let your teen walk across that stage at graduation and be clueless as to how to budget and be a financially responsible adult. It’s your job as a parent college coach to prepare them for a financially stable future.

If you liked this post, you might also like to read:

admissions, college guidance, college planning

IvyAlly-Helping in the admissions process

We have talked to many parents, and have heard the same problem expressed repeatedly.  A father of four whose eldest daughter had just finished her freshman year in high school explained, “I don’t know what I don’t know.” 

For some, this sentiment came from an appreciation that the application process has evolved drastically, becoming more competitive and comprehensive.  Others had not gone to college themselves and had no intimate experience to draw upon.  Still others had gone to public universities with different criteria for acceptance and were unsure if their advice would be as applicable and helpful to more selective institutions.

IvyAlly was built around the idea that no one has the insight, experience, or recollection of how to get accepted into elite universities than those students who have just crossed the chasm and are now attending the school of their dreams.

We are a community of over 40 current Ivy League students looking to help others in the admissions process.  More importantly, we are 40 individuals that demonstrate how diverse and unique the path to acceptance can be.  

Our mission is to level the playing field in the college admissions process.  Before, high school students had to rely on their own networks to receive advice.  Worse, professional services priced many families out costing hundreds to thousands of dollars.  We want to change this reality by providing affordable resources.

We have created our resources by talking to current college students and asking them what they wished they had as resources during the college application process.  We have also met with high school students for advice and feedback.  For example, we will be launching a new series titled 500 Words.  Each week, one of our Mentors will upload one of their admissions essays and film a short segment, about 5 minutes long, talking about their individual writing process, how they chose the topic, and what they like and dislike about the essay.  For more information about all of our resources, check out our site: www.ivyally.com.  

Feel free to contact me at stephanserrano@ivyally.com with any questions regarding the college application and selection process. 

–PARENT DISCOUNT CODE–

Use this code: PARENTSCOUNT and get a 20% discount

admissions, college guidance, college planning, college visits, financial aid

My Top Favs from the Top 100

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CollegeScholarships.org recently posted a list of the Top 100 Education advice blogs, of which I am proud to say my Parents Countdown to College Coach blog was #5 on the list. If you’re a parent of a college-bound teen you should take some time to peruse the list and check out the valuable information provided on each of the blogs. Bookmark the page and keep it in your favorites folder for future reference. Some of MY FAVORITES were on the list as well:

9. The Word-Nerd – “I’ve been an SAT tutor off and on for over 10 years,” writes Jenn Cohen, President & Chief Word-Nerd. “My husband, Gary and I started Word-Nerd because I wasn’t happy with what was available to my students for vocabulary prep, so we did it ourselves!  We hit a range of topics from SAT prep tips to college admissions to general rambling about the state of education, all with the aim of not taking ourselves (or college prep) too seriously.” Recommended posts: “Practical advice for choosing a college” and “What does my SAT score mean?”

23. My College Guide –  This entertaining-yet-still-educational blog advises college students on how to prepare for college. Categories include choosing a college and/or a major, college applications and interviews, or transferring to a different school. Recommended posts: “Choosing a College Major You Can Live With” and “The College Letter of Recommendation Is Not My Grandma Thinks I’m Wonderful”

48. College Blogaversity -“I write my blog to take a different twist to what everyone else in my field is saying,” explains Paul Hemphill. “The fact that I have videos with my blog makes my point. Videos are easier to do and easier to receive from the perspective of the viewer. As a result, students will more likely view my message than someone else’s who doesn’t use video.” Recommended posts: “College Double Major: Waste of Effort, Money, and Time” and “Community College – The Vital Alternative.”

73. College Admissions –  Blogger Jeannie Borin, M.Ed, has an extensive educational background having served as counselor, school administrator, admissions director, teacher and curriculum supervisor for over twenty years in both the public and private sectors. Her affiliation with the National and Western Association of College Admissions Counselors as well as the Higher Educational Consultants Association keeps her on the forefront of innovative and current trends in college admissions and education.” She is also the Founder and President of the Los Angeles based independent college counseling firm College Connections, and writes for two other blogs: College Connections and Jeannie’s FYI College Admissions Blog. Recommended posts: “Tips For The College Fair” and “What to Do When Colleges ACCEPT You.”

56. Smart College Visit – The specific goal of this blog is to help college-bound students prepare for their future campus visit. Parents could also find some helpful advice from these articles, which range from academic programs, travel tips, and how to become a successful entrepreneur. Recommended posts: “Women Entrepreneurs on College Visits – 10 Questions to Ask,” “Student-to-Student: Questions to ask on a College Visit” and “Information Overload.”

Thanks CollegeScholarships.org for compiling such a great list!

college guidance, college planning, Uncategorized

10 Tips for College Survival

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The students at Harvard will tell you that “getting in” is the hard part. But with so many freshmen, the first semester is even harder. Here are some tips that might help your college-bound teen survive and thrive.

1. Read the requirements

Graduation might be years away, but credit catastrophes begin early on. Check in with your advisor at the start of each semester to make sure you’re on track to meet the minimum.

2. Read the syllabus

Especially the part where profs break down your grade. Knowing that attendance equals 20 percent may motivate you to actually make it to class. Final exam worth 40 percent? Better crack down for that test.

3. Dress code

Wear real clothes instead of sloppy pj’s to your 8 a.m. class to let your prof know you’re serious about your studies. Bonus: It gives your brain a wake-up boost.

4. Secure your stuff

Protect your privacy, from personal IM convos to term papers, with tricky passwords that lock out access to your computer when you’re gone. And set verbal boundaries to keep your roommate away from your keys.

5. Yearn to intern?

For a fall internship, search and apply long before the leaves start changing. Do it now! For spring, apply by December. For summer, apply by March.

6. Strategize for studying abroad

Plan your schedule around a semester away, saving electives and nonmajor classes for then. Some programs even offer location-specific courses. You don’t want to miss out!

7. Network now

Professors and friends you’re meeting now could help you land your dream job later. Start a personal address book, on paper or online — it may come in handy even after graduation.

8. Stay safe after dark

When walking on or off campus at night, use the buddy system. Avoid distractions, like wearing iPods or talking on the phone, and be constantly aware of your surroundings.

9. Be your own study buddy

Test different methods of studying — from reading out loud to rewriting or even highlighting notes. Find the perfect fit and make it stick.

10. Pad your resume

Just like college admission officers, employers like well-rounded new hires. Being a fellow member on Greek row doesn’t hurt, but be sure to sign up for a variety of extracurrix.

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These Tips are from the editors at The Real College Guide. This article is made available to Parents Countdown to College Coach through a partnership with The Real College Guide.