Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the last week or so, you’re probably aware of the college cheating scandal now known as #VarsityBlues. Some over-anxious parents found it necessary to pay what they call “bribes” to get their students into what they call “prestigious colleges”. My only question: when will this end?
When will parents stop worrying about WHERE their student goes to college versus WHY they go to college? It’s just as bad to dictate your student’s college choice as it is to assure they get in to the college of your choice.
This is nothing new. Parents have been “paying” for their students to go to brand name colleges for years. They donate huge amounts to colleges to secure a spot for their student. They pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to elite coaching companies to assure admission to an Ivy League university.
The Tiger Mom approach
Years ago, there was quite an uproar among parents regarding a Wall Street Journal piece, “Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior” by Amy Chua, a professor at Yale University. In an excerpt from Chua’s new book “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother”, Chua writes about her quest to assure her children attend an Ivy League college:
Here are some things my daughters, Sophia and Louisa, were never allowed to do:
attend a sleepover
have a playdate
be in a school play
complain about not being in a school play
watch TV or play computer games
choose their own extracurricular activities
get any grade less than an A
not be the No. 1 student in every subject except gym and drama
play any instrument other than the piano or violin
not play the piano or violin.
Does that sound a bit harsh? It does to most parents. Although Ms. Chua
does have a point when it comes to parenting without excuse, there are varying
opinions concerning Ms. Chua’s attitude over the way Western parents do not
take a strict approach in pushing their kids toward the “best”
colleges.
What are the
“best” colleges?
Many parents and educators will tell you they are the Ivies. Others will say they are the ones with the most selective admissions process. Many parents today will insist to paid college counselors that their student can only apply to these schools. It’s not about the fit, but it’s about bragging rights and prestige. Can I brag about my student on Facebook, to other parents and to my colleagues. You don’t believe? Just ask those people who do this for a living–I’ve heard this time and time again.
Are these selective colleges best for your student?
Many parents, college admissions counselors, and educators believe they do. They see these colleges as necessities in providing students with a good job after graduation, opening doors because of the alumni network, and the value of a college name when you venture out into the world.
Why pay for your student to attend a selective college?
You shouldn’t. If you feel the need to seek college counseling help, it should be from someone who has your student’s best interest at heart–not yours! One of my colleagues is so convinced of this, he placed this statement on his website:
“If you prefer personal coaching, I do NOT work with families whose only purpose is to get their child into an Ivy League school, or one that reflects the parent’s need to validate themselves through their children.”Https://www.studentbrandstrategy.com/about
What are the “best” colleges?
In my opinion, the “best” colleges are the ones that will give your student a good education at an affordable price: and one that your student chooses as a good fit for them. There are networking opportunities at every college AND the connections your child makes while in college can be made at any university. As in life, college is what you make of it. If your child takes advantage of the education, the networking opportunities, and works at internships during college, graduation will yield job opportunities. Not every family can afford an Ivy League education. Not every student (in spite of Amy Chua’s beliefs) wants or needs to go there.
If you have to rely on a college name to get ahead in life then I fear
you are missing the entire point of education.
San Diego Union Tribune https://www.gocomics.com/stevebreen/2019/03/13
Here are additional articles that might add to the discussion and help us zero in on the real problem in college admissions:
When your student starts the college search process it’s easy to become overwhelmed and focus completely on the task at hand. First there are the visits, then you compare colleges, then you begin working on the applications that include the essay, and finally completing the FAFSA to qualify for financial aid. With all these tasks at hand, and a focus on academics and test scores, it’s not surprising that many forget to evaluate themselves for other important skill sets. Without these skills, all your preparation and hard work to get accepted will leave you ill-prepared for college life. Is your student prepared for college?
Financial skills
When your student heads off to college there will be many financial decisions they need to make, beginning with how much student loan debt they are willing to incur. Use loan repayment calculators to determine the amount of re-payments after graduation and use these figures to make wise decisions about loans. They will also need to know how to budget their money in regards to other college costs such as books, living expenses and entertainment. Add to that the knowledge of credit card rates and how easily it is to fall into debt using them for simple things such as pizza. Many students graduate from college with over $10,000 in credit card debt.
Social skills
If your student is headed off to college to hook up with the party scene, they are in for a rude awakening when their first semester grades are released. Many students forget that partying affects their study time and class attendance. If they are exhausted from partying the night before, they are less likely to get up for that early class. Recognize that while making friends and enjoying the social scene are necessary for their overall satisfaction of the college experience, they should not forget the reason they came to college: to get an education. Discuss with them how to balance their social life with their academic life before they leave in the fall.
Academic skills
College is not like high school. Professors expect that your student do their assignments and they don’t check up on you if you don’t. Coming to college with refined study and organization skills will help your student adjust to the rigorous course requirements of a college degree program. Managing their time is also important as it relates to class assignments, studying for tests and preparing term papers.
Mental skills
College life produces a whole new set of mental and emotional problems. Many students face homesickness early and should recognize that those feelings are normal. They should go to college with the skills needed to cope with stress and the feeling of loneliness that often occurs. Recognize that all these factors contribute to their overall mental health and know beforehand where they can find help if they need it.
Problem solving
skills
College is no different than life—obstacles occur on a daily basis and you will need the skills to deal with those obstacles. Your student will be confronted with conflict and should know how to resolve that conflict, either by themselves or with a mediator (such as an RA or student advisor). They will face situations that require them to advocate and they should be comfortable doing this before they head off to college and become completely independent.
So much time is spent preparing for the actual college choice and application that very little time and effort goes into prepping for these valuable life skills. They may be prepared for the academic rigors of college, but neglecting to prepare for all the other aspects of college life might affect your success and ultimate degree completion. It’s your role as a parent to make sure they have these skills before they leave for college.
Keep these questions in mind as you plan your next college visits and
take the time to schedule an appointment with the school’s office of financial
aid.
1. What are your
financial aid deadlines?
In addition to deadlines for the standard financial aid applications: the
Free Application
for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and PROFILE, the financial aid application
service of the College Board, colleges may also have their own deadlines and
forms. Be sure to ask if the school’s financial aid forms are different for
need-based and merit-based aid when the deadlines are. Note many schools have
declared March 1 as their priority filing date for financial aid. Be sure to
confirm each school’s priority filing dates.
2. What is your Cost of Attendance (COA) for the current year?
There are precisely six components to a college student’s complete
budget:
Tuition
Fees
Room and Board
College Textbooks and Supplies
Personal expenses
Transportation
Many proposed budgets only include Direct Costs (which are the first three items listed) and typically what you will pay directly to the bursar’s office. However, the U. S. Department of Education requires that colleges fully inform you as to all of the above costs, so find out specifically what those amounts are to establish a complete budget for college expenses.
3. How much of an increase in the COA do you project for next year?
When you ask this question, be sure to request the specifics related to
each cost component. Tuition and Room and Board increases are independent of
each other. For example, one school may expect an increase of 5 percent in
tuition and fees, but a 10 percent increase in Room and Board. This information
will help with budgeting but also gives the financial aid officer the
impression that you are an informed parent.
4. Are you able to meet 100 percent of financial need?
If they say “No,” find out why, and get details. Is the policy
based on “first come, first served?” What’s the average percentage of
need the school can meet? What percentage is in the form of grants and how much
is in the form of loans? Is there a dollar amount left
as a gap (unmet need) for everyone? Do they include Parent Loans (PLUS) in the aid package?
(Note: They shouldn’t do this…those loans are to be used for your EFC-Expected Family Contribution, not for meeting
the financial need of the student.)
5. Do you offer Merit Scholarships, and how do you treat private scholarships awarded to the student?
If a Merit Scholarship is being awarded, it normally goes into the
financial aid package first, reducing the amount of need-based aid. Find out if
a merit award reduces the self-help in the package, or if it replaces other
need-based grants. A true Merit Scholarship can go beyond the “need”
level, which means that it can lower your EFC.
It’s a jungle out there–cluttered with all kinds of college advice. How does a parent hack through the massive amounts of advice and find what they need with confidence? It’s not easy. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of college help websites, Facebook groups, YouTube channels and more offering paid and unpaid advice about college.
There are five experts I turn to when I need added advice about all things college:
Debbie Schwartz-admissions/financial aid
Debbie Schwartz founded Road2College in 2016 to educate families about college admissions and empower smarter college financial decisions. Her facebook group has a huge following with parents and experts sharing advice about paying for college and finding colleges with the best merit aid.
With all the scholarship search sites and information out there, you need someone to help your student WIN the scholarships they are eligible for. Monica fits that bill. She successfully helped her son graduate debt-free with $100,000 worth of scholarships by using her unique method of packaging the scholarship application. She knows her stuff and she knows what you need to know to make the scholarship application process successful.
Perhaps the most complicated aspect of the college application process is financial aid. Jodi has experience in this area from working in a college’s financial aid department. She has advice related to the FAFSA, student loans, financing college and helping your student budget for college. If you have a financial aid question, Jodi knows the answer.
I love Ethan’s information because he knows what he is talking about and much of it is free to anyone who takes the time to browse his website. He offers samples of essays, tips for writing them, brainstorming ideas and more. He also provides personalized help with the essay and web training for students as well. You can’t go wrong by using Ethan’s expertise and he even has a “pay what you can afford” option for his seminars. What could be better?
If you have a learning disabled student or simply a student who can’t seem to focus on preparing for standardized tests, Jenn is the expert. Her unique method of coaching not only helps prepare your student for the test, but she helps them learn study habits to help with more than test prep. Jenn has the training and the experience to help your student do their best on any of the standardized tests. Plus, she’s a Duke alumini and proud of it!
Disclaimer: I don’t receive any fee or commission for recommending these experts. These are simply my own “go to” experts when I have a question or need to collaborate in any of these areas of college prep. I trust them implicitly and you can too!
When parents and students enter the college-bound process,
issues arise. It’s the inevitable clash of what parents think is best for their
kids, and what the kids want. Over the past 18 years the clashes have been over
such things as food, friends and entertainment choices. As college approaches,
the parent-student conflict intensifies.
Following are six areas that typically cause conflict along with some advice on how to handle it and work toward a compromise.
1. Junior college vs
4-year college
Parents often approach the college prep process from a
financial standpoint; students do. They make their decisions based on all types
of criteria that might not seem logical to parents: location, campus
activities, the look of the campus, friends, and even popularity of the college
with their peers. While those aren’t necessarily the best criteria, they should
play into their final decisions.
Here are just a few questions to consider:
Would a
4-year college be better for your student?
If your student is independent and knows
what he wants, a 4-year college might indeed be the best choice. Students who
are focused and are ready to pursue a specific major can benefit from attending
a 4-year college starting with their freshman year.
Could you
justify a 4-year college if it was more affordable?
Although junior college is more affordable
based on cost for credit hours, there are other factors to consider. For
instance, scholarships are more readily available to incoming freshmen than to
transfer students. Financial aid awards could be enough to offset the higher
tuition fees.
Does your student understand the benefits of junior college?
Perhaps the greatest benefit of attending a
junior college is getting the basics out of the way, especially if they are
unsure about a major. The financial benefits can be great as well, especially
if the student lives at home and works while attending.
Is it possible to reach a compromise?
Talk with your student and make an effort to
understand their reasons for wanting to attend a 4-year college. Be open to the
possibility. Explain your concerns about cost and going to college without a
decided major. A compromise might be for them to take courses over the summer
before college and get a few of the basics out of the way.
2. A profitable major
vs a major that embraces their passions
Parents think logically—they want their kids to graduate and
be able to secure a job that pays well and has future career advancement
possibilities. While there is nothing wrong with that line of thinking, their
kids want to study something that interests them.
Have you considered these realities?
Your
child would be more likely to embrace college if he has a passion for what he
is studying.
Statistics show that nearly half of all
college students drop out before receiving a degree. If your student is
pursuing something he is passionate about, the likelihood of him sticking it
out for 4 years is much higher than if he is pursuing a major that doesn’t
interest him simply because he will be more employable after graduation.
There are
lucrative majors that embrace all areas of interest and could be a good
compromise.
Investigate majors and research the ones
that have a good rate of return. Encourage your child to look at the degree
plans and perhaps add a minor to their degree embracing their passions. Some
colleges even allow students to create their own degree plans, choosing courses
that interest them and pertain to their areas of study.
Those who
are happiest in life have careers that they are passionate about.
Of course you want your child to be
successful and be able to make a living. But even though they get a job after
graduation that pays well, it doesn’t guarantee they will stick with it,
especially if it is not something they are passionate about.
Explaining
the consequences of choosing a major that’s unemployable might help your child
understand why you are concerned.
Graduating with debt and being unemployable
is a big concern for parents. But your student may not understand the
consequences of their decision. Its four years down the road and all they see
is dollar signs because they have a college degree. Encourage them to do some
research on the major they are considering and the expected salary and hiring
potential after graduation. It just might open their eyes and help them move
toward a more logical major.
3. Extracurricular
activities vs free time
Parents look at the big picture. Students focus on the “here
and now”. It’s hard for teenagers to comprehend the importance of proper
planning and preparation. They want to enjoy high school and not be pressed day
in and day out to focus on the future. It’s a delicate balance between applying
themselves, managing their time and enjoying their free time.
With a few simple tactics you and your teen should be able
to reach a compromise:
Set
aside time each day to work on college related activities.
Parents who are over achievers expect the
same from their student. But all work and no play makes for a very stressed out
teenager. Make a plan with them to spend x amount of time each day on
college-related activities. Once they complete their daily tasks, you will feel
better about letting them have some free time.
Encourage
your teen to focus on one activity throughout high school.
Many parents think that piling on the
extracurriculars during high school will impress college admissions officers.
But it’s not entirely true. Colleges are looking for focused applicants. They
are much more impressed with a student who has devoted four years in high
school to one particular activity than one who has piled them on just to
impress. Consistency is more appealing than numbers.
Allow
your teen time to have fun while helping them to find balance.
Teaching your teen to balance their time
will go a long way in helping them to manage their time in college. Students
who know how to keep a balance between studying and social activities do much
better in a college environment. Help them prioritize their activities.
Work with
them to establish goals and the steps needed to reach them.
Before they leave for college, students need
to know how to set goals and how to take steps to fulfill them. Help them make
a list of goals, both short term and long term, and encourage them to evaluate
those goals on a regular basis adjusting their time to stay on track.
4. Hand holding vs a
quest for independence
Perhaps the most difficult part of parenting a college-bound
teen is when to help and when to let them take the reins. It’s hard because for
the past 18 years we have been in control. Relinquishing control over such a
critical process in their life is harder than you might imagine. Looking at the
process from the college’s standpoint, the student needs to own the process.
They will be the one going to college and they should be the one making the
decisions. But you can certainly guide, encourage and offer help when asked.
Parents can help with
these tasks:
Staying organized-keeping track of deadlines and test dates.
Explaining the financial plan-discuss what you will pay and what you expect them to pay toward college.
Providing documents as needed, especially concerning financial aid.
Offering advice about college choices-offer advice but don’t dictate choices based on your preferences.
Accompanying them on college visits- listen to their likes and dislikes afterwards while staying objective.
Providing tutoring help if needed.
Help with studying for standardized tests.
Guide them with the final decision helping them take into account financial aid awards
Help with locating scholarships.
Parents should let
their student take the lead with these tasks:
Compiling a list of college choices
Talking during college visits and interviews
Communicating with colleges via email, social media, and telephone
Gathering letters of recommendation
Applying for scholarships
Completing the application
Completing the FAFSA
Making the final decision
5. Gap year vs going
straight to college
Parents cringe when their teens bring up the gap year. The
concept seems like procrastination and parents fear that once out of school,
the student may never go to college at all. Taking a year off to lie around and
do nothing is never an acceptable option. But taking a year off with a focused
purpose might be what’s best for your teen.
Before you put your foot down and forbid them to do this,
consider the reasons a gap year might be beneficial:
They
could use the time to pursue career interests.
A gap year could be the perfect time for
your student to learn more about specific careers that would help them choose a
major. Internships and apprenticeships during the year could provide them with
more information about the types of education needed and the specific degree
plan best suited to their chosen career.
They
could take the time to travel and work abroad.
Taking a year off to travel and work abroad
can be beneficial when they do attend college. Being exposed to different
cultures and getting to see the world helps them in their future careers. There
are many programs
that offer students the opportunity to work while abroad and some that offer
them the opportunity to volunteer for room and board. Scholarships are also
available as well.
They
could simply use the time to mature and gain focus.
Many high school graduates simply aren’t
mature and focused enough to attend college. Taking a year off means a year to
grow and mature. But it should never be used to sit around the house, play
video games, and hang out with friends. A gap year, to help with maturity and
focus, should always include a plan such as working part-time while taking a
few courses at the local community college.
Work full
time to save money for college.
For many students, working full time for a
year will help them save money for college expenses. It’s definitely something
to consider, especially if this money would be used to avoid taking out student
loans.
Parents should understand that college right after high school is not the best path for every teen. There are other alternatives, even ones that could include taking a course or two at a community college. The most important role for parents is to help their teenager find a path to success.
6. Considering alternatives to college
In a recent article I wrote for Collegiate Parent, Alternatives to Traditional College, I explained that not every student is meant to take the 4-year college path:
“When my son was a senior in high school, he had no idea what he wanted to do after graduation. College seemed out of reach and of very little interest since he coasted through high school on the bare minimum of effort. His involvement in NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps) in high school led him toward the military option. When he left for boot camp after graduation, he was happy with his decision to avoid the traditional college route.
My daughter, on the other hand, knew she wanted to go to college and where she wanted to go. When she graduated and left for college in the fall, she was content with her decision and looked forward to four years of education.
Each of my children chose a different path. If I had forced my son to attend college it would have ended badly. If I had pressured my daughter to join the military, it would have been a disaster. But since I let them decide for themselves and didn’t push them in any one direction, they found the paths that were right for them.”
While a college degree is an impressive achievement and has undisputed value, it’s not for everyone. There are many meaningful paths after high school graduation that don’t include a traditional four-year college experience. If your student is vacillating about going to college, or is currently in college but regrets the decision, don’t panic. Your student may need to follow one of these alternative paths.
Parents and teens take on new roles during the college prep
process. The parents are attempting to let go and trust that the decisions made
will be the best ones. The teens are attempting to exert their independence and
make their own decisions. As senior year progresses, teens should move toward
independence and parents should relinquish control and trust their teens to act
as they have been taught over the last 18 years. It’s not easy, but the ideal
situation is parents guiding their teens to become independent, self-advocating
adults.
With many students overburdened with debt after graduation and parents stretching to pay for college beyond their ability to repay, it makes sense to plan ahead and know your options before making a decision about college. The College Board at FinAid.org provides parents and students with several different college cost calculators to help families plan for college costs.
The three most commonly
used calculators are as follows:
College Cost
Projector
Since college costs
increase at about twice the inflation rate, this calculator helps project how
much college will cost when you are ready to enroll. In order to calculate the costs,
you would enter the current costs of attendance and the number of years until
attendance. The calculator then projects the estimated cost.
EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
Calculator
This form is used to
calculate the financial need which is used by colleges to determine the
financial aid package. It calculates the need for a single year and helps you
know in advance the amount colleges will expect you to pay toward your college
education. This figure will also determine the amount of financial aid you
receive.
Loan Repayment
Calculator
This calculator computes
an estimate of the size of your monthly loan payments and the annual salary
required to manage them. Students should always calculate the loan repayment
amounts before taking on loans that they are unable to repay upon graduation.
Once calculated, this tool gives you an estimated annual salary needed to
afford repayment.
FinAid.org also offers many more calculators that can help you plan and budget for college. Here’s the extensive list with links:
(Privacy guarantee: None of the information you enter in these calculators will be saved, and no record of your sessions will be stored anywhere.)
It is always wise to
know your college costs before you make a college choice. Knowing these figures
also helps you when evaluating financial aid packages and comparing the various
offers from the colleges you are considering.
If you’re a parent with a college-bound teen you might be feeling just a bit overwhelmed. With tuition costs rising and many colleges reducing their financial aid packages, it’s easy to wonder if you’ll be able to afford that hefty college price tag and focus on college sticker shock. Whether you are looking at fall college admission payments coming due, or you have several years to go before forking over the cash, you’ll appreciate these simple cost savings tips.
Encourage your teen to search and apply for scholarships. There are all types of scholarships available for all types of students at all ages and education levels. Summer is the perfect time to search and apply, thus conquering summer boredom.
Get college credit early with AP exams. If your teen is enrolled in high school AP courses, make sure they take the AP exams. If they score well, they will receive college credit, which can save you thousands of dollars in tuition alone.
Don’t discount private universities. Your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) will be the same no matter which college your teen attends. Private universities often have substantial alumni donors and also have the largest aid packages with many paying the total cost of tuition.
Consider programs
that provide funds during college in exchange for a service commitment. These
programs such as ROTC, AmeriCorps, VISTA and
the Peace Corps offer tuition reimbursement, stipends and also provide an
opportunity to serve.
Apply for financial
aid even if you don’t think you will qualify. Every family should
complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Every college
uses this form to distribute need-based and non-need based aid. Even if you
don’t qualify for need-based aid, your teen might qualify for an academic
campus-based scholarship.
Be a penny pincher. You
can save big bucks on textbooks, computers, meal plans, dorm furnishings and
transportation. Investigate alternatives to paying top dollar for new items and
save on second-hand items.
Encourage your teen
to take summer classes at your local community college. The
cost for these courses will be substantially less that at a four-year
university. However, make sure that these credits will transfer to your teen’s
chosen college upon completion.
Before your teen heads off to college, create a simple budget that will
help your teen and your family plan for college-related expenditures. These
simple college cost savings tips should help you save a large chunk of change;
and in today’s economy, every dollar counts.
The National Center for Education Statistics requisitioned a study that followed the attainment and persistence rates of a nationally representative sample of 19,000 American students, following them over the past six years.
The report found that within six years of enrollment:
35
percent of students had not received any type of degree and were no longer
enrolled at any institution
46
percent of students who initially enrolled in two-year institutions did not
receive any type of degree and were no longer enrolled at any institution
50
percent of students who enrolled in a four-year college did not attain a degree
from that college
These statistics show that there is a significant amount of students who enter college and do not attain a degree. What can be done to assure that you don’t become one of those college dropout statistics?
1. Research
colleges and majors before applying—It’s just plain smart to do the
research and know why and where you want to go to college. Refine your list of
choices to include the colleges that offer the academic program that suits your
interests and the college setting and faculty that you feel most comfortable
with and could see yourself flourishing in that environment.
2. Study the
cost of attendance and know your financial aid options—Before you choose a
college, make sure you can pay for it and that you’re comfortable with repaying
any loans you secure to finance it. Verify that your scholarships will be
available for the course of your enrollment and what requirements need to be
met to keep them. Do some calculations that show you the true cost of
attendance using college cost calculators.
3. Find the “perfect fit” college—If you feel like you fit at the college you are attending, you will be more likely to stay and complete your degree. That perfect fit means that you want to be there AND the college values you and wants you there as well.
4. Be invested
in the process—If college is your goal, you need to be invested in the
process. Contribute to the education financially and you will be more likely to
stay invested and complete the process. Going just for the sake of going or
because you think it’s what you are supposed to do will not keep you there.
5. Be realistic
about obstacles and get help if necessary—College, like life, will have its
own set of obstacles. When you encounter them, get help. Seek advice from a
mentor or another student. Get tutoring if you find you’re struggling with your
classes. Speak with a professor if you need clarification or assistance on
projects. Use your RA (Resident Assistant) to help resolve roommate conflicts.
Before you make such a
large investment, the wise consumer will do the research and be realistic about
what is required to finance the education, while admitting that you will face
obstacles along the way.
It’s time for your senior to start planning college visits; and an important part of any college visit is the college interview. Here are some tips to help your student prepare:
Your palms are sweating. Your throat is dry. You are sitting in an admissions office waiting for your turn to be interviewed by someone from the college you are intent on attending. You’ve heard all the horror stories and you’ve prepared as best you could for the questions that will be asked. You know that this interview is an important part of the admissions process and it could contribute to the college’s final decision.
Here are three things
you need to remember before you walk in to the admissions office:
1. Be Yourself
The admissions officer
is not looking for the person you
wish you could be or the person you think they want to see. They want to get to
know you and get a feel for how you will fit in to their college population.
Being yourself benefits you and the colleges by helping both of you get to know
one another and find that perfect fit. You do yourself and the college a
disservice by pretending to be someone other than who you are. It’s a bad way
to begin your college career and a poor example to set in an interview.
2. Take some time to
prepare
Don’t walk into a
college interview unprepared. Research some of the common questions asked and
think about how you would answer them. Know a little about the college and be
prepared to tell the admissions officer why you are interested in attending
their college. If you’re excited about attending, they will be excited about
offering you admission. Every college wants students who want to be there and
who know how they will fit in to their campus. If you show little motivation,
they will show little interest.
3. Remember that you
are also conducting an interview
Colleges are not the only ones conducting the interview. You are interviewing them to find out whether or not you would feel comfortable attending there. Prepare some questions in advance; but don’t ask questions that can be found on the website or in the admissions literature. Admissions officers welcome questions that communicate an interest in their college and a willingness to learn more about their specific academic programs. Don’t just sit there and answer “yes” and “no” to their questions without having a conversation. It’s your opportunity to get to know them as well as theirs to get to know you.
The college admissions
interview communicates that you are interested in attending and gives the
colleges an opportunity to get to know you by putting a face with a name. When
decision time comes around, colleges will remember your interest and the
interview could very well put your name above someone who didn’t take the time
to schedule one.
Many times, students and parents just “let the college decision happen”. They automatically assume that once they make the decision to attend, they will be able to get in somewhere, even if it’s a local community college. You should take charge of your college process and make it your “job” to find a place where you can get a college education that is worth the money.
1. Establish relationships
Start early establishing
those relationships that will help you in the college admissions process. You
will need recommendations from teachers, counselors and even business
professionals. You should also make contact with admissions personnel at the
colleges you are considering. These relationships will cement your desire to
attend their college and keep your name at the forefront of their minds
when they receive your application.
2. Choose to choose
Don’t let the college decision happen. Make a decision
to choose the colleges. Take control of the process from researching, to
visiting, to applying, to final acceptance. It’s up to you to evaluate your
financial aid awards and determine the best value. You don’t want your
college education to be an “impulse” buy.
3. Be wise about
funding
Part of taking charge of
the process, is taking charge of the funding. Know what your budget is and what
you are willing to spend. Don’t bury yourself in debt. Look at the repayment
calculators and evaluate your earning potential upon graduation. Don’t take the
“I’ll-think-about-that-when-I-graduate” approach. Most importantly, fill out
the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) because this qualifies you
for government grants, loans and college merit aid scholarships.
If you follow these
simple suggestions, you will be the one in charge of your college search. Don’t leave the process to fate, luck or someone you
don’t even know. It’s your future. It’s your decision. It’s your education.
