There really isn’t a lot that can be done after families have completed the college application process. The applications that I am referring to are the College Admission and Financial Aid applications. I constantly talk with families about proper college planning and how the planning is done months in advance of any application submittals. The types of comments that came from parents (and students) this year are not much different than in previous years. These comments are not coming from my clients—but from families that decided to just wing the planning process. Comments that I have heard again this year are:
- “I did not apply to enough schools, so I don’t know where to go next year.”
- “I think I may have made a mistake on my FAFSA, is it too late?”
- “Things have changed in my family but I didn’t submit any financial aid forms. Can I fix it for the fall enrollment?”
- “I can’t afford the colleges that accepted me. What can I do?”
- “I didn’t have a financial safety school on my list.”
- “I didn’t get the best advice on my college essay. Can they be changed?”
- “Since I didn’t get in, I think I will get a job and re-apply next year.”
- “I applied to so many colleges. Why didn’t I get a lot of acceptance?”
- “Can I appeal the Admission decision?”
- “Can I negotiate the Financial Aid offer?”
These questions don’t surprise me. As an Independent College Consultant, I know planning is absolutely key to the college admission and financial aid process. It is unfortunate that many families don’t recognize the value of planning. Most families would like the help but under estimate the value of the help. It continues to shock me that many families are willing to pay $100,000 to $250,000 for college, but do not put much effort into finding the best college fit and choose not to get advice from a consultant.
I have already started on the College Essay writing process for my high school junior clients. I highly recommend not waiting for September to start the planning process.
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A couple of recent items that may be of interest to you:
The college application rules change on a regular basis …. Please see below for a link about a change to the FAFSA for 2014:
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Does the student really understand what they are taking on with the college loans?
The earlier you start on the College Planning Process the greater the chance of success. Please remember that the environment is very competitive and many students will be working towards the goal of getting into the best college possible at the lowest possible cost. TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN HOW AN INDEPENDENT COLLEGE CONSULTANT CAN GIVE YOUR FAMILY THE EDGE THAT MOST STUDENTS DON'T HAVE - CALL FOR A FREE ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATION.
