College Bachelor Degree Attainment Tops 30% for First Time

In spite of the soaring costs of tuition at both private and public universities and colleges, most people realize the importance of a college education.   People with a bachelor’s degree make 84% more money over a lifetime than high school graduates.  While there are still too many students dropping out of college, numbers are edging up every year for students who finish their college education and earn a bachelor’s degree.  Check out this article for find out the statistics.

Bachelor’s Attainment Tops 30% for First Time | Inside Higher Ed.

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College Competition Getting Tougher: More Students Deferred

Colleges deferring more students – USATODAY.com.

I have been amazed at the number of high school seniors who have been deferred from colleges and universities and put into the regular admissions pool.  Believe me, these are students with the grades and test scores to make them very academically competitive for these schools.  The biggest issue for many kids is that it puts them in limbo and unable to figure out just what deferral means.  My advice to most students is to send an email to the school if you are still interested and convey this interest.  Let them know that if you are accepted, you will come.  If you receive any awards, improved test scores, or anything else to support your application, email or fax it to the college admissions officials.  But keep your other options open because you do not need to make any college decisions before May 1st.  Click on the link above to get the full story.

Helping Your Child Cope with College Rejection

As a private college counselor and the parent of five children, I know all about college rejection.  I have had that tearful phone call from a student, seen that shattered look, and consoled a six foot teenager by assuring him, “It will be all right.”

Dealing with college rejection isn’t easy for anyone, parents and students alike. Rejection hurts.  Here are a few tips to help parents handle those college rejection letters.

1. Let students express their emotions and listen to them, but remember it is their rejection, not yours nor “ours.”  You are the one who needs to keep things in perspective.

2. Take your cue from your child’s response.  He or she may be angry, upset, and even lash out at you.  Be understanding and extra sensitive and don’t over react.

3. Admissions decisions should not be taken personally.  Help your child understand that college decisions are often subjective and for reasons over which they have no control:  legacy, geography, special talents, etc.

4. Provide some time and space.  Students need to process what has happened and what their next move should be.  Give them that opportunity and don’t force them into taking the next step until they are ready.

5. There will be other acceptances and some may even be better options.  Consider a college visit to see how the other schools compare. Be open to opportunities and keep in mind that there are many colleges where your child can have a happy and successful experience.  Tell your student, “It will be all right,” and it will.

 

 

Financial Aid for College: Why Most Families Need to Apply

Most families are overwhelmed with the thought of paying for college.  They find the financial aid process confusing and some don’t even bother to apply.  Parents need to be encouraged to fill out the FAFSA form, and the CSS if applicable, even if they think they make too much money to qualify for financial aid.  Families with college-bound students need to understand the fundamentals of applying for financial aid.  There are so many myths surrounding the financial aid process and they need to be demystified.  Parents need to understand that a financial aid package consists of a combination of loans, scholarships and grants, and work-study programs.  Private scholarships are available, but they usually make up a very small percentage of money for college.  Helping students find schools that are affordable is not always as difficult as it may seem.  Some colleges are definitely more generous with financial aid and merit scholarships.  Click on the following link to clarify some of the misinformation about financial aid. http://wildammo.com/2011/10/19/8-myths-about-financial-aid-infographic/

How to Pay for College: 5 Places to Look for College Scholarships

Scholarships are like free money for college.  They often take some time and effort but they can help you pay for college.  Here are 5 places to look:

First, check out scholarships that can be found in your high school college counseling office.

Then, contact each college to which you have applied and ask about any scholarships they may offer.

Next, sign up for some scholarship searches such as scholarships360, fast web, and broke scholar.

Then, check with local and national businesses and organizations like Rotary, parent’s employer, religious affiliations, etc.

Finally, consider special circumstances such as your prospective major, being a minority, or community service.