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Hidden Costs of College Revealed

The Hidden Costs of College

What Families Often Overlook — Until It’s Too Late

When it comes to planning for college, most families brace themselves for the cost of tuition. But what often catches them off guard are the other expenses — the hidden costs that don’t always show up on the financial aid award letter but can make a significant impact on your college budget.

As college funding advisors, we’ve seen how easily these surprise costs can derail even the most well-planned college funding strategy. That’s why we’re using this month’s blog to highlight some of the most overlooked (but very real) expenses that show up during the college years. If you’re preparing to send a student off to college — or you’re already in the thick of it — this breakdown is for you.

1. Living Expenses: More Than Just a Dorm and a Meal Plan

Most families expect to pay for room and board — but what that actually includes can vary widely. Whether your student is living on-campus, moving off-campus, or switching living arrangements between academic years, housing costs can balloon quickly.

Here’s what often gets underestimated:

  • Off-campus rent (which may not include utilities or internet)

  • Takeout and restaurant food, especially without a structured meal plan

  • Transportation, including gas, car insurance, or rideshare expenses

  • Mobile phone and streaming bills

Even when schools provide an estimated cost of attendance, their numbers might not reflect your student’s lifestyle or actual choices — and they rarely overestimate. A sudden change in living arrangements mid-year can also throw off a carefully constructed budget.

Pro tip: Reevaluate housing plans each year and consult with a college funding advisor before making any big changes.

2. Direct Academic Costs: It’s Not Just Tuition

Tuition may be the headline cost, but it’s far from the only one. Many academic programs carry hidden fees that can sneak up on families:

  • Lab fees for science and engineering courses

  • Course materials, including online platforms or software licenses

  • Tutoring, especially if outside academic support is needed

Even students in general education classes may find extra charges attached. These can be manageable with a plan — but without one, they’re just another line item that adds financial stress.

3. Extracurricular Opportunities (and Their Price Tags)

Clubs, internships, study abroad programs, and other enrichment opportunities can be incredible — and expensive. These activities are often essential for building resumes and life experiences, but they come with costs like:

  • Program and travel expenses for study abroad

  • Membership dues for clubs and professional associations

  • Training or certification programs for career-specific development

Planning for these opportunities early on — even in broad strokes — helps ensure they’re part of the budget, not a financial emergency.

4. Unnecessary (But All-Too-Common) Expenses

Not all college costs are necessary — in fact, some of the most expensive ones are completely avoidable. Poor planning, lack of accountability, and lifestyle choices can drive up costs far beyond what’s needed. A few examples we see far too often:

  • Extra semesters due to changing majors, failed classes, or poor planning

  • Over-spending on entertainment or social activities, draining the budget

  • Unmanaged food expenses, especially for students with no meal plan

The national average for completing a bachelor’s degree has crept past four years — and every extra semester means another round of tuition, fees, and living costs.

A clear academic roadmap and structured budget can make all the difference.

Planning Ahead = Peace of Mind

College is a major investment — financially, emotionally, and personally. The good news? Many of these hidden costs are predictable when you know what to look for. That’s where we come in.

At Midwest College Planning, we help families understand the full financial picture — not just tuition, but all the variables that impact the bottom line. Whether you’re still in the early planning stages or already navigating college bills, we’re here to help you make smart, informed decisions that keep your goals on track.

Need guidance on your college financial plan? Let’s talk.

                                                                                 

Financial Realities of College-how much do you share?

     

 “The Financial Realities Of College:

How Much Should YOUR Child Know Before Starting?”

As summer is in full swing it may become more and more challenging for families to think about preparing for college.  We mentioned last month, planning for college is about having conversations.  Be sure to include the reality of college expense.   Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, these financial details are often ignored… and both parents and students can be guilty in this regard.  This can definitely have a detrimental  effect on their levels of financial, academic, and personal stress during the college experience.

We understand fully that preparing for college or university studies can be stressful, in many ways.  Perhaps because of this reality, there can be a tendency for people to want to ignore some of the more challenging topics related to the transition to the next level of education.  However, ignoring these topics does not make them disappear.  By the same token, if only the parents (or, more rarely, only the students) are involved in these preparations, then it is not a team effort and there can be miscommunications and problems further down the road.  Our experience has been that it is absolutely vital for parents and students to have a mutual understanding of how things are proceeding for college preparation.

For this month’s newsletter, then, we want to explain a few of the most important elements that new college students (and high school students) should understand when it comes to starting their experience in higher education.  Yes, there will be a lot of students in their peer group – far too many, in our experience – who have no idea about these things.  However, rest assured that this lack of knowledge will more than likely become something that will come back to haunt them in the end.

As college funding professionals – and people who deal with these things on a daily basis – we want to help you and your family to experience a smooth transition into and through college or university studies.  We have a special skill set and will be happy to assist in any way possible with your family’s plans in this regard.

 Be Clear From the Beginning
Culturally, we tend to have many “taboo” subjects in the US. Depending on the individual, they may range from religion to sex to money. The subject of money, in particular when it comes to higher education, can get families into deep water if not dealt with from the very beginning with honesty and clarity.
How to pay for college should be a family discussion. This is a subject that should take center stage when getting ready to choose a school. It will have a lot to do with the choices your child will be able to make about where to go. It can also have a big impact on the family for the future.
If your child has his or her heart set on a ‘dream’ school then it is important to have the discussion and have the plans in place to cover the costs of such a school. This can all be done strategically and carefully, as well, with a thorough college funding expert. No parent wants to be saddled with massive amounts of debt when looking to cover costs at a prestigious school, nor do children want to feel that they have become a burden that the family has to bear in order for them to attend school.
Communication and (early!) preparation are really the keys, here. Will the parents be covering the entire costs of college? Will it be a combination of loans for the child plus what the family is able to contribute, or can this be avoided with proper planning?  (Note: it often can.) Having clear goals from the beginning and discussing those goals openly as a family will only bode well for the future college student. Tackling those goals with an expert will make it possible to move forward with those plans smoothly and successfully.

Focusing on the “Why” of College
Unfortunately, we see that students may not fully grasp the concept of ‘why.’ In fact, many visit colleges and make decisions on whether to attend or not based on a ‘vibe’ they get at the school, or where all of their friends are planning to go. It is important to make the most informed decision possible when going to college. This starts with the ‘why’ of going to college and then extends all the way through to the ‘where’ of going to college!
Some of the things that should be discussed and explored before beginning a college search include finding out what your child’s academic motivations are. Once these are laid out, it can be easier to look at options at that point. Clarifying interests and academic goals and motivations will make choosing the right college easier and it will mostly likely be a much better return on the investment. Not every child is clear on his or her ambitions in the teen years, however. This does not mean that all is lost. If they are not sure exactly where their academic focus is you are still able to make informed decisions. If they are able to narrow their interests down to a few different areas then you can search for colleges that have strong programs in the areas where their interests lie.  All of these discussions, when completed early on, can go a long way toward making the transition to college more manageable.

How (Or How Much) To Contribute
Many parents feel guilty if they determine that their ability to completely pay for their child’s education is not possible. It is easy to find parents who have gone into massive debt in order to make their child’s dreams of a college education possible even when it puts their own financial stability in jeopardy. This is one instance where having a solid college planning expert will help to ensure that these types of dire situations can be avoided.
Parents taking stock of what is realistic and what their child’s goals are will be very important in the part of the planning process. Do the parents want their child to attend a specific school?  Even more importantly, is that school a good fit for the student?  If so, is it currently possible to send them there, considering academic and financial realities?  What other options are available?  Once these questions are asked then the parents can move forward and see what will be required in terms of their contribution.
It is also important for parents to understand that where their child goes to college is not a reflection of their parenting skills or who they are as people. Keeping their child financially secure is a major requirement for parents and placing them in a school that they cannot afford and/or will place an undue burden on their child by way of student loans is not a great way for a child to be starting out in life. Planning ahead and making prudent choices based upon real financial circumstances and careful planning with an advisor will ensure the best choice possible is made that will benefit all parties over the long run.

Managing Parental Contribution/Retirement
There is no question that paying for a child’s college education can be a big sacrifice for parents. Parents who have an average annual income of $100,000, for example, can find that college expenses for just one child run $100,000 (and that is being moderate)… which can mean that they should expect to work an extra 10+ years in order to recoup those costs. That could mean delaying retirement in most cases – or, as mentioned above, saddling kids with significant student debt.
Because of these realities, this is another area where careful and early planning can make all the difference. The right adjustments and placing money in the proper strategic places may help to prevent some of the drastic measures to which many people succumb. These are definitely things that can and should be discussed with the college planning advisor – and the earlier that happens, the better! 

Probably the most important element of this part of college preparation can be boiled down to “communication!”  When people do not know exactly what is expected of them (financially, or in any other facet of life) then they are much more likely to make significant mistakes.  This is even more apparent when it comes to young people who are just starting out on their own – at college, or anywhere else… the more things can be clarified and communicated, the more likely they are to be able to manage these expectations successfully.

Until next month,

Why Hiring a College Planner Makes Sense

If you’re a parent of a high school student, chances are the word college brings up a mix of emotions—excitement, pride, maybe even a bit of panic. Between rising tuition costs, competitive admissions, and endless deadlines, navigating the college planning process can feel like a full-time job. That’s where Midwest College Planning comes in—and why hiring us can be one of the smartest investments you make in your child’s future.

1. Expertise You Can Trust

College planners live and breathe this stuff. From understanding the nuances of the FAFSA to knowing which schools are more generous with merit aid, college planners bring a wealth of knowledge that most families simply don’t have. They stay up to date on admissions trends, testing changes, and financial aid policies, so you don’t have to. That kind of insider know-how can save you time, money, and stress.

2. Personalized Strategy for Your Student

Every student is different. We will take the time to understand your teen’s strengths, interests, and goals, and help build a tailored college list that reflects who they are—not just where everyone else is applying. From academic fit to campus culture to affordability, your child will have a smart, well-rounded plan for success.

3. Reducing Stress for the Whole Family

Let’s face it—college planning can strain even the best parent-teen relationship. Having an experienced third party in the mix helps ease tensions. Planners keep students on track with deadlines, help with essays, and act as a coach and motivator. You can go back to being the supportive parent, not the project manager.

4. Financial Guidance that Pays Off

College is a major investment. Midwest College Planning can help you understand the true cost of each school (not just the sticker price), compare financial aid offers, and explore strategies to make college more affordable. 

5. Peace of Mind

There’s no greater comfort than knowing you’re not doing this alone. With Midwest College Planning by your side, you can feel confident that nothing is falling through the cracks. Every detail—from applications to scholarships to deadlines—is covered. You’ll sleep better at night knowing your child is on the right path.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a college planner isn’t just for the Ivy League-bound. It’s for any family who wants to approach the college process with clarity, confidence, and calm. Whether your teen is aiming for a competitive university or exploring affordable options closer to home, a college planner can help make sure they land at a school where they’ll thrive—without breaking the bank.

Have questions about how college planning works or whether it’s right for your family? We’re here to help. 

Learn more about our Free Consultation

Heading Off to College: 10 Practical Tips for High School Graduates

Graduating from high school is a major milestone—congratulations! As you prepare for this exciting next chapter, the transition to college life brings both freedom and responsibility. Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the road, here are some smart, practical tips to help you start your college journey on the right foot.

1. Learn Basic Life Skills Now

Before you leave home, take time to master everyday tasks—doing laundry, cooking a few basic meals, managing a budget, and scheduling appointments. These small skills go a long way in helping you feel confident and independent.

2. Get Familiar With Your School’s Resources

Most colleges offer incredible support services—academic advising, mental health counseling, tutoring centers, and career services. Don’t wait until you’re struggling to find out where they are. Explore them early, even during orientation week.

3. Take Charge of Your Time

College gives you more freedom, but also more responsibility. Use a planner or a digital calendar to manage your classes, deadlines, and activities. Time management can make or break your first semester.

4. Make Your Health a Priority

It’s easy to let healthy habits slide when you’re living on your own. Prioritize sleep, stay active, eat as balanced as possible, and don’t hesitate to visit student health services if you’re not feeling well—physically or mentally.

5. Budget Wisely

College is expensive, and the little costs can add up fast. Set a budget that includes books, food, social events, and any travel. Learn to track your spending (apps like Mint or You Need A Budget can help).

6. Connect With Your Roommate(s) Early

If you’re living with a roommate, reach out before move-in day. Getting to know each other a bit beforehand can make the transition smoother and help avoid awkward situations later.

7. Don’t Overcommit Right Away

The first few weeks on campus are exciting, and it’s tempting to join every club or attend every event. Go slowly. Focus on getting settled first, then ease into extracurriculars that really interest you.

8. Stay In Touch With Home

You’re starting a new life, but keeping in touch with family and old friends provides emotional grounding. Schedule a regular check-in call or send a quick text when you can—it means a lot on both sides.

9. Be Open to New People and Ideas

College is a time for growth. You’ll meet people from different backgrounds, with different viewpoints. Be curious, respectful, and open—you’ll learn as much outside the classroom as in it.

10. Ask for Help When You Need It

You don’t have to have it all figured out. College is a learning curve. Whether it’s academics, emotions, or adjusting to a new environment, don’t be afraid to reach out. There are people who want to help.

Final Thought:
Starting college is a big step—but you don’t have to do it perfectly. Give yourself grace, stay curious, and keep asking questions. You’re building a life, not just earning a degree.

College: 10 Reasons it is so Expensive

Let’s talk about college—and more specifically, why it’s so expensive. After over 16 years working with families on college planning, I’ve seen the same patterns repeat. And yes, there are many reasons why student loan debt has reached staggering levels, but here are a few key factors I see all the time.

In no particular order:

  • Parents aren’t saving – New homes, new cars, lifestyle upgrades… college savings often get pushed to the back burner.

  • Students aren’t saving either – Daily lattes and impulse buys add up quickly. Many teens aren’t thinking long-term about what they’ll need for college.

  • Lifestyle vs. Legacy – Are you building lasting financial health, or just keeping up appearances?

  • Skipping the money talk – Families dive into college applications without ever discussing what’s affordable.

  • Forgetting college is a privilege, not a guarantee – A sense of entitlement can lead to unrealistic expectations—and big debt.

  • Parents not saying “no” – Or making excuses. Setting boundaries is tough, but necessary.

  • Missed opportunities – Students who don’t take standardized tests, meet with reps, or market themselves are leaving money and options on the table.

  • Yes, your child is amazing—but… – Not every “top” school is the right school. Fit matters more than prestige.

  • Labels don’t pay the bills – Focus on outcomes, not name recognition.

  • It’s okay to say no – If the school doesn’t make sense socially, academically, or financially, it’s okay to walk away.

At the end of the day, it comes down to having honest conversations—together. Sit down as a family. Look at your budget. See how much you’ve saved and explore ways to save more. In our workshops, we often joke that “SAVE” is the new four-letter word, but for many families, it’s a foreign concept.

I could go on a full-on rant, but that’s not going to help anyone. What will help? Attending one of our free college planning workshops. Signing up for a no-cost consultation. And most importantly—starting to save today.

Your future self will thank you.

Use High School to Prepare for College

 

We find that one of the best things that parents and high school students can do to make their eventual transition into the college years as smooth as possible is to manage their high school experience in a specific way.  Students who try to view the high school years as an actual “college-prep” period will find that there are a lot of helpful parts to their high school experience, if they are willing to take advantage of them.  By the same token, parents will also find that the high school years are their own absolute best opportunity to prepare for college financial and asset management.  Working together, the high school experience can be more than just a chance for the student to get a diploma – it can be a perfect opportunity for the entire family to be optimally prepared for the college years.

The good news is that it generally does not require a lot of extra effort to turn the normal high school experience into a terrific college preparation period.  It does require some planning, and students cannot necessarily run on auto-pilot as much… and parents need to be actively engaged in the process to make the financial end work properly.  But the challenge is definitely doable, and we are the experts in helping families to make this kind of an invaluable high school experience a reality.

For this month’s newsletter, we are dedicating these pages to help you understand why these preparations are important, and how to make them happen.  Remember, if you have any questions about these important college preparation subjects, we urge you to give us a call.  College funding and application professionals are experienced and knowledgeable in these areas and can offer tailor-made explanations, planning, and information when it comes to these important college preparation efforts.

  1. Investigate Early College Credit Options

One great way for students to get a head start on their college experience is to look for opportunities to earn college credits while still attending high school.  There can be a variety of options, and they are all worth looking into.  Some schools will offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses than can actually count for future credit at many colleges and universities.  Of course, these courses presuppose that the student has demonstrated some strong aptitude in the subject matter, and are not available to every single student who expresses interest – but if the chance is there, and the student has the interest and the academic chops to handle it, then it can be a terrific alternative to the rank and file coursework.

Another possibility for some students, depending on locality and arrangements, is the completion of individual college courses during high school.  This is sometimes on a special agreement with a local community college or public university, but it can be a great way for students to get their feet wet early on, and even get a jump on completing some of their core curriculum classes at the next level before they have ever officially matriculated as a college freshman!

These options can make sense academically, putting the student ahead of the curve and building confidence early on… but it can also make a lot of sense financially.  You see, courses that a student completes before setting foot on campus are courses that will not show up on the college tuition bill later, and on that front every little bit helps!  If a student can shave off as much as a term or semester from the eventual course of their undergraduate degree, then the amount of tuition saved can be pretty darned significant.

     2. Seek Out Academic and Extracurricular Experiences

            High school is a great time in a young person’s life, but there are many instances where students will feel pressure (whether external or internal) to follow the proverbial “path of least resistance.”  Advance Placement courses are not the only way for students to excel, and can sometimes be the wrong choice for a student due to academic interest, motivation, or other considerations.

            It is vital for students to seek out opportunities to truly discover what their interests are, what experiences inspire them the most, and to begin to develop an understanding of what they want out of life.  Of course, those answers will often not come completely during the high school years, while there will be other students who may have known since they were five years old that they wanted to become a pilot, or an architect, or a doctor. 

            The point of high school is not to pigeonhole a student into a specific academic track prematurely, but rather to offer a chance for learning and growth, as well as an opportunity to demonstrate abilities, talents, and interests.  This can only really happen if the high school experience is treated appropriately, and not viewed as sheer drudgery to be endured only until graduation springs a student onward to the thrills of university life. 

Yes, we all know that high school can be rough at times, and we all have memories of certain classes that were… well, yes, probably sheer drudgery… but we are convinced that it is important to seek out whatever intriguing and inspiring options can be found in the high school experience.  Some semesters this may be more challenging than others, due to different teachers or social pressures or family challenges, whatever the case my be, but it is well worth the effort to seek out the best things that a high school has to offer.  This includes academic offerings, clubs, sports, theater, community involvement – really, anything that interests and inspires your child to a higher level.

     3. Communicate With Counselors Regularly

            There can certainly be a benefit derived from keeping the lines of communication open with high school and college counselors.  While the individual value can depend a lot on the counselor himself or herself, there are basic college preparatory courses and requirements with which most counselors are quite well-versed.  It is important for college-bound kids to be familiar with these tidbits, even if some guidance counselors do not have a lot to offer beyond that (which is sadly sometimes the case).  Maintaining a respectful and cordial relationship with these counselors can only help later when it comes time for letters of recommendation or paperwork for college application, regardless of how much or how little a specific counselor has to offer.

            With this in mind, as College Funding and Admissions Professionals, we also view ourselves as counselors in this arena, and we know that we bring the most up-to-date and actionable information for both college-bound students and their parents.  We have access to the information about the schools that interest your child, no matter where in the country they might be located.  We are the most reliable experts in managing the college funding challenges.  We really are here to help with all aspects of the college preparation experience.

            As you know, higher education financial planning and college application services stand at the very foundation of our work as college funding professionals.  This leads us to an ultimate goal of assisting parents in seeking the very best strategies for the management of their financial circumstances, as well as the proper utilization of assets to create the best situation possible with regard to the college options for the academic future.  This entire process works best, very simply put, if the parents are well-prepared ahead of time, with a clear set of guidelines to help along the way to preparation for their student’s future college and university years… as well as the attending college and university expenses!

 

 

 

Strategies for a better deal


Real-World Negotiation Tactics to Help You Secure a Better College Package for Your Child

When it comes to college applications and funding, many parents feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to engage with the institutions their child hopes to attend. That’s completely understandable—navigating college admissions and financial aid can feel like entering a foreign land with its own language and rules.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go it alone, and you don’t have to pay full sticker price.

By understanding a few key strategies and adopting a confident approach, parents can position themselves to negotiate better deals, gain more financial support, and ultimately make smarter decisions for their family’s financial future.

We’re here to help guide you through that process. Below are several proven strategies for negotiating with colleges and improving your financial aid outcome. For personalized guidance, feel free to give us a call or book a consultation—we’re always happy to help during this critical phase in your student’s journey.

The Economy Impacts Everyone—Even Colleges

In today’s economic climate, rising tuition costs are often tied to shrinking college endowments. While it may feel like you’re expected to pay sky-high tuition fees with no room for adjustment, that’s far from the truth.

Colleges—especially private and out-of-state institutions—often have more flexibility in their pricing than they let on. Behind the scenes, financial aid offices are making deals every day. And the families who know how to ask the right questions are the ones walking away with better packages.

Strategy 1: Leverage Competing Offers

One of the most effective negotiation tactics is to use offers from other schools as leverage. Even if your student has a clear first-choice college, don’t hesitate to share more generous offers from second- or even third-tier options.

This is particularly powerful when it comes to merit-based aid. If your child has strong academic, artistic, or leadership achievements, and another school is willing to reward those credentials, you can often encourage a preferred school to match or beat the offer.

In fact, we’ve seen families secure six-figure merit aid packages simply by comparing offers and asking the right way.

Strategy 2: Highlight Changed Circumstances

You don’t need to have a straight-A student to ask for more aid. Life events—like a job loss, medical emergency, or divorce—can open the door to a reassessment of your family’s financial need.

If your circumstances have changed, document everything and submit it to the financial aid office with a request for reconsideration. College administrators are often empathetic and empowered to make adjustments based on real-world situations.

Strategy 3: Just Ask

It may sound simple, but many families never take this step. When you receive your child’s award letter, take time to review it. If the aid package doesn’t meet your expectations or needs, write a clear, respectful letter to the financial aid office asking for a reconsideration.

Be honest. Be specific. Avoid exaggeration. Share your financial picture and explain why additional aid would be helpful for your child to attend.

Some schools have formal appeal processes; others handle requests on a case-by-case basis. Your college funding advisor can help you navigate the proper channels at each institution.

Strategy 4: Keep It Clear and Direct

College financial aid officers aren’t mind readers. Don’t assume they understand your situation unless you lay it out clearly.

While it’s natural to express gratitude and excitement, don’t rely on emotional appeals alone. Focus on the facts—your finances, your child’s qualifications, and any competing offers. Clear, concise communication is key to a successful negotiation.

Strategy 5: Ask About Additional Opportunities

In addition to requesting more aid, inquire about work-study programs, grants, and departmental scholarships. This is also the time to highlight your child’s accomplishments—both academic and extracurricular.

Position your student as someone who would make a lasting impact on campus and as a proud future alum. Colleges are often willing to go the extra mile to attract students who enhance their community.

Strategy 6: Play It Cool

Like any negotiation, timing and tone matter. Avoid appearing overly eager or desperate. For example, if a second-choice school makes a generous offer, don’t immediately run to your top-choice school with it.

Instead, consult your advisor on the best time and way to present competing offers. Schools that know they’re the top pick may be less motivated to increase aid, so keep your cards close until the moment is right.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The college decision process is a major life milestone—and it can also be one of the most expensive. That’s why informed, strategic communication with schools is so important.

Unfortunately, many families either accept the initial offer at face value or avoid negotiation altogether out of discomfort or uncertainty. That’s where we come in.

As experienced college funding advisors, we’ve helped countless families successfully navigate this process. Our clients often see better outcomes—and less stress—because they have a partner guiding them every step of the way.

If you’re ready to explore how we can help your family negotiate a better college deal, let’s talk. We’re here to make this process more manageable, more strategic, and ultimately more successful.

Creating that perfect match between student & school

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We know that the parents of a college-bound student can sometimes worry a little bit about the college selection process, and as time goes on it can also become a little bit (or more than a little bit!) stressful for high school students, themselves.  How can one be sure that he or she is applying to the “right” schools, let alone choosing one once the acceptances have rolled in?!  Is it really all about the rankings in some news magazine, or how can a family feel comfortable with the choices made about college or university education?

One thing that we want to mention right from the get-go, however, is that “national rankings” are utterly arbitrary and should play a very tiny role in the decision-making process (if any at all, actually).  The simple fact is that a “number one” ranked school in some magazine could actually be the worst possible location for a student to end up, even if he or she is fully academically qualified for admission there!  On the other hand, it could also work out great, which is why it is vitally important to match up students with the schools that will work best for them.

This is not to disparage the colleges and universities that are traditional academic powerhouses, of course.  Everyone knows about the Ivy League schools, for instance, and the Stanfords, Cal Techs, University of Chicagos are not hurting for applicants because they are world-class institutions.  They have a lot to offer the right students.  Other schools (also excellent in their own rights) may be better, or worse fits, depending on the individual.  As professionals in this field, we are happy to provide some tips on how to decide what constitutes a good fit.

 

How Does Your Child Learn Best?

Learning style is really important when determining what kind of college or university a student should attend. It is important from the outset to understand that everyone learns differently. Some people may prefer to learn by reading. Others like to learn aurally. Some students thrive in a large classroom setting, while the thought of a packed auditorium class could make others cringe. It is a very personal thing.

One learning style is not necessarily better than another. They are simply different, and generally people learn in various ways.  Granted, the more flexible your child can be in adapting to learning environments, the easier the transition will be at the next level.  However, understanding how teaching is conducted within the universities and colleges you and your child are researching is an important piece of information when determining whether or not that school will be a good match over the long term.

It is a good idea to have your child determine his or her learning style early on, so that the retention of information while in high school, and later in college, will be at an optimal level. You may discover that your child learns well with a mixture of styles, while some students may have one style dominating the others.

Having this vital information will help your child when choosing a college or university and also when tailoring his or her class schedule. Certain departments or teachers may teach in a particular way that may be just right for the way your child learns.

Location, Location, Location!

In the real estate business, they often say that “location is everything.” Well, the fact of the matter is that it means a lot when choosing a college, as well. The location of the college can be just as important as which college it is. For example, if your child was born and raised in southern Florida but has his sights on a college in Michigan, he may be in for a big surprise once the weather turns in December and January.  That is not to say that it cannot be overcome.  Students are, of course, often quite adaptable, but if this shock in temperature and culture may be too much for your son to handle then it’s best to look for a college in a different location.

The type of campus is also something very important to consider. For instance, would your child prefer a rural, urban or suburban campus. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, and it really depends on what your child is looking for and in which environment would s/he be the most comfortable.

Rural campuses are located in a country setting. They are peaceful and have a lot of experiences to offer being surrounded by natural beauty. Most rural campuses are self-contained and this means that most students live on campus. This can create a sense of belonging and community for your child if that is important to him or her. Many rural campuses have ready access to the outdoors and this may be of particular importance if your child has an interest in agriculture or the environmental sciences.

Urban campuses are also very appealing for the right kind of student. They are located in cities and have all the social and cultural advantages that cities have to offer. This can mean ready access to cultural sites, museums, and of course businesses. Urban campuses can often tend to be spread throughout a city and may not be completely self-contained like rural campuses. Students often live either in dorms or in apartments near campus. Students also usually need to use public transportation.

Suburban campuses are usually located in smaller cities or larger towns that are close to bigger cities. The nice thing about suburban campuses is that they offer a mixture of both urban and rural features. They have more access to the outdoors than would be found in an urban setting. They are often self-contained so students can have a real sense of that campus community. And, depending on how large the city or town is, it may have a good public transportation system.  The real question is… which type of institution is going to be the best fit for your child’s interests?

What to Study?

What your child wants to study has a lot to do with where they will want to go to school. A liberal arts college is a great choice, but if they don’t have a strong program in the area in which your child has an interest – or if your child is interested in a very specific type of program that is only offered in a few locations – then a liberal arts school may not be the right fit.

If your child has an interest in engineering then choosing a school with a stellar fine arts program but less than stellar engineering program wouldn’t make sense. Finding out where a student’s interests lie can take a little time, and there is no guarantee that a young person will know what he or she wants to study before matriculating, so sometimes it is important to view this decision a bit more flexibly.

Taking some steps to find out what stimulates and excites them will make it easier to find a school and program that is a great fit.  A few of the general questions to be answered might be along these lines:

  • What does your child love to do?
  • What is your child especially good at?
  • Which areas or fields are they interested in?

Some tips could be that your child shadows a person who has a job that he or she is interested in.  Or, a young person can sometimes complete an internship at a several places to get a closer idea regarding a field that may be of interest. Narrowing interests will make it a lot easier when choosing a college.

In the end, however, it’s not a deal breaker. If your child is not sure before attending college, things can still turn out just fine. Finding an excellent liberal arts college or university with good overall programs will serve them well as they decide along their college journey.  Remember also that for many professional programs (law, medicine, etc.), the specialized training takes place in the years after undergraduate training – the main point for kids interested in these fields is to be performing at a high academic level so that he or she can gain admission, if that turns out to be the direction for a future career!

Until next month,

~Marc Ziegler

Start Planning for College Today

“Turning The High School Years Into

Effective College Preparation Time”

Dear Parent,

It can be a tough job for both parents and college-bound high school students when it comes to preparing optimally for future academic endeavors… as college funding professionals with detailed knowledge into the admissions process, we recognize that all elements of the subject can be stressful and challenging from beginning to end!  However, the challenges related to college preparation can be effectively managed with some planning and insights in advance – and there is not doubt that it increases if college details are ignored throughout the high school years.

This is why we are here to help!

For this month’s newsletter, we are dedicating these pages to help you understand why the preparations are important, and how to make them happen.  Remember, if you have any questions about these important college preparation subjects, we urge you to give us a call.  College funding and application professionals are experienced and knowledgeable in these areas and can offer tailor-made explanations, planning, and information when it comes to these important college preparation efforts.

Investigate Early College Credit Options

One great way for students to get a head start on their college experience is to look for opportunities to earn college credits while still attending high school.  There can be a variety of options, and they are all worth looking into.  Some schools will offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses than can actually count for future credit at many colleges and universities.  Of course, these courses presuppose that the student has demonstrated some strong aptitude in the subject matter, and are not available to every single student who expresses interest – but if the chance is there, and the student has the interest and the academic chops to handle it, then it can be a terrific alternative to the rank and file coursework.

Another possibility for some students, depending on locality and arrangements, is the completion of individual college courses during high school.  This is sometimes on a special agreement with a local community college or public university, but it can be a great way for students to get their feet wet early on, and even get a jump on completing some of their core curriculum classes at the next level before they have ever officially matriculated as a college freshman!

These options can make sense academically, putting the student ahead of the curve and building confidence early on… but it can also make a lot of sense financially.  You see, courses that a student completes before setting foot on campus are courses that will not show up on the college tuition bill later, and on that front every little bit helps!  If a student can shave off as much as a term or semester from the eventual course of their undergraduate degree, then the amount of tuition saved can be pretty darned significant.

Seek Out Academic and Extracurricular Experiences

High school is a great time in a young person’s life, but there are many instances where students will feel pressure (whether external or internal) to follow the proverbial “path of least resistance.”  Advance Placement courses are not the only way for students to excel, and can sometimes be the wrong choice for a student due to academic interest, motivation, or other considerations.

It is vital for students to seek out opportunities to truly discover what their interests are, what experiences inspire them the most, and to begin to develop an understanding of what they want out of life.  Of course, those answers will often not come completely during the high school years, while there will be other students who may have known since they were five years old that they wanted to become a pilot, or an architect, or a doctor.

The point of high school is not to pigeonhole a student into a specific academic track prematurely, but rather to offer a chance for learning and growth, as well as an opportunity to demonstrate abilities, talents, and interests.  This can only really happen if the high school experience is treated appropriately. It should not viewed as sheer drudgery to be endured only until graduation springs a student onward to the thrills of university life.

Yes, we all know that high school can be rough at times, and we all have memories of certain classes that were… well, yes, probably sheer drudgery. We are convinced that it is important to seek out whatever intriguing and inspiring options can be found in the high school experience.  Some semesters this may be more challenging than others, due to different teachers or social pressures or family challenges, whatever the case my be, but it is well worth the effort to seek out the best things that a high school has to offer.  This includes academic offerings, clubs, sports, theater, community involvement – really, anything that interests and inspires your child to a higher level.

Doing so will help the high school experience to serve as a springboard to bigger and better things at the college or university level, and hopefully help to convey and nurture a love of learning and growth that will last a lifetime, as well as providing a financially viable and fulfilling professional future.

Communicate With Counselors Regularly

There can certainly be a benefit derived from keeping the lines of communication open with high school and college counselors.  While the individual value can depend a lot on the counselor himself or herself, there are basic college preparatory courses and requirements with which most counselors are quite well-versed.  It is important for college-bound kids to be familiar with these tidbits, even if some guidance counselors do not have a lot to offer beyond that (which is sadly sometimes the case).  Maintaining a respectful and cordial relationship with these counselors can only help later when it comes time for letters of recommendation or paperwork for college application, regardless of how much or how little a specific counselor has to offer.

We also recommend good communication with the colleges and universities that are of the highest interest to your student, as well as obtaining a firm understanding of the requirements for specific programs to which they wish to apply.  Remember, especially for private schools or institutions in other parts of the nation, local high schools simply may not have access to the information about the programs that your child desires!  Even within the same major or area of academic emphasis, there can be differences between the requirements of different colleges and universities, so these things need to be carefully investigated beforehand.

Until next month,

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Let’s talk College Admissions & Funding Myths

  • Our Blog

“Understanding and Overcoming These MYTHS About College Funding And Admissions”

Dear Parent,

Here’s wishing you a happy holiday season with memorable times with your family and friends.  At this time of the year we find that it is a fine time to reflect on the wonderful experiences and accomplishments this year and in years past.  For many families this includes wonderful college and university experiences that have added richness, enjoyment, and success to their family lives.  Higher education is certainly a sacrifice and a lot of effort, but there is no question that the value of it echoes over time.

With that in mind, this month’s newsletter emphasizes some of the elements of “commonly held wisdom” about college that turn out not to be true at all!  These myths about college funding and admissions seem to persist for a variety of reasons.  Some of them might have been true (or partially true) many years ago, but times have changed.  Others might have affected one person (or a very few people), but unfounded rumors about their prevalence seem to persist.  Still others have no real basis in fact whatsoever, but get passed around by people who do not know the details themselves.  However they get started however, we view it as our responsibility to make sure the truth is available!  After all, college admissions and funding issues affect EVERY college bound student to some degree or other…

We hope that as these myths and rumors are put to rest, you will feel free to pass good information on to other parents… and should other questions or suspicious bits of information arise in the future, please feel free to use us (your College Funding Professional) as a sounding board for the most up to date information – as well as how this information might directly affect your student and your family.

Without further ado, then, allow us to tackle a few of the most common myths and rumors that seem to persist from year to year to year – obviously, if we find ourselves running into them each and every college cycle, then we are pretty sure that many of you parents (and students) will see them, as well.  With this information, and any other questions we might be able to answer for you in an individual setting, you will be well on your way to managing the college admissions and funding process with a healthy set of facts and knowledge…

And knowledge, in this case as well as many others, is definitely powerful! 

MYTH 1. “Everyone Graduates With Student Debt”

Absolutely NOT!  The simple truth is that not everyone graduates with student debt. It is quite common, to be sure, especially in the current financial circumstances… but there are plenty of possibilities for a student to leave college without the burden of student debt. There are always some fortunate (intelligent, well-organized) students and parents who manage to finish the college years without it. It is not necessarily easy, but with the proper advice and planning it is absolutely possible.

If your child is an excellent student, there will always be additional options available. Your child can apply for scholarships for part of the cost. High GPAs and standardized test scores may also make your child eligible for some scholarships and grants directly from the school to which s/he is applying. Applying to the right schools and having strong academic scores will certainly help to make your child a very attractive applicant. Schools will then often be willing to do what they can to attract your child and that can translate, in some cases, to a full-ride – although these scholarships are rare.

In some cases, your child may go to a school that is not his or her first choice in favor of a package that provides more aid. If leaving school without a mountain of debt is a high priority for you and your child then this may be a suitable choice.  However, your College Funding Advisor can often help to mitigate these types of circumstances if families start the process early enough!

MYTH 2. “Going To College Is Just About Gaining Book-Smarts”

This may have been true at one time, when education was for education’s sake (for better and for worse) but the reality is these days that higher education is also a business. Colleges want to ensure their investment in any student is a solid one. They also want to make sure they are solvent. This can mean higher and higher tuition costs and fees. While this can seem disheartening at first glance, it can also be empowering for prospective students.

Just like any business, consumers have leverage over businesses. If they do not like something, they can always take their business elsewhere. This is a tack that can be used when applying to colleges. If your child is an excellent student and/or an intriguing applicant, it is completely acceptable to pit one school against the other in order to amass the most amount of aid. It is good business for colleges to find the brightest students, so they will do what is necessary to make it worth your child’s while to attend their college.  Your College Funding Advisor is well versed in the best strategies for making this work to your student’s advantage.

MYTH 3. “College Is Always Really Expensive”

Well, we will be the first to admit that higher education CAN be really expensive… but it doesn’t have to be, and it does not have to lead to debt, as indicated above. If one is willing to get creative and ‘think outside the box’ then getting a college education without breaking the bank is not only possible, it’s probable.

For example, if your child is taking AP classes in high school more often than not, these classes will count as college classes and your child can actually earn some college credit while in high school. Each college and university is different so it would be worth your while to do the research as to what classes will be accepted as credit and so forth.  We will be pleased to assist in that if necessary.

For students, applying to a diverse group of schools is a smart choice. It will broaden the options for your child and the types of award packages they will receive. This means more choices and more freedom for your child to choose the one that is the best fit.  The better the offer from the financial aid office at each school, the smaller the bill becomes!

MYTH 4. “Private Schools Are Expensive – My Child Can’t Attend One”

Private schools usually ARE expensive – at least, the sticker shock is high – but, as we’ve previously elaborated, it doesn’t have to be. The list price for private schools can be shocking to most, but it is rarely what students end up actually having to pay. Private schools often cost more off the top, sure, but private schools also almost always have more money to give to their incoming students. In fact, depending on your child’s academic and extracurricular credentials, s/he could pay less at a fancy private institution than an in-state school.

Aid packages from private schools often tend to be heftier than those from public schools. Making it known to the admissions officers that your child is seriously comparing other colleges may prompt them to increase an aid package. It’s not a guarantee, but as we indicated above, it is a tactic that you can use. An aid package received is not written in stone. You can always respectfully have the financial aid office review a package in light of new information, or when comparing it to another aid package that is similar but slightly more competitive. It never hurts to ask, and you never know what will happen. Your child may just get into a great private school at a super price!

MYTH 5. “If You Make Enough Money, Don’t File Financial Aid Forms”

Regardless of your financial circumstances, it is always a good idea to fill out financial aid forms. There are several reasons for this. For example, if you do not apply, you will not receive any aid. Now that seems quite simplistic, however, if circumstances change while your child is in school and a need were to suddenly arise, s/he would not be eligible for any aid because there would be no forms on file.  It is better to be safe than sorry!

Also, even if your child is able to attend school without any need-based aid, is s/he has qualified for scholarships, those funds will not be released unless there are financial aid forms on file. So, while it may seem unnecessary if you are in the fortunate circumstance of being able to send your child to school without the need of extra aid, you never know what can happen in the future. It is better to take the time to file those financial aid forms, and we are happy to assist.

Parents and college-bound students will run into more incorrect details than just these, of course, but it is for precisely that reason that we are pleased to make ourselves available for consultations and individual questions.  Feel free to ask us about any details surrounding your child’s college application process, as well as how parents can best tackle the financial questions surrounding this enormous step.

Parents often find that their jobs in the overall higher education process are every bit as challenging as the students applying for and attending their dream schools!  We make it our business to apply our knowledge and educational skills to help simplify both the parental tasks and the student efforts.

Happy Holidays!

Until next month,

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