When you are looking at the difficult, complex parts of life, there's nothing like getting advice from someone who's been there.
That's why a lot of families use our Affording university 101 Facebook group.
Our community offers support and shares advice with each other about every facet of the school admissions process every single day.
We'd love to have you within our community too – join today!
Here are some words of wisdom that recently came out of the group.
Choosing Where you can Apply Financially
It’s common for the parents in the group to go over how you can realistically set their student's expectations for where they are able to attend school.
Many times students – particularly those who excel – assume they can go anywhere they want. What they don't realize is the fact that highly selective schools don't offer merit aid.
As a result, unless they have significant financial need, the university won't enable them to purchase school.
Use a Net Price Calculator to fully understand your costs so you can accurately explain these to your student.
“Take a seat together with your student and explain dollars and sense. Don't sugar coat reality. Money doesn't grow on trees and student loan debt is real!!! Show in writing the amount of money that has been saved for his or her college expenses (if any) after which show them the expense of attending various schools.” — Karen
“We mapped out a full budget for the whole four years of college, including discussing his preferences/desires regarding Greek life, travel, study abroad, summer employment (and compared the differences between options based on cost, merit awards, etc.) before he made his final choice of school. Then we place the final agreement on paper there are no misunderstandings by what is our expense and what's on him.” — Nancie
“Remember the “other fees” travel to and from during holidays ( we are over 2,000 miles away-the app “Hopper” is useful to watch flights), tuition going up following a specific amount of credits and auto expense (sometimes it is not worth using a car at school).’ — Amy
Don't let naysayers hold your student back from a reasonable school. Ultimately, it is your child's and your family's future at stake!
“You are NOT where you attend!” — Marjorie
Get the Help You Need
Some high schools have great guidance counselors which help families tremendously when it comes to college admission. Unfortunately, many others don't.
Because counselors see a lot of students and have to assist a lot of families, there is a difficult time understanding the specifics of your situation.
If you can get classes that help students and parents learn about the realities of the college process, bring them! Sometimes there's an information night, or there may be a multi-week class.
Attend and take your student with you.
You can't start your quest too early. If it's already senior year, no doubt you've missed some valuable opportunities. You can start moving the process forward throughout the freshman year, and take steps each year afterward.
Know the Reality of Merit Aid
Many of the parents within our group said they were surprised by the possible lack of merit aid for their hard-working student.
Before you receive discouraged, keep in mind that the most competitive private schools do NOT offer merit aid. Many times these hardworking students are shooting which are more elite schools – and they will not get merit aid there.
Instead, consider getting your student apply in a school where they will be one of the top applicants. You can see the typical test scores and GPAs from the last freshman class on most school websites. In case your student would be within the top tier at this college, they're more likely to be offered merit aid.
Consider using our College Insights tool. It'll provide you with a list of schools that'll be most generous with their merit money, according to your student’s stats and preferences for example school size, location, and training program.
Understand the Roi for the College Major
It's difficult to insist that the 18-year-old understand what they would like to do with their lives, but it is wise to select a major that will possess a positive impact on their lifetime earning power.
That’s why using a frank conversation about education loan debts are crucial. In addition, enable them to gain an understanding of the items ROI is.
Someone who is uncertain can get a general business degree, if your student is not thinking about business, that won’t work.
Helping them figure out what they're interested in could be a huge benefit.
From being a veterinarian to being a nurse to as being a teacher, you will find dozens and dozens of programs available.
It’s also important to understand that students change their majors attending college quite often, so if they’ve picked one like a freshman, it doesn’t imply that major will stick.
Sometimes a college choice is going to be limited by the main. There may simply be several schools around you with strong electrical engineering programs, for example.
That's key point in choosing where you can apply. Often an academic exchange might help.
Be aware which dream jobs require advanced education as this will require additional funds.
Get Organized!
Regardless of what you need to do, organization concerning how to do it will also help lower everyone’s stress levels. Plan in advance. Be strategic.
“Start a spreadsheet.” — Jean
“Create a spreadsheet breaking down each educational funding offer when it comes to: total price, less the quantity of scholarships & grants.” — Sabrina
“The biggest thing that can help in negotiations is for the admissions team to know your son or daughter. My daughter created a relationship with her admissions counselor during a period of time and these were willing to fight on her.” — Jennifer
And don’t forget to rely on our College Insights tool that will help you find schools that'll be generous.