Donna’s Monthly to Do List - December

Seniors

• Complete your application. Make sure that your school has time to send out transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.
• Review your checklists to make sure that every application is complete. Proof read your application. Don’t just use spell check, have at least 2 other people read it for mistakes. It’s amazing what we miss.
• You should have applied for a PIN.
• Urge your parents to complete tax forms early.
• Anytime after January 1, you should submit the FAFSA along with any other forms required for financial aid. Remember that to qualify for Federal and State Grants you must submit this form. Do so early so that you meet your state’s deadline.

Juniors

• Although the holidays are here, keep your eyes on your grades; remember this is the last full year of grades that count.
• Review your Spring schedule to make sure that you are programmed for the courses you need.
• Start looking for summer jobs that offer you opportunities to work and learn at the same time. Internship programs are looking for students like you.
• Look into summer study programs, state sponsored institutes and foreign exchange opportunities. Remember that many of these programs and jobs will be taken if you wait until the Spring.
• Consider participating in a mentoring program. This is a way to learn about careers, network and gain valuable advice from others. Your mentor can be especially helpful when looking for colleges, and internships.
• Are there proficiency tests required in your state in order to graduate? Pay attention to the testing schedule in your particular school.
• Look into a SAT prep classes for the Spring or start arranging to take the first SAT in the Spring. Do some research on the ACT and consider whether or not you could benefit from taking both tests.

The Cost of a Dream

It's that time of year when I make the rounds of various college fairs, regional and local to talk to students about college. It is exciting to talk to so many young people and their parents who are focused on obtaining information about college, financial aid or just some words of advice and encouragement.

I am always amazed at the energy and optimism which continues to draw me back to this work every year. I also can't help but address the growing concern many families have about the cost of a college education, the growing indebtedness of college graduates and the frustration many families share around ensuring that their child can still attain the dream of a college education.

It is a complex problem at best and does not have a simple solution. This is especially true for the majority of families I speak to who have not saved or are insufficiently prepared to meet the cost of their child's education. There is nothing more frustrating than to talk with parents who have encouraged their child to study and work hard to attend college and fear that the dream of a college education may be beyond their reach.

I grew up believing in the value a college education. The fact is that a college education is the great equalizer and can open up the doors of opportunity to the poorest people in our nation as well as immigrants or anyone seeking to improve their job prospects by obtaining a college education. And in fact that has been true for millions of first generation college graduates who have gone on to obtain jobs in education, business, the health field, law, etc., We all have our own success story or can recount the story of our parents, relatives and friends. And today, these are the same dreams shared by so many parents and young people I meet.

The problem is that the times of "free college" or low tuition that could be covered by grants is over. At a college fair down in Maryland, I met with a couple who were surprised by the cost of college. Their son had wanted to attend a small private college in a neighboring state and the cost was $22,000 dollars. They had never saved for their son's education assuming that he would either receive an athletic scholarship or get enough grants to cover the cost of college. When I explained to them how financial aid is determined, they were floored. Both parents had no idea how expensive a college education is and did not have the resources to deal with it. While they understood and placed a high value on a college education, their lack of experience and knowledge about the process left them woefully unprepared to meet their Expected Family Contribution.

For the new parent, the answer is simple. Start saving early. Take advantage of any and all savings programs that allow you to put money away for college. Have a plan for not just college financing but a strategy for helping your child to be as competitive as possible for college. In the past, many parents sought athletics as a vehicle for helping their child to obtain scholarships for college. But that is not the only way. There are many more scholarships that look for talent, community service and academic achievement. Make sure your child participates in activities or opportunities that may make them eligible for scholarships, grants and internships. Find out about your employer's educational benefits. Do they offer scholarships? Be aware of the deadlines. Help your child research scholarships as they get closer to senior year. Look at the church, local service organizations, professional or social organizations you belong to. Do they offer scholarships?

Work with a financial planner to help identify ways of saving or investing, to add to your nest egg and overall financial resources. Do you have equity in your home that you can borrow against? What other resources are available to you for long term and short term finance options? By planning early, you can be much better prepared for the sticker shock that a college bill creates. And remember that there are many other costs outside of tuition, fees, room and board. Don't forget books, computers, travel/commuter expenses, laundry, spending money and telephone. Have you factored in these expenses when your child leaves home?

Sit down with your college bound child and have the talk about finances. As much as we want to encourage and support our children, this does not mean that we offer a blank check. The conversation should start early and include honest discussions about your child's career goals, the education needed, the cost of that education and a plan by both parent and child to address those costs.

• Should your child be encouraged to work and set aside part of their earnings for college?
• Are they looking for internship opportunities in their field of interest which may offer mentoring and scholarship opportunities?
• Are they taking a course of study that makes them more competitive?
• Are they taking advanced or AP courses that they can use to earn college credit?
• Are they willing to take loans for college and if so, do they understand their responsibility for paying off that debt as well as the consequences if they don't?
  

Even if you've decided to shoulder the cost of college, does your child understand their responsibility to attend class, keep up their grades, live on a budget and be responsible in keeping extraneous bills low? Many parents assume that their children are equally motivated to attend and complete college, although that is often not the case.

Out of all of the students who enroll in college, almost half will fail to graduate within 6 years. What happens to these kids? While many may eventually return to graduate, the fact is that they are leaving school without the advantage of the college degree but with the debt that was incurred while they were a student. It is one thing to graduate with 30,000 dollars in debt and repay that debt with what you hope is a good paying job. It is a very different scenario if you are struggling to pay back that same debt without the benefit of a college degree. Is your child aware of this? I spoke to a father who lamented that his college graduate daughter was waiting tables at a local restaurant with a degree in Anthropology. She had $25,000 in college debt. A broken ankle on a skiing trip forced her out of work and behind on her loan payments. These are the stories we hear about. Should she have not gone to college? Should she have not taken out loans? Should she have majored in something else? I wish I could say yes, but that is not the right answer.

A college graduate's lifelong earnings is estimated to be a million dollars more than a high school graduate. So obviously, there is monetary value in the degree. There are many doctors, lawyers, teachers, social workers, accountants and nurses who would not have been able to go to college if they had not taken out loans. And yes, there are Anthropology majors who are working as professors, teachers, writers, social workers, and a whole slew of professions.

The key is in planning. College students, research careers in your chosen profession. Take advantage of opportunities to work in fields related to the course of study. Leave employment options open. Instead of that job in “fast food”, look for internship opportunities close to your career. Even if the pay is poor, experience is often what it takes to get your foot in the door. Use loans wisely, live on a budget and look for ways to reduce college costs. Living on campus? Become a resident advisor or look into college work study. You don't eat breakfast? Skip the 3 meal a day option in your meal plan. You can save money taking the two meal option or better yet, cook your own meals. Although it seems like everyone is going, can you afford the Spring Break trips every year? And, attending a college "in state" can save you at least half the tuition you'd pay to attend a similar school "out of state". Learning to live on a budget as a student will teach valuable lessons for later.

These seem like common sense solutions and in fact that is what they are. There is no easy solution for the family that wants their child to go to college but just can't afford the price. Many families have to make harder choices. Maybe it means staying home and commuting to school to save on room and board. Maybe it means starting at a community college and transferring later. Maybe it means working and going to school part time. These are all choices that some families and young people make every day. But they make these decisions because a college education is a big investment.

So ultimately I tell parents and students that the final decision remains with them. We all know the success stories and of course we read in the paper about the failures. But each story is different and written by the individual. In my line of work, I choose to believe in happy endings.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - November

Seniors

• Early Decision Applications are due and interviews should be scheduled.
• If you haven't taken the SAT, this is the last SAT you can take if you want your scores to reach the college in time.
• If you are still dragging your feet on applying, use the college fairs going on in November to narrow down your choices. Speak with alumni to get a sense of the school.
• Scholarship applications should be submitted, pay attention to deadlines. Make sure that you have completed financial aid forms and completed the CSS profile if the school requires it.
• Check individual school deadlines.
• Apply for a PIN in preparation for applying for the FAFSA online.

Juniors

• You should also be attending college fairs. Collect material about a variety of schools that may interest you. Ask questions about admissions requirements.
• Review your academic schedule to make sure that you are on track to graduate and take all of the courses that you need. Review your transcript and familiarize yourself with graduation requirements.
• Consider enrolling in AP classes if you are eligible, to challenge yourself.
• This is your year to shine! Pay special attention to getting the best grades that you possibly can. Don't drop language and science courses. Although your school may only require 2 years of lab science and foreign language, most competitive schools want to see 3-4 years. Electives are wonderful but make sure that they are challenging you and going to prepare you for college level work.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - October

Now that you’re back in the swing of things, October becomes a very busy month. For Juniors and Sophomores, use this time to focus on getting good grades, participating in school and extracurricular activities and attending the numerous college fairs that will be held during October and November. It’s never too late to start looking. If you are a junior, this is the ideal time to start creating that long list of schools you might want to consider. Don’t just pick up brochures: use the opportunity to speak with admissions representatives as well as alumni who attend many of the local fairs.

This is also the month for the PSAT. Juniors should be signed up for this test which also is used to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Sophomores looking to get a head start with a practice PSAT are also encouraged to register. October is also the month many students will take the SAT for either the first or last time. Both the SAT and ACT are offered this month. But, pay attention to registration deadlines for these tests is in September. (More and more students are choosing to take both tests to compare their performance on them.) If you are a senior and already know what schools you are applying to, check to see whether you need to take the SAT subject tests. Many competitive schools require them. While it is recommended that you take them after finishing the subject, you’ll do best on the Math and English ones if you wait to take them in your senior year. In either case, take them early in order to meet college application deadlines.

Seniors planning on applying for early action or early decision admission should have completed their applications and submitted them to their schools to be sent out. The deadline for most of those applications is early November (November 1 or November 15) so it is important to have them ready now. Many schools may take as long as 2-3 weeks to get transcripts out, so get your requests in early. This is also important for school recommendations. Don’t assume that a teacher will be able to get that recommendation letter to you immediately, so give them time.

For those students applying regular decision or rolling decision, you should be using your time to narrow down your choices to a short list. Attend local and regional college fairs to collect information and pick up applications. Stop by the table of colleges that you are applying to. Introduce yourself to the college rep and ask them questions. You not only may pick up valuable tips, but you make yourself known to individuals who can be a useful resource. Although you may have your parents accompany you to these fairs, it is your job to step up and ask specific questions you have about the school. After all, you are the one who will be ultimately attending that school. Ask about admissions deadlines, interview requirements, open houses and campus tours. If you have the opportunity to speak with alumni, don’t be afraid to ask them about their own experience. They may have a very different perspective from the admissions counselor. The information you collect will help you create that short list of schools that you will eventually apply to.

Picking a College: Finding the Right Fit

Just about this time every year I find myself talking to young people about the sacrifices they and their families will be making to go to college. And each year, that number increases as more and more young people realize the value and necessity of earning a college degree. For many young high school graduates, the decision has been made years ago and the question becomes one of which school becomes the top choice. Reasons for a particular choice abound and it is all a matter of where one enters the competition for highly sought after Ivy Leagues, Flagship State Universities, small select private colleges, National Service Academies and the thousands of junior and senior colleges located around the country. While the number of students attending college is impressive, only 55% of these students will complete their degree in 6 years. The reasons for such a low retention rate are complex and sought after by college administrators across the nation. Understanding how students choose a particular school as well as how they fair once they attend their school of choice provides important insight for us all. It is equally important to understand what factors go into a student dropping out or failing to complete a course of study. Given the cost and time invested in a college education by both the individual and their family and through federally supported grants and loans, it is imperative that we gain some understanding into this phenomenon.

Often we will point to a student’s poor college performance or lack of adequate preparation at the high school level to explain high drop out rates, especially in the first years of college. Maybe they just weren’t “motivated enough.” Unfortunately, we would be simplifying the fact that many factors go into this. We know that many bright and motivated students drop out while other “late bloomers” may go on to successfully complete programs and graduate on time. Would that same drop-out have done better attending school elsewhere?

Choosing College

How do people go about choosing a college? What is it in their motivation, expectations, life experience or goals that makes them choose to go to a particular school? What are they expecting to get from their college experience?

I have been interviewing high school seniors for college for over 30 years. And when I ask them why they chose a particular college, the most frequent answers have to do with studying a particular major, pursuing professional goals, parent expectations or the desire to be successful and make a lot of money. It is interesting that they attribute the fulfillment of their goals to attending a particular school rather than a particular course of study or profession. “I know I will be successful if I go to X University!” Somehow, the student’s expectation is that attending a particular school is the sole determinant for attaining success. The right school equals the right job. The problem is that in today’s competitive landscape, the right school may have 20,000 applicants for a freshman class of 1,000. Given that the competition has become so fierce, I worry about how these same students will redefine their definition of success. In other words, if the key to success is getting into the right school, what happens when you don’t? This attitude also sends a crazy message to students. A number of years ago I remember interviewing a student who had set a particular Ivy League as his goal from the tender age of 6. To accomplish this, he studied hard, forsaking social opportunities to hang out with friends, attended college preparatory programs every summer from 9th grade on, got up early for extra tutoring in college level math and physics and entered every academic competition in the state. He scored perfect SATs and was class Valedictorian. Everyone told him…..with his scores and grades, he was a sure thing….until he received a rejection letter. What do you tell that student?
How do you convince that student that their success lies not in gaining admission to a particular school, but in the same type of efforts, sacrifice and motivation that got him/her through the first 18 years of their life?

For many students, the drive to attend a specific school may have less to do with gaining an academic advantage and more about the image the school projects. Party schools, jock schools, preppy schools, elite schools, public schools, all project an image, which often attracts the student who wants to identify with that image. We all have some idea of college, garnered from movies and television. In my day, Animal House was a particular favorite with the outrageous antics of Jim Belushi and his fellow frat brothers. More current movies and televisions shows depict college life in a way that appeals to a wide variety of students seeking the independence, social life and scholarly pursuits found on today’s campuses.

Some students are more excited about moving away from home, joining a fraternity or pursuing an athletic career than picking a major or planning a career. Universities notorious for being known as “party schools” struggle with an image that, while negative, attract large numbers of applicants every year. Some people fall in love with the whole college image: ivy covered buildings, shady quad settings, late night study breaks, football games and homecoming. Some students feel enormous pressure as a legacy to fill their parents’ shoes or fulfill their parent’s dream by attending a particular school. And let’s not forget the draw membership in a sorority or fraternity has in many college students’ lives. Whether these reasons seem valid to you, the point is that students are motivated by a variety of factors. So, should we really be surprised when things inevitably go wrong?

Why Do Students Fail to Finish?

In spite of the strength of some of these motivations, they may not be sufficient in enabling a student to stay on course and complete a college degree. The fact is that in addition to being fun, college is “tough”. Many students have not had the experience of dealing with things that are “tough”. For the first time, there is no one around to tell them when to study or how to study. Studying in high school may have been simply doing homework and looking over notes before an exam. No mom to make sure you’re eating properly or getting enough sleep. How do you pace yourself when there is a tendency to overdo it…just because you can? College work can be frustrating and whether you attend a big university or small college, it can be down right lonely at times. Missing family and childhood friends, comfort foods and family rituals seems particularly distressing when you’re having a bad day. Some schools can be so large and impersonal that it is easy to get lost in the crowd. It can seem like everyone else is having a great time but you! College is expensive. Have you checked out the price of those science text books? If you have to take a lot of loans or use up your savings or work part time, there is even less time to just have fun. While everyone else seems to be partying, shopping and going off on holiday breaks, the poor student is counting pennies and feeling just a little envious of the rich roommate with the great car and latest electronic “necessities”.


Finishing the Course

Those that stay in school and make it through have an idea of the bigger picture: A life goal where college is a stepping stone, a boot camp for the real world. They are able to balance the hard work against the tremendous opportunity to grow and test one’s wings. They recognize the opportunities to forge life-long friendships, get involved in real life issues and learn about the world in disciplines they were never exposed to. That first internship or work study program was just the experience to expose them to a future profession. The first failure or frustration taught them how to grow and learn from mistakes. Budgeting taught them how to prepare for living on that first pay check. They started out going to school with a best friend and made three new ones along the way. They learned to really multitask and had the satisfaction of succeeding at something they never thought they’d understand or be able to master: All important lessons for life on the job, in personal relationships and as a parent.

For those students who ended up dropping out, maybe it was finances, or adjustment problems or plain old homesickness. Maybe the courses were too tough and they just couldn’t keep up with the work. Maybe it was the wrong fit or circumstances beyond their control. After all, time doesn’t stand still. Circumstances change: one’s health may decline, people grow up and the world around us changes. For whatever reason, the course one charted has changed, veered off in uncharted waters. This becomes a life lesson as well. How does one deal with change, crisis, frustration, disappointment? How does one transition or adapt to change?

Every person changes their mind, or fails at something. We all have challenges we will have to take on. The difference is how we handle them. There are many college students who will change their major several times. There are graduates who will change their professional goals and many adults who will change careers several times in their lifetime. The idea that the career you choose will become a lifelong profession is no longer the norm. This current generation will spend an average of 2-3 years at each job.


The time when you worked at one company until you retired at age 65 is long gone. It’s what life is all about. Staying the course is less about how long it takes to finish but how close you get to your goal and what you learn about yourself along the way.

So, if you can figure it out the first time…good for you and if not, remember that college is an adult education. It does not have an age limit or a time limit. More and more adults are returning to school to pursue new careers or expanding on their skill sets. Some are taking courses just to expand their knowledge and interest in a particular field. And the only cost to you is time and money. For some people, waiting and working before attending college or graduate school, gives them opportunity to figure out what they really want. What work environment fits, what profession matches their lifestyle? This strategy may actually save you money and time. Knowing what you really want can help you focus your energies in a particular direction. This is the case with many adults who return to college. They know what they want and go after it. The young newly graduated high school student may need the time and opportunity to explore a number of disciplines before they choose a major. In either case, as long as you weigh all of these factors, you’re likely to come out that much closer to your goals in the end. And after all, isn’t that what going to college is all about?

Remember, college should never be seen as the goal, but rather as the shortest part of a long journey.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - September

For both college students and the college bound student:

You’re on your way! Whether in college or high school, your focus is on your classes. What do you need to do to do your best? Don’t wait until midterms to seek out that tutor or ask for help. Make friends in all your classes, join or start your own study group. Find people who share your dreams and want to succeed as much as you do. Take time to get involved, whether it is student government, sports, arts or community service. Find activities that help you to grow and work towards your dreams. Create a support system around you, whether it is family, classmates or friends, surround yourself with positive thinking people who want you to succeed as much as you do. Be confident and the rest of the year will keep you on track.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - August

Some of you will be packing to head off to college for freshman orientation. Saying goodbye to family and friends while looking forward to making new friends is exciting and sad at the same time. Take the time to contact your roommate in advance, if you know them. You can decide on items to bring to make that dorm room more comfortable. Rather than having 2 of everything, agree on who is bringing what. Talk with your parents about finances so that both you and your parents know what the budget looks like.

Those of you returning to high school should be focused on what is ahead of you. Are you a senior? If so, you should have already drawn up a list of colleges, and started on their applications. You should know all the various deadlines and familiarize yourself with your schools procedures. If you are applying early decision to a college, this is important. Although you can't fill out the FAFSA until January of your senior year, have you downloaded a copy to familiarize yourself with it? Have you put the dates for college fairs that are being held locally or regionally on your calendar? Have you planned to take the SAT or ACT in the early fall? Although school hasn't started yet, you can't afford to wait for a couple of weeks to get started on some of these things. The first month goes by so quickly and deadlines creep up very quickly. This is especially true if you are applying to college Early Decision. Most colleges have early November as a deadline. The only way to make these deadlines is to be prepared before school starts. Remember, you are not the only person requesting transcripts and teacher recommendations. Depending on each teacher and the school, these requests can be delayed by a couple of weeks; you need to make sure that those delays don't hurt you. Have you reviewed your academic program with your counselor to make sure you are taking the most challenging course load you can handle? Too many kids I meet have never done this, assuming that the guidance counselor has made that determination. If you feel that the guidance counselor is not helping, ask your parents to come with you to speak to them.

The Virginia Tech Tragedy: A Wake up Call to Every Parent’s Nightmare

Just recently, the news announced Virginia Tech’s plans to reopen the dorm and academic building where 32 young men and women, students and faculty were gunned downed by a student. Although the dorm will continue to house residential students, the university announced that classes no longer would be held in the other building.

While avoiding the scene of so much loss for students makes sense, we can’t help but be reminded of that tragic day in April of 2007. That day, we were all touched by this tragedy. Every parent and student could relate to the sheer terror of the events that unfolded. Even for those adults who didn’t have kids, the shock and sadness was just as painful as was the demand for increased security measures on school and college campuses across the country. "It could have been me, my child, my spouse, relatives, co workers, or neighbors that went to work or class that day and never returned."

So, months later there are still many parents who worry about the safety of their children in schools and universities across the nation. Whether we are sending our young ones off to the local public school or driving our freshman to college for the first time, we can’t help but worry that something might happen that prevents them from coming back home. We expect and accept that we live in a violent world. We see it in the media and believe that violence occurs elsewhere: Iraq, Sudan, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Israel but not here. We are aware of the gang violence and drive by shootings that plague neighborhoods in Los Angeles, New York, Detroit and Newark. But, we don’t expect it to happen in suburban, upper class communities or on elite college campuses. While urban schools and colleges have had to assure parents that their students were safe by putting in place security measures, that included campus police, metal detectors, random locker searches, and locked dorms, schools in suburban and rural areas were slower to respond. After all, the common notion is that violence is bred by poverty and over crowded conditions and unlikely to prevail outside of those communities. So it came to us as a shock when we started seeing a number of violent shooting incidents occurring in rural and suburban communities across the country.

The safety and security of our children has become a source of anxiety shared by parents across the nation. As the Baby Boomer generation, we place a high priority on this. We were the children growing up in the 50’s and 60’s practicing duck and cover drills in the face of an escalating cold war. We grew up in a post war age where nuclear deterrence was the main strategy for preventing war. We watched Leave it to Beaver, Ozzie and Harriet and Father Knows Best: Idyllic nuclear families with few problems that couldn't be solved within a 30 minute sitcom. By the time the Brady Bunch came along, we knew that blended families were cool and divorce was a rarity. As parents, we made sure we read Dr Spock, signed up for Lamaze classes, and rejected baby formula, opting to breast feed our babies instead. We changed our diets, quit smoking and limited our alcohol consumption to ensure a healthy baby. And once the child was born, we spared no expense hiring a whole slew of nannies, tutors, babysitters and coaches to help us protect and nurture our children. We give them beepers and cell phones so that we can stay in contact and spend years chauffeuring them around from dance classes to piano lessons to soccer practice. We make sure they go to the best schools, often taking on the burden of huge real estate taxes to live in communities that we believe offer better and safer schools. We monitor their music, TV watching and computer use. We screen their friends. And in spite of all of our efforts, they are still at risk for drug abuse, alcoholism, STD’s and death by violence.

How does a parent handle this? Obviously, home schooling your child through graduate school is not an option and we can’t control every situation our kids will find themselves in. It would be so easy if we could identify and eliminate all the "bad" situations, "negative influences" and "dangerous" people in their life. But we can’t. While some murderers "look" like "scary people", most don’t. While millions of Americans suffer from mental illness, only a handful ever acts out violently. So how do we deal with the increasingly dangerous world that our children will have to live in?

I think we start by allowing our kids to learn about the real world. Sheltering them from all the bad stuff just makes them naïve and more curious. Our notions of what is safe and unsafe need to change. While most of us would agree that home is a safe place, there are thousands of men, women and children who would disagree. Domestic violence, sexual and physical abuse are unfortunate realities for many. As parents, we can try to make our homes safe by looking at the environment we create. Is there supervision? Is there structure and routine? Are there adult figures one can rely upon? Does the child feel safe in the community they live in: Safe from bullies and abusers, safe from gang violence? Does the community have trust for the police and criminal justice system, believing that their rights will be protected and they will be treated fairly? Are their adults in your child’s lives who are supportive and positive role models? As your child gets older, are the lines of communication kept open so that they are allowed to grow and become independent while benefiting from parental guidance and expectations. Has that child been taught how to make decisions for him/herself and how to be their own person?

As your young adult prepares to leave home how prepared are they to live on their own? Whether they live in a college dorm or rent an apartment have you discussed and shared with them your concerns around security? We often assume that colleges or chaperones will provide the necessary supervision and guidance but we know that the average young adult will make choices that can place them in danger. It wasn’t that long ago that we all anguished over the outcome of a young student who went on vacation out of the country. Why do we allow our young people to travel and naively believe that they are safe in situations that you or I would feel nervous about? A young woman, out drinking with her friends who then goes off with a stranger…in what situation would that not be scary?

We can call for better mental health screening, question confidentiality policies that serve to keep parents uninformed about their adult child’s mental status. We can tighten up gun registration laws and enhance campus security, but we owe it to our children to help them to be less cavalier about their life and the choices they make. When we rush to fix a problem, bail them out of a bad situation or shelter them from real life consequences, we do them a disservice.

As your child starts back to school this fall or heads off for college or jumps on a bus rushing off to camp, think about what else you could do to help them be safe in a world that is fast becoming a scary place. The world we grew up in was very different from the one our children live in.

I agonized over the loss of so many young lives on that day in April. I also am saddened when any young life is needlessly snuffed out by the whims of another. I can only imagine the loss and pain of losing one’s child. As a parent, I still whisper a prayer when my adult kids are traveling, or driving late at night. My instinct is to want to hold on to them and keep them safe. And while that might lessen my anxiety, it wouldn’t in fact make them any safer or prepare them to live out in the world. As parents, the tougher job we face is figuring out how we can toughen them up; Make them resilient and able to adapt to a changing world. We made those changes in our lifestyle and parenting when they were young for a reason: Not to protect as much as to prepare our kids for a future that while of our making, will also reflect the choices and values of their generation.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - July

Those waiting to go to college should be working, saving up money for all the college essentials: books, clothes, computer, etc. Start practicing living on a budget. Open a checking or saving account and learn how to balance your monthly statement. Start making a detailed list of what you will need when you go off to school. You wouldn’t believe how many students pack the I-Pod but forget the aspirin and cold medicine. Research programs or organizations you might want to join on campus. Get a copy of the college catalog and familiarize yourself with course requirements and departmental requirements. Have you looked at the registration materials, course descriptions and class schedule? You will not have a lot of time to select courses and figure out your schedule once you are on campus so start planning early.

For those of you in high school, use the summer to grow: Whether that means work or vacation, taking a preparatory class, learning a new hobby, volunteering in a project or visiting a college. Use your time to relax and refresh your body while challenging your mind. Start on the required reading for that English course or take a refresher course to improve your chances of doing well in school. Can you take a class at the local junior college? If you are a senior, you should have started researching colleges. Contact them and request the applications for admissions and financial aid. Research scholarships that are available in your community and on a national level. Does your parent’s employer or the church you belong to offer scholarships? Start completing these applications early. Pay attention to deadlines. Start working on the personal essay or writing sample most college applications ask for. Even if you are using the Common Online application, many schools require additional forms. If you have already taken the SAT, consider taking a prep course to improve your score or consider taking the ACT. Have you registered for the SAT or SAT II exams. These subject tests should be taken after you complete the course. So don’t wait until 12th grade to take the subject test that you took in your sophomore year. Although many schools don’t require them, most competitive schools do and they are not offered as frequently so be aware of those dates.

Getting Your Act Together: Making the Most of the Time You Have

At this time of year, I find myself speaking with a lot of young people who have been admitted to college but are frustrated with their efforts to obtain financial aid. Often enough, it is a problem easily remedied because the student has taken the initial steps: applied and been accepted into college, submitted the FAFSA form and at least researched the costs involved in attending. In that case, they still have time to apply for loans, although they may have missed out on grants, college work study and scholarships that might have been available earlier if they had applied in time.

But sometimes, the plea comes from the "last minute person", the senior who woke up in May and realized that everyone around them has plans and they don’t. These individuals find themselves scrambling to apply. This means getting the school to send out transcripts over the summer when the school is officially closed. To make things worse, last minute admits have to struggle to figure out how to pay for registration because it is too late to complete financial aid forms. While it’s never too late to apply, there are a handful of colleges out there willing to admit students as late as August or early September, applying so late limits the student's options. Proper advisement is not always available and the student may find that the courses they need to take have been filled up and no longer available. This is not the positive experience an incoming freshman wants to experience.

As a person who has always placed a high value on obtaining a college degree, it is frustrating to see individuals every year who fail to register or attend college because they have run out of time or give up after being faced with a difficult start..

The Impulsive Applicant

In the 1980’s, I worked at a small senior college, part of the CUNY system. We were always under enrolled, so we often found ourselves admitting and enrolling students throughout the Registration period. (Most colleges admit their students by April of the preceding semester.) People would walk in asking to register, often after being struck with the inspiration that it was time to start college. While this is a good thing, often this inspiration impulsively struck mere days before classes were about to commence. I remember the long lines of young and older adults interested in making the plunge and returning to school. Some were immigrants wanting to attain the American dream. Others were adults who had gone on to work or raise families after high school and had finally decided to go back to school. And there were always a couple of stragglers who made up their mind after graduating high school that they wanted to start college. What they all shared was a last minute decision that unfortunately, complicated the admissions and registration processes. While some of them would go on to complete the application, arrange for placement testing, register for classes and find money to pay the bursar, all in a matter of days, many were not able to complete all of this in time to attend classes. I often wondered what happened to those individuals who left with applications and instructions in hand, but never returned. Even more unfortunate were the people who were admitted but failed to find the money to attend. (In 1985, full time tuition at CUNY was a bargain at $612.50 per semester)

It seems to me that timing, not access, has become the real factor in determining who goes to college. Everyone can make a mistake, miss a deadline, forget something… procrastinate about making a decision…but when we leave no time to correct the mistake…we’re in trouble. And when you’re talking about decisions that can affect a person’s future, most of us can’t afford to get it wrong.

Programmed Kids

On the other end of the spectrum, I have worked with youngsters who have been "programmed" to attend Ivy League colleges from the cradle. It isn't their race or income that sets these kids apart. It's not that they are any smarter, or go to better schools. What sets them apart from other kids is the attitude and belief that they and their parents have that they will achieve whatever goal they set for themselves, including attending some of the most competitive schools in the country. These individuals have been planning, saving, working towards college all of their lives. They have taken classes on the weekends, participated in competitive sports, traveled to exotic locales, volunteered countless hours and taken advanced courses to give themselves whatever competitive advantage they can gain. Their parents started saving for college early on and by the time these students are 13, they have taken the SAT several times, visited a bunch of colleges and attended summer college institutes to start calculus and advanced courses long before they can do so in high school. For these individuals, their parents took advantage of every opportunity possible to further ensure their children’s chances of winning a scholarship and getting into a competitive school, often planning as early as nursery school to see that their children have all the advantages. Now we can debate whether or not this is a good thing. Do these kids miss out on having a "normal" childhood or do they suffer unbelievable stress by being on the fast track? But the fact is that these kids end up having more options at graduation. They are better prepared academically to compete for scholarships and admissions and their parents have a financial plan for dealing with the cost of college.

What to Do

Knowing this, what words of wisdom can I dole out to motivated students and parents who want the same things for their kids, admittance to highly competitive schools and scholarships to pay for tuition? How does the average student approach college admissions, knowing that some of the competition has had a head start on them? How can a person make the most of the time and resources he/she has on hand?

I believe that the most important factor is making sure you don’t run out of time: Time to plan and prepare. While it is never too late to consider college, the high school student has the most time and therefore should use it wisely. The adult student returning to school has limited time and resources. The effort to attend college competes directly with the adult demands of work and family... Time is precious and one cannot afford to waste it. The young student does not have these concerns so my advice to them is: Don’t wait until senior year to get started.

What should you be doing right now to prepare for college? Whether you are freshman starting college in the fall or a student in high school this year, there are things you can be doing right now. Some of these things are fairly simple and you may be doing them already. Some are more strategic and may involve planning on your part. Going to school, getting involved in clubs and organized activities as well as taking advantage of opportunities to grow and learn about yourself are all important for you. Everything you do, here on out should be looked at as an opportunity: obstacles become challenges to be overcome and setbacks become opportunities for growth.

In the coming months, I will share with you a list of things you can be doing to prepare yourself for college. In this Monthly to Do List I will suggest ideas and share information that you can act on to help prepare you. I invite you to give me feedback as well as share ideas that have helped you. You will get the most out of the list if you use it as a starting point. It’s meant to get you thinking about school and the activities you are involved in, in a different, more strategic way. Following these steps will help you to remain focused and on the right track. At the same time, it is important to use the resources and support system around you; parents, friends, counselors, teachers and mentors. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and remember this is your future we’re talking about!

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - June

Newly admitted college students should be finalizing their financial aid plans. You should have completed the FAFSA and have researched all of the loan options. Have you met someone in Financial Aid who can answer your question and doesn’t just send you to apply on line? Part of your financial aid package is a loan. What kind of loan is it? Is it subsidized or not subsidized? Educate yourself about this. What are the backend borrower benefits? Some loans have origination and guarantee fees, are you responsible for them? Do you know that you don’t have to use the college’s lender? The law says you can get those loans anywhere, so shop around. If you know you need a loan, first take advantage federally guaranteed loans; they have the most competitive interest rates. If you need additional loans, you may be eligible for PLUS or Private/Alternative loans. Be aware that they require a credit check (both) and cosigner (privates) Private loans are more expensive, the rates bare variable and dependent on your credit history. So shop around. The rule is: The better your credit, the lower the rate. Remember, these loans will pile up quickly so borro0w as little as possible. Now is a good time to learn how to live on less. You’ll appreciate it once you start repaying them.

For those of you still in high school, start thinking about how you can get the most out of your summer vacation. You should consider pursuing a variety of activities that will feed your mind and refresh your body. Starting with your school, research opportunities to attend a summer program, travel abroad, or participate in work/study internships. Looking for a job? Are there opportunities to work in a field you’re interested in? Seek out adults in your community who can mentor you, introduce you to new ideas and interests. Although making money is always a plus, there are loads of volunteer opportunities that provide you with early career exposure, mentoring relationships and real experience. Sometimes these positions lead to paid positions in subsequent years. Working at McDonalds? Try to start saving some of your money to pay for college. It is a lot easier to work during the summer than during the school year, especially if you are taking a challenging course load. Ask at your school for special programs and school sponsored activities you can take advantage of. You don’t have to have a lot of money to participate in some of the State sponsored preparatory programs available.

Paying the Bills When the Party is Over

I promised myself that in writing this column, I would not be afraid to tackle the issues that students and families face about college, regardless of how controversial or negative they might seem. I became interested in working in this field because of the opportunity to engage in something that is positive and life affirming. Unfortunately, from time to time, I find myself having to address the more negative aspects that we struggle with as well. In my last article, I focused on the growing concern about mounting college debt and the lending industry. While this is a controversy that will probably remain in the public’s eye some time into the future, it is also something to consider as we move into May, a time when newly admitted students are preparing to enroll in college and seniors are graduating from school. While the incoming student is just beginning to figure out how one goes about paying for college, the graduate is faced with the new responsibility for paying for their college education long after college has ended.

May 1st is the deadline for many students planning on enrolling in the school of their choice. There is a scramble for both student and family to secure funding to pay college costs. On a regular basis I receive calls from parents unsure of what their options are, often quoted rates that are out of date or unsure what kind of loan financing they are eligible for. Time and time again I hear from parents who struggle with paying for their part of the Expected Family Contribution. Families speed through the process of signing promissory notes and returning enrollment checks to hold one’s place in the incoming freshman class. Most families figure that they have a couple of months over the summer to figure it out, rearrange household budgets and make good on their promises to help their kids go to college.

May is also the time when most college seniors are completing coursework, renting cap and gowns, and preparing for graduation. There is a sense of achievement and accomplishment as well as the promise of a bright future awaiting the graduate. In the midst of celebrating, college seniors are preoccupied with sending out resumes, interviewing for jobs, planning moves or making plans to attend graduate/professional school in the Fall. Credit card solicitations as well as consolidation offers abound and are casually dismissed along side of unpaid campus parking tickets, overdue phone bills and credit card charges from that Spring Fling. Why not enjoy it for a quick second. I’ll be working in the fall. I’ll worry about it then. After all, as one graduate surmised, "It’s not like campus police are going to hound me when I am at home. What are a few campus parking tickets?"

For most of us, who fondly remember the "good old days", we can appreciate the sense of promise and success we experienced as well as being ignorant of what life had in store for us, once the celebrating had ended: The many resumes mailed out, dropped off or forwarded to an endless number of companies looking for “promising college grads”, the countless interviews where you came away feeling under or over qualified, as well as dodging the endless questions about “How’s the job hunting going?” or “What graduate program did you get into?”. And, of course, we all had to experience our parents’ polite questions about our job prospects and hints about amassing bills. Six months post graduation and the meter which has been ticking sounds off a siren….loan payments are coming due! Those seemingly small loans of $3,500 dollars have turned into a debt of more than $15,000 and guess what, there are interest charges to boot?.... “Okay, okay, I can do this…at least I thought I could.”

This is a scenario that is oh too real for too many students and while it may be a wake up call. It is not the end of the world. The problem is that few students have thought about this aspect of their college education. For most college students who may have had to foot little if any of the college tuition costs, it is a revelation….Somebody was paying the bill. Now they expect You to be that somebody. It was relatively simple to apply for that loan, sign the promissory note and “Voila, tuition paid.” Colleges made it easy and simple to do so, but therein lays the problem. It was too simple, most students don’t bother to read the fine print…the terms, rates and conditions of the loan. What kind of loan is it?.... subsidized, unsubsidized, Stafford, Perkins, Plus, Private or Alternative…..And by the way what is an alternative loan? Deferment, grace, default… what do those terms have to do with me? “What do you mean, I have to pay my loan even if I don’t graduate…but I don’t have a job…I can’t afford that much…how come I can’t just default on it ..it’s guaranteed by the government?” Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Now we know that for most graduates with debt, these loans do get paid, often at great expense and sacrifice to the person. We also know that many of those same students will amass more debt to pay for graduate, law, medical and business school culminating loans in excess of 100,000 dollars.

Other students may struggle with this same debt and eventually stop making loan repayment, thus defaulting on loans and ruining their credit. Unfortunately, this act does not just affect the individual. The “cohort default” rate, a figure based on the percentage of students who default on their loans at a given school, affects future borrowers. The rates students are offered may be higher. A high default rate affects the college’s ability to secure competitive loan rates and participate in the federal loan programs. And we know that for smaller, less financially endowed schools, the inability to offer students loans, seriously impacts on enrollment.

So what’s a little bad credit? Ruined credit affects an individual’s ability to buy a car or purchase a home. Poor credit ratings contribute to higher interest rates when and if that person is able to secure a loan or credit card. A poor credit rating affects not just credit decisions but housing and leasing options. These individuals must have co signers; they must usually pay higher cash deposits and are handicapped in every situation where a TRW or credit history is required. Try getting a telephone without good credit.

So how do we deal with this?

Responsible budgeting...what an old fashioned notion. Does the student understand the value of a dollar…the actual cost of things? Do you believe that your child needs to have a charge card that you pay…with no limits on spending? And what about those cell phones? Who pays the bills and is there a limit? Does calling one’s 3 best friends across the country count as an emergency? How much money is your child expected to contribute towards college costs? Have you had that talk with your child where you spell out these conditions? What is an acceptable college cost and what is over the top?

Expectations about your child are important. Maybe you don’t want them to work part time or during the summer, but I’m sure somewhere in there is an expectation that the student will attend class, work hard and graduate on time. Often we as parents take this for granted, but have we communicated this to our kids? I remember counseling a junior college student who had a cumulative GPA of 1.3 after attending college for 4 semesters. He had just completed another year, priding himself on having successfully withdrawn from class in time to not have his failing grades count. I pointed out to him, that in spite of this “smart strategy”, it was still costing his parents, because they could not get a refund on the tuition paid. He laughed and stated “It obviously doesn’t bother them…why are you so concerned?” Somehow, I don’t think his parents ever got around to having “the talk”.

A reasonable career plan helps a student remain focused. What are you planning on doing with that bachelor’s degree in Philosophy? Knowing how your child is going to pay the bills should have some impact when deciding how much loan to take. College, after all is an investment. An investment that costs time and money and pays off in one’s attaining a degree to pursue the career of their choice. But if that career can’t pay off the debt incurred in pursuing that degree….what is the back up plan? As a parent you have to be clear what your job is...because in an effort to make your child’s life simple, avoiding the pitfalls that we learned growing up, we may be enabling this next generation to be dependent, irresponsible and not prepared to deal with the challenges of adulthood. So how long do we pay our kids’ tuition bills and to what extent do we subsidize a major that has few or limited prospects for a decent salary. Yes, it’s wonderful to be the social worker making 35,000 dollars a year, but where will you live, what kind of car will you be able to afford. Difficult choices may require more sacrifice than one is willing to make.

College debt management has to be budgeted, not an afterthought. Just like the rent, the phone bill, food and cable, that loan has to be paid regularly and on time. Just because they can’t repossess your education doesn’t mean you get a free pass. While many students can rattle off their plans for finding an apartment, buying a car, taking that long awaited trip…has that student figured out the monthly cost of repaying loans. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the repayment terms of the loan. Are there ways to get help in repaying college debt by working in a specific field? Many jobs offer signing perks that include paying off college loans or paying for continuing education. These are highly valuable benefits that often get overlooked. Remember all of those consolidation ads you received in June and July? Consider consolidating your loans into one single loan which can usually be repaid over a longer period of time. The up side is that you can often reduce the amount you are paying on a monthly basis. The downside is that a longer repayment period will mean increased interest charges which add to the total debt to be paid. In either case you should aim to repay these loans as quickly as possible, which ultimately shortens your repayment time and lowers your interest. What works better for you? Putting off or delaying that expensive purchase as well as keeping credit card debt low is an important strategy. Current credit cards rates can be as high as 30.9% interest. The person who regularly pays the minimum payment will never pay off the debt. Although most graduates are excited about using the new pay check to get some of those luxury purchases, the mid town condo, the BMW, the trip to Cancun….is it possible or even advisable to make these purchases so soon? Get into the habit of saving and putting off purchases, especially impulse buys until you have a real sense of finances. Also, delaying that purchase and waiting to see if you want is as much as you did 6 months ago, will tell you a lot. Many young people opt to forego health insurance, life insurance and 401 K benefits for a higher salary. But this is not always a good trade off. A company offering more traditional benefits and a relative amount of security may be a better option, after all, a fall on a ski trip, an unplanned pregnancy or any unexpected bill can cause significant debt in a short period of time. Have you noticed the price of a visit to an emergency room?

Now don’t get me wrong. I understand that the norms and values of today have changed since I graduated from school. Tuition is higher, as are rents, and general living costs. Young people are used to having more things and our culture is consumer driven. But some things haven’t changed. As adults, we are expected to be self sufficient, not only for ourselves, but for many of us, that will also include a spouse and kids. While salaries have risen, so too has the cost of living. Many families rely on the earnings of both parents to meet the bills. With a divorce rate of over 50%, many single parents find themselves handling this burden on one salary. For families with young children, the cost of babysitters, daycare, after care, private school, and summer camp strangles the family budget. And these are just the costs that enable both parents to work. For young people starting out, this is not a promising picture. The planning that needs to take place early on, the spending and saving habits established early on can make the difference.

Yes, it is a shame to think that some alumni returning to their college reunions 20 years from now, may be still paying for college. But hopefully, they will feel that their college education was a good investment. I believe that like any other challenge we face in life, this too is not insurmountable. Parents who engage in advance planning, as well as setting limits and communicating expectations along with teaching their children budgeting and life management skills will be ensuring that their children will be prepared to compete and deal with whatever the future holds for them.

Donna’s Monthly to Do List - May

Seniors:

• Contact the college you will be attending.
• Mail in additional required forms, deposit, housing forms, etc., as they become due.
• Research loans if they are a part of your financial aid offer. Review the various options.
• Discuss with your parents finances and start creating a budget.
• Look for summer employment to help save some money for college.
• Congratulations! You’re on your way.

Juniors:

• You should have compiled a short list of schools to visit over the summer.
• Make plans to download or write for college applications that you can start over the summer.
• Develop a resume.
• Do a self appraisal in preparation for writing college essays. Review your goals, values, and plans. Take a look at some of the college essay questions and start thinking about how you would answer them. (*Note: the essays take the longest to complete, so start thinking about content now) If you are traveling over the summer or participating in a program that you might want to write about, keep a journal of thoughts, reflections or impressions of your experiences. If you have no special plans for the summer, look at opportunities to get involved in a research or service projects to broaden your experience.

Sorting Out the Press on the College/Lender Scandal

Over the thirty years that I have been doling out advice and information about college, I continue to discover a great deal of misinformation on a topic that is so widely discussed and covered by an abundance of resources including, handbooks, web based sites and search engines, guidance materials and professional advisement services. How can college admissions and financial aid continue to be so confusing to so many people in spite of this excess of information? On top of this is my growing concern that higher education has become a political football that can be championed by any candidate looking to forward their particular agenda in an electoral campaign. Anyone who has been following the news recently is probably aware of the debate on educational reform in higher education as well as investigations into the lending industry and illegal or unethical practices of revenue sharing between colleges and lenders. The timing of such allegations unfortunately creates confusion and distrust because this is the time when most families are faced with making critical decisions about college and financial aid. (May 1)

How does a family figure out whether or not they are making the right choice for their teen, when grave suspicion and mistrust have been heaped onto both college financial aid offices and college lenders? How does one determine who the good guys are, what information is misleading and how to tell the difference? In the past, most families relied upon the information provided in financial aid award letters to guide decision making. Now, recent allegations suggest that this information may be influenced more by financial arrangements that benefit the school, rather than being in the best interests of student. The accusations are that certain schools and lenders engaged in practices whereby, the school benefited financially by steering students to a particular lender for loans. In addition, students were often prohibited from using their lender of choice, although the federal law states that students do not have to obtain their loan from the college or a specific preferred lender. The fact that this is happening at any college robs students of their ability to exercise their choice in selecting a lender.

Clearly, these are practices that cannot be allowed to continue, being unfair not only to students but to the many companies in this competitive business that do not engage in such practices. Competition ensures that rates remain low and companies compete to offer the individual borrower the best benefits. When collusion occurs between a particular school and lender, this doesn’t happen. While I applaud the crusade to go after the offending institutions, my bigger concern is for a seemingly blanket indictment of the loan industry and the long term ramifications for creating a system of distrust and confusion for the public. In addition, the public debate over the mounting debt obligations that burden young college graduates should not be attributed to college lenders. The fact that this industry has grown and recognized such profits is due to an increased demand for loans by the public. To suggest otherwise, is not only erroneous, but oversimplifies the more pressing issue of the rising cost of college tuition.

In the thirty years since I graduated from college, three major changes have occurred. First, and most obvious, is the growth in the number of students applying to college. Higher percentages of high school graduates are applying to and attending college. This increase is not only among traditional high school graduates, but is also demonstrated in the increasing number of adults starting or returning to school. Second, the competition for colleges, especially at the selective and highly selective level, has gone through the roof. In a report by Bloomberg (2007), the acceptance rate at highly selective schools, such as Princeton and Harvard, are at an all time high. Princeton admitted a little less than 10% of its applicants this year. This is a trend seen not only at highly selective schools, but at other popular universities as well. Third, the costs of college education for both public and private schools have grown at an alarming pace, with tuition at public institutions out pacing the costs at many private colleges. This third trend, an increase in tuition, directly affects the growth in college lending which has traditionally served to bridge the gap between family resources and scholarships and grants.

As a first generation student entering college back in 1973, I know first hand the types of tough choices families have to make to send their kids to college. I was brought up to believe that education was the big equalizer: The way a person could improve their chances and opportunity to make a better life for one self. My parents, both hard working high school drop outs who dreamed of sending their children to college, got their wish when I was accepted to a variety of colleges including an Ivy League college. Paying for bills month to month, there was no opportunity for them to save money for college. Paying the mortgage was our family’s first priority. Luckily, I received financial aid. A generous financial aid package offered me half of the monies needed to pay for tuition, room and board. An NDSL, the forerunner of the current federal loans, parent contributions, earnings from work and college work study, enabled me to attend my first choice. Although I had to work during those 4 years, unlike many of my more wealthy classmates, and accumulate a total of 8,000 dollars in debt, I never regretted my choice. Now fast forward to the present. Tuition at that school is in the mid 40,000’s and a family facing that same decision may be asked to contribute a good deal of that amount. While tuition has sky rocketed, the maximum federal loan available is approximately 3,500 dollars a year. Many families trying to meet the cost of education will take loans to pay the balance. In addition to Stafford loans, they may finance the rest using Plus loans, private/alternative loans or home equity loans. By the time a student graduates with a bachelor’s degree, they may have loans totaling $15,000+. For those students going on to graduate school, the amount of debt just keeps growing.

It seems to me that the problem is more complex than playing “Blame the Lender”. I say this not because I feel that the loan industry needs defense, but because I worry that by focusing on loans, we do not address the real problem that plagues the industry: Rising tuition costs. We know that tuition rates have increased as colleges and universities struggle to meet the growing demands of salaries and benefits, increasing enrollment, a demand for additional labs and lecture halls, the updating of technology and services and the general maintenance, up keep and expansion of college facilities. While many colleges have been successful at raising money to fund expansion of college services and to fund scholarships, public schools and smaller, less well endowed schools struggle to survive. Those students seeking a college education must compete for fewer seats in a more highly contested competition for admission to select schools and for desired scholarships. And the net result is that many students find themselves with inadequate funding to pay for college. The same opportunity that I worked for back in 1973 may be fast becoming an unattainable goal for a student coming from a background similar to my own. The opportunity to attend a highly selective private school may be far beyond their reach. The solution to this issue will not be easily fixed by any one politician’s agenda.

As a parent, I too am concerned with the growing indebtedness of today’s youth, inadequately prepared to take on the responsibility for repaying that debt. I am aware that many students will ultimately default on these loans, contributing to a higher cohort default rate that burdens schools, students and taxpayers. I am concerned that many jobs that our students aspire to compete for may not be available for them upon graduation due to increased competition and outsourcing trends. I worry that parents in response, will turn to debt solutions that contribute to their own financial insecurity at a time when they need to be saving for their own retirement. And I am truly concerned that the emerging population of lower class and immigrant groups will not be able to afford college and will be relegated to taking jobs at the unskilled level instead of moving up the ladder as our parents did. This is not the future I dreamt of for me or for my children.

When I started writing this column, I promised myself that this would be a place where I could engage in plain talk about college admissions. So let’s do just that.

It would be nice to be able to blame the loan industry for the problem, but that is not a true analysis of the problem. What does contribute to this problem is the confusion and lack of information many people have about college loans. The average 18 year old signing up for a loan as part of their financial aid package has not really thought out what this responsibility entails. Because most students rely on the college which includes a loan in the financial aid package, there is a trust assumed that the school is acting in the student’s best interest. The message here is that the public cannot afford to leave these decisions to others. If we learn anything from this, it is that students and their parents need to educate themselves about financial aid options and start planning for college earlier. It is my hope that when the dust clears, after all the investigations have been completed, that the system will not only have rid itself of revenue sharing schemes, but that the public will be able to trust in the system. It would be a shame if these investigations caused a panic and distrust that keeps families from seeking out the assistance they need to pay for college.

The same way that my family needed loans to help pay for my college 34 years ago, the average American family finds them in the same situation. I would hate to see a return to those times when only the very wealthy could afford to go to college.

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Points To Take Away From This:

We need to educate ourselves about all of our financial aid options, including different loan programs and current rates.

• Shop around: use independent resources like simpletuition.com to compare rates.
• Start saving and planning in advance.
• Have that parent/child discussion about finances.
• Teach your teen how to live on a budget.
• Don’t borrow more than you need.
• Start looking for scholarships early.
• And, pay attention to deadlines, file early.