Summertime is Precious Time ... to Dream Dreams

by Katherine O'Brien, Certified College Planning Specialist

 

Summer time evokes thoughts of vacations, resting, swimming lessons, visiting relatives, and the like. Overall, people tend to think that summer time is a break, that all things school related can be put away. For families with two parents working, how to keep the kids "occupied" during the summer is the focus.

Summer camps, library programs, VBS, sports camps, these are all good, but not typically geared for teenagers. There are also colleges with programs for high school students, some of which are quite competitive.

What SHOULD your college bound teen do in the summer?

That depends... what are his or her goals? What does he or she want to accomplish in life?

Goals drive everything. How can our teens come to know their goals?

Here's an exercise that takes a couple of hours. (I've adapted Jordan Peterson's future authoring exercise.) Teens (and adults!) can use this to really think about and express the desires of their hearts and so come to know what it is she or he wants to accomplish in life (and, therefore, in college).

 

 

The instructions:

Get out paper and pen or pencil and a timer. You can do this all in one sitting, or break it up into several sittings. Do all the steps within two weeks, ideally within one. If you break it up into several sittings, start each sitting with Step 1. For this, it is best, by far, to actually write, rather than type.

 

Step 1 - Set the Stage, Get Yourself Ready

 

Get comfy. Pray, inviting God, Who created the heavens and the earth, to direct you, to help you start to glimpse His plan for your life - 

Relax. Breathe in deeply. Hold it for a slow count of three, then let it out very very slowly. Repeat four times.

Did you do that? If not, do it. I get it, deep breathing seems SO lame. It's not. It clears your mind, and lowers your stress, and allows you to think better. THOSE are IMPORTANT, so breathe!

Get yourself situated comfortably in a private place where you won't be interrupted. If music helps you think and be creative, put some on. I strongly suggest that it be instrumental so the lyrics don't interfere with your train of thought.

 

Step 2 - Hopes and Dreams - Family

Set the timer for fifteen minutes. That is the MINIMUM amount of time you will spend on this step. WRITE out - on paper! - your hopes and dreams for your future family, or, if you are already married, for your family in the future.

Will you marry? Have kids? Both parents work? Will you or your spouse work from home? Will you home school? Where do you want to live? Region of the Country? Urban/Suburban/Rural? Near your family of origin? Will you own a home? Live in a high rise? etc... 

Step 3 - Hopes and Dreams - Friends

Set the timer for fifteen minutes. That is the MINIMUM amount of time you will spend on this step. WRITE out - on paper! - your hopes and dreams for your friends.

Do you want to have a strong group of friends? Will you (and your spouse) play sports, do book studies, bible studies, service work, play games, socialize, etc. with your friends? Will you have a mentor? Be a mentor? 

Step 4 - Hopes and Dreams - Job(s)

Set the timer for fifteen minutes. That is the MINIMUM amount of time you will spend on this step. WRITE out - on paper! - your hopes and dreams for your job(s).

What sort of job(s) do you want to work? In what settings? Inside, outside, independent, collaborative, virtual, hybrid, etc. Do you want to travel? If so, how often and to where? Do you hope to work for a large company? A medium sized one? Small? Mom & Pop? Start your own?

Step 5 - Hopes and Dreams - Career

Set the timer for fifteen minutes. That is the MINIMUM amount of time you will spend on this step. WRITE out - on paper! - your hopes and dreams for your career.

What are your career goals? What massive, perplexing problems do you want to solve? How do you want to use your skills, abilities, talents, and interests to make the world a better place? What sort of income do you hope to make? What sort of career do you want? Do you want multiple careers?

How do you define success?

 

 

Step 6 - Deal with your Temptations

Set the timer for fifteen minutes. That is the MINIMUM amount of time you will spend on this step. WRITE out - on paper! - make plans to curb your temptations.

Be honest. What tempts you? Spending too much? How will you implement a budget? What does a well moderated financial life look for to you? What do you hope for? Drink too much? Use drugs? Can you moderate it or do you need to not drink at all? What do you hope for? What about sex? What are your hopes and dreams for your intimate relationships? What about over-working? Laziness? What else tempts you?

Part of this step is identifying your temptations.  Be honest with yourself. Another part is imagining or dreaming of life lived well, not indulging in those temptations.  What do you hope for? What do you dream of?

Step 7 - Hopes and Dreams - Free Time

Set the timer for fifteen minutes. That is the MINIMUM amount of time you will spend on this step. WRITE out - on paper! - your hopes and dreams for your free time.

What hobbies do you hope to pursue? Dream big. What skills do you hope to develop? Go for it! How will you relax - on a daily basis? weekly? monthly? annually?

 

Step 8 - Civic Responsibilities

Set the timer for fifteen minutes. That is the MINIMUM amount of time you will spend on this step. WRITE out - on paper! - your hopes and dreams for your society.

What sort of impact will you have on your neighborhood? How do you  hope to serve? Mentoring? Serving the poor meals? Serving on a Board of Directors? Starting an organization to meet a need? Run for office?

Step 9 - Bring it all Together 

After you have taken the time to dream, to write out your hopes and dreams, set aside time in two to three days to look them over. In the meantime, let them sit in your mind and heart for a few days.

When the time comes, review them, some will fit together well while others will be outliers. Themes will emerge. Now you can start to put together plans and goals to make those dreams into a reality.

 

This can be quite difficult to do on your own. Katherine is available to guide you through the steps, and to help you analyze them, then create goals and plans to achieve those goals. To explore this, email her: KOB@CelticCollegeConsultants.com 

Katherine O'Brien is the founder of Celtic College Consultants and has been providing expert knowledge for the journey to college since 2004. She is a holistic planner, focusing on student development, leadership development, career exploration, goal setting, college funding, and lifelong student success. As a faithful Roman Catholic, she values each person as a gift.

 

Fostering Teens' Dreams into Reality

 by Katherine O'Brien, Certified College Planning Specialist, ThD Candidate

 

Post-COVID there are more options than ever for post high school education and training. Ages 18-23 is a key time in our lives.  This is wonderful, and challenging. Sorting through aspirations and hopes and their "wildest dreams" is essential. Some of those will be impractical while others will become lifelong passions and realities.

 

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” -Steven Spielberg

....and, this is easier to do when you are NOT their parent.

Teens know more about their aspirations than they realize. They know what “wicked problem” they want to solve. I help them come to know that, articulate it, then craft a plan with realistic paths to achieve their goals. We start to build a focused curriculum in high school which will be continued in trade school or college college and incorporate experiential learning opportunities into their process. I help teens “reverse engineer” their dreams into action steps they can take during their high school and college years.

 

Don’t do a “reverse transfer. Increasingly students are going to four year universities then transferring to a community college near their home. What a waste of time, effort, money, and what damage is done to their confidence! If a certificate or trade school program makes more sense than a four year degree, let's determine that with clarity during high school and craft a path to success, rather than trying college, failing or opting out (and feeling like a failure) in order to get onto a path better suited for the student and his or her aspirations.

 

80% of college students change their majors, at least once. People have come to think of this as normal. Unfortunately, taking six years to complete a four year degree has also become  "normal". For more than a decade, the average time to complete a bachelor's degree in the US has been six years!!!! The costs of not taking time in high school to discover your purpose is high.

 

THIS IS MY GOAL: to mentor teens who become thriving young adults with little to no debt and solid confidence after their college experiences and education, well equipped to make their contributions to society. To schedule a consultation to explore having Katherine mentor your teen click here.

It's Time to Prepare for College Application Season, which starts SOON!

 by Katherine O'Brien, ThD Cand, Certified College Planning Specialist

 There’s quite a bit of work to do before a HS junior can begin college applications. Prospective college students need to sort out a few things before they plunge into applications and essays. With applications opening July 1, NOW is the time to get started!

 Here are some questions to get your teen thinking...

First, why do you want to go to college? What are your goals? Academic hopes and dreams? Professional aspirations? Personal development goals? Social experience and network building hopes? For you, what is the purpose of going to college?

 

Second, what colleges are a good fit for you, academically, socially, spiritually, geographically, financially? What are the pros of each school you are considering? What are the cons? Get specific. Not just pros and cons of the college, but also of your intended major or program, campus ministry, clubs, teams, etc.? What is so great about each school you are considering? What are the drawbacks?

 

 

Third, is your list of prospective colleges balanced? Do the colleges offer robust academic options? A solid academic fit? Spiritual support? Clubs and activities where you can grow and thrive? Does each college’s likely net cost fit your family’s budget? Do you have some safety schools on your list?  Safe financially, safe academically, safe geographically…

 

Do you have an idea of your college goals? What do you want to study/ major in?Are you absolutely sure about your major? If not, is the right suite of majors and concentrations available? Do they teach in modalities that are effective for you? What about minors or interdisciplinary studies or research?

What experiences do you want to have (e.g., study abroad, internship, etc.)? What sort of environment do you thrive in (academically, socially, athletically, spiritually)?

Once you know your goals, you can set your priorities. Looking at different aspects of college offerings is important. Knowing which are essential for you and which would be nice to have helps you prioritize. Visits are very, very helpful. Parent priorities and the student’s priorities might be different. Be prepared to discuss them. In general, the student’s priorities are key, but parents most certainly define what makes a deal breaker.

Handling all of this on your own, along with preparing for AP exams, finals, prom, and summer, is a LOT to ask a teen to manage. Email, call, or text to put my 20+ years' experience to work for you! KOB@CelticCollegeConsultants.com or 858-705-0043.

5 Top College Planning Tips, Especially for Homeschooling Families

 by Katherine O'Brien, ThD Candidate, Certified College Planning Specialist 

 

Because you already do the hard stuff—this part shouldn’t be harder than it has to be.

If you’re a homeschooling family, you’ve already taken the road less traveled—and let’s be honest, you’ve probably had to figure out most of it yourself. That can be tough. Figuring it all out, then wondering if you’ve done enough.

From choosing curriculum to finding and exploring (or starting!) co-ops, from writing transcripts to understanding college entrance requirements, you’ve done your best to do what works best for your child(ren). But, when it comes to college planning, even the most seasoned homeschool families pause and wonder:

Are we on the right track? Are we missing something? Have we done enough and done it right? Will colleges accept my child’s accomplishments?

You’re not alone. College planning is hard for all families—but it can feel even more overwhelming for homeschoolers who don’t have a school counselor or easy access to the same resources as public or private school students. (In fact, most traditionally school students aren’t well supported or well informed, either.)

That’s why I created this list—to give you a starting place. Five things that every family with a college-bound student needs to know.

1. Figure out what college will really cost your family.

 

Colleges do post their prices on their websites. That’s the sticker price. What you need to know is what you and your student will need to pay. Not what your neighbor paid. Not the average cost from a search engine. Your actual out of pocket cost.

The actual cost of college, even for students attending the same college, is different for every family. It depends on your income, your assets, your student’s academic and extracurricular profile, your child’s income and assets — and how generous your state (for in-state public schools) and each college is with financial aid. Consequently, it can be a bit of a puzzle to figure out how much you’ll actually pay. And you want to know that BEFORE your student applies, gets accepted, and falls in love with a college. Some colleges have sticker prices close to $100,000 for ONE year of college. You NEED to know what you’ll actually pay.

There are two main types of financial aid to understand:

• Need-based aid is based on your financial situation and is calculated using the FAFSA form (and, at the 300 colleges that require it, the CSS Profile form). (There are a handful of colleges with their own form, instead of, or in addition to, these forms.) The amount of need based aid changes each year depending on your student and your income and assets, as well as what year your student is in college.
• Merit-based aid is awarded for things like grades, test scores, leadership, or talents. Most colleges will guarantee this aid for four years, as long as your student keeps up his or her GPA and stays enrolled full time. Most merit aid comes directly from the colleges. Private scholarships also exist. However, private scholarships lower need based aid eligibility dollar for dollar.

Your student might receive some of both—but unless you understand what’s available, what’s likely, and what each college offers, you’re flying blind.

It’s crucial to know what colleges will expect your family to pay—and whether that amount fits your budget. Guessing can cost you thousands.

👉 Use the colleges’ NET PRICE CALCULATOR to see what college will really cost your family. Then you can begin to build a custom plan that works.

2. Find trusted guidance early—don’t navigate this alone.

One massive difference between homeschooling and traditional schooling? No school counselor.

No one hands you college prep timelines, upcoming test dates, scholarship deadlines, or application tips when you homeschool. Sometimes that doesn’t happen in traditional schools, either. Or students are expected to be proactive and organized, traits most teens don’t yet possess.

That means you have to do all the counselor’s tasks—and, unless you’ve done this before, it’s a lot to take on – course selection, extracurriculars, emotional issues, learning differences, education support needs (equipment, tutoring, etc.),  transcripts, testing, dual enrollment program selection and coordination, and college prep, including career exploration, internships, college and major selection, financial aid, and more.

With all of that on your plate, the earlier you get started, the better. Among other things, you’ll need to learn how financial aid works, how to compare colleges, how to build a strong college prep and application timeline.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. That’s why I’m here. I homeschooled my six children, the youngest of which is a sophomore in college, and have been a professional college consultant since 2004. My first students are nearly old enough to hire me to help them with their own children.

👉 I have tools, timelines, and guidance built for families like yours.

3. Use standardized tests to win scholarships

 

Some colleges have test-optional admissions policies, which means students can apply with or without ACT or SAT scores. However, many colleges still use standardized test scores to award merit-based scholarships, even if they don’t require them for admission. (You can usually find notations about this in the fine print on their websites.)

Tests like the SAT and ACT can still be valuable tools for homeschool families.

Both are college entrance exams accepted by every college in the country. Your student can choose which one to take—colleges don’t prefer one over the other—and they can take either test multiple times to improve their score. (Read my recent blog on the shifts the ACT is in the midst of making.) https://collegeprepanswers.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-act-is-changing-in-2025.html

You’ll also want to look at the PSAT. Your student can take it in 10th grade as a practice run, and then again in 11th grade to qualify for National Merit Scholarships, which can lead to thousands of dollars in aid. I have a $10 booklet on using PSAT scores to win Scholarships. Email if you’re interested!

As a homeschooler, you’ll need to register for the PSAT through the testing coordinator at a local high school or testing center. Planning ahead is key. The ACT and SAT registration is online at their websites; the tests can be taken at a number of different sites. Register early to ensure your student will have a seat at a location convenient for you. Your student can also take AP Tests through your local high school. Please note that students do not need to take AP classes (which are available online to homeschooled students!) in order to take AP exams.

📚 Learn more about PSAT, SAT, and AP test dates and how to register via College Board https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/for-parents/planning-for-college/college-planning-for-homeschoolers

Learn more about ACT test dates and registration via ACT. Register just like any other student, except your school code is 969-999. https://my.act.org/account/signin

4. Get connected to scholarships and opportunities.

 

One of the biggest challenges families face in the college process is simply knowing what scholarships are out there. In a traditional school, students often hear about scholarship opportunities, college fairs, fee waivers, and campus events from their school counselor. As a homeschooler, you have to go looking for those opportunities—but they’re out there.

Start by tapping into local high schools, especially if they allow homeschool students to participate in college fairs or attend financial aid nights. Reach out to school counselors and ask if they can include you on scholarship email lists or let you attend relevant events.

Next, look into community-based organizations, homeschool co-ops, and regional college access groups. These groups often post about local scholarships, essay contests, and summer programs that are open to all students, not just those enrolled in public or private schools. The National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) hosts numerous college fairs each year to which all interested people are welcome.

Don’t forget: many colleges also host their own events—admissions presentations, preview days, or virtual Q&As—specifically designed to help students learn more about campus life and affordability. These are great ways for homeschoolers to connect directly with admissions reps and learn about aid options.

It takes more intention, but building your own information network pays off. In fact, this is exactly what the most successful students do, no matter what their school setting.

👉 Visit my college planning site to learn more about my College Success Program. Over the past decade, my students have been well prepared for college, with nearly 100% being accepted into their top choice program and school, and each been offered nearly $250,000 in merit scholarships, on average. https://www.celticcollegeconsultants.com/college-prep-services

5. Build a strong student resume—beyond academics.

Homeschoolers often do an amazing job when it comes to academics. But when it’s time to apply to college, it’s important to showcase the student’s entire array of accomplishments. That’s where a strong student resume comes in.

Have your teen think about what s/he does outside of core coursework:

• Volunteering
• Working part-time
• Taking significant family responsibilities
• Leading a class or club
• Pursuing creative passions such as music, art, or writing
• Participating in community theater, athletics, Scougin, or youth groups
• Starting a small business or launching a project

ALL of these things matter!! They show initiative, responsibility, interests, and a sense of purpose. They also help homeschoolers stand out in a college applicant pool.

Encourage your student to try new things, take on leadership roles, and document what they’re doing. The goal is to reflect who they really are and what they care about and are interested in exploring, whether as a career or just for fun.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one “right way” to homeschool—and the same is true for college planning. But there is a smarter, more informed way to do it, and it starts with understanding the steps ahead.

The tips I’ve shared here aren’t about doing more—they’re about doing the right things at the right time, with the right information.

You don’t need to have all the answers today. But by taking small, intentional steps now, you’ll set your student up for success—and save yourself a lot of stress  - and money! - down the road.

I’m here to help you do just that.

 

I’m Katherine O’Brien, veteran homeschooling mom, mother of 6, including 3 Eagle Scouts, certified college planning specialist, founder of Celtic College Consultants. I’d love to meet with your family today. Email to schedule a consultation: KOB@CelticCollegeConsultants.com

 

Student Loans Amidst Dept. of Ed. Downsizing

 by Katherine O'Brien, MA, Certified College Planning Specialist, Founder and CEO of Celtic College Consultants, providing expert knowledge on the journey to college since 2004.

30-40% of college students take out student loans. Consequently, recent drastic personnel changes at the department of education have caused many people anxiety.

With half of the Department of Education (DOE) gone, questions about federal student loan programs abound. At this time, while President Trump said he wants to move the federal student loan system to the Small Business Administration (SBA), no executive order has been signed. However, such a move would likely require an act of Congress and could breach existing borrower contracts, leaving the plan vulnerable to lawsuits.

The Department of Education remains legally responsible for managing student loan programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Until Congress acts, that legal authority cannot be transferred to another federal agency.

Even if enacted, any transfer from the DOE to the SBA would take months (or years) to happen and would not change current repayment terms or borrower obligations. At the same time, the SBA is also facing significant staff reductions of its own. Last week, it was announced that the SBA would cut its workforce by 40%. After those cuts, the agency may not have the capacity to absorb the complex and demanding responsibilities that comprise management of the federal student loan and collection programs.

Despite the headlines, student loan borrowers should know that nothing has changed for now. The Department of Education remains the legal administrator of federal student loans. The terms of existing loans remain in place. No loan transfers are happening, and no payments are due to the SBA.

Even if the administration wanted to shift the loans to the SBA, it may not be able to do so without Congress amending the HEA or passing a new law.

Be Careful!

In times of uncertainty, scams become more prevalent. Be sure to consult official sources of information and work with credentialed, seasoned professionals like myself.

 

 

 

Using ChatGPT during the College Selection Process

by Katherine O'Brien, Certified College Planning Specialist, Founder of Celtic College Consultants Determining the best college for oneself is a complex process. Information overload happens early as inboxes get flooded with videos, snapshots, stats, and more. Rankings, scores, reputations all begin to swirl about our minds.

How do we sort it all out? Where do we start? 

One option is to start with all the information. That seems logical. However, each college and program sends different information, the information they think is most relevant. This never lines up with what our teen’s top priorities are. 

The other option is to start with our teen. Often they don’t know what they want in a college. That’s completely reasonable. How can they know unless they start getting information and gaining experience? I recommend 8th – 10th graders go visit colleges and universities in their area. Visit a huge public university. Visit a medium sized university. Visit a small college. Visit one that is deeply religious and one that is completely secular. What do they like about each campus? What don’t they like? As the visits continue, your teen will develop a sense of what s/he likes and doesn’t as well as what is most important to him or her. 

Remember it's not just academics and it’s not just sports/campus spirit, and it’s not just campus ministry. It’s also not just location or sticker price or the mix of local and out of state/international students or ratio of women to men, athletes to non, or Greek life (sororities and fraternities) to non-Greek on campus, either. Let the list of top priorities FOR YOUR TEEN unfold as time goes on. Once your teen has begun to identify the aspects of colleges that are most important, create a table or spreadsheet. I’ve attached one to this email that you can use as a starting point.

Keeping Track of Everything 

My go-to for organizing data is a spreadsheet, email me (KOB@CelticCollegeConsultants.com) if you'd like a template that you and your teen can customize and use. I’m sure you’ve heard of AI. If you are like me, you are a bit hesitant about using it. (In my case, being in the middle of writing my doctoral dissertation, I’m quite leery, as I protect my intellectual work!) However, numerous colleagues have been able to use ChatGPT in the college search process. I’ll share what I’ve learned from them, in case that is helpful to your family. You can use ChatGPT to create a side-by-side comparison table based on your key factors. As time goes on, your teen’s priorities will likely change or be refined. You can update ChatGPT as you go and receive even more useful results. This can be used throughout the entire process, from initial interest list creation, through application list, to comparing accepted schools in Spring of senior year. 

Turn ChatGPT into your Research Assistant 

You can “train” ChatGPT to focus on what’s most relevant to you. Use your campus tour and visit notes and take aways. You can upload them and ask ChatGPT to summarize them, noting themes across the various campuses. You can also input your aid packages once they come Senior year and compare your net costs and ROI. Uploading program details, the details about the courses, concentrations, practicums, internships, etc. that matter most to you as well as the requirements (HS courses, GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, leadership, performances, etc.)  

Narrow down your options 

This process will need you to identify some possible schools. As you progress, add, or drop, schools to the list. You can also ask AI to suggest similar schools. Identifying possible colleges and universities is an iterative process. Making a final decision can be helped by prompting ChatGPT with “Choose this school if…” prompts. Here are the results a colleague shared: 

• Choose the University of Georgia if… you want a large, spirited campus with strong in-state connections, a big football culture, and a prestigious honors college. 

• Choose Tulane if… you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate school with a strong service-learning focus and an urban New Orleans vibe. 

• Choose the University of Wisconsin if… you want a strong research institution in a classic college town with a strong out-of-state student presence within driving distance. 

Of course, choosing colleges to visit, to apply to, and one to attend is still a difficult series of decisions, especially for a teenager. Hopefully these suggestions will help shape the process. For personal assistance and accountability during the college selection process, as well as student development, career exploration, and personal and academic development, reach out to Katherine to schedule a consultation to explore how working with her can assist your family, guide your teen, lower your stress, and increase your affordable options. Email KOB@CelticCollegeConsultants.com today.

The ACT is Changing in 2025!

By Katherine O'Brien, Certified College Planning Specialist, Founder of Celtic College Consultants

The SAT changed significantly a couple of years ago after the ACT gained more than 50% of the market. Now that the SAT is being taken by more than half of test taking students, the ACT is changing.

The ACT is phasing in its changes.

October 2024

Students could pilot the new ACT on a limited basis.

April, June, and July 2025 National test dates - TWO OPTIONS

Students can take the new ACT online OR the current version on paper. The cost is the same. Both online and paper exams must be taken at official testing centers. As before, students will select the testing center when registering for the exam.

September 2025 and beyond

ALL ACT takers will take the revised ACT.

The new ACT will be a digital test.

What's new?

1. The ACT will be a SHORTER test. The Science section will be OPTIONAL.

The ACT will drop from being more than three hours long to being just over two hours long. (125 minutes v. 195 minutes) Overall the revised ACT will include 44 fewer questions than the current version. Students choosing to take the science section will have an additional 40 minutes. The optional writing section also takes 40 minutes.

 

This chart shows the number of questions for each portion of the test, along with the length of each section of the test. While students only taking the English, math, and reading sections will finish in just over 2 hours, students taking the science and the writing sections will have 205 minutes of testing. (The current ACT with writing takes 235 minutes, nearly 4 hours.)

 

 

 

2. There will be MORE TIME PER QUESTION on the revised ACT

 

The average will be almost 58 seconds per question, rather than the current version which only allowed a mere 49 seconds per question. The English section will allow 42 seconds per question, up from 36. The math section will give more than 10% longer per question, 67 seconds, rather than 60. Additionally, rather than five possible answers, math questions on the revised ACT will only offer four possible answers. The reading section will also allow 67 seconds per question, significantly more than the previous 53 seconds. Finally, for those who take the science section, 60 seconds, rather than 53 seconds will be allowed per question.

3. NEW ACT SCORING

The ACT score composite was calculated from the four sections: math, science, English, and reading. Making the science section optional prompted a change in the way the composite score is determined. Now the composite score will be made up from the English, math, and reading portions of the test. Section scores will be given for the science (The reading comprehension section will include some science reading. ) and writing. A STEM score will also be provided for students who take the science section. The STEM score will be derived from the math and science portion scores.

The top score on the ACT will remain a 36. Per the ACT, the new composite scores will be equivalent to the current scores. Beginning in September, 2025, ALL ACT composite scores will be calculated according to the new method.

4. The OPTIONAL Science section

Except for the fact that there will be more time available per question, the science section will not be changing. The same types of questions will be asked.

Paying for College: Understanding Award Letters

by Katherine O'Brien, Senior College Planning Specialist

At some point after being accepted for admission by a college, your child will receive a letter from the financial aid office. This letter will include some or all of the information you need to determine who much the first year of study at that college will cost. Every college your child is accepted to will create one of these. They may come via US mail. Here are a few examples. You will notice that they are somewhat similar, yet somewhat different.

 

These letters sometimes come alongside the acceptance letter. Sometimes they come months later. If any of yours hasn’t arrived by the end of March, it’s time to contact those financial aid offices directly to ask about it.

 

The Top 3 Reasons Award Letters are Delayed

 

1.        The FAFSA or CSS PROFILE (if required) was not submitted.

2.        The FAFSA did not include that college as one of the colleges.

3.        The letter hasn’t been accessed by the student. S/he may have received an email notice that the letter was available. Many colleges post award letters in the college portal, to which students have been given login credentials. Often students forget to check for updates, or they don’t read or follow up on the email(s) telling them to login and receive their letter.

 

Pro Tip: Students should login to their student portals weekly and check for notices. Requests for additional information, invitations to join groups, apply for scholarships or special programs, as well as their financial aid award are often posted inside this platform.

 

If your student has checked email (including spam and junk folders) as well as the portal but finds nothing, it is prudent to reach out to the financial aid office. Check the website for their contact information.

 

Here’s a template for that email:

 

 

Hello,

 

My name is _____. My student ID is _____ (be sure to use the ID for the right college!). I was accepted for Fall 20XX admission. I’m writing/emailing to ask about the status of my financial aid award letter. I have not found it in my student portal nor have I received it via email or US mail.

 

Please let me know if you are missing anything from me. I haven’t seen any notices that you are missing something or that my award letter would be delayed. Let me know if I’ve missed something. The best way to contact me is by phone/text/email/letter.

 

If everything is in order, please let me know, when you can, when I can expect to receive my award letter.

 

Thank you very much for your time and attention. I look forward to making my decision once I have reviewed my financial aid package.

 

Sincerely,

 

Student name

 

 

Sample Financial Aid Award Letters:

 

 

 Here's another one:

 Sample #3 (This one shows both on campus and off campus housing costs:

And a fourth example:

 

Before I show you how to analyze them, allow me to explain some of the terms used.

 

Direct Costs: These are costs paid directly to the college. They include tuition, fees, and, if you are going to live on campus, room ,and board. You will also incur costs for books, supplies, insurance, transportation, personal items, and spending money.

 

Subsidized Loans: Every citizen who files the FAFSA, regardless of income, is eligible to take federal student loans. Subsidized loans are loans that the government pays the interest on while the student continues to be a student. Only students with financial need can take subsidized limits. There are annual limits as well as a total limit on how much can be borrowed. The federal government offers many programs to repay these loans once a student leaves college. Repayment is deferred until six months after the student stops attending college.

 

Unsubsidized Loans: Every citizen who files the FAFSA, regardless of income, is eligible to take federal student loans. All students can take unsubsidized loans. For these loans the interest accumulates from the time the money is borrow. There are annual limits as well as a total limit on how much can be borrowed. The federal government offers many programs to repay these loans once a student leaves college. Repayment is deferred until six months after the student stops attending college.

 

Year	Dependent Students	Independent Students
First Year Undergraduate	$3,500 subsidized/ $5,500 total	$3,500 subsidized/ $9,500 total
Second Year Undergrads	$4,500 subsidized/$6,500 total	$4,500 subsidized/ $10, 500 total
Third Year and beyond Undergrads	$5, 500 subsidized/ $7,500 total	$5,500 subsidized/ $12, 500 total
Graduate/Professional Students	N/A	$0 subsidized/ $20,500 total
TOTAL ALLOWED TO BORROW (Grad student totals include ALL federal student loans)	$23,000 subsidized/ $31,000 total	$23, 000 subsidized/ $57,500 total (undergrad) $65,500 subsidized/ $138,500 (grad)

 

Dependent Students: Undergraduate students who are financially supported by their parents and who have not been declared homeless, or who are not married, or who do not support a child are considered dependent students. Their parents’ financial information is considered on the FAFSA.

 

Independent Students: Graduate students, married students, students supporting children, and students who have been declared homeless are independent students. Their parents’ financial information is not included in the FAFSA. Dependent students whose parents are not able to take a PLUS loan can borrow up to this limit.

 

PLUS loan: Parent Loan for Undergraduate Studies – This federal loan program allows parents to borrow in order to pay for their child(ren)’s college. It must be repaid immediately and is not forgivable by bankruptcy. Parents cannot borrow more than the cost of attendance minus the other aid your child receives. Graduate and professional students can also take PLUS loans. The borrower’s credit history must meet the criteria to take this loan. There is not a total limit on the amount that can be borrowed.

 

How Can I Determine How Much We Will Have to Pay?

 

Use the spreadsheet I created for you! Copy this google sheet and enter in your information.

 

To schedule a college funding meeting, whether you are still in the planning stages, applying, or have already been accepted and are sorting through your options, email Katherine at KOB@CelticCollegeConsultants.com to schedule your private meeting today.