Are we surprised that these things happen?
Claremont McKenna admits to inflating their SAT scores for the past 6 years in order to be ranked more highly. A couple of law schools have done the same thing - for more:
http://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2012/01/31/claremont-mckenna-inflated-sat-scores-rankings
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, November 18, 2011
Net Price Calculators - Another way to mislead parents?
Net price calculators are tools which are supposed to help parents and students determine how much a given school is likely to cost, after financial aid is factored in. This is a terrific idea! Many parents grasp the notion that their actual price will differ from the published, official price of the college their child attends. Everyone hopes the price will be very small; their family will receive large scholarships and grants. Obviously, this cannot always be the case. A few students will pay very, very little. A number will pay full price. Most will pay something in between.
However, a look at the net price calculator the Department of Education has online reveals some of the challenge parents face when trying to sort all of this out for themselves.
Dept of Education’s site - http://collegecost.ed.gov/catc/
College Affordability and Transparency Center!
The fine
print at the bottom of the page says:
Note: Average net
price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local
government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total cost of
attendance.
Total cost of attendance is the sum of
published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state, where
applicable), books and supplies, and the weighted average for room and board
and other expenses.
Let's take a moment to understand what this means.The first paragraph is pretty straightforward. The average net price is the cost of attendance less grant or scholarship aid. That is as it should be. Now, the next sentence defines the way cost of attendance is defined. Note the parenthetical information - the figure used is IN STATE. Therefore all the costs are skewed down significantly. If that weren't enough, take a good look at the third sentence of their fine print. First, they used data for Freshman, who typically receive the most aid, period. Second, they only used the data for those Freshman who received grants or scholarships! They EXCLUDED all those who PAID FULL PRICE!
Consequently, parents cannot trust the net prices listed on the website at all! They are less than what most families will pay.
Please realise that this is critically important. All schools were required to have a net price calculator on their website by October 2011. If the Department of Education's data is this misleading for parents, how reliable are the numbers on the schools' own sites?
When I work with my clients, I calculate the net price for each of the schools under consideration myself. My clients have a realistic estimate of their costs. Then they can judge the affordability of the schools their child is considering. For more information, please visit my website: www.celticcollegeconsultants.com. Schedule your initial consultation today and start working with a seasoned professional who has your best interests in mind!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Student Debt Rising Fast
Two thirds of the 2010 college graduates had federal student loan debt. The average debt was 5% more than the class of 2009, with an average over $25,000. Those students will start to pay about $270 per month next month, after their six month grace period ends. They will carry that debt burden for the next decade.
Is there a way to avoid debt? How can you be part of the one third of graduates without any debt? Proper college funding planning, starting as early as possible, can alleviate the need to take on loans. Our clients have not needed to take loans. Some have seen their net worth increase during their family's college years. Creating a strategic plan and implementing it empowers multigenerational success.
One simple strategy used by past generations with great effect is often completely ignored by the current high school and college students. They worked. Some held two jobs while they were in school. Some only one but two during the summers. Students in some fields chose schools with internships and coop programs, building professional work in their chosen field right into their college experience. Flipping burgers is not glamorous but it can be quite motivating when a student needs to finish a paper or requirement to graduate - since they don't want to flip burgers forever. Additionally, college students have far more skills, and are able, even in this economy, to work in capacities with greater responsibility and higher pay. Some high school and college students have successfully started their own businesses. Structured properly, a small business can create a significant income with a small, regular investment of time.
To explore having a custom college funding plan created for your family, See the Proven Results page of my website.
Is there a way to avoid debt? How can you be part of the one third of graduates without any debt? Proper college funding planning, starting as early as possible, can alleviate the need to take on loans. Our clients have not needed to take loans. Some have seen their net worth increase during their family's college years. Creating a strategic plan and implementing it empowers multigenerational success.
One simple strategy used by past generations with great effect is often completely ignored by the current high school and college students. They worked. Some held two jobs while they were in school. Some only one but two during the summers. Students in some fields chose schools with internships and coop programs, building professional work in their chosen field right into their college experience. Flipping burgers is not glamorous but it can be quite motivating when a student needs to finish a paper or requirement to graduate - since they don't want to flip burgers forever. Additionally, college students have far more skills, and are able, even in this economy, to work in capacities with greater responsibility and higher pay. Some high school and college students have successfully started their own businesses. Structured properly, a small business can create a significant income with a small, regular investment of time.
To explore having a custom college funding plan created for your family, See the Proven Results page of my website.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Suicide at College and College Selection
Recently, the Boston Globe reported on yet another unfortunate death due to suicide at MIT. These have been happening among both undergraduate and graduate students. In 2010, Cornell experienced six in one school year.
What does that teach us?
First, there is no conclusive data which directs us to a problem to solve. Is the problem the school atmosphere? Or the students' own backgrounds and cultures? Or personal problems? At this point, there is no answer.
The national average is 7.5 -12 suicides per 100,000 15-24 year olds (Depending on what source you use for that statistic). The rate in the past decade at MIT is 18.1. But they are not alone. The Daily Beast, in March 2011, posted a list of the top 50 most stressful US colleges.
As a student focused college planner, finding the right setting for each student to continue their education is paramount in my mind. It must be considered - Just because a student qualifies for a top university does not mean that the best choice for that student would be one of those schools. It may be, but, for some students, they might be better off being a big fish in a smaller, more gentle pond.
There are a few action steps parents can take, need to take, in order to appropriately prepare their high school student to go off to college. First, teach and empower your student to be his or her own advocate, to ask for help when it is needed. S/he must learn to recognise his or her need for assistance, the sources for that help, no matter what kind it is, and how to successfully ask for it. Each of these is crucial. S/he cannot get help with organising their papers until s/he recognises that there things are in disarray and it would be helpful to have them in better order. The student identifies the situation, and identifies it as a problem, as something which, if changed, would be more beneficial to him.
If your child has special needs of any kind, facilitate letting the college know about it. Do NOT live in denial. The problem(s) won't just disappear. College tends to make them worse, because students have to learn to be far more self-reliant than they were in high school. So, if s/he is struggling with depression, is ADD, needs learning supports, what have you, identify the appropriate office(s) on campus and make sure they are notified of your child's needs. Ideally, have your student contact them directly. Classroom accommodations are a right for qualified students. Ensure that your child is able to get his or her needs met.
Lastly, check with your insurance, or the campus insurance, regarding benefits for the services your child needs. Knowing what is available will help your family get the needed help in the most efficient manner possible.
Partnering effectively with your college planner, parents can continue to facilitate their children's success.
What does that teach us?
First, there is no conclusive data which directs us to a problem to solve. Is the problem the school atmosphere? Or the students' own backgrounds and cultures? Or personal problems? At this point, there is no answer.
The national average is 7.5 -12 suicides per 100,000 15-24 year olds (Depending on what source you use for that statistic). The rate in the past decade at MIT is 18.1. But they are not alone. The Daily Beast, in March 2011, posted a list of the top 50 most stressful US colleges.
As a student focused college planner, finding the right setting for each student to continue their education is paramount in my mind. It must be considered - Just because a student qualifies for a top university does not mean that the best choice for that student would be one of those schools. It may be, but, for some students, they might be better off being a big fish in a smaller, more gentle pond.
There are a few action steps parents can take, need to take, in order to appropriately prepare their high school student to go off to college. First, teach and empower your student to be his or her own advocate, to ask for help when it is needed. S/he must learn to recognise his or her need for assistance, the sources for that help, no matter what kind it is, and how to successfully ask for it. Each of these is crucial. S/he cannot get help with organising their papers until s/he recognises that there things are in disarray and it would be helpful to have them in better order. The student identifies the situation, and identifies it as a problem, as something which, if changed, would be more beneficial to him.
If your child has special needs of any kind, facilitate letting the college know about it. Do NOT live in denial. The problem(s) won't just disappear. College tends to make them worse, because students have to learn to be far more self-reliant than they were in high school. So, if s/he is struggling with depression, is ADD, needs learning supports, what have you, identify the appropriate office(s) on campus and make sure they are notified of your child's needs. Ideally, have your student contact them directly. Classroom accommodations are a right for qualified students. Ensure that your child is able to get his or her needs met.
Lastly, check with your insurance, or the campus insurance, regarding benefits for the services your child needs. Knowing what is available will help your family get the needed help in the most efficient manner possible.
Partnering effectively with your college planner, parents can continue to facilitate their children's success.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
PSAT mysteries
The PSAT was administered last week. So, what does that mean? For most, honestly, it merely functions as a wake up call. College is coming. In a year or so, you must take the SAT and/or ACT! Start thinking. For others, it is a serious attempt to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. For some, it is the first college related test which allows students to see where they rank nationally. As a sophomore, it is a confirmation that they are on the right track. Or a wake up call, when their scores fall short of their goals. As a junior, it may be the ticket to a full National Merit Scholarship. How will you sort it all out?
No matter where you are on the spectrum, having a guide on your team makes a tremendous difference. No athlete doesn't have a coach. Achieving your college dreams requires the same diligent preparation under expert guidance. Call the office for a free initial consultation today. We provide expert knowledge for the journey to college - dealing with student preparation, college selection, applications, financial aid, and alternative funding (NOT loans!)
No matter where you are on the spectrum, having a guide on your team makes a tremendous difference. No athlete doesn't have a coach. Achieving your college dreams requires the same diligent preparation under expert guidance. Call the office for a free initial consultation today. We provide expert knowledge for the journey to college - dealing with student preparation, college selection, applications, financial aid, and alternative funding (NOT loans!)
Friday, July 8, 2011
Californians must try harder!
With the latest round of applications completed, the University of California undergraduate admissions results are not surprising. In an era of budget shortfalls, the UC system strongly turned to out of state residents to help balance the books.
At the system's top 3 schools, the numbers tell the story. At Berkeley, the Freshman class will include a whopping 29.8% non-Californians. UCLA came in #2 with 18.3% with UCSD right on it's heals with 18.2% of the class coming from outside the Golden State.
From a financial point of view, this move makes perfect sense. As UCSD Professor Wayne Cornelius put it, "We need every bit of funding we can get to maintain the quality of education for all of our students." The Board of Regents meeting last March signaled that such a change was in the works. With the incredibly deep budget cuts they faced, they were forced to compromise somewhere - on academic quality, access to local students, or affordability. The numbers aren't out yet from the financial aid offices but there will certainly be a reduction in the percentage of need met and scholarship dollars given. The money just isn't there.
What does this mean? The answer to that question depends on where you live and which UC campus you are considering. The top three schools will be harder than ever to gain acceptance. Overall, the percentage of non-Californians in the freshman class shifted from 8 to 12.3% despite the regent's decision to cap it at 10%. For UCSD, for example, the increase was from 9.2% to 18.2%. Jumps like that leave far fewer seats for California residents. At Berkeley, only 70% of the seats were available to Californians. Competition for these schools was already fierce. It just got even more so. For those living outside California, it is an opportunity to attend one of these excellent schools - just be ready to pay handsomely for the privilege.
What does that mean for you? Planning for college needs to start now. Preparing a student to be a desirable candidate at the school of his or her dreams takes time and planning. Starting Freshman year is best. Additionally, savvy funding planning is a must. Don't wait - call this summer, before others fill all our open spots in your graduating class! Serving families all across the USA with personal attention since 2004.
kob@CelticCollegeConsultants.com (858)-705-0043
At the system's top 3 schools, the numbers tell the story. At Berkeley, the Freshman class will include a whopping 29.8% non-Californians. UCLA came in #2 with 18.3% with UCSD right on it's heals with 18.2% of the class coming from outside the Golden State.
From a financial point of view, this move makes perfect sense. As UCSD Professor Wayne Cornelius put it, "We need every bit of funding we can get to maintain the quality of education for all of our students." The Board of Regents meeting last March signaled that such a change was in the works. With the incredibly deep budget cuts they faced, they were forced to compromise somewhere - on academic quality, access to local students, or affordability. The numbers aren't out yet from the financial aid offices but there will certainly be a reduction in the percentage of need met and scholarship dollars given. The money just isn't there.
What does this mean? The answer to that question depends on where you live and which UC campus you are considering. The top three schools will be harder than ever to gain acceptance. Overall, the percentage of non-Californians in the freshman class shifted from 8 to 12.3% despite the regent's decision to cap it at 10%. For UCSD, for example, the increase was from 9.2% to 18.2%. Jumps like that leave far fewer seats for California residents. At Berkeley, only 70% of the seats were available to Californians. Competition for these schools was already fierce. It just got even more so. For those living outside California, it is an opportunity to attend one of these excellent schools - just be ready to pay handsomely for the privilege.
What does that mean for you? Planning for college needs to start now. Preparing a student to be a desirable candidate at the school of his or her dreams takes time and planning. Starting Freshman year is best. Additionally, savvy funding planning is a must. Don't wait - call this summer, before others fill all our open spots in your graduating class! Serving families all across the USA with personal attention since 2004.
kob@CelticCollegeConsultants.com (858)-705-0043
Friday, July 1, 2011
Tuitions Explode, but that's not all...
In the Department of Education's latest report, 22 Cal State University system campuses are leading the nation with tuition increases ranging from 35 to 47% from 07/08 to 09/10. At the same time, the national average tuition was $6, 397. All twenty-two CSU schools had tuitions below that.
This means that, as far as tuition goes, CSU schools are still a good deal, if you can get in. Given the significant reduction in the number of students being accepted at each campus, admissions is much more challenging than before.
Looking at the bigger picture, we notice that many of these schools have fairly low 6 year graduation rates. Most students at these schools do NOT graduate in four years. When planning college funding as well as deciding which schools to target requires taking all these factors into consideration. Cost, expected admissions, success climate on campus, length of time to graduate, and financial aid possibilities are but a few of the myriad factors a family needs to consider as they finalize their school selections and funding plans.
Doing something new is always a challenge, and we all tend to make mistakes the first time or two. You know the story - build something, then figure out what to do with the "extra" pieces that were overlooked the first time. Unfortunately, when it comes to preparing our children and our finances for college, there is no second chance. That's why having a seasoned, certified, professional college planner guiding you is invaluable. You will save untold hours as well as significant dollars.
Like any excellent professional, I work with a limited number of clients in order to ensure the highest level of service possible. Call today, ask if there is room in my practice for your family, and arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your student's hopes and dreams and the necessary steps to achieve those dreams! 858-705-0043
This means that, as far as tuition goes, CSU schools are still a good deal, if you can get in. Given the significant reduction in the number of students being accepted at each campus, admissions is much more challenging than before.
Looking at the bigger picture, we notice that many of these schools have fairly low 6 year graduation rates. Most students at these schools do NOT graduate in four years. When planning college funding as well as deciding which schools to target requires taking all these factors into consideration. Cost, expected admissions, success climate on campus, length of time to graduate, and financial aid possibilities are but a few of the myriad factors a family needs to consider as they finalize their school selections and funding plans.
Doing something new is always a challenge, and we all tend to make mistakes the first time or two. You know the story - build something, then figure out what to do with the "extra" pieces that were overlooked the first time. Unfortunately, when it comes to preparing our children and our finances for college, there is no second chance. That's why having a seasoned, certified, professional college planner guiding you is invaluable. You will save untold hours as well as significant dollars.
Like any excellent professional, I work with a limited number of clients in order to ensure the highest level of service possible. Call today, ask if there is room in my practice for your family, and arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your student's hopes and dreams and the necessary steps to achieve those dreams! 858-705-0043
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