The College Whisperer™ | Navigating The Road To College

D.R. of Floral Park, NY writes:

Is attending a college's orientation really necessary?

The College Whisperer responds:

Yes. Yes. And allow me to reiterate. YES!

You don't say whether you are a student or a parent, but, in either case, taking advantage of all that college orientation has to offer is critical -- and loads of fun.

For the student, hey, this is where you'll be spending the next four, and very exciting years of your life. Check out the facilities, from dorm rooms to lecture halls. Taste the food in the dining halls. [Most of it is pretty darn good these days. Still, your palate will need to adjust. For better or worse, it's not Mom's cooking. The Freshman 15 awaits -- or not! ;-)] Attend the seminars, workshops and programs offered by the school administration ans student groups. [They are often as entertaining as they are informative.] Partake of social offerings and activities on campus, from concerts to informal BBQs. Pick up a copy of the campus newspaper, and find out what's going on on -- and off -- campus. Ask questions, like, "Where's the best place to get my nails done?" [There really are no silly ones.] Meet your fellow members of the Class of 2014. Make new friends, and catch up with old ones.

For the parent, well, what can I say? This is where your money will be spending the next four years! Get a feel for campus life and where your son or daughter will be spending a most adventurous and, hopefully, enjoyable part of his or her life. Share some of the planned orientation session with your child, making this a mutually rewarding and memorable college experience. Then, spend some time on your own, exploring the many and varied aspects of college and campus life.

Orientation is also a great ice-breaker for parents and students alike. A time to let down the guard built up during the arduous application and admission process, to alleviate the apprehension and anxiety, to learn the ropes, if not the way to the library, to bond with folks and classmates, and to simply kick back, have a blast, and celebrate the fact that "you're in!"

If you have yet to schedule a campus orientation, it is typically not too late to do so. Tis' the season, after all, and college admin wants you to be as prepared as possible to hit the quad running in the fall, and as comfortable being a part of the college community. Call your college admission's office to plan your visit, questions in hand, an open mind above your shoulders, and ready to have the best time of your life!
- - -
For an overview of what to expect at college orientation, click HERE. Also, be sure to check out the college's website. Most schools post detailed information regarding student/family orientation.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
* * *
Comments? Questions for The College Whisperer?
Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

M.L. of Dix Hills, NY writes:

In order of importance, what are college admissions officers really looking for?

The College Whisperer responds:

Show me ten college admissions officers, and I'll show you ten different rankings of the criteria they use to determine the quality of a student's record.

The black and white of GPAs and SAT/ACT scores sometimes yield to the shades of gray (or, with the help of your College Connection counselor, the veritable rainbow) of the personal statement, supplemental essays, high school resume (that formal extension of the all-important "brag sheet"), and, where offered or required, the personal interview.

This said, there are certain criteria that all admissions officers look for, and we'll give you most of them -- though the order will vary, depending upon the college and the officer.

A Top Ten list, of sorts, from our friends at the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).

Here's what a survey of IEAC member consultants say college admission officers are looking for in prospective students:

1. A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student and may include AP or IB classes.

2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are
preferred to all As in less challenging coursework.

3. Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance.

4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is
most important.

5. Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits, and an interest in learning.

6. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values, and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.

7. Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and well-rounded student body.

8. Demonstrated leadership in activities. Colleges want people who will arrive prepared and willing to take leadership of student activities and events.

9. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school, leisure pursuits, and more.

10. Demonstrated enthusiasm to attend, often exhibited by campus visits and an interview, showing an interest toward attending the college.

The list is, by no means, all inclusive, and different schools may look for different attributes, dependent upon the colleges' needs, mission statement, recruitment objectives, and so on.

This Top Ten list is, however, a great starting point for college-bound high school students. Consult your college planning counselor to take the next step.

Plan. Prepare. Prevail!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
* * *
Comments? Questions for The College Whisperer?
Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

P.N. of Searingtown, NY writes:

Are there any reputable and straightforward blogs or online forums offering advice, information and discussions for prospective college students? If so, could you recommend one?

The College Whisperer responds:

Given that blogs and online forums are essentially the opinions of their authors and/or participants, one's mileage, with respect to reputation and straightforwardness (let alone reliability), may vary greatly. Every piece of information happened upon online should be taken with at least a grain or two of salt.

That said, there are several blogs and online forums that immediately come to The College Whisperer's noggin, useful to prospective college students as well as their parents.

The first is College Confidential, which offers information on colleges, admissions, college life, and so on, as well as discussion forums where students and parents can ask questions and, on most occasions, get accurate answers. Of course, if a question asks for an opinion (i.e, Which state's university system is the best?), be prepared for a wide array and diversity of answers. [Many students find this site particularly helpful, not only during the planning and application phase, but also during that awkward "waiting to hear" stage, where, indeed, misery loves company. ;-)]

The "Not Your Average Admissions Blog," written by the Dean of Admissions at George Mason University, offers valuable and timely insight, with just a slight bias toward GMU. The blog posits an insider's view, and warrants a worthy read from time to time, no matter where you are considering applying.

For the more newsworthy of the blogs, with a spattering of human interest, check out The Choice at The New York Times, and Campus Overload, among other education-related blogs, at The Washington Post.

Then there's U.S. News & World Report, of America's Best Colleges fame (a quadruple grain of salt, please), which covers everything from Ten Great College Towns to How to Cut College Costs by $5000. A true cornucopia of college colloquia, from the mainstays to the minutia.

For the sheer fun of it, and to follow the life of a real college student from her first day through graduation -- with a whole host of action in between -- check out Kill Jill Goes To College. It's a real world chronicle of college days -- and nights -- sure to make good reading during the long, stressful college application and admission season. Hack College, whose focus is, more or less, technology (and you can't go to college without the techno stuff), is a neat read as well.

There are literally hundreds of college blogs and forums on the web, some you may find better than others, and others you'd be better off had you never found them at all. [We're still waiting for a few blogs in that last category to load!] Do a simple Google search for best college blogs or best college forums, and see what you come up with. [Should you find a fantastic site, do clue us in, okay?]

As for the best of the blogs -- and only because you asked for that singular sensation -- well, there's only one blog you'll every really need (no salt added here): TheCollegeWhisperer.com. You'll find everything you want right here (or on our parent site, College Connection, at CollegeConnect.info), including full access (for College Connection students) to College Cafe's essential links and resources. And if, by chance, you don't find what you're looking for, just ask. Remember, The College Whisperer answers all!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
* * *
Comments? Questions for The College Whisperer?
Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

S.F. of Syosset, NY writes:

My son, who graduated high school last week, has yet to apply to college. Is it too late to get into college for fall 2010?

The College Whisperer replies:

While last minute applications are frowned upon, and often mean forgoing a college of first, or even second choice, there are literally hundreds -- yes, hundreds -- of top-ranked colleges and universities still accepting applications for admission in the fall of this year.

And not just third and fourth tier universities, or some college in Guam (literally and figuratively). Top-notch schools still have openings for fall 2010 and, believe it or not, some are even actively recruiting.

Okay. Forget Harvard or Yale, unless there are very extenuating circumstances, but you will find the doors open to many exceptional colleges, some of which you would not expect to find accepting students come the summer.

You may search for colleges that are still taking applications for fall 2010 by visiting the Common Application college search page at www.commonapp.org/SearchEngine/SimpleSearch.aspx. Be sure to click on the "Fall 2010" circle as well as inserting the "Deadline Date" before submitting your request.

True, the selections are limited, much like the fare at a fine restaurant when you walk in ten minutes before closing. Yet, there are still choices, beyond mere table scraps, and decisions to be made, if you hurry.

A better bet may be to apply to colleges that have late or rolling applications for admissions. These schools may be found at the Peterson's website at www.petersons.com/ugchannel/code/LateDeadlineSchools.asp. There you will find hundreds of colleges with deadlines of July 1 or later, and many more without deadlines at all.

In New York alone, we count 58 colleges and universities with late or rolling admissions, including campuses of the State University of New York. On Long Island, where both the questioner and The College Whisperer hail from, there are 6 colleges, all with rolling admissions, including Adelphi University, Hofstra University, Long Island University and Molloy College.

Of course, the pickins' get mighty slim at this late hour, and the standards for admission loftily stringent, so that Common Application best be anything but common. Extra umph for you personal statement, resume, supplemental essays is a must at this late date, and my best advice would be get in touch with a college planning counselor TODAY [Not tomorrow. TODAY!] You're going to need all the help you can get to squeeze through those college gates in the fall.

You are still in the game, but do note, the clock is ticking!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
* * *
Comments? Questions for The College Whisperer?
Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

The Internet is a tangled web, indeed, particularly when it comes to the plethora (SAT word ;-) of college websites, each professing to be the best, to offer the most, and to be the last word in all things college.

Some college websites are great. Others less so. And everyone has an opinion on where to click when researching colleges, developing admission strategies, looking for college planning advice, or hunting down scholarship money.

Higher ed journalist, speaker, consultant, author of The College Solution and Shrinking the Cost of College: 152 Ways to Cut the Price of a Bachelor's Degree (two very worthy reads), and fellow college blogger Lynn O'Shaughnessy has her Top Ten List of college websites, which The College Whisperer gladly and gratuitously passes along for your edification -- if not education.

The following is from her post at US News & World Report:

When I typed "college" into Google today, I got 631 million hits. When I searched for "scholarships" and "financial aid," I generated another 51 million and 58 million results.

Nobody has time to slog through all that and a lot of it is probably schlock anyway.

You can, however, dramatically cut down on the time you need to find great colleges at bargain prices if you spend time visiting what I consider to be the 10 best college websites.

In no particular order, here are my choices for the top 10 college websites:

1. College Navigator. The graphics aren't slick, but this federal website contains more data on the nation's colleges and universities than any place else on the Internet. Using the College Navigator's school search engine, you can scour the country for schools based on your criteria, which is handy if you aren't sure where to hunt for schools beyond the obvious name brands and your own state institutions.

2. College Results Online. Families assume that their children will graduate from college in four years, but that's sadly not true for most. This great website provides four, five, and six-year graduation rates of schools across the country. What I also like about College Results Online is that it breaks down graduation rates by gender and ethnicity.

3. Zinch and 4. Cappex. These websites are online matchmakers that have borrowed features from Facebook that should appeal to teenagers. On both sites, for instance, a student can create a profile that goes well beyond test scores and grade-point averages that they can share with schools. Using these sites is a great way to discover intriguing schools that you didn't know exist. Through Cappex, you can access Meritaid.com, which provides a valuable directory of scholarships that thousands of schools offer. [HINT: Use these websites, among others, to search and apply for scholarships!]

5. CollegeMajors101. Wondering what you can do with a degree in biology or dance? College Majors 101 offers lots of information about what you can do with dozens of majors, as well as what you can expect academically if you pursue these majors.

6. College Insight. College Insight, which is the brainchild of the Institute for College Access and Success, has gathered detailed information on thousands of colleges. You can find statistics for any school on such topics as college affordability, graduation rates, and college diversity, including the racial and ethnic breakdown of students and professors.

7. Project on Student Debt. This website is devoted to helping families make the best economic choices when tackling college costs. You will find tons of information about college debt and student loans. The site also has a list of schools that have pledged to limit or eliminate the use of student loans in their financial aid packages.

8. College Board. I am always turning to the College Board when I want to check some quick facts about a particular school. You can easily retrieve the academic profile of a college's freshman class, financial aid and merit aid stats, available majors, and much more.

9. Unigo. This site, which has teamed up with the Wall Street Journal, serves up the unvarnished scoop on schools from the students themselves. You won't find spin from admission offices here. Unigo urges college students to share their take on their own schools through comments, photos, and videos.

10. The Choice (New York Times). This college blog will keep you up to date on the latest trends on college admission, testing, and financial aid. The blog also features a lot of question-and-answer sessions with college admission officers and other higher ed experts.

---

Some absolutely sound advice and solid leads from someone in the know. Thank you, Lynn.

Followers of The College Whisperer are encouraged to frequent Lynn's blog at TheCollegeSolutionBlog.com. Her insights are pure gold for every prospective college student, and should be required reading, as a supplement to a well-structured college application and admission plan, for anyone considering applying to college.

Are there other noteworthy and worthwhile college websites out in cyberspace? You betcha! We'll be blogging about and linking to them in the weeks and months ahead, right here at TheCollegeWhisperer.com.

Remember, College Happens. College Connection can help!
- - -
Plan. Prepare. Prevail!  

Before college applications, the Common App, CSS Profile, FAFSA, financial aid forms, and the whole college application and admissions process get to you, you need to get to us! 

Whether applying to college, paying for college, planning for college, or just thinking about college, contact us at COLLEGE CONNECTION, home of The College Whisperer™ and Official Sponsor of College Admission Success™. No one knows college admissions like COLLEGE CONNECTION. No one! 516-345-8766 

Find out why they say COLLEGE CONNECTION is, "The best darn college planner on Long Island!"

For up-to-the-minute news, apps, info and insights on college applications, admissions, scholarships and just about everything college, follow The College Whisperer™ on Twitter. 

Tweet

E.B. of Lattingtown, NY writes:

What's the story with so-called "for profit" colleges? I thought all colleges were into making profits? Are these institutions legit?

The College Whisperer responds:

With what colleges and universities charge for tuition these days (never mind room and board), one would think they are all "for profit." Just what do they do with all that money, anyway?

Alas, most traditional colleges are not-for-profit as opposed to for profit (not to be confused with the distinction of private versus public). For profit colleges are just that -- owned by private companies in the business of (guess what?) making money.

Are for profit colleges "legit?" I suppose that depends upon your definition of the word.

You've heard of many of these institutions. Argosy. Phoenix University. Kaplan University. Big-time players in the for profit college game. A business (and that's exactly what it is, a business) raking in hundreds of billions of dollars a year, a good chunk of it from federal loan programs paid for by (guess who?) you, the taxpayer.

So what could possibly be wrong with for profit colleges? Making a profit is, after all, the American way, right?

Well, for those who have not seen the PBS documentary, College, Inc., I would strongly suggest that, if you are even remotely considering forking over thousands of dollars to a for profit college (or taking out loans to pay for same), you watch the video. It can be viewed at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/collegeinc/view/. The story is as compelling as it is, at times, infuriating.

The horror stories are legion:

Hard-core, ultra-aggressive recruiting of students, particularly minorities, not based upon merit, but upon meeting the recruiters' quotas. It's all about the bottom line.

Tuition often far and above the going rate at even the most expensive not-for-profit colleges.

Nursing students who graduate without ever having seen the inside of a hospital.

Students who are saddled with a mountain of debt in the form of college loans they can never repay or discharge.

Paltry retention and graduation rates.

Unaccredited institutions, promising the stars and, after four or more years, merely showing students the moon.

Inferior teaching staff and degrees that aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

And the tales of woe go on and on and on.

Of course, no one, and, certainly, no college, is without at least a few detractors. Then again, the complaints against the for profits continue to mount, in seeming disproportion to those filed against not-for-profit colleges. Even the feds, who dole out millions in Stafford loans, are raising eyebrows. READ, Eyes on for-profit college oversight.

Are for profit colleges right for everyone? Are they evil incarnate? There are no absolutes. Of course, to be foretold is to be forewarned. Be weary of the promises. Be aware of the hype. Know before you go, and, certainly, before you pay a dime in tuition.

Confused? Unsure? Overwhelmed? Understood. Consult your college planning counselor at College Connection to discuss your options, and to successfully navigate the road to the college -- whether for profit or not-for-profit, public or private -- that's right for you!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
* * *
Comments? Questions for The College Whisperer?
Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

M.S. of East Williston, NY writes:

Do I really need a college planning counselor for my child? Aren't the resources available through her high school guidance counselor, the colleges, and the Internet, sufficient? It all seems so expensive.

The College Whisperer responds:

Back in the day, when the earth was young, and college applications were written by hand and mailed to one or two schools along with a check for $15, a visit to your guidance counselor, along with a thumb-through of the college Viewbook (assuming the school had one) or bulletin, was not only sufficient, that was all there was.

Today, with high school guidance counselors spread so thin, the Internet spewing forth information (much of it incorrect) faster than a BP well can spill oil into the Gulf of Mexico, the application process complex and confusing, and the competition for college admission, even at state schools, so very fierce, students (and parents) need all the help they can muster.

Consider, too (as if you haven't), that the cost of a college education -- approaching, and, in many instances, exceeding $100,000 for four years (and I'm being conservative here) -- requires more than an Internet search, or the gamble on a lottery ticket, to seek out and find the money to pay that tuition bill.

College is not only four very critical, as well as special years in a teenager's life, where deciding which colleges to apply to should entail more than "my friend goes there" or "everybody is applying to that school." It is also, as if I'm telling you something you don't already know, a major life investment. A private university, over the course of four years, can gobble up as much as $250,000 after tuition, room and board, books, transportation, and incidentals are accounted for. [If you don't believe me, feel free to do the math yourself.] Even a four year stint at a state school is likely to run in the neighborhood of $80,000 or more.

Surely, you want to invest wisely and prudently, in both the best interest of your child and her future, and in the best interest of your bank account. Financial planning, an integral part of the college planning process, is crucial.

Just what is it that a college planning counselor -- at least a good college planning counselor -- can and should do for you? Among other things (aside from the hand-holding and nerve-soothing), he will set an agenda, so critical to college admission success, giving you a clear and concise road map, showing you the where, the when and the how.

He will help your child decide, based upon a thorough assessment and evaluation of a multitude of factors (many beyond GPA and SAT/ACT scores), which colleges would be a perfect fit, and what strategies would likely provide that better shot at actually getting into the college of choice.

Is that "reach" school really within reach? Is there a way to manage my profile on that admission officer's matrix so as to improve my chances of admission? Does my personal essay help me stand out above the crowd? Am I doing everything I possibly can to enhance my application, or have I done too much? What kind of questions will I be asked during my admission interview? Will I even have an admission interview? Do I really want to spend sub-zero winters eating cheese on the barren plains of Wisconsin? [Please, no letters or e-mails from irate alumni of the University of Wisconsin...]

And, of course, there's the penultimate question on every parent's mind. How in blazes am I going to pay for all of this? [Cheese sold separately.]

High school guidance counselors, like travel agents helping you to prepare for a tour around the world, are an excellent resource. Use them (but please, don't abuse them). The Internet, too, is an invaluable tool and an essential source of information, provided that you know how to use it effectively, where to look (and where not to), and how not to fall prey to the wealth of misinformation that is only a mouse click away.

It is easy, as you navigate the road to college, to not only get lost, but to become overwhelmed by the voluminous amount of information -- much of it just plain awful -- that is out there. Once lost, good luck getting back on the right track.

With respect to the expense of retaining a college planning professional, do not think merely of cost alone, but rather, of the value of this now necessary service in an increasingly tedious, complex and stressful process. Think, too, of the peace of mind, knowing that you are being guided in the right direction to the right schools, and not being waylaid off the beaten path.

You seek the advice of a financial adviser when it comes to investing your money. You retain the services of a real estate pro before to buy a house (another major life investment). You spend countless thousands feeding and clothing your child, packing her off to summer camp or on teen tours, nurturing her through 18 years of life. Are you going to stop now, when the finish line (short of the wedding) is in sight?

Surely not. You are going to do everything within your power to help your child achieve her goals, gain acceptance to a college where she will thrive and be happy, and enable you to pay for it all, without jeopardizing your retirement or robbing the federal reserve. [The latter is not recommended, forbidden by law, and may subject you to fine, imprisonment, or both.]

Look. To answer your question simply and succinctly, of course you could do the whole college application gig yourself, with a little help from your Uncle Phil, who once sat across from a college admission counselor at a diner in New Hampshire, and is a self-professed expert in finding online sweepstakes that could win him millions. Then again, do you really want to go that route?

Save yourself the ulcer, the agita, the sleepless nights and bleary-eyed days. A knowledgeable college planning counselor will empower your child, the soon-to-be college student (can you believe it?) and de-stress the parent (that would be you). Those benefits, in and of themselves, are, to quote the VISA commercials, priceless.

Applying to college in this day and age is the educational equivalent of setting out to climb Mount Everest. Could you go it alone? I'm not about to stop you. Ask my advice, however (and you did), and I will tell you: When preparing to climb Mount Everest, and on every treacherous step of your ascent, take along that trusted Sherpa guide!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
* * *
Comments? Questions for The College Whisperer?
Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

M.T. of Glen Head, NY writes:

I will be starting my junior year of high school in the fall. Is this a good time to start my search for college scholarships?

The College Whisperer responds:

Absolutely!

While most students wait until they are firmly entrenched in their senior year (if then) to begin the critical scholarship search, the earlier the better.

In fact, while scholarships, in descending order of eligibility, are most widely available to high school seniors, college grants and scholarships are plentiful for high school juniors, and, while less so, to sophomores and freshman as well.

The sooner you begin your search, and the wider the net you cast, the more likely you are to catch some of that scholarship (read as FREE) money.

Begin your scholarship search right here and right now, at Fastweb.

Need money for college? Use FastWeb's free scholarship search to find information on more than 600,000 scholarships!

Everyone is aware of Fastweb, recommended by Guidance Counselors and admissions officers alike, and perhaps the most recognized name in the Internet scholarship search engine game. It is, or should be, on every student's list.

Fastweb is a completely FREE service (you're liking it more already, right?). FREE to register. FREE to search. FREE to apply for scholarships. [Be wary of scholarships that charge a processing fee to apply. Most, but not all, legitimate scholarships do not require a payment of any kind.]

When completing the Fastweb registration, take your time and be sure to be as detailed as possible in answering questions about your background, grades, test scores, interests, extracurricular activities, and so on. The more information input by you, and the greater the accuracy, the better chance you have of being matched not only to appropriate scholarships, but with colleges the may closely fit your ideal.

Of course, Fastweb is just a start. The appetizer to the world of finding money to pay for college.

There are dozens, if not hundreds of scholarship search engines online. One or two in addition to Fastweb should suffice. [Hint: College Connection students have unlimited access to College Cafe, with its essential links and resources, including a complete repertoire of links to the most notable and reliable scholarship search engines. And everyone has FREE (there's that word again) access to Campus Cash, with links to money saving, scholarship searching karma.]

Be diligent in your searches. Be prepared to spend a half hour to forty-five minutes, say, every other day (you're already online anyway, right?) scouring the web for scholarships, and additional time, as needed, to actually apply.

You will find potential scholarships of all sorts and sizes. Apply for any, and as many, that may fit the bill, or may even come close. Hey, you never know!

There are straight-forward scholarships based upon grades and test scores. Ones that require essays. And those that require little more than filing out a simple form. Some are contests, with random winners. Others insist on the demonstration of a special talent or proficiency. Then there are the off-the-wall scholarships, like those for left-handed people, students with the last name of Van Valkenberg, kids who are good with Duck tape, and so on. If you've got it, flaunt it!

Think big -- as in the big bucks on the line from some of the national scholarships, but don't overlook the smaller awards. Fewer students tend to apply for the scholarships offering what some may view as chump change, so your chances of seeing some money are likely improved. Besides, $100 dollars here and $250 there, and pretty soon you're talking about real money to pay for college.

Let's not forget about those scholarship resources available offline. In your own community, groups, clubs, organizations, financial institutions, often offer scholarships to local high school students. Don't be shy. Make inquiries. Remember, if you don't ask, you won't get!

Colleges themselves offer scholarships and grants of all varieties, some based upon merit, others on financial need. Always check the college websites for information, or contact the school's financial aid office.

And don't forget about that first line in college planning, your high school guidance office. New scholarships arrive daily, particularly in late fall and early spring. Visit the office daily. Hound your guidance counselor. Tell her The College Whisperer sent you.

Of course, your independent college planning counselor can help you search for scholarships by pointing you in the right direction, ferreting out the good prospects from the bad, developing a strategic plan, and helping you focus on the critical aspects of the scholarship search that may just lead others to show you the money.


---
Here's a good article from CNNMoney, How to find college scholarships. Check it out.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
* * *
Comments? Questions for The College Whisperer?
Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

Oprah writes:

Thoroughly enjoy your interesting and informative college planning and admissions blog. The information and guidance you provide is invaluable, and your wit and humor are priceless. In the circles I travel, you are considered the Dr. Phil of the college planning circuit. Keep up the great work, and thanks for the advice!

The College Whisperer responds:

Accolades from Oprah. Wow!

Of course, this is not Oprah Winfrey, but rather, Oprah Silverberg of Munsey Park, NY.

Hey, we'll take the praise, and blush accordingly, from wherever and whomsoever it may come! ;-)

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer.
* * *
Comments? Questions for The College Whisperer?
Write us at info@TheCollegeWhisperer.com

The road to college begins at College Connection.

M.G. of Jericho, NY writes:

Aside from the 529 plan, which I am currently funding, what other ways are there to save for college?

The College Whisperer responds:

Short of that Trust Fund from a rich and generous relative, one must be creative, as well as diligent, in putting away money for college. This is particularly so in an economy that is less than robust.

Glad to hear you've started saving in a 529 Plan. As discussed in an earlier blogpost, the savings options and tax advantages of a 529 are plentiful, and the earlier you start saving for college (right out of the womb is about right ;-), the more money you will have on hand when the tuition bill comes due.

Check out New York's 529 Plan at nysaves.org.

Are there other ways to save? Sure. From Coverdell Education Savings Accounts to stashing cash in the mattress, you can save a dollar here and a quarter there.

Problem is, as Americans, we have a tendency to spend rather than save.

Can one spend and save at the same time. Hmmm.

Yes you can, every time you shop.