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5 Tips to Jump Start Paying for College

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:55:55 +0100

While students begin scouring resources determining their best-fit college, parents are left scratching their heads on how to pay for it. With a few simple steps, parents can begin to get a grasp on paying for college and available financial aid.

Determine Cost of Attendance (COA) - Many families go to the school website, look up cost of tuition, add room and board and run with that number forgetting the cost of college includes fees, books, travel and personal expenses. Be sure you add all the numbers to get the COA. You can also find this information on College Navigator - the U.S. Department of Education’s site; you’re looking for the “Total Expenses” line. This site also shows you the percent increase in cost from year to year which is great information to have. Nationally, the cost of college is outpacing inflation by 2.5 times.
Determine YOUR Net Price - By law every college receiving federal money must include a Net Price Calculator on their school site by fall 2011. The best tools take time to complete and give you detailed information including expected grants or scholarships. However, most are quite simple (meeting the letter of the law) and are left with a bit to be desired. An additional resource for finding net price is College Navigator in the “Net Price” section for each school or on the College Results website.
Determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) - In January of the student’s senior year of high school, most families will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ultimately, the government gives you your EFC which determines how much aid a family is eligible for. Want to get an early idea of what your EFC is? Use the FAFSA4caster.
Compare Indebtedness of Graduates - The average college graduate in 2012 has just over $25,000 in loans to repay. Knowing the average indebtedness of graduates for schools of interest helps weigh the affordability of a school. Asking the school for this information is one way to get it or visit College InSight, a non-profit centered on college access and completion. One rule of thumb many use is to not have more college debt than you expect to earn in your first year out of school. However, the number you’re comfortable with is up to you.
Start the Scholarship Search - There are many sites on the web dedicated to matching you with scholarships for which you are eligible. Go ahead and sign-up, but set-up a scholarship *only* email address so your personal email is not inundated. Keep in mind only .3% of college students get a full-ride according to Mark Kantrowitz, author on scholarships.

In reality, you won’t likely have all your acceptance and aid offers until March or April of the senior year. It’s smart to do your homework and wait for all offers so you can compare. Seniors college commitment day is May1st each year.

Article reposted with permission from LEAP's College Bound Blog
Lisa Mader
President, LEAP
www.leaprogram.com
www.leaprogram.com/collegebound Visit** Our College Bound Blog!
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513-754-2240

What's a Parent to do?

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:12:27 +0100

In short: Not Much! I know that answer disappoints multitudes of parents of college bound high school students. The intentions of parents vary from just wanting the best for their kiddo to the “helicopter” parent to those living vicariously through their child. The bottom-line is your child needs to OWN the college selection, application and admission process.

Getting to Know You

Colleges are wanting to get to know THE STUDENT. It will be the parent, not the student, heading to school and the college needs to be the best fit for the student. Therefore interaction directly with the college needs to be initiated and followed up by the student. Ask college admissions officers and they will tell you they can confidently peg the parent who calls or emails impersonating their child. If you do that, how will it reflect on your child? Could you be limiting their future options? Furthermore, the student reaching out shows maturity and initiative on the part of the student; both are qualities the college seeks.

If the student isn’t ready to speak-up, stand on his own and fully engage in the process, then will he really be ready for the freedom and responsibility that comes with going to college. The journey can be part of this maturing process, so they are ready. Therefore embrace it which each player in their correct role.

Parent Homework

All is not lost though. For parents anxious to be part of the process, there are things I recommend you can do in the background as the skipper while your child steers the ship.

Researcher: Much of the “homework” involved in college selection is collecting data. Unearthing the important under the mounds of resources available. Parents can help by finding out essential information like graduation and retention rates, which majors are offered, cost of attendance, freshman profile (average GPA and ACT or SAT of the previous year’s admitted students), study abroad and internship options. Take it a step further and create a spreadsheet of the data collected for quick and easy comparison.

Clerk: As soon as you take the PSAT, ACT or SAT, you’ll receive a boatload of college literature from these groups selling your name. View books, postcards to return, test prep options and more will pile up on the kitchen table. Parents can assist by sorting through into Keep, Review and Discard piles for the student. Even checking the box and mailing the postcard back to demonstrate interest is something a parent can do.

Travel Agent: Look for special visitation dates at schools of interest, college receptions in your area and college fairs. Find colleges close to your next vacation spot. Plan the travel and visitations from a logistics perspective, but let your kid contact the college to set-up the visit.

Financial Advisor: Parents tend to be much more concerned with cost. Do the background work on this piece as it will be a key part of the family discussion when finally choosing a school. College Navigator’s “net price” for each school can be helpful as well as each school’s mandatory “Net Price Calculator”. Complete the FAFSA4caster as well.

While the student should captain the ship, there is plenty support the parent can lend in the background for the parent anxious to have some ownership in the college selection process.

By: Lisa Mader
President, LEAP
www.leaprogram.com
www.leaprogram.com/collegebound Visit** Our College Bound Blog!
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Article reprinted with permission from LEAP's College Bound Blog.

Tips for Getting ACT Extended Time

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 01:44:59 +0100

You’ve never finished a PSAT, EXPLORE or PLAN test within the allotted time. Performing your best on the ACT is daunting task, because you most always require additional time at school. Quit stressing and apply for extended time on the ACT. You never know, you may just qualify and can relax a bit!

Who Qualifies and How

Students with physical disabilities, hearing or visual impairment, those who have diagnosed ADHD, psychiatric conditions or learning disabilities may apply for extended time. Before you apply for accommodations, you’ll need to register online for your ACT test. As with everything in the college selection and application process, pay close attention to deadlines which are usually 4 to 5 weeks before the test date.

If applying for accommodations, I recommend doing it far in advance of your test date. According to ACT, it takes about 3 weeks to get your answer. You’ll want to know if you receive extended time before you start your test prep, so plan ahead.

To receive accommodations, students apply with the assistance of an official from their high school, often the guidance counselor or educational psychologist. While the IEP or 504 in place at school can be submitted with the application, be prepared to offer documentation of the diagnosis if the first diagnosis was less than three years ago or there is not an IEP or 504 in place.

Approved!

There are three types of accommodations granted:

Center Testing #1 where the student will test on a national, Saturday, test date. These students are not granted extra time or different test forms, but can have special seating if in a wheelchair or access to snacks throughout testing if diabetic, as examples.

Center Testing #2 also occurs on a national test date and is the most common type of testing granted. Typically 10 or fewer students will test in a separate room, working at their own pace with 50% more time than non-accommodated students. Between sections of the test they can leave the room for restroom, water and snack breaks, but this is deducted from their total time of 5 hours and 45 minutes for the ACT Plus Writing.

Special Testing usually takes place at the student’s home school and is given during the week. This is for students requiring extended time greater than time and a half or alternate test forms. This could include a reader, scribe, braille or a computer, for example. Most often these students test individually and testing can occur over several days.

Not the Answer We Wanted

If your initial request for accommodations is not granted, you do have the right to appeal. As a matter of fact, based on our students’ experiences, I’d recommend appealing if first denied. Allowing time to appeal is important which again begs to the timing of registering and applying far in advance of the test date. Timely application allows for test preparation with the type of extended time you are, or not, granted. Good luck!

Article reprinted with permission from LEAP's College Bound Blog!
Lisa Mader
President, LEAP
www.leaprogram.com
http://www.leaprogram.com/collegebound/ Visit** Our College Bound Blog!
www.facebook.com/leaprogram Daily Tips for Families
513-754-2240

College Visit Done Right!

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:19:12 +0100

Juniors on the initial college search and seniors making final decisions are hitting the road for college visits. College visits cost time and money, so putting some time into planning your visit is key to making the most of a 3-day weekend like Presidents’ Day or spring break for college visits.

Do Your Homework

Likely, you are limited on the number of schools you can visit, so take the time to make wise choices of where you’ll go. Next, thoroughly research the school before you go. Using data on College Navigator will give you important information such as retention and graduation rates along with average net price paid to attend and degrees offered. You also don’t want to ask a question on your visit that could have been easily answered on the school site. See what students are saying about the school on College Confidential. Keep digging for information on the school.

Schedule a Tour and More

Often, tours and class room visits must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance of your visit. Call the admissions office to book not only your tour, but also check into the availability of sitting in on a class or two related to major(s) of interest. If you can grab some time with a professor before or after class, get a feel for him, the department and whether it’s a good 4-year fit for you.

When you are on the tour, ask questions of your tour guide and other students you meet along the way. Find out what brought them to the school initially and their likes and disappointments along their journey.

Get off the Beaten Path

When your tour concludes, break away from the group to see more of the campus such as the older buildings, not just the new shiny ones they show you on the tour. Check out the library. You’re a workout fanatic? Head on over to the workout facility to see what it has to offer on a blustery day when the last thing you want to do is go for an outdoor run.

Eat and Sleep

Whether you spend half or the recommended full day on your visit, be sure to eat on campus. The quality of the food could be the tie breaker between school A and B on April 30th of your senior year. Schools will often allow students, particularly seniors, to spend the night on campus giving you a deeper look at what this college holds for you.

Reflect

Shortly after your visit concludes, gather your thoughts and impressions about the school. You will be surprised how quickly your memories will fade after the visit, especially after hitting a few more campuses. Journal or create a spreadsheet to rank the school. A site like Welcome to College can be helpful in rating and tracking the schools you visit.

Make the most of your college visits so you are equipped to make the best decisions in the future!

Article re-posted with permission by:
Lisa Mader
President, LEAP
www.leaprogram.com
www.leaprogram.com/collegebound Visit** Our College Bound Blog!
www.facebook.com/leaprogram Daily Tips for Families
513-754-2240

How to Schedule “Rigorous” High School Classes Colleges Want

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:40:33 +0100

Article re-printed with permission from LEAP's College Bound Blog:

Colleges will look closely at the level of rigor a student has in their schedule. What does ”rigor” really mean? Honestly, something different for each student. Rigorous courses are meant to challenge the student; colleges want to see that a student has appropriately challenged herself.

Choosing rigor can start as early as eighth grade when many students have the opportunity to jump start high school by taking high school courses for credit. If a student is ready for that level of work, go for it! Keep in mind, grades earned in these courses will in most cases impact the high school GPA and class rank which eventually will be of paramount importance for college application.

Once in high school, students have a choice on what “level” of a course to take. College prep, accelerated, honors, dual enrollment or AP are among the choice in increasing level of rigor. This is where there really is not one right fit. While a student may be honors or even AP material in math for instance, he may never be ready for anything beyond college prep in English. That is okay. Do not feel pressured to take on more than you can handle. Getting in over your head can result in lower grades and a stressed out year. It’s not worth it.

Are you ready for more “rigor”?

If a student is getting straight A’s in college prep classes, the admissions’ team will be left wondering why the student didn’t throw in an honors class or two to challenge herself. In many cases, the college would rather see a student earn a B in a more challenging weighted course or two than straight A’s in less challenging courses. Just ask on your college visits.

For juniors or seniors toying with taking AP courses, it can feel like jumping off into the deep end wondering if you can thrive or survive. There are several indicators considered in making the right decision. First is your current teacher’s recommendation. Ask her if you are AP material. Your teacher sees who you are everyday as a student and should know the expectations of the AP courses in her department. In 2009, ACT Research released results of a study that provided PLAN (the little sister to the ACT) score benchmarks for potential success in AP courses. Finally, if in addition to the PLAN test you’ve taken the PSAT, Collegeboard identifies for your school students with AP potential. Just ask if you were identified or read the 2006 report here on Collegeboard.

In the end, do what right for YOU and your educational goals. It is the rare student who can take 4 AP courses and not be part of the 56% identified as being “in over their heads” in a 2009 Thomas Fordham Institute study. Balance is what you’re striving for.

Lisa Mader
President, LEAP
www.leaprogram.com
www.leaprogram.com/collegebound Visit** Our College Bound Blog!
www.facebook.com/leaprogram Daily Tips for Families
513-754-2240

10 Common FAFSA Errors

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:24:14 +0100

LEAP has provided MasonMetu permission to reprint this article by Todd Kelly:

10 Common FAFSA Errors

It's FAFSA season for seniors! Guest blogger Todd Kelly of Summit College Funding and College Planning Relief has timely advice to avoid common mistakes.

January is the month that millions of families disclose their financial data to the Department of Education through theFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Specifically, more than 20 million FASFA applications are submitted each year. Anywhere from 70—90% are submitted with errors. An error filled FASFA will likely reduce the amount of aid you might receive. The FAFSA has been called “the gateway to financial aid”. With the ever increasing costs associated with college, it is imperative to eliminate mistakes in completing it. Here are ten ways to reduce the likelihood of your FAFSA containing errors.

1. Failure to Submit because of Income (high or low).

Many believe they make too much to qualify or they make less and think they will get everything covered. Income is one of seven factors to determine aid eligibility...you should always complete the FAFSA regardless of income.

2. Waiting to Submit

A misconception of many is to wait until they have all of their financial documents in place and taxes done before submitting their FAFSA. Since some money is distributed first-come, first-served basis, it is imperative to submit as early in January as possible. Using estimates is expected.

3. Divorce Situations

Whose financial information is used – mom or dad? Wherever the student spends the majority of their time and receives a majority of their support.

4. Understating Income

If you contribute a 401K, 403B, etc. or any other pre-tax retirement account, you must add back any contributions in the previous year to your income for FAFSA purposes. This, in effect, produces a higher FAFSA income than what might be shown on your tax return.

5. Overstating Assets

Many families mistakenly include retirement assets as part of their investments or net worth when in fact retirement assets are not to be included.

6. Real Estate

For FAFSA purposes, primary residence home equity is not included. However, equity in rental property and vacation homes can be included.

7. Misplaced Information

Always remember the FAFSA is written from a student perspective, as if they are the one completing it….which they probably won’t be. When the FAFSA refers to “you” and “yours”, it is in fact referring to the student.

8. Not Submitting Electronically

Online submission provides built-in edit to help prevent errors, is timelier, has an online help feature,
and a much simpler renewal process.

9. Taking Your Time When Answering Questions

Give yourself time to think through the questions and what they are asking. Answering questions a certain way can preclude you from receiving aid or valuable information. The following two questions highlight this fact. When asked if you are interested in work study, always answer “yes”. It does not mean you will get it nor does it mean you have to take it. But what if the award is a great offer for the hours expected? When it asks for the student's email address, always put your email address. This ensures all information communicated to you or your student comes to you to review.

10. Failing to Save as You Go

Every page to two pages, be sure to save your file as you go. You don't want to get halfway through and find your computer or the government's server has locked up.

CRITICAL (okay #11): And last but not least, I want to include the one mistake you definitely do not want to make. Please be sure to complete the correct FAFSA application. Remember to complete the FAFSA for the year your student will be in college for the upcoming fall school year, NOT the school year you are currently in. This is a huge, but common mistake. Make this one and your student will receive no aid in the following fall.

Lisa Mader

President, LEAP
www.leaprogram.com
www.leaprogram.com/collegebound Visit** Our College Bound Blog!
www.facebook.com/leaprogram Daily Tips for Families
513-754-2240

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How to Use PSAT Results

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:05:22 +0100

How to Use PSAT Results
Students took the test in October and finally, as we approach winter break, they’ll receive their PSAT scores. So now what?

Juniors

If you are a junior, learn from your score report.

Analyze your results. What is your area of strength and weakness? Hone in on these as you enter ACT and/or SAT testing. Concentrate not only on improving areas of weakness, but highlighting your strengths.
Compare to PLAN results. The PLAN is the little sister to the ACT; hopefully your school administered this valuable tool. Comparing PLAN and PSAT results by examining national percentile scores can give you an early indicator on whether you’ll do better on the ACT or the SAT. If scores are similar, LEAP suggests you do a first attempt at each. If there is a disparity, concentrate on your test of strength. Want to learn more about which test to take and when? Read our previous post onACT-SAT testing. Greater Cincinnati students can also register for our ACT-SAT Prep Essentials Program.
National Merit Qualifier? The PSAT serves double duty. Not only is it practice for the future SAT, but it is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. You won’t officially find out until September of your senior year if you made the cut as a semi-finalist and get to compete. However, by examining previous year’s qualifying scores, you’ll have a good idea. In Ohio, where LEAP is located, historically cut-offs have been between 210 and 214 (the class of 2012 qualifying score – our highest yet). To learn more about National Merit,visit our post on qualifying.

Sophomores and Younger

If you are younger than a junior in high school, the PSAT is not used for National Merit qualification. It is, though, terrific practice. Learn where you need to concentrate your efforts academically as well as with testing. Look closely at your score sheet and learn….

Low Critical Reading Scores? Could indicate a weakness in vocabulary or comprehension.
Low Math Scores? Keep in mind PSAT is measuring math the typical college bound student has completed by the beginning of the junior year. Getting more math under your belt will help.
Low Writing Scores? There was no essay on the PSAT, so this is measuring grammar as well as your ability to identify elements of good writing.

If you are aiming for National Merit qualification in the junior year, LEAP has taken sophomores scoring as low as 185 to qualifying scores in the junior year to compete as seniors. Summer before the junior year is the best time to get serious about PSAT test prep.

Does it Really Matter?

In the end, your PSAT scores will not be seen by a single college or impact whether you get into college. Learn from the testing experience, but don’t sweat it!

Article reposted with permision from LEAP's College Bound Blog
Lisa Mader
President, LEAP
www.leaprogram.com
www.leaprogram.com/collegebound Visit** Our College Bound Blog!
www.facebook.com/leaprogram Daily Tips for Families
513-754-2240

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Timing is Everything with Testing

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:08:16 +0100

Every fall LEAP receives at least several calls of anxiety ridden parents whose senior student has yet to have a first attempt at the ACT or SAT, let alone the recommended second attempt. Now they realize their back is up against the wall with limited testing dates and college application deadlines. With the ample number of ACT and SAT test dates year-round, there is no reason for a family to ever get in this position.

Make a Plan

LEAP has been prepping students for college entrance exams since 1999 with great results. From our experience, we advise for most students to start testing in the winter or spring of the junior year. Plan for a second attempt in June when junior year courses are complete. Allow for a third attempt in September or October of the senior year, if necessary. Our rule of thumb is, “Always twice, not usually more than three times.”

Your Personal Timeline

Visit the ACT or SAT sites to locate test dates and deadlines or email LEAP (info@leaprogram.com) for our resource handout which lists all dates for the next year. There are several personal specifics to consider when choosing your test dates.

Course Load: Do you have a heavier academic load in one grading period than another? Test during a lighter period. When do semester exams fall? You don’t want prep or test the week of exams, if avoidable. Are you taking or have completed algebra 2? There is a lot of algebra 2 on the exams. No harm on taking the first attempt when you have about half or more of the course complete, but a second or third attempt after the course is completed would be wise.

Extra Curricular Commitments: When is your “heavy season”? It’s better to prep and test in the off-season, if possible. Take part in marching band or play football? August to November is almost impossible. Play softball or baseball in the spring and on a traveling team in the summer? For some, there is no off-season and testing can’t be avoided, so you’ll need to look at the calendar and find the best time to fit it in.

Family Calendar: The April ACT often conflicts with spring breaks, so if you always head south at that time of year, April testing may be out, or you may need to consider testing while on vacation – yes, this is possible. I’ve seen testing on vacation result both positively and negatively. Same thing in June. I’ve met families who always, without fail head on vacation the moment school gets out. This can result in June test date conflicts.

Get out the calendar, choose your test dates (and register early) then select your test prep option that leads right up to your test date. For families in the Greater Cincinnati area, you can see LEAP test prep classes here.

Article reprinted with persmission from LEAP's Colleg Bound Blog.
Lisa Mader
President, LEAP
www.leaprogram.com
www.facebook.com/leaprogram Daily Tips for Families
513-754-2240

What to do in Advance of FAFSA Filing

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:13:11 +0100

While others are left scratching their heads with yet another college type acronym to figure out, families with seniors likely know FAFSA stands for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid". All families with college bound seniors, or current college students, should plan to complete the FAFSA as early in January as possible. Yes, that's ALL, regardless of income. What many don't know is there are several items to take care of in advance of January.

Educate Yourself

A common question I am asked is whether families with a high income should complete FAFSA - yes. In some cases, I've seen these families qualify for need based aid, but more importantly some merit based scholarships require the FAFSA be completed and there are low interest loans for college which require completion as well.

For Greater Cincinnati families, I encourage you to attend LEAP's FREE Annual FAFSA Troubleshooting Seminar (click to register!), with Summit College Funding presenting on December 1st, 2011. We will give you tips on carefully and correctly completing the FAFSA which leads to saving you future tuition dollars. Attending the LEAP seminar should be in conjunction with the financial aid night your high school is likely to host with a local college's representative from the financial aid office presenting. Both seminars are important and have differing information - both important to the process.

Things To Do

Complete the FAFSA4caster to get an early estimate on your qualification for aid and your options. Familiarizing yourself through FAFSA4caster will help you better understand the seminars suggested above and make the process in January less daunting.

If January will be your first time completing the FAFSA, request your required PIN now on the FAFSA PIN website. Don't wait until January when there is a high volume of PIN requests. You may use the same PIN for each year and for each child attending college.

In late December, collect last year's tax return, your final pay stub for the year, investment records, and current bank statements. You'll be ready to go in early January. You should complete your FAFSA in early January whether your final tax return is complete or not. You will use year-end numbers and be given an option to revise with final numbers once your tax return is complete.

Timeliness is Essential

As with all pieces in the college application puzzle, timing is important. Do not delay in the proper steps and timing, or you may end up at the back of the line when your student's college of choice begins handing out money.

Article reprinted with permission by:

Lisa Mader
President, LEAP
www.leaprogram.com
www.leaprogram.com/collegebound Visit** Our College Bound Blog!
www.facebook.com/leaprogram Daily Tips for Families
513-754-2240

The Latest Trends in College Admissions

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:49:05 +0100

Each year the National Association of College Admission Counseling releases the results of a survey which points to the latest trends in college admissions. The 2011 State of College Admission was recently released and points to the following trends.

Increased Applications

While the number of high school graduates peaked in 2009 at 3.33 million and is now in a period of decline, the number of college applications has continued to increase. In a growing trend, 85% of students’ applications were submitted online. This fits my previous post What’s New at Ohio Colleges where I cited a number of Ohio schools who have gone to online only. Admissions reps often say this is their preference.

Wait Lists

With this increase in applications, colleges are increasingly using wait lists. 48% of colleges use wait lists which is up from 2009 when only 39% employed the practice. Unfortunately for students on the wait list, there is a downward trend in the number admitted from the wait list. Only 28% of those on the wait list ultimately find a spot at the school. Not surprising, you’ll find this number much lower at the more selective schools.

Grades Matter Most

Since you can’t count on the wait list to get you in, students need to focus on getting great grades while in high school. Unchanged is the importance of grades in college prep courses as the most important factor for getting in. The top factors remain the same from previous years: GPA in college prep courses, strength of curriculum, college entrance test scores, overall GPA and the essay. Keep those grades up!

Demonstrated Interest

A newer trend in recent years is demonstrated interest. In 2003 only 7% of schools considered it important, now 22% do. Due to this growth, demonstrated interest moved up one slot in factors in the admission decision. Keep in mind however, the majority of the schools who participated in the survey are private schools which tend to be smaller. These are the schools where demonstrated interest may be factored in. Confused by what demonstrated interest is and how to show it? Read our past post on Getting on a College’s Radar.

Generally speaking, the smaller and more selective a school is, the greater number of factors they are likely to consider important for getting in. The larger, public schools more heavily rely on objective factors like GPA, class rank and ACT-SAT test scores.

Article reprinted with permission from LEAP's College Bound Blog

Lisa Mader
President, LEAP
www.leaprogram.com
www.leaprogram.com/collegebound NEW** Our College Bound Blog!
www.facebook.com/leaprogram Daily Tips for Families
513-754-2240