Can I afford to send him to the school of his dreams?

It’s critical to have an open discussion with your student about the family financial picture that includes a clear explanation of what you are willing and

able to pay toward his education.

Often, our kids seem to believe in the proverbial money tree in the backyard. As adults, we know this is an unrealistic view. It’s also important to explain that parental assets have to go much further than the education of one child.

Take a holistic approach to financial planning. This means that your retirement is just as important as the college educations of your children. No one child, regardless of accomplishments, should take precedence over the future
well-being of either his parents or the other children in the family.

Once your student understands what your limits are, he can then begin to mentally plan for the possibility that he may not be able to attend his dream school, and approach the college planning process more realistically. He can
still apply to the dream college, but it does leave the door open to other, more financially viable options.

Affordable Fit

In my practice, I find that when families follow these suggestions, their students tend to be much more open to colleges that are both affordable and a good fit. It can also encourage students to be more proactive in looking for scholarship

money, or make them work a little bit harder to try to attain the grades that make a more prestigious college possible.

Being realistic can also take some of the pressure off the student to go trophy hunting, rather than finding colleges that provide a good match and fit for him.

What exactly are match and fit?

Match refers to your student’s numbers and how they compare to the middle 50 percent of accepted students at the college you’re considering. If your student’s unweighted GPA and test scores fall in that range, then the college is a potential match for your student.
A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0

Subject                                              9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade
English                                               B = 3.0      A- = 3.7        B+ = 3.3
Math                                                   A = 4.0     C+ = 2.3        B- = 2.7
Science                                               A = 4.0     B+ = 3.3        A- = 3.7
Social Studies                                    B+ = 3.3   A- = 3.7          A = 4.0
Foreign Language                              C+ = 2.3    D = 1.0
TOTAL                                                      16.6         14.0            13.7

Add up the results and divide by the number of courses.

44.3 ÷ 14 = 3.16 GPA (unweighted).

 Most colleges will recalculate the high school GPA to a basic unweighted 4.0 scale based only on the core subjects. To do that, you pull out the grades for English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language,

Looking at your student’s grades from the viewpoints of the admission office can guide you in your class choices. And be sure to avoid declining GPA’s – colleges look unfavorably at downward grade trends. It’s important that your student’s grades remain above a B in all subjects if at all possible.

Fit on the other hand, refers to the social and academic aspects of the college.
• Does he feel comfortable on campus?
• Are there students there with whom he can connect?
• Does the school offer the academic environment and extracurricular options that he is looking for?

Junior Year: It’s College Crunch Time!

For many juniors, the end of winter break ushers in an important time in their high school careers, as they begin to seriously look at their college options.  With more than 3,500 colleges nationwide, there are many factors for students and parents to take into consideration. No wonder the college selection process can seem overwhelming!  To help you focus your efforts, here are the top three things to zero in on right now:

1. Define your criteria for choosing a college

Think seriously about the things that are important to you in choosing a school.  Are you looking for a specific academic program, or is student life more important? How large or small of a college would you feel most comfortable with? Do you want a school where there are opportunities to study abroad?  Would you like a conservative environment, or a more liberal one?  How far from home do you want to be? 

2. Realistically evaluate your credentials

One of the shifts that has affected college admissions is “grade inflation.”  In the past, the traditional bell curve for an average grade was C; now the average grade is B, which can give kids and parents of B students a false sense of security. 

Also look at how challenging your high school course load has been. Challenging courses, including AP classes, show schools that you’re committed to academics and that you used your time in high school wisely.

It’s also important to be involved in your school and in the community, and to commit to a few activities. If possible, these should include athletics and/or the arts, student government, and community service activities.

If you’re in Scouting, achieving the Eagle rank or Gold Award levels are very impressive to college admissions counselors, because of the dedication and leadership potential they represent. 

3. Understand the need for a balanced list of colleges based on financial and acceptance likeliness

When choosing a college, it’s important to not only look at what you want from a school, but what the school wants from you. Be aware of things such as the acceptance rate of various schools, and the credentials of the accepted students. 

In terms of cost, local state schools may not always be the least expensive.  Many are facing huge challenges and the pool of funds available for financial assistance has dried up significantly. Private schools, on the other hand, are funded by endowments, and when private schools want an excellent, standout student who will be a credit to them, they can shift more Merit Scholarship dollars towards getting that student, and less towards a more average student who may choose to go there.

If you’d like help in finding the best possible match between your student’s educational, social, and financial needs, and what colleges offer, give us a call.  We’ve guided hundreds of students to college success!  To schedule your first consultation, just call 301-834-6888 or email us at Charlotte@cklaar.com. 

Doing What I Love to Do!

Once again this year, I will spend an exhausting and rewarding week teaching at the IECA Summer Institute held at Swarthmore College. It never ceases to amaze me that I learn from my colleagues and students at least as much as I teach. In addition to feeling that I am helping to safeguard the profession by teaching would-be consultants the best practices that IECA holds dear, I find the time spent with knowledgeable colleagues, who love being IECs as much as I do, to reaffirm my commitment to my students and their families. It is a wonderful commentary on life when one can earn a living doing what she loves to do.

The profession of Independent Educational Consulting is a young one, a bit more than 30 years old, and I have been privileged to be part of it for the last 17 years. Those years have been ones of growth, organization, and acknowledgement by other groups that IECA is the premier representative of IECs who are ethical, trained, and professional. Members of this wonderful organization take great pains to keep their skills up-to-date, continue their professional development, do pro-bono work, and keep the good of the client foremost in their minds. I am privileged to be part of this wonderful group.

Summertime - Time for Relaxation but Don’t Forget About College Prep!

It’s summertime and preparing for college may be the furthest thing from your mind. But even as you enjoy your summer break, you’d be wise to use this free time to your advantage.

If you’re a rising senior, be aware that September will come all too soon and by the time school starts, you should have a final list of colleges, so you can begin your applications.  This fall will be a busy time with essays, letters of recommendations, college applications, etc.

By taking advantage of these long summer days, you can get a real jump start on your college application process!

Here are some tips for maximizing your summer:

Read

Reading will help keep your mind fresh and help build language skills. You don’t need to read classic English literature – popular young adult books will do the trick.  And take a book on vacation with you!

Volunteer

Volunteer for an organization that you are interested in and passionate about. This is a great way to build your resume and to narrow down potential fields of interest. 

Get a job

Earn some extra cash while taking on responsibility.  Colleges like to see that you have responsibilities outside of your schoolwork.

Visit colleges

Make time to visit colleges you are interested in.  Since school is not in session, summer may not be the most ideal time for college visits, but you can still get a feel for the place and visit again if necessary. Taking a family vacation? Plan to visit colleges along your way.

Think about what you want out of your college experience

Take time to think about what you want in a school, your interests, and what you would like to get out of your college experience.  Long car rides to the beach are perfect for brainstorming.

Have a fun and meaningful summer!

Charlotte Klaar, Ph.D.

For more information about how Klaar College Consulting can help lead you to college success, call us at 301-834-6888 and visit the many resources available on our website www.cklaar.com.  

Make Peace with Your College Decision. Don’t Second Guess Yourself!

You’ve already paid your deposit and know what school you will be attending in the fall.  Celebrate, it’s a big accomplishment!  But now perhaps you’re having second thoughts about whether you really did select the right school?  Relax -- it’s normal for students to wonder if they made the right decision.  But don’t second guess yourself.  You chose the school you did because you did your homework and thought it would be a good fit for you.  Make peace with your decision. 

Going to a new school is scary, especially if it’s far from home.  Some of you may be going to college with friends, while others may not know anyone.  Either way, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people.  Remember, all freshmen are in the same boat as you and are looking for new friends and new experiences.  Plan to give it your best shot, and before you know it you’ll be loving college.

If things don’t work out, transferring is always an option.  Your college advisor can help you identify which credits will transfer into another university.

But for now, enjoy your summer and make the most of it.  Soon enough you will be on your way to college and opening a new chapter of your life.  I wish you the best of luck!

Charlotte Klaar, Ph.D.

You Received Financial Aid Packages… Now What? Tips to Compare and Review Your Options

With the fall semester quickly approaching, you may be concerned about how you are going to finance your college education.  By now you should have submitted your FAFSA and received a financial aid package offer.  As you review your offer, here’s some helpful information to consider:

1. First, keep in mind how much of your financial need is being met, and which type of aid you are receiving.

2.  Look at the total costs for each school. Include tuitions, fees, room & board, books, food, travel expenses, personal expenses, etc.

3.  Subtract all grants and scholarship packages.  You do not need to repay the money received through grants and scholarship.

4.  Loans do need to be repaid.  Student loans come in a variety of forms, each with their advantages and disadvantages.  There are two types of Stafford loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. 

                Subsidized loans don’t accrue interest until after you graduate from college, thus they are generally viewed as more attractive. 

                Unsubsidized loans accrue interest while you are still in school.  Both loans have a low interest rate and students can chose to take a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

5.  Multiply by four. You will be attending college for at least four years, so take into account the long term costs.  Even though you may have received multiple scholarships your freshman year, you may not receive them in future years.

If the financial aid package is not what you expected, keep in mind that there are a lot of scholarships available.  There are strict deadlines for scholarship submission dates, so check before you begin to apply.  Create a timeline of due dates so you can plan accordingly.  Colleges also offer scholarships for their students, so make sure also check with each college you are considering. 

Fastweb is a great resource that provides a database of scholarship opportunities and deadlines: www.fastweb.com

Here is a link to a financial aid calculator to help compare your aid packages for each school you are considering. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-awards/compare-aid-calculator

For more information about how to compare financial aid packages, and how Klaar College Consulting can help lead you to college success, call us at 301-834-6888 and visit the many resources available on our website.

Juniors- Use Your Spring Break Effectively

It’s Spring Break!  Now is the time for juniors to begin visiting colleges and narrowing down their list of potential choices.  Visiting colleges while they are still in session will give you a clearer picture and feel for the campus.  Go with an open mind, and thoroughly explore the campus, academic buildings, dining halls, and dormitories.  Try to imagine yourself in each setting.  On average, students spend 15 hours a week in class, so you want to make sure you pick a college campus where you believe that you can live peacefully.

If possible, talk to students who attend each college; put together a list of possible questions in advance, so you feel more comfortable in starting conversations.

Also take photos and notes along the way, to help you remember the pros and cons of each college later, when you’re comparing campuses!

Here are some factors to consider during your break:

Consider your options

There are a wide variety of options available: private universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, etc.

Two-year community colleges are a good route for some.  They provide the opportunity to complete general education requirements that will transfer into a four year university, which can save tens of thousands of dollars on college tuition.  If you plan carefully, it is possible to transfer from a community college to a university and still graduate within four years.

Here is a great article about private vs. public colleges: www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/000294.htm

Create a list of 10-15 colleges that are of possible interest

Here is a great website that can help lead you in the right direction: www.princetonreview.com/college-education.aspx

For more information about how to select the right college, and how Klaar College Consulting can help lead you to college success, call us at 301-834-6888 and visit the many resources available on our website.

Don’t Forget to Check the Status of Your College Applications

Some of you may have heard back from colleges, some may not.  Don’t get discouraged.

All colleges provide a timeline of when important documents are due.  Closely monitor the timeline so you don’t miss out on the little things.  As time goes on, remember to:

Make sure applications are complete

Check in with the colleges to ensure they have received all the necessary application documents.  Many colleges have online profiles for the applicants; log into your account and see the status of your application.

Send mid-year grades

Many colleges require mid-year grades.  Take the time to go to your guidance counselor and request having your transcripts sent.  Use this opportunity to update colleges about any information that may have changed.

Send SAT/ACT scores

Whether you are taking the SAT/ACT for the first time or are retaking the test, don’t forget to send your scores to all of the colleges to which you applied.

Keep all applications on file

Keep hard copies of all your applications on file.  You never know when you will have to refer back to them.

Be patient as you wait to hear from colleges.  I wish you the best of luck!

College Fairs- Helpful Hints to Help Your Child Stand Out

This spring, your college-bound students may be attending a number of College Fairs.  This can be a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with different colleges, many of whom may not be familiar to your high school child.  Unfortunately, students are often not given the tools to properly navigate these events, and may miss out on a valuable opportunity to make an impression on an admissions representative.

I was recently involved in a College Fair, and was surprised at what I saw and heard.  Help your child prepare, so he or she maximizes the college fair experience.  Below are some valuable tips:

1. Plan Ahead: Your child should go to a college fair with some idea of what kind of college would be a good fit for him/her.  Look carefully at the list of colleges who will be present at the fair.  Narrow down the list and prioritize the college booths that your child will visit and make his/her interest in that college known.

Use this opportunity to have at least a preliminary discussion about size, location, campus environment and other factors which are important in the decision.  Have your child do some Internet research on the colleges present at the fair and use this information to round out the list.  The effort you make researching prior to the college fair will show off when speaking with the admissions representative.  Make the best impression possible!

2. Dress Appropriately: This is your child’s chance to make an impression on the admissions representative taking part in the fair. Think about how you would recommend that your child dress for a college visit to his/her first choice school. That is exactly how he/she should dress for the college fair.  Dress to impress!

3. Speak Intelligently: If your child has done the research on the schools to be visited at the fair, use that information to impress the representative.  Ask intelligent questions about the school, its environment and students.

4. Take Notes: Your child will be speaking to many different college representatives, which can be overwhelming.  All the colleges will blend together by the end of the night.  Encourage your child to take notes after each booth.  Having notes to review later will prove to be very helpful.

5. Don’t Travel in a Pack: Assure your student that this is his/her chance to shine and to gather information. This is done much more effectively if your child is alone with the representative, rather than approaching with an entourage. It is particularly not a good idea for your child to approach a college booth with his/her significant other draped all over him/her.

6. Gum: Get rid of the gum! A person looks more adult and is more easily understood without a mouthful of gum.

7. Go as a family: Most college fairs offer evening hours, which gives you the opportunity to attend the fair with your child. This will impress on your student that, although the choice and process belongs to him/her, you will be there to act as a coach and cheerleader. Encourage your child to ask questions and be sure that you don’t undermine his/her confidence in front of the admissions reps.

College Fairs can be very informative venues. Don’t only focus on the colleges whose names you know. There may be some hidden gems in attendance that would provide your child with just the right fit.

Try to put aside notions such as ‘party school’ and to ignore the person you know who attended a particular college and was not happy. Remember that any school is a party school if that is what your child is looking for.  Your child is unique and what did not suit someone else may be perfect for him/her.

Back Home Again

It is wonderful to be back home again and to touch base with clients and friends in order to share that which I learned in the last two weeks. I saw some exciting colleges while I was away, many of which I had seen before but the changes on their campuses were amazing. A few whom I had not seen that challenged some opinions about them which I had heard from others and caused me to evaluate them in terms of the students to whom I could recommend them.

One of the most exciting things about educational consulting is the constantly changing landscape of colleges which we must keep up on in order to properly serve our students. Although this necessitates a great deal of travel, I find that it keeps me interested in the issues which a good consultant must be interested in. Among these are the changes we find on campuses in both programs and facilities; the financial considerations that we need to know in order to help families make the best decisions for their students; and the general changes to the college process which is a dynamic one.

To do these things well, it is critical to keep up with professional development and attending IECA conferences over the years is one of the best ways I have found to keep abreast of developments in all these areas. It is not only the informative breakout sessions that help me learn but it is also the conversations with colleagues from around the country and the world that help. Keynote speakers are the icing on the cake. Anyone who wants quality training in this industry must turn first to IECA to ensure that they get the best of the best.

Charlotte Klaar

IECA Conference Charlotte, NC

I have just spent a wonderful week doing what I love to do. I have visited eight wonderfully different college campuses, attended some very stimulating workshops in which I learned about adolescents, educational innovations, admissions changes, and many other things which I am looking forward to using with my clients when I return home. What makes all this even more special is the opportunity to do all this with colleagues and friends from IECA.

Early this week I was visited Davidson College, Elon University, High Point University, Queens University, UNC- Charlotte, and UNC-School of the Arts. Each college was very generous to share with us their time and to make sure that we understood their particular niche in the college landscape as well as to tell us about the students who would be a good fit for their particular academic programs. Today, along with two friends from IECA, we drove from the conference hotel to Wake Forest University and Guilford University since we could not be so close and not see these wonderful schools. While spending hours on a bus or in a car may not sound like much fun to many people, for the IECA consultant, it is a pleasure because doing this allows us to expand our knowledge which in turn makes us a more valuable asset to the students we serve.

At the conference, I was privileged to hear two wonderful keynote speakers, Daniel Pink and Nido Quebin. Both are noted authors and each delivered inspiring addresses that both informed and entertained the audience. Mr. Pink discussed the need for us to prepare students "for their future and not for our pasts." Mr. Quebin, President of High Point University, shared with us his vision for High Point and the philosophy that lay behind his plans for this beautiful college. Both are unique and imbued with the common sense approach that offers the wisdom of allowing students to live in environments to which they can aspire as they grow and to give them a high quality education at the same time. Each of them pointed out the need for us to educate students for the future as it will exist in the world that they will inhabit as adults and not for the world for which we were educated since these are vastly different places.

Every time I attend an IECA conference, I return to my work re-energized and enthusiastic about the work I do and the students whose lives I touch. What a great way to make a living and a life!