College Planning ~ The Future is Now!

February College Planning Newsletter

2010-02-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

Date: February 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

This month we open with a word about the largest increase in college applications in history and the most competitive pool of students vying for slots at all level of institutions.

What’s Going On Out There?

With more qualified students applying than seats available, it’s truly a sellers market. That doesn’t bode well for students or parents. For students it’s meant rejections that don’t make any sense. Acceptance rates have come down by as much as 5% at the more selective colleges. Average SAT scores have increased too, from 1,206 last year to 1,323 this year (excluding the essay).

What About My Child’s Award (or lack of one)?

So far this award season we have seen college costs rise between 5 and 7% from 2008-09 levels. We won’t know all of the actual costs until August. We bring this to your attention for this reason: In most cases, scholarship money offered by the college or university will have a stipulation that the student maintain a minimum grade point average to keep the award each year. GPA’s at some colleges are easier to keep or exceed than others. Most students can manage a 2.5 while others may struggle to keep a 3.2.

It is highly recommended that you or your student call admissions and ask for the number or percentage of students who actually retain the award going into their sophomore year. If the number of students who keep their awards drops significantly after the first year (more than 10%), you need to be aware that if your student loses that award, it is not going to be reinstated. The financial significance of this is obvious.

If admissions won’t tell you or “doesn’t have that information handy,” ask them what their retention rate is from year to year. Retention rates tell you how many students return year after year. If the rate is above 85%, (look for rates of 90%+), then you can safely assume that most students can afford to come back.

How Does My EFC Figure Into This Process?

College financial aid offers are based on a number of factors and you would think that the Expected Family Contribution would be the most important. While it is part of the financial aid equation, there are other factors at work. The first is how much the college wants your student to attend. Suppose a small scholarship is included in your student’s financial aid award and little else? That means that your student is not on the “A” list. Colleges actually split up applicants into groups and the A’s get the most, the B’s get some and the C’s get next to nothing. When asked for more money, Boston University’s Executive Director of Student Financial Services said, “If the university really wanted the student, we would have made it known.” That says it all.

Merit scholarships are based on how much the college values a particular student and it isn’t a financial aid decision. Appealing to admissions probably won’t yield the result you’re looking for unless you have an offer from a competing school (approximate size, cost and type and perhaps same geographic region) that is better. In lieu of competing offers, miracles can happen if you actually go to the financial aid office and simply tell them you cannot afford the college without additional help. Bringing along a copy of your family budget can help and a having a figure that you can pay will give you a set goal.

Do Colleges Really Expect Me To Pay This?

To be blunt, colleges don’t care where the money comes from as long as they get paid. If loans are part of your college funding strategy then you will need to know how much you can afford to pay back in loans whether it be a home equity or PLUS loan. As you borrow more, the payments will increase each year. Call us today for a free analysis of your current plan.

The second is the amount of money that is available for financial aid awards. Not all colleges have a lot of money to give your student no matter how competitive they are. The award may be disappointing but you need to know that it isn’t because the school is slighting your son or daughter. That being said, some colleges have so many students applying that they just don’t have to offer much money to fill seats. Getting more out of these colleges can take months of appeals without much in the way of additional aid to show for all the effort.

Granted, there are a few highly selective or elite institutions that offer only need based financial aid. If your Expected Family Contribution or EFC is higher than the projected cost of attendance or COA, no scholarship money will be offered no matter how outstanding your student is. You may receive an award letter from such a school that includes an unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Direct Loan and we have seen colleges include Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students or PLUS.

Seniors

1. Follow-up with all of your colleges to confirm all required documentation has been received. Ask if there is anything else you can do to assist them with the admissions and financial assistance decision.

2. Have your student send thank-you notes to teachers and others who wrote recommendations.

3. Forward all college correspondence to us as received. We can advise you as to how to proceed from there.

4. As a courtesy, your student should let all colleges and universities know where they have decided to attend and thank them for the offers of admission and financial aid. This common courtesy will be appreciated. If for some reason your student isn’t happy with their final choice and want to transfer at a later time, perhaps to a college that had offered a generous award, your student will want to be remembered in a positive light.

5. If your student is “wait listed” (see article below from the Princeton Review below) by a college and the intent is to enroll if accepted, have your student call, visit, or write to the admissions office to state their intentions and ask how they can strengthen their application. Recent evidence of academic or other achievements could help. If financial aid will be needed to attend the college that placed them on its “wait list,” find out if funds will be available when they are accepted.

Juniors

· Now is the time to start identifying teachers, administrators, counselors, and other adults (e.g., minister, employer) who could write letters of recommendation for you this fall.

· Go ahead and create or update a résumé of your accomplishments, activities, and work experiences.

Also, if you and your student have not started college visitations yet, now is an excellent time to work up a calendar and spend some time exploring. Though spring semester classes are soon coming to an end, there is still much they can learn by a planned visit. If you are vacationing this summer and there are a few colleges in the area, call ahead or just drop by. You may not get the nickel tour, but you will get a sense of how your student might be treated if they were to attend that school.

We want to give students like yours the resources and tools to succeed. That's why when they register for the test online, they can get free practice materials including an official SAT practice test, The Official SAT Question of the Day™ and the SAT In Focus™ tools: Skills Insight™ and My SAT Online Score Report. It's a great site where you and your child can go together. You'll both find lots of useful information to help ensure your child's SAT experience is a positive one.  THE DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 10 for the March 13th exam. We've made the process fast and easy, so have your child sign up today. REMEMBER: When it comes to being awarded merit aid, standardized test scores are the most important element of your college application! The higher the score, the more free money you are likely to receive.

Also, the SAT II Subject Tests at the end of the school year measure mastery of a specific subject and many colleges recommend that they be included on the transcript. The most selective colleges require them.

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation
basburycsa@yahoo.com

A New Year's Wish

2010-01-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

A NEW YEAR’S WISH

May the New Year bring you more time with your family, greater understanding towards yourself and others, a gentler heart, fulfillment, a continued sense of purpose and most of all, peace. We wish you a most Happy New Year!

TAXES

First time financial aid applicants do not have to have their parent’s tax returns completed before the FAFSA or the CSS/Profile is filed. Best guesses based on end of year pay stubs and third quarter financial statements are absolutely fine and expected. Business owners may use estimates based on 2008 filings, with any 2009 peculiarities considered. Call us for help.

THOSE DARN FINANCIAL AID FORMS

FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE financial aid forms for high school seniors: Each year, the colleges, high schools and media find it necessary to put fear into people regarding filing financial aid forms. There is added pressure on financial aid applications this year, primarily due to electronic applications and a greater number of students applying.

Getting your forms in earlier than later is better, but as long as you meet the college’s deadlines, your student is in NO DANGER of losing eligibility for aid. We do ask that parents provide us their complete information as soon as possible as well, but we don’t want you to hit the panic button just yet.

As far as the FAFSA being filed, if your information is ready, it should be filed between the 15th and the 20th of January! This is more than enough time for 99.9 % for the majority of financial aid deadlines. Every year there are changes to the FAFSA that require programming changes.

Be prepared to submit signed copies of your completed tax returns to the financial aid office before your student’s award is finalized.

Parents of students that file the CSS/PROFILE: About thirty-five of the colleges and universities who use the CSS/Profile gather tax information via the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC) for short. This is a free service the College Board has provided. When your taxes are complete, you will send a signed copy of your federal tax form with W-2s 1099s and requested schedules to the IDOC Center. From there your taxes will be scanned and digitally sent to the participating college(s).

SENIORS:

The colleges that request secondary reports from your school will be looking to see that you have kept your grades up. They will also be requesting your final transcript, so don’t slack off now as you head into the home stretch. Typically, the more selective colleges will let you know end of March/early April if you have been offered a seat in the Class of 2014. Be patient and make sure that you have applied to at least a couple of safety schools.

Colleges and universities that have rolling admissions policies can take up to six weeks before you hear back, so be patient.

Haven’t completed your college applications? What are you waiting for? Sharpen that pencil or get on your computer and get going! If you don’t do it now you will likely miss the boat. You don’t have to decide on which college to go to but you do need to have some in mind that you think might work out for you. And make your application shine with a résumé (complete with highlights of your achievements and put notes in the margins), include a flattering picture of yourself and a very compelling essay (if required).

Don’t be too proud to apply to a college that your parents or college planning specialist suggested. The reason they thought it wise to consider it was because they felt that the college would serve your major course of study, provide successful internships and maybe offer you a better than average financial aid package.

JUNIORS:

If you have already identified a college that you want to visit this year, call and set up the visit. At this point in the selection process, don’t offer any more information than asked for. Colleges tend to do a little homework of their own when they think a student has an above average interest. A visit definitely indicates interest.

Find out if they have an instant messenger program for you to IM current students. These students may answer questions that you may not want to ask of an admissions counselor. See if the college’s student newspaper is on-line and check out what the students write about.

If your PSAT scores didn’t meet with your expectations, now is a good time to visit with your guidance counselor and discuss your options to improve them. We’ve mentioned this before and with good reason, as it gets you thinking about getting better results. Sign up for the SAT Question of the Day . You’ll have a question a day emailed to your inbox. SAT practice tests, can be ordered directly from Eureka or the College Board if your guidance counselor is out of them, and private tutoring can be of great help. Call for referrals! The better you do on the standardized tests, the better your chances of reducing college bills through merit awards (free money).

If you like, call our office to ask which SAT prep course our students have had the most success with.

SATs may not be the deciding factor in the admission decision, but they can be the critical factor for your receiving a favorable financial aid package, e.g. merit award and grants (free money).

There is another test you can take instead of the SAT, and that is the ACT. The ACT is a knowledge-based standardized test that is popular in the Midwest . It measures what you know. Some students do better on the ACT than the SAT, and just about all colleges accept the ACT— so ask your counselor about taking this test.. Locate Where and When the Next ACT is Scheduled.

To get more information on the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, access useful tools, or register, visit the College Board's Web site (www.collegeboard.com) or call (866) 756-7346.

To get more information on the ACT, access useful tools, or register, visit the ACT Web site (www.act.org) or call (319) 337-1270.

Have a Happy & Safe New Year!

Brad Asbury

Access College Foundation

Early Decision (ED) vs. Early Action (EA)

2009-11-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

Early Decision (ED) vs. Early Action (EA)

For you student, without a doubt, the most stressful time in the college application process is November. Finishing college choice lists, completing applications, rounding up letters of recommendations, final editing of essays, preparing for year-end exams, and here come the holidays! It’s a lot for everyone in the household to deal with.

For students who applied Early Decision or Early Action, it is also a very stressful time. The ED/EA applicant doesn’t know what the outcome will be and teenagers being, well, teenagers, may have postponed creating their fall back positions. Call us for assistance!

FAFSA Preparation

High school Seniors and one of their parents should file for a FAFSA PIN. www.fafsa.ed.gov

For FAFSA preparation, if you are self employed or own a business, separated or divorced, or have special needs, undoubtedly there will be additional forms to fill out. We are here to help you through this challenging phase of the process.

Seniors

It is up to you to make certain that the guidance counselor or guidance office has all of the application materials to your college choices by their deadlines. They have many students to process and usually will want to receive all of the application materials requests well ahead of the college deadlines.

It is equally important to follow up with the administrator of the guidance counseling department as to what exactly has been accomplished with regards to college application materials. It is suggested that you or your parent contact the admissions office of each college you have applied to and make sure they have everything they require. Don’t expect them to track you down for a missing piece of the application. Make sure your social security numbers match their birth dates as well when you call. A name is not always enough for full verification.

This is also a good time to find out about the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) at the schools your son or daughter is applying to. Every year, more and more students save countless hours and significant dollars through CLEP. These comprehensive examinations are used to award full college credit for demonstrating college-level achievement in a variety of areas and subjects. This program could help ensure that your student finishes in four years vs. five or six!

Juniors

The PSAT/NMSQT test scores from October’s test will be reported this month. If you have concerns, make an appointment with your high school guidance counselor to discuss the results.

Use these scores to learn about your student’s strengths and weaknesses. Then have them work to improve their performance before the real SAT is given. SAT prep courses are a good option, especially individual tutoring. We also recommend subscribing to the College Board’s website and taking the SAT Question of the Day this free service helps a great deal. Downloading free practice tests or purchasing additional ones from the College Board definitely helps when they are used.

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation
basburycsa@yahoo.com

Prepaid College Tuition

2009-10-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Enrollment starts Monday in the state's prepaid tuition program, which helps parents lock in today's college tuition rates for their children.
BY LAURA FIGUEROA LFIGUEROA@MIAMIHERALD.COM

Invest today, save hundreds of dollars in tuition costs tomorrow -- that's the hope for many parents interested in enrolling their children in the state's prepaid tuition program, which kicks off enrollment Monday.
Starting Monday through Jan. 31, parents who enroll in the state-sponsored Florida Prepaid Plan will lock in the 2009-2010 tuition rate for Florida's state universities and community colleges -- no matter how far away their child's matriculation may be.

A parent who signs up Feb. 1 or after will be locking in the 2010-2011 rate.
The price of tuition typically goes up about 6 percent a year. This year, the state's public universities were given permission to increase their tuition by up to 15 percent in order to make up the difference in state and federal funding cuts.
Florida International University and the University of Florida have already done so.
``The cost of higher education is rising faster than inflation,'' said Susan James, spokeswoman for the Florida Prepaid College Plan Board.
``Now is naturally the best time to lock in a secure tuition rate without worrying if tuition rises again.''

Since 1988, the program has sold more than 1.4 million prepaid tuition plans in Florida, which parents, guardians, or relatives can choose to pay in a lump sum or through monthly installments.
Roughly one in 10 children living in Florida are covered by the plan, which parents can buy as soon as their child is born or by the time their child reaches their junior year of high school.

If the young scholar opts to attend a private or out-of-state school, the money is returned to the parent or can be transferred to the school of choice.
Also, a child who wins a scholarship can use money out of the Prepaid Plan to pay for other school expenses, like textbooks or dorm fees.
``The prepaid plan is guaranteed by the state, when you purchase a Florida prepaid plan, it's always going to be there for the student,'' James said.
``A scholarship, like the Bright Futures scholarship, will not invalidate your existing plan, it serves as a complement.''

Even as prices continue to increase statewide, Florida's average tuition rate is still nearly half of what students pay nationwide for attending a four-year public university.
Tuitions at Florida's public schools range from $3,700 to $3,900, while the national average is $6,585, according to the College Board.
To accommodate the varying financial and educational needs, the prepaid plan offers four plans:
• Paying for two years at a community college.
• Paying for four years at an undergraduate institution.
• Paying for a combination of two years at a community college and two years at a public university.
• Opening a separate tax-free investment fund to store money for future college expenses like housing and books.
The latter option is available because even if parents are able to lock in tuition rates through a prepaid plan, tuition is only a fraction of the cost of getting an education.

There's still other expenses that can not be locked in at a certain price including dorm rooms, lab fees, textbooks and food.
``Tuition is only 16 percent of the total higher education expenses,'' James said. ``It's never too early to start planning ahead.''

"American Opportunity Tax Credit"

2009-10-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Six Facts About the American Opportunity Tax Credit

Many parents and college students will be able to offset the cost of
college over the next two years under the new American Opportunity Tax
Credit. This tax credit is part of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Here are six important facts the IRS wants you to know about the new
American Opportunity Tax Credit:

1. This credit, which expands and renames the existing Hope Credit,
can be claimed for qualified tuition and related expenses that you pay
for higher education in 2009 and 2010. Qualified tuition and related
expenses include tuition, related fees, books and other required
course Materials.

2. The credit is equal to 100 percent of the first $2,000 spent and
25 percent of the next $2,000 per student each year. Therefore, the
full $2,500 credit may be available to a taxpayer who pays $4,000 or
more in qualifying expenses for an eligible student.

3. The full credit is generally available to eligible taxpayers who
make less than $80,000 or $160,000 for married couples filing a joint
return. The credit is gradually reduced, however, for taxpayers with
incomes above these levels.

4. Forty percent of the credit is refundable, so even those who owe
no tax can get up to $1,000 of the credit for each eligible student as
cash back.

5. The credit can be claimed for qualified expenses paid for any of
the first four years of post-secondary education.

6. You cannot claim the tuition and fees tax deduction in the same
year that you claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the
Lifetime Learning Credit. You must choose to either take the credit or
the deduction, which ever is more beneficial for you.

Complete details on the American Opportunity Tax Credit and other key
tax provisions of the Recovery Act are available at the official IRS
Web site at IRS.gov/Recovery.

Don't Just Walk Around, Do a College Tour Right

2009-10-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Don't Just Walk Around, Do a College Tour Right

College tours are great way to find out if a college is best suited for you and almost every college bound student and their family have gone on a tour or plan on taking tours. A college will roll out the ‘red carpet' for your tour to welcome you to campus. You will probably watch a video about the college and go on a walking tour of the campus.

Don't let the tour end there, however.

There are some simple tips and planning techniques to make your tour and visit to the campus a success and allow you to come away with more than just a college brochure.

Schedule your visit when classes are in session. This is a great way to see how students, faculty, and staff interact on the campus and give you an eye-opening view of campus.

Schedule a tour of campus and schedule specific appointments with the following:

* Admissions Office
* Financial Aid Office
* Current student in your desired field
* Professor in your desired field

Set these appointments a couple of weeks before your visit to better manage your time during the visit. Either call or write a letter to each department to ask for the appointment. Be sure to taken notes at each appointment for future reference.

The Admissions office will answer any questions you have and it is a great way for you to really market your skills, talents, and accomplishments in person. Prepare questions ahead of time so you feel comfortable.

The Financial Aid Office can answer questions you have about financial aid paperwork, costs, and anything else pertaining to college costs and financial aid packages.

We really recommend you meet with a current student to talk about their experience coming to the campus and discuss how and why they decided on that college. Speaking to someone close to your age will give you a completely different perspective than any other segment of your visit.

If you have a particular interest in a major or course of study, by all means contact a professor in that department and set up informational interview. Learn more about access to the department's professors once you are in school and find out about internships or projects that can enhance your learning.

After your tour and interviews, send a thank you card to all of the professionals who took time to meet with you.

When you have completed your tours compare notes, ask more questions if need be, and prepare to begin the application process.

Good luck!

Brad Asbury
The Access College Foundation

Senior-Year Grades and College Admission

2009-10-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Senior-Year Grades and College Admission

Many students mistakenly believe that prepping for college ends after the eleventh grade. However, the senior year, the entire senior year, is actually of particular interest to colleges.

Many colleges also include as part of the application a form called the mid-year grade report. Your counselor completes this form with first-half grades and sends it to the colleges to which you’ve applied. It then becomes a crucial part of the application folder.

If You Are Accepted, Many college acceptance letters include warnings to students such as “Your admission is contingent on your continued successful performance.” This means colleges reserve the right to deny you admission should your senior year grades drop, so just because you got accepted doesn’t mean that you can skate through the rest of the year!

Mary Lee Hoganson, College Counselor for Homewood-Flossmor Community High School , Flossmor , Ill. : “It is not at all rare for a college to withdraw an offer of admission when grades drop significantly over the course of the senior year.

How to Make the Most of Your Senior Year

Senior year is your opportunity to strengthen your skills and broaden your experiences, in school and out, to prepare for all of the challenges ahead. A successful senior year can help launch you on the path to a successful future.

Maintain a Challenging Course Load, You should take the most rigorous courses available, and be sure to continue taking college-track subjects. Consider AP® courses, which can also earn you credit at many colleges.

Stay Active and Involved, Your continued involvement in activities, sports, volunteer work, etc. will help you stay active and focused throughout your final year. A great internship or career-focused job opportunity can help motivate you to start considering your career options. Meaningful and significant experiences will help prepare you to make informed decisions about your education and career goals.

Try Out College Early, If you’re interested in pursuing a subject further, and have excelled at your high school classes so far, consider taking a class at a local college. This challenge can help you avoid sliding into an academic slump, and stimulate your interest in the possibilities of college.

Another option in many areas is “middle college” or “early college” high schools. These schools, normally located on community and four-year college campuses, allow students to spend their last two years taking classes in both college and high school. Early exposure to college classes introduces you to the rigor of college work while easing your transition from high school.

Sources:

National Commission on the High School Senior Year, The Lost Opportunity of Senior Year: Finding a Better Way - Summary of Findings, 2001.

Barth, P., Haycock, K., Huang, S. and Richardson, A., Youth at the Crossroads: Facing High School and Beyond. Washington, DC: The Education Trust, 2000.

For Juniors:

1. This is the time for your junior to develop lists of their interests, educational priorities, talents and abilities, social and cultural preferences, and personal qualities.

2. The PSAT/NMSQT is a test that will give you and your student an idea of what areas need improvement and hopefully prompt a discussion of what you may wish to do to improve their score. Keep in mind that the SAT or ACT represents only a portion of what will be evaluated for admissions. Grades, class rank, the rigorousness of their curriculum, as well as extracurricular activities are just as important. Where test scores really count is in the awarding of merit money. Most private colleges, with the exception of the elites, offer scholarships or discounts for students with high test scores! Expect the results in early December.

3. Your student should develop a list of what they think they’d like to study and do in college. Items should be ranked in order of importance.

4. Lastly, go to at least one college fair and talk to college representatives.

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation

Today's Economy vs. College Selection!

2009-09-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

NACAC Survey Finds More Students Forgoing Dream Schools in Favor of Affordability

June 9, 2009 (Arlington, VA) – A majority (70%) of high schools reported an increase in the number of students who felt the need to modify their ambitions and choose more affordable options over their “dream schools.” The reverberations of a shaky economy were also felt on the college side, as 45% of colleges reported a decrease in the number of students accepting admission offers, also known as yield rates in the admission office, compared to 2008. The survey also found that 35% of the reporting colleges experienced budget cuts.

The 2008-2009 college admission cycle took place during a period of heightened economic uncertainty. Concerns over potential budget cuts, and unpredictable yield rates inspired NACAC to survey its high school and college membership for an evaluation of the admissions climate.

“The potential effects of the economy loomed large over this admission cycle,” stated Joyce Smith, NACAC Chief Executive Officer. “It appears that students and families were more concerned about cost, and plans about whether or where to enroll were changed as a result. The colleges’ experience this year is more difficult to generalize, though budget cuts and declining yield rates are indicative of a tougher year at many institutions.”

See below for a snapshot of the survey or view the full summary of results.

High School Survey

* Nearly three-fourths of high schools reported an increase in the number of students foregoing their “dream schools” in favor of more affordable options
* Overall, around one-third of all high schools reported budget cuts in the 2008-09 school year
* Nearly 60 percent of respondents indicated an increase in the number of students planning to enroll in public versus private colleges in Fall 2009

College Survey

* A majority of institutions reported increases for each of the following: inquiries (62 percent); total applications (62 percent); Early Decision applications (51 percent); Early Action applications (68 percent).
* Forty-five percent of respondents reported a decrease in their 2009 May 1 yield rates as compared to 2008
* About 35 percent of postsecondary institutions experienced budget cuts and 15 percent experienced staff cuts to the admission department during the 2008-09 academic year

About NACAC

NACAC is an Arlington, VA-based education association of more than 11,000 secondary school counselors, independent counselors, college admission and financial aid officers, enrollment managers, and organizations that work with students as they make the transition from high school to postsecondary education. The association, founded in 1937, is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process, as outlined in the NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice.

Brad Asbury,
Access college Foundation

The true value of a collge education.

2009-09-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

The escalating cost of higher education is causing many to question the value of continuing education beyond high school. Many wonder whether the high cost of tuition, the opportunity cost of choosing college over full-time employment, and the accumulation of thousands of dollars of debt is, in the long run, worth the investment. The risk is especially large for low-income families who have a difficult time making ends meet without the additional burden of college tuition
and fees.

In order to determine whether higher education is worth the investment, it is useful to examine what is known about the value of higher education and the rates of return on investment to both the individual and to society.

THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

There is considerable support for the notion that the rate of return on
investment in higher education is high enough to warrant the financial burden associated with pursuing a college degree. Though the earnings differential between college and high school graduates varies over time, college graduates, on average, earn more than high school graduates. According to the Census Bureau, over an adult's working life, high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million; associate's degree holders earn about $1.6 million; and bachelor's degree holders earn about $2.1 million (Day and Newburger, 2002).

These sizeable differences in lifetime earnings put the costs of college study in realistic perspective. Most students today-- about 80 percent of all students--enroll either in public 4-year colleges or in public 2-year colleges. According to the U.S. Department of Education report, Think College Early, a full-time student at a public 4-year college pays an average of $8,655 for in-state tuition, room and board (U.S. Dept. of Education, 2002). A full-time student in a public 2-year college pays an average of $1,359 per year in tuition (U.S. Dept. of Education, 2002).

These statistics support the contention that, though the cost of higher education is significant, given the earnings disparity that exists between those who earn a bachelor's degree and those who do not, the individual rate of return on investment in higher education is sufficiently high to warrant the cost.

OTHER BENEFITS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

College graduates also enjoy benefits beyond increased income. A 1998 report published by the Institute for Higher Education Policy reviews the individual benefits that college graduates enjoy, including higher levels of saving, increased personal/professional mobility, improved quality of life for their offspring, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 1998). According to a report published by the Carnegie Foundation, non-monetary individual benefits of higher
education include the tendency for postsecondary students to become more open-minded, more cultured, more rational, more consistent and less authoritarian; these benefits are also passed along to succeeding generations (Rowley and Hurtado, 2002). Additionally, college attendance has been shown to "decrease prejudice, enhance knowledge of world affairs and enhance social status" while increasing economic and job security for those who earn bachelor's degrees (Ibid.)

Research has also consistently shown a positive correlation between completion of higher education and good health, not only for oneself, but also for one's children. In fact, "parental schooling levels (after controlling for differences in earnings) are positively correlated with the health status of their children" and "increased schooling (and higher relative income) are correlated with lower mortality rates for given age brackets".

Brad Asbury,
Access College Fouyndation

College Rankings and College Selection

2009-09-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

What do college rankings have to do with it anyway?

It is about this time of the year when colleges are ranked and students and their families sit up and take notice once again of the highest ranked schools in the nation. The comparisons are based on numbers reported by the colleges which tell just part of the story. As you know, choosing a college is lot more than just numbers and statistics.

Take a moment this year to forget about rankings and look at colleges in terms of what is best fit for the student. That best fit college will be THE best college for the student regardless of any ranking by popular press.

How do you begin to choose a college?

To begin, students should take the time to contact schools of interest by writing them a letter to ask for more information about the college. Not only will you be able to find out more about a college, the college will also notice you! Colleges love when students show interest in their college.

Now begin some real research into the colleges that interest the student the most based on their needs and personality. Here is where some of the numbers colleges provide are quite useful. The four and six year graduation rates are very important numbers. The graduation rates indicate the percentage of students who graduate in four and in six years. Those schools with higher four year graduation rates are more apt to get your student out of college in four years. Another number that is quite important is how much merit-based aid the school averages per student or how much of the financial aid package consists of merit-based aid. Review the strength of the academic programs at each school and research other aspects of campus that are important to the student such as location, groups and associations, and class size.

Don’t buy before you try!

When you have a list of schools narrowed down, go to visit the campus. Go on the campus tour but also set up appointments with Admissions, Financial Aid, Professors, and perhaps with current students. During your visit specify why you want to attend that college and come with a prepared list of questions. Anytime you visit a campus, be sure to notify the Admissions staff. They like to keep track of interested students and it could make a difference at admissions time.

Time to decide.

Choose carefully because college is a major investment in many ways. With all investments, you expect a big return, so choose a college which will yield the biggest returns in experiences, job placement, and career success. Base decisions on the best interest of the student and their career goals, not where their friends are attending or which college is closest to home. At this point, it may be time to go back and visit the campus again to make sure there is a great fit. When all is said and done, the college you select will be the best college for you.

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation
basburycsa@yahoo.com

5 College Majors That Can Help You Get a Job

2009-08-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

5 College Majors That Can Help You Get a Job

The job hunt may seem far away for college students now heading back to campus, but the process of making yourself an appealing candidate actually begins during school – and as early as when you choose your major.

This year, as college students wrestle with a decision that once guided only post-baccalaureate small talk, they now may want to consider not only whether it will increase their chances of landing a promising job after graduation, but also whether it will help them enter a field that’s growing. With the unemployment rate near a 26-year high and once-steady industries (e.g., autos, finance, housing) in flux, the conventional wisdom that it doesn’t matter what you studied as an undergraduate might seem a little less wise.

Some majors, like those in the science and engineering departments, lay the groundwork with the basic information that’s needed to work in expanding industries like health care, software development and the environmental sector. In contrast, students interested in liberal arts or humanities majors – often linked to industries like education and media, which aren’t growing – will have to take internships and be more aggressive in networking to prepare themselves for their job search.

SmartMoney examined data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank, to find fields of study that may help upcoming job applicants. Here are five majors that are closely tied to growing industries.

Engineering

By 2020, U.S. manufacturers will need as many as 10 million new skilled workers, according to a June report by the Milken Institute. Mechanical and software engineers will make up a huge portion of those workers, says Perry Wong, a senior managing economist at the Milken Institute.

Mechanical engineers are already needed in almost all manufacturing firms, including those in aerospace, aircraft and defense, shipbuilding and computer-hardware design, he says.

“One of the biggest challenges for manufacturers is they can’t find enough mechanical engineers, in part because we don’t have a lot of American students going into this major,” he says. Mechanical engineer jobs typically involve designing and creating equipment and transferring a prototype from paper to physical machinery.

Software engineers are already in demand. The product life cycle of computers and electronics continues to advance, says Wong. The industry needs new engineers who can create original programs and update older ones.

Life Sciences

As baby boomers age and Congress nears an overhaul of the nation’s health system, the health-care sector appears unlikely to shrink any time soon.

By 2016, employment of registered nurses is expected to increase by 23.5% and dental hygienists and pharmacy technicians are projected to rise by 20%, according to the BLS.

The U.S. is a couple hundred thousand nurses short, and hospitals are starting to recruit nurses from overseas, says Joe Kilmartin, the managing director of compensation consulting at Salary.com, a human resources and consulting company. “That’s only going to get more critical over the next two to 10 years.”

If any version of President Obama’s health-care reform comes to fruition, we’re likely to see a bump in demand for health-care technicians, as well as more positions for information processing and digitizing health records, says Wong. The life sciences major is tailor-made for the broad health-care industry; majors go on to become health-care practitioners, administrators or pharmaceutical engineers, he says.

The BLS projects employment in health-care support services will increase by 27% between 2006 and 2016. The aging population will increase demand for rehabilitation centers and physical therapy facilities and spur growth in pharmacology research, says Linda LaTendresse, the assistant director of employer relations and recruiting at the University of California, Riverside. Demand for home care will increase, as will social work and counseling, says Jody Queen-Hubert, the executive director of co-op education and career services at Pace University.

Statistics

Statistics majors tend to be highly sought-after graduates and are often hired into lucrative positions straight out of college, Wong says.

Companies from all sectors look for statistics experts, including pharmaceutical and insurance companies and Wall Street firms. Pharmaceutical companies are especially interested in biostatistics majors who can create models to test drugs. Wall Street turns to statistics experts for their quantitative skills and large-scale modeling. However, these positions often require a PhD.

“You need statistical analysis to do anything regarding research and to assess various alternatives, whether it’s in alternative energy or health care,” says Stephen Leeb, chief investment officer of Leeb Capital Management in New York.

Environmental studies

The stimulus package that passed in February provides roughly $70 billion for the nation's energy sector; most of it is earmarked for green energy jobs and development.

More universities are starting to offer majors in environmental design and technology for students interested in entering the green sector, Wong says. Coursework focuses on new ways to generate power and includes engineering elements (e.g., how to improve a product’s efficiency) and applied science (e.g., how to reduce a carbon footprint). Jobs in the green sector include hybrid car engineering, solar panel production and sales, wind farm design, hydroelectric and geothermal power management and pollution control jobs among the nongreen sectors.

“Green-related jobs are certainly going to be a growing sector of the economy,” says Leeb. “We’re going to need to find alternative energies, either for environmental reasons or because energy fossil fuels are becoming shorter in supply.”

Companies in these industries will look for environmental, science or technology majors, but they’re also going to fill positions in accounting and sales to sell their products, says Trudy Steinfeld, the executive director at the New York University Wasserman Center for Career Development.

Demand for jobs in the traditional energy sector will also continue to grow, especially for petroleum geologists and engineers who can find better ways to extract the earth’s remaining fossil fuels, Kilmartin says.

Finance

Since early 2008, Wall Street has witnessed the end of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, as well as thousands of layoffs. Still, options remain for students who major in finance, Wong says.

The investment banks aren’t hiring to the levels that they hired two years ago, and those who can’t land a job on Wall Street should look into opportunities at smaller banks, says Sally Pinckard, the associate director of undergraduate career services in the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. Middle-market banks, community banks and credit unions are relatively unscathed after the market downturn and are hiring. Consulting firms are also hiring, she says.

Financial scandals that surfaced over the past year are creating demand for more auditors, LaTendresse says. That means promising job prospects for accounting majors.

Students should also think broadly about what other sectors they may apply their finance expertise, Pinckard says. Almost all sectors need financial analysts and chief financial officers, she says.

Article from smartmoney.com
by AnnaMaria Andriotis

SAT vs. ACT: Both Test are Nationally Recognized

2009-08-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

Article written By Mark Maier

Throughout their high school careers, prospective college students know about the importance of things like grade point average and extracurricular activities.

Unfortunately, when it comes time for standardized tests -- the SAT and ACT -- students often find themselves with many questions.

What is the SAT test?

The SAT Reasoning Test (formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test and Scholastic Assessment Test) is a test used for college admissions in the United States. It is published and owned by a nonprofit organization, the College Board.

For more than 80 years, the SAT has aimed to gauge students' critical-thinking abilities. The test takes about four hours to complete, and it contains three sections: critical reading, writing and mathematics.

What is the ACT test?

The ACT, similar to the SAT, is another test used for college admissions. The American College Testing Program was introduced in 1959 as a competitor to the SAT. The ACT test is produced by ACT, Inc., a nonprofit organization.

Structurally, the ACT has few differences when compared with the SAT. Its format contains four sections: reading, English, mathematics and science. Including its optional writing section, which has been available since 2005, the test takes about three and a half hours to complete.

What is the difference between the tests?

Aside from their relative structures, the tests differ in a number of ways. They are scored differently, and their information is distributed differently.

The SAT's overall score is calculated by adding together its sections' scores, as opposed to the ACT's overall score, which is averaged for a composite score. While both tests feature multiple choice and essay questions, only the SAT penalizes students for incorrect answers. A perfect score for the SAT is 2400 points, while a perfect score for the ACT is 36.

Students who take the SAT are also subject to strict rules that require them to disclose all of their SAT tests to the schools to which they are applying. Students who take the ACT, however, may choose whether to disclose their scores.

Now that the ACT is formally recognized in all four-year U.S. colleges, the major difference between the tests remain a regional one. According to a USA Today article, the SAT is mainly taken by students who reside on the East and West Coasts, whereas the ACT is mainly taken by students located in the Midwest and mountain regions.

Which test should I take? Should I take them both?

While a student may take both tests, it is not required. Taking both tests may, however, improve their chances for college placement and scholarships because they may score better on one test than the other.

Otherwise, because of each test's level of recognition, there should be no preference for either students or their prospective colleges. While the SAT requires more time, the ACT is just as challenging; there is no "easier" test.

What is the best way for me score high?

There are many ways for students to boost their SAT and ACT scores but, as educational experts always say, the best way is to simply practice.

While a number of helpful practice guides and courses are available to students, one of the most common ways to practice is to take a preliminary run through the test. Both of the tests may be taken a number of times, as long as students are willing to pay the money. Because of the aforementioned scoring rules concerning the SAT, many students take the PSAT (or preliminary-SAT) to avoid having a lower SAT score reported to their prospective schools.

Of course, students must have a solid grasp of the subject matter if they expect to do well on a test. If students are applying to colleges, though, they should already have a good understanding of what these tests will require them to know. A good score, paired with good grades, should get them into the school they prefer.

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation
basburycsa@yahoo.com

Economic Crisis

2009-08-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

Economic Crisis

“Will the recent economic crisis have an impact on college bound teens?”
As the largest class of graduating high school seniors in America is completing college applications, a new study indicates their college plans are likely to change in response to the economic downturn. 50% of families polled are now limiting their child’s college choices to less expensive options and 54% of families are now considering in-state, public colleges. According to the ApplyWise and Next Step survey, 32% of families report their financial situation has changed in the past six months and so they are seeking more economical education options for their child. Another 38% say they are concerned about the economy and are now seeking more affordable college options. Interestingly, less than one-third of those polled say their college selection criteria have not been influenced by economic factors. 54% of parents report that recent economic events have changed the way they plan to pay for their child’s college education. When asked to select which financial resources they plan to access, they responded as follows:
•67% will apply for more need based scholarships
•62% of parents plan to have students work while in college
•53% plan to get more student loans
•30% of families will send a stay-at-home spouse back to work
•27% of families plan to take out a home equity loan
•11% plan to liquidate a retirement fund
•8% will borrow money from a relative

What people don’t realize is the negative effect the above strategies could have on aid eligibility. “Getting into college has become more competitive over the years and now paying for it will be a bigger challenge for many families,” said Dr. Kat Cohen, founder of IvyWise. “As families are forced to look for more economical options, it pays to consult experts who can help them identify potential financial resources and if the schools that would be a good fit for the student. Families need to be determined, not discouraged, at a time like this.

College Admissions FAQ

Question: What is the difference between a scholarship and a grant?
Answer: In the language of admission and financial aid offers, a scholarship and a grant are basically the same thing. Each is considered “gift aid” which means they do not need to be paid back. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t some “strings” attached. Many scholarships and grants require the recipient to focus study in a particular major. Others have a grade average requirement to keep the scholarship or grant over the college experience. Students need to make certain they know the conditions under which they accept and can maintain gift aid.

FAFSA FAQ

What are “Untaxed Benefits”?
Answer: Untaxed income or benefits not reported elsewhere on Worksheets A and B, such as worker’s compensation, untaxed portions of railroad retirement benefits, untaxed portions of capital gains, Black Lung Benefits, Refugee Assistance, disability, foreign income that wasn’t taxed by any government, etc. For parents whose W-2 Forms show combat pay, any untaxed portion of that pay must be reported on Worksheet B and the full amount must be reported as income earned from work. Do not include benefits from flexible spending arrangements (e.g. cafeteria plans), student aid or Workforce Investment Act (WIA) educational benefits.

Early Decision vs. Early Action

As one applies to college, something that may come up is Early Decision and Early Action. Hopefully, this can help:
Early Decision
•You absolutely agree to attend the college if accepted.
•You may only apply to one college in the method of Early Decision
•You apply in October or November and receive an answer by December
•You may only apply to other colleges under the regular process
•If accepted, you must withdraw all other applications from other schools
•You will typically be required to give a non-refundable deposit by May

Early Action
•Similar to Early Decision, however, not binding
•You can apply in October or November and receive an answer by December
•If accepted, you may commit then, or in the spring
•You may apply to other colleges under Early Action
•You may apply to other colleges under the regular admissions process

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation
basburycsa@yahoo.com

Time is of the essence

2009-08-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Time is of the essence

Fill out the FAFSA form early and plan for it. I think that's the one thing that people really overlook. People are often told to fill out the FAFSA, but they do it without preparation. I emphasize that planning is what makes the form useful.
Many aspects of the FAFSA are not straightforward, so it's essential to set aside sufficient time to read over the instructions. Filling out the FAFSA is generally not a quick 45-minute process or something to try to do during the Superbowl half-time — as one family did — and made mistakes.

The fundamental issue and therefore problem with the FAFSA is that people approach it like a tax-preparation form. Definitions and rules differ between tax forms and FAFSA forms, as to what are considered assets, investments, and household income.

One example of family situation: "If I'm divorced, my son is going to college, and he lives with his mom 95 percent of the time but I claim him as a dependent on my taxes, the student includes only the income and assets from the mom and not from the dad on the FAFSA form."

A few more things to keep in mind when filling out the FAFSA form. For income, the base year is the year before. For assets, it's the moment you submit the FAFSA form, what the assets are worth the day you file the FAFSA. It's easy to confuse the parent and student information, so watch carefully where you record what. The student sections, which come before the parent sections, refer to spouse because some students applying for financial aid are married.

When to fill out the FAFSA?
The sooner the better is the rule of thumb to use here. High school seniors and those already in college or trade school should aim to complete the FAFSA by Jan. 31, if possible. If you haven't completed your taxes yet, they suggest using estimates based on previous years tax returns to complete the FAFSA and sending an amendment later.

Submitting early can mean getting Pell grants before they are all given out. It can mean getting subsidized or Perkins loans, [in which the government covers the interest when you are in school], as opposed to unsubsidized.

Most people submit their FAFSAs in March or April, after they submit their taxes; but by then, many of the funds have already been allocated to other students. The bottom line is: The longer you wait, the less funds will be available. Even something like work-study is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The FAFSA generates the SAR (Student Aid Report). Three to four weeks after you file a FAFSA, it [the SAR] comes back to you in the mail, and that will have what they calculate to be your estimated family contribution.
Even high school freshmen can fill out an estimated form based on where they're planning to attend school, so they know what their savings goal needs to be. For example, if you're looking at Yale, you'll have a better idea whether it will cost your family $50,000 a year for you to attend - or $10,000. (See http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov.)

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation
basburycsa@yahoo.com

Supply & Demand

2009-07-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Supply & Demand

As more and more students enter college, and the financial aid system balances between supply and demand, financial aid offices are being forced to use their limited funds to attract the strongest applicants. These strongest applicants will be the students who demonstrate the most convincing record of academic and extracurricular achievement, school and community involvement, and the desire to succeed in life.

Years ago colleges looked at financial aid as a charitable operation run within the institution. Financial aid has now become a strategic tool that is commonly used to recruit students that colleges and universities would like to enroll.

Scholarships, grants, and tuition discounts are how colleges commonly label their funding – when, in fact, all of these monies are actually rate reductions off of the institution’s total cost of attendance. The vast majority of colleges are using these reductions to get the best blend of good students and paying customers. Their business approach is to get the family to pay as much as possible and still get the student to attend.

Although the admissions battle that colleges are facing is becoming more widely publicized, behind the scenes, most colleges are actually in a huge financial battle to fill their seats with the most attractive candidates.

The very wealthy schools (basically the Ivy Leaguers) are still in a seller’s market. In other words, they can most often command that a student (and family) still pay the sticker price. Bear in mind that this is not in all cases – but certainly in most.

However, there are hundreds of very fine institutions that are very comparable to the Ivy Leaguers. These are mainly private institutions that offer a wide range of course / major specialties. These colleges have found themselves in the midst of a bidding war to attract desirable students. These institutions are where the majority of the real educational bargains can be found. These institutions offer the finest in education, most often at a discounted rate (as compared to their publicized cost of attendance). More for your money!

However, you must be careful. Although these schools will most often discount, they will also reduce their discounts (not offer as much financial aid) to students who may be less attractive or more likely to attend no matter what the offer of funding may be.

Due to the intense competition, these colleges are constantly looking for those students whose decision may be swayed by financial aid. This is a true buyer’s market. This buyer’s market puts the student (and family) in a very strong position, and in most cases allows the student to call the shots.

When it comes to choosing the perfect college for you, it is not all about the money. The courses offered, the size and location of the institution, and the quality of education are obviously huge additional considerations. Although money is not your sole consideration, it certainly comes into the picture. Everybody wants the best value for their money!

Exploring your educational options and keeping those options open can have a huge impact on your future. What you may be offered from one institution may be far different from what the next is willing to discount just to get you to attend.

This again emphasizes the importance of effectively preparing yourself while in high school. This preparation not only helps make you a well-rounded person, it will also help make you an even more attractive candidate, which puts you in a stronger position when it comes to attending and paying for college.

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation
basburycsa@yahoo.com

The Real Money Sources

2009-07-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Real Money Sources

To effectively devise a plan to pay for college, it is important to understand where the money "really" comes from. Funding for college comes from three basic sources – the federal government, the institution itself, and the private sector.

There are two basic types of funding – gift aid (money that does not have to be repaid), and self-help aid (money that is either worked for or borrowed). Gift aid is commonly in the form of scholarships, grants, endowments, and tuition discounts. Self-help aid is made up of work-study programs, along with federal student and parent loan programs. Nearly all funding packages have a combination of both gift and self-help aid.

The government’s money is passed to the colleges and universities and is then distributed to the students by the institutions. Government funding may be in the form of gift aid or self-help aid.

In addition to the government’s money, many public institutions and most private institutions have their own endowment funds. Schools with endowment funds not only distribute the government’s money, they will also offer their own money, most often in the form of gift aid, to attract the students they want. Many school’s endowment funds are substantial. In fact, there are currently over fifty (50+) institutions with over $1 Billion in endowments in the United States, and more than three-hundred (300+) with over $100 Million.

The private sector scholarship funds (Target, Tylenol, and your local Elks Club – for example) are separate applications and are typically not reliant on the federal government, the institution, or their procedures. Private sector scholarships are most often gift aid (commonly called “free” money) and do not have to be repaid.

Private sector funds are very attractive; however, it takes a great deal of time and effort to locate and match potential awards with the student's situation and achievements. Although attractive, it is important to know that private sector scholarships make up only about three percent (3%) of all awarded funding each year. In addition, nearly all private sector scholarship sponsors set their own rules. In other words, they are not obligated to respond to a request for an application, nor are they obligated to notify an applicant if their application is incomplete.

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation
basburycsa@yahoo.com

College Scholarship Tips

2009-07-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Tips for Winning Scholarships

1. Apply if you’re eligible. Play the numbers game. Apply for
as many scholarships as you can. Pay attention to smaller,
local scholarships, which are frequently less competitive.
You can’t win if you don’t apply.

2. Get Organized!
Request letters of recommendation from your teachers,
counselors, coaches, employers, and community service
supervisors. Tell them what you want the letters to say
about you and give them plenty of time! Keep copies of each
in a neat, orderly file. Have copies of transcripts on hand.
Make copies of every application and keep track of dates
mailed, and when you should expect to hear if you’ve won.

3. Complete the application! Follow directions. Note deadlines
(note postmark or received by dates) and supplemental
materials such as letters of recommendation or official
transcripts. Be sure to sign the application if required.

4. Neatness counts! So does spelling. Type the application and
start with a copy as a rough draft.

5. Write a strong essay by being personal and specific. Follow
the prompts! Include concrete details, but be reflective of
the “story” and use a mature voice. Avoid “cute” and be
careful with humor.

6. Send It! Be sure of where the application needs to be sent
and address the package carefully. Don’t fold a bulky
application; sent it flat in a large envelope with plenty of
postage. If it doesn’t arrive you are not entered.

7. Give yourself plenty of time for each application. Allow
your application to sit overnight and proofread a final time
before sending. Reread for misspelled words, punctuation or
grammar errors. Have someone else (who will be critical and
honest) look it over for you.

8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the College and
Career Center or your Counselor if you need it. Let us know
if you win.

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation

HS Seniors! Make your summer a productive one!

2009-07-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

Summer Schedule, Junior transition to Senior

Use summer “down-time” effectively to assure a comfortably paced admissions process this fall!

Students: May/June

Request a copy of your transcript before school is over, or during summer school. Specifically, highlight the GPA labeled, 10th – 12th w/o PE. Most transcripts provide multiple Grade Point Averages, but 10 – 12 w/o PE is the GPA the colleges will be focusing on for their merit award grant eligibility purposes.
(After the SAT is factored, of course!)

Start your resume or personal statement. This should be a well-crafted statement of who you are, what you have accomplished, and where you are going. Your draft should be reviewed by at least two people whose opinion on writing and communicating are important to you. An AP English teacher, a friend of the family, clergy, etc. will be helpful. Ask them to review for content as much, if not more than grammar and spelling! Use their valuable input to improve your essay while keeping in mind that your words and phrases should be indelibly stamped on it. Remember, your SAT essay will be compared with your admissions essay!

Volunteer for an organization that will have career exploration potential, find a job
which interests you or register for a summer course or program at one of your local universities.

Take the SAT I, ACT, SAT II, and AP Exams.

Continue or Initiate School or Community Based Extracurricular Activities
(Preferably with Career Exploration potential)

Register after mid-June for the fall SAT I (collegeboard.com)
and/or the ACT Assessment (act.org), if necessary to improve scores.

Students: July

Expect May AP Exam Grade Reports to be received mid-July. Remember, scores of 4 and 5 will allow for courses to be credited and save the student time and effort, allow them to advance into more interesting courses, and graduate more rapidly. Some colleges will also accept scores of 3. Parents will save a significant amount of tuition, fees, and books expenses! Remember, most schools limit the number of AP courses accepted to six.

Create files for organizing general and individual college materials. These can be electronic files backed up on a flash drive or hard copies in a manila file folder.

Fine Tune Your College Choice List
(6-8 Total; 2 Safe, 2 Realistic and 2 Reach) {One local and two or three private}
A Safe college is one where the average SAT and GPA scores are below yours, a comfort school is when you match the average SAT and GPA scores, a Reach College is one where your SAT and GPA scores are below the average scores.

Initiate substantive contact with choice colleges. Remember, the colleges are now maintaining records of by whom and how many times they have been contacted. This information is used in admissions and award decisions.
Students should request on separate occasions; a hard copy of each of the colleges’ information kits, specifics on admissions requirements and due dates, college-specific financial assistance application procedures and due dates, sports and clubs of interest, etc.
Parents should inquire (again, on separate occasions) about receiving the campus safety statistics reports which are required to be generated by the universities each year, on and off-campus housing availability and costs, school-specific financial assistance availability and application requirements, etc.)

Start drafting your college admissions essays. Go to your chosen colleges’ websites and click the Prospective Students tab, then Admissions, and then Apply. You will be taken to the college’s admissions application; about two-thirds of the way through the application will be instructions on how to write the essay. You will be given an expected Word count, Essay Subject, and Specific Essay Question(s). There may be more than one essay required.

Student: August

Complete “final” drafts of the admissions essays for your college choices.
When back in school, request a final review from the English instructor who you respect the most, and whose opinion you value the most.

Request the admissions applications from your prospective colleges.
You will probably be referred to their website, but ask for a hard copy to be mailed to you. Remember, contacts are important!

Create a Master Calendar for both Admissions and Financial Assistance Applications Due Dates.
Color code your dates and name them by school. We recommend red for admissions and green for financial assistance.
(Example, USD 10/31/08, 11/30/08, UCSD 11/30/08, 03/02/09)

Start your Letters of Recommendation request list. Identify teachers, coaches, counselors, employers, clergy, etc. who will be able to provide an exemplary statement about your capabilities and what a benefit you will be to your college. Provide your resume/personal statement listing your accomplishments and remind them of exactly how you interacted. “I participated in 240 hours of volunteer work at the Church Summer School program this past year serving in the capacity of Assistant Organizer of Athletic Events.”

Consider SAT/ACT preparation assistance for early fall exam, if needed.
Call us with your SAT/ACT scores and your current college choices to verify their last year’s incoming freshmen class average SAT scores and see how they compare to yours.

Compile writing samples, portfolios, audition tapes, profile DVDs, etc. Ask family, teachers, directors, coaches, etc. for their recollections of your highlights. Remember, you will be marketing yourself to universities with thousands of applicants to consider!

Parents:

June

Assist your student with their list.

Create your College Funding Plan
Annotate both the least and most expensive Costs of Attendance (COA) for your student’s college choices. Calculate your Family Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Write out a plan for how to pay these costs. in the most cost-effective and tax-efficient manner possible. Consult with us regarding future tax benefits, potential financial assistance, and gap funding requirements with the most cost-effective and tax-efficient strategies possible.

July

Assist your student with their list.

Assess any actions which may reduce your Expected Family Contribution.
Evaluate to what extent current assessable assets exceed your Asset Protection Allowance, assure appropriate asset titling is in place, etc. Remember, a student’s assets are weighted 500% more than a parent’s assets. And, parents have an asset protection ceiling which students do not have!

Compute your Out-of-Pocket Expense.
Subtract the COA from your EFC. If your EFC is higher than the COA you may have no eligibility for Need-based assistance, but you should definitely still file all requested paperwork to assure eligibility for Merit-based assistance and individual college-subsidized scholarships, grants, endowments, endorsements, and loans.

Assess Payment Options
Create spreadsheets to examine pros and cons of possible payment options.
(Examples; Current Income, Current Savings, Home Equity, Education Loans, etc.) We can help you review the outcome to assist in formulating the best options on a complimentary basis!

August

Assist your student with their list.

Act on Final Plan by August 2009, finalize before October 2009.
Remember, October and November 2009 will be Profile and Institutional Financial Assistance filing dates. Also, many admissions applications request financial information. Mid-January, 2010 will be your FAFSA filing dates.

Access College Foundation
Brad Asbury (916) 607-3104
basburycsa@yahoo.com

College access vs. college success

2009-07-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

College access vs. college success

What exactly is college success? For many, the question is, will my son or daughter able to get into the college s/he wants to attend? That's college access.

College success is attending the most appropriate school for the career of your choice, graduating in the least amount of time (a four-year degree in four years), graduating with the fewest loans and out-of-pocket expenses, and being "successful and happy in your career."

Choosing the proper school is paramount since the wrong fit leads to high attrition. The freshman attrition at four-year colleges is 25 percent nationwide. Only 35 percent of students actually graduate in four years; most take five to six years to obtain a degree. Factors contributing to this trend include changing majors, changing schools, and selecting a school simply because that's where your friends are going. The current freshman attrition rate at two-year schools is 50 percent.
Then there are the rapidly rising costs. Between 1990 and 2005, college costs went up 5.9 percent, while average income in the U.S. went up less than 2 percent annually. Fewer than 4 percent of families have more than $5,000 set aside for their child's college costs. "Perceived financial means denied almost 500,000 students a college education last year,"

Brad Asbury is a consultant with the non-profit organization, the Access College Foundation.
916-607-3104
basburycsa@yahoo.com

Is a College education a good investment?

2009-06-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Value of a College Education

The escalating cost of higher education is causing many to question the value of continuing education beyond high school. Many wonder whether the high cost of tuition, the opportunity cost of choosing college over full-time employment, and the accumulation of thousands of dollars of debt is, in the long run, worth the investment. The risk is especially large for low-income families who have a difficult time making ends meet without the additional burden of college tuition
and fees.

In order to determine whether higher education is worth the investment, it is useful to examine what is known about the value of higher education and the rates of return on investment to both the individual and to society.

THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

There is considerable support for the notion that the rate of return on
investment in higher education is high enough to warrant the financial burden associated with pursuing a college degree. Though the earnings differential between college and high school graduates varies over time, college graduates, on average, earn more than high school graduates. According to the Census Bureau, over an adult's working life, high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million; associate's degree holders earn about $1.6 million; and bachelor's degree holders earn about $2.1 million (Day and Newburger, 2002).

These sizeable differences in lifetime earnings put the costs of college study in realistic perspective. Most students today-- about 80 percent of all students--enroll either in public 4-year colleges or in public 2-year colleges. According to the U.S. Department of Education report, Think College Early, a full-time student at a public 4-year college pays an average of $8,655 for in-state tuition, room and board (U.S. Dept. of Education, 2002). A full-time student in a public 2-year college pays an average of $1,359 per year in tuition (U.S. Dept. of Education, 2002).

These statistics support the contention that, though the cost of higher education is significant, given the earnings disparity that exists between those who earn a bachelor's degree and those who do not, the individual rate of return on investment in higher education is sufficiently high to warrant the cost.

OTHER BENEFITS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

College graduates also enjoy benefits beyond increased income. A 1998 report published by the Institute for Higher Education Policy reviews the individual benefits that college graduates enjoy, including higher levels of saving, increased personal/professional mobility, improved quality of life for their offspring, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 1998). According to a report published by the Carnegie Foundation, non-monetary individual benefits of higher
education include the tendency for postsecondary students to become more open-minded, more cultured, more rational, more consistent and less authoritarian; these benefits are also passed along to succeeding generations (Rowley and Hurtado, 2002). Additionally, college attendance has been shown to "decrease prejudice, enhance knowledge of world affairs and enhance social status" while increasing economic and job security for those who earn bachelor's degrees (Ibid.)

Research has also consistently shown a positive correlation between completion of higher education and good health, not only for oneself, but also for one's children. In fact, "parental schooling levels (after controlling for differences in earnings) are positively correlated with the health status of their children" and "increased schooling (and higher relative income) are correlated with lower mortality rates for given age brackets".

Brad Asbury
basburycsa@yahoo.com
PO Box 348056
Sacramento, Ca. 95834
Ph 916.607.3104

"Downturn Expected to Drive Tuition Up"

2009-06-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

"Downturn Expected to Drive Tuition Up"

By Tamar Lewis, New York Times

Tuition costs rose slightly faster than the Consumer Price Index last year, and students received record amounts of financial aid, according to the annual reports on college pricing and student aid released Wednesday, November 29, by the College Board. But while financial aid is still growing, average student borrowing is still going up, as well. With the troubles in the stock market, they said, both public and private colleges may soon be in serious financial straits, forcing large increases in tuition." Given the economic strain on state budgets, the pressure on state governments to shift the cost of education to students and families may prove irresistible," said Molly Corbett Broad, president of the American Council on Education, "Private institutions, too, given the loss of endowment income and expected cutbacks in private giving, will likely be forced to increase tuition at the same time they struggle to increase institutional financial aid." For the current school year, the reports found, the average in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions increased by 6.4 percent - to $6,585 - not much more than the 5.6 percent rise in the Consumer Price Index. Private four-year colleges and universities' average tuition and fees are $25,143, 5.9 percent higher than last year. But as the costs of college rise, so does student aid. Last year, the reports said, graduate and undergraduate students received more than $143 billion in financial aid, including grants, federal loans, federal work-study assistance and federal tax credits. In addition, they borrowed $19 billion from state and private sources. With worsening economic conditions, public and private institutions alike may cut back the "merit aid" offered to attract particular students - often, those whose grades and test scores will improve their rankings - and use that money on aid to needier students instead. According to the report, public four-year institutions give only 44 percent of their aid dollars to students with financial need. On average, 38 percent of the public universities' aid goes to non-need-based merit aid, and 18 percent to athletic scholarships.

Notice to All Seniors and their Parents!!!

The colleges that you are applying to all have specific requirements for being considered for their scholarships. Most of the institutions have deadlines of January 1st. Failure to properly apply will remove you from consideration. We strongly encourage you to spend the next couple of weeks accessing each of your college's websites, downloading and completing the scholarship applications properly and returning the applications before the cutoff date. Failure to do this could literally cost your family thousands of dollars which may make it financially unfeasible for you to attend even if admitted to your school of choice. Feel free to contact a local volunteer if you have any questions regarding this time sensitive issue.

I am a Consultant for the Access College Foundation-A member of the American College Planning Foundation and the California Association of student Financial Aid Administers

Access College Foundation (ACF) will provide the following services:

1. Assist with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (FAFSA)
2. Confirm accuracy of the Student Aid Report. (SAR)
3. * Create Expected Family Contribution (EFC) reports using both the Federal and Institutional Methodology Formulae.
4. Provide monthly College Roadmap newsletters.
5. Assist with the completion of the Financial Aid Profile Application, as needed. (FAP)
6. Assist with the completion of Institutional Forms, if required.
7. * Provide access to an online interests/abilities assessment designed to confirm or create a student’s career path.
8. Provide an interactive Student Positioning Session to help family/student select/confirm the best colleges for a career-appropriate pool of 6 to8 choices.
9. Produce college financial assistance history; detailing their Cost of Attendance, average merit award, % of need met, and their Grant to Loan ratio.
10. Recommend specific actions to maximize Financial Assistance Eligibility by reducing your EFC, when possible.
11. Assist with negotiation of the college award offers, when appropriate.
12. Assist in responding to any IRS verification requests.
13. * Develop a cost-effective funding plan to pay for your family’s college costs.
• Develop tax-efficient strategies to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
• Develop customized plans utilizing current resources and cash flow to pay for college without diminishing or delaying retirement goals.
14. Provide guidance with education loan applications, if necessary.
15. Provide unlimited telephone and email support.

* (Pro-bono, if through Access College Foundation presentation)

Brad Asbury
basburycsa@yahoo.com

Types Of Financial Aid For College

2009-06-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

Many students will need some type of financial aid to help they pay for college. Luckily for them they have many different financial aid sources to choose from.

In order to receive federal financial aid from the government a student needs to fill out the FAFSA application form. I help families fill out this form properly.

Once the FASFA financial aid application is processed, you and the schools you have chosen will receive your personalized Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. This is the number used to evaluate the amount of federal aid you can receive.

Student Loans

Student loans are money that is borrowed and must be paid back with interest. The different types of student loans you can choose from are:

* Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans - Federal Stafford Loans that are offered to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate a financial need.

* Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans - Federal Stafford Loans offered to undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of financial need.

* Federal PLUS Loans - Federal loans for undergraduate students that are offered to parents to help finance their child's education.

* Federal Perkins Loans - Low interest government loans made through a participating school to undergraduate and graduate students with substantial financial need.

* Private Student Loans - Also referred to as alternative student loans, these are loans offered by private institutions that are very flexible and have higher limits.

Grants

A grant is an award offered from a federal agency to help you pay for your tuition, and the best thing about them is that they don't need to be paid back. Over 1,000 grant programs are offered by 26 federal agencies such as the Department of Education.

Scholarships

Scholarships are free money that is offered by everyone from colleges and churches to local cities and non-profit organizations. There are literally millions of scholarships to choose from if you search online or talk to your school counselor.

Work-Study

Federal work study provides jobs for both undergraduate and graduate students who exhibit financial need. It helps you earn money to help pay for your college expenses by working on or off campus or performing community service work. Plus, you even get extra spending money for the weekends!

Student loans are great ways to help students pay for college. Many of them don't have to be paid back until 6-9 months after you graduate, and they can even be consolidated into one monthly payment to take away some of the financial stress that life in the real world can bring.

But don't forget about grants, scholarships and work-study opportunities, all of which can help you cover the cost of college tuition.

Brad Asbury

basburycsa@yahoo.com
Ph 916.607.3104

The importance of SAT scores

2009-06-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is a newspaper article, but, the information is very important!

SAT: UNFAIR? ELITIST? OVERRATED? ALL OF THE ABOVE
Hartford Courant -- May 29, 2009
Rick Green Column

New research suggests that colleges pay even more attention to the dreaded SAT than we thought.

But the provocative new study by University of Colorado researcher Derek Briggs also concludes that if I'm willing to pony up for one of those pricey SAT prep programs, I could get a leg up — not only in getting my kid into a top school, but in capturing more financial aid.

Now that's kind of interesting, because as a middle-class, college-educated white male, some might say I already have a few advantages.

Cough up a little more and maybe a few more doors open up. What a country!

All this got me thinking because like a lot of you, I'm beginning to sweat about how to pay for college for my children. I've got a daughter who did pretty well on the PSAT this year and the SAT is now on the horizon.

When I called Kaplan Test Prep and explained my situation and my daughter's test scores, "Jeffrey" told that me my daughter "would probably need one-on-one tutoring. She needs something more." Boy, don't they always!

At-home tutoring packages start at $3,299 for 20 hours, he told me.

"We guarantee a score increase," he added.

Because it's widely known that test scores often go up from the PSAT to the SAT, I wasn't so sure that $3,299 — or even that budget course the town offers for a few hundred dollars — would have much impact.

And although Briggs' study discounts a huge effect from test prep, he has a paradoxical conclusion.

For a student who already scores pretty high, a 20- or 30-point increase might make a big difference, said Briggs, author of "Preparation for College Admission Exams," which he wrote for the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

Indeed, small gains for students with already high scores can make the difference at elite colleges, because some of these schools have rigid cutoffs for scores.

I asked him whether this merely accentuates an already unequal system.

"If you are from a wealthy family and you want to get into the Ivy League, you might increase your odds," Briggs said. "The people who are getting the advantage of coaching and test prep are people who already have an advantage."

Or, as Briggs concluded in his report, "If money and time are no object, commercial coaching or private tutoring may well be worth the cost."

College, it seems, might not be the great equalizer some of us think it is.

Peter Schmidt, author of "Color and Money," a book that takes a critical look at college admissions, told me that "people out to get an unfair edge" are part of a distorted admission process at top schools that puts too much emphasis on the SAT.

In a recent online essay for Alternet, a website, Schmidt went even further, arguing that "most elite higher-education institutions systematically favor people from privileged backgrounds who display selfish, cutthroat behavior."

Whoa. My ears pricked up a few minutes later when I reached Robert Schaeffer of the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, who told me that better scores often mean more financial aid.

"We know already that test scores go up with family income. Kids who already have the advantage, their parents are able to buy them another leg up and then get paid for that," he said. "It's a classic example of the rich getting richer."

All of this, Schaeffer said, "shows that the fear students and parents have about how some colleges use SAT scores are not over-exaggerated."

Fearful is right, but I do admit to a cutthroat motive behind why I want my children to get the best SAT scores they can — college without bankruptcy.

http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-sat-college-panic-0529may29-column,0,3646129.column