College Counseling for the Rest of Us

Let me start with a disclaimer.

This is not an article about people, families or households.

This is about Colleges.  And it’s a story about how the college planning landscape of 2011 is so much different than 1991.  And how that is a bad thing.

But, it’s also a story of possible hope and opportunity.

Once upon a time, thousands of colleges came in an incredible range of shapes and sizes.  They covered the land with quads and football fields and commuter parking lots.  In fact, they still do, but many people have forgotten that.  Because…

The evil national rankings came in and changed everything.  Soon, College Viewbooks sounded like Casey Kasem – “up a big four notches this year to #7 among midwestern liberal arts colleges, it’s…”

Around the same time, Colleges realized they could advertise.  Like real companies.  And the land was covered with billboards and buses and radio spots (oh my) that all praised the best of all worlds, a tradition of excellence and a personal yet big, cutting-edge yet traditional college experience.

The rich got richer.  The cheap got richer.  The ‘average’ school that had educated so many (and still does, by the way) struggled to keep their name in the conversation.  Most adapted.  They grew their adult programs, then their graduate programs.  They increased their aid packages.  They developed some key niches.  Some merged.  Some went co-ed.

But most of them held it together, knowing that most people understood the value of a college education (value both measurable and immeasurable).  As long as the economy held up, they’d be okay.

(Cue the ominous music)

In the past few years, both the perceived value of higher education and the economy have taken a beating.  I am not qualified to discuss the latter, but I think I am regarding the former.  And it wouldn’t fit into a blog post.  But – short and sweet – take a look at the unemployment numbers for college grads and non-grads.  Look at the average salaries of college grads and non-college grads.    And understand that the argument that college grads are not making enough money after graduation is mostly a failure of business, not higher education and the greatest irony in the world is that business folks now want to show how higher education can be “fixed”.  (I feel better now.  Stepping off soapbox…)

Meanwhile, thousands of good colleges, with qualified faculty and quality resources, struggle to keep their names in the conversation in a world where national magazine rankings (even from magazines that don’t exist anymore), large advertising budgets, deep pockets and brand recognition matter.  And I think the story of how much they struggle has yet to be fully shared.

I offer two rays of hope to those schools and a suggestion to my readers and clients.

Ray of Hope #1:  We live in a world where ‘viral’ can come from anywhere or anyone.  Without deep pockets, without prior status.  And the 3900 colleges that live in the shadow of the 100 or so that grab so much of our attention can be heard.  And seen.  And read.  And considered.  I hope those colleges realize the amazing opportunity that is available to them and capitalize to the fullest.  (So far, I’m not seeing it, but there’s still plenty of time.)

Ray of Hope #2:  Viral can go both ways.  Students at those 3900 colleges have a chance to scream about their future alma mater.  Alums can do so, too.  And future students can ‘discover’ the next great indie college – the Plain White T’s or OK Go or Pomplamoose of the Higher Ed industry, as it were.

Suggestion: When you get a moment, check out a school whose name you vaguely recall or even have never heard of.  Look at their website or drive through their campus.  And check out one of their YouTube videos.  I guarantee you this – you will be pleasantly surprised at how much College of Never Heard of It and University of Vaguely Familiar have to offer.  And maybe, just maybe, you’ll help create the next viral sensation.

And if College Counseling for the Rest of Us can do anything to help save and grow the Middle Class of Higher Education, please know that we – I – will.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.  Please feel free to email me at info@cc4therestofus.com, call or text me at 908-403-3819, join me on Facebook on “College Counseling for the Rest of Us” and join me on Twitter at @MichaelCCR.   And now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/CCRMichael?feature=mhee.

Commencement.   noun.  1. A beginning or start: “at the commencement of training”.

Really?  My parents just spent $80,000.  I have 20,000 of loan debt.

Well, Caitlin…yes.

You guided me to do this, you know. 

Yes.  I know.

I’m addicted to Ramen Soup and I’ve gained 20 pounds.  Just to get back to the beginning?

No.

No?

Not ‘back’.  You never were at the beginning.

Four years ago, your longest trip from home was Des Moines, you thought MC Escher was a rapper from the early 90’s, you had never worked a day (paid or otherwise) in your profession of choice, had only spoken for an hour with anyone from that profession, had never met Dr. Jones or Professor DeAngelo, nor built your professional network, and your most marketable diploma was from high school.  And you had never met Hank.

But, is that worth all that money?  I mean, other than Hank.

Oh, I can quote you the “college graduates earn a million dollars more than high school graduates” statistic.  And that’s the simplest argument.  But how can I put a price on your Spring Break experience in Haiti…

Or the Spring Break in Cancun?

I already mentioned Hank.

Oh, yeah…

Or the internship with Linkedin?  Or the connections you’ve made with your sisters at Tri Delta?  You have friends – and references – for life.  Or the lectures and conversations with Dr. Jones and Professor DeAngelo?  Or the trip to the MOMA?

You learned how to write a business plan, develop an actual thesis, paint, do laundry, slide a lunch tray down a hill in the snow and argue your case in a persuasive, articulate, proper manner.  You learned not to leave the flame unattended when making Ramen Soup or it will spill over. (at least when it’s on high)

You engaged in conversations, in and out of the classroom that shaped who you are, what you do, how you do it and what you value and treasure.   And you gained all that in the most amazing lab ever created – the American College campus.

So, didn’t that get me somewhere?

Yes, to the beginning.  It gave you a road map, comfortable shoes, the ability to spot danger and the phone numbers of people to call in an emergency.

And the total retail value on all of those gifts is priceless.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.  Please feel free to email me at info@cc4therestofus.com, call or text me at 908-403-3819, join me on Facebook on “College Counseling for the Rest of Us” and join me on Twitter at @MichaelCCR.   And now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/CCRMichael?feature=mhee.

Well, it may not be Spielberg.

But I give you our inaugural, initial, collector’s edition episode of College Counseling for the Rest of Us TV.

Please feel free to visit, view, like and comment.  Thanks!  Here’s the link to our first episode: CCR TV1

I look forward to finding what opportunities video provides us in terms of College Counseling for the Rest of Us, what information we can provide, what schools we can visit and what people we can meet.  As always, please know that I welcome and encourage your feedback.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.  Please feel free to email me at info@cc4therestofus.com, call or text me at 908-403-3819, join me on Facebook on “College Counseling for the Rest of Us” and join me on Twitter at @MichaelCCR.   And now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/CCRMichael?feature=mhee.

“Rabbit’s clever,” said Pooh thoughtfully.
“Yes,” said Piglet, “Rabbit’s clever.”
“And he has Brain.”
“Yes,” said Piglet, “Rabbit has Brain.”
There was a long silence.
“I suppose,” said Pooh, “that that’s why he never understands anything.”

On that note, let’s see how our friends – Ashley, Brad, Caitlin and Justin – are proceeding with their college search planning.  Shall we?

Ashley – “After taking the Backman/Dykstra test prep formula, and a summer course in Latin, I was able to increase my SAT reading score by 70 points.  I have re-calculated my chance for admission at each institution, as well as my expected scholarship and grant awards from each of my safety and target schools.  How about you, Justin?”

Justin – “I think most schools are probably alright.  That’s what I think.  But some are more right than others.”

Brad – “I think schools are too elite.  I don’t expect to get into any of my first choices.  Why do test scores matter so much?  It’s just not fair.”

Caitlin -“Did you know that the word ‘college’ comes from the Latin word for “one chosen to work with one another”?  The opportunities, Justin, for someone with your academic record might be somewhat limited.  But, I do believe there is opportunity to find others who would have similar…”

Brad – “I think you’re just setting Justin up for failure.  He and I should be realistic about our opportunities.”

Justin – “I’ve always had an interest in animals.  I would go to the zoo and draw pictures of them for hours.  And, as I got older, I started taking cell phone shots and posting them on my Facebook and MySpace pages.”

Ashley – “But, Justin, what are you going to do with that?  You don’t have the grades or test scores to go pre-vet.”

Caitlin – “The Veterinary field actually has suffered as a profession due to the economic downturn.”

Justin – “Oh…:

Brad – “I just don’t see how my parents can afford to send me to college.”

Justin – “I like the people I met at HAWCC.  And they have programs in art, photography and animal science.”

Ashley – “Hundred Acre…” (she said, aghast)

Caitlin – “Many fine leaders have come from HAWCC.  Such as…”

Brad – “I probably should fill out my application to HAWCC, too.”

And they debated the merits of HAWCC, Test prep and 529 plans,  from page 32, right through to page 51.

Ashley – “How many applications have you submitted, Justin?”

From his long pause and his averted eyes, she knew the answer.

Justin –  (Defensively) “”You know, one of the advantages of being disorganized is that one is always having surprising discoveries.  At least, I read that somewhere.”

Mr. Szarek?

Yes, Justin?

What do you think?

Justin, what I think is this. One day, you will no longer need College Counseling for the Rest of Us.  And, one day, you will graduate from Hundred Acre Wood Community College, and – from there – you may even go on to Heffalumps University.  But, there is something – through all of your adventures – that I hope you never forget.  You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.  Please feel free to email me at info@cc4therestofus.com, call or text me at 908-403-3819, join me on Facebook on “College Counseling for the Rest of Us” and join me on Twitter at @MichaelCCR. 

“Lots of people talk to animals,” said Pooh.
“Not that many listen though.”
“That’s the problem.”

Before beginning a Hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it.
— Pooh’s Little Instruction Book, inspired by A. A. Milne

NOTE: Winnie the Pooh and the Tao of Pooh are not mine, I don’t own them, and I used and paraphrased quotes and ideas from both the wonderful “Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff and from the original Winnie the Pooh books and films.  All credit belongs to A.A. Milne and Mr. Hoff, and all rights belong to Disney, Dutton, Penguin and whoever owns such rights.

Pick an article about students looking at college.  Any article.

Pick an article about students enrolled in college.  Almost any article.

Look at the client list of almost every college counselor/planner/consultant in the nation.  Almost every counselor.

You must conclude that the average American College Student attends a 4 year institution, starts college at 18, finishes at 22, and probably lives on campus.

And if you read an article about college admissions, it would be fair to assume that most students attend the same 15 or so schools that are always quoted and mentioned in articles about admission trends – Harvard, USC, The George Washington University, Stanford, MIT, Princeton among a few others.

I certainly encourage you to keep reading.  But stop believing what you read.

The Average American College Student (as opposed to your “typical” American College Student – that creature does not exist) attends Harvard, but also attends the University of Phoenix, Truman State, Goldey-Beacom College, Delta State, Union County College and about 3994 other colleges.  He is far more likely to be attending a public institution (77%) than a private 4 year college (12.7%).  Even among the usual suspects (ages 15-23) the percentages are almost as dramatic (76% vs. 15.3%).

She is most likely to be a female (55%).

He is quite likely to not be within the “traditional” ages of 18-21.  8.2 million college students are, but over 11 million are not.  Over a quarter of all college students are part-time students and over 600,000 have a disability.

In fact, more than 1 million college students are older than me.

No way, Mr. Szarek!

Way, Brad.  Way.

The Average American College Student has a job.  In fact, about a quarter of all college students work full-time.

The Average American College Student will not graduate from the program he is currently enrolled in.  At least not within 6 years.

The Average American College Student is not who you think, doesn’t go to the school you are thinking of, is not taking the amount of courses you think she is taking and is not finishing when you think he is finishing.  If she is finishing at all.

The American college community is as diverse as the nation it represents.  The students are not “one size fits all” and neither are their academic programs, modes of delivery, methods of learning, financial situations or choices of college.

This is the greatest strength of the American College Community.  And its greatest challenge.   As you look at schools for your child or yourself, understand that there is a place for you in that community.  And don’t cheat off someone else’s paper – because the right college for that person may not be the right college for you.

Just saying…

NOTE: Data used for this blog post come almost entirely from two sources: 1) the U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, October 2009.  Release Date: February 2011 and 2) The National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, as presented by the Chronicle of Higher Education in their December 2010 article, “Who Are the Undergraduates?”

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.  Please feel free to email me at info@cc4therestofus.com, call or text me at 908-403-3819, join me on Facebook on “College Counseling for the Rest of Us” and join me on Twitter at @MichaelCCR. 

It’s time.

Since the very early days of College Counseling for the Rest of Us, I have wanted to do regular video blogs.  In fact, I even set up my YouTube channel many months ago and shot a video that was (very) briefly uploaded to the account.

But, that’s it.  Other than that, CC4theRestof Us Television has been nothing but a rumor.

I think it’s time to change that.  But I want your help.  I am very curious to know what you would want to watch.

Here is what I’m thinking:

• 3-5 minutes.
• I’m thinking “weekly” in terms of frequency.
• Split between a quick overview of what’s happening in the world of College Counseling for the Rest of Us and the world of college admissions and planning, in general.
• Emphasis on a particular blog topic (current or prior?)
• Occasional episodes with guests and on-site at colleges and other relevant sites.
• Promotional shouts and College Acceptance/HS Graduation shout-outs for a minimal cost.
• Fast, light, loose.  Let the details play out on the blog, website, Facebook page, Twitter account, Linkedin Group, etc.
• Leaning towards “Ready to Go” by Republica, for the opening.  (Just saying)

Would you watch?  What would you change from the above outline?  Let me know at info@cc4therestofus.com, on Facebook or by responding to this blog post.

How would CC4theRestofUs TV look to you?

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.  Please feel free to email me at info@cc4therestofus.com, call or text me at 908-403-3819, join me on Facebook on “College Counseling for the Rest of Us” and join me on Twitter at @MichaelCCR. 

There are several three letter words, acronyms and former acronyms that play major parts in the College Search.  SAT, ACT, MOM and DAD are just a few that we’ve touched on in past blog posts.

I’ve got one more for you.  And, for many,  it can be as influential – and as mysterious – as the SAT or the ACT.  (And as the MOM and the DAD)

I’m talking about EFC, or Expected Family Contribution.

The EFC is a number that quietly sits on the top right of that Student Aid Report generated by all of the “stuff” that you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known affectionately as the FAFSA.   But, as quietly as it might sit, it is the number that is used to directly determine a student’s Pell Grant award, his or her subsidized loan eligibility, many state grants and the limit of aid that can be provided from a college and third party sources.

So, what is this EFC?  Well, as I stated before, it is meant to represent a family’s “expected family contribution” to a student’s college education.

Expected by whom?

This expectation belongs to the feds, not you (who will probably expect to contribute much less) nor the colleges (who will probably expect you to contribute more).

I had the pleasure of manually calculating EFCs when I went through Financial Aid Training (see “One Night in Plattsburgh“).  When you calculate an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) manually, it actually makes sense.  For a second.

The EFC calculation formula is what I like to call “equally unfair”.  The logic is there, but it assumes you live in the 1970′s and don’t own a 2nd flat screen TV, 3 laptops or multiple cars.  It is based on real numbers and real calculations, but it assumes a rate of savings that no longer exists in America.

So, why not change it?

Well, it wouldn’t produce more money, it would just show – for most families at most colleges – how much more of a gap there is between your financial aid package and the cost of the college.  So, unless the feds find more money, the colleges find more money or you find more money, changing the formula wouldn’t really accomplish much.

Here are a few points to ponder regarding the EFC and the College Search.

• The EFC is NOT what you have to pay.  It’s the amount of money a College has to play with if they give you a dime of need-based aid.  (Unsubsidized loans notwithstanding)
• Home equity – for a primary residence – is NOT part of the equation in the EFC calculation.  Owning a million dollar home doesn’t hurt you and owing a two million dollar mortgage doesn’t help you.
• EFCs run from 0 to 99.999.  In case you are wondering.  Or setting goals.
• Federal Pell Grants are determined directly via the EFC.  The highest EFC, in 2010-2011, that was still eligible for Pell was 5273.
• Student money (income and assets) and Parent money (income and assets) is not weighted equally.  A much higher percentage of student money is expected to be set aside for college.
• There has been rapid growth recently in a pocket industry that I will label “EFC Prep”.  It is financial consulting designed to enable families to best arrange their assets for maximum benefit in the FAFSA/EFC process.  5 years ago, I would have told you to stay far, far away from such resources because – generally – the only ones making money in such a relationship were the financial folks.  I have since had the opportunity to speak to a few services that do it right.  I would still be EXTREMELY careful in ‘vetting’ such a service, but there are some good ones.  The problem, even with these services, is that the best time to meet with them is about 3-5 years before you decide to.  The later you try to effectively manage your money, the more likely your best options have passed you by.

So, Mr. Szarek, how does this all fit in to Brad’s College Search?

The EFC lays the framework for what aid colleges can provide to you.  So, its effect is obvious.  But it pushes its weight around fairly late in the College Planning Game.  The FAFSA is not completed until mid-year of senior year (for traditional students).  Your financial aid packages follow after that.

So, my advice is this – keep your options open as you go through your college search.  Do not rule out a school because of their ‘sticker price’ or because of what you think your EFC may be.  Like so much of the college search, let the process play out, take good notes and only cut bait when it is appropriate to do so.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.  Please feel free to email me at info@cc4therestofus.com, call or text me at 908-403-3819, join me on Facebook on “College Counseling for the Rest of Us” and join me on Twitter at @MichaelCCR. 

One of the more persistent themes I find myself having to impress upon families and adult students I work with, as well as colleagues involved in various components of the College Search is the idea that there are no magic answers.

What is the right school for Caitlin?

Should Brad take the SAT or ACT?

What about online courses?

Is it worth it to have him live on campus?

Should Ashley take  AP German or ‘just’ German 4?

Is a community college better for Justin or a four year institution?  What about trade school?

Is a Gap year the answer?

Should we apply to that expensive private school, when we know we can’t afford it unless a big financial aid package comes in or we finally hit Powerball?

The answer to these, and other, exciting questions is – it depends.  And the answer to most “BIG” questions during your college search will be  – it depends.

I don’t say this because I don’t know the answer.  I say this because I think I DO know the answer.  It depends.

In a previous post, I stated that there are no magic answers, but lots of good information, good people and good advice.  And be wary of those who sell you the reverse.   I think it’s hard to overstate that theme.

You may think that this is fairly obvious.  But in the heat of the moment, when your living room floor is covered with glossy college brochures and the phone is ringing and the emails are binging – it is VERY tempting to say, “Just tell me what @^^@$#$ school we should pick, already!”

I won’t, and neither should anybody providing you with advice.

Some answers are “less gray” than others.  But, ultimately it is not my life and not my college experience.  (And not my money.)  My responsibility is to provide you with the pros and cons of each choice.  One of my mantras for College Counseling for the Rest of Us has been to teach you how to fish rather than provide you with fish (or to teach you how to drive rather than chauffeur you through the college search journey, if you are not a fish person).  I hope I have done that, and continue to do that, throughout my role as college counselor.  For the Rest of Us.

Since today is my birthday, I’ll keep this week’s blog post short and sweet.  I wish you happy and safe travels in your college quest; please always feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns!

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.  Please feel free to email me at info@cc4therestofus.com, call or text me at 908-403-3819, join me on Facebook on “College Counseling for the Rest of Us” and join me on Twitter at @MichaelCCR.