A Q&A You Can Use With Your Friends
Since September 2003, with your support, I have been steering College Parents of America’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., supporting legislation and rule-making that reduces the complexity of the education planning process and makes college more affordable for families. If your family members, friends and neighbors can be convinced to join you as a member of our organization, then our advocacy efforts can become even more effective, as they will be “on behalf of” an even greater number of people.
Footsteps to Follow
He is the son of a shipyard worker. He will be a first-generation college student from a hard-working family in an old industrial town. He dreams of becoming a lawyer and, someday, serving in Congress. He is, in short, the American dream.
Attention All Prospective College Parents: You Are Not Alone
If your teenager is fast approaching the time when he or she will head off to college, and you are lying awake at night with dozens, if not hundreds, of questions, you can take solace in that you are not alone.
The harsh reality for you, and millions of people like you, is that answering these questions and making informed decisions about test preparation, college selection and college financing cannot be put off any longer.
10 ATTRIBUTES OF A STRONG PARENT PROGRAM
At College Parents of America, one of our goals is to encourage colleges and universities to develop strong programs in support of the current parents at their institutions. Many of you have asked me over the past 14 months what the hallmarks are of such a program. Following is my take on the “Top Ten” attributes of a supportive parent program:
College Guidance Counselors Send Mixed Messages on Parental Involvement in the College Selection Process
There were no protesters, no police blockades and no talking heads on television, but last week in Milwaukee there was a national convention.
As Boston in July was to the Democrats, and as New York in late August and early September was to the Republicans, Milwaukee last weekend was to guidance counselors.
Ready, Set, Hike: Today’s Starting Lineup Of Student Aid Programs
With football season in full gear, I thought it would be helpful to give you today’s starting lineup of federal student aid programs. No matter what your budget resources, or where your child is in the process of preparing for, applying to or attending college, these are the eleven federal programs (eight undergraduate and three graduate) of which you should be aware. It’s time for the first snap!
Students – And Parents – Are Consumers of American Higher Education
When those countless radio ads tout homeownership as the “American dream,” what they fail to mention is that a college education is often the ticket to achieve that dream.
Those who work in higher education are well aware that various studies have shown that a college degree can make a difference of up to $1.6 million in lifetime earning potential and greatly lessen the chances of one becoming unemployed in an economic downturn.
Acquiring of Basic Skills, Not Just A College Degree, Is A Prerequisite of Success
Last week I wrote about the “front end” of the college process, the SAT. This week I will address the back end: what the young adult in your family can expect to do with his or her college diploma, once it is in hand. There is a surprising, but reassuring similarity in the skills needed to succeed on the SAT and gain college admission, and the skills needed to successfully land and succeed in a first job after college.
Coverdell ESA
Coverdell ESA - The Best Way to Save for K-12 Education Coverdell ESA (formerly called Education IRA) is the most attractive way to save for K-12 expenses, including UGMA/UTMAs and mutual funds. However, there are income requirements that preclude some upper-income...
Colleges Can Save Money by Adopting Better Business Practices
It’s not exactly a newsflash that one of the many ways that U.S.-based businesses are gaining productivity – and saving money – is through outsourcing of certain functions. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some colleges and universities, in searching for ways...