Dec 28, 2020 | Article, Completing
Presidents of colleges and universities love to talk. They love to talk about the schools they lead, and why they are great. They love to talk about problems facing America and the world, and how U.S. higher education is producing the next generation of leaders to...
Dec 25, 2020 | Article, Completing, Preparing, Research & Advocacy
The National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education reports that the cost of higher education has risen dramatically. Between 1987 and 1996, the cost of attending public institutions rose by 132 percent, and the cost for private institutions increased by 99...
Dec 23, 2020 | Article, Preparing
The bumper sticker slogan, “Freedom is not free,” applies to college admissions just as it does to democracy. Students have the freedom to apply to college wherever they want, and colleges are free to accept their application, or not. And just as in...
Dec 21, 2020 | Article, Preparing
Parents often ask me about the importance of extracurricular activities when it comes to supporting a college, graduate school or job application for their son or daughter. Here’s how I answer that question. First, I make clear that four other components of the...
Dec 18, 2020 | Article, Completing
Not too long ago, the role of college parents at the start of a school year was akin to employees at a moving company: fill up station wagon, drive to appointed destination, unload items and leave town. Now, thanks to a growing recognition by colleges and universities...
Dec 14, 2020 | Article, Completing
Your child has dedicated a large amount of time and effort to his/her college education and experience, and accomplished a great deal. You know it. Your family knows it, but when it comes to landing that first job or internship, your child needs to make sure the...
Dec 11, 2020 | Article, Preparing
While many of you were catching up on your pleasure reading over the recent holidays, I took a different route. Call me a martyr, but one of the many higher-ed-related tomes I tackled by the fire on those dark late December nights was Tuition Rising: Why College Costs...
Dec 9, 2020 | Article, Preparing, Transitioning
Academic Probation – A student can receive this if they fail to keep up with their school’s academic minimums. Those who are unable to improve their grades after receiving this warning can possibly face dismissal. Beer Pong / Beirut – A drinking game with...
Dec 4, 2020 | Article, Completing
Not only should all colleges and universities – public and private – be financially accountable, they should also be to prove that accountability and to demonstrate it to all of their constituencies, including their parents. Several groups specializing in...
Dec 2, 2020 | Article, Preparing, Research & Advocacy
One peek in your son’s room confirms that he’s in the midst of the college application process. His floor is littered with school viewbooks, post-it notes obscure his computer screen, and his test score summary has gone AWOL. One thing is certain: if...