Think past May 1st --> Real college planning is looking long term

Don’t let the date May 1st raise your blood pressure😬. If your child is a high school senior, you’re likely well aware that this is your child’s deadline for selecting their home for the next four years.

But hey, don’t stress it. Here’s four things you may not be thinking about that can help guide your family’s decision of balancing fit and finances.

Think past May 1st --> College is a long-term decision

Take a step back and think big picture. You may be fixated on the next four years, but put this decision in perspective with your child’s long-term goals
Questions you’ll want to ask yourself:

Will this school provide my child with academic opportunity and a culture for a great personal life?
What are the expectations around my child’s student loan payback after graduation at this school?

Is this manageable with my child’s major and expectations around starting salary?

Be careful of the “red carpet” on your college tours 🧐

Everyday student life often looks a lot different than the look around campus of accepted students day
Look more into the day to day of students on tours:

Check out the classrooms, students in group meetings and day to day exchanges of students while walking around campus
Weather: It has a big impact on perception of a school on a tour. Don’t let a rainy day take away from what a school may have to offer!

Look past college rankings. How about job placement? 🤝

I grant you permission to nerd out. Spend some time looking through post-grad employment stats at different schools. The pricey piece of paper that your child will receive will go a long way to helping them find and succeed at that first job
Career services are not overrated. Ask the tough questions around internship, student networking and career fair opportunities with schools

Don’t put #socialstatus before finances

While you may want to slap a sticker from the prestigious school on your back windshield, we encourage you to think big picture about your family’s finances 🌎
The school that’s a great fit for your child that will also save them thousands of dollars in loans after graduation >>>> Now that’s something to brag about at a cocktail party 👏

What questions do you have with your child’s college decision? Feel free to reach out, I’m happy to help!

All the best,

Andrew Holmes, Certified College Planning Specialist™

Andrew@PlanWithFPS.com

860-878-7032