Learn advanced 529 plan strategies that can potentially help you maximize your savings and tax benefits while you protect your investment. Tune in here: 

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-529-plan-series-ep-4-advanced-strategies-around-529-plans 

***

Check out the FREE College Money Report and Cost of Colleges by State: 

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/college-money-report/

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/cost-of-colleges-by-state/

***

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Learn how 529 plans compare to other college investment options, the pros and cons of each, and strategies to help you potentially maximize your benefits. Listen now: 

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-529-plan-series-ep-3-529-plans-and-other-college-savings-plan

***

Check out the FREE Scholarship Guide For Busy Parents and College Money Report: 

https://courses.tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/p/scholarship-guide-for-busy-parents

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/college-money-report/

***

We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we’d appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform!

Find out how parents can help their students become a better writer and write a great essay for college admissions or scholarship applications. Listen now:

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-160-writing-great-essays-for-college-admissions-and-scholarships/

***

Check the The Scholarship Guide for Busy Parents - it's free! 

http://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/scholarships

***

We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we’d appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform! 

“Statfuse is an online application that helps high school and community college students with the college admissions process,” describes Banerjee.
Students can fill out a college application and select a college of interest. The site will then give them a percentage of likelihood that they would be accepted to that university or college. Students will also be told their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can do to better their odds of acceptance.
In this episode, Jeet Banerjee shares about his experience with applying to college and his website Statfuse

Ms. Clowes applied to graduate school after taking a year to really consider what she wanted. “What I didn’t know is there is so much more to it that you should be doing during your college years that I was clueless about things like building your network, or knowing what my brand was, or taking advantage of all the resources available to me in college,” remembers Ms. Clowes, “I hoping to help students to figure what else they should be doing to be successful and not have some of the doubt and 10 years of searching afterward which is why I wrote the book.”

Most colleges use The Common App which allows students to apply to multiple colleges at once. This usually includes:

• Personal information.
• Main personal statement of about 650 words.
  • Sawyer suggests to think of this statement prompt as, “Describe the world you come from and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.”
• Activities list.
• Most colleges will request different supplemental essays.
• This means several different essay requirements per school.

Some of these essays might be exactly the same prompt and can double, but if the topics are different then the essays will be different.

It is important to be realistic. If you are in the academic range of the college you are looking at, be sure to talk to real students.  Be careful to select colleges that your test scores fall into the accepted range of. “The grades are also very important,” explains Dr. Jager-Hyman, “Test scores are really easy- that information is front and center.

Here’s some of the features of the website www.Admitsee.com

• Provides a “big brother or sister” at dream school.
• See application files of accepted students.
  • You can compare your own test scores, for example, to accepted students at different colleges.
• Browsing is free.
• College students get paid for posting their profile and sharing.
• Great way to see what a student body really looks like.
• Can sign up to have a college student mentor.
  • College students can review essays, give advice, and help guide prospective students. Essays are EXTREMELY important!

“Over the past ten years the (college) process has become that much more complicated,” explains Fayal, “But the offerings and resources haven’t improved.” This provides a way for high school students to connect to college students at their dream school.

“The higher the score, the more money you get,” says Burk.

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is just as important as the SAT, but it is used for scholarships in the junior year. The SAT is offered 7 times a year, but the PSAT is only offered once a year in October. There are only a few small differences between the two tests.

Noonan suggests following James Altucher. She developed the collegepreneur idea in response to critics, such as Altucher, that say to not bother with college anymore.

Things that college students going into college should think about:

• The cost of college has increased by 300% in the last 30 years.
• Wages for college students are declining.

Noonan defines a collegepreneur as, “A student who manages the college experience so it doesn’t manage them.” It is important for students to use the resources available at a college to launch themselves into the life they want.

“They will have something to show for their college experience aside from a transcript,” Noonan further explains.

“Simply being a member of an organization isn’t going to impress anyone,” says Schwartz. Having great scores isn’t enough anymore. A focal point of applying to college now is the essay. A great way to help with that is to have unique or exciting extracurricular activities.

Kate and Sharon began looking into the apparel industry in high school. They both had a love of sewing and designing starting at a young age. They took a course and completed an internship before going to college and pursing a degree. Their company launched in their junior year of college as a hobby. The business took off and by the time they graduated they rolled right into their full time company. An appearance on “Shark Tank” provided them new opportunities.

This website was created in 2001 in an effort to bring free information to families and students. Dooley found a lot of information when putting his own children through college and created a discussion forum because, “No expert knows everything about every aspect of every college.” The message forums have a lot of activity, and it isn’t always accurate, but it does provide a way to learn about a college or area for free.

The message forums are:

• Any individual can register and post.
• Similar to Facebook, but it is topically organized.
• Can view by individual school, financial aid, or many other topics.
• Can be broad or very specific.
• Entirely searchable.

Find out more about engineering careers, including potential jobs and pathways, how to pick an engineering college, how to network, and much more. Listen now:

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-159-is-engineering-for-you/ 

Check out these FREE resources about college planning: 

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources 

***

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In this episode, John Feudo stresses the importance of higher education and how communication skills are important in order to be successful.

• Speaker and author
• Parents did not go to college
• Author of the book “I’d Rather Eat Live Spiders” on how to be a successful speaker
• Has worked in higher education for the past 30 years
• Now consults all over the world

In this episode, Susie shares her experience helping families have better relationships:

• Internationally
• Former Marriage and Family therapist then changed to coaching.
• You can see results in 30 days or less.
• Works with people to have great relationships.

In this episode, Ryan Parker shares what to expect and consider if your child is interested in pursing a culinary career.

About Ryan K. Parker:

• Has been cooking for 20 years.
• Working in restaurants for the last 10 years.
• Is currently working in the classroom as a culinary instructor.
• Grew up loving being in the kitchen.

Cena Block shares how she came to be a productivity expert and business coach:

• Focuses specifically on moms and business.
• Helps people get better systems and time management.
• Took time off herself to be home with her kids.
• Started as a professional organizer and realized she wanted to be a coach to other moms who wanted to start their own businesses.

Jaison Greene gives advice on healthy and mindful living:

• Holistic health coach in New York City.
• Didn’t have the best eating habits, but became interested after some immediate family was diagnosed with cancer.
• Graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, including the advanced program.
• Began consulting with clients and helping people eat better on their own terms.

Dr. Ryan Gray, host of Medical School HQ Podcast, shares how to best prepare for and succeed in medical school:

• Initially wanted to become a physical therapist.
• Been a practicing physician in the Air Force for over 5 years.
• Created a website and podcast to give accurate information to students.
• Covers a range of topics on the path to becoming a physician.

In this episode, Andrew Josuweit shares his expertise in helping students, parents, and other borrowers better manage their loans and make better financial decisions.

In this episode, Dr. Tracey Marks shares her sleep expertise:

• Has been in private practice for 16 years.
• Has a general practice to see adults, but has an emphasis in seeing women for lifestyle management.
• Became very interested in the connection between sleep and disorganization.
• Created a podcast for working moms to focus on all the tasks they have to do.

In this episode, Shea Groom shares her experience playing sports through college and becoming a professional soccer player:

• Born and raised in Kansas City.
• Played many sports while growing up and discovered in high school her preference for soccer.
• Joined an elite traveling club team.
• Attended Texas A&M University after 10 college visits.

In this episode, Eric Tivers shares his expertise in working with students with ADHD:

• Works with students with ADHD and students on the Autism spectrum with the college process.
• Wasn’t diagnosed himself with ADHD until sophomore year of college because he didn’t exhibit the hyperactivity signs at a younger age.
• Began working with ADHD and Autism spectrum students on study strategies.

Learn about Degree Insurance, how it works, and how it helps college students ensure that their degree pays off with a good income and return on investment. Listen to thes episode here: 

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-158-degree-insurance-guaranteed-income-after-you-graduate/

***

Check out these FREE resources about college planning: 

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources 

***

We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we’d appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode, Karen Southall Watts talks about the habits of “A” students, including

• Study skills
• Organizational skills
• Time management

Barrett Bogue works for the Office of Education Service, which is responsible for paying and administering the GI Bill. He is the team leader for public relations and digital engagement. His team is responsible for raising awareness, as well as educating and promoting the GI Bill benefit program.

Service members can use the GI Bill to help pay for college. For example, Bogue used the GI Bill to earn two degrees from the University of Tennessee!

Jodi Okun is the founder and president of College Financial Aid Advisors, which privately helps families with the financial aid process – from the beginning to the end. “I help them with all the financial aid questions they possibly can have,” said Okun.

Dr. Ken Nedd is a family doctor and stress expert.
He explains that stress can cause several physical problems:

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Depression
• Heart issues

“As far as happiness goes, it is obvious that we as physicians/practitioners, we want to make people happy,” said Nedd. “The impact of happiness on health is amazing.”

When people are happy, there is chemistry in the body that positively changes. “Leave stress behind and adopt the happier life,” said Nedd. He helps clients, patients, and online visitors achieve happiness every day.

Monica Mathews was a former teacher and regular, stay-at-home mom raising three boys. When her oldest soon started looking at colleges, including MIT, she became well aware of just how much college costs!

Captain Howard is a public affairs officer who works for the U.S. Army Cadet Command, which includes:

• Junior ROTC for high school students
• Senior ROTC for college students
• Senior program is available at more than 1,000 colleges

However, Howard did not go through the ROTC program. “I wasn’t aware of the program when I went to college,” Howard said. So he had a lot of loan debt from college.

Then, he applied to become an Army officer because he wanted more responsibility and wanted to lead at a higher level. He now works to make people aware of what the ROTC program is all about and how students can benefit from ROTC.

Justin Gaither is the founder of Roomsurf and Textsurf, which connects college students with roommates and textbooks. Also, he is the co-founder of eCampus Ventures.

Gaither went to high school in Long Island, New York. But he decided to go to college at the University of Miami. That is when his entrepreneurial mindset was sparked. As a student, he started a couple ventures.

• Maximize space in dorm rooms by building loft beds to elevate the bed for space to add other items (sofa, TV, etc.).
• Roomsurf.com: Incoming college freshmen were trying to find compatible roommates via Facebook messages. So Justin created a much easier system for students to find roommates.

Elizabeth is considered an educational pathfinder! She is a(n):

• College consultant
• SAT tutor
• Admission expert

Elizabeth attended Wellesley College, where she was one of the top writing tutors. As a result, people asked her to help others with writing. Then she was asked to teach the SAT. “The kids were getting great scores,” she said of those she taught.

Next, she was asked to help with the college application process. “I just kind of taught myself the process. I had only applied to one school – Wellesley – when I applied to college. So I wasn’t the typical, sort of high school to college student. But I learned the process, and the kids were getting really good results – getting into the really tough schools like Harvard and MIT and Cal Tech.”

Elizabeth works with families that have students trying to attend elite colleges.
She discusses information and resources available to those families.

Divorced parents need to be on the same page when it comes to college planning and finance for their children.

Sandy Durst is the founding partner of the Durst Firm, a law firm that deals with family law and divorce.

• 99 percent of the practice is devoted exclusively to divorce and family law matters in New Jersey.
• Sandy has about 16 years of experience.

Laws have become complicated, so such experience and focus helps clients with divorce and related issues.

Durst shares his knowledge and experience when it comes to divorce laws in New Jersey, but every state’s laws vary. If you have questions, please contact an attorney in your state for individualized guidance and advice.

Alexis Amarante is a senior studying theatre at James Madison University in Virginia. “I have been interested in performing arts my whole life,” she said. “Right now, I am looking into what I am going to be doing after college. So, I am pretty excited about that!”

At school, she has been focusing on performing arts. However, her studies also include:

• Stage management
• Costume design
• Scenic design

Learn how new College in 3 programs are offering students opportunities to earn a degree in three years, with more relevant and beneficial instruction and experience. Listen to the episode now: 

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/157-college-in-3-getting-your-college-degree-in-3-years/

***

Check out these FREE resources about college planning: 

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources 

***

We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we’d appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform!

This episode features an interview with Audrey, a student at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and her father Kurt. They share their advice and experience regarding gap years.

Audrey took a year off after high school to pursue additional learning opportunities in Africa.

A gap year is something your children may consider in the future. Most of those who study abroad or participate in a gap year program discover that it is the best thing they ever did!

Podcast guest Joanie Connell is the author of, “Flying without a Helicopter.” Joanie is a leadership development coach and organizational consultant. She works with high-level and successful clients.
Her book deals with current trends in parenting, including helicopter parents who create highly structured and protective environments. There are also lawnmower parents who pave the way for their kids.
Joanie’s book addresses the consequences of raising kids in these kinds of environments. The kids are less prepared to be in the workplace. And involving the parents is disempowering the kids.

David Galehouse owns Varsity Edge, a website that helps high school athletes pursue their sport in college. He himself was an athlete who went through challenges in being recruited. He was an avid golfer with some aspirations of a college scholarship, but burned out in senior year. He began to play baseball in the spring of his senior year, for the first time since eighth grade.

Needless to say, it was a bit late in the game to hope for a scholarship in baseball, and after some scrambling around,” he ended up taking a year off from school. He first attended Rollins college in Florida but his skill level wasn’t improved enough, then he went to Fairfield College in Connecticut. He walked onto the team, but was sidelined by injury, and he stepped out of the sport by the time he was a senior.

While reflecting on his experiences, he started to take notes and it formed the basis of what Varsity Edge has become, a resource for parents and students offering information that David felt he did not get in his experience.

Eva Baker’s story is especially appealing to parents and students looking at college. She is a homeschooled senior in high school and an avid blogger at the ripe old age of 18, writing the Teens Got Cents blog. Her story also serves as an example to students on how they can tap into what they love to create a business (and an income) for themselves.

The website got started when Eva’s mom asked her to do a project for her remaining high school years to develop communication and life skills. Eva enjoyed rock climbing, but opted instead to write about her own experience in saving money as a teen after listening to an audio book from Dave Ramsey called Total Money Makeover. She realized there was a wealth of information online for adults looking to manage their money, but nothing for teens.

We meet Lauren Gaggioli on the podcast today, and she is the founder and chief of Higher Scores Test Prep, which specializes in SAT/ACT tutoring.

Today’s episode brings Roger Whitney, “The Retirement Answer Man,” to the microphone who will be indeed answering some of our questions on retirement planning with college in sight.

Roger has been a financial planner for 24 years, walking with his clients through the retirement maze. Eventually he developed a podcast and blog on the subject on his website offering tips and guidance along with a free retirement toolkit.

Later, I’ll be answering a question about owning a business and its impact on your success in receiving financial aid. You may have gotten conflicting answers from well-meaning friends, so we’ll break it down for you.

Welcome! We’re talking with Grant Baldwin, who is a speaker, author and entrepreneur and his expertise is in helping students choose a major or career path. We hope to benefit from his insights on helping high school and college students take the next step in their own life plan.

Later, I’ll be outlining the 5 Main Tax Breaks families can take advantage of when it comes to college. The money you can save through these breaks can then help you pay more toward col-lege.

Follow up on this information with a tax expert to see how your family’s situation can possibly reap the benefits of some or all of these tax advantages.

As as financial planner, many families have turned to me to help them plan for their child’s college funding, but today we’re going to combine those roles as we welcome Joe Saul-Sehy, a financial planner and a father of twins who are in college.

Joe will share his experience with us, as co-founder of the financially-focused podcast, “Stack-ing Benjamins”, financial planner as well as a parent. As someone in this unique position, we hope you can benefit from his expertise as he’s been in the trenches, too.

Then we tackle a question I get often about when to file your taxes and whether it matters when it comes to providing that information for financial aid forms (the FAFSA).

Happy Thanksgiving! – What better opportunity for me to say thank you to our listeners! We hope these podcasts have made a positive difference in your college planning. If you have found these helpful please share this podcast with others in the planning process.

I’m “going solo” in this podcast, and I’m covering the six types of colleges out there and how they have an impact on your bottom line.

I’ve developed a classification of colleges, and based on your student’s or your family’s profile, you may see a perfect fit among these classes.

I know some families have already made a decision to stick with state schools because they feel they offer the lowest cost for the value, and it’s simply what they can afford. Others can get a similar if not better deal by going a different route, so let’s break this down.

It may be a bit fearsome to consider, but taking a year off after high school or during your college career can be a huge benefit for students.

Holly Bull was a student who did just that and she now counsels students on how they too can do the same, effectively, as President of the Center for Interim Programs. More than just “taking a break,” Holly tells us how this year (or even just a semester) spent away from the formal college environment can help students be more prepared to enter college or a career.

And our question of the day is closely related to this topic, as we will be answering the challenge of what to do if you’re undecided and college application deadlines begin to loom.

Liberal arts degrees have a lasting impact on lifelong success, leadership, and fulfillment. Learn more in this podcast interview with Dr. Rick Detweiler. Listen to the episode here: 

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/thcc-episode-156-is-a-liberal-arts-degree-worth-it/

***

Check out these FREE resources about college planning: 

https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/resources 

***

We care about what you think and want to help you out, so we’d appreciate you reviewing us on Apple, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform!

The landscape for getting into college has become markedly more competitive, and the scores a student submits from the ACT or SAT can make or break admissions into their chosen college. So test prep be-comes equally important.

We’re fortunate to talk with Josh Stephens, who counsels students around the world to navigate through the process of preparing and taking these exams. Josh also explains how students who are living around the globe, either as expatriates or foreign nationals, may have additional hurdles to clear v. their stateside counterparts.

It’s becoming more popular to opt-out of traditional education and homeschooling has been one such option for parents seeking to help their kids get an education. However, how does that change things when it comes to planning for college?

Beverly Burgess is a homeschool mom of three, and is the state coordinator for ENRICHri in Rhode Island, and she joins the podcast today to answer those questions.

Afterward, we tackle a question about how students can get help if they’re in an upper middle income family but won’t have financial support from their parents.

Nile Nickel, founder of LinkedIn Focus and moderator of the Social Media Business Hour podcast, joins our podcast to discuss how students can develop their own profiles to set themselves apart from other college applicants, and eventually other candidates for careers once they graduate.

Later, I’ll also be recommending six great tools parents can use to plug in to their college planning process, so let’s get started.