Parents’ Concerns

College search? What do parents really worry about?

Every year we see how nerve wracking the quest for college and university entrance is — for students and parents.

Parents of college bound students who have responded to our surveys, have shared the issues that cause them sleepless nights. The families represent a wide range of social, financial, and ethnic backgrounds, yet their answers were very much the same.

We asked them, in order of importance, what their main concerns were with regard to the college search and admissions process.

These are their responses …

1. Finding the “best fit college” for their student

2. Not being able to afford the cost of college

3. Having to absorb a lot more debt for college than what was anticipated

4. Information overload – Who is “for real” and who is selling hype?

5. Not having a blueprint or “game plan” for the college admissions process

6. High school counselors don’t have enough time to spend with students

7. How do we qualify for non-need based scholarships?

8. We do not understand how the financial aid formulas work

9. Retirement will be impacted by the cost of college – how badly?

What are the conclusions?

Most parents see this process as a pretty stiff challenge, and feel at a disadvantage.

Lack of knowledge, experience and planning make this perceived disadvantage even greater.

As you’ve probably guessed by now, we are strong proponents of planning for college and university. We do this stuff every day of the year, so we have a thousand times more experience than pretty much anyone …

Especially parents who have all the chaos of the “normal” family of this day and age.

So, what are the obstacles to a successful plan?

Here are a few pointers …

Many parents believe that “planning” for college really equals “saving” for college.

But while setting money aside in an education fund is admirable, it is only one piece of the puzzle. There are many complex elements (and what sometimes seem to be moving parts) in a successful college admissions campaign.

Parents often get involved in the actual search and selection phase much too late. How does that happen?

If your child has taken the PSAT, you may have noticed many pieces of mail from colleges and universities, addressed to your child. This is all part of their marketing campaigns (yes, marketing), that bypass the parents and that directly target the student.

While the student’s education is rightfully the center of attention, participation of parents and student in a college search is essential from the start.

Planning for college admission should begin latest at the end of the student’s sophomore year or beginning of junior year, even if you have a savings plan in place.

Parents don’t understand the mechanics of college financial aid.

This is not a criticism. This is a complex area. Experience is a key factor, and parents get limited, and sometimes painful, opportunities to be involved.

It is quite common for the family to look at the “sticker price” of a college and reject it because “it’s just too expensive”.

But this could be the wrong decision! An academic merit scholarship could actually make the school affordable.

On the other hand, when a student gets admitted to their “reach” school and then gets a financial offer the parents just can’t afford, there is disappointment and heartbreak all round.

The sad consequences

It is frustrating to hear stories about students who turn away from an ideal school because of the perceived cost of tuition.

Many students miss the opportunity to attend a school that is a perfect fit, and that is generous with gift aid, all because they do not have access to the best research tools.

It is also a great pity when a student performs badly, has to transfer, or even drops out because he or she is unhappy in college or worse, the money runs out.

All of these negative situations can be avoided if you have access to the right training, guidance and tools.

There is never a guarantee, of course, but the chances of success are so much greater when parents and students follow a detailed plan.