| | FAFSA Is Tightening its Belt, So to Speak
Effective starting on July 1, 2023 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
FAFSA will be undergoing a few changes, one of which will be streamlining the form.
And as John Lydgate (NOT Abraham Lincoln) once said, "You can't please all of the people all of the time," so you can expect that there will be some families who will benefit from the changes and then there will be some--like those with multiple kids in school at once--who won't.
Read about the big and little changes here. |
| | | Academic Dismissal...Parents Are Usually the Last to Know
At most colleges, after final grades post, letters of suspension/dismissal are sent to students at home essentially saying, "Your student cannot return for the next semester, but they can appeal this decision if they really want to."
It’s stressful.
It’s embarrassing.
And surprisingly, it’s often the first time parents hear that their student was struggling.
Here's some wise advice on how to handle an academic dismissal or perhaps even forestall it.
It's a cautionary tale for parents who do not yet have students in college. Ask questions, no mater how intrusive your kids think you are.
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| | | Parent Spotlight
What do we want for our children, and what do they want for themselves when it comes to college?
"I personally do not want my child to attend a school with students just like her, and she has been clear that she also wants a diverse school - and not just diverse in race - but diverse in experiences, thoughts, goals, interests, and all kinds of other intangible factors. She will not get into all of the schools she applied because as various admissions officers review my daughter’s application, they will be viewing her in the context of their school community and the other applicants for the class of 2025. I will not diminish her disappointment from a rejection, but I will also encourage her not to take it personally. When a student is not accepted to a highly selective school, it is not that they did anything wrong. In so many cases, they were perfectly qualified for that school BUT their application did not add a thread the community tapestry that the admissions office was creating for that particular year.
So, tell your kids you are proud of them! Remind them that they are in fact ENOUGH. Encourage them to enjoy the next few months (and I know that this is very hard with COVID) as they will never be a senior in high school again. And when another student is accepted to a school that your child was not, please congratulate them and do not diminish their accomplishment with speculation as to why they got in and your child did not. We are all surrounded by some pretty amazing human beings - they give me hope!"
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| | What's Up Ahead on The Road...
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How Much Does College REALLY Cost?
Author Ron Lieber will join us to answer this question and talk about his upcoming book, "The Price You Pay for College."
We know you won't want to miss this discussion.
Join us and Ron: January 31, at 8:30pm ET
(You can order Ron's book here.)
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| | | | | | Three-Part Webinar Series with Author/Expert Jeff Selingo and Special Guests
Getting Into College: The Complicated Truth About College Admissions
Join New York Times bestselling author Jeff Selingo as he provides an inside view of the college admissions process, followed by a live Q and A. (See date below.)
This special three-part webinar series (sponsored by College Ave Student Loans) will explore the details of the selection process, from both the college and the student/family side.
How colleges evaluate students for admission and give out financial aid has a lot more to do with the college or university’s priorities than with whether or not your student is qualified. Deciphering the selection, merit scholarship, and financial aid processes has become even more important with the impact of the pandemic on college admissions and higher ed overall.
As parents with a 9th, 10th or 11th graders, it's so important to understand the admissions and college funding processes in advance of the summer and fall of 12th grade.
Don’t miss this important series packed with practical tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and candid conversation.
Three dates to put on your calendar! Sunday, February 21, at 8:30pm ET Sunday, March 21, at 8:30pm ET Sunday, April 18, at 8:30pm ET
Sign up here and get your first month free! (Use code: 1stmonthfree)
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| | | My goal is to provide affordable services, insightful information and a support system so your family can make more informed decisions about college.
Feel free to respond to this email with any questions you have. |
| | Debbie Schwartz Founder, Road2College I'm a parent, like many of you, navigating college admissions and paying for college. With an expertise in personal finance, analysis, and marketing, I'm working to give families the information and tools to make smarter financial college decisions. |
| | Road2College may receive affiliate compensation on items purchased through our links.
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