Barb's Blog
Scholarship Weekends
So, you’ve been invited to a scholarship weekend at a college in your senior year. You may have to miss a friend’s birthday party, take time off from work, and you’re just not sure this scholarship weekend is worth it. Should you go? Yes! First of all, colleges don’t invite you unless they think you are scholarship material. Second, you could miss out on a scholarship if you don’t attend. These weekends are a series of competitions and meetings with faculty where you are given a score for each session. In the end, you could get thousands of dollars toward tuition. A scholarship weekend is a fun experience and could be very fruitful. Read More →
Read more of this articlePrivate College Consultants
Should you hire a private college consultant? Private consultants can do a lot for you if you plan on getting into the top schools where it is extremely competitive. But, if you are a typical student that could possibly get scholarships and financial aid based on financial need, you could probably buy my book and get the same results. Most of what is in my book is from my private college consultant experiences. Get the book in the beginning of your junior year and just follow directions. You won’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a private consultant and probably do great! Read More →
Read more of this articleIs a Vocational College for You?
This is no great surprise but not everyone is four-year college material. In fact, the majority of “hot” jobs are tech jobs requiring 1-2 years of vocational training. Junior colleges are filled with hot careers and experiencing record enrollments. What do they offer? automotive technology, automotive collision technology, biofuels technology, carpentry, computer repair, dental hygiene, diesel technology, emergency medical services, graphics technology, industrial electrician, industrial mechanics, maintenance electrician, manufacturing technology, media technology, medical assistant, medical laboratory technician, radiologic technology, sustainable energy, web technology, welding technology. Employers are recruiting 2-year college students while still in school because they are having difficulties finding enough skilled individuals to keep their factories going. Many jobs go unfilled. The average age of a welder in the U.S. is nearly 60 yrs. old. Production lines can’t be sustained. If these careers appeal to you, checkout local community colleges. And, if these careers do not appeal to you, you can attend the first two years at a junior college for far less money than a four-year college. Read More →
Read more of this articleWhen Should I Visit a College?
Colleges have unique atmospheres and you want to experience this on a visit to campus. You can’t experience much of anything if the students are not there. You can’t experience the food in the cafeteria if it is closed because students are on break. Visit when your high school is not in session and the college is!! Read More →
Read more of this articleWhat is an EFC?
EFC could possibly be the most important three letters to you as a college student. EFC stands for the Expected Family Contribution. When you submit the FAFSA, you will receive an SAR report, Student Aid Report. In the top right hand corner there will be some little numbers after the letters EFC. This is what your family is expected to pay for college based on the federal government’s formula. These are arbitrary numbers because colleges do not have to honor the EFC. “Your assignment, should you decide to accept this mission”, is to find a college that will come as close to the EFC as possible. So, if your family EFC is 5000, this tranlates to $5000. If a college offers you an award letter of $5595, this will probably be your best offer. Another college may offer you a package where your family is expected to pay $12,000. Colleges can offer you anything they want. It is your mission to find a college that will offer you the best package. Read More →
Read more of this articleThe Best College for You
The perfect college matches your interests and abilities, plus saves you thousands in tuition. Step by step, this book explains how to find the right school that's affordable, too.Simplify Your College Search with Proven Strategies
Use the timelines and strategies of private college consultants for a smooth college admissions process. This eye-opening guide empowers you to
Start your college search at the right time.
Identify your best-fit college.
Predict where you will be accepted and succeed.
Obtain the best financing and financial aid.
And much more.