Government in Charge of Student Loans

Part of the new health insurance package passed by Congress includes student loans. Not quite sure how that is connected, but the details will be coming out soon. I am a little skeptical about the government doing a better job handling student loans than the private sector, but when the details come out, [...]

Do I Have to Pick a College Major?

So you have no clue what you would like to study in college? Well, try and have a small clue, okay? Here is why. Colleges have popular majors on campus and those less popular. You want to take classes where the majors you are studying are popular. More professors and [...]

What if I Get Arrested?

Getting arrested can have an effect on college or it may not. It depends on how old you were and the reason for the arrest. If there was a minor “oops” when you were 14, get that record sealed. If you were involved in a street fight at 18 and charged with [...]

What if my ACT Score is Low?

What is the definition of low on ACTs? Everyone has a classmate that is a brainiac and got an ACT of 31 as a sophomore. Good for them but that is not typical. Don’t compare yourself to that person. In the U.S. the average score on the ACT is a 22. [...]

Confused Which Colleges to Visit?

I suggest applying to 4-6 colleges–sometimes 7. I also suggest not applying until you visit campus. So, what if you are looking at 12 colleges? How do you decide which ones to visit? Narrow the field by making a list of what you are “really” looking for in a college. [...]

Take ACT Before Visiting Colleges

So, you’re excited about visiting colleges. Your friend is going so you go along, right? Wait a minute. Colleges are placed into five academic tiers and so are students. Do you match? One way to find out if you are a match is to take the ACT, look at [...]

Ask me a Question?

Do you have a question you would like to ask about the college process?   Write me at pytel@mchsi.com and a blog may appear with the answer.  Meanwhile, read my helpful blogs and the pull down menus.  They are filled with helpful information.   Bookmark the page and come back often.  New information is arriving often.

Spring Break – Visit a College

What are you doing during spring break?  Sleeping in?  Catching up on movies?  Call your personal college counselor and arrange for a personal visit.  Do NOT just pop in.  Make sure college is in session.  You want to meet your personal college admissions counselor and want them to get to know you.  Dress nicely and [...]

Work Study – What is it?

When the award letters begin coming this spring, work study may appear in the amount of $900 to $1500.  Be careful about assuming that you will be given a job and be guaranteed these amounts.  It may appear on paper but often students may need to be aggressive in getting the actual jobs.  And, the work study [...]

Check Out Award Letters Carefully

Colleges will soon begin to send out Award Letters which will tell you how much college will cost you and your family.  Carefully check out the loans vs. grants. 
Grants are preferred.  They are gifts and do not need to be repaid.  Also, check out the criteria for scholarships.  What is the requirement to keep a scholarship?  [...]

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