The Secrets Of College Success...
How do other parents seem to effortlessly send their kids to school? What is it they know that you don't? It may come as a shock, but most likely they are probably taking "traditional advice" and making huge sacrifices because that is what they were told.
There are lots of people that will give you advice, including family, friends, and even financial advisors. The main problem is they are not experts. Would you have your family physician perform delicate heart surgery? The same principals apply.
We are TRAINED experts in the area of College Planning with (stuff here).
The 5 Areas Of Planning You Need To Have Answered...
Understand the financial aid rulebook and how it applies to YOU
Know which schools have money and which do not
Figure out how where you are at for retirement and how to pay your share
File your forms accurately and on time
Negotiate with school or schools, when appropriate
How Our 9 Step Process Works
We made it as simple as possible. You can put in over 200-300 hours of time just with ONE child...that's 6 weeks of full time work or more! Do you have that time to spend going it alone? Ideally, this should be started in the Fall of the Junior year of High School. Here are the 9 Steps in our process:
1: Student Position
The simple question of "where are you at now?"
Career Assessment
School Ranking
Extracurricular
2: Family Position
Known to colleges as the EFC (Expected Family Contribution), this is a preliminary financial modeling process that will go through what you can afford from cash flow and savings.
3: College Selection
Based on the assessment and family contribution, begin to look for the "right fit" college that first matches the academic and social profile of your child. The target list will eventually be 6-10 colleges to apply.
4: Test Preparation
Most likely your child has done PSAT assessments in school, but is it the RIGHT test for them? There are two items here that are important: doing the assessment to pick the right exam and then doing prep work to take the exam.
5: Filing Preparation
This is a VERY IMPORTANT step to complete prior to filing for any aid. Not taking the time and paying attention to detail can cost you thousands of dollars! The process involves going through all that you own and owe and making sure nothing is missed.
6: FAFSA/CSS Filing
There are two primary profiles that may need to be done: the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the CSS or College Scholarship Service Profile (College Board). The big misconception is there is no reason to complete, and that is not always true. Schools use these profiles to determine merit aid for students!
7: Awards & Appeals
This step comes after acceptance and financial award letters are sent. There is a process to appeal to any school on declines or
8: How To Pay
After the acceptance letters are sent, you now have to decide the ONE school that fits...and see how much it will cost you. Do you want to cash flow everything? Do you want to see how to "be your own bank" and retain control of your money until college is complete?
9:The Transition Plan
Now it is time to transition from home to school. This can be a really big change for your child, so having some resources to help you in the process is invaluable for your own peace of mind!
© ProCollege Planners 2023