Parent Talk for the College Bound Teen

What’s a good school for…?

choosing a college college

What’s a good school for…?

I hear this asked in many groups especially when it comes to engineering, computer science, and other tech industry degrees.

You’ll get a LOT of suggestions, usually names of schools that people have heard of and probably a “ranked” school. But the truth is, “almost” ANY college or university will be great for these. Seriously.

When evaluating a college for a particular degree program you should ask a couple of questions first.:

- 1) What industry does your teen want to work in after college?

- 2) Are companies in that industry actively recruiting from that school?

- 3) What is the entry-level salary of graduates of your program?

Here’s why this is important. In certain industries, (all engineering, all tech, etc) your teen’s “lifetime” earnings will be set by their entry-level salary.

(I’ve talked with enough high-level...

Ivy Day: Why You Shouldn't Care

choosing a college college college acceptance college admissions college rankings ivy ivy day

This year, Ivy League schools chose April 6th 2021 as the date they announce their regular decision acceptances, otherwise known as Ivy Day. (Turn on the waterworks 'cuz here comes a flood of tears.) An average of 90% to 97% of applicants will be rejected. Even fewer this year than last due to many students taking a gap year in 2020 due to covid restrictions. But here's the truth.:

It doesn't matter, not one iota, where the degree comes from.

We've been fed a lie and a lot of marketing hype. And I can prove it.

It may seem strange for someone in my position to dismiss Ivy schools, after all didn't we have a huge scandal with parents, teachers, and counselors cheating to get their kids into these "top-twenty" schools? So it must be important, right?

First, let me assure you, I've done the research. Those who know me, know that I will research to the death, to be absolutely certain, before I state anything. The research, and not just mine (Google Dale &...

Exploring colleges without visiting them

choosing a college college fairs college tours visiting college

So we are still kind of stuck with social distancing and such. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on exploring potential colleges. (NOTE: There are some colleges that are open to in person visitation.)

Let's start with 'who' and 'when' you should begin looking at colleges and narrowing the college list. It's perfectly fine for high school freshmen, sophomores and even earlier to begin getting a feel for the type of college they may want to attend. Parents should also be involved in the process since there will be money involved at some point. Plus, as a parent your teen is trusting you to advise, even if they seem to not want it. For in person fairs and tours parents should attend with their teen, but once your teen is a high school junior it is best to 'take a back seat' and do more listening that talking.

There are several virtual college fairs taking place this spring. Most will have several hundred colleges participating. (Keeping in mind there are...

What’s a good school for…?

Ivy Day: Why You Shouldn't Care

Exploring colleges without visiting them

Do You Know What Scholarship Judges Are Looking For?

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