College Decision Day, May 1st, is almost here!
It's time to review those college/university acceptance letters and decide where you'd like to spend your next four years.
Are you comparing best offers? Be sure that you're comparing apples to apples. How do you do that? Review your financing such as loans and other funding sources as well as additional options for paying that the school might offer - such as a monthly payment plan.
Once you decide on a school, send in your deposit and accept your aid package.
Students and their families who have been working with PCCI throughout the college application and admission process automatically receive insight and guidance on how to evaluate the different aid proposals before committing to a school.
Didn't Plan Ahead?
Your financial aid package is already set, but what should you do if you still can't afford it? Can you get more merit aid? How can you get more money? For those who haven't planned ahead, PCCI offers a one-hour, one-time financial consult session for a fee. Email me directly at
nod@personalcollegecounseling.com to make arrangements.
College Trends
One of the latest trends we're seeing? Big schools with financial issues. That's a red flag. It's very concerning because it often means cuts to staff or programming. We've heard about financial issues at University of New Hampshire (which recently laid off 75 staff) as well as financial issues at Penn State, University of Connecticut and University of Arizona. What steps are they taking to reduce operating expenses? What programs will be eliminated?
Another alarming trend is tuition hikes. A recent article in The Boston Globe highlights the rising cost of New England's private universities. Some will top $90,000 a year. Read the article.
SAT Reinstatement
Just when students were looking forward to not having to take the SATs...We're starting to see SAT optional schools revert back to testing. MIT, Harvard and UMass Amherst are indicating that they are going in that direction and we expect it to continue.
Whether you're a Freshman or Sophomore trying to get on track for college or you're just getting started with the college application process - PCCI can help.
We target schools that best fit a student’s abilities, interests, finances, and family circumstances so that students maximize their chances of receiving need and/or merit based aid.
To arrange a complimentary consultation, simply email me or call 508-622-5250.
Best regards,
Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq.
