News

“If college is not affordable, then by definition it’s not the right college fit!”

I was listening to WNPR recently, the topic was “Who makes the money off of student-loans?”

They reported some commonly known facts, that there are 42 million Federal Student Loans (Stafford Loan) totaling 1.4 trillion dollars, averaging just over $30,000, and a default rate of 25%. They added that the Federal Government makes several billion dollars a year in interest.

Student loans taken out with 3rd party bankers amount to much more than that, but the numbers are not tracked. However, it is known that several 3rd party lenders can make a few hundred million dollars a year in interest from their student loans, all of which are loaned through the parents. Ok, this is life in America in the 21st century, so what’s the problem?

WNPR’s commentator and guest argued the unfairness of the Government to make money on student loans (the Stafford Loan). They argued how wrong it is for private bankers to “live a great life while millions of students are struggling to pay their debt.” They further argued how unfair it is that these debts are not relieved by bankruptcy.

Is that the real problem? I don’t think so.

I did not hear mention that taking on the debt is a personal decision made by student-families who have chosen to take the loans to pay for college. This is a clear choice of the family and they know their responsibility for repayment.

I did not hear mention of the favorable rates and terms provided to student-loan borrowers, such as deferring the payments until six months after college. I am not aware of any other loans, mortgages or auto loans for example, with these terms.

While I am not opposed to the Government nor private bankers from making a profit on loans, a risky proposition at that, I am vehemently opposed to families taking out excessive loans to pay for college.

On average, parents student loan debt is three times that of their child’s debt. Therein lies the problem! If you have to borrow the money for college, then it might not be affordable. Just because a loan is provided doesn’t make it affordable. It’s time for parents to take responsibility in regard to student loans up front, rather than ask for forgiveness after the fact.

CollegeLogic works with families to reduce costs ahead of time and create affordable options along the way. This is how we help you get college right. It is not something to leave to chance later.

Hans
Founder CollegeLogic
Office # 203.470.3704

"We are too busy. We don't have time!"

How often do you hear people say that, or, how often do you say that? Sure, summer gets busy fast and is over too soon. While that might make for good reason to miss things, it also serves as a poor excuse. Now that might strike a nerve...

CollegeLogic students and athletes have busy schedules planned for summer as well. But we work hard to fit in the much-needed college visits. Don't think for a moment that it's too early for your rising-sophomore or rising-junior to be visiting colleges, it's not! 

College visits are your way to connect with the key decision-makers of the college, the people who will decide upon your fate. So ask yourself, when is it too early to meet the people who will decide on your scholarship? Or are you just too busy to do so? 

Here are the most common reasons people miss taking college visits.
 
- They are too busy with everyday life
- They don't think about it until it's too late
- They don't have a college list to work from
- They don't think they need too
- They think it is too early
- They can't miss a day of work, school, or practice
- Although it's important, it's not urgent
- They don't know how or when to do it

"Circumstances will cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal."

You wouldn't leave buying a house to chance, so why leave the college education and experience of your child to chance. Rather, you can form a strategic plan for winning the college game and leave chance to others by visiting CollegeLogic. Or simply send me an email to begin the dialogue.
Hans
Founder CollegeLogic
Office # 203.470.3704

"Do something to distinguish yourself in Admissions. Make a simple introductory video."

Last week we talked about building a relationship with the Admissions Office Counselor by sending an introductory email and making a phone call.

CollegeLogic students add a personal video link into their emails. Doing so is your immediate way to establish yourself as a serious applicant. And it's much easier than you think. All you have to do is follow the 6 steps listed here.

1. Begin with an introduction- Hi, my name is _______, a 20__ grad of _____high school here in ___, __. I have a ___ GPA and SAT/ ACT scores of _____.
2. Follow that with a statement about your vision- When I look ahead to the next 5 years, I see ...
3. Identify the challenges and concerns- With that comes a concern I have for ...
4. Identify the opportunities- But with that come great opportunities for ...
5. Explain your college plan- Therefore, my plan for college is to study a combination of ...
6. Finish with a simple- Thank you.  

This introductory video should last 45 seconds and you can record it using your cell phone. Once you are satisfied with the recording, download it into a YouTube video link for embedding into your emails.

Some people might think a video is just for athletes. That would be a fallacy! It is for everyone who is interested in establishing unique advantages for admissions and scholarships.

Most students find this to be a big challenge. But once you begin, they will find it easier than they thought. 

To form a strategic plan for winning admissions and earning scholarships, visitCollegeLogic and request a free 30 minute college review/ strategy call.

Hans
Founder CollegeLogic
Office # 203.470.3704

"If your college end game goal is to get a top quality job, then here is proof that you don't have to go to graduate school."

50 top paying jobs that don't require a graduate degree.

If getting a job is your goal, then we can help make sure that you align your college studies with desired job interests. It's a definite game-hanger and potential life-saver. 
 
To correlate college studies with job opportunities, visit CollegeLogic and request a free 30 minute college review/ strategy call.