There was an interesting article on CNN.com yesterday that spoke of the effectiveness of a college education in the U.S. In the article you read how “time” is how we measure a secondary education. To get a Bachelor’s degree, you need 180 semester credit hours. But is measuring credits enough to grant someone a degree of mastery? If a student needs a specific number of credit hours, no matter his/her professional or academic background, are the credit units enough?   Give it a read!   http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/30/opinions/laitinen-credit-hour/

Last year Kwasi Enin was accepted to every college where he applied (including all 8 Ivy League schools). For the first time he has allowed the press to publish his college admissions essay. Business Insider shared it in this article today.   ENJOY!

It is that time of year when your senior/ transfer students is learning where he or she got in to college. It can be very exciting and very stressful. That’s why I wanted to put together this list of things to consider when comparing admissions offers.   1.) How is the school ranked for your child’s major? For most, we go to college with a goal in mind: a career. We want to get add another level of education to our resume in order to find our place in the world, post school. That said, look to see how your child’s future college ties in with his or her career goals. If your child’s major at a potential school is renowned for that major and…

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      There is a lot going on with college admissions right now. Many families are receiving their acceptances and their financial aid awards. It can be stressful hearing where your child got into college, how much financial aid he or she will receive, when you must decide, etc. For others, they’re figuring out what schools to apply to for college, how to strategically save, how to secure financial aid, etc. It can be overwhelming.   So let’s forgo that for now and take some time to laugh! Mental wellness is important and will only help you with wherever you are in the college admissions realm. College Planning Experts encourages you to stay calm and to check out this video of a baby elephant…

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Did you see our advertorial in the Daily News on Monday? If not… you really should check IT out.   We are offering a unique opportunity in the community. Tomorrow, March 26th, we will be hosting a College Admissions Panel for freshmen and transfer students at the Porter Ranch Library. We will have representatives from Ohio State, Purdue, and Pepperdine available to answer your burning questions. If you want the chance to get face time with people who work at your dream school, you don’t want to miss out.   Registration is required and we only have a few seats left. Act fast!  

USA Today came out with a list of the top 10 colleges where you can study health professions. I am often asked about top schools by major, so I thought I’d share this piece with you. If you’re interested in pre-med programs or the health field in general, this is a good read. http://college.usatoday.com/2015/03/24/best-u-s-colleges-for-studying-health-professions/

A book recently published is written by Kevin Carey. In this book Carey describes the ills of college in this country and how the business model structure needs reform.   InsideHigherEd.com published an interesting article about the controversy this book has caused. In the article they interview Carey and get in-depth on his opinions. I recommend reading it. It gives us all something to think about… 🙂

I read a great article in USA Today about the Hidden Costs of College. It is true that many families only consider tuition, room & board, food, and books in their college costs equation. But there is more. Taking standardized tests carries a fee, every college application has a fee, many financial aid forms at private schools carry a fee… You need to be prepared.   Read along and get your brain turning. As we say at College Planning Experts, you’ve got to start planning early! Not only will it help your student with the admissions process, but it will also ensure you have a plan to finance your college costs.

The New York Times had this earlier in the week, and I had to share. At this time of year, so many families are worried about where their children will end up for college. They are fearful that their college dreams could be crushed. This article is great because it negates some of those fears. At College Planning Experts we always advise on finding the right “fit” for school. These students had their hopes high on specific name brand schools, but they found their different happiness(es) elsewhere. And imagine this. They’re successful! Give it a read. I am sure you’ll enjoy it!

Do you think all celebrities who go to college major in drama? You’d be wrong… I stumbled upon this article in the Huffington Post and had to share it. Enjoy!