The top 5 things every college-bound student should know that their guidance counselors may not be telling them.
High school guidance counselors nationwide are often working with more students than they can handle. Is your student missing out on crucial information that could unlock the door to their future?
A recent article in U.S. News & World Report highlighted a statistic that many high school students, college students and recent grads have known for quite some time: guidance counselors are just not making the grade when it comes to helping students navigate the career and college application process.
Kyle Shelley, Founder of All In Education
Katy Lander, co-founder of All In Education
The statistic comes from a study done earlier this year by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Of 614 people polled (between the ages of 22-30), 48% of them said their counselors saw them as “just another face in the crowd.” The study also found that students who are poorly counseled in high school are more likely to delay college and make poor higher education choices.
Kyle Shelley and Katy Lander are all too familiar with this reality, which is why they founded All In Education, a Newport Beach, California based company offering workshops and coaching for families. “We help them not only identify the colleges that would be best for their students, but also help them secure free money to pay for college,” said Lander. All In Education also gives students strategies that will help them complete their degrees in less than the typical 4 ½ years.
“It’s not the guidance counselor’s fault that they don’t have the time to really focus on counseling,” said Shelley, recognizing that budget cuts, paper work and heavy caseloads are likely the culprits. “Choosing a college is just too important of a decision to make without the best information possible,” he added.
Shelley and Lander have worked with students throughout California and Colorado. They say there are 5 things that every student should know that their guidance counselors may not be telling them:
1.) At most colleges and universities, students can get a significant amount of their class credits without ever taking the class; saving both time and expensive tuition dollars.
2.) Many companies still offer tuition reimbursement. By working part-time at these companies, students not only build their resumes and great professional relationships, but they can get thousands of dollars to pay for college.
3.) A good credit score starts in college and is a must IF you want to make more money and be eligible for the best jobs once you graduate. That’s why, despite conventional wisdom, it is okay to have a credit card in college!
4.) Scholarships aren’t only for the bright and athletic. There are literally millions of dollars that anyone – regardless of income or ethnicity – can tap into.
5.) Simply filling out an application to a college is not always enough. Students must use other “soft skills” to gain the advantage. There is a right and wrong way to apply for college. Knowing the difference can get you into the school of your dreams and the money you need to pay for it.
Although the college selection and application process can cause anxiety for some families, Shelley and Lander say it doesn’t have to. They share personal experience and proven strategies with the families and schools they work with. “I’ve been able to secure $80,000 in free money for my own college education,” said Lander.
Despite the economic downturn, Shelley and Lander believe that pursuing higher education is a must for all high school students nationwide. “Families with college-qualified students who have the desire to attend college should never see a lack of money, guidance or information as a barrier,” Shelley said.
To connect with Kyle and Katy, visit http://www.AllInEducation.com or send an email to media@momentum-media.tv
