Category: Our Blog

  • Ways to optimize college for real world experience

    Ways to optimize college for real world experience

    “Top Ways To Optimize College Education For

    The Real World Work Environment”

    There’s a tremendous amount of work—and sustained effort—that goes into guiding a high school student through graduation and into a great college or university. But once they arrive on campus at their dream school, students quickly learn that a whole new set of exciting (and often challenging) expectations awaits them.

    One of the most important things we do as advisors is help families optimize their efforts—not just in high school, but throughout the college years as well. Preparing for a successful college experience and a rewarding career takes more than financial planning. It requires strategy, self-awareness, and an understanding of what truly matters over the next four years.

    Because here’s the reality: getting into college is a big achievement, but it doesn’t mean much if a student becomes part of the roughly 32% of college freshmen who never complete their bachelor’s degree. And even among those who do graduate, many enter the workforce without the skills, direction, or experiences that make them competitive job candidates.

    With this in mind, this month’s newsletter highlights several key steps students can take to make their college years meaningful preparation for life after graduation. Students who use these strategies early and intentionally can avoid the frustration far too many new graduates face—earning a diploma but struggling to find a rewarding job.

    After reviewing this month’s newsletter, if you have questions about helping your student prepare for college—and everything that comes after—please reach out. We’re here to support both the academic and the financial pieces of the journey, and our guidance can strengthen your family’s planning for the exciting years ahead.

    1) Begin With the End in Mind

    Some students start college with a clear career path. Many do not. Both situations are perfectly normal—but students without a firm plan should use the early college years to explore interests, build strong academic habits, and open doors for future opportunities.

    A smart first step is front-loading required courses. Knocking out general education classes early gives students more flexibility later—exactly when internships, major coursework, and professional opportunities start to emerge. It also helps them adjust to the academic rigor of college without the added pressure of advanced major-specific classes.

    Students who enter college knowing their intended career path can benefit from the same approach. General education courses are unavoidable, but careful planning—often with the help of an advisor—can reveal classes that count toward both major and core requirements. This streamlines the path to graduation and keeps future options wide open.

    2) Work With Good Academic Advisors

    A good academic advisor is worth their weight in gold. Many colleges assign advisors simply by last name or department availability. While these advisors can help students understand which classes meet which requirements (and that’s important!), they aren’t always the best resource for career-specific guidance.

    Most campuses also have specialty advising offices for competitive career tracks like medicine, law, engineering, or business. These advisors understand the nuances of graduate school applications, interviews, and prerequisite planning.

    Outside of campus, professionals in a student’s field of interest can offer invaluable real-world insight. A strong advisor—whether found inside or outside the university—helps students understand not just what to study, but why it matters for their long-term goals.

    The bottom line: students should actively seek accurate, timely, and career-aligned advice—not just settle for the first advisor they’re assigned.

    3) Don’t Ignore the Value of a Minor

    Majors get most of the attention, but minors can be incredibly useful. They require fewer courses, yet they still add depth and versatility to a student’s academic profile.

    A minor can:

    • highlight a secondary area of interest

    • demonstrate broader skills

    • add practical abilities (like a second language or computer programming)

    • naturally emerge from completing certain prerequisites

    For example, many pre-med students accidentally complete a chemistry minor simply by taking the courses required for medical school applications.

    Minors also look great on résumés. They show commitment, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to explore beyond the basics.

    4) Diversify Your Options

    We always encourage students to work hard toward their goals—but to stay open-minded, too. Success rarely follows a straight line. Career paths evolve, interests shift, and opportunities arise in unexpected places.

    Students who diversify their plans—by exploring different fields, staying curious, and being open to new experiences—often discover opportunities they never knew existed. Flexibility, paired with ambition, is a powerful combination.

    Encourage your student to aim high, stay engaged, and keep their eyes open. College is a time of tremendous discovery, and the students who embrace that mindset often enjoy the most rewarding outcomes.

    Until next month,

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  • Benefits of staying motivated for college while still in high school

    Benefits of staying motivated for college while still in high school

    Staying Focused on College Goals: Strategies for Gifted and Driven Students

    Even the most gifted and talented students can occasionally be tempted to “drift” during the school year. In fact, bright students may be even more susceptible to losing focus when they lack sufficient academic challenge or stimulation. For this reason, it’s important for both parents and students to stay mindful of effective ways to remain focused on long-term goals—even when others may lose their way temporarily or, unfortunately, more permanently.

    Every school year brings its share of ups and downs, but the students who maintain consistent focus and motivation throughout high school are typically those who find themselves in the strongest position when it comes time to graduate and move on to the next stage of life.

    Fortunately, there are a number of proven strategies that can help students stay on track with their college preparation goals. Identifying which approaches work best for your student can pay major dividends throughout the high school experience.

    In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing some of the top tips for helping students keep their eye on the “college ball” during their preparatory years. If you have specific questions—or would like more personalized guidance—please don’t hesitate to contact us. As college funding professionals and application experts, we are uniquely equipped to provide the details, planning, and strategies that can make a lasting difference for your family’s college journey.

    Tip 1: Focus on Specifics

    The details matter—and they’re different for everyone. Each student has unique strengths and weaknesses. For instance, one student might struggle to keep track of notes or materials from a particular class. A simple, specific strategy could be to organize and store all materials immediately after class. This small, targeted action eliminates the problem of misplaced notes.

    Another common challenge is procrastination—something almost all students face. Attaching specific actions to goals can help combat this tendency. For example, setting a rule to finish homework before engaging in social activities builds discipline, focus, and confidence when followed consistently.

    Tip 2: Stay Positive

    Attitude plays a major role in academic success. As Charles R. Swindoll wisely said, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” High school is full of challenges—whether it’s a difficult class, a tough teacher, or even illness—but how students respond to these obstacles can determine their ultimate success.

    Staying positive doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties; it means looking for the silver lining and learning from every experience. Maintaining an optimistic mindset helps students avoid getting bogged down by negativity that can drain motivation and focus.

    Tip 3: Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize!

    When faced with multiple tasks, most people instinctively tackle the easiest one first—but that isn’t always the smartest move. True prioritization means identifying which tasks matter most in relation to long-term goals.

    Easier classes might not require immediate attention, while more challenging subjects may need to come first. Taking time to evaluate which areas demand the most focus allows students to allocate their effort wisely and stay on course toward academic success.

    Tip 4: Swallow Pride—Ask for Help When Needed

    Admitting the need for help can be difficult, but it’s also a sign of maturity and self-awareness. When challenges arise, it’s crucial to seek assistance early before falling too far behind.

    Whether it’s asking a teacher for clarification, finding a tutor, or reaching out to peers for support, even small amounts of extra help can make a big difference in staying motivated and on track.

    Tip 5: Set SMART Goals

    Goal-setting is one of the most effective ways to stay motivated. A simple but powerful framework is to set SMART goals—those that are:

    • Specific – Clearly define what you want to accomplish.

    • Measurable – Track progress with concrete milestones.

    • Attainable – Set goals that are challenging but realistic.

    • Relevant – Focus on goals that directly support academic and personal success.

    • Timely – Establish deadlines to maintain accountability.

    For example, instead of vaguely resolving to “get better at math,” a SMART goal might be: “Raise my algebra grade from a B to an A by the end of the semester through weekly review sessions and regular practice.”

    Writing down goals, creating timelines, and revisiting them regularly keeps students on a clear and measurable path to achievement.

    Tip 6: Take Time to Reassess

    Even the best-laid plans encounter obstacles. That’s why it’s essential to periodically review goals and strategies to see what’s working—and what’s not.

    Regular reassessment allows for course corrections before small setbacks turn into major roadblocks. Adjusting plans as needed isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a smart, proactive approach that helps ensure steady progress toward success.

    Remember, assessment isn’t just a beginning-and-end exercise—it’s an ongoing process throughout the high school years, and one of the most powerful tools for long-term achievement.

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