Tag: Hidden

The Hidden Crisis in College Planning
Millions of students and families are caught in a middle-class crunch for affording college.

Approximately 7-8 million families with school-age children are in the middle-income bracket ($60,000-$200,000). That’s not just a statistic—it’s a massive segment of your potential student population caught in a precarious position.

According to recent Census data, these families make up about 40% of all U.S. households, with 39% of family households including children under 18. They’re too “wealthy” for significant financial aid but not wealthy enough to write a check without breaking a sweat. Understanding this demographic isn’t just important—it’s crucial for the future of higher education.

Data from the 2024 Prospective Family Engagement Report from RNL and CampusESP reveals critical insights about this demographic that could reshape how we approach recruitment, financial aid packaging, and communication strategies.

The data that should change your strategy

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. Among middle-income families:
- 71% report loan concerns actively impacting college selection.
- 69% eliminate institutions based on sticker price before engaging.
- 60% find financing “difficult” or “very difficult.”
- 87% rank financial aid among their top five decision factors.
For enrollment managers, these statistics represent more than just data points—they signal significant leakage in our recruitment funnels before we even have a chance to present our value proposition.

Decision drivers: Reframing our approach

The research reveals three primary decision factors for middle-income families:
- Final cost after aid (71%)
- Academic program availability (66%)
- Academic scholarships (51%)
For those of us in enrollment management, this hierarchy suggests we must lead with net price messaging earlier in the funnel rather than waiting for admitted student communications.

Communication channels: What’s actually working

Here’s where we need to check our assumptions. While many institutions are investing heavily in custom apps and elaborate communication plans, the data shows:
- 88% prefer email communication.
- 31% would use a parent/family portal.
- 30% are open to text messages.
- Only 7% would use institution-specific apps.
Translation? We might be overcomplicating our outreach strategies and underutilizing our most effective channel.

Campus visit insights for admissions teams

Despite our digital transformation efforts, traditional visit experiences still dominate:
- 68% participate in guided group tours.
- 40% opt for guided individual tours.
- 46% conduct self-guided tours.
- 37% engage with virtual tours.
This suggests we must reimagine our visit programs to integrate financial conversations earlier in the campus experience, not just at admitted student events.
2024 Prospective Family Engagement Report

The 2024 Prospective Family Engagement Report dives into the experiences, expectations, and challenges of families during the college planning process. RNL, CampusESP, and Ardeo surveyed more than 11,000 families of prospective college students about:

College planning: How many families consider out-of-state institutions? What are their college planning experiences? Do they value and participate in campus visits?

Communicating with institutions: Which channels to families prefer? How often do they want to hear from you? Which college planning topics do they value the most?

College financing plans: How many families expect paying for college to be difficult? How many plan to borrow? Do they think college is a worthwhile investment?

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Five strategic imperatives for enrollment leaders

1. Revolutionize financial transparency
- Move EFC conversations earlier in the recruitment cycle.
- Implement targeted financial planning workshops.
2. Optimize communication flow
- Leverage the strong preference for email with segmented campaigns.
- Develop parent portals that prioritize financial planning tools.
- Create clear timelines for aid and scholarship processes.
- Integrate financial counseling throughout the admission funnel.
3. Transform campus visits
- Embed financial aid counselors in regular tour programs.
- Design value proposition messaging for tour guides.
- Create flexible scheduling for working parents.
- Include aid discussions in standard visit protocols.
4. Strengthen value messaging
- Focus on ROI metrics that resonate with middle-income families.
- Showcase relevant alumni success stories.
- Highlight internship-to-career pathways.
- Emphasize four-year graduation rates’ impact on total cost.
5. Reimagine merit strategy
- Expand mid-range merit band opportunities.
- Develop clear scholarship retention criteria.
- Create post-enrollment scholarship opportunities.
- Consider guaranteed merit aid programs.
The AI opportunity: Next-generation enrollment tools

1. AI financial planning assistant

Implement systems that:
- Generate dynamic cost projections.
- Automate scholarship matching.
- Model various enrollment scenarios.
- Provide proactive deadline management.
- Adapt to changing family circumstances.
2. Smart visit management

Deploy tools that:
- Create personalized visit experiences.
- Coordinate key stakeholder meetings.
- Offer virtual preview capabilities.
- Optimize multi-college visit planning.
- Align visits with aid events.
3. Financial aid navigation system

Develop platforms that:
- Provide 24/7 form completion support.
- Flag application enhancement opportunities.
- Compare aid packages systematically.
- Project career-based loan scenarios.
- Identify special circumstances early.
Moving forward: Implementation priorities

The data presents clear imperatives for enrollment management teams:
1. Restructure communication flows: Lead with affordability messaging earlier in the funnel.
2. Integrate technology thoughtfully: Focus on high-impact tools that address specific pain points.
3. Realign resources: Ensure financial aid counseling is embedded throughout the recruitment process.
Success in serving middle-income families isn’t just about having the right aid packages—it’s about creating transparent pathways to enrollment that address financial concerns proactively rather than reactively.

For enrollment managers, this means rethinking how we allocate resources, structure our communication flows, and leverage technology to support our goals. The institutions that will thrive in this environment won’t necessarily be those with the largest aid budgets but those that best understand and address the unique needs of middle-income families throughout the enrollment journey.

Creating clear pathways for middle-income families

Let’s put this in perspective: with 7-8 million families with school-age children in the middle-income bracket and 77% believing college is worth the investment, we’re looking at millions of families who need our help to make higher education work for them. The old system of navigating college planning isn’t cutting it anymore.

The good news? Colleges are starting to get it. The best institutions create clear pathways for these middle-income families, combining high-tech tools with high-touch personal support. Considering that these families represent about 40% of all U.S. households, it becomes clear that serving this demographic isn’t just an option—it’s an imperative for institutional sustainability.

What your institution can do right now
1. Develop targeted financial planning tools for this specific demographic.
2. Create communication strategies that address middle-income concerns directly.
3. Redesign campus visits to include meaningful financial conversations.
4. Invest in AI tools that can help these families navigate the complexity.
Remember: These families aren’t just looking for a college—they’re looking for a partner in making college affordable. The right approach isn’t necessarily about having the lowest sticker price or the biggest name. It’s about understanding and actively helping this crucial demographic bridge the gap between sticker price and reality. The college planning maze might be complex, but with these insights and tools, your institution can lead in serving this vital segment of American families. The future of higher education may well depend on how effectively we serve these 7-8 million families caught in the middle.

Engage families throughout the college planning process

Parents and family members can be your biggest enrollment champions. They are the number-one influencers for prospective students. That’s why RNL Student Search to Enrollment makes parent engagement a major part of search campaigns.

Ask for a for a free walkthrough and see how you can engage students and parents at every stage of the enrollment journey.

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February 21, 2025
The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights (Dylan C. Penningroth)

From the Stanford Humanities Center:

As part of our online Inside the Center series, Dylan C. Penningroth, a 2013–14 SHC fellow, discusses his latest book, “Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights.” Joining him in conversation is historian and Stanford professor James T. Campbell. Through an empirically rich historical investigation into the changing meaning of civil rights, “Before the Movement” seeks to change the way we think about Black history itself. Weaving together a variety of sources—from state and federal appellate courts to long-forgotten documents found in county courthouse basements, from family interviews to church records—the book tries to reveal how African Americans thought about, talked about, and used the law long before the marches of the 1960s. In a world that denied their constitutional rights, Black people built lives for themselves through common law “rights of everyday use.”

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February 1, 2025
101 Hidden Talents Examples (2024)

A hidden talent is a skill or ability that you might have that isn’t known to many people, perhaps not even family or friends.

It’s often something people don’t expect from you because you haven’t had the opportunity to reveal it. As a result, your hidden talent might surprise people around you!

Hidden talents can range from artistic abilities to technical skills, or even unique problem-solving approaches that haven’t been shared with others. Don’t underestimate yourself – think about the things you’re good at, which you might not get credit for yet! Let’s explore some examples.

Hidden Talents Examples

1. Pattern Recognition

Many people have a knack for spotting patterns in data, behaviors, or their surroundings without realizing it. This talent allows individuals to quickly identify trends, solve problems, or predict outcomes. People with this ability often excel in fields like data analysis, art, or even storytelling, where seeing connections is key.

2. Empathic Listening

Some individuals are naturally good at understanding not just what someone is saying but also the emotions behind it. This goes beyond active listening—it’s about picking up on subtle cues like tone, body language, and unspoken emotions. Empathic listeners make others feel heard and validated, often becoming the go-to person for advice.

3. Intuitive Problem-Solving

Some people solve problems instinctively without knowing the formal processes behind it. They can think on their feet, using creativity and common sense to fix issues quickly. This talent often emerges in situations where there’s no clear solution, and their gut feeling leads them to the right answer.

4. Spatial Awareness

The ability to visualize how objects or shapes will fit into a space is a rare but valuable skill. It can be applied to fields like interior design, architecture, or even packing a car. People with strong spatial awareness can mentally manipulate objects and foresee how they’ll function in a given area.

5. Storytelling

Not everyone realizes they have the ability to capture an audience’s attention with a story, but this hidden talent is more common than we think. It’s not just about telling a tale; it’s about structuring information in a way that’s engaging, whether in writing, speech, or visuals.

6. Emotional Regulation

Some people have a natural ability to remain calm in stressful situations, managing their emotions effectively without suppressing them. This talent allows them to navigate difficult circumstances without becoming overwhelmed, making them great leaders, mediators, or caregivers.

7. Networking Without Effort

While many struggle with networking, some people effortlessly build connections wherever they go. This talent isn’t just about being extroverted—it’s about creating meaningful interactions and making people feel comfortable. These individuals excel in collaborative environments, even if they don’t realize the strength of their interpersonal skills.

Hidden Talents of Women

1. Multitasking

Many women are naturally adept at juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, from work tasks to managing household duties, social commitments, and family care. This ability to balance various roles often goes unnoticed because it’s seen as part of the routine, but it’s a significant hidden talent that requires focus and organization.

Learn more about multitasking here

2. Emotional Intelligence

Women often possess strong emotional intelligence, being highly attuned to the emotions of others and navigating social interactions with empathy. This ability allows them to manage relationships effectively, diffuse conflicts, and offer emotional support, making them excellent friends, partners, and leaders.

3. Community Building

Women frequently excel in fostering community and bringing people together. Whether it’s organizing social groups, advocating for local causes, or building strong support networks, women have a hidden talent for connecting individuals and cultivating a sense of belonging and solidarity.

4. Adaptability

Women often demonstrate a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether it’s shifting between personal and professional roles or responding to unexpected life challenges. This hidden talent allows them to remain resilient and flexible, making them effective problem-solvers in dynamic environments.

5. Non-Verbal Communication

Many women have a keen sense of non-verbal communication, such as reading body language, facial expressions, and tone. This skill often gives them an intuitive understanding of what others are feeling or thinking without explicit communication, which can be particularly useful in navigating social and professional situations.

See more: Non-verbal Communication Examples

6. Detail-Oriented Organization

Women often have an eye for detail, whether in managing tasks, organizing events, or handling complex projects. This hidden talent ensures that things run smoothly, even when juggling a lot of moving parts. Their attention to detail ensures nothing is overlooked, which can be vital in both personal and professional life.

7. Conflict Mediation

Women often excel at mediating conflicts, whether between friends, family members, or colleagues. Their talent for empathizing with multiple perspectives and finding common ground allows them to diffuse tense situations and encourage constructive dialogue, often without drawing attention to their role in resolving issues.

Hidden Talents for Students

1. Time Management

Many students develop a hidden talent for managing their time effectively, balancing school, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social life. Even if they feel overwhelmed, their ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines is a valuable skill that often goes unnoticed.

2. Adaptability to New Technologies

Students today have a natural talent for quickly adapting to new technologies and digital platforms. Whether it’s learning new software, utilizing online tools for schoolwork, or staying connected through social media, their tech-savviness allows them to navigate digital environments effortlessly.

3. Peer Support

Many students have a hidden talent for providing emotional and academic support to their peers. Whether it’s tutoring a friend, offering advice, or simply being a good listener, students often build strong support networks without realizing the importance of their role in others’ success.

4. Creative Problem-Solving

Students frequently use creative problem-solving skills in projects, group work, or personal challenges. Whether it’s figuring out how to study more efficiently or finding innovative ways to complete assignments, their ability to think outside the box often goes unnoticed.

5. Self-Motivation

Many students develop the ability to self-motivate, pushing themselves to achieve goals without external pressure. This hidden talent comes into play when studying for exams, completing assignments, or pursuing personal projects, even when faced with distractions or fatigue.

6. Collaboration

Working in group projects, sports teams, or clubs, students often hone their ability to collaborate with others. This hidden talent helps them navigate different personalities and work styles, improving their communication and teamwork skills without being explicitly recognized.

7. Resilience

The ability to bounce back from failures or setbacks is a hidden talent that many students possess. Whether it’s dealing with a tough exam, rejection from a club, or personal challenges, their resilience helps them keep going and adapt to difficult situations. This quality is often overlooked but is crucial for long-term success.

Famous People’s Unusual Talents

1. Steve Jobs – Calligraphy

Before he became a tech icon, Steve Jobs took a calligraphy course in college, which he credited for influencing the aesthetic sense behind Apple’s typography and design. His hidden talent in understanding typefaces and design helped Apple stand out with sleek and user-friendly interfaces, from the early Mac computers to the iPhone.

2. Angelina Jolie – Knife Throwing

Angelina Jolie, known for her acting and humanitarian work, has a hidden talent for knife throwing. She developed this skill while training for action roles and has mentioned it in interviews, even showcasing it in some of her films. This surprising ability adds to her persona as someone who can embody fierce, action-packed roles effortlessly.

3. Neil deGrasse Tyson – Ballroom Dancing

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is well-known for making science accessible to the public, but his hidden talent is ballroom dancing. In college, he was a competitive dancer, excelling in multiple styles, including Latin and standard ballroom. His agility and rhythm on the dance floor contrast with his intellectual image.

4. Margaret Thatcher – Chemistry

The “Iron Lady” of British politics, Margaret Thatcher, had a background in chemistry. Before becoming the UK’s Prime Minister, she worked as a research chemist, contributing to the development of soft-serve ice cream. Her hidden talent in science was largely overshadowed by her political career, but it reveals a sharp analytical mind.

5. Harrison Ford – Carpentry

Before landing his role as Han Solo in Star Wars, Harrison Ford was a skilled carpenter. His hidden talent for woodworking led him to build furniture for famous directors and actors, which indirectly helped him network in Hollywood. His craftsmanship reflects his practical and hands-on nature outside of acting.

6. Bob Dylan – Iron Sculpting

Aside from his iconic music career, Bob Dylan has a hidden talent for sculpting with iron. He’s an accomplished metalworker and has showcased his sculptures in exhibitions. This talent allows him to express his creativity in a different medium, showing another side of his artistic persona.

7. Serena Williams – Nail Art

Tennis star Serena Williams has a lesser-known passion for nail art. She is a certified nail technician and has expressed her love for doing nails as a way to unwind. Her hidden talent showcases her meticulous attention to detail, which likely mirrors the focus and precision she brings to the tennis court.

The Full List of 101 Hidden Talents

Conclusion

Your hidden skill is yours and yours alone! It can be anything at all, but remember, be proud of your unique and deep down hidden abilities that others might not know about. Pick your moment to reveal it in a way that might surprise and delight your friends! For more about talents, read my full guide on what is a talent?

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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August 23, 2024