The price of gas and college continue to go up, up and up. The cost of
college and university attendance is twice as expensive as eight years
ago. Gas prices may ease, but financial experts are not predicting any
drop in college expenses within the foreseeable future. Congress is
cutting back on loans and government sponsored scholarships. Industry
has also cut back on the amount of scholarship dollars.
We hear a lot of talk about dead beat moms and dads who won't pay child
support even when they can afford it. They run and hide, change their
names and get new social security numbers. Some even cross the border.
Then they get lost in the system, sometimes forever. Expect them to help
with college, forget it! And, as of this year, every college students will
graduate owing an average of $23, 841. In four years the amount is expected
to be well over $30,000.
Do not despair single parent. Whether you have lost your spouse through
sickness, divorce, accident or? You do have options but: do not "put off"
discussing college with your student. Do it now! Find out if he/she has
college on the mind. Is there a particular institution? What are they
interested in studying? They may not know right now. Have they thought
about the reality of college costs? How do they think it will be paid for?
Who will pick up the bill?
What is a single parent, you, supposed to do? What are your
alternatives? First, realize that your child may not be interested in
college right now. But, many students change their minds at the last
minute. In fact, almost 81% of all students, who claim no university
interest, change their minds in their high school senior year. You
cannot afford to take a chance. Don't wait. Have that conversation now!
Start in middle school/junior high talking about the importance of
college. Send away for college literature and leave it in conspicuous
places around the house. Have relatives or friends discuss their
college experiences in front of your child. Take short visits on the
weekend to the college or university in your area. Make sure to visit
the canteen and order a sandwich. Go to the campus bookstore.
Get some souvenirs to take home.
Mention the importance of grades. Encourage the college spirit by
supporting teams in person or on television. Stress the value of college
scholarships in money as well as prestige. Get active. Start
accumulating books, magazine and newspaper articles on scholarships.
And, check out local libraries for scholarsh! ip materials.
Even with government and business cutbacks, there are still billions of
scholarship dollars out there. Your student can win with support and
encouragement. Become a promoter and persuade the whole family to
"CATCH SCHOLARSHIP FEVER." You can do it. Your student can do
it. You know you can, and the financial reward can result in thousands
of dollars.
Remember, the scholarship effort is truly a family affair and everything in
life is a decision. Make the right one today for your scholarship success. My newsletter is full of tips and ideas. No cost. MailTo: signup@ScholarshipDoctor.com ©2006 The Scholarship Doctor, Dale Clifton – All Rights Reserved - Dale is an educational consultant and expert at helping families win college scholarships.To learn more about planning to win scholarships visit: http://ScholarshipDoctor.com |
