This is the latest edition of of my book to help families through the arduous college decision making process. It is my legacy to help our future generations to find their their purpose in life.
Making College Happen (Third Edition) is a refreshing publication not just for students but for parents, grandparents, educators, financial professionals, wealthy relatives, and anyone who wants you to succeed. It was written to invite readers to feel like they are attending of my consulting sessions from the start of the process until the student can gain employment. There is no BS other than the Bold Suggestions it offers.
Albert Einstein said, "The value of a college education is not learning many facts but the training of the mind to think." I‘m no Einstein, but I will add that higher education is a foundation for creative thinking and bold ideas required by an evolving society.
I created the acronyms for YES and NO to bring positive energy to readers. YES stands for Your Expected Success, and NO stands for New Opportunities.” Beyond college, these words open other viable avenues for success. They include community colleges, online degrees, the military, state schools, trade schools, entrepreneurship, taking over the family business, or anything else a student may create. Thomas Edison said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. So why worry?
The FAFSA form used to apply for federal financial aid is simply a ticket to enter the competition for financial assistance. There is uncertainty about how much monetary relief it will generate, but realize that many other sources exist to complete the puzzle. Explore savings, federal and private loans, merit-based and other scholarships, Pell Grants, 529 plans, 401(k) and 403(b) borrowing options, equity loans, and encouraging students to work and save.
My career path took me through corporate management and public sector responsibilities. Yet, I felt a void, as I didn’t want others to define my future or stifle creativity. Then, I created Financial Aid Consulting, which is committed to helping future generations benefit from my services. After twenty years, I realized I made the right choice. Here are some of the highlights of Making College Happen (Third Edition. It is honest, sincere, and sprinkled with some fun. Here is a sampling of topics;
Campus tours should be evaluated using the same criteria. My book provides a roadmap to navigate the visit, what to do, what to ask and observe, and with whom to meet. Sadly, many students focus on aesthetics and the social scene without delving into the curriculums and career opportunities offered.
Investment options, loan criteria, and how to calculate net costs over several years are explained, along with examples of evaluating the quality of a financial aid award and whether to appeal it. On the other hand, the neediest families with minimal assets and low income may even be eligible for grants and scholarships.
Loans are not the same. I discuss the differences between governmental and private loans, calculators, repayment options, forgiveness, and questions to ask each lender. I also discuss tax relief and repayment options.
Scholarships are not just awarded—it takes work to get them. This chapter presents creative ideas and resources for earning attainable scholarships that are not commonly published. It also encourages creativity, internet searches, and networking.
Finally, I discuss how to seek employment to put a college education to work successfully. Remember to find your purpose, not just a passion. Be optimistic about new opportunities and the expected success that will happen.
Making College Happen (Third Edition) by Howard Freedman is available on Amazon.com or from local booksellers.
