Texas College Planning: Myths about College

Is it ever too early to start thinking about your children attending college?  Probably not, and after speaking with an Independent Educational Consultant last week, I realized that reality will be hitting our family soon. And before last week, I didn’t even know what an Independent Educational Consultant was.

Applying for colleges these days can be overwhelming, often there are so many steps that get overlooked or forgotten.  There are people who know the process of applying to college and how to pay for it – and know it very well – beyond what a typical guidance counselor can provide. If you knew that someone could walk you through everything from assessing where the best college fit may be to course mapping for High School in preparation for applying to college, why wouldn’t you want their help?

In the conversation I had with Erin Oehler from Texas College Planning, I learned several things that actually made me feel a bit better about sending my children to school – and being able to afford it.  Erin  and her partner, Robyn Thorn work hard to help your children choose and get into their perfect school with Texas College Planning.  Erin is an Independent Education Consultant – who helps you deal with the admission side of the college planning process.  Robyn is a Certified College Planner – she deals with the financial side. Together, they make the perfect team!

While speaking with Erin, she mentioned a few common myths that parents think about applying to college and I asked her to share them with you.

Myth #1:
There’s no way we can afford to send our child to a private or out-of-state school.

Truth:
The most important part of college planning is finding the right fit school for the student. If the right fit happens to be a private or out-of-state college, don’t assume you can’t afford it. In fact, you might have a better chance of receiving aid from a private school. Private colleges often offer more financial aid to attract students from every income level. Higher college expenses also mean a better chance of demonstrating financial need.

Myth #2:
I have to take both the ACT and the SAT to increase my chances of being accepted into college.

Truth:
As more colleges are going test-optional, the importance of the ACT and SAT in admissions decisions is shrinking.  Admissions officers at colleges that require an ACT or SAT score want to see that you took just one of the tests, which will become one of many measurements of your readiness for college-level work. Taking both tests does not indicate to the admissions officer that you are more college-ready than other students who are applying, nor will it put your application at the top of the pile, so to speak.

Myth #3:
We’re counting on our child getting an athletic scholarship to pay for college.

Truth:
Athletic scholarships are not provided by the mere fact that a student happens to also be an athlete.  Even gifted athletes are not guaranteed athletic scholarships.  In the event your child gets an athletic scholarship, there should still be a Plan B.  No one likes to think about it, but in the event your student gets hurt or has difficulty balancing academics and athletics and can no longer play, these are realities that must be considered.  Athletic scholarships should be viewed as the gravy, not the steak.