March, 2015 archive
Spring Surprises 0
The Class of 2021 has seen a year of stiff competition similar to recent years. Once again, the elite colleges rejected 95% of their applicants. They all knew the 6% acceptance rates going in but it is still tough to take rejection. And to hear that everything happens for a reason is not any consolation for those applicants who were Valedictorians with 1600 SAT scores. In any case, where ever you go, keep college a four-year or less experience. The fact is that only 38% of those who enter college this fall will have earned a diploma after four years. In addition, the current pandemic and questions about safety for students are still a concern.
The 60 or so elite colleges have over 90% graduation rates in four years. Yes, it can be that (or less) with most other colleges if you have done (and continue to do) your due diligence. Take responsibility for your education and the advising at your college.
But here are some reasons why that percentage is so shockingly low.
- ALL four-year colleges are considered. Both public and private from the non-competitive to the most competitive. Often large state universities and less competitive private institutions have weaker or overwhelmed advising staffs.
- Students may fall behind on credits earned in their major.
- They change majors more than twice; credits are not transferable.
- Students drop out for academic or affordability reasons.
- Some classes are over enrolled, limited or cutback and students are not able to take the prerequisite courses in their majors in a timely fashion.
When researching each college using the AAA method a student will be better prepared to avoid most of the above scenarios. This includes understanding the data the colleges are required to report on the Common Data Set. If you do not find the CDS on the college website or via the search box, ask admissions for it.
In any case, if the Class of 2017 thought it was competitive getting into college, they will need to consider this. Job prospects for new college graduates are at historic lows, partly caused by financial misfeasance and malfeasance on a global scale. If a recent graduate has some internship or cooperative work experience to show on his or her resume, that will help. But with the economy what it is, the challenges still remain.
The average student loan debt for graduating seniors in 2015 was $28,186. This year, I dare say the average will be at 
least $30,500. Since the 1970’s student loans have increased the cost of college. In fact, that is the primary reason college costs are inordinately high! Need proof? Here it is! We are facing a student and parent loan bubble that will dwarf the mortgage and derivative frauds above.
If loans are a burden, parents and students should not hesitate to call us now. We have a sure-fire plan to show you how to become debt free sooner than you think. It makes no sense in starting off with a job that does not give you the ability to pay basic necessities, provide the comforts and lifestyle you want to have and still meet monthly debt obligations.
In the meantime, for newly minted college graduates… get ready for the toughest job you will have. Start by reading this timely New York Times article How to market yourself.
Good News for the Undergraduate 0
For 29 years I have been encouraging college students to take full advantage of their college’s advising services. (Get your free gift below,) This includes professor mentoring, internships, and the Career Planning Services office. One does not have to look very far to learn that many college graduates are leaving college with student loans and few job prospects much less any related to their chosen major.
Now, with the current challenges stemming from the global pandemic based on a virus strain of the common Coronavirus family from which over 99% of healthy humans are either immune or can recover with proper nutritional care provided by a true healthcare professional who understands the innate power of the human immune system. Pandemics have regularly occurred over the years, remember this one? In any case, it is all that more important that we plan how we will earn a living providing for our families and serving others in our communities where governments have temporarily restricted one’s movements by means of edicts and/or mandates.
Yes, on the surface it may not bode well for the current undergrad. However, there are steps that both the student and the college can take to brighten that outcome. I was very encouraged before colleges went to “remote learning” when I saw the attention given to sophomores at some colleges during the annual ritual of newly minted college freshmen saying goodbye to parents. 
It is encouraging to see more and more colleges taking their role as advisors more proactively. For instance, look at Lafayette College’s website. They are not hesitating to open their books to prospective students with information as to what past graduates have been able to accomplish.
If you are a recent graduate or parent, and considering doing something new, here are two resources I can confidently recommend. They can work with you wherever you call home. 🙂
1. Kim Meninger, MBA, a very intuitive Executive Coach and Career Strategist. Take your first step here.
2. Joanne Meehl Career Services offers terrific tips on her Blog and one on one counseling.
If you are a college student, how much research into the advising and internship options have you done? If little, start to familiarize yourself with the career services office, even if you are a freshman. By the way, one student who took the matter of interning VERY seriously has turned her experience into a business. Meet Lauren Berger, the InternQueen.
Once the freshman year has been successfully navigated and you know what is expected academically, it is now time to really get serious and think about why you are in college.
The passing of Steve Jobs reminded me of his 2005 graduation talk to Stanford graduates. It is without a doubt, one of the finest commencement speeches ever delivered in history! Here is the life-changing message. Think about what he said. For me, it was one of the most insightful and spiritually aware statements of purpose I have ever heard. Let me know what you think?
Speaking of “insightful” if you have done your four (4) insightful self-assessments with us, do not forget they reveal within them a rich resource of career descriptions and academic concentrations that are matched up to your individual natural strengths and innate characteristics that will comprise your personality for your life on this planet we call Earth!
It is literally at your fingertips for years to come. Take advantage of that. If you have not bookmarked the link, I will send you the link. In addition, if you have any questions regarding your choice of major, send me an email ~ help@SmartCollegePlanning.org
Finally, all undergrads (or grads) that complete our undergraduate survey here by July 15, 2023 (in celebration of our 30th Anniversary) my gift to you will be the book The Secret to Getting a Job After College. (Or another one of your choice.) We look forward to hearing how you are doing now and what you plan to do going forward.