Finding the Right College & Career

Planning for the future is challenging for anyone - especially for young people. They are already experiencing so much uncertainty in their lives, and then we ask them to choose from over 3000 colleges and universities and from thousands of careers.  On top of that, add all of the media coverage on the rising cost of higher education and increasing difficulty getting into college, and it's completely understandable that thinking about life after high school results in student anxiety, family friction, and, sometimes, in giving up.  Help is out there. 

• Start with your high school counselor.  School counselors are a vital part of the college process and an excellent resource. Even if you use an outside counselor, you will still need the school counselor's help with part of the application process. Some schools may even have a dedicated college counselor.  Use them. They want to help you.

• Use resources on the web.  I have listed some of my favorite websites for you to get started.  Focus your attention on a few sites.  There is so much information out there, but the best source (once you've done some college searches) is the college or university's own website.
  

• Visit local colleges to get a feel for the types of environments you like best.  You can also learn about the admission process of an institution by signing up for the information session and/or speaking with the admission counselor directly.

Using a Private College Counselor

Now, more than ever, it is important to make wise decisions about how and where you will spend anywhere from $60,000 to $200,000 on your son or daughter's college education. Smart college choices can save you money.  A systematic, informed college search will ensure your student makes the best possible choice, resulting in a greater likelihood of satisfaction with his or her college experience.  A happier student will perform better academically and will be less likely to drop out of school, preserving your investment.  Having the "right fit" with the college may prevent the need to transfer to another school, saving you money. Having a knowledgeable professional guiding you through the entire process can eliminate unnecessary multiple test preparation services, college applications and college visits, which will lower pre-college costs, as well.  

Many families navigate the college process without the help of an outside counselor or consultant.  Sometimes, a student is so proactive that they will have researched, organized and planned their college search, know their intended major, and have the skills to choose colleges that truly fit them.  For some families, however, the Junior and Senior years of high school can be a stressful and frustrating time.

If the prospect of helping your student make the right choice for his or her future is daunting, then an investment in one of our many college planning services may be right for you.  If you answer "yes" to any of the questions below, then contact Rock Your Future for some help and a little peace of mind. 

• Is the thought of the whole process just plain overwhelming?
• Is your son or daughter unsure about college, or what major or career path to choose?
• Do you require more time and attention than your high school counselor is able to give?
  
• Are you concerned about spending money on a college, only to have your son or daughter be unhappy or drop out?  Is he or she seeming to pick a college at random or based on what his or her friends are doing?
• Do you find it difficult to communicate with your son or daughter about his or her future?
• Does your son or daughter have a Learning Difference, ADHD or Asperger's, and you are unsure how to proceed?
• Are you unsure how you will find the time to help your son or daughter find the college or career that is right for him or her?
  
• Is your son or daughter unmotivated? Would you like him or her to take charge of the process, but don't know how to get him or her to do anything?
• Is your son or daughter having trouble writing his or her application essay?
  
• Has your son or daughter left the college he or she was attending, moved back home, and you are both wondering what to do?
• Do you find the nature of college admissions confusing or overly complicated?
• Are you thinking about alternative options to college and don't know where to begin?

***Please Note: Rock Your Future does not guarantee admission to any college or university.  Beware counselors or consultants who make such claims. 

WEB Resources

**COLLEGES WITH SPACE LEFT as of May 2011**

College Answer

ACT 

College Board

Education Planner

FAFSA

FAFSA4caster 

NCAA Student Guide 

FastWeb

College Navigator 

Adventures in Education 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

Learning Differences 

Colleges That Change Lives 

Catholic College Search 

Hillel 

Christian Colleges 

Common Application 

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