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, we work as a complement to, not a replacement for, your school counselor. 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's 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 high school years 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. 

• Do you find the nature of college admissions confusing or overly complicated? 
  
• Is your son or daughter unsure about college, or what major or career path to choose?
• 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?
• 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?
• 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

College Navigator

College View

Students with Learning Differences 

Colleges That Change Lives 

Catholic College Search 

Hillel 

Christian Colleges 

Common Application 

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