An unprecedented $1.2 trillion in student debt has grown exponentially in the last several generations, showing few signs of abating. In less than one generation, college graduates have tripled their debt burden. According to the Wall Street Journal, over 70% of the Class of 2014 will graduate college with an average of $33,000 in student…
Tag: California State University (CSU)
Top 10 Questions NOT to Ask a High School Senior
Where are you applying to college? You must be excited to graduate high school, aren’t you? Isn’t senior year the best time of your life? What is your GPA? What are your SAT scores? Why do you want to apply there? (referring to a particular college) My son/daughter/nephew/co-worker’s daughter’s boyfriend’s cousin went to _____ (fill-in-the-blank…
A $60 Trillion Inheritance…in Debt
Wishing a better life for our children is normal. Actually setting aside our personal wants in favor of our children is more complicated in practice. The next generation will inherit a record $60 Trillion in total U.S. debt—government debt, business debt, mortgage debt and consumer debt. (See chart below) Furthermore, the growth of student loan…
Stamina, Attitude and Tranquility: Essential SAT & ACT Skills
At approximately 4 hours of testing time, the SAT and ACT measure the endurance of a student, as much as their knowledge and ability to reason. Test taking skills can help students access their knowledge during the long testing period, and pace themselves appropriately. Padma, CMC’s resident 8 year old Renaissance Man, shares the following test…
Economic Recovery?
Even though the news may be promoting economic recovery, a recent UCLA study showing that middle aged parents aged 50 to 64 are moving back into their elderly parents home with kids in tow for financial reasons – may support a competing meme that shows our current financial state isn’t so rosy. To further add…
Colleges Without Makeup, The Supplement
Social media can give information about the culture of a college campus – beyond the smiling, shorts-clad undergraduates playing Frisbee on the ubiquitous green quad. Of course, any effective search starts with what a student wants in their own college experience, making some self-reflection a priority. About the University of Chicago – from @UofC_Overheard: Theory…
The Value vs. The Cost of the University of California
Recently, Janet Napolitano, current UC President, explained her view of the 190% tuition increase over the last decade, and how the UC system is trying to address cost issues for family: Until about seven or eight years ago, the state paid [more] and the university [through tuition] less. Now the percentages have almost totally flipped, so…
They’re Called Growing Pains for a Reason
Seniors all over the country, who are facing May 1st deadline to officially enroll in a college may be at times surly, reclusive, exuberant, talkative, manic, anxious and exhausted – sometimes changing moods within one breath – personifying the complexities of going to college. Zafrin, one senior in the midst of choosing a college, recently…
ACT and SAT AT-TI-TUDE
Attitude counts when taking the SAT or ACT. An “I Will” mentality goes a long way to sustaining test-takers in those inevitable moments when confronted with the doubts, “Why are BOTH A & B the right answer?!? Which one do I choose?” or “I think it’s A now, not D – but time’s running out…
Rules of Dating…I Mean, Choosing a College
Open houses, admit days, and overnight stays for prospective students are like the blind dates of the college application process. No different than arranging and primping for the first date in order to make a good impression, months have gone into planning these annual events. Workshops are arranged, rooms are reserved, student hosts are trained,…
Is College Worth the Expense?
More Americans believe that going to college is NOT an affordable option.
Fat Envelope Torture
Each spring, somewhere in the bowels of college admissions offices around the country is a network of diabolical admissions officers executing their annual conspiracy – Code Name: Fatty.
Ahead of the Curve: March 18, 2014
From Our Clients: The New SAT: current high school freshman (Class of 2017) will be the first students to take the recently updated SAT. The newest version with an optional essay section, will be given for the first time in Spring 2016. Stay tuned for how the new SAT will or will not affect the college…
Hurry Up and Wait and Wait and Then Wait Some More
“Will my kid get in?” is a concern often rattling around Senior parents’ minds at this time of year, causing a fair share of insomnia. Worries spike each time these same parents listen to other parents excitedly share good news about their kid’s acceptance, while polite smiling to hide the anxious wonderings about why their…
Rising Student Loan Delinquency
Student loans can help fund college expenses, yet create a future financial burden for students when in repayment. Currently, the total of student loans 90 days or more delinquent is at a record high of $124.3 billion – an increase of more than $3 Billion since last quarter. Possible reason for the delinquency can include…