We got involved with College Planning Associates very late in the game, at the end of my son’s junior year. He was floundering and had no direction as to a career. Laurie helped him think about careers in a way he had not done before. He decided upon a direction that was very surprising to me, but has proved to be a sound decision that he is very satisfied with.
Laurie also helped my son figure out what he wanted in a college, and she then suggested colleges that fit his needs and preferences. Many of these colleges were not previously on our radar, and were good choices for him.
When my son was ultimately faced with a difficult choice, he turned to Laurie for advice and ultimately decided to attend a college that has been a very good fit for him. Laurie also identified a particular scholarship at that college and encouraged him to apply, which he ultimately won.
With regard to filling out the financial forms, it is possible that one mistake could cost a family a lot of money in terms of financial aid, so it is helpful to have the assistance of someone who knows the answers to the questions parents have when filling out these forms.
With regard to the dreaded college essays, Laurie was very helpful in keeping my son on track and giving him feedback on his writing, as well as inspiring him with new ideas.
The cost of a four year college degree is very high, and it goes up each year. The cost of College Planning Associates can be considered an investment in the effort to find the right college, get accepted to that college, and get the most money from that college. In my case, the investment certainly paid off.
Dana J.
