Dear Beleaguered Parent:
This is a letter that certain people - and institutions - don't want you to read.
I'm talking about overpriced, rip-off colleges concerned about their rankings and prestige more than the quality of education they provide; high fee, usurious student lenders; and tight-fisted financial aid officers.
It's no secret that college costs are out of control - increasing 6-8% per year, on average - double the rate of inflation. Colleges jack up prices without regard to what you can afford to pay and what's happening economically off-campus - the cost of attending college rises in good economies - and, astoundingly - in bad economies!
Meanwhile, admissions rates at top colleges are DROPPING. Columbia admitted 10% in 2009. Their 2010 rate? 6%.
As I write this, I'm fielding calls from parents about the colleges that admitted their children - and rejected or deferred them. "Why was Marissa deferred from Tulane? I can't believe it - can you?"
I can.
The news is mixed for scholarships and grants, too.
Is there a "secret sauce" that guarantees that your child will get into his top choice school? And funded?
Sadly, there is not.
But there IS a formula that, if followed, will maximize your chances of getting into a top school...and multiply your chances of getting 25%, 30%, 40% or more funded by the college..regardless of how you look "on paper."
Because if you know the the new rules of college admissions and college funding, you can beat the rip off colleges at their own game.
An Almost Unfair Advantage
As far as I know, this "formula" has never been revealed publicly. Here it is, for the first time:
1. Apply to schools that are seeking your "type" of student - i.e. those that have historically competed with ONE ANOTHER for kids matching your child's profile. WARNING - this takes "work" - research, thought, etc.
2. Make certain your child engages in one or more "Atypical Teen Activities" - to separate him from the herd. It's not just about grades and standardized test scores - there are 23,000 high schools in the United States - and more than 23,000 valedictorians. And more than 23,000 salutatorians, for that matter. They don't all go to Harvard. Even Vanderbilt rejects dozens each year.
3. Write a compelling essay that tells your "story" - without putting the reader to sleep. (Please do NOT write about the life lessons you gleaned from your Teen Tour.)
4. AFTER submitting your application, say and do the "right" things to demonstrate how interested you are in attending
5. Take advantage of money-saving "loopholes" and avoiding costly "landmines" lurking in the financial aid regulations, preferably two years before your son or daughter applies!
6. Learn the negotiating "hot buttons" and "magic words" that will help you improve your financial aid award offer - AFTER it's been issued.
Normally, This Advice Would Cost You North of $5,000, But...
Parents pay me a tidy sum to get this information - unblinkingly - because it "earns" them - by way of grants and scholarships - an amount many times that of my fee. And it multiplies their children's chances of getting into their top choice colleges.
But now, for the first time, I've decided to roll out a cost-effective, group coaching program as a test.
Here's what's covered by my new College Bound Success Coaching Membership:
- College Finance Strategies to Save 30% Off "Sticker Price"- Even if You Earn Seven Figures
- Does Applying for Financial Aid Hurt Chances of Admission?
- Which Assets "Count" Against You More Than Others...And Which Don't Count Against You AT ALL?
- FAFSA Demystified - Money Saving "Loopholes" and Money-Losing "Landmines" to Avoid Like a Kardashian Wedding Invitation
- College Essay Workshop: “ How to Write an Essay So Compelling That The
Admissions Office Will (Practically) Erupt in Spontaneous Applause,
High-Five Each Other for Three Hours and Roll Out the Red Carpet For You"
- The Counter-Intuitive, Disappointing Facts About 529's and Other Child Savings Vehicles...and What do Do About It If You're Stuck With Them
- How to Research Which Schools Are Generous With Their Money and Which Are More Likely to Give You "Bupkis"
- Divorced or Separated Families: “What You Need to Know and Do Even With a Deadbeat Ex-Spouse"
- The "Secret" - and Most Important - Place to Check Out On a College Visit...Even Though They'll NEVER Take You There On A Tour
- The Truth About Scholarships: “Who REALLY Gets Them...And What You Should Do If Your Kid Is Not a MENSA Member and Did Not Cure a Deadly Disease Last Summer"
- Critical College Funding Advantages for Self-Employed Families
- How to Improve a Lousy Financial Aid Offer - AFTER It's Been Issued...Without a Gun!
- Financial Aid Office: Friend or Foe?
- Inside the Common Application
- Teacher Recommendation Do's and "Don't You Dares"
- How to "Ace" The College Interview
- How to Choose a College For Reasons Other Than "Rear Window Sticker Appeal" - a Close Look at Post-Graduate Success and the Surefire Way to Choose a "Best Fit" College
- Focus on the "Next 40 - NOT Just Four" Years - How to Chose a Fulfilling, Satisfying and Lucrative Career
- NEW - Mental Toughness Training - A Prominent Performance Psychologist to The Stars Gives Practical Advice On How to Overcome Your Biggest Obstacle to Success You!
- More!
The list price of this coaching program is far less than the $4,997 needed to hire me one-on-one. But because we've invested in a cutting-edge online technology, the College Bound Membership is $997 plus a monthly membership of $97 (cancellable at any time - you're sole judge and jury whether the membership is a good fit for you).
However, in the off-chance that you could use a little kick in the tush to take action, I'll offer you a discount - and bonuses - if you're one of the first 100 to take me up on this charter membership offer:
BONUS NUMBER ONE: A personalized pre-filing review of your FAFSA. Let Andy personally eyeball your financial aid form BEFORE you submit it, to help identify whether you committed any critical errors or overlooked opportunities to qualify for more funding. Value: $297
BONUS NUMBER TWO: Invitation to "eavesdrop" on our quarterly client-only webinars and teleconferences (and other events, such as open call-in days, when scheduled). These important meetings navigate our clients along the path to college, with reminders about key dates, suggestions about what you should be doing when and more. You will not blow any important dates or deadlines if you attend these events. VALUE - $397
BONUS NUMBER THREE: Invitation to our bonus webinar, "How NOT to Screw Up Your FAFSA" - a step-by-step walk-through of an actual FAFSA, highlighting the costly pitfalls and "landmines" lurking on this form and pointing out the exact locations of money-saving "loopholes." VALUE - $97
Total Value of Bonuses: $791 - 100% gratis for you when you click "Apply Now" to take me up on this DISCOUNTED offer!
Dear Andy,
I wanted to send you a letter thanking you for all of your help over the past few months. From the time I went to your seminar I felt so much more comfortable in what I had to do and how the whole process of applying for financial aid /scholarships worked.
It literally was a huge relief knowing that there was help out there and you guided us step by step. You saved me thousands of dollars that will enable me to lose a little less sleep.
Thanks for your help, guidance and for always being there when I had dozens of questions. The bad part for you is that with my two other children you will have to deal with me for the next 10 years, good luck with that.
Sincerely yours
Michael Levy
Roslyn, New York
Dear Andy;
I finally have a moment to thank you for all your help this year. I know that my circumstances are unusual. You pushed me outside of my comfort zone...and it worked!
If you weren't beside me, cheering me on, I would not have had the courage to approach the financial aid department at my daughter's school...twice!
You have been great throughout this experience. While I cannot say that I look forward to another year of fighting for financial aid, it is easier knowing that you will be there with me.
Thanks Again,
- Diane
Albertson, New York
From the minute I walked in your door for the first time, I felt an enormous weight had been lifted off me. Thank you for all that yo have done to help me and my precious girls.
-Beth Freeman
Scottsdale, Arizona
My son is seriously happy with his school choice. We spent hours on the internet searching for his program of interest.
He has real hope and excitement now for his future and is very motivated to succeed
in his college experience - seeing that hope and enthusiasm!
That alone was worth the investment.
- Jan Lyon
Coconut Creek, Florida
They promised me I'd make five times my investment. They were true to their word.
- Terry Cooney
Davie, Florida
The College Bound Success Coaching Membership will serve as your flashlight and guide to navigate the dark, treacherous cave of applying - and paying for - “ college in today's hyper-confusing - and stressful - environment.
So please click the red "Apply Now" button - you'll instantly feel better, knowing you have an expert in your corner each step of the way.
Yours In College Success,
P.S. One more bonus up my sleeve, if youre one of the first 100 to apply - a copy of my book, "How to Pay Wholesale" for College. Value: $39, but free for you if you apply now, while charter membership enrollment is still open.
P.P.S. This is an introductory price that I'm testing only for 100 families. Once we hit the century mark, we're planning to offer the membership at the "regular" price - $997 to enroll, $97 per month. This is a sweet deal that won't last forever - don't hate yourself for missing out!