Invest time, energy, and yes some money into college planning

Penny-wise and pound foolish.

This goes through my mind a lot when providing college counseling or when discussing college counseling with parents in general.

This is the “life-fork” in the road for their children.

This is a “big-deal.”

The transition to adulthood might be the most distinct predictor of young adulthood success beyond any measure.

And, yet… so many, invest a small amount of time, energy… and, yes, money.

“I don’t want to visit… because it will cost…”

“I don’t want to apply to more than X colleges… because applications cost…”

And, sure, while I’m well past the point of worrying about financial issues on my end, I wonder why some will pay for house cleaning but not help with the college process.

It wasn’t too long ago that my clients through Shoreline, CT seemingly were all going to be “fine” or more than fine.

They went to great public schools in Guilford, Madison, Old Saybrook, Essex, Old Lyme, East Lyme et. al.

They mostly did not face mental health issues.

They were definitely headed to college.

They were excited about moving on.

Now… something is up… beyond Covid and beyond I-phone/social media impact.

Even our great public schools along Connecticut’s gold coast and shoreline are perhaps not training students as well.

Mental health issues are epidemic.

Some – particularly boys – are not so sure about college (but have no idea what else to do).

They are not that excited.

Until I meet them!  Then, an outside force can get them interested; explain the value of college; get them excited to move on; and help them understand that the college transition is really the transition to adulthood.