FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Since I began my practice, I have fielded many questions from parents. Listed below are some of the
basic questions I have been asked. Please refer to some of the links below for more specific answers to questions.
Or, if you have a question or concern, get in touch with me at 240-285-1920 or dianne@launchingcollegesuccess.com.
I am very concerned about the cost of college. How can you help?
This is a common and very understandable concern that many parents have and, as some college’s costs are now inching towards $80,000 a year, it’s easy to see why. When I first meet with a family, I discuss college affordability and the importance of the family getting a good return for their investment. Supporting the student in determining their career goals and colleges goes a long way to ensuring that a student is successful at the college and graduates in 4 years. I am NOT a financial advisor, though. What I do offer families is an understanding of the FAFSA and financial aid process and help them to gauge what their expected family contribution might be. The most important factor, by far, in determining scholarships is the student’s transcript. I also advise families on the importance of applying to honors colleges and any merit aid and scholarship opportunities that the college offers.
I heard that all colleges are now testing optional. Does that mean my child doesn’t have to take the SAT or ACT and submit the scores to get into a good school?
No, that is not what that means. There are many variables involved in whether a student takes either the SAT or ACT AND submits the scores. What I am telling my families in 2022 is for the students to take either the SAT or ACT at least twice and submit the scores to the colleges. If you want to discuss this further with me, please contact me below.
Does my child really have to visit the colleges before deciding to go there?
The short answer to this question is YES. I realize, however, that visiting all the schools on your child’s list isn’t always possible, especially if the school your child is considering is thousands of miles away. The process of visiting schools supports both you and your child to see if the school would be a good fit. This process is very similar to when you bought your first house. None of us would consider making that large a purchase without walking through, turning on lights and tap water, and visualizing ourselves living there. It’s the same with finding a college that your child will be comfortable at for 4 years. I advise visiting the campus at least once before you and your child make the final decision prior to May 1.
My child has a documented learning disability.supp Do any colleges offer ort for LD students?
The short answer is YES. If your child has been receiving supportive services for a learning disability that has been written up as an individualized educational plan AND his testing is less than three years old, all you need to do is take the IEP and the written reports from the testing to the college, where he will receive accommodations to his schedule to support him in continuing to be academically successful.
Other Helpful Resources For You
Here is more information about the college admission process.
Here is more information about college costs, scholarships and financing your child’s education.
Here is more information about accommodations and special needs.
Get In Touch!
Do you need help understanding the college admission’s maze? College is NOT what it was 20 years ago. Let us show you the ropes so your kid has a stronger chance of getting into college with less stress and less anxiety.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me on my calendar or click the “contact us” button and I will get in touch with you. I look forward to connecting with you soon.