Ask the Consultant

Q: I was invited by a coach for an overnight. What should I expect?

A: Congratulations! Expect to be busy. The purpose of the overnight visit is to expose you to the life of a student-athlete at that particular college. You will probably be matched with a host from the team and will follow them around a bit. You will most likely attend classes, eat a meal or two with the team, attend a practice or game, have an interview, and meet with the coaching staff. All in 48-hours! 

Expect to be busy!

So soak it all in! This is what college life is going to be like! Pay attention in class. Is this somewhere you can be successful? Watch the interaction between the coach and players during practice. Would you fit in athletically? Ask questions of your future teammates and their friends. 

The Interview - Gulp!

He slammed his fist down on the rickety desk, “So, did you bubble B for the last three questions of the science section for a reason … Did you run out of time … DID YOU?” The beads of sweat dripped down my ashen face as I racked my brain for answers.  Gazing around the windowless room, I was convinced the stifling air would surely crack the two-way mirror behind which two other officers stood scrutinizing my every move.  Collapsing my head into my hands, I muttered, “I don’t know” and was convinced I had sealed my fate.
 
No, this is not the typical college interview and please pardon the over-dramatization. Many students have misconceptions about the interview experience.  In general, the purpose of the interview is not to make you nervous or to rapid-fire difficult questions that you are ill-equipped to answer.  Most interviewers want to make you feel comfortable so that they can get to know you better and get an honest assessment of who you are and what you will contribute to the campus community.  Yes, some college interviews are more challenging than others, so it’s critical to prepare and practice.  But remember, try to relax and be yourself.  Oh, and never seal your fate by answering, “I don’t know.”

We Can't Afford a Private College

“$62,000 per year? Are you kidding me?  There is no way!” What many families fail to recognize is that the pricing model colleges use is unlike buying a car from Saturn; everyone doesn't pay the same amount. In fact, colleges function more like the airline industry where the person seated next to you, most likely, paid a different amount for their seat than you did for yours.  At many private colleges and universities, few students actually pay the full price tag, and many either get merit money or need-based financial aid that reduces the price.  

Every year we have students admitted to private colleges where the net cost is less than at their in-state university.  How is this possible?  If you are a compelling applicant, many private colleges can be very generous with merit money, a non-need-based financial award that you aren't required to pay back.  If you are applying for need-based financial aid, many private colleges are better equipped to meet a greater percentage of your financial need and may meet it with grant money.  Obviously, I am painting with a broad brush, but the takeaway is: don’t count a private college out simply because of the sticker price.

Local Professional Earns Prestigious Credential

Betsy Morgan of College Matters in Madison, CT is part of a growing group of educational consultants and school counselors in the nation to earn the designation of Certified Educational Planner (CEP).

“We are proud to have Betsy receive this certification,” said William S. Dingledine, Jr., Chair of the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP). “We believe this certification sets the standard for professional college counselors not only in knowledge and experience, but in ongoing professional development.  There is no higher mark of distinction in the profession,” Dingledine noted.

The profession of college counseling is growing in importance and recognition as the need for a post-secondary education increases in today’s society. 

Certification is granted to those consultants and counselors who meet stringent application requirements including a Master’s degree, specialized training, significant professional experience, and involvement in professional activities and organizations.  Betsy Morgan had to pass a board certified examination covering both institutional and professional knowledge, submit a list of professional references, and sign a pledge to adhere to stringent ethical practices.  

CEP's are recertified every five years on the basis of college visits, continuing education hours and other professional endeavors. All applicants are reviewed by their peers.

“The group of certified educational consultants and counselors is a remarkable one,” noted Dingledine. “Never before in the profession of educational consulting have persons been asked to demonstrate such a high level of professional knowledge and experience,” he concluded.

The CEP Program began in 1994 under the sponsorship of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), an association representing full-time experienced professionals in private practice in the field of college guidance and school/educational program placements. “The CEP designation assures families that they are working with a qualified professional who is committed to maintaining the highest quality of service to their students,” said Mark Sklarow, Executive Director of IECA.

Information on the CEP program is available through the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners, 617 W. Montecito Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024, www.aicep.org. 

Betsy Morgan Selected As UNIGO Expert

"Betsy Morgan of Madison, Educational Consultant and Founder of College Matters, has been selected to be a member of the Unigo Expert Network, along with some of the top admissions experts throughout the US.  As a member of this network, her advice on a wide range of issues regarding the college application process will be featured each month in media outlets including US News & World Report, McGraw-Hill, The Huffington Post, AOL, Seventeen Magazine, and more."

To read more: https://patch.com/connecticut/madison-ct/an--morgan-selected-as-unigo-expert