Anyone getting ready to send their kid or kids off to college? What has been the biggest hurdle - cost, time, logistics or all or other?

2023-07-20T11:30:21-04:00

Many of us have kids starting their next chapter in the life as they will be leaving home, many for the first time, as they begin their college journey. What advice do you have for students and or parents in getting prepared. Is this your first child going to school? Is it the first in your family to go to college? Is it your last and are now empty nesters?

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 20 at 2023 11:42 AM

2023-07-20T11:42:52-04:00

Eligibility. Most of my HS age kids* are choosing not to apply themselves. Low grades and lower SAT scores. They all have free state college - provided they get accepted. Most are destined for Community College or trade school - if anything.

*"my kids" refers to those I am responsible for as a de facto legal guardian in my professional capacity, as my bio kid has already decided college is not for her.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 20 at 2023 3:46 PM

2023-07-20T15:46:32-04:00

Remind them that there ARE OTHER PATHS OUTSIDE COLLEGE. car SHOPS CHARGE $100 PER HOUR FOR WORKING ON CARS- ALOT OF THAT IN mechanics WAGE. call A PLUMBER LATELY? there ARE TRADES IN SHORT SUPPLY THAT CAN BE LEARNED IN 1-2 YEARS AND WILL BRING IN 6 FIGURE ANNUAL INCOME WITH VERY LITTLE DEBT, A CARRERR

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2023 9:56 AM

2023-07-21T09:56:43-04:00

Biggest struggle I found was getting my daughter to follow through with the process; finishing the applications for schools and scholarships, timelines are very important. As parents we want to see our children succeed but doing things for them at this point is setting them up for failure when they are in college doing it on their own. In the end she decided on a community college to work towards a nursing program and got a small scholarship that is able to cover her school costs for now.