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by Mark Hofer Mark Hofer No Comments

How Much Is Too Much?

I recently spoke with a senior attending a prestigious film school in southern California about tuition and student loans. He told me, “My $109,000 college loan debt is just the price of a good education.” Then, I asked him if he knew what compound interest was; he wasn’t quite sure. Actually, he had no idea how his loans were structured, the relative impact this debt would have on his lifestyle after graduation, or why it was or was not a good investment. With a national student loan debt surpassing $1.6 Billion as evidence, I don’t think this knowledge gap is unusual for most students entering college.

There is a simple rule that many college admissions counselors suggest students and families us when considering student loan debt. Do not graduate with more debt than the average starting yearly salary of the occupation you pursue. If you pursue a computer science degree with an average (national) yearly salary of about $65,000 for new graduates, you can afford to take on some debt with some confidence you can pay it back without extraordinary or undue stress. Conversely, if you are getting your teaching degree, a new graduate can expect to earn about $38,500in the first year after graduation. Why is this important? If the boat is leaking faster than you can bail water, you don’t want to be the captain. This is also how compound interest can quickly drown new graduates and their future ambitions.

In addition, students must realize that all degrees—and later, jobs—within a discipline, such as “engineering” or “finance” are not the same. For example, some engineering degrees, such as aerospace, command a significantly higher starting salary ($72,000) than a civil engineering degree ($59,000). In addition, some degrees are worth more in some states than others. A teacher, for example, may have a starting salary of $51,000in New Jersey or Washington D.C., but only $30,000in Montana. That 40% difference is critical when trying to pay back student loans.

As students contemplate undergraduate education it is crucial they consider the amount of debt incurred relative to the earning potential of the skills they will obtain. This valuation is often referred to as the Return On Investment, or ROI. However, to fully establish the ROI for a specific school and specific student, other variables must also be considered. Is the student considering graduate school (and the associated loans/percentages) after receiving an undergraduate degree? Is a graduate degree in the specific area of work sought actually needed? How much will a graduate school degree in that area of study cost? All of these variables create a complex dance between debt, earning power, and time. However, choosing an undergraduate school before considering these questions can quickly create a loan burden that determines a lifestyle for decades.

The current average debt for a student graduating with an undergraduate degree is over $37,000. The average salary of a new graduate is just over $50,000. While this does not seem to present a national crisis, the current national college loan debt is over $1.5 Trillion and that is more than the national credit card or auto-loan debt. Much of this debt is driven by the pursuit of higher education at schools where the high costs of attendance require students to take out large loans to attend. According to the research collected by Frank Bruni, taking on inappropriate debt for undergraduate education has been shown to be a bad investment. Getting the best possible undergraduate education at a school you can afford (through personal finances or through grants and scholarship), getting high grades, and graduating with as little debt as possible is the smart decision and is supported by research and evidence. If you follow this path, graduate with little debt and with marketable skills, you have the choice to enter industry or taking on some debt for graduate school—and graduate school increasingly pays off in most, but not all, professions.

Do the preliminary work and reflection to identify the best college for you and your family and don’t be misled by unsubstantiated pressures to attend brand name, expensive schools. Your future will thank you.

by Mark Hofer Mark Hofer No Comments

New Day Northwest – Preparing for College Applications

Educating students and families about the college application and admissions process is my professional mission, and a good way to reach students and families is… on TV! Margaret Larson graciously invited me to her show, New Day Northwest, to talk about reducing the stress that students and parents experience during the college application process. Although there are only a handful of steps associated with applying to college, knowing those steps: GPA, SAT/ACT, essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, FAFSA/CSS, and developing an appropriate college list, one of the most critical parts in creating a competitive application is starting early! If you are a sophomore, or even a freshman, there are many things you can start doing now to prepare for college applications and to be much more competitive for admissions… and scholarships. Don’t delay, reach out to those who know the current application process, the culture and mission of individual colleges and universities, and can help guide you to the best possible college for you and your family.

by Mark Hofer Mark Hofer No Comments

University of British Columbia – International College of Mystery

Let’s talk about colleges, Canada, and poutine.

As a Washington State native, crossing the border to Canada has always been a bit of a non-event: passports are not stamped, there are no language challenges, and except for a change in currency – much prettier and 21stCentury than the drab US notes I might add – it feels the same. Yes, there are minor variations in the pronunciation of the words “about,” “water,” and “process,” but you would never know an international boundary had been crossed. I encounter many more language and cultural variations traveling from Seattle to Georgia than visiting our Canadian neighbors. So why is it so mysterious to consider attending a college in Canada?

I just toured the University of British Columbia. It sits on a gorgeous, large peninsula just on the edge of Vancouver B.C., a large and bustling city full of cultural and social activities. With over 44,000 undergraduate students, UBC is a large university by any measure. The campus is rarely quiet and between classes, it is a frenetic movement of people, bikes, skateboards, dogs, and demonstrators. I think I also saw a mime. But the campus, students and culture all feel just like being on campus at the University of Washington, University of Idaho, or the University of Oregon. There are lots of trees, green spaces, brick and concrete buildings, and many students pursuing their educational potential. But there is one major and pleasant difference: poutine. And no, the Disco Fries near Rutgers are not a substitute.

Canada has a number of other hidden college gems, at least they are to Americans who are overly obsessed with the US News and World Report Top 100 Colleges List. Unlike the United States, only ten percent of the colleges and universities are private, leaving ninety percent of their schools serving and funded by the public. Not only does this create a large system of rigorous higher education opportunities, it provides a chance for more students to attend because of a much more palatable (realistic?) price point. For example, the University of British Columbia is a notable bargain, as are the University of Toronto, McGill University and the University of Montreal, just to name a few. Add the current exchange rate and the bargain is compounded. Check them out; they are not mysterious. Just take it easy on the poutine.

by Mark Hofer Mark Hofer No Comments

Colleges in the East…of Washington…State.

I just returned from touring a few of the fine colleges and universities of Eastern Washington and Idaho. As usual, I made a point to look for the best grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream offerings at each school. In addition, I found out that the University of Idaho’s sororities really are more about community service than social cliques, Washington State University’s campus continues to grow and get more beautiful, and Whitman College’s student body is comprised of nearly 10% international students and has a campus bike shop. A few other pieces of important information:

  • Washington State University’s campus is really hilly, especially when it is 90*! It takes close to 30 minutes to saunter from one end to the other, but it is a very pretty walk.
  • The University of Idaho participates in the  WICHE/WUE tuition relief program (- $13,651) with WA State students. The school also has great grilled cheese sandwiches at Joe’s Cheesy Grill, and bacon is less than a buck extra. However, be warned, the campus and Moscow, in general, is a desert when it comes to good ice cream.
  • Whitman College is offering a leadership scholarship (Paul Garrett & Claire Sherwood Scholarship) and is trying to get the word out. If you have the background and evidence to compete for this scholarship… apply soon! Whitman does offer an Early Decision application process.
by Mark Hofer Mark Hofer No Comments

Too Young to Think About College!

“An eighth-grader should not be thinking about college. They should be focused on being a kid.”

I have heard variations of this statement for years, and as an educator and developmental psychologist, I completely agree. Kids should have the opportunity to be kids. But what if we change this conversation?

What if the opportunities, experiences, and conversations that middle-school students engage in also prepare them, intentionally, for college… and beyond? What if college is approached as just one point along the continuum leading to adulthood? Then yes, developing students before high school becomes a natural and healthy part of that development spectrum.

As college admission becomes increasingly competitive schools recognize that the most successful applicants have actually been preparing and thinking about college for more than eighteen months. Admissions evaluations now include an assessment of “niceness” (no, I”m not kidding) and schools look for evidence of social awareness and respect, things like saying “please” and “thank you,” which are cultivated over years of practice, not learned in a weekend workshop. If the goal is to provide appropriate cognitive challenges and opportunities that celebrate the luxury of being a kid and having fun, then why not focus on a long-term goal… like college, and adulthood?

There is no instant path to successfully applying to college. There just isn’t. There are many steps in the college application process that are accomplished over time and require varying amounts of effort. There aren’t any silver bullets. There are no quick fixes. A student’s college application cannot be saved in a few days… even if parents pay an obscene amount of money. The best approach is a thoughtful, appropriate and intentional series of experiences – some academic, some social, some cognitive – that start even earlier than high school. Entertaining the mind of a third-grader with the right questions during a walk through the zoo can easily inspire a future biology major. But there are also non-academic skills and behaviors that build character and are equally, if not more, important for long-view education goals.

Reflection, goal-setting, empathy, and self-regulation are skills that can be practiced at any age. Colleges know these skills are also associated with self-driven and highly successful students. Subsequently, these same behaviors provide students with a foundation to be internally-driven/directed and seek out healthy challenges.

I have met a handful of eighth graders who are more prepared to discuss long-term goals like college than 90% of the junior high school students I work with. While such students are rare they provide overwhelming evidence that students who have intentionally been asked to reflect and think responsibly – while also enjoying the time before life becomes too serious – are much better prepared to address important choices like college… when the time comes.

For more about intentionally and respectfully preparing students for college and life, I highly recommend: Ready, Willing, and Able: A Developmental Approach to College Access and Success.  By Mandy Savitz-Romer and Suzanne Bouffard

by Mark Hofer Mark Hofer No Comments

College Applications: Secret Sauce Part II – Recommendations

College applications are evaluated on surprisingly few components: GPA, Standardized Test Scores, Essays, Recommendations, Extracurriculars, and FAFSA.

This can actually serve as a checklist for juniors as they tackle the college application process or a guide for freshmen and sophomores. I stress to students that they actually control many pieces of the college application process. Although maintaining high marks on some components – like GPA and the SAT/ACT scores – may not be easy, these metrics are actually a testament of making good choices, responsible time management, and understanding and communicating information effectively. These metrics also represent making good choices and seeking out support. Colleges know this and equate these numbers and habits with college readiness and potential, often using these metrics as the first major gatekeeper to admission. However, once this primary GPA/test scores gate opens, there are many equally – if not more important – pieces in gaining admission.

Essays are another important element of a competitive college application. Writing a good essay is equal parts formula, drafts, feedback, proofing and personal creativity. If enough time and resources are used appropriately, a student controls the success of his or her essay. Unsuccessful essays are most often the result of being rushed, undeveloped, and/or not proofed. Colleges know this.

Extracurricular activities are also a factor in providing an accurate and engaging illustration of character, interests, strengths, and potential. However, admissions evaluators mainly use this timeline and illustration of interests as supporting evidence of a student’s curiosity, passion, and commitment over time. But there is one piece of the application umbrella that is often ignored and left unattended and almost as an afterthought – recommendations.

In an increasingly competitive college admissions environment, recommendations are becoming more important than students can imagine. While many students come with high GPAs and test scores paired with impressive extracurriculars and compelling essays, recommendations are not controlled, created or submitted by the student. Or are they?

As a college admissions consultant and educational planner, I advise all students to practice building relationships with adults. Early! Although it may not be currently vogue among teens to seek out conversations with adults and ask for advice or help, the relationships built over time will be invaluable in life… and yes, possibly the source for references and recommendations. Colleges know that authentic recommendations provide evidence of a student’s long-term and genuine commitment to others over time. In addition, a good recommendation often gives insight regarding a student’s character, growth, maturity and even the applicant’s sense of humor.

While students often assume they have little control over recommendations written for their college applications, these application components often take the longest time to prepare and cultivate and are quickly becoming one of the most important. For this reason, one of the first things I teach students is an awesome four-step handshake… and challenge them to practice often. It’s just like Snapchat, but for real.

by Mark Hofer Mark Hofer No Comments

The College Essay – Are You A Hero? Yep.

The Iliad. The Odyssey. The Wizard of OZ. The Princess Bride. Harry Potter. Star Wars. Most episodes of My Little Pony.

These are some of the most popular stories in history and they all follow a simple progression referred to as The Hero’s Journey. Why is this formula so popular? It works. Many discussions and dissertations have attempted to discern why. The blueprint may satisfy the natural levers connected to human empathy, it may simply be the optimal path to convey a story, or it could be a sequence that humans naturally enjoy. But for whatever reason, it is an extremely effective way to tell a story.

Currently, many High School juniors are seriously starting to think about college and college applications. One of the main components of that campaign is the notorious and infamous Personal Statement Essay. It is, simply, a 650 – word statement of who you are and what’s important to you. How hard can that be, right? Actually, this component can often be the Achilles’ heel for many college applications and a quick toss onto the “Thank you, no.” pile. Fortunately, this does not need to be the case.

With history as a guide, I encourage students to leverage a technique that has worked for millennia. Describe a meaningful event in your life using the Hero’s Journey as a template to describe who you are and what is important to you. It does not have to be an epic adventure, the cure for world hunger or musings about winning a Pulitzer Prize. It actually shouldn’t be. I suggest students start the essay development process by describing a time they were happy, sad, scared, embarrassed or inspired. If it was an important experience for them, it can usually be used to provide evidence of maturity and examples of character. Does the essay describe your character and what is important to you? These are things that college application evaluators really want to know.

I also provide some basic tenets to guide students as they approach their essay. Start early. No, start early, as in six months early. The Ugly First Draft is the hardest. Use simple language. Allow time for great ideas to surface. Have people of different ages, cultures, religions, and perspectives read it and provide feedback. Have someone proof the last three drafts and then let it sit for three days to make sure there isn’t anything to add. Done. And one more thing, please do yourself – and every college admissions reader – a huge favor. Unless you have an incredible and unique twist, don’t write about sports. Even if you choose to write about My Little Pony, it will make a more memorable impression on evaluators as they wade through a half-filled pool of essays about sports.

For more college essay information:

A great book about successfully grappling with college application essays is by Ethan Sawyer – College Essay Essentials. His website, The College Essay Guy, specifically addresses essays and is also a great resource.

by Mark Hofer Mark Hofer No Comments

CRM – A Little Secret In College Admissions

All college applicants are constitutionally equal; however, they are not evaluated equally. Increasingly, more colleges are employing highly refined algorithms to quantify and qualify the current and future financial characteristics associated with an applicant and his or her family. These algorithms – called Customer Relationship Management tools, or CRM algorithms – can be used to identify which students and families will provide the highest return (dollars and social promotional impact) on their investment/admission. Students and families with a higher potential in these areas (according to CRM qualifiers) are favored more highly than those students and families with lower CRM evaluation potential. In short, applicants and their families are evaluated as commodities by a computer. Using this information for admission decisions may easily increase the gap – choose whichever gap you wish: education, economic or social mobility – rather than reduce it.

Colleges are in business. Each is required to meet a bottom line in order to serve its mission. For private and state schools there is a balance between meeting a financial bottom line while providing the best educational opportunity possible. A for-profit college must provide the greatest return for its investors, and additionally, meet its educational charter to maintain certification. CRM tools are employed by schools to identify those students – and their families – who can best meet the financial goals of the institution. For many colleges, the use of CRM tools is justified as a business and efficiency decision.

The gap keeps getting wider. While many schools pay lip service to increased diversity through everything from recruiting socioeconomically disadvantaged students to needs-blind admissions, percentages, and metrics of diversity continue to tell a different story. It is rare to find an elite private school with student body percentages of affluent Caucasians hovering near or less than sixty-five percent. This is driven by many factors, some transparent and justified, while others are covert and unspecified – CRM tools being one of them.

Schools justify the large financial expenditure on CRM systems by highlighting the very real need to evaluate increasing numbers of applications and identify students with the highest potential to graduate and successfully enter the professional world. These are true statements, and a school would not be practicing due diligence by ignoring these challenges. For example:

Ellucian CRM Recruit is advanced student recruitment, admissions, and enrollment management software that provides insight into your prospect pool, using enrollment probability and predictive modeling to help you identify your ideal prospects. – Ellucian CRM

The easiest way for universities to reach a harmonious state with their stakeholders is by implementing a modern CRM for higher education. A CRM provides valuable insights about your students, allowing you to nurture stronger and more personal relationships with prospective and current students but also with alumni.  – Full Fabric (CRM developer)

This sounds prudent.This sounds appropriate. However, some schools additionally employ CRM data and analysis to provide selective and biased admission as well as financial aid privileges. For example, two students with equal metrics (GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities) may not be provided the same financial aid package and incentives. Why? CRMs influence financial aid offerings based on each student’s anticipated and projected future financial as well as social marketing potential for the school. Those CRM predictions and recommendations are heavily influenced by the socioeconomic position of the student’s parents.

An admitted student from a wealthy family may actually receive a much higher “merit aid” offer than a student with the same metrics but with a much higher financial need. The reason is simple. The long-term financial and social return for universities has been shown (according to data used in CRM algorithms) to be higher for those students from affluent families. For this reason, schools will provide higher financial aid offers to sway affluent students to accept their admission rather than accept a lower offer from another school. Statistics show that this tactic works. Unfortunately, the CRM’s evaluation can leave an economically disadvantaged student (with equally high potential) unable to accept the admission. God Bless the Child…

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