Getting College Ready
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by the college admissions process? Ready to take control of the chaos, the applications, and the anxiety? I'm so excited to share my conversation with Shellee Howard, a Certified Independent College Strategist and the founder of College Ready. Shellee's mission is to help families navigate this crucial time and find the perfect academic, social, and financial fit for their child. As a mom knee-deep in applications right now, I know this conversation is essential for every parent of a high schooler!
The Financial Side: More Than Just Getting In
Many families focus solely on getting into a dream school, but as Shellee points out, that's only half the battle. Her approach is about ensuring your family gets the best Return on Investment (ROI) from this massive financial commitment.
The Student Aid Index (SAI)
The first step, and a critical piece of the puzzle, is to understand your Student Aid Index (SAI). This is a number that colleges use to determine how much your family can reasonably be expected to contribute to your child's education. Every college's website is legally required to have an SAI calculator on its financial aid page. While the number may initially be shocking, Shellee explains that your SAI can be legally and ethically lowered by understanding where your family's assets and cash are held.
The "Reach, Comfort, and Safety" Strategy
To maximize financial aid, your child's college list should be strategically built. Shellee recommends a list that includes:
Reach Schools: Dream schools where admission is a long shot. They're great to apply to, but don't expect much money from them.
Comfort Schools: Colleges that are a strong academic and social fit where they are very likely to get a "nice chunk of money."
Safety Schools: Places where they are guaranteed admission and should receive a "boatload of money."
This strategy ensures that your family is mentally prepared and that your child has options that are both a great fit and financially viable.
Finding the Perfect Fit (Beyond the Hype)
The college experience is about more than just a name on a diploma. It’s about personal and career growth. Shellee’s process starts with the student, not the schools.
Her team uses high school-based assessments to help students identify their core values, gifts, and passions. From there, they help students explore new and emerging careers (including their salary potential and future viability in the age of AI). This long-term thinking gives students a clear sense of purpose.
As for college visits, Shellee has a brilliant, simple tip: go to a few local schools without a tour. Go around lunchtime and just observe. You'll get a better feel for the student body and campus culture just by watching them interact.
The Art of Guiding, Not Telling
As parents, we've all learned the hard way that telling our children what to do can backfire. Shellee's approach is about guiding with curiosity and empathy, not controlling their decisions. She told a great story about a student who wanted to be a botanist, a passion her parents feared was not lucrative enough. Instead of saying no, Shellee helped the student reframe her passion as an environmentalist who could own nurseries, manage a non-profit, and ultimately have a larger impact while still making a living.
This approach honors the student's passion while gently introducing the realities of adult life. It helps them build a plan for a career that aligns with their values and their financial goals.
Plan for Success
The college application process doesn't have to be a source of stress and debt. By creating a plan that focuses on your child's unique talents, their desired future, and your family's financial reality, you can empower them to make a confident decision and set them up for a successful, independent life after graduation.
Ready to start planning?
For listeners, Shellee is offering a free 30-minute strategy call. Visit her at collegereadyplan.info to schedule your session. You can also find her books, How to send your student to college without losing your mind or your money and The College Admissions Plan Simplified, on Amazon.
