Can I Get a Little Advice Here?
By Jean Johnson and Jon Rochkind with Amber N. Ott and Samantha DuPont
Prepared with support from the Bill & Linda Gates Foundation
Deciding whether to go to college, choosing the right school and finding resources to pay for it- these are pivotal decisions in any young person’s life. Many parents try to help their children make good choices and help them find the financial wherewithal to continue their education. But even well-educated, well informed parents often find themselves turning to high school guidance counselors for advice on college options, information about loans and acholarships and help with the college application process. For young people whose parents have themselves not had the benefit of higher education, talking with an attentive, well-informed guidance counselor is even more essential.
Unfortunately, recent studies of the guidance system as it operates in public schools today indicate that counselors are often overworked and underprepared when it comes to helping students make the best decisions about their lives after high school. A new survey of young adults aged 22 through 30 conducted by Public Agenda for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation offers disturbing confirmation that, at least in the eyes of students themselves, the system is failing. Read this comprehensive report by following here.
To read Scott Jaschik’s summation of this study from Inside Higher Education follow to “Bad Advice, No Advise.”
Confused on where to find help after reading these reports? Consider reading “How to Pick Your College Planning Dream Team” for some practical guidance on the key players who may be able to assist you in maximizing your educational savings while minimizing your college costs and tax burden by clicking here.
