Hosted by Lou Pierro, special guest Dr. Dean Skarlis of the College Advisor of New York will talk all things college: How to plan for it, How to pay for it, and How to maximize value. The process of preparing for college is very different than 20 years ago. Many schools, both public and private, have become significantly more costly and more selective in admissions. Listen to this episode above to learn the top 3 mistakes families make it the college process. Critical to the discussion is how students can find the right schools to attend and how colleges evaluate the students for admission. Also discussed are ways to reduce the cost including tuition assistance programs at the state and federal level, need based aid, work study and merit scholarships. The earlier that the parents, grandparents and the student start preparing for college, the more likely the student will have a successful college experience.

Hosted by Lou Pierro, special guest Dr. Dean Skarlis of the College Advisor of New York will talk all things college: How to plan for it, How to pay for it, and How to maximize value. The process of preparing for college is very different than 20 years ago. Many schools, both public and private, have become significantly more costly and more selective in admissions. Listen to this episode above to learn the top 3 mistakes families make it the college process. Critical to the discussion is how students can find the right schools to attend and how colleges evaluate the students for admission. Also discussed are ways to reduce the cost including tuition assistance programs at the state and federal level, need based aid, work study and merit scholarships. The earlier that the parents, grandparents and the student start preparing for college, the more likely the student will have a successful college experience.

This continuing education program offered by Shenendahowa High School will take place on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30 pm in Room 50 of High School West.  There is a $12 fee for this program which will help parents of high school sophomores and juniors begin the college admissions search.  Topics covered will be:

– The Top 5 factors admissions officers look for in applicants

– How to use your student’s unique attributes to find the right fit and pay less

– A detailed understanding of the financial aid process

– How to maximize aid and scholarships

– How to begin your student’s college search

For more info, please contact:  Jill Balzer at balzjill@shenet.org  Or click below 

http://shenet.org/district/CommunityServices/spring2014brochure.pdf

This program, hosted by the Voorheesville Public Library begins on March 12 at 6:30 pm.  It is free and open to the public, and will focus on the following aspects of college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships:

http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=VPL&curApp=events&curMonth=3&curYear=2014&SelectedDate=3/12/2014#3/12/2014

– Understanding the financial aid formulas

– What college admissions officers are really looking for

– Which types of courses should seniors be taking

– How to maximize financial aid and scholarships

– What does college “fit” really mean

– How to best work with your child during this stressful process

 In this episode of LifeHappens, host Lou Pierro and special guest Dr. Dean Skarlis talk all things college: How to plan for it, How to pay for it, and How to maximize value. The process of preparing for college is very different than 20 years ago.  Read the entire article here and the podcast here.

Date:  Saturday, January 4, 2014

Time:  10:30 am – Noon

Where:  Schenectady County Public Library (Clinton Street)

For:  Parents of 9th, 10th, and 11th grade high school students

Cost:  NONE!

The program is sponsored by Watson, Peterson and Company, CPA’s.  Learn the following from Dr. Skarlis:

• Why college admissions is dramatically more competitive than it was 10 years ago.
• The top 5 factors colleges consider when deciding which students to admit
• How to maximize scholarships
• Which financial aid formula does your college use to calculate your ability to pay
• Strategies to cut the cost of college
• The “Rule of 7” – helping families make sound college decisio

To Register:  Contact Sue Alexson at:  sue@watsonpeterson.com.

See Dr. Skarlis speak in Saratoga Springs this week!  In conjunction with Edward Jones, Dr. Skarlis will discuss college planning for parents with students of all ages at Longfellows Restaurant.  The program will begin at 6 pm on Tuesday, November 19.  

RSVP today: Joanne Hemstreet at 518-383-1356 or
joanne.hemstreet@edwardjones.com 

Come to the KeyBank branch on Wolf Road on Tuesday, September 10 at Noon to hear Dr. Dean Skarlis discuss tips for college planning and affordability.  The talk, entitled, “Finding the Right College At The Right Price” is designed for parents of high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, and will include practical tips on finding, selecting, gaining admission to and paying for college.  RSVP by Monday, September 9 to Debra Hall at 518-257-8749 or call (518) 512-3021 for more information.