johnbaylorprep-blog

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

OnToCollege with John Baylor: Stop Bullying Teachers

An experienced high school educator recently sent me this:

“We have a lot of apathy in our school.  We also have kids that would rather take the easy classes to get the A rather than challenge themselves and risk the C.  Parents also have bought into the 4.0-mentality.  We have many parents who always take the responsibility off the student and seek to blame others.  This has created a generation of not only entitlement, but those who become bored easily as they seek entertainment rather than knowledge.”  

When I visited the school I learned more: “Parents demand better grades than their children deserve.  Students will visit me after class to ask how they can get an A, as if it’s my responsibility.”

This bullying of teachers and administrators for better grades simply has to stop. The students are the victims. Motivation weakens without full personal responsibility.

Failure is a great teacher.  Adversity strengthens character. Parents that cushion children from both deny them valuable learning lessons.

Nearly 45% of college students never graduate. (http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2014/11/19/u_s_college_dropouts_rates_explained_in_4_charts.html)  Think about that. We could annually create thousands more young adults with college credentials and educations if only they would finish what they started.  

Why don’t they finish? A big problem is cost.  Too many students choose the wrong college, uncertain how to navigate the blizzard of choices and hidden costs, ending up at one that soon reveals itself as excessively expensive for the family’s budget.

But a huge contributing factor is an inability to fight through adversity and complete the necessary courses.  If Billy has been cushioned from true adversity and honest grading, why should we expect him to exhibit grit and perseverance in the face of inevitable challenge in college and beyond?

Snow-plow parenting creates fragile young adults. Mental-health services at many colleges are fully used; many colleges have had to put limits on the number of free hours of therapy they can offer. One Stanford administrator writes about a student who texted her mother for help finding a classroom. Two University of Kentucky students recently admitted to breaking into their professor’s office—they had crawled through the air-duct system to steal the next day’s exam. We have too many gilded resumes attached to young people lacking the ability to cope with adversity.

A University of Houston math professor told the New York Times, “More and more, students view the process of going to college as a business transaction. They see themselves as a customer— so if they don’t do well on a test, they think I haven’t kept up my side of the business agreement. They view professors in a way similar to the person behind the counter getting their coffee.” (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/13/opinion/sunday/u-cant-talk-to-ur-professor-like-this.html?smid=fb-share)

Countless studies show the benefits of focusing on our children’s effort rather than outcomes.  By praising intelligence and grades, we make students wary of true challenge that might trigger alternate impressions. By praising effort, we create children armed with tenacity for tackling and overcoming adversity. This research reveals what common sense tells us: a hard-earned C is far preferable to an easy A.

Of course, grades and class rank affect college admissions and scholarships—real money. One mom tells me, “I've ALWAYS encouraged my kids to talk to their teachers toward the end of each quarter to ask, "What do I need to do to get an A?" I thought this showed that they cared about their grade and were engaged. Never once did I consider it bullying or implying that it was the teacher's responsibility to make sure they had an A.” And she’s right, as long as the inquiry simply seeks information, rather than results. Many educators for years, though, have told me that students and parents increasingly suggest that the teacher bears much responsibility for the desired results.

And yes, colleges would mitigate this unhealthy obsession with grades—the ends rather than the means-- if their scholarships considered rigor as well as GPA.  I applaud high schools that have done away with class rank for the same reason—awards that encourage students to gravitate towards easy classes unwittingly create fragile children.

So let’s allow our K-12 teachers to do their job and grade appropriately. I wish all teachers and administrators would use the same answer when blamed by parents for Billy’s imperfect results.  “Work harder.” The path to increased success is simple: work harder. Nothing worthwhile comes with ease.

The stakes are high. Our children will enter a world where robots and inexpensive foreign workers await.  A hard-earned two- or four-year college degree with minimal debt arms them with the skills, knowledge, and financial freedom to succeed.  Let’s fortify our children by letting them experience the adversity inherent in life. They’ll be fine now and stronger in the future.

John Baylor is a father, husband, author, Stanford grad, broadcaster, and owner of John Baylor Prep. The mission of JBP is to help families and schools create two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. You can listen to the John Baylor Prep Show by subscribing on iTunes or by going to JohnBaylorPrepShow.com. The show also runs on Nebraska stations KHUB (1340 AM) in Fremont, KNCY (1600 AM) in Nebraska City, KLIN (1400 AM)in Lincoln. Check listing for days and times.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

OnToCollege with John Baylor: The Top 5 Myths about the ACT

Jumping that ACT score is the best paying job a high school student could ever have, but still many myths about the test persist.

Myth 1: Don’t take the ACT too many times.

Actually colleges don’t care how many times a student takes the ACT; colleges just care about a student’s highest composite and sub-scores.  If the college of your dreams requires a 32 for a full-tuition scholarship—U of Nebraska-Lincoln (for NE residents-- typically) or U of Alabama (for non-residents), for example—take the ACT at least 4 times to get that number and money.

Myth #2: Some colleges don’t accept the ACT.

Actually all colleges do.  All colleges also accept the SAT.

Myth #3: The ACT doesn’t affect community college students.

Actually, a higher ACT score often can exempt a student from remedial classes, that unwelcome reality for about 50% of all CC students. “Less than 25% of these remedial students at community colleges earn a certificate or degree within eight years.” (http://www.ncsl.org/research/education/improving-college-completion-reforming-remedial.aspx). Families and Schools: please do everything possible so that your students avoid remedial classes, including preparing for multiple ACT tests.

Actually, many community colleges give scholarships based on ACT scores.

Myth #4: The Science section primarily tests science.

Actually the ACT Science section primarily tests a student’s ability to assess charts, tables, and graphs. Science background matters for a few questions, but the bulk of the Science section depends simply on chart reading skills.

Myth #5: The ACT primarily does a good job of demonstrating which students come from privilege and which don’t.

Actually, there are many examples to the contrary. For example, our JBP partner school Marengo High School in Illinois between 2009 and 2012 raised its average ACT score from a 20.1 to 22.4 as its free-and-reduced lunch population nearly doubled-- from 15% to 27% of all students.  Now, with 36% of its students in poverty, Marengo High has a higher average ACT score than it did with 3% in poverty (1999).

However, there are too many examples of a strong correlation between family wealth and a student’s ACT score.  Motivated students can fix that.  All students, especially low-income students, tend to become motivated when they actually learn the life-changing importance of a two- or four-year college degree with minimal debt and how to accomplish that goal. Teaching that lesson first is critical to raising scores for all, especially students from low income families.

Bonus Myth: The ACT costs $42.50, an amount that represents a barrier for low-income students.

Actually the ACT allows free-and-reduced lunch students to take the test twice for free.  States like Nebraska that mandate the ACT for all juniors also provide the spring junior-year ACT for free.  With proper motivation and preparation, any student with three tries should be able to score well.

Turning more of our children into two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt requires an understanding of how college admissions and college finance works. Killing the ACT myths would help.

John Baylor is a father, husband, author, Stanford grad, broadcaster, and owner of John Baylor Prep. The mission of JBP is to help families and schools create two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. You can listen to the John Baylor Prep Show by subscribing on iTunes or by going to JohnBaylorPrepShow.com. The show also runs on Nebraska stations KHUB (1340 AM) in Fremont, KNCY (1600 AM) in Nebraska City, KLIN (1400 AM)in Lincoln. Check listing for days and times.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

OnToCollege with John Baylor: "Teaching Them to Fish"

This week, John has invited Ann Herbener to write a guest blog. Ann has 29 years of experience as a classroom teacher and counselor. She is currently the college counselor at Papillion LaVista High School in Papillion, NE, where she has helped students earn millions of dollars in scholarships. Ann also works with John Baylor Prep, and has played a major role in developing our OnToCollege college counseling suite for families and schools.

We have arranged their play dates, made their lunches, supervised their homework, conferenced with their teachers, and organized their activities.  Now, when it really counts, we're supposed to let go so they do it on their own?

Senior year is one of the toughest in our children's lives.  On top of the usual homework and activities, they have to apply to college, look for scholarships, and decide on the trajectory of their lives.  One of my students once said, "You've planned everything for us, but now at the biggest decision of our lives, you're telling us we're on our own!"

After working with seniors for thirty-one years, as a teacher and college counselor, I can tell you it is a balancing act.  I get it; I have steered three kids of my own through it. Sometimes it feels easier to do everything yourself.  At least then you know it will get done, right?  But at what cost?

As the old adage says, our job as parents is to teach our children to fish.  We need to teach them to be self-advocates because we can’t teach them everything.  Next year, they will be on a college campus, living in the dorms.  If they don’t know how to register for classes or if there’s a problem with their financial aid, they need to be able to find the answer for themselves.  

It may seem like filling out their college applications or calling the college rep yourself is “helping,” but, in reality, you’re only handicapping them.  Teenagers today don’t even know how to talk on the phone!  When I tell a senior to call the college, a look of horror passes over his/her face.  So, we get out a pen and notepad, practice what to say, and make the call from my office.  Could I call myself?  Sometimes, but other times the college won’t talk to me because of privacy laws-- so at least I know I’ve taught that student to do something for himself.  

I always tell my students, “I want you to get into college, but more importantly, I want you to go BACK for your sophomore year.”  It isn’t the lack of academic preparation that keeps students from going back; it is the lack of resiliency.  They will need to be able to manage their time, money, and priorities.  This will be tough to do when many seniors still rely on their parents to wake them up in the morning.  

So, how do you find that line between parenting and over-parenting?  I advise the families at my school to make one day a week “college day.”  Sit down with all the paperwork, emails, and “to do” items.  Decide what is your child’s responsibility and what tasks are parent-appropriate.  Then don’t talk about it the rest of the week.  It’s tough!  Give your senior the ownership to get his or her tasks completed so he or she can feel that sense of accomplishment. It is then their college admission process and not yours.  Parents can help with FAFSA, post office runs, sorting through mail, reading the senior bulletin.  So, what happens when he doesn’t touch his list?  Then, he will have to deal with the consequences, like not getting a scholarship, not getting admitted, or not moving out.  

It’s hard, but you’re giving your child the skills necessary to make it on his own.

John Baylor is a father, husband, author, Stanford grad, broadcaster, and owner of John Baylor Prep. The mission of JBP is to help families and schools create two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. You can listen to the John Baylor Prep Show by subscribing on iTunes or by going to johnbaylorprepshow.com. The show also runs on Nebraska stations KHUB (1340 AM) in Fremont, KNCY (1600 AM) in Nebraska City, KLIN (1400 AM)in Lincoln. Check listing for days and times.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

OnToCollege with John Baylor: What the ACT Mandate Means for Your Student

This spring Nebraska becomes the 16th state to mandate that all juniors take the ACT college admissions diagnostic test. All of our 11th graders now take a test that can actually help them-- and us as parents. Higher ACT scores trigger better scholarships and better college options.  Jumping that ACT score should be the best paying job your high school student ever has. An increase of just a point or two can generate thousands more in scholarship dollars and dramatically decrease the need for large student loans (We discourage any college student from borrowing more than $5k a year.).

Still, one superintendent recently told me that the ACT means no more than the old NESA tests for juniors headed to community college.  Such ACT apathy would evaporate if juniors just knew that a solid ACT typically waives a student out of all remedial classes.  “When looking at only community college students, several studies have found remediation rates surpassing 50% (Yikes!). Less than 25% of these remedial students at community colleges earn a certificate or degree within eight years.” (http://www.ncsl.org/research/education/improving-college-completion-reforming-remedial.aspx).  So mandating the ACT is one way to precipitously decrease remedial class enrollment in our two- and four-year colleges-- pretty strong motivation to try hard and do well.

Parents of two- and four-year college bound students should learn how to avoid remedial classes, including how preparing for and taking an ACT can accomplish that critical goal. Reducing the number of remedial classes your student takes will save your family significant money and increase the likelihood of graduation. Who can argue with that outcome? A surprising ACT score might also persuade more students to consider 4-year colleges.

Plus this mandated April ACT provides one free ACT for all students and a third free ACT for low-income students, enough to ensure each student scores her highest. The $42.50 cost of taking an ACT is no longer a real barrier for our lower-income students.  

But what will make this policy truly worthwhile is if it triggers a statewide effort to create more two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt.  Right now 44% of Nebraska’s adults have a two- or four-year college degree. Imagine the transformative effect statewide if we increase that number to 54%, 64% or 74%, arming more of our millennials with the skills and knowledge necessary today to compete with inexpensive foreign labor and the rise of automation.  Mandating the ACT can help accomplish that goal.

And yes Nebraska’s 21.4 average ACT score (with 89% taking the test) will fall almost a full point with 100% taking the test, but the benefits are clear. More students should care about this test once they understand how much more meaningful it is to them than any previous standardized test they’ve taken. And motivated students create better data for educators to use and better results for families to leverage.  Just be sure to turn that ACT score into your child’s best-fit college at the right price, and urge your school to embrace the same expectation for all students. `And if you have a junior, make sure he or she follows up this free ACT by taking it again in June-- and twice during fall of senior year. Let’s create more two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt.

John Baylor is a father, husband, author, Stanford grad, broadcaster, and owner of John Baylor Prep. The mission of JBP is to help families and schools create two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. You can listen to the John Baylor Prep Show by subscribing on iTunes or by going to johnbaylorprepshow.com. The show also runs on Nebraska stations KHUB (1340 AM) in Fremont, KNCY (1600 AM) in Nebraska City, KLIN (1400 AM) in Lincoln. Check listing for days and times.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

OnToCollege with John Baylor: Why ACT/SAT testing Is a Whole New Ballgame

Recently I received this comment from a superintendent in response to a post on LinkedIn:

“I'd like to eliminate ACT and SAT tests altogether. They are generally a waste of time, they favor rich students, and they don't tell us as much about a student's college readiness as high school GPA, which is a rigorous multiple measure derived over years of work in multiple settings with multiple teachers. The world is evolving on this issue, just not quickly enough. In education we too often cling to old constructs even when there is ample evidence that better methods exist. One of the more positive things I've heard recently is that our local Community College, Oakton, is considering placement into credit-bearing courses for student with a 2.75 or higher high school GPA because their empirical evidence finds that a better predictor than anything else. They are not alone. We just have to have the courage to evolve past the military industrial test complex driven by test companies and way too many politicians who conflate test score with accountability.”

This was my response:

One reason rich students benefit from college admissions testing is that they have the money to pay for pricey test prep courses.  Ours is intended for all students, not just the affluent.  High schools and families purchase a one-year JBP license so that all students have access to affordable, entertaining, proven test preparation.

As a country, we do a poor job turning lower income students into college graduates. Students born into the top economic quartile have an 80% likelihood that they'll become a two- or four-year college graduate, while those born into the bottom economic quartile have only a 10% likelihood of becoming a two- or four-year college graduate. The ACT and SAT can contribute to this shameful gap because they can be intimidating and expensive (though free and reduced lunch students can get these fees waived).  JBP's mission is to help schools and families turn students into two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt.  We want all students to have this goal and to make the test score an asset on the application, regardless of income. Further, with 50% of two-year college students taking remedial classes and more than 15% of four-year college students taking them, an ACT or SAT score can telegraph to a college that remediation is unnecessary, dramatically increasing the likelihood of graduation, especially with minimal debt.

Test scores matter because they are an attempt to add more information to the application, information that complements the applicant's GPA and other attributes.  Why might this complementary information be helpful?  One reason is grade inflation.  And I'm not blaming educators for grade inflation.  I'm blaming the parents who put so much pressure on educators to give higher grades even when the student is undeserving, a disservice to the student and the integrity of grades themselves.  Colleges and scholarship committees that have the luxury of rejecting applicants may not know fully what a 3.5 gpa or a 4.0 gpa suggests.  An ACT or SAT score gives them a better idea.

But I understand your position.  The pendulum has swung way too far.  We over-test our students, draining energy from the classroom and our teachers.  My daughter’s dynamic 3rd grade teacher retired early, telling me, "I don't get to teach anymore." However, I hope you'll consider the ACT and SAT as slightly different animals from the serial tests that appear before our K-12 students annually, tests that they have to prepare for excessively during precious instruction time and that put excessive pressure on educators, regardless of their merit.  The ACT and SAT provide complementary information to admissions and scholarship committees, especially when they're unable to accept or reward all applicants.

John Baylor is a father, husband, author, Stanford grad, broadcaster, and owner of John Baylor Prep. The mission of JBP is to help families and schools create two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. You can listen to the John Baylor Prep Show by subscribing on iTunes or by going to johnbaylorprepshow.com. The show also runs on Nebraska stations KHUB (1340 AM) in Fremont, KNCY (1600 AM) in Nebraska City, KLIN (1400 AM)in Lincoln. Check listing for days and times.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

Pre-meds– small colleges v. big universities– which is better for getting into medical school?

2017-02-25 Seg 2 from John Baylor College Prep Show on Vimeo.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

How much undergrad debt is too much for pre-meds?

2017-02-25 Seg 1 from John Baylor College Prep Show on Vimeo.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

Haleigh’s story: Why it’s so important for schools to have a CLEAR mission for their students’ success BEYOND high school!

2016-03-06 Seg 1 from John Baylor College Prep Show on Vimeo.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

Educators: Are 100% of your juniors taking the ACT? Concerned? Here are strategies to motivate them.

2017-02-18 Seg 2 from John Baylor College Prep Show on Vimeo.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

OnToCollege by John Baylor: Your First College Visits

My guess is that a few of you this spring, like me, will be taking your high school student on that first official college visit. So I’m arming my daughter and me with the strategies to maximize the value of these time and money consuming visits.

Of course, we’re signing up for a campus tour and information session.  But those alone probably won’t tell us enough to know whether she should choose that college.  So she’ll be going to lunch with students and attending at least one class with them.  If we don’t yet know a student there, we’re asking the admissions office to connect us.  

To help the likelihood of the college choosing her, we also request an interview. I always encourage students to be their authentic extroverted selves in interviews. Taking a pause before answering a question and finishing a sentence before beginning another can also work well. The maddening modern habit of starting another thought before the current one is over must frustrate some admissions folks as much as me.  Unfortunately fewer and fewer colleges interview applicants anymore so you’ll have to ask for one.

We’re also emailing athletic coaches to set up meetings and asking them if she can attend practice.  If there’s time to knock on the door of the choral director, we’ll do it when we’re there.

We’re armed with questions for everyone we meet.

How is your college different from others?

What would you change about your college?

What do you wish you had known about your college when you were 17?

When you’re 24 and you come back to see friends and professors, how many professors will you make a point of visiting?

How many of your current professors know your name?

How many times each week does your English class meet?  Is it three times a week for an hour or twice a week for ninety minutes? Or is it the increasingly common single meeting each week for three hours or so?

How often are your professors absent from class due to other responsibilities?

Do students live on campus all four years?

Then, if necessary, be sure to visit the financial aid office to learn how you might enhance your chances of winning more aid. Don’t leave until you know exactly what scores and grades would trigger big scholarships.

We’ll bring cards with us so that she can send hand-written thank you notes each night to the key people that she met that day.

Yes, this is a big effort, but if she’s going to spend four years, we better strategically spend at least four hours.

John Baylor is a father, husband, author, Stanford grad, broadcaster and owner of John Baylor Prep. The mission of JBP is to help families and schools create two and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. You can listen to the John Baylor Prep Show on KHUB (1340 AM) in Fremont, KNCY (1600 AM) in Nebraska City, KLIN (1400 AM)in Lincoln, or by going to johnbaylorprepshow.com.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

What Books Should My College-Bound Student Be Reading?

“I am now trying to prepare myself for college and what lies ahead. I am inquiring as to whether John Baylor has a list of suggested books that aspiring college students should read. I know there are many such lists out on the internet but after going through JBP I respect highly what Mr. Baylor teaches. I hope that you can provide me with a list.”

That email made my day.  So here’s how I responded:

History:

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough— a quintessential American story that inspires

Wilson by A Scott Berg— Another turn of the century history lesson.  This one is about an idealistic President who once held the world in his hands.

The Brothers by Stephen Kinzer— about the Dulles brothers who together waged their own cold war with disastrous consequences that we still feel today.

Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns Goodwin— anything by her is great (especially Bully Pulpit), and this candid autobiography is difficult to put down.

Brothers by George Howe Colt—sensing a fraternal theme?  I love this book because the author is among the best in his generation (Michael Lewis, Mitch Albom) and because it offers a unique history of famous brothers and the author’s own.

Social Commentary:

The Triple Package by Amy Chua— a controversial, provocative book about the three traits shared by successful immigrant groups, attributes parents can infuse into their own children.

Classic Literature:

A Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger— the book that awakened me in my youth

Sports:  

Over This by Frank Deford — a fun, substantive ride through six decades of relationships with famous sports people, written by one of the profession’s best ever.

Coach by Michael Lewis— a short book that may be the best two-three hours a person spends this month

Moneyball by Michael Lewis— not just for baseball fans, for those looking for an edge to get into and win any game

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

John Baylor Prep introduces OnToCollege: College Counseling Tools for Schools and Families

PRESS RELEASE 

Media Contact: Joni Woodruff

Phone: 402-917-5730

Email: Joni@JohnBaylorPrep.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John Baylor Prep introduces OnToCollege: College Counseling Tools for Schools and Families

Lincoln, NE (December 15, 2016) – John Baylor Prep presents the OnToCollege program to further our mission of helping schools and families create two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. As John Baylor states, “College should create financial freedom, not indebtedness.”

Nearly sixty percent of Americans have only a high school degree. Attaining a two- or four-year college degree with minimal debt dramatically improves a student’s life chances. OnToCollege helps make that happen.

OnToCollege contains everything a high school student needs to be a savvy college shopper, including two invaluable books, America’s Most Affordable Colleges: Our definitive list of the best, lowest-cost schools, and the Platinum Guide for College: Finding your best-fit college at the lowest cost, as well as college counseling videos and planning documents.

There are two versions of this groundbreaking program -- one designed for families and one for schools. In addition to the above materials, schools will also receive The College Counseling Manual: Helping Busy Counselors be More Efficient.

Every student deserves the right college at the right price, but most busy high school counselors are responsible for nearly 500 students and much more than college counseling. It can be difficult to provide all the necessary information to all students so that no one overpays or over-borrows for college. The OnToCollege program fills that gap with all the data and material a student needs to ensure he or she isn’t saddled with life-compromising monthly student loan payments upon graduation.

Dr. James Sutfin, superintendent of Millard Public Schools, says this about JBP:

“John Baylor Prep is about helping our students achieve the American Dream. …you will learn about the simple steps that you can take to give high school students the best opportunity to succeed in college. Little or no debt and a college degree? John Baylor does a great job of helping students successfully navigate the academic and financial world of college...and is helping our kids grow their opportunities for success!”

About John Baylor Prep

John Baylor Prep prepares thousands of students annually for the ACT® and SAT®, just one way that JBP helps families and schools create two- and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. JBP's contrarian test taking techniques have inspired students for two decades -- improving scores, scholarships, and college choices. Used by more than 390 high schools in 23 states, JBP's online classes routinely increase an entire high school's ACT average score 1-3 points and SAT average score 50-200 points.

John Baylor has authored several books, including the award-winning Reaching Higher: One Simple Strategy to Transform America’s K-12 Schools, which is a Short List Finalist for the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award.

John also hosts the weekly, JBP Show-- available on radio, on podcast, and on TV.  His expert advice helps students, parents, and counselors find that ‘best fit’ college at the lowest cost.

Here’s an example of some of the advice John has for high school students:

For more information, or to order OnToCollege, go to JohnBaylorPrep.com

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

OnToCollege by John Baylor: Going Back to School, Thinking Forward to College

A friend cried when telling me how he’ll miss his son, who’s heading off to college this month.  My little girl just began her junior year in high school, her days holding my hand a memory and her departure just two short years away. Here are some ideas for us parents, trying to steer our children’s ship towards destinations filled with excitement, challenge, and promise.

Have the money talk with your child. Discuss what the family is prepared to spend for college.  Then divide by four, if she’s headed to a four-year college, or two, if she’s headed to one of our community colleges.  But this is not your annual budget because you can probably add $11,500 to that amount each year. Annually she might borrow at most $5,000 and earn at least $4,000, while you’ll qualify for the $2,500 American Opportunity Tax Credit. This is probably what you can handle for an annual maximum net cost.

Be sure to have a few affordable, ‘best-fit’ colleges on her final list. Your annual net cost will be the college’s retail sticker price minus the scholarships she receives plus the $11,500. To maximize those scholarships, have her prepare for and take the ACT (or SAT) at least twice this fall—the December test score is typically the final one that will receive scholarship consideration. Applying to at least seven colleges will also increase the likelihood she’ll land the right one at the right price. College should create financial freedom, not indebtedness.

Confront your child if you detect any signs of ‘senioritis.’  Senior year is not a time to be complacent.  This is the final chance to avoid remedial classes in college.  Remedial classes dramatically reduce the likelihood of graduation, costing students time and money.  Find out what your child’s college choices require to avoid these high school do-over classes; then ensure it gets done. Good grades, an ACT score, or a placement test are typically considered.

And if your child might benefit from a ‘gap year’ abroad before starting college, have her apply for a Rotary Foreign Exchange opportunity. The deadline typically is October 1. A year in France, Spain, Costa Rica, or Germany can accelerate self-awareness and maturity, leading eventually to a much more productive, well used college experience.

All of us want the best for our own children-- these simple strategies increase the likelihood.

John Baylor is a father, husband, author, Stanford grad, broadcaster and owner of John Baylor Prep. The mission of JBP is to help families and schools create two and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. You can listen to the John Baylor Prep Show on KHUB (1340 AM) in Fremont, KNCY (1600 AM) in Nebraska City, KLIN (1400 AM)in Lincoln, or by going to johnbaylorprepshow.com.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

OnToCollege by John Baylor: Students, Summer, and Preparing for Tests

Many parents have asked me what their rising high school juniors should do this summer to prepare for upcoming ACT tests.

“Read a lot.”  

But a better answer depends on the child because the top 1% of scorers in each state on the October, junior year PSAT can become National Merit Finalists.

The PSAT is the less rigorous version of the SAT. National Merit Finalists can win $2500 scholarships that can be spent at any college—but that’s just the appetizer.  Colleges compete for National Merit Finalists, sometimes offering winners tens of thousands of dollars a year in free tuition, sight unseen (The University of Oklahoma is one example). National Merit Scholarships are gold.

So academically strong rising juniors should be preparing hard for the SAT this summer-- taking an SAT Prep course or at least doing lots of practice questions. If your child scored at least a 28 on the ACT or a 1300 on an SAT or PSAT as a sophomore, she has a shot at winning a national merit scholarship. They can wait until the fall, but champions are made during the off-season.  Some intentional practice each week now should lead to happy scores later.

For the 95% of rising juniors who are less likely prospects to finish in the top 1% on that October PSAT, wait until the February ACT to take a college admissions test. Then hammer the April or June ACT and then two ACTs in the fall of senior year—four ACT tests should ensure a maximum score and the scholarships it brings.

So decide if your child possibly could score in the top 1% on the October, junior year PSAT.  If so, have her commit to SAT Prep this summer and fall, effort that will also help her on future ACTs and SATs.

The SAT has four sections.  Merit Scholar prospects should be taking at least one section twice a week all summer. You can find four free sample SATs at CollegeBoard.org.

Those beyond striking distance of the top 1% on the upcoming PSAT junior year should shore up gaps in their knowledge foundation for cumulative subjects. Struggles in Spanish and math may harm future grades, whereas struggles in biology probably won’t.

And reading a lot helps, too.

John Baylor is a father, husband, author, Stanford grad, broadcaster and owner of John Baylor Prep. The mission of JBP is to help families and schools create two and four-year college graduates with minimal debt. You can listen to the John Baylor Prep Show on KHUB (1340 AM) in Fremont, KNCY (1600 AM) in Nebraska City, KLIN (1400 AM)in Lincoln, or by clicking here.

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

How do I know when my year of online course study is up?

Email deb@johnbaylortestprep.com and she’ll get you that date. 

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

My computer won't play the videos.

1. Clear cache and browser history. 

2. If you still have issues contact your internet provider.  You may have a download speed issue.

Hope this helps!

[johnbaylorprep-blog]

HAMMER THAT GRAMMAR.

KABOOM!