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Algernon Moncrieff

(5,780 posts)
Wed Aug 20, 2014, 08:03 AM Aug 2014

I'd like to propose a group for parents of college bound kids

...and those who are self-funding college.

I'm still seeking input on a name, but "College Resources" is the best I've come up with so far. It would be under the "Economy & Education" category. The basic idea would be a group for parents or current and prospective college students, as well as those who are self-funding and returning students. The principal topics of discussion would include college costs, scholarships, negotiating the Common App and the FAFSA, 529 savings plans, ACT & SAT dates, what schools do and don't take AP credits, college visits, etc. Of course, student loan resources and scams would be a topic here as well.

Government college funding would be a topic that would tie back to Democratic/Progressive politics at the Federal level, as well as at the state funding level. Other political topics would include Pell Grants, scholarships offered through the US Military, and other ties between college attendance and State & Federal legislation.

Would you have any interest?

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I'd like to propose a group for parents of college bound kids (Original Post) Algernon Moncrieff Aug 2014 OP
Yes I would. NaturalHigh Aug 2014 #1
Yes, my youngest headed off to college on Saturday. FSogol Aug 2014 #2
I'd join. Laffy Kat Aug 2014 #3
Great idea! jen63 Aug 2014 #4
Isn't there already a poverty group? hack89 Aug 2014 #5
Ha! MissB Aug 2014 #10
Best answer ever! Algernon Moncrieff Aug 2014 #11
I would mcar Aug 2014 #6
Great idea. I have no kids but this would be good for parents and young adults. KittyWampus Aug 2014 #7
I'd like a group like that. cyberswede Aug 2014 #8
Sure MissB Aug 2014 #9

FSogol

(45,360 posts)
2. Yes, my youngest headed off to college on Saturday.
Wed Aug 20, 2014, 08:19 AM
Aug 2014

When you get the group, my first post will be this book rec:

"Debt-Free U: How I Paid for an Outstanding College Education Without Loans, Scholarships, or Mooching off My Parents Paperback"
by Zac Bissonnette

jen63

(813 posts)
4. Great idea!
Wed Aug 20, 2014, 09:14 AM
Aug 2014

My son applied to the US Naval Academy and was turned down the first time, so he spent a year at Ohio State. He was a valedictorian (his HS had 61, or 16%), and with scholarships etc., still had to secure loans for about $5,000. It's tough and competitive out there. When I was a high school senior OSU would let anybody in!

He reapplied to the Naval Academy a second time and got in. He seems to love it and is a math and science geek, so it's a good fit for him. It's also a $400,000 education.

Many service groups give small scholarships that can add up. Rotary, Kiwanis etc. Navigating everything that's out there is a daunting task!

MissB

(15,800 posts)
10. Ha!
Wed Aug 20, 2014, 10:22 AM
Aug 2014

I still have two more years before I send my oldest off, but as dh and I will be full-pay parents, I know how poor we will be in a few years.

Algernon Moncrieff

(5,780 posts)
11. Best answer ever!
Wed Aug 20, 2014, 01:14 PM
Aug 2014

Seriously, I hope we can share information in an attempt to reduce college-induced poverty.

mcar

(42,210 posts)
6. I would
Wed Aug 20, 2014, 09:20 AM
Aug 2014

My son is a HS senior. Older son already graduated college so I might have some perspective to offer.

cyberswede

(26,117 posts)
8. I'd like a group like that.
Wed Aug 20, 2014, 10:17 AM
Aug 2014

My kids are only in middle school, but since costs keep going up, I want to be aware of how things work when the time comes.

MissB

(15,800 posts)
9. Sure
Wed Aug 20, 2014, 10:20 AM
Aug 2014

Though I do spend a lot of time on a website devoted to those actual topics, I'd like to see the information here as well!

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