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Are 4-year degrees worth it anymore? This thought-provoking article delves into the shifting landscape of higher education, questioning the value proposition of traditional college paths. Highlighting the soaring costs and diminishing returns, it advocates for a more pragmatic approach, emphasizing real-world applications and skill acquisition over abstract academia. With insights on the evolving demands of the job market and the emergence of alternative paths to professional success, it's a must-read for anyone navigating the maze of higher education choices. What are your thoughts on the changing role of college in today's society? Let's discuss it. Learn more about our Coach Development Program at: https://lnkd.in/e_sR5tmE #startingstrength #education #careeradvice

How Your Busy High School or College Student Can Win Scholarships Despite Their Packed Schedule... I was super busy throughout high school and college, but I still managed to win $164,000 in scholarships and graduated completely debt-free. Here's how I did it... My mom and I actually developed a system that helped me apply for scholarships without getting stressed out: 1️⃣ Targeted Time You only need to spend about 1-2 hours a week on scholarships. That's it! If you’re consistent and do this every week, you’ll win way more awards than trying to cram it all into a short period. Many families try to spend 10 or 30 hours in one month, leading to burnout (and no scholarship wins). 2️⃣ Gradual Gains Do it gradually rather than all at once! I won scholarships throughout all of high school and college because I didn’t pressure myself to secure all the funding at once. I applied each month and each year as I went along, and it paid for my college bills each semester. 3️⃣ Rinse, Repeat In those 1-2 hours a week, your student will create essays and application answers that they can reuse for future scholarships. I reused one essay for over 12 different scholarships and won $60,000 with it. Save each piece of work on Google Drive or a computer folder for future use. Your scholarships will stockpile with less effort as time goes on! If you’re wondering how to spend those one to two hours a week effectively, watch my new free, training: https://lnkd.in/gBjFwrHr I’ll teach you my winning scholarship formula, and show you where to find less-competitive scholarships your student can apply to this summer.

The vast majority of high school graduates do not enroll in selective colleges. Instead, they're considering the tradeoffs between entering the workforce, community college, and non-selective four-year colleges, a decision-making process that family and friends can help with. #GreatCollegeAdvice #HighSchool #StudentOutcomes

HS CLASS of 2024 ~ YOU ARE AMAZING! 🎓Seniors, pause for a moment & think about all you have accomplished in your 17-18 years of life. - It may feel too early for a 'graduation' talk, so this is a 'get me to the end of school love message.’ - From the moment you entered this planet, you have a purpose & a calling (or two). 🎓 Most of you willingly followed the establishment’s ‘rules' dealing with school, schedules, routines, & expectations. - But, not everyone is 'rule' follower & I know that makes it more difficult to navigate school structures. - I also know that students surprise us everyday with amazing futures - once they leave high school. - Some people follow a different path to their purpose. Parents & students, don't give up. 🎓You are the final class that was in high school when covid disrupted our lives. - You barely entered high school when you had to pivot & go to school virtually - missing out on building friendships & connecting with teachers in person for a long time. ❤️🩹 🎓 You witnessed the massive increase in students applying to college & many of you dealt with the competitiveness of getting into your 'dream' school - the one your family attended & you want to be a part of, too. Or, the college that has a special major. 🎓 You are currently living through the FAFSA debacle! - This may not be an issue for every family, but statistically it is drastically messing with decisions & deadlines for colleges & families! 🎓We witnessed valedictorians, salutatorians, National Merit Finalists, top 6 & 10 percenters from around the country NOT get into their dream school - even with STELLAR course rigor, grades, test scores, achievements, leadership, & recommendations! - Students are trying to understand the term: INSTITUTIONAL PRIORITIES - those factors in admission that we can't see & only each college knows. - For many of the colleges, there just aren't enough 'seats at the table.' - SENIORS, you did NOTHING WRONG and EVERYTHING RIGHT! 🎓 This is where I ask seniors everywhere who aren't feeling the college excitement, to remember this phrase: ❤ LOVE THE COLLEGE THAT LOVES YOU ❤ - The colleges that DID want & admit you! - The colleges that offered you great financial aid! 🎓 I know - that doesn't feel like much consolation right now! - This is where your TRUST, FAITH, HOPE - whatever sustains you - needs to kick in. - You may not see it - YET - but your greatest accomplishments are still to come. - The college you 'think’ is your 'back up' may be exactly where you need to be so you can shine brighter & experience opportunities you don’t see coming. 🎓 GOD's UNEXPECTED PEOPLE & EVENTS - I know your parents & I can share stories where doors opened that we didn’t orchestrate. - Be open to new things! 🎓 Move into the next chapter of your life with LOVE, JOY, FAITH, & the EXPECTATION that the BEST IS YET TO COME. ❤ 🎓 CLASS of 2024 - 💥 YOU ARE AMAZING! 💥 The journey continues... Know yourself Know colleges

With the cost of higher education skyrocketing, it's more important than ever to plan accordingly— especially when there are now so many innovative methods to choose from. An article from 12 News provides invaluable advice for families and students navigating the complexities of funding a college education. Here are some key strategies they suggested to consider: 1. Opening a 529 Plan: These tax-advantaged savings accounts are specifically designed for educational expenses, providing a smart way to save while minimizing tax implications. 2. Setting Up Automatic Transfers: Consistently transferring a set amount into a savings account can significantly build a tuition fund over time, making saving less burdensome. 3. Exploring Scholarships and Grants: Actively researching and applying for scholarships and grants can drastically reduce the overall cost of tuition. These financial aids do not require repayment, making them an ideal resource. 4. Cutting Unnecessary Expenses: By reviewing and adjusting personal spending habits, families can free up additional funds for education savings. 5. Investing Wisely: Choosing the right investment options is crucial for growing savings and can make a substantial difference in the amount accumulated for future education costs. Jennifer Finetti, an advocate for accessible education, emphasizes the importance of choosing colleges that are a good academic and financial fit. "It’s also important to prioritize and apply for scholarships year-round,” she notes, adding that students should take advantage of financial aids like the FAFSA and consider working part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer. "Planning for college is an intensive process that requires time and effort, but it's an investment that truly pays off," says Finetti. Early planning and utilizing available resources can significantly ease the financial burden associated with higher education. At A New Leaf, we encourage students and families to start planning early and make informed decisions about their educational future. By adopting these strategies, you can take proactive steps towards securing a financially stable pathway to college. https://lnkd.in/djz58pjf

Today is a 529 College Savings Day! Here are some important tips that can help you prepare for the cost of higher education!

Streetbeat is revolutionizing college tuition savings with our innovative Tuition Rewards Program. With the cost of college continuously rising - 77% of families consider college too expensive - the average undergraduate tuition and fees at private nonprofit colleges reached approximately $41,540 for the 2023-2024 academic year. Our program offers a groundbreaking solution to this daunting burden of college expenses. By investing through Streetbeat, subscribers can earn Points that directly translate into substantial tuition savings – up to a whopping 25% off at over 450 prestigious private colleges and universities across the US. Imagine the impact: families can now invest in their children's future while simultaneously securing substantial financial relief for their education. Plus, with an annual subscription of just $159, subscribers receive $5,000 in reward points, along with a 10% annual bonus on their assets under management as points. It's a win-win! Our CEO, Damián Scavo Scavo, shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind our Tuition Rewards Program: "As someone who faced financial challenges during my own college years, I understand firsthand the importance of accessible education. Streetbeat's College Tuition Program would have been life-changing for me, and I'm thrilled to bring this opportunity to millions of families." You can read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/eY_GXves Ready to experience the future of finance and education? Visit https://lnkd.in/e-aCc4JZ to discover how Streetbeat can help you save on college tuition today. Don't miss out on this game-changing opportunity! #TuitionSavings #FinancialFreedom #EducationForAll

As parents, we all want what's best for our children. We dream of seeing them succeed & achieve their goals 🚀 ➡ Health & Education play a crucial role in it ⬅ My son, now 6 years old, has inspired me to take action. I've started saving for his collage tuition through strategic investments with Streetbeat and I want to share this journey with you 📈 🏫 Let's discuss the power of education, the realities of tuition expenses & practical steps we can take as a parents. You can read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/eY_GXves #TuitionSavings #FinancialFreedom #EducationForAll

Are your expectations about U.S. grad school realistic? Students face a harsh reality in USA. I have heard from countless students who were surprised by the challenges they faced: both financially and academically. What do students often get wrong? 1) The workload is intense: Many students underestimate the academic pressure. It's not uncommon to be juggling multiple projects, exams, and research deadlines at once. Expect to work long hours—some students report putting in 50-70 hours a week. 2) It’s expensive: Beyond tuition, there are hidden costs like health insurance, books, lab fees, and living expenses. For a two year program, you could be looking at $40,000 to $90,000 total, depending on the university and city. 3) Funding is not always guaranteed: Many students expect full funding or assistantships, but the reality is that these are highly competitive. In some cases, students have to rely on loans or part-time jobs to make ends meet. 4) Cultural adjustment is real: Moving to the U.S. means adapting to a new culture, academic system, and lifestyle. It can be overwhelming, especially for international students who face homesickness and language barriers. **How can you prepare**? ✅ Research funding options early: Look for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships before you apply. Know what kind of financial support each school offers. ✅ Prepare for the workload: Grad school is a marathon, not a sprint. Develop good time management skills and be ready for some long nights. ✅ Plan your budget: Don’t just think about tuition factor in all living costs, including health insurance, rent, and daily expenses. Be realistic about what you can afford. ✅ Build a support system: Reach out to current students, alumni, and local student communities. Having people to lean on makes the transition much easier. Grad school can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to go in with your eyes wide open. Preparation is everything! Follow Simple Mind School for more tips on navigating the grad school journey!

University shaped me into the person I am today. It brought me.. 1. Network - my uni mates, now scattered across impressive careers, are the heart of my professional circle. Because let's face it, the best business deals often come from solid connections. 🤝 2. Mindset - intelligence alone isn't enough; it's about honing problem-solving skills with structured efficiency. Organizational prowess, a life superpower, is nurtured in the college environment. 🧠 3. My first career - a degree opens doors to real-world experiences. For me, it led to Investment Banking in New York—a pivotal opportunity that wouldn't have happened without my university education. 🎓 Exciting news from the Streetbeat team! They've just sealed a game-changing deal with 450 private universities, making college more affordable than ever. Imagine saving up to 25% on tuition— a regular 529 might not be the only solution anymore. How about you? What's your college story? Are your college friends still part of your life?