The Year of the Rat; Why the Chinese Zodiac Year says it all
The Chinese Year of the Rat, which began January 25, 2020, is the first sign in the 12-year zodiac cycle. This animal is highly regarded for its’ vitality, shrewdness, and adaptability to the environment. We know this for sure. The class of 2020 is not going to start college and university journeys like any other group. Time to use their shrewdness and adaptability!
An article on the Inside Higher Education website about the May 1 Decision Day deadline (some schools have pushed it back to June 1) believes it may NOT provide the highly hoped for “yield” of committed students this fall. The article cites a poll of nearly 1,200 high school seniors less than a week ago. The results are disturbing. One in 8 students who made deposits no longer plan to attend a four-year college full-time. This result does not include the percentage of students who don’t show up in the fall, known as “summer melt.” Between the two, this fall could see a loss of 20-25% of incoming freshmen & an uncertain number of returning upperclassmen. That is unsustainable for all but the most deeply endowed institutions.
More articles provide insight as to what the line in the sand seems to be-that full-priced tuition is not acceptable for college offered totally “online.” Students and their parents are pulling back from a high-cost on-campus educational expectation interrupted by a COVID-induced online education ho-hum event.
Another batch of articles overtook the internet recently. College after college after university declaring they will be open with full schedules this fall. For many institutions, it is a matter of survival. They must stanch the bleeding by confidently promising they will figure it out by mid- August.
In times of stress, we intuitively return to what we know. Some parents are already pulling back, helping their students re-consider far away college or universities, high-priced private schools, and any educational option that is hard for a parent to reach should a need arise.
If this describes you and your student, you are not alone. Clearly. if finances are a problem and you don’t want them too far away, you may think the only option is to enroll in a local community college. You, and hundreds of others, may find out there are not enough seats in your local community college.
Before you rush to apply to your local community college, Let’s consider other options:
Is a Gap Year real and what does it involve?
How can you get college general studies credits at a low cost?
What’s the impact of taking off a year?
GAP YEAR
A Gap Year can be a specialized “program” you apply to and pay for, or, it could be working 1/2 time & taking 2 college general studies classes at your community college. The GAP year, common in Europe, is a growing idea in the United States.
It is critical you contact your school to determine their requirements to grant you a Gap Year. You are asking them to ‘hold your spot’ for you to re-join them in 2021. Remember, that would mean one less student in the next class being admitted. You need to know if they require a formal request, and if a deposit needs to be made, and what other guidelines you must fulfill. You will need to resubmit your FAFSA when required for the 2021 school year. Please understand they may or may not grant your request and you have another decision to make.
GENERAL STUDIES COURSES
Getting a few “introductory classes” out of the way, be it online or at community college, could be a frugal way to get a leg up. BUT, you must do your research in coordination with your chosen educational institution.
Find out WHAT courses will transfer from community college OR an online program to your school. This is critical! In my book, ENOUGH! The College Cost Crisis, I outline many options, including the CLEP program. CLEP stands for College Level Exam Placement. Offered by the well regarded College Board, this is a hidden option with many colleges and universities. Often, the CLEP courses, study guides, AND proctored exams cost less than $200 per course. If you pass and earn the credit at the level required - bam! You saved a couple of thousand dollars and earned transferable college credits!
Try one course, preferably one you liked & aced in high school. This involves online, self-motivated training and testing, and requires planning & commitment. Parents- I believe in well-placed incentives for our students. Perhaps a share of the savings from every successfully passed CLEP exam would be a great motivator for your student.
WHAT’S THE IMPACT OF TAKING OFF A YEAR?
Let’s start with the Good News- a Gap Year may bring increased maturity, improved self-discipline, and a new perspective on life and education. All this is desirable and will likely carry over into their first full year in school.
The Bad News- not having a Plan A and a Plan B could blow up in your faces. However- it is LESS likely to happen if clear boundaries and expectations are discussed, developed, AND adhered to.
In this Chinese Year of the Rat, it will take ingenuity, creativity, and energy to develop the best program for your student and family. Now is a great time to explore these paths before selecting the right one.
Until Next Time,
All my best,
Bonnie Burkett
