College Admissions is Rigged—Here’s How to Win
You may have heard the whispers: the college admissions system isn’t fair.
Perfect grades? High SAT scores? Hard work? That’s NOT what gets students into top schools.
It's not a meritocracy. Colleges have their own agenda. They don’t care how much you think your child deserves a spot.
And when it comes to financial aid? The families who saved responsibly and lived within their means get punished the most.
But here’s the good news...
You can level the playing field.
I’m busting out a brand new training class, “The College Admissions Cheat Code” just for you. You will discover rarely-to-never discussed strategies, tips and tactics that your guidance counselor is not permitted to share...
...or doesn’t even know about in the first place, including:
Why “Test-Optional” isn’t always optional—and how to decide whether to submit scores The oddball reason why students with lower GPAs and weaker SAT and ACT scores get into elite schools, while stronger students get rejected How to a...
Pearl vs. Guidance Counselor
Good morning!
We're hitting the airwaves this morning -- 10:00am EST -- for College Coffee Talk, our live show about college admissions and financial aid news that you can use!
Here's what's on tap for today:
A case study where my little feisty Pearl went up against the advice of a school counselor at an elite NYC high school.
This one's good, you won't want to miss it!
Grab a cup of joe and we'll see you at 10am EST (recorded if you can't make it)
- Andy Lockwood
Confessions of a College Advisor
Last Thursday I conducted a college admissions and financial aid workshop at a local library. Among the (small) audience:
A mom. And her 2nd grader.
Her only child.
(Insert punch line here.)
Obviously, I told her she was late to the party and should have started planning for college while her daughter was in utero.
No, I didn't. But I did attempt to keep a straight face the entire night, which is typically not in my skill set.
On a serious note, even though I'm the guy who sends emails like "Don't start too late" or "You better do this now, or else," I have my limits.
God, that was hard to write.
Yet, therapeutic, because sometimes Pearl and I can't believe what we actually do for a living. Thursday night was one of those times.
If you're worried about being That Mom or That Dad, this should help.
If your kid tells you that you're nuts, neurotic or taking the college thing too seriously, feel free to share this example with them.
You'll be able to point out that...
Surprising College Tuition News
The College Board reported that college tuition isn't as expensive as we think, which I'm betting is surprising to you. It sure doesn't feel right to me (we have three kids in college), but why shouldn't we trust everything in the news these days?
According to a recent study, in-state public university tuition dropped 40% in the last decade, accounting for inflation (hmmm). And private college tuition increased by only 4%, inflation-adjusted, compared to 58% two decades ago.
What does this mean for you (families with college-bound teens?
The short answer: Maybe nothing.
Costs at competitive private universities are in the mid 90K per year range. And out-of-state public universities still charge a hefty amount to non-residents, overall.
If you're looking for merit aid or other financial aid, it's critically important to fish in the right pond. Not to rely on some academic study that contradicts common sense.
That means focusing on 1. colleges that are historically generous an...
Two Live Local Events
Good morning,
Quick announcement for local (NY area) parents of kids in grades 9-11: I'm running two "College Admissions and Scholarships Secrets" live, in-person workshops (not webinars) next week, on Wednesday,January 15 and Thursday, January 16.
The gist, short and sweet:
You will discover tested and proven strategies and tips to help your child get into their "dream college" and how to win tens of thousands of merit scholarships, even if you think "no way do families like us ever qualify for anything!"
We're nearing the tail-end of another wild and wacky admissions cycle for class of 2025 kiddos, so this workshop will give families with younger children the current, real-time lay of the land from inside the trenches.
Just the stone-cold, politically incorrect truth about what it REALLY takes to get into a top college, today.
You won't get this information from your guidance counselor, either. Unlike This Guy, they're bound by traditional constraints such as "professionalism"...
College Applicant Goes 10-for-10 (so far)
Registration Closes in:
This morning I had a fun time interviewing a Class of 2025 student, Kate, who is currently 10-for-10 (with four to go) in college acceptances. Plus she's received a healthy amount of merit scholarships.
I'll post that interview on our podcast in the next few weeks, but in the meantime, I wanted to give you one last reminder about our 11th annual College Application Edge bootcamp, especially the Early Action Discount and super valuable bonus:
When you sign up now, before the ball drops, tonight, you'll 1. save 500 bucks and 2. we'll do your FAFSA, CSS Profile and all other financial aid forms (value: $3,500).
Once we hit deadline, the registration window slams shut. Assuming we re-open it later this spring, the price will be higher, no ifs, ands or but-tocks.
If you want to give your kiddo The EDGE over his or her competitors, and position them to win tens of thousands in fat, juicy scholarships, this group coaching program ...
Pearl Saves a Mom 270K
Good morning! Three quick announcements today.
1. 10am EST: live on our Facebook page: Student loan forgiveness magician Pearl Lockwood walks you through how she saved a mom $270,000.
2. College Application Edge Bootcamp: Early Action registration is open for one more day. Save 500 bucks and get your FAFSA and other financial aid applications taken care of -- a 3,500 value -- if you sign up by deadline.
3. SAT and ACT "Crusher" classes start right after the New Year. Keep an eye out for a promotional announcement after January 1.
Okie dokie, I'm headed over to College Coffee Talk now, hope you can stop by.
-Andy "Showtime" Lockwood
College Bootcamp Early Discount
If you're the parent of a high school class of 2026 grad, I have a very, very nice Festivus gift to share:
A discounted, and heavily bonused Early Action Registration ticket to our summer College Application Edge Bootcamp!
Plain and simple, this group coaching program is designed to help your child answer the question,
Why Should We Admit YOU, Compared to Your 50,000 Competitors?
When you sign up now, before January 1, you'll 1. save 500 bucks and 2. receive a big bonus: we'll do your FAFSA, CSS Profile and all other financial aid forms (value: $3,500).
But I think there's a bigger, more important reason to take me up on this offer:
Peace of mind. Because we, not you, will take over the deadline reminders, accountability and organization of the whole college application kit and kaboodle.
You won't have to scream and threaten your kiddo all summer!
Unlike other summer bootcamps, this one lasts more than a week or two. It runs June-September, and includes
*Heavy essay ed...
Deferred? Don't Do This
Good morning!
We're hitting the airwaves this morning -- 10:00am EST -- for College Coffee Talk, our live show about college admissions and financial aid news that you can use!
Here's what's on tap for today:
Deferred? How to Screw Up Your Letter of Continued Interest
Grab a cup of joe and we'll see you at 10am EST (recorded if you can't make it)
- Andy Lockwood
How to "Print" Scholarships On Demand
Shari was thrilled for her daughter: she got into her Dream School last week! Her hard work in high school paid off!
A few days later, the financial aid award came. Not good.
"They expect us to pay HOW MUCH!?" she silently screamed, so her husband wouldn't hear her. "How am I going to tell Scott?".
I made up the names but not the scenario. Too many families get through the college acceptance process, only to THEN -- months later -- turn their attention to how they're going to PAY for college.
Sadly, thousands of families open up their college award notices, only to be slapped in the face by the (lack of) offer.
Even sadder, this unsavory result was easily avoidable.
Thursday afternoon, I'm running a short online workshop so that you don't find yourself in this pickle next year, wondering "Where's the beef" after your son or daughter manages to get into the college they've been lusting after. Here's a short list of what I'll be covering:
- How to legally "hide" your money ...