THINK Protégé

$7,387,390.

That’s how much scholarship and merit aid the Think Protégé Class of 2026 earned across just 19 students this year.

And these students didn’t just get accepted anywhere — they earned opportunities at incredible institutions across the country, including:

UC San Diego
Howard University
Spelman College
Morehouse College
Florida State University
The Ohio State University
University of South Carolina
Hampton University
Texas Tech University
Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)
University of Alabama
North Carolina A&T
…and more.

This class was incredibly diverse in both talent and career goals:

✨ Future nurses
✨ Future civil engineers
✨ Future professors/biblical studies-ministry
✨ Students pursuing artificial intelligence
✨ Future doctors on the pre-med track
✨ Future forensic scientist
✨ Future creatives in film, dance (ballet), and design
✨ Student-athletes continuing their athletic careers at the next level (Division I - NAIA)
✨ First-generation college students creating new legacies

And yes — we had students with standout academic profiles, including ACT scores as high as 34 and SAT scores as high as 1430.

But here’s what families need to understand:

Not every student had perfect test scores.
Not every student had the same background.
Not every student knew exactly where to start.

What they did have was strategy.
They had accountability.
They had someone helping them maximize opportunities early enough to change outcomes.

That’s what Think Protégé does.

For Class of 2027, 2028, and 2029 families — now is the time to start planning. Waiting until senior year often means missed scholarships, rushed essays, and avoidable stress.

If you want your student prepared academically, professionally, and financially, let’s build the plan now.

Spots are limited. Message me today.

The Class of 2026 raised the bar.
Who’s next? 🎓🔥

I want to share something important for parents who are thinking about reclassing/retaining their child (holding them back), especially if they play sports.

The NCAA is currently discussing a rule change that is expected to be voted on in May. This proposal would move college sports toward an age-based eligibility system. Under this model, athletes would receive up to five years of eligibility, and that five-year window would begin the academic year after they turn 19 or graduate high school, whichever comes first.

Here is the part that is important and often misunderstood. College eligibility does not run while your child is still in high school. Even if they turn 19 during high school, their NCAA eligibility does not begin until after they graduate and enter that next academic year.

If the NCAA intended for eligibility to start during high school, the wording would likely say something like “upon turning 19” or “on the date of their 19th birthday.” That is not what the proposal says. Instead, it clearly references the academic year after, which ties eligibility to college entry rather than a student’s birthday.

Based on the current proposal, eligibility starts the academic year after turning 19 or graduating, which means it is tied to college entry—not while a student is still in high school.

It is also important to understand that this rule is not final yet. It is still being reviewed and could be clarified further. There is always a possibility that the NCAA could adjust the language or add additional enforcement details.

Now let’s talk about high school eligibility, because state rules matter just as much.

In Georgia, under the Georgia High School Association, a student must not have reached their 19th birthday prior to May 1 "preceding" that school year. That means:
- Turns 19 on May 1 or after = Eligible for the entire school year
- Turns 19 on April 30 or earlier = Ineligible for the entire school year
- This applies to football, track, basketball, baseball, and all GHSA sports.

In Florida, under the Florida High School Athletic Association, the cutoff date is September 1. That means:
- Turns 19 on September 1 or after = Eligible for the entire school year
- Turns 19 on August 31 or earlier = Ineligible for the entire school year
- This applies to football, track, basketball, baseball, and all FHSAA sports.

In South Carolina, under the South Carolina High School League, the cutoff date is July 1. That means:
- Turns 19 on July 1 or after = Eligible for the entire school year
- Turns 19 on June 30 or earlier = Ineligible for the entire school year
- This applies to football, track, basketball, baseball, and all SCHSL sports.

Another important detail many parents miss: if your child’s birthday falls on the cutoff date itself, they are typically still eligible because the rules say “prior to” that date—not on that date.

The biggest takeaway is this:
- This is no longer just about grade level.

Parents need to understand:
- Their child’s birthday
- Their projected graduation year
- Their state athletic association rules
- Potential NCAA rule changes
- Long-term recruiting implications

Even if athletes still receive five years of college eligibility under the proposed NCAA model, graduating at 19 may still impact recruiting because coaches may evaluate older prospects differently.

This proposal is not final yet, but it shows where things may be heading. Families should be thinking long-term before making retention decisions.

www.thinkprotege.com

Weekly IEC Tips with Dr. Batichon: Unlock Your High School Potential

A Roadmap for Every Grade!

Seniors
📣 Last Call for Seniors! ⌛
Class of 2024, make your college apps sparkle before the deadline! ✨
Tip # 1: Fine-tune those essays.
Tip # 2: Verify all application info.
Tip # 3: Get a fresh perspective on your work.

Juniors
🌍 Juniors, Start Your College Quest! 🔍
Juniors, begin crafting your dream college list today! 🏫
Tip # 1: Explore campuses virtually and in-person.
Tip # 2: Assess what you want in a college experience.
Tip # 3: Begin thinking about your recommenders.

Sophomores
📚 Sophomores, Jumpstart Your PSAT Prep! 📖
Sophomores, get a head start on PSAT preparation! 🌅
Tip # 1: Get familiar with the test layout.
Tip # 2: Practice with past PSAT exams.
Tip # 3: Establish a consistent study schedule.

Freshmen
🌈 Freshmen, Begin Your High School Adventure! 🌟
Freshmen, it's time to explore and find your passion! 🚀
Tip # 1: Experiment with various clubs and activities.
Tip # 2: Balance your schoolwork with fun.
Tip # 3: Develop key skills like communication and leadership.

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Hey Parents & Students!

As your go-to expert, let's demystify the FAFSA process with some easy-to-digest info and essential lingo:

🔑 FAFSA Basics:
FAFSA = Your key to unlocking financial aid for college.
Opens: December 31st - Mark your calendars!

🔍 Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Get Your FSA ID: It's like your digital passport for all things FAFSA. It's your digital signature for FAFSA. Secure and unique to you!
2. Check Your Dependency: Are you reporting your finances, your parents', or both?
3. Gather Financials: Time for a treasure hunt! Grab those tax returns and bank statements.
4. Submit & Wait for SAR: That's your Student Aid Report – it's a big deal. This report is a summary of your FAFSA and shows your EFC.
5. Review Your Award Letter: This is where the magic happens – colleges tell you what aid you get!

📈 Understanding EFC & SAR:
1. EFC (Expected Family Contribution): Think of this as a measure of your family’s financial strength. Colleges use it to decide how much aid you can get. Lower EFC can mean more aid!
2. SAR (Student Aid Report): This is a recap of your FAFSA. It confirms the info you submitted and lists your EFC. Review it for accuracy!

📚 Types of Aid:
1. Grants & Scholarships: This is basically free money. 🎁
2. Work-Study: Earn money and gain experience while studying. 📚💼
3. Loans: Funds you borrow and pay back later. 💰

💡 Pro Tips:
1. Early bird gets the worm – apply ASAP!
2. Confused by EFC or SAR? We're here to help!
3. Don’t forget, FAFSA isn’t a one-time thing – renew it every year!

👉 Need guidance? Hit me up! Your friendly IEC expert is here to make FAFSA a breeze. 💨



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THINK Protégé | www.thinkprotege.com | THINK Protégé Tribee

Unlocking Affordable Education: An Insightful Analysis for Aspiring Scholars

📚🎓 Today's consultation with a promising IEC student was a deep dive into the financials of higher education. As we charted the course for his college applications, we took a meticulous look at both the schools he's been accepted to and the potential of the NC Promise Schools -- an option he never considered.

We crunched the numbers, factoring in tuition, room and board, and the generous contributions of Pell and SEOG Grants. Here's a snapshot of the financials we considered for the schools he's been accepted to:

1. Alabama A&M University: Tuition & Fees - $19,936, Room & Board - $6,050, with Pell and SEOG Grants reducing the net cost to $14,591 annually, totaling $58,364 over four years.

2. Edwards Waters University: Tuition & Fees - $14,878, Room & Board - $8,010, grants bringing the net cost to $11,493 annually, summing up to $45,972 over four years.

3. Tennessee State University: Tuition & Fees - $21,692, Room & Board - $8,858, grants leading to a net cost of $19,155 annually, and a four-year total of $76,620.

4. Virginia State University: Tuition & Fees - $22,006, Room & Board - $11,890, grants reducing the net cost to $22,501 annually, with a four-year total of $90,004.

In contrast, the NC Promise Schools stood as beacons of affordability:

1. Elizabeth City State: $10,956 tuition, $9,080 room and board, grants reducing the net to just $8,640 annually, with a four-year total of $34,560.

2. Fayetteville State University: $10,611 tuition, $8,616 room and board, grants lowering the net to $7,832 annually, with a four-year total of $31,328.

3. Western Carolina University: $8,532 tuition, $11,545 room and board, grants decreasing the net to $8,682 annually, with a four-year total of $34,728.

4. UNC Pembroke University: $10,117 tuition, $9,382 room and board, grants bringing the net to $8,104 annually, with a four-year total of $37,528.

The true allure of the NC Promise Schools is their incredibly low out-of-state tuition cost of just $2,500 per semester. This, coupled with the grants, makes for a compelling argument for affordability, potentially eliminating the need for student loans altogether.

The journey to higher education doesn't have to be weighed down by financial burden. With careful planning and consideration of such affordable options, students can soar to new heights without the anchor of debt.

Let's continue to spotlight paths that make higher education accessible and affordable. The future is bright for those who seek it!

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🎓 Major Milestones in College Planning! 🎓

Excited to reveal the outstanding achievements of a student I've been advising: Accepted into Howard University for Civil Engineering with a whopping $20k/year scholarship! And that's just one part of the story. The total scholarship amount secured is an impressive $282,000!

Let's look at the numbers:

Howard University: $80k scholarship (Total cost: $199,272; Net Price: $119,272)

Illinois Tech: $100k scholarship (Total cost: $273,164; Net Price: $173,164)

Mississippi State: $52k scholarship (Total cost: $155,492; Net Price: $103,492)

University of Kentucky: $50k scholarship (Total cost: $196,320; Net Price: $146,320)

The accompanying chart vividly demonstrates how effective scholarship strategies can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education. As an Independent Educational Consultant, I specialize in helping students maximize their potential for scholarships and college admissions. Let's turn your academic goals into a reality!



Remember to:
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Empowering Future Careers: Navigating a Career in HR and Psychology!

Hello everyone! As an Independent Educational Consultant, I'm excited to share a recent journey with one of my bright clients, a high school junior with big dreams and a keen interest in psychology. 🧠✨

🔍 The Challenge: She came to me passionate about majoring in psychology, envisioning a career in industrial psychology, HR, or training and development. However, like many, she didn't realize the breadth of psychology as a field and the crucial need for higher degrees (Masters/PhD) for most psychology-related jobs. It's a common scenario: many students enter psychology unaware that a bachelor's degree alone might limit their immediate career options.

🎓 Stats Speak: Did you know advanced degrees are often necessary in psychology to secure specialized roles? Whether it's clinical psychology, licensed therapy, or forensic psychology, higher education is key to unlocking those doors.

🚀 Rethinking the Path: After thorough discussions and assessments, we pivoted. We explored how majors like Labor Relations or Human Resources could offer immediate job opportunities post-graduation in various industries. The beauty of these fields? They're growing rapidly (faster than average), offer decent entry-level pay, and present options for remote or in-person work. The average salary in human resources is quite promising ($64k entry-level - $130k+ as a manager). We thoroughly conducted job search on Indeed to look at current pay in 2023.

💼 Building a Future: With an eye on her goals - traveling, driving a BMW, a beautiful home, and a fulfilling family life - we outlined a plan. Starting with earning college credits in high school, targeting merit and external scholarships, and considering 3+2 or 4+1 undergrad programs. Post-bachelor's, she'll have a world of options: grad school in industrial/organizational psychology or HR, or even law school with programs offering a path to a master's in HR and a Juris Doctorate in just 3.5 years. With a law degree, her opportunities will be endless.

💰 The Goal: Ensuring she's well on her way to earning $150,000+ with 5+ years of experience in her chosen field. It's about setting up for success amidst rising living costs.

👩‍🎓 Why Start Early?: It might seem early for a high school student to think this far ahead, but the reality is, informed planning is crucial. Why wait until after earning a degree to discover the job market challenges? Securing a bachelor's degree that can lead directly to a rewarding career is crucial in today's world, as it provides financial stability and independence right out of college, preparing us for the unforeseen challenges of tomorrow while we consider pursuing a master's degree that may take an additional two years to complete.

🌐 Think Ahead with Protege: If you or someone you know is navigating these important decisions, let's talk. Visit www.thinkprotege.com for guidance tailored to your goals. Let's ensure your educational choices lead to a fulfilling and successful career.

Together, we can turn dreams into plans, and plans into reality! 🌟

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Exciting Times in College Planning: Engineering School

As an Independent Educational Consultant, I'm thrilled to share a snapshot of our journey with a brilliant student aspiring to major in Civil or Environmental Engineering. The quest? Finding the perfect college fit, balancing academic excellence with financial prudence. Here's a peek into our exploration:

🔍 In-State vs. Out-of-State: A pivotal decision! We're weighing the pros and cons, considering each option's unique opportunities and financial implications.

🏗️ Engineering Excellence: We understand that top engineering schools offer unparalleled opportunities and nurture exceptional talent. Our focus is on institutions that excel academically and align with our student's career ambitions.

💰 Financial Wisdom: A key aspect of our decision-making process. We're meticulously evaluating tuition costs, potential merit scholarships, external scholarship opportunities, and overall cost of living.

🏠 Housing Considerations: The importance of stable accommodation cannot be overstated. We're looking into schools that offer guaranteed housing, be it for the freshman year or throughout the course of study, and analyzing the local housing market for feasible alternatives.

🌍 Global Perspectives: Aiming for a holistic education, we're also exploring study abroad opportunities that can enrich our student's academic journey.

📚 Diverse School List: Our strategy includes a well-thought-out mix of reach, target, and safety schools, ensuring a range of choices without compromising quality.

🎓 ABET Accreditation: A non-negotiable for us, as ABET-accredited programs are essential for future licensing in engineering fields, as per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics guidelines.

🎯 The Ultimate Goal: To select an institution that promises a rich educational experience, minimal financial burden, and excellent job prospects post-graduation.

As we navigate this path, our commitment remains steadfast – to choose a school that resonates financially and academically with our students' aspirations. Stay tuned for more updates as we reach that perfect college choice!

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“Customize Your Path to Success: SATs, Scholarships, and Beyond!"

🎓📚 Some people may think I'm crazy, but I made the decision to have Jada start taking the SATs during her sophomore year. By that time, she had already completed all her high school math courses and finished AP Lang. However, I knew that she struggled with test anxiety, just like many other students. Waiting until junior year or senior year for her SAT wouldn't work for her.

The first time she took the test, her performance was far from satisfactory. Surprisingly, her PSAT score had been higher. However, the second time she attempted it, she sky-rocketed by 200 points! Recently, she took the SAT again and she's now just 10 points away from qualifying for the Zell Miller Scholarship in Georgia. This scholarship covers 100% of tuition for in-state students who meet the minimum unweighted 3.7 re-calculated Hope GPA requirement (which she already has).

Although Jada is likely to choose an out-of-state college—Clemson, Alabama, and Auburn are her top three choices for now (who knows what the future holds in two years)—meeting the GPA and being just "10 points" away as a rising junior from the Zell Miller SAT requirement has alleviated a significant burden if she decides to stay in-state (the tuition box will have a ✅ - 127 credit hours fully funded).

In August, she plans to take the SAT again to gain the additional 10 points she needs (and maybe even score higher!). However, if she wants to aim for an out-of-state full ride or a full-tuition scholarship, she will need to continue testing. Remember, college planning is not a one-size-fits-all approach—have a plan that is tailored specifically for your child.

Don't make decisions based on what your friends are doing; instead, make choices that make sense for your child. Be proactive, not reactive, in guiding their educational journey. 🎓🌟

Looking for some rising juniors and seniors to add to our list of protégés - feel free to spread the word

THINK PROTÉGÉ THINK PROTÉGÉ

📢 Exciting News! Today, we dropped off our daughter, Jada-Symone, at Georgia State University for a summer leadership academy! Just yesterday, she was learning to walk, and now she’s embarking on this incredible journey. 🎓💪

Summer leadership academies at college campuses offer teenagers invaluable opportunities for growth and development. These programs provide a unique platform for young individuals to refine their leadership skills, gain confidence, and foster personal growth. It’s incredible to see how these academies empower teenagers to unlock their full potential and become future leaders.

By immersing themselves in a college environment, teenagers get a taste of campus life, learning firsthand from experienced faculty and professionals. They engage in challenging activities, workshops, and seminars, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas helps broaden their horizons and prepares them for the ever-changing world.

The friendships formed at these academies are extraordinary. Jada-Symone will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from various backgrounds, forging bonds that can last a lifetime. These connections create a network of support and inspiration, fostering collaboration and teamwork.

As parents, we couldn’t be prouder of Jada-Symone for seizing this opportunity. We do not doubt that this summer leadership academy will equip her with valuable tools and experiences to shape her future success. 🌟

Let’s cheer on our children as they embark on these incredible journeys, embrace their potential, and positively impact the world! 🙌