Point Positive Collegiate Consulting

Back in town and ready to get to work with this year's cohort! If you or someone you know is looking at the college application process with confusion (or dread) I can help.

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May 1 - Decision Day!
The end of the admissions journey for seniors and the beginning for juniors.
I have been talking with a few juniors these last weeks who are feeling excited but a bit overwhelmed at the prospects. One told me, "Do you know how many colleges there are, Ms. Goddard? I have no idea where to even start."
After going through a few questions and talking about what she was looking for, the stress level came down. She thanked me and said, "I feel like I have a much better plan now. This has really helped."

If you know someone who could also benefit from a conversation or two, let's connect. I am easiest to reach via email [email protected]

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Happy Groundhog's Day!
One of the few times each year that I pop on to this site and let people know that I am still here and still helping families through the college admission process.
If you know someone that could use guidance, I am starting to build Cohort '26 and welcome all questions.

One of my very favorite things about this job is when I recommend a school that students had not considered and they LOVE it. One of mine just got back from visiting such a school. She said, "They have things that I never knew I wanted." She is now planning to apply Early Decision.

First post in . . . a long time.
This year is getting really busy, really quickly!
I have been visiting schools and talking application questions with many (including my own kiddo - !!) but wanted to open the page back up in case I have missed some who may need help.

Please feel welcome to get in contact, or share with anyone who may have questions. I got nothing on the new FAFSA yet, but will share when I do.

Summer Break - fully engaged.
Soon - thinking about college applications.

Common App officially opens on Aug. 1, as do many rolling admissions schools.

If you know anyone who could use some help, please share my contact info. I edit essays, research college lists, and answer LOTS of questions.

'Tis the start of List Season!
Many publications will be offering algorithm-based wisdom to help people with their college searches. While some may be helpful, remember to look at them with some degree of skepticism. They use their own formulas and data that is usually provided by the schools themselves. It helps them to be named to such lists and every "Best" is relative.

200 Best Value Colleges Check out The Princeton Review’s best value colleges to find schools with great career services and affordable tuition.

As posted previously, the FAFSA is changing. Students graduating in 2023 and beyond need to know . . .

The form is getting shorter.
A few terminology adjustments, to hopefully increase clarity.
Divorced parents who claim their student on taxes will be considered the primary household.
The percentage of retainable funds will increase.
Families with more than one student in college at the same time will NO LONGER split their EFC between students.

There are more changes, but these seem to be the most important to realize now. The form uses past-past tax filings, so best to prepare early.

If you have have questions, I can help.
Early planning saves so much stress during junior/senior year.

The FAFSA is changing.
Not immediately, but for those whose students are in the class of 2023 and beyond, this article will help understand what is coming. Of course, many things can change by then.

A Streamlined FAFSA Will Simplify Filing But Will the Changes Make Parents Happier? 2021 is seeing changes to future FAFSAs as the federal government shifts towards simpler financial aid calculations.

Acceptances coming fast and furious!
So excited for all of my students who worked hard to get them!!!

Greetings Friends,
I am looking to shift some of my business off social media and find a way to serve more people with less face-to-face time. In the pipeline is a workshop/information session style format where I can provide solid information for people to get started with and answer some questions.
I will demo this style of workshop if there is a group of interested parents that can (by necessity) meet by Zoom, or Skype. The demo session will be free for parents with students in grades 9-12, but I will ask you for feedback.
If you, or someone you know, would like to participate, please contact me by email, so I can send the link. [email protected]
I am thinking of either Aug. 27 or Sept. 3 but since we are moving on-line, can look at other dates.
Best Wishes!!!
Stay cool and safe!!!!
Maura

Happy Last Day of school!
Normally, I advise my students to take a few weeks to recover and then start our College work.
This year, no spring SAT's, sketchy AP testing, and lots of isolation. Take time, if you need it, but I am ready to shift out of neutral.

Summer hours officially start Tuesday.
Zoom and Skype are ready to launch and I have even become better at Google Hangouts.

Email and other media work, too, of course. Always happy to answer questions.