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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I think parents [i]have[/i] to be more involved now due to the changes in 529s, financial aid, and student loans.  For example, most on DCUM do not qualify for financial aid. So the first step to funding in gaps between 529s, $5500 load, and college expenses is to have a Parent Plus Loan.  It doesn't automatically default back to the student.

My son identified potential colleges, completed his essay, and SAT prep & testing all through his school (MCPS/Naviance). From there I organized a spreadsheet for the both of us to look at.  We are a middle class family, so college is not fully funded, despite our efforts to save. My husband and I helped him to identify out of state colleges that are more within our budget, and in state colleges.  He applied to one private, which offered automatic aid.  I simply cannot afford to tell him he can go where ever he gets accepted. The financial burden is too great for us and for him.

I completed the financial aspect of common app, and he completed the student sections.  Now we are working together to identify scholarship opportunities. I'm not driving the process on my own, writing essays, or controlling the process, but I am there to help keep organized and focused.  He also works outside of school (is saving), plays a winter sport, and has a full class load.  He usually only has a few hours each week to fit college application items.  So for us, it's very much a collaboration.  He would be, and has been, overwhelmed without guidance.  I find that completely understandable, because it is stressful and a cluster F at many points. [/quote]

This all makes so much sense.  It's become to first huge financial decision someone makes.  It used to just be a few extra hours of working a PT job could pay for college.  Now it's getting a mortgage.  My kids are young, but this does seem like a reasonable amount of help vs hand holding vs hands off.[/quote]

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