COVID-19 — College Enrollment Update c/o 2020
Thoughts on your admission options amidst COVID-19 c/o 2020
Find out why…
Enrollment “COVID-19” Update for 1st Year Students
It’s probably a good idea to review with your Fall College options for your admitted student now that you made the deposit and were hoping he or she would actually be on the campus and NOT doing distance learning. Since the schools have not been very clear of their intentions or their intentions have changed to have your student off campus for the Fall 2020 Semester. This knowledge came probably came to you after you paid your non-refundable enrollment deposit. Hence, this article is motivated by my anticipation of your thoughts and accordingly provide you additional information to ensure your best interests are served by the College or University.
The Myth of the “Gap Year” for an Admitted and Enrolled Student.
By now you are possibly seeing that your youth will be home this semester taking distance/online classes and you saw what that meant last semester in terms of delivery quality, you might be thinking, “I will just send by student to a 2-Year college and they can take a “gap year” – Meaning that you think your youth will be a first-year student in Fall 2021.
It makes sense after all. Here is what you might figure: There will be a vaccine (you think) by next year or semester and you can save TENS of THOUSANDS of dollars since the college will charge you the same amount for distance learning as if your youth was taking the course on campus. Hence, you could be paying up to $30,000 for one semester of tuition vs. $600 for a CA 2- year college. However, it is not that simple as just enrolling your student in 2-Year college then just not attending the 1st semester.
Here is why:
Once your youth takes a 2-Year college class, they are considered a transfer student unless the college releases your student from your agreement to enroll your student.
Note: Get this in writing if they do agree to take the 2-Year college credits.
You can call the college admissions office and and see if they will allow credits from another college before you start, but I doubt it. Hence, if you enroll your student in a 2-Year college, they may as well get the 2-Year degree and transfer in Fall 2022 if you really want to spike the idea of the first semester due to cost or your fears/concerns about the health/safety of your youth.
If you are in any kind of a doubt about how your college handles the “gap year”, call them and ask. Even if they have said your student can have the gap year, ask them about 2-Year college transferability of credits 1st year student when they restart in Spring or Fall 2021.
The Financial Aid for 1st Semester will be Re-Adjust in August or September since your are only responsible for Tuition and not room and board. The FA Office may have already given your youth an award and you saw it. So the numbers for 1st semester stick in your mind. However, the FA Award was provided ASSUMING your student is living on campus. When this aid is modified (decreased), you could suddenly owe more money than you thought.
Solution?
Ask you Financial Aid how your award will be changed in your student stays at home.
Please feel free to call text or email me if you have any questions.