Dear Lisa

Question:

College and beyond?  How do you decide? I have two children: one in high school and one in college…  And what about grad school?  We want the best for our children.

- Anonymous

Answer:

Dear Anonymous,

Go for the best financial aid package.  Speaking from experience, I chose a college based on its Ivy League reputation.  Truth be told, undergraduate programs are all fairly the same.  It’s what you make of them.  Teach your children the importance of internships and networking.  They, not the college names, are the keys to landing the best jobs.  As for graduate school, that’s up to your children.  If they want to put themselves in the hole for a name, they will have to pay the bill later.  Coming from a prestigious grad school can get you the interview, but ultimately your skills will land you the job.

Also, have your children talk to their college and high school advisors to obtain a list of scholarships.  There are so many scholarships that are available that we just don’t take advantage of.

Best of luck!

- The Substantive Mom