Why You Might Want a Lifeline

Independent and high school counselors can be a valuable resource for families for the very reasons that the administrator at Creighton University suggests. Not all families are going to want to navigate the Byzantine world of college admissions by themselves. This is understandable because the rules of the game can change frequently. In fact, instead of being anchored to a sturdy stone foundation, the admissions and financial aid rules often seem like they are careening down a Slip ‘n Slide.

Back in the early 1990s, for instance, colleges rarely gave out merit scholarships to any students who weren’t academically spectacular. Many parents and kids believe that’s still the status quo. But today, it’s possible for ...

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