Frank Palmasani shares how to navigate the college admissions process

On Wednesday, Aug 25 GPS hosted author Frank Palmasani at a Financial Aid presentation titled Conquering the Challenge of College Costs. Navigating the college admission process can be difficult, however, finding valuable options at a great price is possible.  Frank Palmasani, author of Right College, Right Price and creator of the Financial Fit online program can help make that happen.

Frank Palmasani has been dedicated to helping families find affordable college options for more than 30 years.  He started learning about the college financial aid process in 1976, his first year as a high school counselor.  In 1981, he moved to the college level, eventually becoming a director of admissions. He has since returned to the high school arena as a guidance counselor, a job he continues to enjoy today.  Out of these experiences, Palmasani created the Financial Fit program to reverse the trillion-dollar student debt problem—a problem that had no proven solution before now. His ideas have already helped more than 200,000 families keep college affordable, making it possible for students to graduate without excessive debt.  He is a member of NACAC, IACAC, and the College Board.  Palmasani has been featured in the Boston Herald, the Chicago Tribune, Yahoo Finance, WGN-TV, WTTW-TV, CBS’s Monsters and Money in the Morning, and is the author of Right College, Right Price.

Glenbard South parent Steve Friedman shared the following takeaway: 

"Make sure you are openly communicating with your child's college representative to determine the best method to support your child's unique financial aid package, before counting out a college because of the sticker price. Don't assume help is not available. Early, proper planning is key to finding the best financial fit for students and their families."

The link to the program can be found HERE

RESOURCES

Handouts for this event (PDF)

Conquering College Costs 2021 presentation slides (PDF)

Website for Frank Palmasani/College Countdown

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 

FAFSA form

GPS hosts Drs. Christopher Thurber and Hendrie Weisinger for a program about positive parental approach

On August 19, the Glenbard Parent Series hosted authors Dr. Chris Thurber and Dr. Hank Weisinger in a program titled "The Unlikely Art of Parental Pressure: A Positive Approach to Pushing Your Child to Be Their Best Self."  

Hendrie Wesinger (left)
and Chris Thuber

Dr. Christopher Thurber is a thought leader in positive youth development. He has dedicated his professional life to improving how caring adults teach and lead young people, and to enhancing the experience of adventurous young people who are spending time away from home.   A graduate of Harvard University and UCLA, Dr. Thurber has served as a psychologist and instructor at Phillips Exeter Academy since 1999.

Hendrie Weisinger, Ph.D. is a world-renowned psychologist trained in clinical, counseling, school, and organizational psychology.  He is the originator of Criticism Training, an expert in the application and development of Emotional Intelligence, and the creator of the emerging field of Pressure management.  In addition to The Unlikely Art of Parental Pressure, Dr. Weisinger is the author of Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most, and The Power of Positive Criticism.

Parent Ami Chambers shared this takeaway after the program:

“I appreciated the suggestions to reframe comments I make to my son because even if well-meaning, they may not be received how I had hoped. The reminder to focus on effort rather than outcome is always helpful. The psychologist suggested that  parents should have reasonable and customized expectations specific to the child’s interests, abilities, and personality. To summarize, it’s ok to have high expectations as long as the focus of encouragement is on effort and personal best, rather than competition and perfection”.

 

A recording of the student directed question and answer session can be found here: https://youtu.be/ZRzXwUQ1xA0

 

A recording of the entire program can be found here: https://youtu.be/fM6rLASaPlE

RESOURCES

Dr. Thurber's website HERE

Dr. Weisinger's website HERE

Parental Pressures Twitter account HERE

Poadcast: The Many Faces of Parental Pressure: Psychologist POV, Jul 24, 2021 HERE