Why The College Selection Process Is More Important Than Ever

by Richard Borin, RIA
Director of College Financial Planning
College Connections, LLC

So, Why is the college selection process more important than ever?

“Knowledge Is Power”.

The quote that is first credited to Francis Bacon has been used countless times in countless situations.

Perhaps this oft-used quote has never been more timely and meaningful than it is today, as there seems little doubt that American society is in the midst of a second major transformation. Just as the Industrial Revolution replaced the Agrarian society, changing the landscape of employment opportunity, wealth creation and general well being for all individuals, so will the knowledge-based economy replace the industrial labor-based economy. So, what does this have to do with college selection?

The following excerpt is taken from an article by David Cay Johnston, an investigative reporter who won a Pulitzer Prize while at The New York Times.

A changing economy
……..the American economy is changing in more than one way: not simply from manufacturing jobs to service jobs but also through the rise of jobs that require expert knowledge, analytical skills and judgment. The wrenching part is that it suggests those not born with the capacity for mentally demanding jobs face a less prosperous future than their forebears in the industrial era, when brawn and hard work often paid well.”

There is a clear message in these words. The college selection process, education and the mastering of specific skills is more important than ever. Go to college. Earn a degree. Gain knowledge, skills and judgment. Decide what your strengths are, what you enjoy doing, and concentrate in those areas. When I graduated from college, jobs were available even if you lacked skills. This is becoming less and less true for today’s graduates. So I offer the following advice as to why the college selection process is more important than ever.

• Apply to schools that are realistic for you to gain admission to and allow you a chance to excel. Social and financial fits are important but do not forget your true purpose should be to prepare yourself for the future.

• There are fabulous academic institutions that you may never have heard of. Work with admission consultants who know these schools and can guide you in creating a strong college list.

• College is affordable. Again, for those who are financially challenged, a good college financial consultant can point you to schools that offer close to 100% of need in the form of financial aid.

• And remember that the costs involved in working with experts will seem minimal in years to come, if the guidance helps you find the place that will give you the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st Century. There is no asset that can match a return on investment other than an investment in one’s education You might just find that it will be a win-win scenario for parent and student.

The college selection process is more important than ever in that students need to makes sure that in addition to receiving a strong liberal arts education that they prepare themselves for the future by mastering specific skills necessary to assure success in the current employment environment.