Received letter for an interview?

Paying for College
1

<p>I received a letter from the mail that I have no idea what it's about and what it means. Here's how it reads:</p>

<p>To my parents
You and your student. ______, are scheduled to participate in an educational group presentation followed by a personal interview to help determine college admission and financial aid eligibility.</p>

<p>Colleges are now identifying prospective students as early as the 9th grade for admissions and financial aid assistance. Therefore you need to attend in order to receive assistance in making critical decisions that will arise in the next few months. ____'s future is too important not to attend.</p>

<p>Based on historical analysis, we have identified many colleges and universities nationwide that, subject to ____'s qualifying for enrollment, may meet up to 100% of financial need. Merit-based aid may be available regardless of your family's income. Our group instruction will include an overview derived from the same expertise that has helped thousands of students get accepted into a college of their choice, and receive millions of dollars in financial aid offers. Every family's situation is different, so results vary and cannot be guaranteed. </p>

<p>There is no cost for the education instruction or the student interview. _____'s unique educational needs will be addressed during the personal interview following the presentation. Additional services will be made available for those needing additional assistance. Both parents in the household should attend; however, at least one parent or legal guardian must attend. Parental involvement is crucial.</p>

<p>My family is not in a bad financial situation so I don't know what they mean by "unique educational needs". What's this all about?</p>

2

<p>"Unique educational needs’ usually means they want to get their hand on your parents’ money to put it into some investment with fees. That’s usually the case.</p>

3

<p>So basically it’s nothing and not “important” as they say it is?</p>

4

<p>Not remotely important. Toss it in the recycle bin.</p>

5

<p>It’s the first of many such sales pitches you’re likely to receive - important to them (because they want to make money off of you) and of absolutely no importance to you.</p>

<p>If you want to find colleges that “meet up to 100% of financial need,” just ask here. Colleges that offer merit aid without regard to family income? Yep, you can ask that here, too.</p>

6

<p>I got a similar letter in the mail when I was a junior. This one actually promised my money back if I didn’t get at least a 2K scholarship or FA award. Well, guess what, using the free advice on cc I got no less than 7k to over full tuition at the 5 schools I was accepted to.</p>

7

<p>“Parental involvement is crucial.” You bet it is, because students can’t be bound contractually to whatever overpriced package these folks are selling. What a sleazy and deceptive piece of advertising. Run, run, far way from any company that markets itself this way.</p>