Did you know there are two types of “Summer Melt”? Why and how to avoid.
Very disturbing to watch happen…
The term “Summer Melting” is when a student is admitted to a college, accepts the offer but doesn’t show up. It is always disheartening to hear, especially when it’s avoidable.
Did you know there are two types of “Summer Melt”? “Melting” is used to label these different scenarios:
FIRST DEFINITION – MELTING DUE TO LOW SELF-CONFIDENCE OR SURVIVOR’S REMORSE:
First-generation students (first to attend college in their family), low–income students and students who do not encounter many college grads in their lives experience this type of melt the most. The feelings often have no basis except in their own anxiety. There are feelings of guilt, pessimism and/or defeat before even getting into “battle”. They worry about being the “only one” of whomever they are. They let doubtful remarks made by insecure, jealous people get under their skin. After–all, the people who are more typical to be in that college must know better, yes? NO!
The insecure will look for a last-minute reason not to attend college. They think not going will avoid pain. But what about the pain of not attempting to accomplish a goal? It’s a dream that they-themselves defer!
Can that Melting be Stopped: yes, it can be overcome, either by the student recognizing what they are doing to themselves and/or by sharing their fears with a trusted adult and getting help to work through it. They should seek out alumni and older students who share their background. TALK TO PEOPLE; DON’T KEEP IT INSIDE! It is so important that they face their hesitation BEFORE heading to college so that they walk onto campus confident, ready to face anything and feeling that they belong.
The college wouldn’t offer them a seat if it did not want them to come; it’s time-consuming for hard-working admissions officials to sort through applications and it’s expensive to lose and may not be able to replace a student who suddenly doesn’t show up. These melting students must not let IMPOSTER SYNDROME get them.
Once they’re on campus, do not stew in your juices alone; find people who help and don’t hinder. They should join groups on campus or in town that can be a safe space, where they can comfortably “be themselves”. Or, take initiative and start a group or activity! Build self-confidence and leadership skills that can make them successful in their future career while helping themselves and others in school.
SUGGESTION: repeat it and believe this: “Yes! I DO belong here!”
SECOND DEFINITION – MELTING DUE TO LACK OF FINANCIAL PLANNING:
Quite a few students accept a college offer but realize just before move-in day that they cannot afford the cost to attend college. This type of melt not only affects first-generation and low–income students; students ready to pay part of the costs often melt, too.
These students usually don’t understand their acceptance package’s financial aid report. Or they become really set on attending because the college is “perfect”, no other school comes close to being as dreamy and they think it will all work out, because it’s the dream school. Or, they are just bad at math. Unfortunately, if the gap is too big, the student will not be able to attend that school.
Can that Melting be Stopped: depends on when they realize they can’t pay, and how big the gap is. The closer to Move-In Day that it happens, the more difficult it’ll be to figure out how to fill the gap. Scholarship deadlines have likely passed. If they work, they should check if there’s an employer scholarship fund. Beware loans beyond the government student and government ParentPlus loans; private bank loans add up and require parents to put their credit in peril. It’s not worth losing the family home, either! Best bet is to contact the college to ask for more grants and arrange a payment plan. HOWEVER, these strategies will only work if amount owed can be realistically met. Melt alert!
SUGGESTION: Plan ahead, keep eyes open. The students who almost melt but manage to make it to school as freshmen will have to go through this precarious ordeal again in sophomore year if they don’t prepare. Strategy for the next year must begin the night of freshmen move-in day, at the latest.
WHAT CAN YOUNGER HIGH SCHOOLERS GAIN BY LEARNING ABOUT THESE SCENARIOS: Students and parents need more guidance in the college application and financial aid process but often they don’t receive it in a timely fashion. They must select a list of schools wisely, taking into account the family budget and the schools’ budget. A famous school name or rumor of generous financial aid does not mean that all students qualify for that financial aid.
Every summer, students are unnecessarily devastated upon finding out that they can’t go to college. It can happen to anyone who doesn’t have good advisors. It can end in heartbreak. Our “Talking College Search” course includes real-life scenarios, including one about a student who almost didn’t get to go to college. Learn how to make realistic decisions for education that will have lasting impact on your future. Get lifetime access to this three hour online course with bonus workbook for less than the cost of an application fee!
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