March Newsletter

Give Us A Call!

508-622-5250

Campus Housing

Trinity College Campus

Student accommodation is a significant challenge that many students face when their expected campus housing is not available. Students choose schools based on the campus, and some won’t even be living on campus.

Students and families need to be aware of the housing situation at schools ahead of time, as some schools cannot guaranty housing for students beyond Freshman and Sophomore year. Find out the percentage of students in the college or university’s campus housing. In urban areas particularly, fewer students live in campus-owned housing. They often live in nearby housing. For example, some schools in New York City have shared housing which is used by several schools at once.

It is imperative that students and families have a good understanding of potential housing arrangements ahead of time. At PCCI, we ensure our students have the necessary information about campus housing and more.

PCCI's goal is to find the best fit at a school that is academically, socially and FINANCIALLY most appropriate, thereby putting your student in the best position to succeed in college and beyond.

Remember, there can be a huge difference between sticker price and net cost (i.e. what you actually pay). It’s our job to show you where and how much to expect that number to move down to or alternatively show you which colleges will stay at full price based on your situation while still keeping you on track with your budget.

Allow PCCI to help set you up for success and find your dream school.

To arrange a complimentary PCCI consultation, simply email me or call 508-622-5250.

Best regards,

Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. of Personal College Counseling, Inc.

nod@personalcollegecounseling.com

Visit our Website

529 Plan Rules

Are you aware of the new 529 plan rules? The new rules (for the 2026 tax year) regarding pre-college expenses allow families to use 529 funds to pay for tutoring as well as for standardized test fees for AP, SAT and ACT exams.*

*These are federal level changes. Each state has different rules regarding qualified expenses. Check your state’s 529 plan rules and check with your tax professional ahead of time.

Decision Day

As students receive responses from schools, it's important that you do not become fixated on just one school. Wait until you receive all of your acceptances and the financial breakdown letter showing all costs minus any aid offered for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Remember, you have until May 1st to commit to a school and submit your enrollment deposit to secure your spot!

In the meantime, be sure to attend admitted student events. These events, typically held in March and April, will provide an in-depth look at the school which will help you make your final decision.

Lastly spread some good karma around and let the schools that you are rejecting know you are not coming. Simply go onto your portal and check off the box that says you will not be enrolling. While it’s not your first choice, this college nonetheless may be someone else’s dream school and this simple act by you could free up a spot for someone else who ended up on the waiting list.

Full Scholarships for Athletes

Did you know that only 6 to 7 percent of student athletes go on to play for a college/university?

Even with our smaller sampling, PCCI still has an athletic placement rate of approximately 9 percent.

Here are a few things student athletes and their families may not be aware of. Only Division 1 schools give full scholarships – otherwise known as “full rides” for athletics. Division 2 schools offer a few athletic scholarships. Division 3 schools do not offer any scholarship money.

Does your student have what it takes to play D1 or is D2, D3 or competitive club sports more their speed?