Troubled Teens and College Admission
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2025 8:48 am
Here's one more reason to help your troubled teen get back on track as soon as possible: It may increase her chances for college admission.
The name of the college admissions game these days is recruiting the best students possible. This means that behavior and character may be equally as important as academic standing and SAT scores. In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, colleges and universities fear liability for student behavior, so they are increasingly probing more deeply into an applicant's past to determine how he would fit into the school community. This means suspensions, dismissals, probationary terms because of behavioral misconduct, and legal issues involving drug or alcohol use are fair game.
Teens behaving badly online also are subject to admissions scrutiny. A study done at the Center for Marketing Research at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth found that more than 26 percent of colleges and universities look for information about prospective students using standard search engines. So beware - what your teen posts on MySpace or Facebook may influence a college admissions decision, too.
Every lender is unique and will offer parents different email data and benefits, so it's always advisable to research a number of providers and programs. Lenders often require a credit test of the parents. But not all credit tests are the same, so a rejection by one company won't necessarily result in a rejection by another company. Many families mistakenly assume they won't qualify for loans and miss out on the opportunity to help their child. A simple phone call to the lender or admissions director can give you a sense of your ability to afford the program.
Private Insurance
In some cases, private insurance will defray a portion of program costs. While HMO and most Medicaid plans traditionally have not covered therapeutic boarding schools and wilderness camps, interested parents should contact their prospective program admissions office directly to request assistance with obtaining insurance coverage.
Tax Deduction
For some students with certain physical or mental disabilities, school tuition may be a tax-deductible medical expense for parents who itemize deductions. There are prerequisites for the deduction, and not all students qualify. For more information, contact the admissions director of the program you are interested in, or consult your tax professional.
Financing a wilderness or boarding school program can be a daunting task. Many schools have pre-established relationships with a reputable lender to relieve parents of some of the burden. Although the costs may be considerable, the investment in your child's future is a sound one.
The name of the college admissions game these days is recruiting the best students possible. This means that behavior and character may be equally as important as academic standing and SAT scores. In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, colleges and universities fear liability for student behavior, so they are increasingly probing more deeply into an applicant's past to determine how he would fit into the school community. This means suspensions, dismissals, probationary terms because of behavioral misconduct, and legal issues involving drug or alcohol use are fair game.
Teens behaving badly online also are subject to admissions scrutiny. A study done at the Center for Marketing Research at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth found that more than 26 percent of colleges and universities look for information about prospective students using standard search engines. So beware - what your teen posts on MySpace or Facebook may influence a college admissions decision, too.
Every lender is unique and will offer parents different email data and benefits, so it's always advisable to research a number of providers and programs. Lenders often require a credit test of the parents. But not all credit tests are the same, so a rejection by one company won't necessarily result in a rejection by another company. Many families mistakenly assume they won't qualify for loans and miss out on the opportunity to help their child. A simple phone call to the lender or admissions director can give you a sense of your ability to afford the program.
Private Insurance
In some cases, private insurance will defray a portion of program costs. While HMO and most Medicaid plans traditionally have not covered therapeutic boarding schools and wilderness camps, interested parents should contact their prospective program admissions office directly to request assistance with obtaining insurance coverage.
Tax Deduction
For some students with certain physical or mental disabilities, school tuition may be a tax-deductible medical expense for parents who itemize deductions. There are prerequisites for the deduction, and not all students qualify. For more information, contact the admissions director of the program you are interested in, or consult your tax professional.
Financing a wilderness or boarding school program can be a daunting task. Many schools have pre-established relationships with a reputable lender to relieve parents of some of the burden. Although the costs may be considerable, the investment in your child's future is a sound one.