More College Q&A with The Dunce

For the past 30 years, The Dunce, a.k.a. Tedd Kelly, has been recruiting students for colleges, advising parents, and doing enrollment consulting. He draws from an advisory board of admissions and financial aid directors, guidance counselors, parents, and student representatives from high schools and colleges.

Well, summer is here and the worries of going to college are behind you. Right? Wrong! The Dunce answers some typical questions:

Which is more important: going to summer school or getting a job to save money for college?

What's wrong with doing both?

What should I do about health insurance coverage while at college?

Most colleges have health insurance coverage available to students. If the college does not have coverage, you may be able to extend your parents' policy to college, assuming they have one. Some colleges require all students to be on their insurance plan. Ask your parents to check with their agent to find out which coverage is best, if you have a choice. It is important to make certain you do not get caught between policies. This is a situation in which your parents' policy covers you at home but not at college, and the college's covers you at college but not at home. Caution: Your parents' coverage ends when you are 22.

Suppose I get sick while at college?

Again, most colleges are well prepared for such instances. The largest will have an infirmary on campus. Some will have coverage arranged by a local HMO or similar organization. The rest will have a health care professional on site during the day and emergency coverage for the rest of the time. Should you get sick, follow the college's policies on reporting illnesses or you may not be covered by their policy. The same applies to provisions for using your family's policy coverage away from home.

The Dunce suggests you, your family, and health care provider have a clear understanding about what you should do in case of routine, emergency, or accidental insurance coverage. It's best to assume you will need the coverage at least once in a four-year period.

My parents gave me a car for graduation. Can I take it to college?

Yes, you can, in most instances. But the bigger question is, "Should you?" A car at college can be a liability. Your friends will expect you to take them places, ask to borrow your car, and organizations may depend on you for help in transporting items and members. Then, there is the parking problem. At some institutions, a parking permit is really a permit to hunt for a space. And, of course, the liability from theft or damage is always present. Also, be sure your automobile insurance covers drivers other than you or your family. If not, say no to protect your parents. If you are not a strong-willed person, leave the car at home.

I still haven't applied to college. Is it too late?

No, not really. Each year, it seems more students wait later and later to apply. Of course, it's too late for the high-demand institutions. But there are many academically challenging colleges that will be recruiting students down to the wire. These colleges will prepare you well for life after college, be it work or graduate school.

I got into the college I wanted, but the aid package leaves a lot to be desired ... and borrowed. Is there something I can do to get more money?

Maybe. The way to find out is to appeal the award letter based on needing more funds. This is best done in person, if possible, or by phone, and, at worst, by letter. It's an individual decision, but you may want to negotiate the aid award with your admission counselor and let him or her speak for you. In most cases, however, it is better to deal with the financial aid office. Most colleges make the best offer they can the first time around. Some may have monies available from awards that were not accepted or canceled at the last minute. It won't hurt to ask, but take "no" for an answer.

I have been "invited" to attend a summer orientation program at the college I will attend this fall. It would be a real imposition to my family if I went. What should I do?

That's an easy one. Call your admission counselor and explain your family's circumstances. There may be later orientation dates or other provisions for those who can't come during the summer. The Dunce sincerely doubts you will be penalized in any way for not being able to go. But it will be to your advantage to make every effort to go.

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