College Benefits Research Group co-founders discuss college planning on WGLS radio

NJ.com , January 2, 2015

ROSELAND, NJ — The cost of a college education is always in the news. What is little discussed or focused on is the unique importance of the junior year (11th grade) in high school. This is the game-changer year, not just for grades - but to make sure your student, your child, is in the best position for financial and/or merit awards. Yet no one is talking about it - and parents and students may know this is true - but with the overwhelming crush of testing, keeping up grades, extra curricula activities - strategically applying to college gets lost. Yet, this is the most CRITICAL time for parents and students to have a targeted plan.

Steven Sirot and David Slater, Co-Founders, College Benefits Research Group (CBRG), a college planning organization, recently spoke with WGLS's "A Community Affair" radio show about the importance of the junior year of high school, financial aid and choosing a college. The interview which aired on WGLS's “A Community Affair” show can be heard here. WGLS-FM is a regional radio station with a potential audience of almost 1.3 million people. The broadcast signal covers South Jersey, parts of Philadelphia and Delaware.

Co-founded by Steven Sirot and David N. Slater and joined by their partner, Educational Counselor, Janet Loren, CBRG demonstrates how a private and/or public education is affordable and attainable and allows hard working families to hit a “home run” in finding the right school, academically, socially and financially, for their child. CBRG also assists with the filing of financial aid forms.

“We are different from other college planning services in that we offer “harmonization” of financial, educational and social guidance for the entire family,” says Steven Sirot.“We meet jointly with students and parents to develop a college game plan that works for everyone. Too often college students attend a school because their friends are there, or it is the so-called ‘hot school’ that is on everyone’s radar, without any consideration of whether the school is right for them or the long-term effect it will have on family finances. We work hard with the entire family to let students know that going to college is a responsible decision that affects the whole family, and there are no ‘free rides.’ The student will be responsible for their academic success in college, which includes graduating in four years, and for paying back of some loans that may need to be taken out in their name.”