We are just one week away from the national college decision deadline of May 1. Has your teen made the big decision yet? Most have but there are some who are waiting on new information about scholarships or wait lists or who are just plain torn between their top two colleges.

One thing to keep in mind is that it matters less where the student goes and more what he or she does where they go. While it is true that colleges differ in programs, a student able to get their desired program at a college within their financial means has as good a chance as any other student if they use the resources within their college as well as their assertiveness.

There are scholarships within colleges as well as internships and fellowships and paid experiences that can help students save money on their total college bill. Add to that taking full advantage of college career placement programs EARLY can lead to amazing employment at graduation.

It is important to remember the reason students go to college. They go to grow, learn new skills, develop themselves and explore their options for a satisfying career. To the extent they can do that and keep debt low, they are all winners.