I am the proud “Gigi” of seven of the most wonderful, remarkable, precious, grandchildren that make my heart burst with pride. Having three incredible daughters, I knew what to expect with girls, but it has been amazing to have four grandsons to watch grow up. My issue with all of them is that they are growing up too fast. The oldest should be 13 while the youngest should be two! Instead, their ages range from seven to 18. Unfortunately, that means I have aged years, too.

Last fall, after touring several colleges and universities throughout the year, our eldest granddaughter began the application process. Immediately after each tour, she filled out a pro and con list – first impressions being important. It has been interesting to learn how these institutions reply. Some responses come within a couple of weeks, while others take months. She is what every college would dream of having. She is not only a straight-A student, but she has been taking all advanced classes since middle school. Add to that all her extra curricular activities and community projects. With all that, she still has time to be a teenager and hang out with friends and family.

Having applied to so many schools is new to me. I applied to just one college, as did my husband and our three daughters. My parents and my husband’s parents knew what the costs would be, as we knew what it would be for our daughters. Now, I realize that tuition and living expenses have risen considerably since we faced paying it, but I have been stunned with some of the amounts.

I wonder what my grandfather would think about how high college tuition has gotten? Education was his life. He was a school principal (which my mother wasn’t happy about, since he was her principal), but spent time getting his master’s degree over the summer breaks. He then became a superintendent of schools. He helped several students go on to college. Upon retiring, a reception was held in his honor. The accolades he received showed how beloved he was, not only for his scholastic help, but also for the time he gave to anyone that needed advice, help or just someone who needed to talk.

Looking forward to the coming years, what in the world will the cost be when the youngest grandchild is set to go? Even with the savings accounts set up for their education, will it be enough? After a bachelor’s degree, will they want, or need, a higher degree to advance in their career? Community colleges have managed to keep their class prices at a reasonable level which helps students transfer after two years to finish their degrees at a four year college, but that won’t work for everyone. 

With so many acceptances already, including scholarships and honors, my granddaughter has a lot to consider. She would love to go to medical school as her next step, which could influence her decision. Going to an in-state school, especially an excellent one, will always make the tuition a better deal, but it also depends on what you plan to major in.

I know that my granddaughter will consider every option as to where she’ll decide to go carefully and thoroughly. I think distance will play a part, scholarships offered, courses that will be essential for post graduate studies, cost to some degree and many other items I’m sure she’ll think about that I haven’t mentioned. 

After all the months of tours and applications, I can’t wait to hear where our granddaughter has decided to go! I know wherever it is, it will be the right decision for her. One college or university is about to have one amazing girl gracing their hallowed halls! Yes, I am one blessed Gigi, and I have six more amazing scholars following behind her!