Gillian Stubblefield: Writing a Book About the Secrets to Saving Big On College

Do you have a child preparing themselves for college? Are you looking for the secrets to navigating the college application process? Look no further!

Gillian Stubblefield is an author, College Access Strategist, and success coach who has guided students through the college application and financial aid process. In her latest book, Secrets to Saving Big on College, Stubblefield discusses how her experience with her family helped her organize and analyze the various avenues a family can take to invest in their child’s education. Maya Stokley interviews Stubblefield about her inspiration for the book, research, personal experience, and plans for marketing to more audiences!

Stubblefield’s Process & Inspiration

Maya: What was the process for writing Secrets to Saving Big Changes On College? How did you start? And how did you decide upon the structure?

Gillian: Writing Secrets to Saving Big on College was transformative. Initially, I spent a lot of time (weeks) going back and forth on the idea for the book I wanted to write, which was quite frustrating. However, writing a book became much more straightforward once I narrowed my focus to college affordability. With guidance from my writing coach, Lisa Tener, we shaped the structure of the book to address critical issues: student debt, pitfalls, and practical cost-saving strategies. I couldn’t be an author without the incredible support I received in Lisa’s program. My goal is simple—to empower parents with knowledge that unlocks free money for college.

Advising & Motherly Perspective

Maya: How does your experience as a college advisor and as a mom help you write this book?

Gillian: My dual roles as a college advisor and a mom uniquely positioned me to write this book. As a college advisor, I’ve navigated all the ins and outs of college admissions and financial aid and have witnessed the strategies that work. As a mom, I’ve experienced the emotional rollercoaster of college decisions (peer pressure, too) and understand the concerns and aspirations of parents. This combination of professional expertise and personal empathy allowed me to create a comprehensive guide that speaks to what parents are dealing with. I get to give families the information they need to make informed college decisions.

An Anecdote From Stubblefield’s Advisement

Maya: In Chapter 4, you mentioned that you were a college advisor in Texas for a student who applied to the Terry Scholarship and helped him with the process. What other instances or stories do you have as a college advisor assisting students in obtaining scholarships?

Gillian: Besides assisting the student in Texas who secured the Terry Scholarship, I have worked with numerous students who have won other full-ride scholarships and smaller local community scholarships. My reason for sharing that story in the book was not necessarily to claim I’m a scholarship whisperer (although I might be) but to help students overcome self-doubt and dispel the myth that scholarships are only for valedictorians or A students. Many scholarships are available for B students and creatives, too. While the significant scholarships are competitive, students can stand out by highlighting their unique talents, community service, and leadership. I encourage students to start with smaller private scholarships, long before senior year, where they have a greater chance of winning, and then work their way up. Every $1,000 and $2,500 scholarship adds up and makes a significant difference.

Another Anecdote & Advice From Stubblefield’s Experience

Maya: In Chapter 10, you talked about how Peter decided to join the military to attend college as a matter of tradition. Why did you include this anecdote in the chapter?

Gillian: Including Peter’s decision to join the ROTC program was meant to highlight an additional route to obtaining a full or partial scholarship for college. The ROTC program is offered at over 1,700 colleges, making it a viable option worth exploring for interested students. However, this path should not be taken lightly, as it often includes a service requirement after graduation. Peter’s is rooted in family tradition, underscoring that each student’s higher education is unique. Readers can learn that there are various paths to college, and while the ROTC program is not for everyone, it is an excellent way to cover college expenses.

Maya: In Chapter 5, you mentioned that “Affordability doesn’t start with the sticker price. ” Along with the information you provided in Chapter 5, what other ways can families evaluate colleges and universities from your experience as a college advisor?

Gillian: Beyond cost and major, families should consider factors like graduation rates, median earnings of graduates, job placement rates, and campus culture. Visiting campuses, talking to current students, and exploring internship opportunities can provide valuable insights. The College Scorecard website is an excellent resource for finding data on these factors. Virtual information sessions and virtual campus visits available through platforms like YouVisit.com can be beneficial if you cannot visit a college in person. Additionally, families should look into support services available on campus, such as career counseling and academic advising, to ensure the college can support the student.

Personal Experience With Saving Big On College

Maya: In Chapter 1, you mentioned that parents should talk with their children about college so both parties are transparent about the process. What was the conversation with your daughters about their college decision, and how did you navigate it?

Gillian: Our conversations were candid and focused on scholarship opportunities, career aspirations, and finding the right fit. With the advantage of the early college high school my daughters attended, we found ourselves in a fortunate financial position. The money we had saved for four years of college could now cover two. But I advocate for Early College High Schools—they can slash your college costs in half! But regardless of financial circumstances, it’s essential to have an open conversation with your child and establish a budget for what you can afford to contribute. Tools like the Net Price Calculator on college websites can help you understand your estimated costs and plan accordingly. Therefore, college decisions should be made together based on your family’s values.

Research? Stubblefield Knows It For Saving Big!

Maya: What was your research process for writing Secrets to Saving Big On College?

Gillian: My research process was quite thorough. It involved delving into education data, exploring financial aid tools like loan simulators and net price calculators, scouring college websites, and staying updated with news on financial aid and student debt. I also drew from my experience working with families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. With the ongoing discussions about student debt forgiveness, I wanted to offer strategies to empower families and prevent them from facing overwhelming debt. The key to borrowing for college is to borrow wisely and explore alternatives where you may not need to borrow. I aimed to provide accurate, current information and proven strategies that families could rely on to minimize costs and make informed decisions.

Maya: Throughout your book, you used statistics to support your claims and experience with the financial aspects of college. Why did you decide to include the quotes?

Gillian: Including statistics in my book was important to underscore the real impact of student debt and the effectiveness of some of the cost-saving strategies I share with readers. I included quotes like “student debt is like carrying a heavy backpack full of bricks” to capture parents’ attention and highlight the impact of excessive debt. These quotes were meant to provoke “aha” moments that pure data might not achieve.

Extra! Extra! Shocking Information Stubblefield Found!

Maya: While researching for this book, what was the most shocking information you learned about saving costs on college?

Gillian: One surprising discovery was how often families overlooked college, state, and federal financial aid application deadlines. This oversight can significantly reduce the aid they receive since some funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, much must be done to make the financial aid process family-friendly.

For example, financial aid offer letters vary significantly between colleges—some don’t distinguish between grants, which do not have to be repaid, and loans, which must be repaid. So, parents must calculate each college’s net price (cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships). Then, compare these costs to determine the best financial option. Using one of the many financial aid comparison tools available online can be very helpful. It’s also important to inquire whether scholarships are renewable and understand their specific requirements. Also, parents should remember to appeal their award if their financial circumstances have changed since they applied for aid.

QuestBridge and Posse: Stubblefield’s Take

Maya: In Chapter 6, you discussed Posse and Questbridge as options for college access programs. Why did you choose those two programs, and what is their significance?

Gillian: Posse and QuestBridge are transformative college access programs that identify talented students from diverse backgrounds and provide full-tuition scholarships. I highlighted these programs to showcase opportunities beyond traditional college admissions. Many smaller local college access programs are equally impactful. I mentored for one such organization in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It offered scholarships, mentors, and comprehensive support for students who had overcome significant challenges to attend college, often starting at community colleges before transferring to four-year institutions. The Posse cohort model is particularly valuable because it provides a built-in supportive community on campus, which is crucial for students’ and personal success. Both programs open doors to higher education and ensure that students from low-income backgrounds have the resources and networks they need to thrive.

A Family-Friendly Format? Yes, Please!

Maya: In Chapter 3, you used the simile, “Financial aid was like a foreign language to me.” Why did you decide to use a literary device for this statement?

Gillian: I chose the foreign language figure of speech to describe financial aid because most people find its terminology confusing. When I first encountered the financial aid process, it truly felt like navigating an entirely new language. The FAFSA application and the multitude of terms and acronyms like net price, financial need, SAI, need-aware, need-sensitive, COA, FSS, and more can overwhelm most people. Acknowledging this, I aim to foster empathy and encourage readers to seek clarity in navigating this complex process.

Maya: The way you formatted Chapter 3 so that everyone could understand the definitions and processes of different scholarships, grants, and loans was phenomenal. Why did you decide to format Chapter 3 in a list form instead of the traditional paragraph format?

Gillian: I opted for a list format in Chapter 3 because it is more user-friendly and allows for quick reference. In a topic as intricate as financial aid, I wanted to provide readers with a structured layout to help them absorb the information. I intended to create a foundational resource, Financial Aid 101, that parents could revisit as needed.

Advice for Families & Students for Saving For College

Maya: What is the best advice for families, in your opinion, that they should take from your book?

Gillian: College is expensive, but the good news is most students will not pay the full sticker price. There are plenty of scholarships, grants, and generous colleges out there. But you need to know where to find them and how to apply. Don’t limit yourself to the media’s top picks in colleges—find a college that aligns with your academic, social, and financial needs. My advice to parents: If you want to set your child up for a life without the burden of overwhelming student loans, you must consider some of the cost-cutting strategies from the book. Discussing college payment options and budget constraints with your child would be best.

Maya: You end Section 1 in Chapter 2 with the phrase, “After all,” it’s your choice and your life.” What do you want families to take away from that statement?

Gillian: This phrase stresses the importance of personal control. Families should take charge of their college choices. It’s not about reputation, rankings, or what others expect—it’s about finding what matches their goals, values, and financial situation.

A Positive Note For Families

Maya: You end your book with the phrase, “Good luck”!” Why did “you decide to end your book with this phrase?

Gillian: “Good luck!” is a positive send-off, capturing my well wishes for families embarking on their college journeys. I wish you well! I hope families invest time educating themselves, becoming financially savvy, and avoiding unreasonable student debt. While planning and strategies matter, the unpredictable nature of college admissions means some elements will be outside their control and may require a bit of luck. Ultimately, it’s a note to readers, acknowledging the challenges and the potential for success.

Plans For Secrets to Saving Big On College

Maya: What plans do you have for your book, and how would you market it to families and prospective college students?

Gillian: Marketing is ongoing, so my work is cut out for me. My plans include hosting webinars and workshops directly for families and collaborating with college access programs, high schools, and other non-profit organizations to reach families who could use this invaluable resource.

About the Author

Gillian Stubblefield is a college advisor and coach who has assisted numerous students in achieving their aspirations for college. Her dedication to helping families avoid the student debt trap is evident. Check out her book on Amazon here!