Recently, Chris was interviewed by Mark Geraci of Sound Strategy, Estate & Retirement Specialists. The interview had a lot of great information so we thought we’d share it here:
MEMBER PROFILE – CHRIS KIM 
Chris Kim is the co-owner (with her husband Jimmy) of More Than Scores and Tests, a local tutoring and college planning firm in Buffalo Grove, IL. With a combined 25+ years of experience, they designed an individualized process called ‘Your College Roadmap’ that guides families of college-bound individuals to plan, prepare, and pay for college.
Mark: What attracted you to working in the college planning field?
Chris: My husband Jimmy and I, early in life, started helping families as youth pastors and providing tutoring services to kids. We’ve always found it very gratifying to work with students and parents to help them reach their goals.
Mark: For our Members with kids in middle school and high school right now, what 3 tips would you give for parents in preparing for the fast-approaching college years?
Chris: 1. Don’t wait until Junior year to start the planning process. If you have an ambitious student, (or even if you don’t!) having a plan from Day 1 of high school can really help keep the student on track to meet their goals of getting into a preferred school. 2. Start the financial talk early. Don’t wait until crunch time to have the conversation with your teen about the financial commitment that college represents for the both of you. I would advise both parents and students to prepare a backup plan, in case they are unable to qualify for the school of their choice. It’s also wise to discuss the impact of failing out of school and how this might affect you both financially and emotionally. 3. Encourage your teen to experience a productive summer. While relaxing and taking a break from school is well deserved, getting some hands-on work experience, volunteering, being an intern, and even traveling can help your teen learn about adult responsibilities, earning and saving money, and interacting socially in the real world.
Mark: What’s the BIGGEST mistake you see most young parents making when it comes to saving for college?
Chris: Failing to learn about all of the options available. Many of our clients have found that even saving a little more money could have made a big difference. If you’re having trouble sorting it all out on your own, seek the help of an experienced professional.
Mark: What’s the most common type of compliment you receive from your clients?
Chris: Well, I can say that the most gratifying compliments that I have received are those that tell us that without our help, they probably never would have been able to go to college at all. But we also often hear that we made a difference in helping bring peace between the student and parent. We tend to act like the bridge that unites the two together. This can help reduce the amount of fighting and resentment that can occur over finances, school choices and other factors.
Mark: How can our Members learn more about you and the college planning services you provide at More Than S.A.T.?
Chris: You can visit us on the web at www.morethansat.com or on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/morethansat. We have a lot of free
resources posted on both sites that parents and students can access. We also periodically hold webinars and add to our blog weekly. If you’d like to schedule a free, no-obligation meeting to discuss your student’s college preparation plan or tutoring needs please call my office at (847)481-9795 or send me an email at chris@morethansat.com
Mark: Chris, you had one more thing to add…
Chris: Yes! If you’re in charge of organizing a local fundraiser, or know someone who is, I would like to offer to donate a gift certificate redeemable for one of my services. Please contact me to discuss how this free gift can help raise money for your organization and help families get the professional advice they may need to reach their college goals!
** More Than S.A.T. is not affiliated with nor endorsed by LPL Financial or Sound Strategy Estate and Retirement Specialists.
** Please note that the services provided by More Than S.A.T. do not require a securities license.