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The Worth It Workshop Boston was an in-person panel discussion on June 23, 2025, at Wellesley Free Library in Wellesley, MA, featuring admissions and financial leaders from Middlebury College, Apella Wealth, Dean College, and College Solutions on college ROI and debt reduction.
How to Get Into College and How to Afford It
Planning for college isn't what it used to be... The Worth It Workshop brings together experts from the financial planning, college financial aid, admissions, and scholarships worlds to help families make sense of higher ed: getting in and getting out (with minimal debt).
Featuring the Executive Director of Admissions from Middlebury College, leadership from @#${text: "Apella Wealth", link: "https://apellawealth.com/"}$#@, financial aid deans from @#${text: "Dean College", link: "https://www.dean.edu/"}$#@, and the CEO of @#${text: "College Solutions", link: "https://collegesolutions2020.squarespace.com/"}$#@.
Participation is complimentary with advanced registration, and refreshments will be provided. Registration is first-come, first-served and limited to one representative per family.
What We Will Cover & Core Takeaways
- What's the 'secret sauce' admissions officers are looking for in an applicant?
- What is FAFSA, and how does it work under recent government overhauls?
- How do colleges determine eligibility for financial aid?
- Is my child eligible to earn a merit scholarship?
Featured Instructors & Admissions Counselors
Sam Prouty
Sam joined Middlebury in 2014 and was appointed Director of Admissions in 2019. Previously spent 11 years as a college counselor and teacher at Hotchkiss and BB&N. Trustee at Northwood School; Swarthmore alumnus.
Jim Femia
Jim has been helping clients reach long-term goals for over 30 years. CRPC, AAMS, and Certified College Funding Specialist (CCFS). Holds a B.A. from Villanova.
Jean Ricker
Over 25 years in higher education affordability. Coordinates Financial Aid and Student Accounts at Dean College. B.A. from Providence College, M.S. from Northeastern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the featured speakers at the Boston workshop?
Sam Prouty (Middlebury College), Jim Femia (Apella Wealth), Jean Ricker (Dean College), and Margaret Bolton Baudinet (College Solutions).
What topics did the panel address?
FAFSA changes, need-based and merit aid formulas, application evaluation criteria, and strategies to minimize college debt.
