Merit aid can make a significant difference in the cost of college, but it can be easy to misunderstand how it works. Unlike need-based financial aid, merit scholarships are generally awarded based on factors such as academic achievement, leadership, talent, or other accomplishments. And one of the most important things to understand is that merit […]
How to Get Merit Scholarships for College: 10 Key Factors Read More »
College admissions can feel overwhelming. Acceptance rates change. Colleges add or remove supplemental essays. Testing policies seem to shift every year. It’s easy to feel like the process is full of things your family can’t control. But here’s the good news: The strongest college applications are built around the things students can control. Focus your
The 6 Parts of a College Application Your Student Truly Controls Read More »
Summer is prime college visit season. Every year, I work with students who spend hours researching acceptance rates, admitted student profiles, and career outcomes. While those numbers can be helpful, they rarely answer the most important question: Can you actually picture yourself here? That is why college visits matter. A campus visit gives students something
The First Ten Minutes On Campus Tell You What Four Years Will Feel Like Read More »
One of the most common questions I get from families is:“When should we start preparing for college?” The short answer: earlier than you think.The better answer: it depends on what you mean by “preparing for college.” Because no, your 8th grader does not need a college list.But waiting until junior year to start from scratch?
When Should Teens Start Preparing for College? A Practical Framework for Each Year Read More »
With so many colleges now test optional, families often ask: Do SAT or ACT scores really matter anymore? Short answer: they can, and often do. Unless a college is truly test blind, strong scores can still strengthen an application, support merit scholarships, and help admissions offices understand a student’s academic readiness. Here are six clear
Why You Should Test Prep: 6 Simple Reasons Read More »
Some of the most powerful experiences don’t come from organized activities at all. They come from real life. Here are some examples: These experiences build maturity, perspective, and self-awareness. They also lead to more authentic essays and can be showcased in college applications. Passion Is Not Always Flashy Not every student has a “spike” or
Students Should Have Meaningful Life Experiences, Not Just Load Their Resume Read More »
When college application season rolls around, families are often faced with a swirl of deadlines and terms: Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision. Add in financial aid deadlines, and it can feel overwhelming. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand what’s at stake and how to plan strategically. Early Decision (ED): Binding Commitment Best
A Parent’s Guide to Early Decision, Early Action, and Financial Aid Read More »
If your high school junior or senior is starting the college search, you may be wondering: Do we need a college admissions consultant to get into the best colleges? The answer depends on the schools your student is applying to. The application process for the best colleges can look very different from the process for
Do You Need a College Admissions Consultant for the Best Colleges? Read More »
When families begin the college planning journey, one of the most pressing — and often misunderstood — questions is: “How much is college really going to cost us?” The sticker price of a college can be quite shocking, but the actual amount you’ll pay — often called the net price — is usually very different.
How Much Will College Really Cost? Read More »
The college application process is an exciting yet stressful journey for students and their families. One of the most crucial steps in this process is building a balanced college list—one that includes a mix of low-likelihood, medium-likelihood and high-likelihood schools. An unbalanced list can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment, while a well-crafted one ensures
The Importance of a Balanced College List Read More »
