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College Planning Resources
A blog for parents, students, and families preparing for the future.
Our goal is to provide you with as much information and guidance to empower your student to thrive as they pursue their dreams.
Our blog features information that will take them from dream to decision and help to navigate everything from selecting a major to planning intentional summers so they can reach their goals.
Adjusting to College Life
Nearly all first-year college students encounter a few surprises as they adjust to college life. Understanding the most common...
Jun 113 min read
Financial Matters: Scholarship Scams Targeting Families
As the cost of college continues to rise, it’s understandable that families are eager to find financial aid opportunities. Unfortunately,...
Jun 112 min read
Why Giving Back Gives More Than You’d Expect
Even though some high schools require community service to graduate, the best reason to volunteer has nothing to do with resumes,...
Jun 112 min read
Focus on Majors: Not a Major – Pre-Law
If you’re thinking about becoming a lawyer, you might assume there’s a specific “pre-law” major you’re supposed to choose. But here’s...
Jun 114 min read
Overused Essay Topics
All right, juniors—summer is coming, and so is the time to start writing those college essays. Whether you’re dreading it or excited to...
May 53 min read
Focus on Majors: Sport Management
For students who live and breathe sports, a career in the industry doesn’t have to mean going pro as an athlete. The U.S. sports industry...
May 53 min read
Financial Matters: Pitfalls to Avoid in Your First Year
For many students, the first year of college is their first real taste of financial independence. While this is an exciting time, it’s...
May 52 min read
Insights Into Playing Sports in College
Many student-athletes dream of playing a sport in college. However, with competitive recruiting, levels of play, and misconceptions about...
May 52 min read
Making Final College Choices
Deciding which college to attend can be one of the toughest decisions for high school seniors. With so many options, it’s easy to feel...
Apr 22 min read
Focus on Majors: Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, changing how we work, learn, and make decisions. Universities are responding by...
Apr 23 min read
Financial Matters: Asking for More Merit Aid
Your teen has just received their college acceptance letters, and one of those schools is their first-choice college—exciting news! But...
Apr 22 min read
Understanding Letters of Recommendation
The application requirements for most colleges in the US include a letter of recommendation from the student's high school guidance...
Apr 22 min read
Social Media and College Admissions
Okay students, let's be real. Your life is probably all over social media. From TikTok dances to Insta-worthy sunsets to those hilarious...
Mar 62 min read
Focus on Majors: Languages
There are roughly 311 different languages spoken in the United States alone, with more than 6,500 languages spoken worldwide....
Mar 63 min read
Financial Matters: Understanding Your 529 College Savings Plan
As college costs continue to rise, parents of college-bound students are increasingly turning to 529 plans as a strategic way to save for...
Mar 63 min read
Lessons Learned About Campus Visits
As parents of sophomores and juniors schedule flights, rent cars, make hotel reservations, and book spring break campus tours, this whole...
Mar 62 min read
Choosing the “Best” Test Prep
Most students are anxious about taking standardized tests. Taking a good test prep course or working one-on-one with a tutor can help...
Feb 113 min read
Focus on Majors: Nursing
Imagine saving lives before you've even hit your mid-twenties – that's what a career in nursing could offer you. From helping deliver...
Feb 112 min read
Financial Matters: Making Private Colleges Affordable
Private colleges across the United States have expanded their merit-based aid programs in response to competition from public...
Feb 112 min read
Alternative Start Dates for College Freshman
When most families envision the college journey, they picture the classic scene: moving into dorms on a fall day alongside hundreds or...
Feb 112 min read
Focus on Majors: Fire Sciences
Fires are a powerful force of nature, and their impact is felt in communities across the country. In 2022 alone, U.S. fire departments...
Dec 17, 20243 min read
Planning for Summer in Winter
Although it is winter, now is the perfect time for high school students to start planning their summer. These months offer college-bound...
Dec 10, 20243 min read
Financial Matters: Return on Investment
Deciding on the “right” college can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to think about: location, academic programs, extracurricular...
Dec 3, 20242 min read
Why Teens Should Make Reading a Habit
For many teens, reading feels like a school chore rather than something enjoyable. But what if we reframed reading as a workout for the...
Nov 19, 20242 min read
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