College Planning Resources

One way to have the advantages of a small college while attending a large university is through an honors program. Many public and some private universities offer honors programs that provide great benefits, including preferential class registration, special honors classes, enhanced advising, and enrichment programs.  Honors classes attract top professors who enjoy teaching bright, motivated students. In most programs, students are not required to take all honors courses and

Picture a student who dreams of studying oceanography but lives in a landlocked state, or a student in California, Texas, or Florida competing for a shrinking number of seats at their state’s public universities. Both want to explore out-of-state options. Both worry about cost. And both are perfect examples of who can benefit from tuition reciprocity programs that make certain public colleges far more affordable. Reciprocity agreements let students pay reduced tuition at part

If you’re fascinated by why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, a major in psychology might be the perfect fit. Psychology is the scientific study of the connections between the mind, behavior, and environment. Students explore how mental processes develop, how people make decisions, how relationships form, and how internal and external factors shape behavior over a lifetime. Because psychology is grounded in scientific research, most programs begin with core clas

Somewhere along the way, many students began treating failure as a personal label rather than a temporary setback. The New York Times  once observed that failure has shifted from an action I failed  to an identity I am a failure.  Any parent who has watched their teen meltdown after a disappointing grade or feedback knows exactly how quickly young people make this leap. Yet every major body of research tells us something very different: failure is not the opposite of success.

Fascinated by heredity and the mysteries of DNA? A major in genetics might be the perfect fit. Genetics is the study of inheritance and variation in all living organisms—from humans to plants and even viruses. It blends biology, chemistry, and computer science and is central to understanding everything from disease prevention to agricultural innovation. Genetics majors begin with a strong foundation in math and science. Most programs require coursework in biology, chemistry,

College interviews come in several formats: 'informational', 'recommended', and 'evaluative.' Colleges offer interviews because they want to enroll students who will enhance their campus community and bring new ideas. Interviews are also wonderful opportunities for you to ask questions. Think of the interview as a two-way conversation; it's not just the college wanting to learn about you, but also about you finding out as much as you can to make an informed decision. Informat

Perhaps you’ve realized that you won’t qualify for need-based aid after running net price calculator tools or an SAI tool . That can be discouraging. The good news is that many colleges award merit aid, which is money given for achievement rather than financial need. Understanding how merit aid works, how it differs from need-based aid, and how to find generous colleges can make a difference. Merit Aid vs. Need-Based Aid • Need-based aid  depends on your financial situation,

One of the most significant decisions your child will face in college is choosing a major. As a parent, your role isn’t to decide for them, but to guide, support, and help them explore options with confidence. Choosing a major isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a process of exploration. By combining honest self-assessment, real conversations with professionals, and ongoing curiosity, your student can make thoughtful choices that lead to both fulfillment and opportunity. Keep in

When preparing and submitting college applications, proper planning and preparation can streamline the entire process. Start by carefully...

As your high school student prepares for college, understanding the financial aid process can make the difference between affordability...

Construction is one of the largest industries, shaping skylines and communities. From skyscrapers to renewable energy facilities, every...

If you're a high school student with college aspirations or a parent supporting one, there's a fundamental truth you need to understand:...

When high school seniors start tackling college applications, one of the most common and tricky questions they face is some version of...

College planning is always challenging, but in 2025, things feel especially unpredictable. Costs are rising, financial aid systems are...

When you tell someone you want to be a doctor, the path ahead can seem pretty clear: major in biology, go to college, spend your weekends...

Allison’s mother was confused when she received the call. Her daughter, a sophomore at a prestigious university, had been issued a "No...

Nearly all first-year college students encounter a few surprises as they adjust to college life.  Understanding the most common...

As the cost of college continues to rise, it’s understandable that families are eager to find financial aid opportunities. Unfortunately,...

Even though some high schools require community service to graduate, the best reason to volunteer has nothing to do with resumes,...

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...

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...

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...

For many students, the first year of college is their first real taste of financial independence. While this is an exciting time, it’s...

Many student-athletes dream of playing a sport in college. However, with competitive recruiting, levels of play, and misconceptions about...