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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.


Financial Matters: Tuition Reciprocity
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
Dec 52 min read


Ace Your College Interview
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
Nov 202 min read


Helping Your Teen Choose A College Major
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
Nov 202 min read


College Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When preparing and submitting college applications, proper planning and preparation can streamline the entire process. Start by carefully...
Oct 82 min read


Financial Matters: It’s Time to Complete the FAFSA and CCS Profile
As your high school student prepares for college, understanding the financial aid process can make the difference between affordability...
Oct 82 min read


The Truth About High School Grades
If you're a high school student with college aspirations or a parent supporting one, there's a fundamental truth you need to understand:...
Oct 83 min read


Why Are You Applying Here?
When high school seniors start tackling college applications, one of the most common and tricky questions they face is some version of...
Sep 52 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


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


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


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


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


What is Demonstrated Interest?
In college admissions, showing genuine interest can significantly impact your chances of acceptance at certain schools. While colleges...
Nov 12, 20242 min read


Learning Differences and College Selection
Transitioning to college can be a significant change, especially for students who require academic accommodations for ADHD and/or other...
Sep 30, 20243 min read


Financial Matters: Keeping Application Costs in Check
Applying to college can be a costly proposition. According to U.S. News and World Report (2022), college application fees can range from...
Sep 30, 20242 min read


Financial Matters: ED/EA and Financial Aid
Navigating the college application process can be stressful, especially when considering how financial aid factors into different...
Sep 16, 20242 min read


Fall Timeline for Juniors and Seniors
As summer comes to a close, it's time for high school seniors to buckle down and focus on the college application process. For both...
Sep 2, 20243 min read


AP and Dual Enrollment
At every college information session, a parent will ask, “Is it better to get a “B” in an AP class or an “A” in a regular class?” The...
Apr 29, 20243 min read
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