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College List BuildingUC Berkeley Common Data Set
Sifting through a college’s Common Data Set can take a lot of time. Instead, we’ve gathered the most important information from UC Berkeley’s most recent Common Data Set to provide you with the information you need at a quick glance. This guide contains key information from UC Berkeley Common Data Set 2025-2026. Berkeley Common Data…
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College List BuildingCollege vs. University: Differences, Examples, Pros and Cons, and the Right Fit
We often use the words “college” and “university” interchangeably. We say, “Yes, I’m going to college,” when we mean that we plan to attend a state university. However, there is an actual difference between a college and a university. This distinction can be important when understanding the level of education your student will get at…
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High School Academics & ActivitiesThe School Profile: How Colleges Use it in Admissions, What’s Included, and Tips
Navigating college admissions can seem like a complex puzzle, with each piece providing vital information about a prospective student. One key element often overlooked is the school profile — a snapshot of a student’s high school. This article explains its significance, components, and influence on college admissions decisions. What Is a School Profile? A school…
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ApplicationsEarly Decision vs. Early Action: Ins and Outs, Pros and Cons, and How to Choose
Students have admission options when applying to college. These include Early Decision (ED), Early Decision 2 (ED 2) and Early Action (EA). Before you choose one, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons. This article explains each option and advises you on how to select the one that best fits your situation. Early Action…
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ApplicationsHow to Get College Recommendation Letters, and How They Help Students Stand Out
A college recommendation letter is a key part of the application process. This guide explains who to ask for a recommendation letter, how to ask, and why it matters. Plus, see our tips for writing a strong one. How to Get a Great College Recommendation Letter Students should start planning for recommendation letters before asking…
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College Financial PlanningFAFSA Independent Student Guide: Challenges, Benefits, Criteria, How to Decide, and How to File
It’s not easy to become a FAFSA independent student, but it’s the right choice for certain people. This article explains how this status works, its challenges, and its advantages. It also outlines the steps for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as an independent student. Finally, it gives tips on how to…
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College LifeThings to Bring to College: Clothes, Dorm Decor, Bedding, Electronics, and More
Many parents find that their college-bound kids may not be the most practical packers. This article provides valuable insights into packing the right clothes, choosing essential dorm decor, bedding, and other must-have items for college. Planning What to Bring to College Can you rely on your student to plan? If not, start with these two…
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College List BuildingCollege Spreadsheet: The Ultimate Guide to Making, Using, and Organizing Your College List
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the college application process? Do you need help keeping track of various colleges you’re interested in? A college spreadsheet might be the solution you’ve been seeking. This guide explores what you need to know about making, using, and organizing your college list through a well-structured spreadsheet. What is a College…
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ApplyCollege Essay Examples, Why They Worked, and Essay Tips
Your application essay is pivotal in distinguishing yourself from other candidates in the competitive college admissions landscape. College essays offer a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations to admissions officers. This article explores why college essays matter, presents examples of successful college essays to inspire and guide you, and provides tips for…
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College LifeWhat to Include in a College First Aid Kit
Sure, ointments, pain relievers, and Band-Aids are standard college first aid kit essentials, but these days, so is lifesaving Narcan and so much more. This handy checklist can help ensure your child has everything they need, when they need it most. Going to college can be scary for many students. For the first time in…
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ApplicationsExploring Early Decision 2: How It Works and Who Should Consider It
Are you a student looking for a second chance to secure admission to a college? Early Decision 2 (ED 2) might be the answer you’re looking for. Explore how ED 2 works, its pros and cons, questions to ask yourself, and application tips. What Is Early Decision 2? Early Decision 2 (ED 2) is an…
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College Financial PlanningWhat is Room and Board? Full Guide With Costs, Pros & Cons, Tips
When preparing for college, one of the essential aspects to consider is room and board. But what exactly does room and board entail? And how do you choose your best option? This article will explore everything you should know to make a good decision. What is Room and Board? “Room and board” refers to the…
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College LifeWhat Are the Easiest and Hardest College Majors?
Choosing a college major is a vital step toward a student’s academic success. This article explores college majors and factors that make them easy or hard. We highlight easier ones like business administration and education and harder ones like engineering and physics. And we offer tips on how to choose your right fit. What Makes…
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AdviceParents Share the Worst Parts of the College Admissions Process
We asked parents of graduating seniors to share the most challenging parts of the college admissions process. Read their answers and lessons learned so you can avoid the same struggles! Everything Takes Longer Than You Think “Our high school ran a senior boot camp when the Common App opened up. Students worked on the app…
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AdviceHow to Motivate Juniors to Start the College Process
Motivating high school students to begin the college search process can be difficult. A member of our Paying for College 101 community said her high-achieving junior has been pushing back on her requests to get started. Her question to the group: How do you motivate a kid to get interested in even doing a Google…
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LearnWhat Are Peer Colleges?
Peer colleges are institutions of higher education that are deemed comparable to each other based on specific criteria. These criteria may include factors such as mission, size, academic programs, public or private, student demographics, faculty profile, research output, or geographical location. By identifying peer institutions, schools can establish connections with others that face similar challenges…
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AdviceYes! Average Students Do Get College Acceptance Letters
Not everyone needs to be at the top of their class to receive a college acceptance. And while some students are considered “average” by teachers and educators, the term is far from an indicator of someone’s potential success in college and in life. Case in point? A parent in our Paying for College 101 FB…
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11th GradersWhat’s the #1 Thing to Do Before Searching for Colleges?
We all love lists—”The Top 10 Things to Do Before You Start Your College List”; “The Top 5 Terms to Know Before You Apply to a College”; “The Top 3 Interview Tips For Your College Interview,” and more. But before you start making lists and crossing off each item, there is ONE thing you should…
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FinanceHow to Avoid Student Loans: How Parents Can Help
As an 18-year-old, it’s easy to see the world as nothing but possibility. And it’s true! But those possibilities come with costs and trade-offs, which is hard for teens to realize. As a parent, you play a big role in giving a big-picture view as your student makes choices about college. Being strategic about the…
