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The Ultimate Guide to Crafting the Perfect College Care Package

Ana Pelayo Connery

ANA PELAYO CONNERY is a Florida-based writer and content strategist whose work has appeared in USA Today, CNN, Oprah Daily, Reader’s Digest, Women’s Health, Real Simple, and more. Before launching her content studio, Ana Connery LLC, she spent nearly 20 years leading creative teams as Content Director or Editor in Chief at some of the country's top magazine brands, including Parenting, Cooking Light, Florida Travel and Life, and more. She’s created editorial, content marketing, and native advertising for brands such as buybuy BABY, Hess Toys, and Citi. Follow her @apconnery on both Instagram and Twitter.

Articles by Ana

How to Secure College Merit Aid: 9 Steps To Take Junior and Senior Year of High School

December 3, 2023

Recently Melissa G., a parent in our Paying for College 101 Facebook Group whose child got into the College of…

An Open Letter To My Second College-Bound Child: Forget Prestige, Embrace Passion!

November 30, 2023

There is a lot you learn on the college journey, and if you have multiple children, that experience proves quite…

Elite Schools vs Full-Ride Scholarships — Parents Debate The Pros And Cons

November 30, 2023

What happens when your student opts for the big, pricey college offering zero dollars in merit aid over myriad schools…

State Schools Can Be the Smart Choice for Many Students — If You Can Get In!

November 28, 2023

In-state tuition costs far less than out-of-state tuition, so for years state schools have been considered an affordable pathway to…

How to Get Into College Without Test Scores and Only 1 AP Class

November 28, 2023

The mom of a Penn State-bound high school senior shared the following story in our Paying for College 101 Facebook…

3 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Break With Your College Freshman A Success

November 14, 2023

Making a college freshman’s Thanksgiving break a success involves creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment while also addressing their specific…

5 Questions No College Freshman Wants to Answer This Thanksgiving

November 11, 2023

As we prepare to gather around the Thanksgiving table with our loved ones this year, let’s do the students in…

What To Do When Stress & Anxiety Over College Applications Reach A Fever Pitch

November 9, 2023

I’ve got a high school senior and if your house is anything like mine, you are in the throes of…