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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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Financial Aid AppealsHow to Write Financial Aid Appeal Letter (With Free Templates)
If you’ve recently received your college financial aid offer and it’s less than what you need, you’re not alone. Many students find themselves in this position, but there’s a proactive step you can take: writing a financial aid appeal letter. While the prospect might seem daunting, it’s a well-established and often successful part of navigating…
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AdviceDon’t Let College Dreams Shatter: Tips to Avoid Loan Denials
Parents of high school seniors, I want to share some advice that could save you from heartbreak in the days leading up to your child’s start of college. Nothing is more disheartening than the scenario I’m about to describe, which unfolds all too often: The Heartbreaking Scenario: The Real-Life Crisis Believe it or not, this…
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Advice3 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Break With Your College Freshman A Success
Making a college freshman’s Thanksgiving break a success involves creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment while also addressing their specific needs and preferences. Here are three ways to make their Thanksgiving break memorable: Remember that each college freshman’s needs and preferences may vary, so it’s important to communicate openly and be flexible to ensure a…
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Advice5 Questions No College Freshman Wants to Answer This Thanksgiving
As we prepare to gather around the Thanksgiving table with our loved ones this year, let’s do the students in our lives a “solid” and avoid asking the five questions they don’t really want to answer (but get asked a lot anyway). They’ll be grateful for it — and so will you when those awkward…
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Paying Off LoansUnderstanding Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Loans and Choosing Your Best Option
When it comes to student loans, families commonly ask us: What’s the difference between subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans? Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans refer to fixed-rate loans made directly by the U.S. Department of Education to college students. These two federal loan types differ in several ways, most notably in their amount limits and eligibility…
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College Financial PlanningNavigating College with a $0 EFC: A Unique Journey
Editor’s Note: This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community; the author has chosen to remain anonymous. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. Also, note that this article applies to the 2023-24 FAFSA and earlier, which used Expected Family Contribution. The 2024-25 FAFSA replaces EFC with the Student Aid…
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ApplyWhat To Do When Stress & Anxiety Over College Applications Reach A Fever Pitch
I’ve got a high school senior and if your house is anything like mine, you are in the throes of college application season. It’s an exciting time filled with possibilities, but it doesn’t always feel that way. Filling out myriad applications, navigating the Common App website, tracking down transcripts, requesting teacher recommendations, and anxious thoughts…
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College AdmissionsOur Family’s Journey Applying to Small Liberal Arts Colleges
This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community; the author has chosen to remain anonymous. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. As a parent, I’ve been through the rollercoaster ride of the college application process with my daughter. Now that some new folks are embarking on this exciting yet…
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Gift IdeasThe Ultimate Guide to Crafting the Perfect College Care Package
Even if they’re not taking your calls at the moment, college students love receiving care packages from you. It’s a sweet way to let them know you’re thinking of them, and it reminds them that you support them in their new endeavor, and even though you’ve moved off stage, you’re still around if they need…
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Season3 Adulting Skills That Students Need Before Going to College, According to Parents
We asked parents in our Paying for College 101 Facebook Group to tell us what they think are the top three adulting skills that students need to master before going to college, and the following three emerged as by far the most popular. Does your child have these adulting skills mastered yet? If not, there’s…
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AdviceWhat Parents Can Do To Help Teens Who Have Trouble Making Friends
As a parent, it’s hard to watch your child struggle to make friends, whether it’s in high school or when they start college. But this is an area where they need to be in the driver’s seat. They’re too old at this stage to have Mom or Dad jump in on their behalf. But that…
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Financial aidColleges Meeting 90% and More of Financial Need
Listed below are colleges that meet 90% and more of a family’s demonstrated financial need. This list was based solely on using publicly available Common Data Set information that schools publish on their websites. It’s not surprising that many selective colleges are included in this list, as many of these schools promise to meet 100%…
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AdviceHelp Your Young Adult Build Credit: Ensure Future Financial Success
This article is sponsored by College Ave Student Loans, dedicated to helping students and families pay for higher education. Teaching your teenager how to manage their finances and build credit can be challenging, but those are important lessons to impart before sending them off to college. To assist you, we asked parents in our Paying…
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Test TakingThe Difference Between SAT and ACT
One of the questions parents frequently ask is whether students should take the SAT or ACT. I always respond that in order to make an informed decision, parents should learn the differences between the two tests, and consider their student’s academic strengths and personal circumstances. The following information will help: How Are the SAT and…
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Advice10 Reasons Why We Should Stop Pressuring Teens to Have It All Figured Out
My son, a senior in high school, is constantly inundated with the following questions: Where are you going to college? What are you going to study? What do you want to do? Given that on some days, he can’t seem to decide what he wants for breakfast without considerable thought, it’s amazing that some people…
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ApplyFrom Dreaming to Achieving: How One Student Found the Perfect College on a Budget
As college admissions become increasingly competitive, it’s crucial to share stories of students who have triumphed through hard work, perseverance, and a well-thought-out strategy. This is the inspiring tale of a Long Island, NY high school senior who, despite facing financial constraints, achieved her dream of attending a reputable university. This story was first published,…
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Advice8 Things Parents Do That Push Their Teens Away
Parents play a crucial role in their teenagers’ lives, but sometimes, certain behaviors or actions can unintentionally push our teens away. It’s important to be aware of some of the biggest potential pitfalls. I know I’m guilty of many of them myself, but the important thing is to be aware and do what we can…
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Advice5 Ways to Help Your Child Handle Rejection From Their Top School
Recently, a parent in our Paying for College 101 Facebook group said her son had fallen into a depression after being rejected from his dream school. He got into his #2 choice college, but did not get into his #1 (he was initially waitlisted but then rejected). Both schools are in the top five in…
