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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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FinanceWhy Is My EFC so High and What Does it Mean?
Editor’s Note: This article applies to the 2023-24 FAFSA and earlier. The 2024-25 FAFSA, which opened on Dec. 31, 2023, has been revamped and now uses a metric called Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of EFC. You’ve filled out the FAFSA and received your EFC or tried an EFC calculator. Now you’re asking, Why is…
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FinanceWhat Does an EFC of 00000 Mean?
Editor’s Note: This article applies to the 2023-24 FAFSA and earlier. The 2024-25 FAFSA, which opened Dec. 31, 2023, has been revamped and now uses a metric called Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of EFC. If you’ve filled out the FAFSA and come back with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 00000, you might think…
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High School Academics & ActivitiesNational Honor Society Guide: Benefits, Tips to Get In, and Choosing a Path
Explore the history and benefits of the National Honor Society (NHS), an organization established in 1921 that fosters academic excellence, leadership skills, and community engagement. This comprehensive article delves into the NHS’s mission, its influence on student development, scholarship opportunities, and tips for prospective members. What Is the National Honor Society? The National Honor Society…
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College List BuildingComprehensive Guide to Co-Op Colleges: Where Education Meets Practical Experience
While work-study or your garden variety part-time job are some of the most traditional ways to make money in college, there’s another option that combines both academic rigor and practical, real-world experience. Choosing a college with a co-op program can be the best of both worlds, giving students hands-on work experience to test out potential…
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College LifeMental Health in College Students: A Guide for Families and Friends
As a parent who has just finished the college admissions process with your student, you probably feel maxed out on advice. Instead, you’ve moved on to new discussion topics like handling roommate conflicts, managing money and dealing with new academic challenges. But most likely the one subject you feel least comfortable talking about is mental…
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College Financial PlanningHow Much Student Loan Debt Is Too Much? Unveiling the Answers & Strategies
If you have a student planning for college, you’re probably aware of the current student loan crisis and the ramifications of student loan debt. In the past, many families have allowed their student to attend a college that’s financially out of reach by subsidizing the cost with federal student loans, private loans, and parent loans.…
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ApplicationsNavigating College Deferrals: Understanding and Turning Them Into Acceptance
The college application process is a whirlwind of emotions and anticipation. After months of preparation, receiving the word “deferred” can feel like a curveball. But while it’s not the immediate ‘yes’ many students hope for, it’s not the end of the line either. Dive in as we demystify college deferrals, explore what they truly signify,…
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College SportsJUCO Colleges: The Underrated Launchpad for Student-Athletes
If you’re a fan of college sports, you probably know about the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). As a parent of a prospective college athlete, you definitely know about the NCAA. The high-profile four-year schools that make up this association—whose football and basketball teams sell out arenas and are broadcast into millions of homes—also have…
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FinanceUnderstanding College Costs: The Role of the Net Price Calculator
Do you wonder how much it will really cost for your student to attend a specific school? You already know that tuition alone isn’t a good measure. But how do you take into account all the other factors, including potential aid? That’s where a net price calculator comes in. If cost is a concern as…
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ApplyWait Listed or Deferred? Your Guide on What to Do Next
If your top college has “wait listed” or “deferred” your college application, what should you do next? This guide will explain what waitlisted and deferred mean, how colleges make these decisions, and how you can improve your chances of getting accepted. What’s a Wait List? A college waitlist shows qualified applicants who haven’t been initially…
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AdviceForeign Language Requirements for College: What You Need to Know
Find out how colleges approach foreign language requirements, including what options are available if you’ve already completed high school courses. Colleges across the U.S. emphasize the importance of a well-rounded education, and for many, this includes proficiency in a foreign language. Yet, navigating these foreign language requirements for college admissions and graduation can sometimes be…
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AdviceHow to Handle College Rejections: A Teacher Shares Advice
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. I’m a teacher, and I’ve been helping students through the college process for many years. When students choose to apply to the most selective colleges, I warn them…
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AdviceHow to Get Recruited: A Comprehensive Guide to College Recruiting for Student-Athletes
Navigating the world of college recruitment can be daunting. Wondering how to stand out from the crowd and get recruited? Our guide demystifies the process, providing actionable insights to help prospective student-athletes make informed decisions and shine in the competitive realm of collegiate sports. Understand the Recruitment Process Talent Assessment: Knowing Where You Stand Regardless…
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College AdmissionsIvy League Schools vs Public Ivy League: Which is the Better Choice?
When it comes to prestigious colleges, the terms “Ivy League” and “Public Ivies” often come up. But what distinguishes these two categories, and how do you decide which might be right for you? What Are Ivy League Schools and Public Ivies? Definition of Ivy League The Ivy League refers to a group of eight private…
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AdviceReal Parent Advice for When Your Child is Rejected from Every College
This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 (PFC01) Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. A parent in our PFC101 group was seeking advice after her academically motivated student was rejected from every college. The student was a National Merit Finalist, had a 4.6 GPA, 15 Advanced Placement classes…
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College AdmissionsScholarships for Student Athletes: Our Softball Player’s Story
The path to college may look different for student athletes, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. One parent shares how softball opened doors for her teen. This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. The name of the member has been omitted…
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FinanceEFC Guide: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and its Role in Paying for College
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) has played a critical role in how much you’ll pay for your student to attend college. However, a new metric called the Student Aid Index has replaced it as of the 2024-25 FAFSA, which opened on Dec. 31, 2023. This EFC guide pertains only to the FAFSA forms for 2023-24 and earlier. …
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College Financial Planning2026-27 FSA ID: How to Create, Tips and Troubleshooting
Students and every required “contributor” (a parent/step-parent or spouse, as applicable) need a StudentAid.gov account — often called an FSA ID — to complete and sign the online 2026–27 FAFSA. You can create your account anytime; doing it a few days before you file helps avoid last‑minute identity‑match issues. What Is the Federal Student Aid…
