-
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…
- ACT
- Advice
- Apply
- Careers
- College Admissions
- College Financial Planning
- College List Building
- College prep
- College Sports
- Community College
- COVID-19
- Curated Articles
- Family Journeys
- Federal Loans
- Finance
- Financial Aid Appeals
- Find Scholarships
- Gift Ideas
- High School Academics & Activities
- ICYMI
- Learn
- Merit Scholarships
- Military
- News
- Paying Off Loans
- Plan
- SAT
- SAT Prep
- Season
- Standardized Testing
- Student & Parent Loans
- Student Athletes
- Survive
- Test Taking
- Uncategorized
- Vocational schools
- What You Need to Know
-
AdviceDear Roadie: How Will a Tragic Accident That Caused My Daughter’s Grades to Plummet Impact Her College Applications?
Dear Roadie, While in high school, my daughter was involved in a tragic accident that nearly killed her. Her best friend died in the accident. As expected, school was the last thing she was focused on and her grades plummeted. Now as a senior, she is applying to schools; however, her GPA is pretty low.…
-
SeasonBest Marine Biology Colleges by Academics, Aid, and Value
For students interested in marine biology, choosing the right program is the first step toward an exciting career exploring and protecting our oceans. In this guide, we rank the best undergraduate colleges, explore financial aid and value, and also highlight top graduate programs for those planning long-term academic journeys. Whether you dream of working with…
-
AdviceDear Roadie: Should You Fill Out The FAFSA If Your Parents Are Undocumented?
Dear Roadie, My U.S.-born niece is ready to fill out the FAFSA, but my brother and sister-in-law are undocumented immigrants. They’re worried the incoming administration could use the information to find undocumented workers and deport them. My niece won’t be able to attend college without financial aid. Should she fill it out anyway? — Fearful…
-
AdviceGuide to the Best Honors Colleges and Programs at Public Universities
As top students build their college lists, we recommend considering honors colleges and programs. This guide ranks the top honors colleges and programs by academics, financial aid, and overall value – and gives the information you need to determine if one might fit you. Inside this Article: What Are Honors Colleges and Honors Programs? Honors…
-
AdviceDear Roadie: What Could Happen If the Department of Education is Eliminated?
Dear Roadie, My social media feed is buzzing with speculation about the potential for the next administration to shut down the Department of Education. I have one student who just started her sophomore year in college and another who will be in college next year. We count on federal student loans and Pell Grants to…
-
AdviceUltimate Guide to ABET-Accredited Schools and Programs
If you’re considering a career in engineering or technology, picking the right program is a critical first step. ABET accreditation can give you confidence in your choice. It’s a seal of approval that tells you the program meets the educational standards needed to prepare for a career in the field. In this article, we’ll explain…
-
Financial aid2026-2027 FAFSA for Divorced or Separate Parents: What You Need to Know
The 2026–27 FAFSA is now open — earlier than usual — and families will notice a few tweaks on top of the major changes introduced by the FAFSA Simplification Act two years ago. These updates affect how divorced or separated parents determine which household completes the form, what financial information must be included, and how…
-
College Financial PlanningDivorced Parents Can Maximize Student Aid With These FAFSA and CSS Tips
Divorced and separated parents face special challenges when they and their student apply for college financial aid. But by understanding how income and assets of divorced and separated parents impact your financial aid award, you can strategically target schools where you can maximize financial aid based on your particular situation. Here’s your guide to financial…
-
College List BuildingComparing the Public Ivies: Is One Right for You?
This guide dives into the Public Ivies, showcasing each school’s academic strengths, campus culture, and admissions. You’ll find insights on everything from affordability to top programs to help you decide if a Public Ivy might be the right fit. Inside This Article: What Are the Public Ivies? The term “Public Ivies” refers to top public…
-
AdviceDear Roadie: Will My Son’s PSAT Score Hurt His College Chances?
Dear Roadie, My son’s PSAT scores are out and we were hoping he would qualify as a National Merit Scholar, but his score fell just shy of that. I’m concerned that this will impact his college admissions. He’s a great student overall, but I worry he may not be good enough for some of the…
-
AdviceDear Roadie: My Daughter is Considering a ‘Red State’ College. Should I Be Worried?
Dear Roadie, Given the political climate, I’m concerned that my daughter wants to attend college in a ruby-red state. It’s a good school that seems like a good match for her, but I’m concerned she won’t have a diverse group of friends there like she has in high school. Should I be worried? — Deciding…
-
ApplyGuide to Big 10 Colleges: Comparing Academics, Admissions and Cost
This guide offers an in-depth look at the Big Ten schools, covering each college’s academic strengths, campus culture, and admissions details. From affordability to top programs, it provides the insights you need to decide if a Big Ten school could be the right fit for you. What Are the Big 10 Schools? The Big Ten…
-
College SearchExplore the NESCAC Schools: Academics, Admissions and Aid
Each college in the NESCAC, or New England Small College Athletic Conference, offers a distinct character and academic emphasis, delivering rigorous academics and a vibrant campus life. This guide explores the NESCAC schools’ strengths, admission selectivity, and affordability to help you decide if one is a good fit for you. What Are the NESCAC Schools?…
-
College Financial PlanningCSS Profile Guide: How to Fill Out, When, and How to Submit
Each year, the CSS Profile unlocks over $10 billion in non-federal aid for students, complementing the FAFSA in securing crucial funds for college. This CSS Profile guide explores how and when to fill it out – and how to ensure you get the most money possible for your situation. Inside This Article: What is the…
-
SeasonLittle Ivies: Admissions, Affordability, and How to Decide
This guide takes a close look at the Little Ivies — a unique group of liberal arts colleges in the Northeast. Each has its own strengths and character, and we’ll also look at how they compare to Ivy League and Hidden Ivy schools. If you’re thinking about academics, campus life, or affordability, this guide will…
-
AdviceDear Roadie: Should My College Student Get a Credit Card?
Dear Roadie, My shopaholic daughter, a freshman in college, signed up for one of those college student credit cards in the student union. The interest rate is sky-high, and she’s never been great at budgeting, even when she had a part-time job at an ice cream shop in high school. Is this the worst idea…
-
AdviceDear Roadie: My Ex Is Supposed to Fill Out the FAFSA But Refuses. Should I Do It Instead, Even If I Make a Nice Salary, Too?
Dear Roadie, What happens if my son doesn’t submit the FAFSA? According to the new rules, my ex-husband is supposed to provide his financial income and assets because he earns more money, but he refuses. Can I submit it instead, and is it worth it if I make a nice living, too? — Ready to…
-
AdviceSupporting Without Overstepping: How Parents Can Help With College Admissions
For parents, the college admissions journey can be a mixture of excitement, worry, and pride as they support their child through one of life’s biggest decisions. To help families navigate this important process, Road2College founder Debbie Schwartz recently hosted a webinar with admissions consultant Terry Cowdrey on “The Role of Parents in the College Admissions…