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Student & Parent LoansParent PLUS Loan Limits: What Every Family Needs to Know
Parent PLUS loans now have annual and lifetime borrowing caps for new borrowers. If your family has relied on Parent PLUS to fill the gap between financial aid and college […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
