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ApplyThe New Ivies in 2026: Academics, Admissions and Affordability
If you’re considering colleges, the “New Ivies” present strong options. Use this guide to explore and compare them by academics, admissions, and affordability. In This Article: What Are the New […]
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Advice4 Game-Changing Ways That One Family Mastered the College Application Journey
Kristin Bachtell, a parent in our Paying for College 101 Facebook Group, calls herself a planner — but not just any planner. A very disciplined, pragmatic planner who likes to […]
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AdviceA Mom of Triplets Shares Her Best Tips For Finding The College That’s A Perfect Fit
Sometimes what you hear and read about a school is far from accurate, and if you’re not paying attention, you can miss out on great opportunities. A mom in our […]
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Apply“Help! My Son Says We’re Too Involved in the College Process, But He’s Dragging His Feet”
When it comes to helping your children apply to college, it’s hard to know how big (or small) a role you should play. On the one hand, they’re still kids […]
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AdviceThe Truth About Your College Acceptance Odds — What Every Student Should Know Before Stressing Out
Are you nervously awaiting colleges’ decisions? Did your student already receive an answer from their top school, and it’s not what they hoped for? Before anyone starts to stress or […]
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Family Journeys“What Exactly Is ‘Good Merit’ and How Do I Keep It Once I’ve Got It?”
Everybody wants to be awarded merit scholarships — and not just any ol’ merit scholarship, they want a ‘good’ one. But what, exactly, does that mean, and how do you […]
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Advice“We Went From $0 to $24,000 in Merit Aid Just For Asking”
Everyone has said that colleges are businesses, and it’s certainly true. Recently a member of our Paying for College 101 Facebook Group, Allie Tolbert, shared her daughter’s experience appealing merit […]
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SAT PrepUse These 5 Key SAT/ACT Tips on Test Day
The benefits of preparing academically for the SAT and ACT are obvious, but many students and families underestimate the importance of preparing emotionally and physically as well. Here are some […]
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AdviceThe Best and Worst College Early Decision Results
This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. As parents and students prepare to apply to colleges, it’s […]
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AdviceDream School Costs: When Your Student Won’t Take “No” for an Answer
We’ve been hearing from a lot of parents in our Paying for College 101 Facebook Group that some students won’t take no for an answer when it comes to attending […]
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AdviceHow To Play The College Waiting Game to Maximize Merit
Once you’ve applied to colleges and started receiving acceptances, it’s hard to know what to do to maximize your chances of receiving the most scholarship and need-based aid possible. For […]
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AdviceWhen to Start College Visits: Is 8th Grade Too Soon?
This story was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. Recently a parent in our Paying for College 101 Facebook […]
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AdviceA Full-Ride Scholarship Winner Shares His 7 Best Tips to Earn College Money
Student Ricky P. worked hard during his senior year to win scholarships. His effort paid off–he earned a full-ride to the University of Texas at San Antonio. Here’s his college […]
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Advice“Here’s Why My Daughter Thrived at a Small Liberal Arts College”
Small liberal arts colleges are often overlooked in favor of larger state universities, but for the right student, a small liberal arts college may be the best choice. These schools […]
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Advice“The Best College Advice I’ve Received So Far”
While there are tons of websites like this one that can help guide you on the road to college, there’s nothing like getting advice from fellow students and parents who […]
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AdviceNavigating College Prep on Social Media: The Pitfalls of Comparing Your Child’s Journey
Of all the differences between my college application journey and my son’s, the presence of social media has to be the most significant. On the one hand, it can be […]
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College Financial PlanningWhat Is A Trade School? Your Guide to This Path
Explore trade schools – a hands-on education path for specialized skills and swift career entry. Learn the differences, benefits, costs and how they match your goals. What Is a Trade […]
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AdviceHow We Found the Ideal Small Liberal Arts College for My Daughter
Parent Meg A. discovered that a college she had never heard of was the perfect fit for her daughter. Here’s her family’s college journey and how it led them to […]
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College AdmissionsA Parent’s Guide to the Pros and Cons of Community College
Community colleges are an excellent option for millions of students each year. Over 10 million students are enrolled in community colleges, and over half of the adults in the United […]
