-
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 […]
- 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
-
Advice12 Great Ideas For Celebrating Your Child’s College Acceptance
As the long-awaited acceptance letters arrive for high school seniors, families are coming up with unique and memorable ways to commemorate this significant milestone. From symbolic hoodie selections and festive […]
-
AdviceThis Parent’s Clever Idea Can Help You Build The Perfect College List
You’ve heard of vision boards designed to help you “see” what it is you want from your life and career, but what if a vision board was just the tool […]
-
AdviceParenting Dilemma: To Assist or Not to Assist in College Applications? Hear What Parents Have to Say
During the height of college application season, many parents start to wonder just how much assistance they should be giving their students, especially when many of them are on the […]
-
AdviceHow to Secure College Merit Aid: 9 Steps To Take Junior and Senior Year of High School
Recently Melissa G., a parent in our Paying for College 101 Facebook Group whose child got into the College of Charleston with significant merit aid, looked back on her child’s […]
-
AdviceAn Open Letter To My Second College-Bound Child: Forget Prestige, Embrace Passion!
There is a lot you learn on the college journey, and if you have multiple children, that experience proves quite valuable when you go through it the second time or […]
-
Family JourneysElite Schools vs Full-Ride Scholarships — Parents Debate The Pros And Cons
What happens when your student opts for the big, pricey college offering zero dollars in merit aid over myriad schools offering full rides? You digress and commiserate with other parents […]
-
College AdmissionsState Schools Can Be the Smart Choice for Many Students — If You Can Get In!
In-state tuition costs far less than out-of-state tuition, so for years state schools have been considered an affordable pathway to college. Many provide a top-tier education and have plenty of […]
-
ApplyHow to Get Into College Without Test Scores and Only 1 AP Class
The mom of a Penn State-bound high school senior shared the following story in our Paying for College 101 Facebook Group, and it garnered tons of attention. It summarizes her […]
-
AdviceBe Prepared for These 10 Key FAFSA Changes When You Fill Out Your Form
After delays and confusion, a significant change in the college financial aid landscape has arrived with the overhaul of The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These changes, which […]
-
AdviceFAFSA Application Ultimate Guide: How to Apply, Steps, Tips, FAQ
In this comprehensive guide for the FAFSA application, we provide the essential information you need to successfully apply for financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education will introduce a revamped […]
-
AdviceGet Ahead of the Admissions Curve: Early Planning Was the Key to Our Success
This story, as told by Fidela L. was first published in our Paying for College 101 Facebook community. It’s been edited for clarity and flow. (Go here to read the […]
-
ApplyExploring the Midwest Student Exchange Program: Making College More Affordable in 8 States
Pursuing higher education in the Midwest brings unique challenges and opportunities, especially when your home state lacks certain academic programs. The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), also known as the […]
-
EssaysStep-by-Step Guide on How to Write a Supplemental Essay for College
Understanding the nuances of supplemental essays in college applications is crucial for aspiring college students. This article delves into what a supplemental essay is, its importance in the college admissions […]
-
FinanceDeciphering College Financial Aid: A Guide to Need-Based vs. Merit-Based Aid
College financial aid falls into two basic categories: need-based and merit-based aid. It’s important to know the difference between the two. Merit-based financial aid can come from institutional, state, federal […]
-
Standardized testsWhat Is a Good PSAT Score? Essential Guide to Scoring, Scholarships, and Prep
Table of Contents More than 1.5 million high school students take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) each year. This guide explains what constitutes a good PSAT score and how to […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
