Insider tips for the week of June 25, 2018

Grades and test scores don’t mean as much as they used to – Jeff Selingo explains that with 50 percent of American teens now graduating with an A average and over 1,000 colleges having dropped standardized tests as an admission requirement, other factors such as demonstrated interest are playing a larger role than before.  …

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Federal student loan rates go up for 2018-19 school year

For families that take out federal student loans, college just got a bit more expensive for the second year in a row. Starting July 1, 2018, federal loan interest rates are going up for loans taken out to pay for the 2018-19 academic year:   Undergrads will pay a rate of 5.04%, up from the current…

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Insider tips for the week of May 28, 2018

15 things to know about college rankings – Lynn O’Shaughnessy does a nice job of explaining “how the sausage is made” with the popular US News college rankings, and it isn’t pretty. A must-read if you are at all using rankings in your search, and remember there is no such thing as a best ranked…

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4 Mistakes Families Make That Raise The Cost Of College

College Inside Track President Chris Wills was featured on the WCCO Sunday morning show with Esme Murphy sharing mistakes families should avoid that could unnecessarily raise the cost of college. Among his suggestions: Have a clear game plan for how you are going to pay for college, and avoid the philosophy of “if you get in,…

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College Inside Track featured on Money Talks radio show

College Inside Track founder Jay Benanav was a featured guest on the “Money Talks” radio show on Twin Cities NewsTalk AM 1130, Wall Street Business Network on AM 1440 and The Patriot AM 1280 hosted by Terry Sandvold of Sandvold Financial Group. Click below to listen to Jay’s segment, which starts at the 6:33 mark…

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New Tax Code Could Impact College Decisions

College Inside Track President Chris Wills was featured on KSTP TV discussing how the new tax code may affect college planning. Among the changes: Minnesota residents can now qualify for a tax deduction or tax credit, depending on their income level, for making contributions to a 529 college savings plan. Families can now withdraw up…

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Insider tips for the week of April 30, 2018

10 ways for parents to get on top of the college process – A must-read for parents of college-bound students from the Washington Post. My favorites: 1) Become a mentor as much as a parent and 2) Expect your student to take advice from others that he or she won’t take from you.   23…

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Insider tips for the week of March 26, 2018

Stop asking about my kid’s college plans – A beautiful essay from the NY Times from a parent who is going through it just like you. A terrific read, especially the point she makes in the second-to-last paragraph. Check it out.   How colleges award financial aid – A succinct and well-written explanation by the…

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