Posts by Chris Wills
Insider tips for the week of May 30, 2022
ACT/SAT outlook – Bruce Reed of Compass Education Group shares his thoughts on how standardized tests will be used by colleges moving forward. He expects testing opportunities will rebound and while many schools are continuing policies and trials as test optional, having a test score when applying to more selective colleges may be an…
Read More5 Nuggets of College Planning Wisdom
1 Choose a college that is a fit academically, socially AND financially. And a financial fit inherently means that neither the student nor the parents are over-borrowing (see #2). 2 Borrow an amount no greater than the average first-year salary in your chosen field. If total student loan debt is less than your starting salary,…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of May 2, 2022
Top tips for AP success – The folks at Compass Education Group have put together a handy one-stop resource with information about AP exams and prep, as well as an examination of the role APs play in college admission. 3 things to do now for strong HS recommendation letters – Students have experienced…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of April 4, 2022
Finding meaningful summer activities – Summer is a golden opportunity for students to contribute to the story of who they are, what they value, and how they are engaging their passions, interests & dedication in meaningful ways. CIT Consultant Paige Feldman proposes thinking about what values a student wants to bring forward with the…
Read More5 things every family should know about their expected family contribution (EFC)
You fill out the FAFSA, which gives you your expected family contribution (EFC), which is how much your family will pay for college. Seems simple right? Ah, but like most things with the college process, that is unfortunately not the case. Here are 5 things every family should know about that EFC. 1 Your EFC…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of February 28, 2022
Types of loans available – Fred Amrein provides a good summary of the various loans that may be offered to families as part of a college’s financial aid package. Key learning: The Direct Federal Loan is the only one entirely owed by the student and is limited to a total of $31,000 over all…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of February 7, 2022
Expert tips on getting the most scholarships – Suzy Fallon from College Inside Track shares the secret sauce for how families can maximize scholarship dollars. Key takeaway: Each college has its own financial aid philosophy and you want to find those that match with your student’s profile. Take a few minutes to read this…
Read More3 tips for having the college money talk
In our work of helping families navigate the college process. it continually shocks me how few have not had the “money talk,” either between the parents and/or between parents and child. Given the cost of college today, this is highly irresponsible at best, if not downright dangerous. I haven’t heard of many married couples not…
Read MoreCollege Inside Track Alumni Newsletter – Winter 2022
Mental health – helping students find support services on campus – Mental health issues are steeply rising among high school and college age students. Coping effectively with these issues are challenging when your teenage child is at home with you, and is even harder once your child is off to college. Join us…
Read MoreSAT changes come as more colleges become test optional
College Inside Track President Chris Wills was featured on KARE 11 television discussing the new SAT changes. Here are the most significant changes to the test: Starting in 2024, the SAT will be taken online Test takers will be allowed to use calculators for the math section The test will be cut down from three…
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