Insider tips for the week of January 10, 2022

waitlist

  3 tips for having the scary college money talk – I’ve been shocked at how many families with HS students we’ve been meeting with lately have not talked about what they are willing or able to spend on college, both between the parents and with the student. We naturally avoid things that are scary,…

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Insider tips for the week of December 6, 2021

parent writing letter

  5 blunt truths about college – Marybeth Bock shares important insights every parent with a HS student should read (my favorite: not all professors are skilled teachers).  As a bonus, she also recommends 5 books to check out that expand on her points.   Maximizing your campus visit – Consider making a college visit…

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Insider tips for the week of November 8, 2021

college bullseye

   How to find good schools…for you – Rick Clark writes an excellent article about how to find right-fit schools. Click here to read some questions you should answer while determining if a college is a good school for you (and see a picture of a crazy-flexible 10-year-old).   Big changes to financial aid and…

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Big changes to financial aid and college savings plans

KARE 11 TV logo

  College Inside Track was featured on KARE 11 TV discussing the upcoming FAFSA changes. In the KARE 11 interview, CIT’s Chris Wills said four big changes are coming to the way parents and students apply for financial aid and save for college. #1: The Application is Getting Smaller and Easier to Fill Out #2:…

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Insider tips for the week of October 4, 2021

campus visit

  10 things to know about getting into your dream college – Eric Hoover shares 10 takeaways from his hundreds of interviews with admission deans. Our favorites: Express your authentic self, don’t take rejection personally because admissions officers aren’t looking for students that just fit one description, and colleges want to be your first choice.…

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Insider tips for the week of September 6, 2021

admission road map

  Mission drives admission – Rick Clark writes a wonderful piece explaining why certain students get admitted when others don’t, and encourages students to consider what their mission in admission is before applying anywhere. An important read to share and discuss with your student.   Why undecided is a great college major – Dr. Deborah…

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Insider tips for the week of August 2, 2021

writing college essay

  3 college statistics to know if you want to pay less – Many families only look at college statistics in terms of getting into college, when they are just as important in determining how much they pay for college. DIY College Rankings covers three big ones to understand.   5 best essays – The…

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College Inside Track Alumni Newsletter – Summer 2021

woman reading book

  6 things you should never do as the parent of a college student – Check out Lori Smith’s advice on how to let go of the bicycle seat and allow your college student to be independent.   Moving off campus – how to help your student do this well – Deborah Porter shares 5…

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Insider tips for the week of June 28, 2021

girl pretending to be scary

  FAFSA changes delayed – The significant FAFSA changes recently approved by Congress will be delayed by year, due to the complexity of overhauling the entire system. Federal Student Aid (FSA), the agency in charge of implementing the changes, said they will now be rolled out for the 2024-25 school year. The earliest families can…

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FAFSA change for families with multiple students

multiple students

  At first glance, the recent changes to the FAFSA appear to be a good thing: A simpler form with far fewer questions, increased financial aid eligibility for low income families, and a formula change reducing any penalty for grandparents who contribute to college. But another formula change could prove to be extremely painful to…

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