Posts by Chris Wills
Insider tips for the week of May 31, 2021
College magic – Forbes has an excellent article on how college, if done right, can be a life-altering experience with lifelong benefits. Not enough students experience the most important elements of college, what researchers call the “Big Six.” The elements fall into two categories of relationship-rich and work-integrated. This is an important read as…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of May 3, 2021
3 things to do now for strong HS recommendation letters – Students have experienced online learning and cancelled or shortened extracurricular activities as a function of the pandemic. Many report that they hardly know the teachers who have taught them this year, and worry that their core teachers don’t know enough about them to…
Read MoreCollege Inside Track Alumni Newsletter – Spring 2021
Scholarships for current undergrad students – If your college student is looking for additional scholarship money, start by exploring opportunities specific to his or her school and program of study, and then share this handy list of outside private scholarships from scholarships.com Essential advice for early career success – Check out this Forbes…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of April 5, 2021
Controversial financial aid change – A new FAFSA change will dramatically reduce the amount of financial aid middle and upper-income families with more than one child in college at the same time will receive. Check out our article on this significant news. 10 ways to help your teen with the college decision –…
Read MoreIs a Gap Year Right For You?
College Inside Track’s Lessa Scherrer was featured in the Carlmont (Calif.) High School newspaper providing insight on “Is a Gap Year Right For You?” Scroll down to the end of the page to view the article.
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of March 1, 2021
Huge change for grandparents contributing to college – The FAFSA changes included in the December COVID relief bill contain a HUGE one for grandparents: Cash contributions from grandparents, including distributions from grandparent-owned 529 plans, will no longer hurt a student’s eligibility for financial aid. Check out our article on this significant news. How…
Read MoreFAFSA changes interview on WCCO
College Inside Track President Chris Wills was interviewed by Esme Murphy on WCCO TV, discussing the changes made to the FAFSA. Wills explained that the changes, which go into effect for the 2023-24 school year, will be based on a family’s 2021 tax return information so families need to understand them now. Some of…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of February 1, 2021
I’m worried my child won’t get into a good college – The Atlantic’s Lori Gottlieb writes an important piece about how we as parents help our children address disappointment in the college process, but more importantly, in life. From the moment kids are born, they take their cues from the adults around them about…
Read MoreCollege Inside Track Alumni Newsletter – Winter 2021
FAFSA changes – The COVID relief bill passed at the end of 2020 also included some significant changes to the FAFSA. While the changes do not go into effect until the 2023-24 school year, that year’s FAFSA will use tax information from 2021, so there are current day considerations. And because the FAFSA is…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of January 4, 2021
FAFSA changes – The COVID relief bill passed at the end of 2020 also included some significant changes to the FAFSA, including how multiple students in college are treated and how divorced parents complete it. While the changes do not go into effect until the 2023-24 school year, that year’s FAFSA will use tax…
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