Posts by Sonja Buckmeier
Arizona State vs University of Arizona: Which Is the Right Fit?
Sun Devils & Wildcats: A College Consultant’s Guide to ASU vs. University of Arizonaby CIT Consultant Anne Weber Arizona is home to two flagship public universities that couldn’t be more different in character. Arizona State University (ASU) is vast, multifaceted, and relentlessly innovative. The University of Arizona (UArizona) is lush, unified, and steeped in both…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of April 4, 2026
4 mistakes families make that increase the cost of college – College Inside Track President Chris Wills says it is often the decisions that families themselves make that cause them to unnecessarily pay more for college than they should (and potentially increase student debt). A short read and good conversation starter within your household. Wellness resources for…
Read MoreFranklin & Marshall College Profile
Lancaster, Pennsylvania by CIT Consultant Kim Koffi Franklin & Marshall College (F&M) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a selective liberal arts college. It blends rigorous academics with a deeply collaborative campus culture. With roughly 1,900 undergraduates, the college offers the intimacy of a small academic community. Students also benefit from opportunities typically found at larger universities.…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of March 7, 2026
4 guidelines for student loan debt – With the recent policy changes to student loan limits, we thought it would be helpful to provide a perspective that isn’t discussed nearly as much – reducing loan debt on the front end. Check out the 4 key guidelines for student loan debt that we use. What is a college co-op program? – The…
Read MoreA Fantastic Voyage to Nova Southeastern: Where Learning Meets Adventure! With CIT Consultant Tiffany Kolb
By CIT Consultant Tiffany Kolb Embarking on my recent adventure to Nova Southeastern University was nothing short of extraordinary. With a vibrant campus boasting 7,000 students, this hidden gem offers a unique blend of academic excellence, career support, and a plethora of exciting opportunities. I was not able to walk the entire campus because of…
Read MoreLynn University-holistic learning and student centered college experience!
Written by CIT Consultant Tiffany Kolb Lynn University, a private institution nestled in Boca Raton, Florida, has carved a niche for itself by cultivating a community of around 4,000 students who believe in the power of holistic education. Founded on the principle of educating the whole person, Lynn University stands out for its commitment to…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of February 7, 2026
Top 5 ways to get more scholarships – Everyone is looking for more scholarship dollars to help offset the cost of college, but the key is understanding what strategies are the most effective. Check out our new article on the topic. As the supply of applicants declines, college admissions gets kinder and gentler – As the Hechinger Report explains,…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of January 10, 2026
Merit aid mythbusters – CIT’s Cozy Wittman was on the College Financial Lady podcast discussing myths about merit aid. Considering college financial fit first – CIT’s Chris Wills was a guest on the Tests and the Rest podcast to discuss why families should start by identifying their right fit college criteria first, as opposed to having their student spend…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of December 6, 2025
Scholarship stacking – Scholarship stacking refers to the ability to add up aid, grants, and scholarships from multiple sources. But the catch, as CIT’s Anne Weber explains, is not all colleges allow it. How to build a perfect college list – How do you craft a college list that’s perfectly balanced: not too vast, not too limited, and precisely…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of November 1, 2025
Activities that impress colleges the most – Parents often wonder what type of activities their student can participate in to impress college admission officers most. CIT’s Paige Feldman explores this common question through the lens of impact, and what really matters most. A valuable read. The truth about rejection by elite colleges – Michelle Kretzschmar explains the reality is…
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