Posts by Sonja Buckmeier
Insider 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…
Read MoreCollege Preparation Tips and Tricks
College Inside Track’s Cozy Wittman was a featured guest on the Household CFO podcast discussing college preparation tips and tricks. The college landscape has changed dramatically over the past few decades. What used to be a straightforward decision between public, private, in-state, or out-of-state options has evolved into a far more complex — and more flexible — process.…
Read MoreNavigating the College Decision
Choosing a college is one of the biggest financial and personal decisions families face. Cozy Wittman from College Inside Track joined WCCO to share how to approach the college decision with both heart and strategy. In the interview, Cozy emphasizes that families should look beyond college rankings and focus on fit — academic, social, and…
Read MoreConsidering College Financial Fit First
So many important factors converge in the college selection process, yet one of the most critical ones is far too often ignored. Amy and Mike from the Tests and the Rests podcast, invited College Inside Track’s Chris Wills to make the case for considering college financial fit first. What are five things you will learn…
Read MoreMythbusters: Merit Aid
Cozy Wittman of College Inside Track and Ann Garcia, the College Financial Lady, played Mythbusters about merit aid. Listen to the podcast episode to get the full scoop on who gets merit awards, where and why. Families just starting the college search process won’t want to miss Cozy’s detailed and engaging explanation of how merit…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of October 4, 2025
What’s new with the FAFSA – The new FAFSA just opened for students who will be attending college Fall 2026, and the Dept of Education shared what’s new with this year’s form. Some scholarships are taxable – Not all scholarships to pay for college are considered tax-free. Mark Kantrowitz explains the details. 5 college essays that worked – The admissions…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of September 6, 2025
College admission trends – We regularly track emerging college application trends, and there are a few that we believe all students and their families should consider when compiling their final college list. 10 things you can use 529 Plan funds on – This helpful article from Fidelity points out 529 Plan funds can be used for much more than just…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of August 2, 2025
Big Beautiful Bill expands 529 Plans – The Big Beautiful Bill expanded the uses of 529 Plans and continues the policy trend of making them easier and more attractive to use. Check out all the new ways they can be used. Is college worth it? That’s the wrong question – Preston Cooper writes that instead of asking if…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of July 12, 2025
New student loan rates – The Dept of Education announced the updated student loan rates for the 2025-26 school year, which go into effect on July 1. Undergraduate Direct Loans: 6.39% Graduate Direct Loans: 7.94% Parent PLUS Loans: 8.94% Crazy New Wrinkle to College Admissions – Jeff Selingo explains a new phenomenon of last-minute deal making, resulting from the…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of June 7, 2025
Student loan changes – CIT’s Chris Wills was featured on WCCO Talking Points discussing the potential changes to student loans. 10 essential skills for college success – CIT’s transition to college expert, Paige Feldman, explores the skills students need to thrive in college. If your student could benefit from more personalized support while in college, CIT now offers a College…
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