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Considering 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…
Mythbusters: 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…
Small Business Owner Exclusion for Financial Aid Restored
The small business owner exclusion is back. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) reversed a change made in the FAFSA simplification act, by reinstating the small business owner exclusion as part of the federal financial aid formula on the FAFSA. Beginning with any new FAFSA’s completed for the 2026-27 school year, the value…
Why High School Success Doesn’t Always Translate to College
By Paige Feldman, College Inside Track “They had stellar grades in high school without even studying, but now they’re really struggling in college.” This is a common story we hear from parents of high-achieving students. High school success doesn’t always seamlessly translate to college, especially at a demanding college institution. Understanding the root…
How to build a perfect college list
By Paige Feldman, College Inside Track Creating a college list can feel overwhelming. With over 2,500 four-year institutions in the U.S., the competition is fierce —top colleges are attracting more applicants each year, driving acceptance rates even lower. So, how do you craft a college list that’s perfectly balanced: not too vast, not…
8 things to consider for prospective college athletes
Having a student as a prospective college athlete is an exciting opportunity that also expands what you need to consider when finding the right college fit. College Inside Track’s Cozy Wittman, whose daughter played college athletics, shares important things to consider: Always keep eyes on the major and the educational piece It can…
Insider 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…
Insider 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…
College application trends
At College Inside Track, 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. Test Optional Fact: Test Optional policies continue to be in flux. Some schools are truly test optional; some are test…
Insider 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…