Where Parents
Go to Learn

5-MYTHS

Subscribe for free to gain access to our premium College Insider resources and immediately receive "5 Myths of College Costs." 

Sign Up

Insider Tips for the week of March 16, 2024

Expert tips on getting the most scholarships – Suzy Fallon from College Inside Track shares the secret sauce for how families can maximize scholarship dollars. Key takeaway: Each college has its own financial aid philosophy and you want to find those that match with your student’s profile. Take a few minutes to read this valuable…

graduation ceremony

Major changes to the college process in 2024

  This past year has resulted in some of the most significant changes to the college planning process in decades. Admission trends have changed how colleges admit students, there are substantial changes to the FAFSA and college financial aid that may make college more expensive for middle class and affluent families,  but also provide attractive…

What is ABET accreditation and does it matter?

Written by CIT Consultant Marit Lunstad I’m thinking about declaring engineering as my college major. . What is ABET accreditation, and why do I care? To what extent should accreditation factor into my decision making, as I construct my college list? Let’s begin with the question of what accreditation is. Accreditation is, essentially, a seal…

Engineering Programs for B Students

Written by CIT Consultant Suzy Fallon Contrary to popular belief, not every future engineer has a 4.0 and a perfect ACT or SAT score!  We know plenty of college students currently studying engineering who were solid B students in high school.  As a whole, engineering is a competitive major regardless of your high school credentials. …

Liberal Arts Colleges with Engineering Programs: Six to Consider

Written by CIT Consultant Tiffany Eggers Once a student has decided to become an engineer, the next significant choice is where to study. Course lists and major requirements are only part of what students should consider. Students are happiest with their decisions if they have carefully pondered the types of teaching and living environments in…

Engineering Activities for High School Students

Written by CIT Consultant Paige Feldman Calling All Future Engineers!  Hey everyone! I’m super excited to talk about something that’s close to my heart – the thrilling and ever-expanding world of engineering! Did you know engineering is not just about solving puzzles; it’s about paving the way to our future with innovation, creativity, and, of…

Factoring Direct Entry vs. Pre-Engineering Into List Building for the Engineering Disciplines

Written by  CIT Consultant Suzy Fallon Direct entry engineering, also known as direct-admit engineering, allows students to be admitted directly into an engineering program as a freshman.  This means students don’t need to apply separately to an engineering program after completing general education requirements or prerequisites. Direct entry programs tend to be highly competitive and…

Strategies to Save for College

  College Inside Track President Chris Wills was a featured guest on the KARE 11 Your Money show, discussing the recent FAFSA changes. Jump to the 6:55 mark to see the interview (there will be a commercial break at the 7:30 mark and the interview resumes after).  

The Many Benefits of Studying Engineering at a STEM-Focused School

Written by CIT Consultant Lessa Scherrer Engineering is a popular major for many reasons. The opportunity to build something new or improve upon existing products, machines, or infrastructure draws students, as do sunny employment outlooks and higher-than-average beginning salaries. Many state universities do engineering well, but studying engineering at STEM-focused schools like Rochester Institute of…

CIT Merit Money Expert Suzy Fallon Q + A: What Every Family Should Do Right Now to Maximize Offers

CIT consultant and merit aid specialist Suzy Fallon Q + A:  The hands-down best source of merit scholarships, the long arc of the merit scholarship process during the application year, and what every family must do right now to maximize merit offers ————————————————————————— Q: Families are as concerned as they ever have been about paying…