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What does test-optional really mean?
The list of test-optional schools has expanded quite a bit recently, mostly because of the difficulties students are facing for test opportunities. ACT and SAT cancellations have been rampant due to COVID-19. Colleges, not wanting students to have to exclude them from their college lists, have decided to go “test-optional;” some as a…
Expert Tips: Three Tips to Engage Your Teen While They Are Stuck At Home with You
By Dr. Susan Whalen, College Inside Track Consultant The news is in: high schools across the country in strong numbers have closed down for all but virtual business, for the rest of the semester. Too, many summer programs that teens were counting on to develop their interests and their college resumes are now…
Should High School Seniors Enroll in College This Fall?
The answer, like so many other college-related questions, is “It depends.” As COVID-19 continues to disrupt our lives and stay-at-home directives extend into May, speculation has been rising about how colleges are going to handle the fall semester if the pandemic…
Insider tips for the week of April 6, 2020
5 ways to evaluate a college in the COVID-19 world – Campuses are closed for visits, so how does a family evaluate a college in the new COVID-19 world? College Inside Track President Chris Wills goes beyond the normal advice and recommends 5 excellent tips. 9 important adulting skills to teach your captive…
Federal Student Loan Payments Suspended Through Sept. 30
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has suspended all federal student loan payments through September 30, 2020. Here’s what you need to know: No interest will accrue on your federal student loans through Sept. 30, 2020. Your federal student loan balance doesn’t change unless you make payments, meaning…
Expert Tips: 3 ways to help your college student transition home from a campus closure
By Cozy Wittman Classical music plays in 32 or 64 counts in my dining room while I try to get some work done. I poke my head out of my office to see my dance major warming up at our railing, on the wood floors, in my dining room. Unlike so many students,…
Expert Tips: Top 5 ways to evaluate a college in the COVID-19 world
Can’t visit the colleges you are considering? Here are 5 best practices from the experts at College Inside Track: Take a virtual tour of the campus with a current student as your guide Nearly everyone is telling families to take virtual tours of colleges they are interested in, which is certainly good and…
Navigating the college process in the new COVID-19 world slides
The already complicated college process just became more challenging for families in the wake of COVID-19. Campus visits are cancelled, ACT test dates are postponed and more changes every day. How does a family conduct a search and choose a college in this new environment? Our team at College Inside Track is actively monitoring these…
Insider tips for the week of March 2, 2020
FAFSA says how much you can pay for college, but it’s often wrong – The NY Times explains what the FAFSA says you can afford is usually less than you will end up paying, which comes as a big surprise to many families. This is an important read as you plan how to make the…
Making the Most of Your Quarantine
Click here to download the slide show for 5 ways to make the most of your quarantine.