Insider Tips for the week of May 10, 2025

Does a college acceptance rate matter? – Students and parents often fixate on the admission rate for a college as an indicator of the school’s education quality. But does the admission rate really matter? Finding meaningful summer activities – Summer is a golden opportunity for students to contribute to the story of who they are, what they value,…

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Federal Student Loan Collections Resume

college graduate

  For the first time since March 2020, the Department of Education will be collecting on defaulted student loans beginning on May 5, 2025.   The office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will encourage borrowers to begin making monthly payments, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan, or pursue loan rehabilitation. The FSA is also restarting…

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Insider Tips for the week of April 5, 2025

Are summer programs worth it? – You are likely receiving marketing materials for summer programs from colleges and wondering, “Are these worth it?” and, “Will this increase our student’s chances of admission?” There are several benefits to summer programs, but certainly no guarantees. Let’s dig deeper into the pros and cons. How to find what you want…

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The Top 10 Reasons I Love The University of Tennessee

With CIT Consultant, Anne Weber Having not traveled to Knoxville, TN in many years, I had no idea how this city and its crowning jewel, The University of Tennessee, has grown.  UTK, as it’s commonly referred to, has become increasingly popular. And I can tell you, it’s warranted affection.  After touring the school, here are…

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Nothin’ But Net at Indiana University

With CIT Consultant, Anne Weber I’ve heard from many students, parents and peers that Indiana has a beautiful campus. And I believed them. But I have to admit, my first glimpse of Indiana made my jaw drop. This campus is unlike any I’ve seen before. IU’s flagship campus is in the college town of Bloomington,…

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Does a College’s Acceptance Rate Matter?

Students and parents often fixate on the admission rate for a college as an indicator of the school’s education quality. But does the admission rate really matter? Over the past decade, the college admission process has evolved into a multifaceted and often perplexing journey. Families often seek a shortcut to identify a college or university…

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What Summer Programs Can and Can’t Do for Prospective College Students

If you are a high school freshman, sophomore, or junior, it’s likely you are receiving marketing materials for summer programs from colleges. Parents ask us, “Are these worth it?” and, “Will this increase our student’s chances of admission?” There are several benefits to summer programs, but certainly no guarantees. Let’s dig deeper into the pros…

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Insider Tips for the week of March 8, 2025

Understanding the college financial aid letter – College Inside Track’s Cozy Wittman was featured in the Journal of Financial Planning, discussing ways to create transparency for families in the college funding process and better understanding the college financial aid award letter. Cozy explains in detail the college financial aid award letter, tips after receiving it, elements of good…

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Iowa State University

CIT consultant Anne Weber is embarking on a college road trip extraordinaire, covering thousands of miles over the next month to visit a wide variety of institutions. She’ll be sharing insights along the way; here’s her first from Iowa State University: Just 3 hours south of the Twin Cities and an hour north of Des…

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