College Search
Insider Tips for the week of August 10, 2020
Hundreds of college deans explain what they want to see from applicants in the COVID-19 era – The Washington Post writes about a statement signed by over 300 college deans about what they do — and do not — want to see in applicants for Fall 2021. The process is different this year due…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of July 6, 2020
Understanding the new Common App COVID question – The Common App has added new, optional COVID-related writing sections for students and their school counselors to allow them to share with colleges and universities how they have been affected by the pandemic. Here’s what you need to know. 15 reasons to ignore college rankings…
Read MoreInsider 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…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of February 3, 2020
Major change to 529 Plans – The SECURE Act signed at the end of last year includes a major change that now allows 529 Plan dollars to be used to pay for student loans. However, certain states need to conform their tax laws to the federal one, otherwise folks in those states may face…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of Dec. 9, 2019
Need-to-know financial aid info – Mycollegeguide.org has a handy summary of everything your family needs to know about financial aid. Insightful questions for an admission officer – It’s hard to make the decision of what college to attend. Use this helpful list of questions from Road2College to ask the admission office at each of the…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of Nov. 4, 2019
Student Loans from A to Z – Trying to figure out the borrowing side of college? Road2College.com has a nice summary of student loans and pros and cons of each type. One important message: Students should always max out federal loans before looking into private loans, but you must fill out the FAFSA to qualify…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of Oct. 7, 2019
Are you a guilted parent? – Saying no to our kids is hard, especially when it has to do with their education and future. Lynn O’Shaughnessy writes an important article on parents feeling guilted to pay for a college their teenager wants, but they may not be able to afford. 6 questions that should be…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of September 2, 2019
College’s hidden costs: What the admissions office won’t tell you – The father of a college freshman shares with the Washington Post costs families incur beyond tuition, room and board. He admits they thought they thought they knew what the costs would be but were “dead wrong.” An important read for all parents. 4 questions…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of June 17, 2019
How to help your teen be college-ready – Being admitted to college doesn’t mean a student is ready for it. Check out this important read from the New York Times, which explains how parents can encourage kids to step up their levels of personal responsibility while still in high school. 5 people worth talking to…
Read MoreInsider tips for the week of Jan. 7, 2019
The secret to finding what colleges want – NerdWallet’s Liz Weston explains that schools telegraph what they want in applicants in the form of data that is available online to anyone. Take a minute to scan her advice. 10 things college rankings won’t tell you – Although we all love lists to help us…
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