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Insider Tips for the week of November 1, 2025
Activities that impress colleges the most – Parents often wonder what type of activities their student can participate in to impress college admission officers most. CIT’s Paige Feldman explores this common question through the lens of impact, and what really matters most. A valuable read. The truth about rejection by elite colleges – Michelle Kretzschmar explains the reality is…
Read MoreInsider 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…
Read MoreInsider 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…
Read MoreInsider 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…
Read MoreStudent Loan Borrowing Limit Changes from the new budget bill
The new budget bill has overhauled ways students and parents borrow for college. Here is a summary of the many student loan borrowing limit changes. New student loan borrowing limits for federal loans go into effect July 1, 2026. Note that the student loan changes below only apply to federal loans from the government,…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of July 12, 2025
New student loan rates – The Dept of Education announced the updated student loan rates for the 2025-26 school year, which go into effect on July 1. Undergraduate Direct Loans: 6.39% Graduate Direct Loans: 7.94% Parent PLUS Loans: 8.94% Crazy New Wrinkle to College Admissions – Jeff Selingo explains a new phenomenon of last-minute deal making, resulting from the…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of June 7, 2025
Student loan changes – CIT’s Chris Wills was featured on WCCO Talking Points discussing the potential changes to student loans. 10 essential skills for college success – CIT’s transition to college expert, Paige Feldman, explores the skills students need to thrive in college. If your student could benefit from more personalized support while in college, CIT now offers a College…
Read MoreInsider 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,…
Read MoreInsider 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…
Read MoreInsider 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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