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Insider 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…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of February 8, 2025
Misleading college financial aid letters – New federal research finds that colleges are failing to give accepted students clear and standard information about financial aid packages, leading to a number of negative consequences. Check out the article from NPR and be sure the issues highlighted aren’t affecting your family. Why you were denied – Jon Boeckenstedt, VP of enrollment…
Read MoreGuidelines for student loan repayment
By Cozy Wittman, As the price of college continues to climb, for many, loans will need to be part of the larger strategy to pay for school. How to pay those back should be an important part of the discussion when the student takes out the loans. Guidelines for debt payback can help a…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of January 11, 2025
Change for small business owners – Add small business owners to the group of people impacted by recent college financial aid changes. Take a minute to read our latest article. Choices and options – a blueprint for college admission – Georgia Tech’s Rick Clark says the ideal situation is to have multiple offers of admission and financial aid packages from those…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of December 7, 2024
FAFSA now live – The new FAFSA for students attending college Fall 2025 is now live. Read our tips on how to tackle the 6 trickiest FAFSA questions. Current college trends – CIT”s Cozy Wittman discusses a wide range of college planning topics on the “Wicked Pissah” podcast, including how to find a good fit and finding schools…
Read MoreInsider Tips for the week of November 9, 2024
Underclassmen strategies – If you have a HS underclassman, now is the time to nail down a concrete strategy related to college debt and the college search. Check out the advice from CIT’s Cozy Wittman. Study skills guide – Grades are a vital part of the college application. Courtesy of James Madison University, here’s a comprehensive high school study skills guide to…
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