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…
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…
Insider 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…
Guidelines 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…
Insider 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…
Insider 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…
Insider 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…
Insider Tips for the week of October 12, 2024
New ACT changes – Following the lead of the recent SAT changes, ACT announced new changes going into effect starting in April 2025. Check out a summary of what’s new here. How AI is changing the college admissions process – Some colleges receive tens of thousands of applications every year and are looking for a faster way to…
Insider Tips for the week of September 14, 2024
FAFSA delayed – The FAFSA form for students entering college in Fall 2025 would normally open on Oct. 1, but will instead be rolled out in phases and be fully available by December 1. Learn more from the Dept of Ed. High school activities for prospective engineering students – Stellar grades and test scores are only part of the…
Insider Tips for the week of August 10, 2024
Alternative options to pre-med – CIT’s Tiffany Kolb shares other college options for students interested in health sciences, but who may not want to pursue a pre-med track. What is ABET accreditation and does it matter? – CIT’s Marit Lunstad explains ABET accreditation for engineering programs and what you need to know when considering schools. Campus profile: Salve Regina University –…