Insider tips for the week of August 2, 2021

3 college statistics to know if you want to pay less – Many families only look at college statistics in terms of getting into college, when they are just as important in determining how much they pay for college. DIY College Rankings covers three big ones to understand.

5 best essays – The college essay is an influential part of the application process but also little understood. The New York Times featured the best essays it received this year; share them with your child to expose them to successful styles.

Living on or off campus? Pros and cons – Living on or off campus can drastically change one’s college experience, and the right fit is different based on the needs of each student. Kelci Lynn Lucier provides a helpful framework to help you decide what is best for your family.

Should you write about COVID-19 in your college application? – Students should be considering their college essay topics and a natural question is how (and if) they should address coronavirus in their application. Check out this comprehensive guide from The College Essay Guy.