A handy, comprehensive library of important admissions and financial aid topics
Financial Aid Trends 2026
This year’s FAFSA opened on October 1st. New this year is that families with small farms or small businesses can exclude these assets which will reduce a family’s Student Aid Index (SAI) hopefully leading to greater fina...
Admissions Trends 2026
This admissions cycle will be known for a return to standardized testing (SAT and ACT) by many colleges. Schools like MIT, Cal Tech and the Ivies still insist that these tests demonstrate academic readiness (debatable)....
What Students Can Do To Improve Their Admission Chances
Given the renewed emphasis on standardized test scores, students should prioritize test preparation as the number of schools reporting as test-optional is decreasing.Students and parents should research the admission p...
What Makes a College a Great Fit for Me?
When researching colleges, be sure to ask yourself these questions to determine if you should include this college on your list.• Do I get a really good “feeling” when I visit the campus? It’s impossible to describe, b...
The Keys to Success in College
Here are some more suggestions that create success for students attending college for the first time.5. Show respect in class. Be on time. Silence your phone. Participate in discussions.6. Learn to write well. Use AI...
More Keys to Success in College
Students find out very quickly that college is nothing like high school. Here is a quick list of things students should do to increase their chances of success when they attend college.1. Be proactive. Don’t wait to as...
Changes Coming to the ACT
In response to the recent changes to the SAT, the ACT has announced major changes, beginning with the Spring 2025 testing schedule:• Overall test shortened from 3 hours to 2 hours but still given as a paper and pencil...
Graduates With Dual Majors: A Really Smart Idea
Having seen the economy and job markets fluctuate wildly in the last few years, a great way to make sure you are able to withstand the roller coaster is to consider dual majors. Whether a double major is worth it for you...
21st Century Jobs Should Be Your Priority
High paying 21st Century jobs will focus on technological competency. When choosing a major, make sure it will lead to jobs that will be growing over the next 20 years. Here are some examples for you to consider:• Web...
A Smart Way for a Student to Save Money
When visiting a college or university, find out the name of the local bank that has the on-campus ATM. When the student enrolls, open an account at that bank so that the student receives a debit card which will allow the...
Information About The Federal Student Direct Stafford Loan
The Federal Stafford Loan is automatically offered as part of a student’s financial aid award. The maximum loan amounts are:• Freshman — $3500 Sub / $2000 Unsub• Sophomore — $4500 Sub / $2000 Unsub• Junior — $5500 Su...
Research Colleges & Universities Financial Aid BEFORE Applying
It is extremely important for families to know the differences between public and private universities when it comes to merit and need-based financial aid.Private Universities• More expensive, but better chance at mer...
Diversity Continues to Dominate College Admissions
Admissions committees across the US have made creating more diverse incoming Freshman classes a major priority, more so than in previous years. Almost every college that releases their data about students who are applyin...
Best Advice for College Applicants
The time a student devotes to researching the colleges that they are interested in is the most important part of the process. Begin thinking about the 2-3 things you DO and DON'T want in the college you attend. Thinking...
A Unique Approach to College Visits
The best thing a student can do when visiting a campus occurs AFTER the campus tour is completed. Bring a backpack. Why? So that as you walk around a campus, by yourself you blend in because you now look like you belong...
25 Most Popular College Majors
Business AdministrationAccountingNursingPsychologyCommunicationsMarketingEducationElementary EducationEnglishComputer ScienceFinanceCriminal JusticeBiologyPolitical ScienceEconomicsElectrical EngineeringH...
More Admission Trends to Watch
1. AP Exams May Take a Bigger Role. SAT Subject II tests have been eliminated permanently. Now, more emphasis will be placed on AP classes and AP test scores. Some colleges will look at AP scores to assess college readin...
The Most Popular College Majors
The decision of what to major is extremely important. Here is what high school students are choosing as the most popular majors across colleges in the USA.1. Business & Management — 289,3842. Nursing — 141,6323. Psyc...
Phony Honors Do Not Help Students Get Admitted
Many families receive official-looking envelopes with documents congratulating students with an invitation to join different honors societies and organizations. Don’t be fooled! These are companies looking to collect fee...
Occupations With Greatest Growth Potential
When choosing a college major, it is extremely important that the choice will lead to a successful career in a field that is projected to have major growth over the next 5-10 years. The following are forecasted to be the...