Blog for Students & Families

  • How to Show Demonstrated Interest in College Admissions

    Most of the college admissions process is very straightforward. Students fill out their Common Apps or other applications, submit ACT or SAT scores, write college personal statements, tackle college essays, and shuttle off transcripts. But now, there’s a new part to the equation: demonstrated interest. Technically, there’s another part of handling college admissions: getting ready…

  • Skills Over Degrees – What Do Employers Want?

    Today, the degree vs. skills debate continues to rage on. Many companies are altering their hiring priorities, giving additional weight to skills over degrees. However, that doesn’t mean that a college education isn’t valuable or, at times, still a necessity. If your student needs a degree to launch their career, scholarships can make school more…

  • 37 Amazing Scholarships for African Americans and HBCU Scholarships

    Many scholarship programs focus on specific types of students. Scholarships for African Americans are one such example, while HBCU scholarships are another. Both scholarship programs aim at assisting the African American community, ensuring that college is more accessible by increasing affordability. Scholarships have the ability to make any college more affordable, making them a wise…

  • Going to Trade School? Check Out These 56 Vocational Scholarships

    For many students, a traditional four-year degree isn’t a great fit. But that doesn’t mean they can’t further their education and set themselves on a path toward a great career. Going to trade school can be a great alternative, allowing them to hone valuable skills to help them succeed professionally. If your student lands some…

  • Attending College in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know (Including Massachusetts Scholarships)

    Many students have the goal of attending college in Massachusetts. But figuring out which school is the best fit isn’t always easy. For one, the best Massachusetts college might not be ideal for another student. For another, the lifestyle each Massachusetts college town provides may not offer the perfect experience for everyone. Figuring out how…

  • How to Pay for Summer Classes: Your Questions Answered

    Most college students already understand how college tuition is paid for during the fall and spring semesters. However, when it comes to paying for summer classes, many students have questions. Taking summer classes — whether at your primary institution, a local community college, or another school — can help you save money and graduate faster….

  • Refinancing Student Loans – What You Need to Know

    Many students look into refinancing student loans. Often, getting a lower interest rate or monthly payment is the main goal, making an existing student loan more affordable. However, there can be other motivators for student loan refinancing, including avoiding defaulting on a debt. If your student is trying to avoid debt, scholarships are a great…

  • 10+ Common Scholarship Essay Questions and How to Answer Them

    When your student applies for scholarships, writing the essay often feels like the most challenging part. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be. By learning about common scholarship essay questions and how to answer them, your student can be prepared for most of the topics they’ll need to address. While it’s true that different scholarships may…

  • Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA: What You Need to Know

    Weighted vs. unweighted GPA; while students know that colleges look at their GPAs when making admissions decisions, it’s common to have questions about these two variants. However, the biggest one is usually, “What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPAs?” Luckily, how these two options stand apart is pretty easy to figure out once…