Blog for Students & Families

  • What to Wear to a Scholarship Interview

    When your student attends a scholarship interview, first impressions matter. While we would all like to think a person’s mind is the most critical factor in scholarship interviews, how an individual is dressed makes an impact, so choosing the right scholarship interview outfit is essential. Figuring out what to wear for an interview setting for…

  • How to Build the Ultimate College Comparison Spreadsheet

    For many students, trying to figure out where they want to apply to college is a daunting task. After all, there is a lot of information to consider beyond whether their major is available. If your student is like most, they need to take a hard look at everything the school has to offer, what…

  • What is EFC? And How to Use the FAFSA EFC Calculator

    When your student is preparing to head to college, the expected family contribution (EFC) on their FAFSA plays a big role in the kind and amount of financial aid they may receive to attend college. If your student isn’t ready to complete their FAFSA, then using an EFC calculator can help them get an estimate…

  • 5 Tips to Organize Scholarship Materials to Save Time

    The scholarship process involves a lot of information. Your student may submit dozens of applications, each requiring a variety of scholarship materials, each and every year. Simply keeping track of all of that can quickly become overwhelming, if not completely unmanageable, unless they take the proper steps. For many scholarships, your student will need to…

  • How to Find Scholarships to Study Abroad

    For many students, the idea of studying abroad is incredibly enticing. It allows them to experience a culture first-hand, improve their foreign language skills, or simply explore the world before settling into a career. Depending on the type of program and country chosen, it can be expensive or actually save you money. Either way, finding…

  • 7 Different Types of College Admissions (& Which One is Best for Your Student)

    Many parents ask about the different types of college admissions options out there. Colleges typically provide students with a few admissions options, each with its own deadline and requirements. While submitting an app at any time before the final deadline means your student will be considered, different types of college admissions options each come with…

  • 32 Amazing Student Discounts That Can Help You Save Big

    In many cases, college students are a bit cash poor. That means that making every dollar count is important. Otherwise, it’s easy to end up in financial trouble, especially if your student has to rack up debt simply to survive. Luckily, there is a vast array of student discounts available today. Not only can your…

  • A Complete Guide to the Different Types of College Applications

    When your student gets ready to apply to colleges, the process can be intimidating. After all, it represents a big step forward in their lives. Not too long ago, every college had its own application. This meant there were hundreds of different types of college applications. Many students found this approach discouraging, largely because it…

  • How to Write a Scholarship Thank You Letter (Plus a Template)

    Once your student has a scholarship award check in hand, they may believe there’s nothing left to do. However, receiving the check shouldn’t be the end of the story. All it means is that now is the perfect time to craft a scholarship thank you letter. Winning a scholarship is a fantastic experience. Not only…

  • Best Places to Find Affordable College Textbooks

    Everyone knows that college can be expensive. Beyond costs like tuition and room and board, textbooks are one of the expenses that students struggle to manage. One survey even showed that about 43 percent of college students choose to skip meals so they can afford materials for their classes. 31 percent decide to take fewer…