Blog for Students & Families

  • Overcoming the FAFSA Delay: Expert Guidance for Students and Families

    Errors, glitches, and processing delays in the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) have left many families anxious and uncertain. Initially, about 30% of submitted forms faced significant setbacks due to data and processing errors, and these struggles slowed down the release of critical financial information to students’ schools. As a result, financial…

  • The Real Reasons Why College Tuition is So High and What you Can Do About it

    Everyone has seen news about skyrocketing college expenses and wondered, Why is college so expensive?” It’s everywhere anyone looks, and it only seems to be getting worse. It’s no secret college tuition is too high, has risen too quickly, and debt is unmanageable for a staggering number of students. Student loan debt in the U.S. has reached…

  • What Are Endowed Scholarships vs Regular Scholarships?

    Choosing the right scholarship can significantly impact your student’s educational journey. With various options available, it’s essential to understand the differences to make an informed decision. Among the many choices, understanding regular versus endowed scholarships can provide clarity and help maximize financial aid opportunities. Scholarships are an ideal way to cover the cost of a…

  • A Complete College Prep Checklist: High School Junior Year

    Wow, can you believe it?! Your student’s junior year already marks the halfway point of their high school journey and is a pivotal time. Colleges and universities look closely at their grades, scheduled courses, and activities when making admissions decisions. For both students and parents, it is imperative to stay on top of the whole…

  • The Ultimate Guide to Financial Aid Refunds

    Navigating the complexities of financial aid can be daunting for both students and parents. Understanding financial aid refunds is crucial for making the most of available resources. In this guide, we will unravel the mysteries of refunded financial aid, provide essential definitions, and help you determine your eligibility. Stay tuned to learn everything you need…

  • The Ultimate List of Art Scholarships for Performing and Visual Art

    Art scholarships can make a world of difference when your student wants to pursue their dream and graduate debt-free. There are a surprising number of scholarships for art majors, and talented artists, including those accepted to a specific college or university and those pursuing non-artistic degrees. Here is the ultimate list of art and design…

  • How to Get the Best Scholarship Letter of Recommendation

    As your student applies for scholarships, they are almost guaranteed to find some scholarship programs that require a letter of recommendation as part of the application process. Getting a scholarship letter of recommendation can feel like a challenge, especially if your student doesn’t know who they should ask to supply this important document. With this…

  • What is Room and Board & What Will It Cost You?

    As the academic year begins, a new batch of high school seniors typically set their sights on college. They start reviewing options, identifying college costs, and preparing their applications for admission (if they haven’t done so already). When reviewing costs at each school, room and board is a standard line item on the list, especially…

  • 5 Best Study Abroad Programs for High School Students

    Study abroad programs for high school students are surprisingly plentiful, creating opportunities for teens to explore the world and experience different cultures. Often, one of the most challenging parts of choosing a program is sorting through all of the options. Did you know that studying abroad could help your student land scholarships for college? It’s…

  • Early Graduation from High School – Is It Smart?

    For many students, the idea of graduating from high school early is incredibly appealing on paper. However, many also wonder, “Is early graduation from high school actually a good idea?” Ultimately, there are pros and cons to finishing a high school education early. As a result, students need to consider both perspectives before making a…