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PREPARING FOR COLLEGE
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💸 Need-Based vs. Merit-Based Aid
Comparison between needs-based and merit-based financial aid, including recent trends for both
sarahthomas
3 min read


FAFSA vs. CSS Profile: What’s the Difference?
The differences between financial aid platforms, & what you'll need to apply
sarahthomas
2 min read


🎓 What Does “Holistic Admissions” Really Mean?
This quick blog post explains what students should prioritize for colleges that take a holistic approach to their application review.
sarahthomas
2 min read


When to Submit SAT/ACT Scores
Deciding whether to send your SAT or ACT scores can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming . With so many...
sarahthomas
2 min read


What is the Difference between Early Decision & Early Action Applications?
A brief outline of the differences between Early Decision and Early Action deadlines/requirements
sarahthomas
2 min read


How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
Most students apply to 6–10 colleges . But the right number depends on you — your goals, resources, and how much time and energy you...
sarahthomas
2 min read


When Should I Start My College Applications?
A succinct break down of when & how to start college applications.
sarahthomas
2 min read


What Are Colleges Really Looking For?
Do I have to have cured cancer to get into college? While it might feel like you need to check every box and have done something...
barbaramilhizer
2 min read


Are College Consultants Worth It?
The short answer? Absolutely. In today's college admissions landscape, college admissions committees have seen exponential increases in...
sarahthomas
3 min read


The Whens & Whos of Rec Letters
Before we get into the specifics of this topic, we need to say straightaway that it is important to research the schools you're applying...
sarahthomas
4 min read


To AP or not to AP
It's the age-old question this time of year as students pick their schedules for the upcoming year: how many AP classes should I take?...
barbaramilhizer
3 min read


Fall means football, pumpkin spice, and...financial aid?
October 1 – It's time for cooler weather and financial aid applications! Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of aid...
barbaramilhizer
2 min read


5 Ideas for Maximizing your Summer
School is out, and colleges mostly care about grades, so time to sit back and binge watch Netflix for 12 glorious weeks! Not so fast....
barbaramilhizer
2 min read


Accepted? Waitlisted? Denied? Now what?
I always say there is a momentary feeling of relief when students hit the "submit" button for college applications, followed quickly by a...
barbaramilhizer
3 min read


How-To Guide: Start the College Planning Process
We are always asked when parents and students should start the college planning process. And whether you have baby pictures with your...
sarahthomas
2 min read


How to Get into the Best Colleges
This is a concern and central to the desire of many students and parents in securing a bright future (without resorting to donating a...
barbaramilhizer
3 min read


Dos and Don’ts of Writing College Essays
For a lot of students, the essay portion of college applications is one of the most daunting parts of the process. But guess what? It...
sarahthomas
3 min read


5 Tips for Killing the Interview
Most applicants want to be seen as more than a set of numbers: GPA, SAT score, # of community service hours, etc. They want to show their...
barbaramilhizer
2 min read


Top 10 Things I Learned from 23 College Tours
I consider myself a professional college tourist, having taken my first-born across the country to 23 schools on his long list, starting...
barbaramilhizer
4 min read
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