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Practical advice for every step to college
Clear, plain-language articles on choosing colleges, applying, testing, financial aid and making the most of high school. Time-sensitive articles show when their facts were last checked.
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Evaluating College Applications: Think Like an Admissions Officer
The process of getting admitted to college, especially ultra-selective ones, can seem random — but it isn’t. Learn how to think like an admissions officer.
Are College Tours Necessary? How to Decide Which Campuses to Visit
College tours can be informative, but they can be expensive and time-consuming. Here’s how to decide which visits are worth it, and what to do if you can’t go in person.
How to Complete the FAFSA: What You Need and What to Expect
The FAFSA is the free application for federal student aid, and many states and colleges use it too. Here's who needs a StudentAid.gov account, what to have ready, and how to list schools.
The Complete Collection
Evaluating College Applications: Think Like an Admissions Officer
The process of getting admitted to college, especially ultra-selective ones, can seem random — but it isn’t. Learn how to think like an admissions officer.
Are College Tours Necessary? How to Decide Which Campuses to Visit
College tours can be informative, but they can be expensive and time-consuming. Here’s how to decide which visits are worth it, and what to do if you can’t go in person.
What Is the CSS Profile? Who Needs It, What It Costs, and How to File
Some colleges require more than the FAFSA. The CSS Profile is a more detailed financial aid application used by more than 200 colleges, universities, and scholarship programs, mostly private.
Your Summer To-Do List Before Freshman Year of College
After committing to a college, there are important summer tasks: orientation modules, housing, health forms, registration, and financial setup.
Early Decision vs. Early Action: What the Binding Commitment Means
Early decision is binding; early action usually isn’t. How the plans differ, what happens if the aid offer falls short, and why deadlines vary by college.
How to Complete Scholarship Applications Efficiently
Reuse essay material, keep go-to essays, convert your activities section into a resume, and keep transcripts/scores on hand.
How to Build a Balanced College List: Safety, Match and Reach Schools
Build a balanced list using fit, acceptance rates, admitted-student data and cost, with safety, match and reach schools you’d be glad to attend.
Should You Write the “Optional” College Essay?
An optional essay is a chance to add something new, and it’s often worth writing. But policies vary, and some colleges say skipping one won’t count against you.
Test-Optional Colleges: Should You Apply Without SAT or ACT Scores?
Many colleges are test optional, but a number of selective colleges again require the SAT or ACT. Don’t limit your options by avoiding tests entirely.
What is a Gap Year and Should Students Take One?
A gap year can be valuable for growth, but it needs a real purpose. Most students should apply to college first, then defer if needed.
Getting Recruited to Play an NCAA Sport in College
Recruiting takes early planning: the right NCAA Eligibility Center account, academic requirements, game film and proactive outreach to coaches.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarships: Requirements and How to Apply
Bright Futures helps Florida students pay for college in Florida. Learn the FFAA deadline, GPA, service-hour and ACT/CLT/SAT requirements for the classes of 2027 and 2028.
Planning for Graduate School While Choosing an Undergrad College
If grad school is likely (MD, PhD, PsyD and others), weigh total cost and how undergrad choices affect future applications.
Summer Activities That Make Students More Competitive for College
Use summers to build your spike through internships, meaningful projects, or selective programs, some of which are free.
Creating a 4-Year High School Plan
A detailed plan keeps students on track across academics, testing, extracurricular spikes, and essay preparation.
What Is the Ivy League? The Eight Schools and What It Takes to Get In
The Ivy League is an athletic conference of eight highly selective universities. Here’s what that means, and why a clear passion or ‘spike’ helps applicants stand out.
How to Complete the FAFSA: What You Need and What to Expect
The FAFSA is the free application for federal student aid, and many states and colleges use it too. Here's who needs a StudentAid.gov account, what to have ready, and how to list schools.
Common App, Coalition on Scoir, or a College’s Own Application? How to Choose
Common App reaches 1,200+ colleges, the Coalition application now runs on Scoir, and some schools use their own forms. Here’s how to pick the right platform for each college.
College Fit Matters More Than Rankings: How to Find the Right College
Fit depends on majors, curriculum, size, location, culture and competitiveness, not just ranking. Here’s how to research it.
Applying to "Expensive" Colleges: How Need-Based Financial Aid Works
Top colleges can be more affordable than expected due to strong need-based aid — especially for low- and middle-income families.
When to Study for and Take Standardized Tests
Reduce stress with a timeline: pick SAT vs ACT early, study well before senior year, and plan test sittings strategically.
College Interviews: How Much They Matter and How to Prepare
Interview policies vary by college, and one interview rarely decides an application. Here’s how to prepare, keep it conversational, and come with strong questions.
Why a “Spike” Beats Being Well-Rounded for Selective Colleges
Being ‘well rounded’ isn’t the goal — colleges want well-rounded classes. Build a spike through real passion, specialization, and impact.