College Planning Blog with Expert Admissions Advice
What Colleges Really Look for Beyond Grades and Test Scores
Many families operate under a straightforward assumption: high grades and a strong ACT score are what colleges look for. In practice, what colleges...
How to Stay Organized During College Applications (Without Losing Your Mind)
Late applications reduce a student's chances for admission and financial aid by at least 50%, according to Campus Explorer. That single statistic...
How Much Does College Planning Cost? What Families Should Expect
According to the Education Data Initiative, a 4-year degree typically costs $38,270 per student per year, but that number varies widely based on...
Why Starting Test Prep Early Saves Time, Stress and Score Potential
Students who invest in structured ACT preparation over several months consistently score higher than those who cram during the final weeks before...
When Should You Start Visiting Colleges? A Practical Family Guide
Campus visits shape college decisions more than most families realize. According to research from BHDP Architecture, 95 percent of college...
The Perfect College Search Timeline: What to Do in Sophomore and Junior Year
For many families, the college search feels like it sneaks up overnight. One minute your student is adjusting to high school, and the next you’re...
5 Proven Strategies to Boost Your ACT Score Before Senior Year
Students who retake the ACT without preparation only score higher 57% of the time, and when they do improve, the average gain is just 1.5 points....
Scholarships 101: How Higher ACT Scores Can Save You Thousands
According to a recent article, 12.4 percent of students with an ACT score of 21 or higher win private scholarships. That's compared with just 7.7...
How do I find the right colleges, and where do we start?
Simple Solutions to Important Questions The college search can be daunting, with an overwheling array of options and no clear start line. The...