Financial Aid 101: FAFSA Tips for 2025-26

The Common App offers seven essay prompts, but the best one for you depends on the story you want to tell, not the prompt itself. Choosing Your Prompt Start by brainstorming stories and moments that reveal who you are. Then match your best story to the most fitting prompt. Do not start with the prompt…

Master the 2026–27 Common App personal statement with expert tips on topic selection, structure, and the mistakes that sink most applications.

College rankings capture only a fraction of what matters for your experience and career. Here is how to research what really counts. Academic Fit Look at specific department strengths, class sizes, research opportunities, and curriculum flexibility. A school ranked 50th overall might have a top-10 program in your field. Campus Culture Visit if possible. Talk…

Transfer admissions is a viable path for students who want to change schools after starting college. When to Transfer Common reasons include academic fit, financial considerations, location, and program availability. Most students transfer after freshman or sophomore year. Application Requirements Transfer applications typically require college transcripts, a transfer essay explaining why you want to switch,…

Some colleges track how much interest you have shown in their school. This factor, called demonstrated interest, can influence admissions decisions. What Counts Campus visits, information session attendance, email engagement, early application, and mentioning specific programs in your essays all demonstrate interest. Which Schools Track It Not all schools consider it. Research each school’s policy….

A clear timeline takes the chaos out of college admissions. Here is what to do and when. Junior Year Fall: research colleges and start test prep. Winter: take PSAT/NMSQT. Spring: take SAT or ACT. Summer: visit campuses, start essay brainstorming. Senior Year Fall September: finalize school list and essay drafts. October: submit early applications. November:…