Ace Your College Interview
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Ace Your College Interview

College interviews come in several formats: 'informational', 'recommended', and 'evaluative.' Colleges offer interviews because they want to enroll students who will enhance their campus community and bring new ideas.

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Focus on Majors: Considering a Major in Genetics
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Focus on Majors: Considering a Major in Genetics

Genetics majors begin with a strong foundation in math and science. Most programs require coursework in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, calculus, and statistics. High school students interested in this path should take four years of math and science, especially biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus, to prepare for college-level rigor.

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Helping Your Teen Choose A College Major
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Helping Your Teen Choose A College Major

One of the most significant decisions your child will face in college is choosing a major. As a parent, your role isn’t to decide for them, but to guide, support, and help them explore options with confidence.

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College Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

College Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When preparing and submitting college applications, proper planning and preparation can streamline the entire process. Start by carefully reading all instructions before beginning any application. Avoid waiting until the last day before deadlines, as this increases the likelihood of rushing and making careless errors.

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Financial Matters: It’s Time to Complete the FAFSA and CCS Profile
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Financial Matters: It’s Time to Complete the FAFSA and CCS Profile

As your high school student prepares for college, understanding the financial aid process can make the difference between affordability and overwhelming debt. The good news? October 1st marks the opening of financial aid applications for the upcoming academic year, giving you a clear starting point for this important journey.

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Focus on Majors: Construction Management
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Focus on Majors: Construction Management

Construction is one of the largest industries, shaping skylines and communities. From skyscrapers to renewable energy facilities, every project relies on professionals to coordinate budgets, timelines, safety, and people. That’s where Construction Management (CM) comes in.

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The Truth About High School Grades
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

The Truth About High School Grades

If you're a high school student with college aspirations or a parent supporting one, there's a fundamental truth you need to understand: straight A's don't carry the weight they once did.

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Why Are You Applying Here?
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Why Are You Applying Here?

When high school seniors start tackling college applications, one of the most common and tricky questions they face is some version of “Why us?” It sounds simple, but many students stumble by plugging the same generic answer into every application.

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Financial Matters: Staying Smart in Uncertain Times
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Financial Matters: Staying Smart in Uncertain Times

College planning is always challenging, but in 2025, things feel especially unpredictable. Costs are rising, financial aid systems are evolving, and many uncertainties remain. It can feel overwhelming for families trying to find the right school for their student, both academically and financially.

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Focus on Majors: Pre-Med
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Focus on Majors: Pre-Med

Standing out as a future medical school applicant isn't about following the crowd—it's about making intentional, personal choices that align with your interests and strengths.

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No Contact Order
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

No Contact Order

No Contact Orders, once utilized for sexual assault accusations, are now being used by some college students to avoid people they do not like, becoming the go-to solution for a generation uncomfortable with face-to-face conflict.

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Making the Most Of Your High School Years
Team MSA Team MSA

Making the Most Of Your High School Years

High school can be one of life’s most exciting and transformative times. It can also be fraught with ups and downs, socially and academically. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate your high school years.

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College Visit Tips for Parents
Team MSA Team MSA

College Visit Tips for Parents

Touring prospective colleges is a rite of passage for many families and an important part of the college admission process. Here are some tips to help parents plan a successful college visit trip.

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College Visit Tips for Students
Team MSA Team MSA

College Visit Tips for Students

There’s no substitute to visiting a college and spending time on campus to tell you whether a particular college is right for you. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your campus visits.

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Planning College Visits
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Planning College Visits

College visits can be exhilarating and exhausting. Planning will help to reduce stress and increase enjoyment.

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Leaving for College
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Leaving for College

After a stressful year of completing college applications and waiting for admission decisions, students and parents are relieved to make a final choice and send the enrollment deposit. But while the anxiety about getting into college is over, the emotional roller coaster continues as the family prepares for the student to leave.

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Maximizing Your Summer Break
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Maximizing Your Summer Break

Summer provides the best opportunity for future college applicants to separate themselves from the pack. As the number of students applying to colleges continues its upward trajectory, so too does the need for students to make an effort to distinguish themselves.

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Why Giving Back Gives More Than You’d Expect
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Why Giving Back Gives More Than You’d Expect

Even though some high schools require community service to graduate, the best reason to volunteer has nothing to do with resumes, applications, or future plans. The best reason is that you care.

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Financial Matters: Scholarship Scams Targeting Families
Brynnen Ford Brynnen Ford

Financial Matters: Scholarship Scams Targeting Families

As the cost of college continues to rise, it’s understandable that families are eager to find financial aid opportunities. Unfortunately, scammers know this too, and every year, they take advantage of well-meaning parents and students, costing families millions of dollars in lost money and stolen information.

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