Choosing a Gap Year
Gap years have a reputation — but the data tells a more interesting story. This month's post covers what students actually gain from a well-planned year off, how to approach deferrals, and when a gap year might be exactly the right call.
Financial Matters: The A to Z of College Finance
College finances can feel overwhelming fast. This month we broke it down from A to Z — literally. Grants, loans, meal plans, credit, and a few things most families don't think to ask about until it's too late.
Focus On Majors: Applied Mathematics
Considering applied math? This month's major spotlight breaks down what the degree actually covers, which schools give students the most flexibility to pair it with a second field, and the career paths it opens up — including AI and machine learning.
When Parents Do Too Much
New on the blog: a look at what the research says about overparenting during the college application process — and why letting your teen handle more than you think they should might be the most helpful thing you do this season.
Dealing with College Denial
It’s college-decision season. You open your email or log into your college portal to check your admissions status. But if the message you opened begins with “We regret to inform you…,” it can feel like the air just got sucked out of the room, especially if this was your “first choice” college.
Financial Matters: How to Appeal a Financial Aid Award
A financial aid appeal is a formal request asking the college to take another look at your aid package. Financial aid officers have what’s called “professional judgment,” which allows them to adjust awards when a family’s situation has changed or when the original forms didn’t capture the full picture. Many families are surprised to learn that adjustments do happen.
Focus On Majors: Crop and Soil Sciences
Most students hear the words crop and soil science and picture farms and tractors. But the field is far broader and more interesting than many people realize. It connects to professional sports, environmental sustainability, space exploration, and even the foods and drinks people enjoy every day.
Making an Impact through Community Service
In a time when college admissions can feel like a competition, it’s easy to think every activity needs to “look good” on your applications. Community service often falls into that trap, reduced to logging hours or checking a requirement. The truth is, most colleges don’t require community service. The true value of service is the impact on your community and on yourself.
Financial Matters: The Reality Behind The College Dream
Understand college financial aid, merit scholarships, FAFSA, loans, and smart strategies to pay for college without overwhelming student or parent debt.
Focus on Majors: Gerontology
Explore gerontology and aging studies careers, top programs, internships, and job paths in healthcare, social work, policy, and elder care.
The Importance of Likely Colleges
Learn why likely colleges aren’t just backup schools. Discover how admission strategy, merit scholarships, GPA, and ROI impact long-term success.
Taking the SAT or ACT in a Test-Optional World
Test-optional doesn’t mean test-irrelevant.
As more colleges adopt test-optional admissions, students and families are left wondering whether the SAT or ACT still matter. The answer depends on the student. For some, strong scores can reinforce academic readiness and support scholarship opportunities. For others, skipping tests may be the smarter move. This overview explains how test-optional policies actually work, when submitting scores can add value, and how to make a strategic, school-by-school decision based on a student’s strengths.
Financial Matters: Understanding College ROI
College ROI isn’t about finding a single “right” answer — it’s about asking better questions.
With rising college costs and widely varying outcomes, return on investment has become a bigger part of how families think about higher education. ROI looks beyond tuition alone to consider long-term earnings, major choice, student experiences, and personal development over time. When used thoughtfully, it helps families compare options, understand tradeoffs, and make informed decisions — while recognizing that college outcomes are shaped by far more than a price tag or a first job after graduation.
Focus on Majors: Environmental Studies
Environmental majors turn passion into impact.
If you care about climate change, conservation, clean water, or environmental justice, majors like environmental science and environmental studies offer meaningful career paths. While the two fields sound similar, they differ in focus — environmental science centers on the technical, data-driven study of natural systems, while environmental studies blends science with policy, economics, and social change. This overview helps students understand the differences, explore career options, and decide which path best aligns with their strengths and goals.
Course Registration: Making Smart Choices
Course registration doesn’t require a perfect schedule — it requires a thoughtful one.
High school scheduling is about balance, growth, and choosing courses that challenge you without burning you out. From understanding graduation requirements to selecting the right level of rigor each year, this guide walks students through smart, intentional planning from freshman to senior year. The goal isn’t doing the most — it’s building a schedule that supports success, well-being, and long-term goals.
Avoiding Senioritis
Senioritis can feel tempting once college acceptances arrive, but letting grades or behavior slip can put an offer at risk. This post explains why admissions are conditional, how rescinded offers happen, and why staying engaged through senior year still matters.
Financial Matters: Understanding Your Financial Aid Letter
Financial aid award letters can look generous at first glance, but they often hide loans, underestimate true costs, and use confusing language. This guide explains how to read an award letter, spot common pitfalls, and understand what your family will actually pay.
Focus on Majors: Film & Media
Film majors today aren’t just about holding a camera. From production and screenwriting to media studies, digital content, and entertainment marketing, colleges offer a wide range of paths for creative storytellers. This guide breaks down how film programs differ and how students can find the right fit.
The School Profile
Most students never see the School Profile, but colleges rely on it heavily when reviewing applications. This behind-the-scenes document explains your high school’s curriculum, grading system, and opportunities so admissions officers can evaluate your achievements in context. Here’s why it matters more than you think.