In over fifteen years of working with families, I can say this with absolute certainty: Each family has its own...
College Admissions 101
Top Financial Planning for College Tips
Not surprisingly, a lot of parents ask me, "How do we afford college?” Parents who attended college twenty years ago...
Parents: A Cautionary Tale
I've had the pleasure of knowing Jason for several years, and as my daughter approached the college admission process,...
11 Must-See Tips for Completing the Common Application
The Common Application (also called the "Common App") offers a platform to apply for colleges but it also seems to stir up a plethora of confusion. You can use this online application to apply to member colleges and universities in all fifty states and the District of...
How to Write the Best Personal Statement Essay for College (with Tips and Examples)
Just not sure about that Personal Statement essay? We understand! The Personal Statement essay might feel like one of the most intimidating aspects of the college application process. Keep reading to find out how to spruce up the language in your essay, how to...
College Planning Help: Three Perspectives from a Parent
It’s now February, six months into our daughter’s college-application process, and we could not be happier: She has a (virtual) stack of college-acceptance letters and some sizable scholarship offers. She has several more months to research her top choices. But wait,...
I Wish That I Had Applied…
I have never encountered a college graduate who wishes they had won less scholarships. Almost always, they candidly acknowledge having missed out on applying for scholarships and in hindsight, they would definitely have dedicated more time to applying for them in...
Three Takeaways from Three Advisory Boards
College admissions is a constantly changing world and the horizon has a lot of changes ahead. One of my favorite aspects about being involved in college admissions advisory boards is being on the forefront of admissions changes. It is insightful for me to gain behind...
College Affordability Before Applications
Apply first and hopefully the affordability works out. Each year many students use this approach when applying to colleges. Sadly, they often apply to multiple colleges that are out of their family’s affordability range. An additional affordability component that is...
College Funding Beyond the FAFSA
Financing a college education requires more than completing a FAFSA each year. If a student qualifies, federal grant and loan programs only provide limited funding amounts which often leave a significant affordability gap. I believe families need to consider the...
Transitioning and Thriving in College Life
A college admissions acceptance letter is not an endpoint--rather it is the start of a potentially meaningful journey that lies ahead. Transitioning and adjusting to campus life are often underestimated concepts for many students and even their parents. Many students...
Do You Really Know the Difference? Gap Year vs. Deferring
Coauthored by Jason Vallozzi, Founder, Campus to Career Crossroads & Ben Welbourn, Co-founder and COO, Verto Education. Photo credit - Verto Education students experiencing Fiji In a few short months, COVID-19 has radically altered college admissions. Stay tuned...