college admissions

What Families Need to Know About Sending Their First Child to College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Sending your child to college can be a stressful time, both for you and them. There are a lot of things to take care of from selecting the school itself to making sure all the correct books are purchased. Here are a few tasks you may have forgotten before your firstborn leaves the nest. Filing …

financial aid

What is the Pell Grant?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 26, 2023

Between scholarships, federal aid, and loans there is a lot to do before heading to college in the fall, but one thing you don’t want to forget about is the Pell Grant. It’s one more reason to complete the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. But what exactly is it? What Is the …

financial aid

Bad Excuses for Not Filing for Financial Aid

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 26, 2025

No matter the reason, everyone should be filling out the FAFSA, or Free Application For Federal Student Aid, each year. Here are a few bad excuses we’ve heard students give when asked why they didn’t complete the application: I Won’t Qualify The number one reason that students or parents don’t complete the FAFSA is that …

student loans

Avoid These 3 Big Student Loan Mistakes!

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 6, 2025

Obtaining student loans is one of the biggest and most expensive decisions you will ever make in your lifetime, and it is up there with purchasing a car or a house. It’s important to understand what you’re getting into, agreeing to, and what is expected of you in the years to come. Here are three …

student loans

How to Pick the Best Student Loan for You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 24, 2025

You’ve chosen your school for the fall, but now it’s time to choose your student loan. The application process and knowing the pros and cons of each type are the most important when it comes to picking which one is right for you. Here’s a rundown of some of the steps to take and things …

student loans

The Difference Between Direct Subsidized Loans and Unsubsidized

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Applying for the FAFSA matters. When applying for federal aid through FAFSA, you will find that there are two loans for students available through their program: direct subsidized loans and unsubsidized. Your family’s current financial situation and your needs determine which loan lenders offer and which you prefer. Direct Subsidized Loans  Subsidized, also know as …

college applications

Uncovering True Leadership Experience for College Applications

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 28, 2025

When filling out a college application, there’s one section you’re almost guaranteed to see: leadership experience. For many students, it’s a buzzword that carries weight with admissions officers. But what does it truly mean, and (most importantly) how can you make sure it’s highlighted on your college application? What Is Leadership Experience and Why Does …

questions & answers

What’s the difference between an independent and dependent student?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 3, 2026

Key takeaways: An independent student can complete the FAFSA by themselves, while a dependent student needs a parent to contribute to their application. Independent students are typically over 24 years old, married, veterans, active duty, or legally emancipated from their parents. If your parents won’t help with your FAFSA, contact your college’s financial aid department …

college admissions

How to Navigate a College Deferred Admission Decision

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 8, 2025

When you apply to a college under early action or early decision, you can get back three responses: accepted, rejected, or deferred. Deferred means the college wants to review your application again with the regular decision applicants. It can be stressful, as you’ll have to play the waiting game, but here are some things you …