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You can reach out to a college whenever you want!
myths

College Myth: I Shouldn’t Reach out to a College Until I’m Ready to Apply

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many students assume they’ll reach out to a college during the application process, but this shouldn’t necessarily be the case. In fact, contacting a college before you apply can have advantages. Contacting a college before applying could actually improve your admissions chances Reaching out to a college as a prospective student shows you’re actively interested. …
A domed building surrounded by text in circles.
questions & answers

How Do I Know if a College is a Good Fit?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
There is a college out there for nearly everyone. The most important part of finding the right college is determining if a school is a good fit for you. A college that’s a good fit should have the following characteristics. 1. The college matches you academically You want to be challenged in college, but being …
A man looking through binoculars.
tips tools & advice

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Applied to College

By Tyler HakesLast updated on December 22, 2022
Back when I was making my choices about college, I knew very little about the way the admissions and financial aid process works. Like many students, I was the first in my family to go to college. So, while my parents supported me immensely, they didn’t know any more about the process than I did. …
college search

How to Choose a College Major

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
Future aspirations: Choosing a major even if you don’t know what you want to do How to choose a major Start with your passions and choose a general direction. Don’t be afraid to change your mind later. Most students do. For pre-professional programs, consider your undergraduate options carefully. Consider the downside to any major or career path. …
Three students sitting at a table, with a laptop and notebooks on the table.
college search

How to Choose a College: A Complete Guide

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
Choosing a college is part science: making sure they have the academic major or extracurricular activities of your choice in the location you like and with the opportunities you seek. But, choosing the “right” school for you is also very much an art. I often see students who search the Internet and find a place …
Graphic shows that a college's net price is calculated by subtracting gift aid - scholarships and grants - from the total stick price. College costs add up.
affordability & college cost

College Costs: Net Price vs. Sticker Price

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
Someone once accurately explained college pricing and financial aid with this anecdote: You live in the Northeast quadrant of the United States. The temperature outside could be displayed on one hand on any given day in January. Your little brother just dumped a quart of yellow paint on your winter coat—meaning you need to buy …
college cost per year
affordability & college cost

College Costs: The 4 Parts of College Costs

By Lynell EngelmyerLast updated on December 22, 2022
How much does college cost? This seems like it should be a reasonably simple question with a straight forward answer. However, that is not nearly the case. In fact, there are at least 4 answers to this question about college costs. Understanding them is important in being a good consumer. 1. Tuition and Fees The …
A small selection of potential college major -- from engineering to literature
college majors & minors

How Do I Choose a College Major?

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
Choosing a college major can be a huge part of your overall college plan. Knowing what you want to study can narrow down the college search. Choosing a college major can be a huge part of your overall college plan, and knowing what you want to study can narrow down the college search. But with …