Scholarships are one of the best ways to make college more affordable, and with knowledge and know-how, they can be worth the effort. Unlike loans, scholarships are “free money” that students don’t have to repay. Understanding where scholarships come from, how to find them, and how to apply strategically can make a big difference in funding your education.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

Summer is more than just a break from school—it’s an opportunity to explore your interests, develop new skills, and recharge for the year ahead. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your college application or simply want a meaningful way to spend your time, a well-planned summer can be both productive and enjoyable.

Here’s how to approach summer planning thoughtfully, flexibly, and with your goals in mind.

Congratulations! Hitting “submit” on a college application is no small feat. You’ve worked hard to bring together all your accomplishments, essays, and recommendations into a compelling package for admissions. But don’t get too comfortable just yet—there are a few important steps left to make sure everything is in place for a successful application season. Here’s what to do next to stay on top of things and avoid common post-application pitfalls.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and proclaim that most every conversation around college includes some discussion about rankings. The crazy thing is, rankings, like those touted by the now-highly controversial US News & World Report, have little to nothing to do with whether a school is right for a given student. A deep-dive into the criteria for these ‘rankings’ reveals that actually very little has to do with the quality of the student experience.

Embarking on the college admissions journey involves not only choosing the right institutions but also strategically navigating the various application deadlines. It’s never too early to understand these options, so you can strategize your individual application plan and stay on top of each deadline.

As college-bound juniors and seniors embark on the challenging yet exciting journey of college admissions, one aspect often remains shrouded in mystery: demonstrated interest. Read on as I unravel the significance of demonstrated interest, its role in admissions, and unveil the best strategies to showcase your genuine enthusiasm for the colleges that value this aspect.