Blog – Stand Out College Prep

12th Grade

FAFSA Questions: Step-by-Step

Start here if you seek to apply for financial aid from colleges and universities in the United States. The form you need to complete is

12th Grade

7 Big Mistakes to Avoid When You Apply for Financial Aid

The cost of a college education in the United States is rising. According to the College Board, it can cost your family $23,890 to send your student to an in-state public school, and $32,410 for a private school. To help American families with college costs, federal and state governments and colleges give more than $200 billion annually in financial aid. Your student can apply for financial aid to receive support to help meet the costs of obtaining a college education.

10th Grade

7 Tips to a Stand Out College Application

Creating a stand out college application is important. Colleges receive thousands of applications every year. More than 80% of colleges accept half of the students who apply. The other 20% are selective schools that struggle to differentiate between students who have outstanding grades and test scores. Therefore, selective colleges will depend on you to help them decide. You can get an edge in admissions if you spend time early on showing them how you are an authentic and unique fit.

11th Grade

How to Ask for a College Recommendation Letter

College recommendation letters are important in the college admissions process. The recommendation letter provides social proof or verification of the information you provide in your

11th Grade

Guide to Early Action Schools

In the United States, there are more than 300 early action schools. Colleges with an early admissions program that does not ask applicants to commit

10th Grade

7 Summer Activities that Impress Colleges

Summer is a great time to work on activities that will impress colleges. Don’t let your teen sit around and do nothing. Read about 7 things they can do, even while social distancing, to stay busy.

12th Grade

How to Transition to College

Seniors – it’s been a long journey, but you’ve made it to College Decision Day. Congratulations! You may be dreaming about what fall will be

11th Grade

Writing a College Essay

Writing a college essay is not like writing an English class essay. Rather, the college essay is a personal statement that captures who you are as a student and why you should be admitted into college. In about 650 words, the college essay should be well written and compelling, engaging, and deeply personal.

11th Grade

What Does an Admissions Officer Do?

Table of Contents If you’re applying to a top college, the odds are not in your favor. You have a few options to stand out.

2 girls studying together writing something in their books

11th Grade

College Essay Topics for 2021

Overwhelmed by the many college essay topics you can write about? Don’t be. We’ll show you potential topics you can choose for your college essay.

11th Grade

How to Find Scholarships You Qualify For

Billions of dollars in scholarships are available for high school and college students. But last year, American students left $100M in scholarships on the table.

Financial Aid

How to Pay for College

Table of Contents With the costs of college on the rise, you are probably thinking about how to pay for college. You are right in

10th Grade

Help! My school doesn’t offer AP Classes.

Table of Contents College Board ends SAT Subject Tests Earlier this month, the College Board announced that it would end the SAT Subject Test in

11th Grade

How to Build a College List

Table of Contents As you begin to build your college list, it can be daunting to know which options to choose. Especially since we’re living

Financial Aid

How to Uncover Financial Aid

Table of Contents You most likely qualify for financial aid. Commonly, parents ask whether or not they should file the Free Application for Federal Student

10th Grade

How to Choose High School Classes

Table of Contents How to choose high school classes The high school classes that you choose are the most important factor in the college admissions

12th Grade

Common App Questions: Step-By-Step

You probably know already that applying to college is complicated. On top of the laundry list of Common App questions to answer, you will have

Admissions Tips

How to Organize College Applications

When it comes to preparing for college applications, first you want to make sure that you get organized. It does not matter if you have impressive grades and test scores. Or if you are super involved with extracurricular activities and your teachers speak about you with high regard. All of this means nothing if you do not have a process or timeline for submitting your college applications.

12th Grade

COVID-19 Question on the Common App

For the second year, the Common App features a question for you to write about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted you. There is no

10th Grade

Applying Test-Optional? Pros and Cons.

As an increasing number of selective and highly selective colleges go test-optional, it shows that institutions are recognizing that it takes more than a score to show a student’s promise. But before deciding whether or not to submit your scores, consider the pros and cons of applying test-optional.