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College Admission. Scholarships. Financial Aid. Simplified.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Colleges are great at saying, “We have hundreds of scholarships available!” But that just provokes more questions: What is need-based financial aid? How do scholarships work?

Ask the Admission Office

The college search process is so exciting! But it can give you a little tummy trouble, too. Here’s everything you need to know about college visits from a parent’s perspective.

Building lasting relationships is the key to a successful college experience. And it starts the minute your child sets foot on campus. Did you know that building relationships can also impact your college money outcomes?

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Hi! I’m Melissa.

My goal is to help you along the college journey with one goal in mind: To simplify it.

Let’s go!

I’m a longtime admission professional, personal finance writer, editor, wife and parent of two (very!) busy kiddos.

I hatched my site after listening to hundreds of families’ needs and wants, trekking to dozens of college fairs. I know I have the solution to your head-scratching questions.

I know the college visit process can get simpler.

Let me show you how.

Private vs. Federal Student Loans for College: What’s the Difference?

Many students require financial support through a third party to fund their education. The financial help might come from a scholarship, from you (thanks, Mom!) or student loans. Confused between private vs federal student loans for college? Worried you'll make...

The Most Comprehensive Junior Year of High School Checklist Ever

Junior year is here! Yiiiiiiiikes! Whether you want to bury your head like an ostrich or tackle it like a linebacker, the reality is here: Two years till college starts. As a parent, the crazy busy-ness of high school may have gotten even busier because now the time...

5 Painless Ways to Save for Higher Education

I welcomed a guest post from Lisa Bigelow, an award-winning content creator and mom who learned way too late how to save for college. Check out her helpful tips below! It seems like yesterday your little bundle was born. Then came first steps, school, a driver’s...

First Child Going to College? How to Handle the College Search

This post may contain affiliate links. I met with hundreds of college-bound students and their families as an admission counselor. One thing I always noticed about second-timers: Easier conversations. Usually. When parents had a second child going off to...

What to Look for in a College: The Heart/Gut Test

The former president of my alma mater and the college I worked for always told a story about his daughter’s overnight visit at his alma mater, the Air Force Academy. He dropped her off, glowing because he knew she knew what to look for in a college. The daughter he...