
Ask the Admission Office
The college search process is so exciting! But it can give you a little tummy trouble, too. We take away all the jitters and help you learn everything you need to know about college visits.

Melissa Brock
Personal Finance and Admission Expert
My name is Melissa and I’m a longtime admission professional, personal finance writer, editor and parent.
I hatched my site because I’ve heard so many head-scratching questions from parents.
I’ve journeyed in the footsteps of hundreds of families, trekked to dozens of college fairs.
I want to help you and your kiddo on your college journey.

Best Private Student Loans of 2023
When your child applies for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), they may experience a gap between the cost of the school and the financial aid they actually receive. A private student loan, which may come from an online lender,...

Are College Tours Free?
College certainly isn't free, what with the cost of tuition, room, board and fees, college applications, the cost of standardized tests and more. It's easy to think that those are the only costs involved in the process, but they aren't. So, in general, are...

What is Deferred in College Admission?
What is deferred in college admission? "Deferred" means that a college or university hasn't finished reviewing your child's admission and will decide on your child's admission status at a later date. Deferred admission usually happens in two different...

How Long Are College Tours?
How long are college tours? It's a great question when your child is getting started on the path to visiting colleges. However, understanding the answer to "how long is a college tour?" isn't as simple as it seems. Why not? First, it's important to understand...

Do You Have to Decline Admission to Colleges?
Your child may be wondering, "Do you have to decline admission to colleges?" It may not be something that they feel comfortable doing, but yes, it is customary (and thoughtful!) to let a college know that they do not plan to attend that particular school. Your...