College Money Tips Blog
Congratulations! You’re embarking on an incredible journey: Your kiddo’s college search.
You’ve got questions about scholarships, how to find the perfect fit and more. Let’s tackle the college search with a “make-it-simple” approach, fully backed by expert advice and years of admission experience.
Learn more from the College Money Tips blog — it’s going to be life-changing! (And fun!)
Melissa Brock
Writer and Expert
My name is Melissa and I’m a longtime admission professional, personal finance writer, editor and parent of two (very!) busy kiddos.
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 and even weighed the (billions?) of college savings options for my own two kiddos.
Welcome!
Test Optional, Test Flexible and Test Blind: What the Heck’s the Difference?
This year, college application season feels like you’re a sloth. You finally move three inches, then get sizzled on a power line. You should see the questions on college Facebook groups I belong to. One parent just posted, “My daughter is a senior and her Sept...
How to Navigate Virtual College Tours — and Rock ‘Em!
You’re crazy-busy. You’re barely keeping up with your work and home load. Your brain fog bests you on your best day. You simply don’t have time to go on college visits and (admit it!) you’re a teensy bit excited that virtual tours are in. You can wear your hideous...
Parents: How to Help with the College Essay — Without Taking Over
It’s essay season! Itching to get your hands on your student’s application essay? Just once? Don’t do it. Your child’s essay may be deeply personal. Unless your child offers you a share in the review, remain as hands-off during this process as possible....
The Complete (De-Stressed!) Guide to Organizing College Applications
Pulling your hair out because your child won’t get going with college applications? Or maybe it’s tricky to get the application deadlines organized, the essays written, understanding the types of college applications… Okay, you know what? Let’s not overwhelm you...
Questions to Ask Colleges and How to Get A+ Answers
Time to put a zip in your step, folks! Are you ready to transform into a savvy prospective parent? What do savvy prospective parents do? They ask excellent questions. One family asked me such difficult questions in the admission office that I gave them an “A+” for...