When it comes to going to college, financial aid is a huge topic for parents and students--often the determining factor when it comes to choosing which school to attend. Yet, from the colleges' perspective, financial aid can be a strategy used for recruiting and retaining students. Financial aid packages from colleges and universities are awarded for many reasons, and in varying amounts---no two students are alike when it comes to schools deciding if a student qualifies for aid and how much to award them. In this episode, Peter Ratzan and Carla Holness discuss financial aid as a recruitment tool.

Financial Aid is a big part of planning for college. Many people mistakenly think that their family income is too high to qualify for financial aid, but that’s often not the case. There are 2 types of financial aid and 2 main forms to fill out to qualify. We’ll explain this as well as the resources and information you need to submit your financial aid forms this fall.

When you are putting together a list of colleges to research and apply to, how should you choose the best ones? How many “safe” colleges vs. “reach” colleges should you pursue? Why might a school be ideal for one student, but wrong for another (even if they are siblings)? Listen and we’ll answer all of these questions!

What are the most useful tips to consider when preparing for an interview with a college (or a job)? What kinds of questions might be asked? Peter gives an example of how to make a positive impression---one that could be remembered for years.

How do you (or your child) spend your time when you’re not at school? Is one type of extracurricular activity better than another? What if you have other obligations? Peter explains what college admissions officers look for when reviewing applications.

It’s the time of the year where school starts again for the fall. In this episode, we’re gonna take a deep dive on what to expect to make the most out of your school year. If you’re a 12th grader, 11th grader, 10th grader or 9th grader or a parent, you’ll know what to expect and what to be looking out for so you’ll have the best year ever as you prepare for college.

It's the time of the year where school starts again for the fall. In this episode, we're gonna take a deep dive on what to expect to make the most out of your school year. If you're a 12th grader, 11th grader, 10th grader or 9th grader or a parent, you'll know what to expect and what to be looking out for so you'll have the best year ever as you prepare for college.

Social media can be a fantastic tool to become familiar with a college’s activities and atmosphere. But it can also compromise your acceptance. Peter discusses a recent example from Harvard.

Social media can be a fantastic tool to become familiar with a college’s activities and atmosphere. But it can also compromise your acceptance. Peter discusses a recent example from Harvard.

The application essay is an opportunity for you (or your child) to express yourself and help an admissions officer get to know you. This episode gives pointers---and easy mistakes to avoid.