15 Years of College Admissions: What’s Changed, What Hasn’t, and What It Means for Your Student
When we started College Inroads 15 years ago, a 3.8 GPA and a strong SAT score could carry most students into a solid school. We'd sit across from families, walk them through the list, and feel genuin ...
When Should You Apply for Financial Aid during the College Application Process
The short answer? Earlier than you think. Financial aid is not something to tackle after applications are submitted or once acceptance letters arrive. In fact, waiting too long can cost families re ...
How Early Decision Can Affect Financial Aid and Scholarships for College Applications
One of the many decisions families need to make during the college admissions journey is deciding which application types to pursue. Early Decision (ED) is one such type that can affect your plan and ...
Rolling Admissions Explained
Rolling admissions can sound appealing — apply anytime, hear back quickly, feel less pressure… right? Well, there’s more to the story than that. While this application type does offer flexibility, it ...
Planning Your College Applications by Type: A Timeline for Juniors
Junior year is when college planning kicks into full gear. Not only are there classes, activities, testing, and big-picture questions about the future, but you also have to figure out how applica ...
Early Action vs. Early Decision vs. Regular Decision: Which Path is Right for Your Student?
When application season rolls around, families often hear the same advice coming from every direction: apply early! But “early” can mean very different things depending on the type of applic ...
Where to Start When Researching Colleges
With thousands of schools, endless rankings, and advice coming from every direction, it’s no surprise that many students get stuck before even getting started. And truthfully, researching colleges&nbs ...
What to Know About AI in the Admissions Office
As AI reshapes everything from homework to hiring, it’s no surprise that families are starting to ask: Is AI being used in college admissions, too? The short answer is yes, but not in the way many ...
How to Have the Money Talk With Your Teen Before Finalizing the College List
For many families, the hardest part of college planning isn’t essays or deadlines, it’s money. Talking about finances with your teen can feel uncomfortable, emotional, or even awkward. But skipping th ...
What “Right Fit” Really Means in College Admissions (and Why It Matters More Than Prestige)
In college admissions, few phrases should get used more often than “fit “ — so much so that it can almost become a mantra for families knee-deep in college planning. You hear it from counselors, admis ...