College Planning Insights Blog
College Planning Insights
Expert guidance on admissions, financial aid, merit scholarships, and planning strategies to help your family make confident college decisions
19 posts
5 Things Every Family With a High School Senior Learns at a College Planning ABC Workshop
Senior year is the most time-sensitive stretch of the college planning process. Here are five things families consistently walk away knowing after a College Planning ABC workshop — that they didn't know when they walked in.
What High School College Nights Don't Tell You — And What Bay Area Families Actually Need
High school college nights are well-intentioned, but they leave most families with more questions than answers. Here is what those evenings miss — and what it actually takes to navigate college admissions and financial aid in the Bay Area.
What Makes College Planning ABC Different From Other College Counselors
Most college counselors help with applications and essays. That is valuable — but it is only half the picture. Here is what sets College Planning ABC apart, and why the financial side of college planning matters just as much as the admissions side.
High School Seniors: There's Still Time — But Not Much. Attend a Free Workshop This September
If your student is a high school senior, September is one of the most important months of the year. Four free college planning workshops are coming to the Bay Area — here's why your family needs to be there.
AI and Computer Science: Is It Still a Smart Major?
AI is changing technical careers, but it is not making computer science obsolete. Learn what students should study to build adaptable, valuable skills.
Great Business Schools Beyond the Rankings
A smart business-school list includes renowned programs and high-value colleges where students can earn access, experience, and strong career momentum.
Beyond the Ivy League: Great Colleges, Great Futures
The best college outcome is not a famous name. It is the institution where your student can thrive, graduate, and build a future without unnecessary debt.
529 Plans and College Savings: A Smart Strategy for Some Families — and a Trap for Others
529 plans are one of the most popular college savings tools in America. But whether they help or hurt your family depends entirely on your income, your assets, and the colleges your student is targeting.
How to Write a Fantastic Common App Essay
The Common App essay is 650 words that can define how colleges see your student. Here is how to choose the right prompt, find the right story, and write something genuinely memorable.