From Essays to FAFSA: 5 Key Areas You Can’t Afford to Miss

1. “How to Get Into College and Stand Out from Other Applicants” – University of Cincinnati, May 2025

Covers: Essays, activities, application strategy

My take:
The best applications don’t shout—they resonate. This article gives some solid advice on how to make your application stand out without turning it into a performance. It’s not about padding your résumé; it’s about showing your real self in a way that feels honest, focused, and true. Whether you're writing your essays, listing activities, or answering the “Why us?” questions, lead with who you are—not who you think colleges want.

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2. “College Financial Aid: The Art of the Appeal” – Forbes, March 2025

Covers: Negotiating financial aid, appeals process

My take:
Your financial aid offer isn’t always the final word. Many families don’t realize they can appeal—and sometimes should. This article walks through when and how to ask for more aid, and how to make a compelling case. I’ve helped families write appeal letters that led to thousands more in grants. If something’s changed in your situation—or if another school gave a better offer—don’t be afraid to speak up.

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3. “FAFSA Issues Force Hard Choices for Would-Be College Students” – CNBC, July 2024

Covers: FAFSA delays and their impact

My take:
This past year’s FAFSA rollout was a mess. Between delays, tech issues, and confusing changes, many students—especially those relying on financial aid—were left making big decisions with incomplete info. If that’s been your experience, you’re not alone. The system failed many of the students who needed it most. Articles like this highlight why planning early and getting support is more important than ever.

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4. “Private Nonprofits Continue Discounting Tuition at an Increased Rate” – NACUBO / AACRAO, Aug 2025

📊 Covers: Tuition discounting, institutional aid strategies

My take:
Sticker price ≠ what you’ll actually pay. Private colleges are discounting tuition at record levels—sometimes over 55%—because they need students. That can be good news for families, but also a reminder to look beyond the price tag. Don’t rule out a private school just because of cost. Let’s run the numbers—your real price might surprise you.

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5. “Equity Challenges and Opportunities in the Revised FAFSA” – VCU RISE, 2025

📢 Covers: Access, first-gen students, systemic issues

My take:
The redesigned FAFSA was supposed to make things easier—especially for low-income and first-gen students. In reality, it introduced new barriers for the very students it aimed to help. This deep dive explores where things went wrong and what families should know. If you're a first-gen student or supporting one, this article is worth your time. It's also a reminder why guidance—and advocacy—matters so much.

📎 Read the article

5 Must-Read Articles for Making the Right College Choice in 2025

At Clearing, I believe the best college is the one where a student can thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially. That’s not always the one with the fanciest name. Below are five recent articles that echo this philosophy. If you're deep in the college search or just starting out, I highly recommend giving these a read:

1. 5 Critical Trends Reshaping College Admissions in 2025 – Forbes

My take:
Admissions are evolving. Students and families are placing more value on "fit" than on prestige—something I’ve long championed. This article highlights key shifts, like the rise in early planning and personalized applications. It’s a great reminder that you're not behind—you just need a clear, grounded plan.

2. College Decision Day 2025: 4 Keys to Making Your Best Choice – Forbes

My take:
When it's time to make the final choice, stress tends to spike. This piece offers clarity, suggesting decision tools like the "10-10-10 rule" and reminding us that satisfaction and support matter more than name recognition. It’s one I’d share with any student weighing offers right now.

3. Nonacademic Factors to Consider When Choosing a College – U.S. News

My take:
College isn’t just about classes. This article breaks down the crucial nonacademic elements—campus culture, financial aid, size, location, and more. I've seen too many students underestimate these factors, only to wish they'd asked the right questions earlier.

4. Why Fit Is More Important Than Prestige and Rankings – Goshen College Record

My take:
This is a powerful student story. Despite getting into a big-name school, the student transferred after realizing it wasn’t the right fit emotionally or socially. It’s a great reminder that the best experience isn’t always at the most recognizable school—it’s where you belong.

5. How to Build a Winning College Admissions Strategy in 2025 – Forbes

My take:
This is about working smarter, not harder. Fewer, better applications. Clear goals. Stronger alignment. This article encourages students to create a strategy based on who they are—not what they think colleges want. That’s the kind of work I love helping students do.

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If any of these ideas spark questions or you'd like guidance applying them to your own journey, let’s talk. This process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can actually be empowering.

internships and planning ahead

The thought of summer conjures up images of lazy days at the beach, sleeping in, and warm nights spent contemplating whether a run to get ice cream is worth the effort. Then again, one might consider working for nothing...sounds like an easy decision, except that job which offers no immediate financial gain may very well be a student's best investment of time in regards to the future returns it most likely will bring. Internships provide valuable experience, add to a student's resume, and offer the possibility of strong recommendations from professionals.

Photo by gguy44/iStock / Getty Images

Please take a moment and consider the following article from the New York Times : https://nyti.ms/2k4AcBT

legacy and college admissions

Family and friends will often speak of legacy as a golden ticket, implying that because one's mother or father attended a particular university, admission for the son/daughter is all but guaranteed. The truth is actually more bronze than gold...

Photo by Comstock/Stockbyte / Getty Images

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choosing the best school for you

Far too often students and parents are lead to believe that the best school is the highest ranking/most selective school. Unfortunately, this outlook often results in students finding themselves in schools which are truly not ideally suited to their needs.

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parents and admission anxiety

Students are not alone when experiencing anxiety throughout the admission process. In fact, many admissions officers believe parents now carry a great deal of the burden...and most of it is completely unnecessary. 

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early decision

Choosing whether to apply early action, early decision, or to apply following the standard timeline afforded by each college can be one of the more difficult aspects of the admissions process. Nevertheless, with a little knowledge and foresight a student can rather easily use Fall deadlines advantageously.

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application videos

College applications have many layers. Besides the well known essay, there are supplemental essays/questions, an area dedicated to listing honors and achievements, and another for extra-curricular activities and community service. Combined with a student's g.p.a and standardized test scores, one would think colleges have enough information to make a decision regarding acceptance. Nevertheless, raw numbers, lists, and a response to an essay prompt have left many students wishing they could further distinguish themselves from their peers. Interestingly, colleges have responded, as they are now allowing students the option of submitting videos. Video submissions offer students the opportunity to express themselves in ways not possible by either an essay or a resume. More importantly, they put a face to the numbers, lists and words...your face.

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And this article

the new SAT

The SAT has gone through a complete makeover intended to showcase what students know and what they are capable of, rather than the inverse. Moreover, in many respects it no longer is a test which requires 'tricks' to achieve a high score. Most importantly, Khan Academy is now working with the College Board to offer free tutorial videos to all students.

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Khan Academy

applying to college as undecided

Many students are lead to believe that it is always better to apply to colleges with a declared major. In many cases this is true, however, certain students are better served by applying undeclared and giving themselves time to understand their options.

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social media and college admission

Social media presence is increasingly at the center of most student's lives. Thus, it is not surprising that colleges are paying increased attention to the accounts of their applicants (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are at the top of the list ). No, they do not check every applicant, however, once the pool has been narrowed down to a select few, a facebook page which reflects poor decisions may be the deciding factor.

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letters of recommendation

One of the most important parts of the application process is in many ways out of the hands of the applicant - letters of recommendation. Nevertheless, a little action and foresight can prove to be priceless.

1. Speak up in class at least once a day. Class participation tells the teacher you are attentive and interested...and the teacher is more likely to remember you.

2. Be respectful and punctual. You will be remembered in a positive light.

3. Do not ask for favors or special consideration. Teachers grow weary of such requests.

4. Ask if the teacher is able to write you a positive recommendation. This alone may save you from a less than flattering letter.

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college admissions

The college admissions process is particularly complicated for a high school student. Considerations include school size, type and location, economics, majors, and dorm life. Before a student gets to that point, however, attention  must be given to g.p.a., SAT’s, ACT’s, course-load, and much more.  

We believe that the right team will put together a well-executed and personalized plan aimed at placing the student in a college that is truly best suited to his or her needs. There are over four thousand four-year colleges in North America, and we aim to find the one that fits your child best. This is what we focus on at Clearing, and this is what we will do for you.