Paying for College Night 2025
Strategies for a smarter college search
Defining academic, social, and financial fit
Understanding FAFSA and financial aid assessment
Cost increases at flagship public universities
National student transfer rates and financial impact
Need-based aid vs. merit scholarships and loans
The CSS Profile vs. FAFSA
Parental and student asset assessment rates
Tips for filling out the FAFSA
Flexibly vs. inflexibly priced institutions
Selecting a college list and being a competitive applicant
The role of GPA and activity quality in admissions
Understanding early decision vs. early action
Impact of test-optional admissions and common app volume
Full Document Analysis
Notable Quotes (2)
If you put all your eggs in that single basket, they have no reason to give you money. You've told them before you know your financial award that you're going to come.
Today, the average student is applying to 43 schools. 43 is a crazy number. Do not let your student apply to 43 schools.
People (1)
Cozy WhitmanRepresentativeWorks with College Inside Track, advising families on college admissions for nearly 20 years.
2 quotes
Works with College Inside Track, advising families on college admissions for nearly 20 years.
“The national transfer rate sits at 38%. So 38% of kids go off to college, discover they've made a poor choice, and need to leave and go to another school.”
Discussing the financial and academic consequences of poor college fit.
“I don't know about you guys, I do not think about loans as aid. You have to pay those back. These two need and merit are gifts. Loans are not a gift.”
Distinguishing between genuine financial aid and student loans.