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College Planning Programs: Workshops and Tools to Jump-Start Your Admissions Journey

Every student brings different strengths, goals, and questions to the admissions process. For families across San Diego and Southern California, structured college planning programs and expert guidance can be the difference between feeling uncertain and building a clear path toward success. A thoughtful college preparation plan creates focus from day one, helping students reduce stress, […]

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Close-up of a college personal statement draft with handwritten editing notes, pen, and coffee on a desk.

College Essay Coach: Expert Tips to Craft a Winning Personal Statement

Blog, College Loans / By College Planning Source

Why Your Personal Statement Matters More Than Ever With college admissions becoming more competitive—especially in Southern California—your personal statement can be the deciding factor in whether you receive an acceptance or a rejection. Admissions officers want more than high grades and test scores. They are searching for students with unique perspectives, resilience, and passion—qualities that

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SAT Requirements Are Down, But Don’t Count Standardized Testing Out

Leave a Comment / Blog, College Applications, College Loans, General, Tips for High School Students, Tips for New Students / By College Planning Source

While it is true that the number of colleges requiring SAT and ACT scores for admissions has decreased to under 20%, it doesn’t mean you should skip the test altogether. The number of colleges that are test-blind (don’t take standardized test scores into account at all) is actually still the minority. Most schools are test-optional,

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Non-Tuition College Expenses – What to Expect

Leave a Comment / Blog, College Admissions, College Funding, College Loans, College Planning, College Scholarships, Financial Planning / By College Planning Source

Paying for college is difficult enough without getting hit by surprise expenses. So, let’s take a few minutes to discuss some of the expenses associated with a university education that are not covered by tuition. School Supplies – When you were in school as a child, your parents probably paid for things like pens and

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How Much Will College Cost You?

Leave a Comment / Blog, College Admissions, College Loans, College Planning, Financial Aid, Financial Planning, General, Tips for High School Students / By College Planning Source

This is a difficult question that college hopefuls need to answer. After all, you want to know how much of the cost you can defray with grants or scholarships, how much your family will be willing and able to contribute, and how much you may need to acquire loans to cover. Here are a few

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What Are the Benefits of Taking a Summer Program from a College?

Leave a Comment / Blog, College Admissions, College Applications, College Loans, General / By College Planning Source

High school students have the opportunity to enroll in summer programs at various universities. Now, we know what you’re thinking – this is just about as far as we can get from summer. While that may be true, now is the time to start looking at and applying to programs for next summer so that

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How Can You Determine the True Cost of College?

Leave a Comment / College Admissions, College Funding, College Loans, College Planning, General, Tips for High School Students, Tips for New Students / By College Planning Source

Regardless of which school you intend to go to, you are going to need to figure out how much you are going to spend. This will allow you to get the appropriate loans if your savings and financial aid are not enough to cover the entire cost. Here are a few things to consider when

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What You Should Know Before Taking a Loan for Your Child’s College Education

College Funding, College Loans, Financial Planning / By College Planning Source

Some generous parents who are in a position to do so may choose to pay for their child’s college education. However, if you don’t have enough money to cover it all upfront, you may decide to go the loan route. Once you have examined all financial aid and scholarship opportunities, what should you know about

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What You Need to Know Before Applying for Student Loans

College Funding, College Loans, Financial Planning / By College Planning Source

Few families can afford to put down all of the money for college upfront. Even with scholarships and financial aid, most students will incur some type of debt. Here are a couple of things you need to know before you start applying for student loans. Know the APR – You want to be sure that

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Essential Factors to Consider When Taking Out a Student Loan

College Funding, College Loans, Financial Planning / By College Planning Source

Most families can’t afford to send a student to college without taking on some kind of debt. Once you have found all of the free money for college you can, it is time to take out a federal or perhaps even a private loan. Here are some of the things to consider so that you

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