What Do Colleges Look for in an Appeal Letter?

Jan 8, 2026 | Financial aid

When families face financial circumstances that make the original aid package insufficient, they often consider writing an appeal. But one key question quickly arises: What exactly do colleges want to see in an appeal letter? A well-crafted letter can be the...

Does FAFSA Usually Accept Appeals?

Jan 8, 2026 | Financial aid

Families facing an unaffordable college bill often ask a direct and urgent question: Does FAFSA usually accept appeals? The short answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. FAFSA itself does not approve or deny appeals. Instead, appeals are reviewed by individual...

What Are the Two Types of 529 Plans?

Jan 2, 2026 | 529 plans

A 529 plan is one of the most powerful tools families can use to prepare for the cost of college. These tax-advantaged accounts are specifically designed to help parents, grandparents, and other family members save for future education expenses. But not all 529 plans...

What Is the 529 Grandparent Loophole?

Jan 2, 2026 | 529 plans

For years, families with generous grandparents faced an unexpected problem when saving for college. While 529 plans were designed to encourage families to save for education, grandparent-owned 529 plans often ended up hurting a student’s eligibility for need-based...

Is It Good to Take Both the SAT and ACT?

Dec 26, 2025 | College admissions

As students prepare for college admissions, one common question families ask is: Should I take both the SAT and ACT? While both standardized tests are accepted at nearly every college in the U.S., they each have different formats, structures, and advantages. For some...