Jul 24, 2025 | College costs
Planning for college is one of the biggest financial challenges families face today. With tuition costs rising faster than inflation and the added pressure of securing financial aid, many parents are unsure how to balance their child’s college dreams with their...
Jul 24, 2025 | Choosing colleges
Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions a family will make, but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. With thousands of schools across the country, each offering different programs, campus cultures, and financial aid packages, knowing...
Jul 24, 2025 | College planning
Navigating the college admissions process can be overwhelming for parents and students alike. Between rising tuition costs, complex applications, and fierce competition, many families struggle to create a strategy that balances both academic success and financial...
Jul 22, 2025 | College applications
The activities resume is one of the most powerful parts of your college application. While your academic record demonstrates your intellectual capabilities, your activities resume gives admissions officers a clear picture of who you are outside the classroom—your...
Jul 21, 2025 | College essays
Your personal statement is one of the most influential components of your college application. It’s your chance to go beyond grades and test scores to showcase your personality, values, and aspirations. A well-crafted personal statement can set you apart from other...
Jul 17, 2025 | Scholarships
Scholarships are one of the most underutilized resources in the college funding world. Every year, millions of dollars go unclaimed simply because students and families don’t know where to look or how to apply. At College Benefits Research Group (CBRG), we help...
Jul 16, 2025 | Financial aid
Getting into college is a victory. But what happens when your financial aid award falls short of expectations? You don’t have to accept it as the final word. Many families are unaware that financial aid awards are negotiable, especially when circumstances have changed...
Jul 15, 2025 | Financial aid
College financial aid forms can feel like an alphabet soup of stress for families. Between the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and additional institutional documents, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, these forms are essential for unlocking financial aid that can dramatically...
Jul 9, 2025 | Admissions strategy
Even the most organized families can stumble through the college application process. At CBRG, we’ve seen it all—and we’ve built a process to ensure our clients don’t fall into these common traps. Here are the top 10 mistakes families make, and how we help them stay...
Jul 7, 2025 | College admissions
There’s only so much a brochure or website can tell you. College visits are a critical part of choosing the right school, offering invaluable insight into whether a college truly fits your student’s needs and personality. Why campus visits make a difference Visiting a...