Aug 28, 2025 | Merit scholarships
Earning a merit scholarship can be a game-changer in making college affordable. These awards, based on academic performance, leadership, community involvement, and other achievements—not financial need—can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. While not all...
Aug 21, 2025 | College admissions
For many students, college decisions bring excitement, relief, or sometimes disappointment. But another result often causes confusion: being waitlisted. What does it mean to be waitlisted—and what can you or your student do about it? Being waitlisted isn’t the end of...
Aug 20, 2025 | College degrees
Higher education is often discussed, but what does it really mean to earn a college degree? For students and families navigating their options, understanding this concept is essential. A college degree is more than a piece of paper; it can be a powerful tool for...
Aug 19, 2025 | College finances
When families begin the college financial planning process, one number carries significant weight: the Student Aid Index (SAI). With recent FAFSA changes and a shift in financial aid calculations, many families now encounter the term “estimated SAI” early...
Aug 11, 2025 | Financial aid
Navigating the college decision process is both exciting and stressful—especially when financial aid award letters start arriving in your inbox. At first glance, it might seem like you can simply compare the total amounts and choose the biggest offer. But in reality,...
Aug 11, 2025 | College applications
If your family is planning for college, one of the earliest and most strategic decisions to make is how and when to apply. Should your student choose Early Decision or Early Action? What’s the difference—and how will this choice affect admission odds, financial aid,...
Aug 6, 2025 | College applications
Applying to college can feel overwhelming. Between standardized tests, essays, extracurriculars, and looming deadlines, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But over the years, College Benefits Research Group (CBRG) has helped thousands of students cut through the...
Aug 6, 2025 | College entrance exams
When it comes to college admissions, few decisions cause more confusion for students and families than choosing between the SAT and ACT. While most U.S. colleges accept scores from either test, deciding which one to take can influence not only your test-day...
Aug 6, 2025 | College entrance exams
Preparing for the SAT or ACT isn’t just about cramming content—it’s about building a personalized study strategy that aligns with your learning style, goals, and timeline. At College Benefits Research Group (CBRG), we’ve worked with thousands of students to turn test...
