College Review: Wake Forest University
On a cold, rainy day, we visited Wake Forest University and experienced a blend of awe and thoughtful reflection. Despite the damp weather, the campus's enduring beauty shone through, offering us a glimpse of its storied charm and vibrant academic community. Embracing the Campus Beauty in the Rain Even under overcast skies, Wake Forest University’s architectural elegance and lush green spaces left a lasting impression on us. The rain-enhanced colors of the manicured gardens and historic buildings added an unexpected depth to our campus tour. We found that the serene pathways and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces created a warm, inviting [...]
College Review: Furman University
We drove to Greenville, South Carolina to experience Furman University—a small liberal arts college with roughly 2,500-3,000 undergraduates and a lot to offer. Discovering Greenville, SC Greenville, named one of the best places to visit by The New York Times, is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This vibrant town boasts: Abundant Outdoor Activities: Enjoy biking, hiking at nearby state parks, and soaking in the natural beauty. Culinary Delights: A dense downtown area packed with unique, foodie restaurants—so many, in fact, that dining at a different spot each day would take six months. Lively Social Scene: Trendy [...]
College Review: Sewanee, the University of the South
We visited Sewanee, the University of the South. Known for its stunning campus, high-quality academics, and unique traditions, Sewanee—officially the University of the South—offers a distinctive college experience that goes beyond conventional expectations. A Campus Nestled in Nature Located on a mountaintop with over 13,000 acres of largely undeveloped land (affectionately known as “The Domain”), Sewanee provides an escape from urban chaos. This secluded setting is perfect for students who appreciate outdoor activities, quiet study spaces, and breathtaking natural views. If the idea of a campus that feels like a mountain resort—with all the peace and [...]
How to Maximize Admitted Student Day Visits
Admitted student days aren’t just a formality—they’re your family’s golden opportunity to uncover the true essence of a college campus. Instead of simply following a scripted tour, take this chance to explore resources that matter most to your student’s unique needs and get real talk from current students who live the experience every day. Plan Ahead and Prioritize What Matters Before you even set foot on campus, a little homework goes a long way. Check out the day’s schedule and pinpoint sessions or tours that align with your family’s priorities. Look for sessions featuring key offices like disabilities services and [...]
How to Decide on a College After You’re Admitted
Cue confetti cannons—you got accepted! But now comes the real challenge: choosing the right college from all those acceptance letters sitting proudly on the kitchen table. Don’t worry—you’re not alone in feeling a little (or a lot) overwhelmed. Here’s how to break it down and make the best decision for you: List Your Priorities Academics? Campus life? Location? Cost? Think about what actually matters most in your day-to-day life. If you can’t imagine being far from home, that’s a factor. If research opportunities make your heart sing—flag it. Compare Financial Aid Packages Not all aid is created equal. Look beyond [...]
How to Read College Financial Aid Letters
So, your student got into college—congrats! But now you’re staring at a financial aid letter that looks more like a puzzle missing a few pieces. Grants, loans, work-study… and where exactly is the part that tells you how much you are actually paying? You’re not alone. Colleges aren’t exactly known for making financial aid letters easy to read. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you decode them like a pro. Start With the Total Cost of Attendance (COA) First things first: Find the college’s Cost of Attendance (COA). This includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and sometimes a generous [...]