Articles, posts and topics of interest from The College Spy, an independent college consultant and college coach, and its founder Michelle McAnaney. The College Spy offers Expert, personalized college and university search, selection, admissions, and financial aid advice for parents and college-bound students. The College Spy provides its services online and via phone. The College Spy works with both US and international students.
College students who apply for financial aid are likely to receive an aid package that includes at least some federal student loans. There are three types of federal loans that could be listed on the financial aid award: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS loans. It is important to understand the differences between these three types of loans in order to decide if you want to accept them.
Read MoreIt is possible to accept admission to a college and then request postponement of the start date for a semester or a year. Consider these factors when deciding whether deferral of admission is right for you.
Read MoreWith more colleges allowing applicants to apply without test scores, it is difficult to decipher how test scores (or the lack thereof) will impact an applicant’s admissions chances. This is The College Spy’s guide to test optional admissions policies.
Read MoreThe Common Application is a single application that students can use to apply to over 900 colleges and universities. This is The College Spy’s description of the sections of the Common Application and tips on how to effectively response to each one.
Read MoreYou’ve taken countless SAT practice tests, and in the last few you’ve managed to hit - or even exceed - your goal score. Then on test day something goes wrong and your score doesn’t come close to matching how well you’ve done on your practice tests. This situation isn’t uncommon, but there are ways to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
Read MoreWriting a college application essay can be a stressful and time-consuming task. The writing process, including choosing a topic, will be easier if you start with a full understanding of how the college essay is used by college admissions officers.
Read MoreA parent’s perspective: The college search process was an unexpected avenue into my daughter’s mind and heart. By the end of it, I knew that wherever she ended up, she’d be okay.
Read MoreColleges are increasingly and strategically sending letters to students who have applied regular decision suggesting that they consider converting their application to early decision or “ED” status. Your student should do these 3 things if they receive one of those letters.
Read MoreThe College Spy is a college coach and educational consultant. The College Spy offers expert one-on-one college and university planning, selection, essay, admissions and financial aid advice for college-bound high school students and their families. The College Spy provides its services online and via phone. The College Spy works with both US and international students.
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