college-planning-center

College Financial Aid

The 5 Worst Ways to Pay for College

Avoid costly mistakes when paying for college. Learn the 5 worst ways to pay for college and smarter alternatives.

Scholarships

If You’re a Junior or Senior, Read This Before March Is Over

March college planning tips for high school juniors and seniors, including applications, financial aid, scholarships, and next steps to stay on track.

Scholarships

Email Etiquette 101

A quick, friendly guide to mastering email basics—from greetings to CC vs. BCC—for students navigating school and scholarship communication.

College Planning

Becoming Your Own Boss in College

Learn how to manage your time, set boundaries, and prioritize health to succeed in college and beyond. Discover tips for becoming your own boss in college.

College Internships

15 College Interview Questions & How to Answer Them Without Panicking

Guide to common college interview questions with tips for students applying to selective or reach schools that often require interviews.

College Planning

What Does It Mean to Be a First-Generation College Student?

First-gen college students: find tips, encouragement, and resources to help you thrive and celebrate your journey this First-Generation College Day.

College Financial Aid

CSS Profile 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Fill It Out

The CSS Profile helps many private colleges award extra financial aid. Learn how it differs from FAFSA, when to file, and why it matters.

College Planning

7 Tips for Parents of College-Bound High School Seniors

Get essential tips to help parents guide their high school seniors through the college application process, from test taking to decision making. Find out how to stay organized and balanced.

Scholarships

How to Create a Scholarship Game Plan Before School Starts

Get ahead in scholarship planning this August with our step-by-step guide to creating a smart, stress-free strategy for securing funds all year long.

College Planning

The Value of Volunteering

Highlight the importance of volunteering in boosting college applications and career prospects with valuable skills and networking opportunities. Discover where to find fulfilling volunteer roles.

College Planning

College Planning Tips for June

Get essential tips for rising seniors and recent grads to stay on track with college planning this summer while still enjoying the season.

College Planning

Who Should Write My College Letters of Recommendation?

Learn who should write your college recommendation letters and how to choose the best recommenders to enhance your college application.

College Planning

Summer To Do List Before Heading to College

Get essential tips for making the most of your last summer before college, from mastering life skills like financial planning and self-care.

Scholarships

Scholarship Basics, Let's Break It Down

Learn the basics of scholarships, the types available, the necessary documentation, and tips to avoid scams. This will help you maximize your chances of obtaining financial aid for college.

College Planning

College Choices and the Perfect Fit

Tips to choose the right college for you, considering affordability, location, campus life, academics, social scene, and career opportunities. Make an informed decision for your future.

College Planning

Writing the Perfect ‘Thank You' for College Recommendation Letters

Learn how to craft the perfect thank-you note for teachers and counselors who wrote your college recommendation letters. Show your appreciation with sincere messages and personal touches.

Scholarships

The Scholarship Search: What I would have done differently.

Tips and advice on how to effectively search and apply for scholarships, emphasizing organization, essay-required scholarships, meeting deadlines, and exploring diverse sources.

College Planning

Going out of state? 7 things to consider if it’s right for you:

Considering out-of-state college? Weigh the pros and cons, from finances to independence, to decide if it's the right move for your academic and personal growth.

College Planning

How to Make the Most of Campus Visits During the Holiday Season

Maximize your holiday break by visiting college campuses. Explore, ask questions, and reflect to find the perfect fit for your future academic journey.

College Planning

College Planning Tips and Timeline for High School Juniors

College planning tips for high school juniors, including a month-by-month timeline, college fair visits, virtual tours, and free counseling from the RISLA College Planning Center.

College Planning

Diploma to Dorm Room: Freshman Year Prep Guide

Prepare for your freshman year of college with our comprehensive guide, which covers everything from course registration to financial aid, campus resources, budgeting, and settling into dorm life. Start your college journey right!

College Planning

Questions to ask about student loans if you need to borrow.

Borrowing responsibly for college is the key. Be sure to ask questions.

College Planning

"Senioritis" and How to Beat It

Finishing strong is important even after you have been accepted to college. Be aware that "Senioritis" can have consequences.

College Planning

College Planning Tips for October

Don't lose sight of your goals. October is the most important month in applying for college. Pay close attention to our college planning tips for October!

College Planning

You Should Attend a College Fair and Here's Why

College fairs are a great way to start off your college planning process.

College Planning

College Planning Tips for August

Prepare for college application season, with RISLA's college planning tips for August.

College Planning

College Planning Tips for July

Read this list of July college planning tips for rising HS seniors to make sure you stay on track for this fall!

College Planning

Making the Most of College Campus Visits

Questions You Should Ask When Visiting College Campuses

Scholarships

4 Tips for Your Scholarship Search

Scholarships are a great way to help pay for college and scholarships do not have to be paid back. Learn more about where to look for scholarships and start your search sooner rather than later.