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College Planning

Your College Move-In Checklist: What to Do Before Classes Start

Starting college soon? Use this checklist to avoid surprises before move-in day, from tuition bills to financial aid, health forms, and more.

College Planning

How to Build a Positive Digital Footprint Before Applying to College

Learn how to manage your digital footprint effectively before applying to college and present the best version of yourself online.

College Planning

Why Cosigning a Student Loan Can Benefit Students and Families

Learn key considerations for parents deciding whether to cosign a student loan, including financial responsibility, career paths, and repayment plans.

College Planning

Student Loan Debt Statistics + Smart Borrowing Tips for College

Learn student loan stats, including average debt, repayment timelines, and Rhode Island data—plus tips to borrow less and manage loans responsibly.

College Planning

College Check-In: What Juniors Should Be Doing Right Now

Stay on track this May with key tips for high school juniors -- college prep, financial planning, and next steps made simple and stress-free.

College Planning

Our Best Interview Tips to Help You Land the Job

Ace your next job interview with complete guide covering research, preparation, body language and tips to help you stand out & succeed in any interview.

College Planning

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.

College Planning

Denied Student Loan Refinancing? Here’s What to Do Next

Learn why student loan refinancing applications get denied and discover practical steps to take next to improve your chances of approval.

College Planning

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.

College Planning

To Refi or Not to Refi Your Student Loans

What to consider If you are thinking of refinancing or consolidating your federal or private student loans.

College Planning

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 Planning

How to Protect Yourself: Your Identity Theft Questions, Answered

Learn what identity theft is, common scams like phishing, and practical steps to protect your personal, financial, and online information.

College Planning

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 Planning

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

Can AI Help with Student Scholarships?

Explore how AI is changing the scholarship application process and learn tips for parents to help their children navigate this new landscape effectively.

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.

College Planning

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

9 Smart Ways to Pay Off Your Student Loans Faster

Discover 9 smart strategies to pay off your student loans faster and save on interest with practical tips and budgeting advice.

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.

College Planning

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

More to Consider When Considering Community College

Discover why community college is a smart, flexible, and affordable choice for students seeking quality education and career readiness without the hefty price tag.

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.

College Planning

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

Navigating College Decision Letters

Navigate college decision letters with ease. Learn what acceptance, waitlisting, and rejection mean for your future and make informed decisions about your college journey.

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 Isn’t Over After Hitting Submit: Here’s What Comes Next

Submitting your college application is just the beginning. Learn what steps to take next to ensure you're fully prepared for the college admissions process.

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

Exploring the Benefits of Parent PLUS Loan Refinancing

Discover the advantages of refinancing your Parent PLUS loans and how it can help you save money and simplify your finances.

College Planning

From Bare to Bold: 10 Underrated Items to Elevate Your Dorm Room

Elevate your college dorm room with these underrated items! From LED lights to multi-function furniture, create a cozy and functional space that feels like home.

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

College Entrance and Exit Counseling - What to expect

Taking on student loan debt is a big responsibility and there may have been some fine print you may have missed. That’s where entrance and exit counseling comes in.

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

Discover the Benefits of a Summer Internship

Uncover the advantages of participating in a summer internship program and how it can boost your career prospects.

College Planning

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Scholarship Essay

Scholarships are out there for the taking. Put your best foot forward on scholarship applications with a top-notch scholarship essay to stand out. Scholarships are a great way to help pay for college.

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

College Planning

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.

College Planning

Compare Financial Aid Offers with Caution

If finances are helping to form your final decision about which college to attend, be sure you are reviewing your financial aid offer carefully and not just looking at the bottom line, which could be missing something.

College Planning

Have you had the "COLLEGE TALK" with Your Guidance Counselor Yet?

Don't overlook one of your most valuable and convenient resources for planning for college. Your high school guidance counselor.

College Planning

Responsible Borrowing is the Key

There is more than just considering the lowest interest when trying to borrow responsible.

College Planning

Is the PLUS Loan really a plus?

Parents should consider all their options before choosing how to help their student pay or borrower for college.

College Planning

FAFSA Verification? Do I Need To Do That?

Learn more about FAFSA verification, who it applies to and when.

College Planning

FAFSA and Financial Aid Myths

Money for college starts with filing your FAFSA. Don't be fooled by some common myths about why you shouldn't file.

College Planning

What do Student Loan Repayment and the Jeopardy Game Have in Common?

Preparing to repay your student loans? Here are some tips to help you put together a repayment strategy to help you save over the long term.

College Planning

What to Consider When Considering a Parent Loan to Help Fund Education Expenses

Parents have options for borrowing to help their students pay for college. Learn more about the different options available for parent loans.

College Planning

6 Ways to Get Your Tuition Bill Paid

Paying your tuition bill with a multi source approach can help you to reduce your long term debt.

College Planning

Why Volunteering Matters

Considering volunteering as a college student or new grad? It can be a great way to connect with others, built your skill set, and give back.

College Planning

Scholarship Searches - Do's & Don'ts

Scholarships are out there. Here are some tips for searching.

College Planning

Work-Study: What It Is and Isn't

Work-study is a form of federal financial aid. Read about some the most commonly asked questions regarding the details of this self-help aid program.

College Planning

Common Application Tips & Reminders

Applying to college? Learn more on how to put your best self forward with the Common Application.

College Planning

How Tuition Payment Plans Can Reduce Borrowing Need

Information y about tuition payment plans and how they can help to reduce borrowing need.

College Planning

What You Need to Know Before You Borrow for College

RISLA offers a free Borrowing Guide to help you learn more about your options to pay for college.

College Planning

Adjusting to a New Semester

Adjusting to a new semester after break isn't always easy. But, we hope that these tips help you get through the semester!

College Planning

Can Refinancing Your Student Loans Save You Money?

Refinancing student loans can save you money. Several factors can make refinancing great for some folks and not the best solution for others.

College Planning

5 Reasons to Refinance Student Loans

Refinancing student loans is not for everyone. Here are 5 signs a refinance loan might be worth looking into for you.

College Planning

How to Start Building Credit as a Student

Looking to start building credit, but not sure where to start?

College Planning

5 Reasons Why Your Student is Saying "NO" to College Tours

Take a look at some of the most common reasons why your college-bound child is saying no to college tours!

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Learn how to prepare, plan, and pay for college, delivered straight to your inbox.

Your College Move-In Checklist: What to Do Before Classes Start

How to Build a Positive Digital Footprint Before Applying to College

Why Cosigning a Student Loan Can Benefit Students and Families

Student Loan Debt Statistics + Smart Borrowing Tips for College

College Check-In: What Juniors Should Be Doing Right Now

Our Best Interview Tips to Help You Land the Job

The 5 Worst Ways to Pay for College

Denied Student Loan Refinancing? Here’s What to Do Next

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

To Refi or Not to Refi Your Student Loans

Email Etiquette 101

Becoming Your Own Boss in College

How to Protect Yourself: Your Identity Theft Questions, Answered

15 College Interview Questions & How to Answer Them Without Panicking

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

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

Can AI Help with Student Scholarships?

7 Tips for Parents of College-Bound High School Seniors

How to Create a Scholarship Game Plan Before School Starts

9 Smart Ways to Pay Off Your Student Loans Faster

The Value of Volunteering

College Planning Tips for June

Who Should Write My College Letters of Recommendation?

Summer To Do List Before Heading to College

Scholarship Basics, Let's Break It Down

College Choices and the Perfect Fit

More to Consider When Considering Community College

Writing the Perfect ‘Thank You' for College Recommendation Letters

The Scholarship Search: What I would have done differently.

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

Navigating College Decision Letters

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

College Planning Isn’t Over After Hitting Submit: Here’s What Comes Next

College Planning Tips and Timeline for High School Juniors

Exploring the Benefits of Parent PLUS Loan Refinancing

From Bare to Bold: 10 Underrated Items to Elevate Your Dorm Room

Diploma to Dorm Room: Freshman Year Prep Guide

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

College Entrance and Exit Counseling - What to expect

"Senioritis" and How to Beat It

Discover the Benefits of a Summer Internship

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Scholarship Essay

College Planning Tips for October

You Should Attend a College Fair and Here's Why

College Planning Tips for August

College Planning Tips for July

Making the Most of College Campus Visits

4 Tips for Your Scholarship Search

Compare Financial Aid Offers with Caution

Have you had the "COLLEGE TALK" with Your Guidance Counselor Yet?

Responsible Borrowing is the Key

Is the PLUS Loan really a plus?

FAFSA Verification? Do I Need To Do That?

FAFSA and Financial Aid Myths

What do Student Loan Repayment and the Jeopardy Game Have in Common?

What to Consider When Considering a Parent Loan to Help Fund Education Expenses

6 Ways to Get Your Tuition Bill Paid

Why Volunteering Matters

Scholarship Searches - Do's & Don'ts

Work-Study: What It Is and Isn't