Tom Talks College

Just back from my Pacific Northwest Expedition, I have 8 takeaways: time-tested, Tom-tested pro tips for better campus visits and college exploration. Your backup may be a better fit than your top choice.A sunny day on campus is just one sunny day. Comparisons = connections Listen to what they’re saying. Get off campus. Every campus visit is about being a college student. Spend s

It's been a minute since you've heard from me, and even longer since I've visited any new campuses. Time to kill two birds with one stone on a three-day, eleven college tour of Washington and Oregon. View my itinerary and campus visit wish list in the accompanying blog.

Here's the skinny: Why and how much essays matterEssay myths, misconceptions and harmful half-truthsThe real reasons colleges make you write essaysTwo primary types of essays Two quick tips for every writer

When a Mom asks for your help, you better deliver. Here's something parents can share with stressed, panicky students pondering seriously scary college and life decisions.

Part 3 of our College + Money series digs into a tool you can find on (almost) any college website called a Net Price Calculator. The best versions help you estimate merit and need-based aid, and I'll show you how to spot the good, the bad, and the potentially game-changing ones. As with parts 1 and 2, you can access key information on our blog and get an added bonus of "

Merit aid is the best tool you have to reduce the cost of college, and it expands options you didn't know existed. It's also one of the least understood pieces of the college admissions process, so here's a quick introduction into what it is, where to find it, and how to lower costs by turning in your homework. This is part 2 of a 3-part series on College + Money and

The cost of college can be not only overwhelming, but confusing if you're looking at incomplete data or misunderstanding key components. In this episode you'll learn how to simplify costs and use a valuable 15/35/45 tool for better comparisons. Here's a condensed version in blog form with easy to follow numbers and clear graphics. Links to the three universities refe

Hey, sophomores! You're now halfway between the day you began high school and the time when you'll apply to college. (Really?) Let's do some math. You'll apply after junior year - that's six semesters - and you're now done with three. (Whoa.) To hear what matters most to colleges and learn three things you can do now to prepare.

Sometimes a "no" from a college means more than you might think, and it's not just about looking for other options -- although scanning the horizon a bit more is always good practice. Students also get to say "no", but the best time to do so is NOT right now. If you or your student just heard "no", or if you live in fear of that happening one day,

Here are four quick stories about three students and one family all doing amazing things.