College funding can be confusing. Learn the difference between merit aid and need-based aid, how FAFSA and institutional aid fit into the picture, and why the right funding strategy depends on your family and the colleges you're considering. If you're trying to figure out how your family will pay for college, you've probably encountered terms like merit aid, need-based aid, FAFSA, CSS Profile, and institutional aid. But what do they actually mean—and which types of funding should your family...
11 days ago • 4 min read
Great college applications aren't built at the last minute—they're built with a plan. July 12, 2026 One question I often hear from parents is: "What does your program actually look like?" It's a fair question—and one that deserves more than a quick answer. Many families assume the college admissions process begins when students start filling out applications during senior year. In reality, the strongest applications are built over time through thoughtful preparation, strategic planning, and...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
The World Cup Lesson Every College Applicant Needs to Hear Why believing the impossible—and writing a memorable college essay—can change a student's future. June 17, 2026 Hello Friend, today you are getting a special World Cup edition of the CFF Newsletter. If you are an international football (soccer) fan like me, I hope you are enjoying the World Cup. My situation is a little complicated when it comes to choosing who to support. I am rooting for several countries at once—the U.S. team, of...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
A Step-by-Step College Admissions Coaching Program for Rising Seniors, Transfer students, and Families Navigating Financial aid Concerns. Our students have earned full funding offers worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from selective and non-selective colleges alike. Spring is well underway and though the unofficial start to the summer season is tomorrow (Memorial Day) we are still about one month away from summer. If you are the parent of a high school junior (rising senior shortly) or...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Hope you are having a good weekend. Here is a quick reminder that the registration deadline for the Summer 2026 session of CFF College Fully Funded® closes this on Friday, May 29. The Summer 2026 program starts June 8 and the intensive part runs for 3 months, followed by a 7-month application support membership. Over the course of the program, our students get our expert guidance and everything they need to know about applying to college. We work with them to find, apply, and secure admission...
3 months ago • 2 min read
What Families Need to Know About AI and College Applications Learn what admissions officers are really looking for in the age of AI-generated writing. May 10, 2026 Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there — myself included. As we celebrate today, I’ve been reflecting on the many ways parents support their children through the college admissions process, especially in an age where technology is changing how students search for information and make decisions. Recently, I read an article...
4 months ago • 4 min read
Hampshire College is Closing A personal reflection—and an important shift every family with a college-bound student needs to understand. April 19, 2026 Hampshire College Library This is a difficult piece for me to write. This past week, I learned that my alma mater, Hampshire College, will close its doors after the end of the fall semester. Like many in the Hampshire community, I received the news by email. And while the closure marks the end of a 56-year experiment in higher education, it...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Decision Season Is Here: Are You Ready for May 1? Admission decisions are in. Learn what to do before May 1, how to choose wisely, and how families secure fully funded college offers. April 12, 2026 It’s that time of year—the college admission cycle is winding down. Students have mostly received their offers, and now it’s time to make one of the most important decisions in the process. First and foremost—congratulations. To every student and family who has navigated this journey, this is a...
5 months ago • 4 min read
What matters more—your GPA or your test scores? Learn how colleges evaluate both when it comes to admission and securing full funding. GPA vs SAT/ACT: What Really Matters for Full Funding in College Admissions Hello Reader, One of the most common questions I get from prospective college students and their families is this: What matters more in college admissions—in-school grades (your transcript) or standardized test scores like the SAT, ACT, or international exams such as GCSE or IB? The...
5 months ago • 2 min read