Blog

If you’re applying to college, especially in Florida or to schools like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or New York University, you might come across something called the SSAR. But what is it – and why does it matter? The SSAR (Self-Reported Student Academic Record) is one piece of the college application […]

When it comes to college applications, one of the smartest things you can do is create a balanced college list. But what exactly does that mean? We work with our students to develop a list of colleges that includes a mix of reach, target, and likely (or safety) schools. This strategy increases your chances of […]

Not all students aim to apply to highly selective colleges. However, for those who do, our initialrecommendation is to discuss the courses they should take in high school. Having a course selection plan early in their high school career is important, as it gives students time to effectively outline theiracademic path. We believe that course […]

8-10. That’s the number of college visits we recommend for each Class 101 student. After advising thousands of high school students through the college selection process, we’ve seen many instances where students with a dream school in mind visit that campus, only to realize that college is nothing like they expected it to be. While […]

With the cost of college rising, one of the biggest ways Class 101 supports families in their college planning process is by helping them understand and work through financial aid offers. We want to stress that while receiving a financial aid package from a private college or university is an important step toward making higher […]

plying to college is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring uncertainty. One possible outcome is receiving a deferral letter from a university. While it’s not the decision most students hope for, a deferral isn’t a “no” — it’s an opportunity.Here’s what a deferral means, why universities issue them, and how you can turn […]

unior year of high school is a turning point for students. It’s the year when college dreams begin to feel within reach, and the countdown to application season officially begins. With just 10 months to go before seniors start submitting applications, eleventh graders face big decisions about their future. That’s where Class 101’s Super Junior […]

If you’ve recently received your PSAT results and they aren’t what you had hoped for, don’t panic—you’re not alone. The PSAT is designed to be a stepping stone, not a final verdict on your academic abilities. It’s also a valuable opportunity to identify your strengths and weaknesses before taking the SAT or ACT. Here’s what […]

High school should be a time of making memories and feeling confident in the future. However, for many families, there are so many unknowns as well as stressors that creep in when working through the numerous steps of preparing for college. Finding the perfect college, completing SAT prep, meeting the numerous deadlines and essays for […]