Blog

inancial Strategies for Students and Families For many students, earning a college degree is a life-changing milestone, but the financial burden that comes with it doesn’t have to be. With tuition costs rising each year, it’s important for the families we work with to plan ahead and make smart decisions to reduce student debt after […]

Every fall, high school Juniors in Brandon and across the country take the PSAT/NMSQT. It’s a test that does more than just prepare students for the SAT. It’s also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the most prestigious academic honors a high school student can achieve. At Class 101 Brandon, […]

Choosing how and when to apply to college can be just as important as where you apply. As college admissions become more competitive, understanding Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision can help you develop a smart, strategic plan and improve your chances of getting into your top-choice schools. As Class 101 advisors, it’s our […]

Navigating the U.S. college admissions process can be overwhelming, especially for first-generation students or families from outside the United States. Understanding applications, essays, financial aid, scholarships, and standardized tests can feel complicated, particularly when English isn’t your first language. That’s where Veronica Rivas, a seasoned bilingual college advisor at Class 101, makes all the difference. […]

Preparing for college is an exciting journey. We wish all our students thought standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and PSAT were part of that excitement, but surprisingly, teenagers typically prefer preparing for these tests on their own.  If you planned on handing your teen a SAT Study Guide and walking away, we’d advise you […]

As a parent, you’ve already taken an important step by working with Class 101 Carmel to guide your student through the college planning journey. And, we’re so glad you’re here!  One of the most common questions we hear from families is:  “When do we start applying for scholarships?”  The short answer? Sooner than you might […]

If you’re applying to college (and we suspect you are if you’re reading this), chances are you’ll need to write at least one personal essay. We’re taking the time to write this blog to tell you that this essay might be one of the most important things you submit. At Class 101 Brandon, we help […]

Did you know one of the most overlooked parts of the college application process is also one of the most influential? That’s right. Letters of recommendation can carry significant weight in the college admissions application process. Strong letters can highlight student work ethic, character, and growth in ways that grades and test scores simply can’t. […]

Why Pre-College Summer Programs Are a Smart Move As we watch the competition for college admissions continue to grow, we are always looking for meaningful ways to help students stand out in the applicant pool. One impactful but often underutilized opportunity is a pre-college summer program. Whether your student is interested in exploring a potential […]