Blog

The policy of requiring the SAT or ACT test as part of a college admissions application has been trending downward for several years. In fact, more than 2,000 colleges and universities issuing Bachelor’s degrees are now either Test Optional (leaving the decision to submit test scores up to the applicant) or Test Free, meaning applicants […]

As acceptance letters start arriving, many students and parents ask the same important question: “When do we actually say yes?” It’s an understandable question. College decisions feel emotional, exciting, and sometimes urgent. But when it comes to accepting an offer, especially at a private college, timing matters. At Class 101, our advice is simple and […]

en talking with families about paying for college, scholarships usually come up fast. And while it’s true that scholarships can make a big dent in college costs, they can also be a little confusing and definitely time-consuming if you don’t know where to focus. At Class 101, we see it all the time. Students are […]

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 […]