The Insider: College Admissions Advice from the Experts

As a new mom to twin daughters, paying for multiple students in college at one time is something I think about all the time. I’m sure I’m not alone.  As we discussed last week, merit aid (or scholarships) are available to students for a variety of reason – many of them unrelated to academic, athletic, or artistic prowess! Just as there are scholarships for tall and short individuals, there are a handful of colleges that currently offer special discounts or scholarships to siblings and multiples.

Small Expenses Add to Cost of College

College applications have been completed, acceptance letters have been received, and deposits have been made. Now you are receiving the first bill with the college logo on it, which will include expenses for items billed to you by the college: tuition and fees, and room and board if your child lives on campus. But your children are going to have other expenses that you must plan for as a family, like books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. Additional college planning can help you reduce the likelihood of overspending and accumulating unnecessary education-related debt.

Part One: What is a Federal Parent PLUS Loan, and how do I get one?

In many countries students take a gap year, or a year off, after completing high school before heading to college. The United States remains the exception to this trend, with the gap year viewed as an opportunity available only to the wealthiest students.