Archive - College Application Guy

Merit Aid vs Need-Based Aid

Most families don’t pay sticker. Price colleges on net cost using both merit and need-based aid and give yourself room to compare by applying early…

Oct 7 •

September 2025

Who’s On Your College Admissions Team?

Meet the cast that helps you navigate college admissions. Who helps, what’s free vs paid, and when to use each from 9th grade to decision day.

Sep 23 •

Level of Effort

Before you pick deadlines and finalise your college list, use this three-tier guide to estimate the effort required to submit your applications.

Sep 9 •

August 2025

Applying Early is Important (yes, this topic again)

Submitting by Oct 31 boosts admission odds, scholarships, and access to impacted majors across ED, EA, RD, and rolling.

Aug 26 •

Three Very Different Public Colleges

Arizona State, Oregon State, and Florida State couldn’t be more different in admissions selectivity, costs, vibes, and graduation rates. Yet, their…

Aug 12 •

Common App 2025-2026

Class of 2025-26 high-school seniors (college Class of 2030), here’s the updated, click-by-click guide to completing your Common App.

Aug 5 •

July 2025

Being A (Human) College Student in the Age of AI

Why mastering resilience, authentic connection, and lifelong learning matters now more than ever in an AI-driven world.

Jul 22 •

Why You Can't Trust Admission Rates

Admissions rates may look like hard numbers, but your real chances depend on who you are, what a college needs, and how well the two match.

Jul 8 •

June 2025

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