Advice from Coalition Schools
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Understanding College Rankings—and Why They Don’t Tell the Whole Story
If you’ve started researching colleges, you’ve probably come across lists of college rankings. Rankings can feel like an easy way to compare schools—especially when choosing a college feels high-stakes. But, rankings only show one small piece of the picture.
Understanding what rankings measure, and what they leave out, can help you make smarter, more informed college choices.
How to Talk About College With Your Family
For many students, talking about college with family can be one of the most challenging parts of the college search. You might feel pressure to have answers you don’t have yet—or worry that your goals won’t line up with what your family expects.
AI and the College Essay
Admissions counselors understand that this is new territory. The goal isn’t to ignore AI—or assume misuse—but to help students approach the college essay with honesty, integrity, and confidence.
Five Questions to Find Your College Fit
Cinco preguntas para encontrar la universidad adecuada para ti
What I Wish I Knew About Applying to College
Lo que me hubiera gustado haber sabido sobre cómo postularme a la universidad
Cracking the Code: Financial Aid Offers
Descifrando el código: Ofertas de ayuda financiera
Careers and Majors: How Do They Align?
As a high school student, you may feel pressured to choose a college major. You might wonder, “what if I pick the wrong one?” or “does my major decide the rest of my career?” While your major can play an important role in your career journey, it’s not the only factor. Here, we’ll give you an inside look on how careers and majors align and how you can make thoughtful decisions about your major.
Should You Take a Gap Year? Pros, Cons, & Insights
If you’re considering taking a break after graduating high school and before starting college, you’ve probably heard about gap years. A gap year is a break — usually a year — between high school and college to explore interests, gain experience, or prepare for the next step in life. But how do you know if a gap year is right for you? Let’s break it down.
Outside Scholarships: What You Need to Know
Paying for college can be challenging, and outside scholarships — funded by private organizations — can help. Here’s a quick guide on everything you need to know about outside scholarships.
The Hidden College Curriculum
For many high school students, the journey to college comes with unexpected challenges. Beyond academics, there’s a “hidden curriculum” — unspoken rules and norms that aren’t taught in classrooms or found in syllabuses.
Stay on Track: Organizational Tips for the College Process
Applying to college, while exciting, can feel overwhelming. Staying organized is the key to reducing stress and staying on track during the college application process. Whether you’re just starting your college search or preparing to hit “submit” on applications, these tips will help to keep you organized through the process like a pro.