College is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your life, but with tuition costs rising and financial aid options sometimes falling short, many families find it hard to keep up. If federal grants, merit scholarships, and standard aid packages don’t cover everything, it’s easy to feel stuck—but there are ways to close the … Read more
College planning and searching can feel overwhelming—there’s just so much to do! You’ve got to research schools, secure recommendation letters, build your high school resume, figure out financial aid, and ace your tests—all while keeping your grades up. That’s a lot. But if you start as a junior and break the process into smaller steps, it … Read more
Contents When you visit a college or university campus, make sure you stay long enough to explore the places you’ll spend time in and ask questions as you go. Don’t rush—take your time to really picture yourself living and studying there. This list of questions will help guide your visit. Keep in mind, some questions … Read more
Contents Hey there, future college student! If you’re reading this, you might be a first-generation student—or maybe you know someone who is. Either way, you’re in the right place. At Appily and College Greenlight, we’re all about helping students like you take charge of your future, tackle obstacles, and chase your dreams. Being first-gen isn’t … Read more
Contents If you’re a student who: …then QuestBridge could be a game-changing opportunity for you. Founded in 1994, QuestBridge is a national scholarship program that links high-achieving high school juniors and seniors from low-income backgrounds with top colleges. While only juniors and seniors can apply, learning about it early gives you time to prepare and … Read more
Contents Let’s be honest—getting rejected from college stings. After putting in months (or even years) of effort, opening that “We regret to inform you…” email is downright painful. Unsurprisingly, Reddit is full of heartbroken applicants pouring out their disappointment. You poured your heart into essays, kept track of deadlines, prepped for exams, and imagined yourself on that … Read more
Contents Picture this: You’re deep into your senior year of high school. Graduation is finally in sight, and you’re gearing up for the next chapter of your life. But there’s one big hurdle—college. Maybe things didn’t go as planned, and now you feel like your chances are totally burnt to a crisp. If that’s how … Read more
Contents What’s the return on investment for college? When most people think about the ROI of a college degree, they focus on finances—comparing the cost of education to future salary potential. And that makes sense. Degrees from top engineering schools like MIT or Caltech, or prestigious universities like Princeton or UVA, can deliver a 20-year … Read more
Contents If you’re the child or spouse of a veteran or service member who has a permanent disability tied to their service, you might qualify for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. DEA benefits can be a huge help in paying for college. In fact, the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Annual Benefits … Read more