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How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation for College

If you’re a college counselor, coach, teacher, or mentor looking to support your college-bound students, chances are you’ve been asked to write a strong letter of recommendation. With so much competition these days, it can take a lot to help your student stand out. Here’s how to write a college letter of recommendation that will blow the admission committee’s socks off.

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FAFSA SAI vs EFC: Key Differences You Should Know

Thanks to a few new changes made to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it’s easier than ever to apply to free federal financial aid. One of the biggest updates involves the formula used to calculate students’ financial need, the Student Aid Index (SAI). But, what’s the difference between the FAFSA SAI vs EFC? And how will the change affect you? Here’s what you need to know.

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A Guide to Filing The FAFSA® With Undocumented Parents

Students with parents who do not have a SSN (Social Security Number) are in a state of limbo with the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Impacted students are wondering how colleges will provide them with financial aid packages, and how they will access key financial aid, like the Federal Pell Grant, work study, scholarships, and federal student loans. We’ll go through it all here.

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What Does Test-Optional Really Mean?

If you’re one of the many smart, hard-working students who don’t test well, you might hear the words “test-optional” and imagine the sound of angels singing. But what is test-optional, really? Should you still submit SAT or ACT scores even if a school doesn’t require them? Will admissions officers evaluate you differently if you don’t have standardized test scores? Here’s what you need to know.

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Common Problems with the New FAFSA and How to Solve Them

The FAFSA® Simplification Act passed by congress required the US Department of Education to overhaul the FAFSA® form on or before December 31, 2023. This pushed back the 2024-2025 FAFSA® opening date to December 31, 2023. When the new FAFSA® finally “soft launched” on Dec. 31, families reported many issues, glitches, and confusing errors. We’ll outline the changes and what that might mean for you.

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How to Create the Ideal Student LinkedIn Profile

Once you’ve created a stellar student resume, the next step is to craft your professional online appearance. First, scrub your social media platforms for any content you don’t want recruiters to see. Then, if you haven’t already, join LinkedIn to present yourself as a professional who’s ready to take on the working world. While your LinkedIn profile is similar to your written resume, there are a few key differences, like headshots, professional summaries, and endorsements. Here’s what you need to know.

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How to Create a Student Resume That Wows Hiring Managers

In today’s competitive job market, creating a strong student resume is an invaluable tool for showcasing your skills and qualifications to potential employers. Whether you’re a recent grad or currently pursuing your degree, taking the time to create and optimize your resume can significantly boost your professional prospects and aid in your job search. Here’s what you need to know to build the best student profile possible.

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What is Dual Enrollment and How Does it Work?

Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn credits toward both their high school diploma and a postsecondary degree at the same time. It doesn’t matter if you go to private school or public school – dual enrollment is available to almost all U.S. high school students. If you want to graduate college as soon as possible, save money on tuition, and better prepare yourself for university curriculum, dual enrollment could be for you.

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A Guide to Test-Optional Colleges

As you navigate the college application process, you may have heard the term “test-optional” in relation to SAT or ACT scores. Test-optional admissions policies allow students to choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. Going Merry has compiled answers to common questions that students and parents have on how test-optional policies work, and how they impact you.

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The Complete Guide to Filling Out the FAFSA® as a Parent  

Each year, billions of dollars in federal financial aid are left unclaimed by American families who don’t fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Don’t miss out on valuable financial aid dollars just because you’re not sure where to start. Regardless of your income level, completing the FAFSA® is one of the best things you can do to help your child with the college application process. Here’s how to do it as a parent.

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13 Tips for Improving Your Credit Score to Get the Best Rate on a Student Loan

To avoid too much student loan debt, it’s important to shop around for loans with lower interest rates. Federal student loans offer fixed interest rates, which are the same for every borrower for the life of the loan. Private student loan interest rates, on the other hand, are based on the borrower’s credit score. Whether you’re a cosigner, a parent, or a student looking for a private student loan, these 13 tips will help.

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How to Prepare for an Internship Interview: 12 Pro Tips

Landing an internship can be the first step to achieving your career goals. In fact, 70% of companies offer full-time jobs to successful interns. But before you get too excited about your future career path, you’ll need to get and then ace your internship interview. No matter if this is the first time or the fourth time you’re going through the interview process, it’s important to take the time to prepare. Here are a few interview tips to help you nab a highly coveted internship position. 

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How to Apply For a Student Loan (Federal and Private)

For many college students, there’s a gap between how much a degree costs and what they can afford. Once you’ve maxed out your other financial aid, you may need to explore different types of student loans. The lingo around loan applications, interest rates, credit scores, and repayment plans can be confusing –– but applying for a student loan is easier than you think.

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