College Planning Blog & Student Resources - Page 129

Pell Grants don't count as taxable income. Here's the tax situation, what happens if you don't use them all, and planning for next year.

College applications cost 0–0 each, but you can waive those fees. Here's how to request waivers through Common App, NACAC, and directly with schools.

Full list of all 40 AP courses for 2026-2027 ranked by difficulty. Pass rates, exam tips, and how many AP classes you should take for top colleges.

SAT test dates for 2026-2027. Full calendar, registration deadlines, late fees, score release. Digital SAT updated April 2026.

ACT prep doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's a real study plan, what to focus on, and how long it actually takes to see score improvement. [2026 Guide]

Unweighted GPA uses a straight 4.0 scale—no bonuses for hard classes. Here's how it's calculated, how colleges use it, and what's considered good.

NHRP recognizes top Hispanic students for college and scholarships. Here's who qualifies, what it means for your applications, and how to apply.

Scholarship rules can be strict. Maintain grades, stay out of trouble, keep the major. Here's what can get your scholarship yanked. Updated for 2026.

ROTC pays for college while training you as a military officer. Here's what it is, which schools offer it, benefits, and if it's actually for you.

Scholarship essays need a real voice, not stiff prose. Skip the clichés, tell your story, and make them remember you. Updated for 2026.

What GPA do colleges actually want? Find your target and what to do if you're below it.

Technically you need parent financial info even if they're not helping. Here's how to claim independence for FAFSA purposes and what the rules actually

Superscoring means colleges take your best section scores across multiple SAT test dates. Here's which top schools superscore and how it changes your

Cover letters for scholarships matter—way more than most students think. Here's the format, what to include, and a template that actually works. (2026)

Your ACT and SAT scores aren't on the same scale. Here's an easy conversion chart to compare them and figure out which test suits you better.

The digital SAT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes with 98 questions across 2 adaptive sections. Full timing breakdown, breaks, and check-in info for 2026.

CSS Profile asks a lot of questions about money. Here's what each question means, why it matters, deadline, and how to answer honestly. [2026 Guide]

You can take the SAT as many times as you want, but should you? Here's the sweet spot, how superscoring works, and when retaking actually hurts.

Master 7 proven strategies to boost your ACT score fast: intensive review, timed practice, targeted tutoring, and test-day techniques that work.

Want a 4.0? Here's how the highest GPA actually works (yes, it's possible).