The College Bound Blog
Insights for the College Journey
Helpful information and resources on college admissions, essay writing, test prep, recommendation letters, and related topics — to help students and their families navigate the entire admissions process.
Latest Posts
Browse Our Articles
From building a balanced college list to crafting a compelling essay, our team shares the strategies and insights we use with students every day.
Different Ways to Get Merit Aid for College
Merit aid comes in more forms than most families realize. Here are the main ways students earn college scholarships and how to plan for them.
Merit Aid vs. Need-Based Aid: What's the Difference?
Merit aid and need-based aid work very differently. Here's how each one is calculated, which schools offer what, and what it means for your list.