The OnToCollege Blog

Advice and inspiration for schools and families looking to create college graduates with minimal debt.

The 5 Keys to Great College Application Essays

Admissions counselors receive application after application, and they want to know if you will fit in well at their school. To do this, they look to college application essays to discover your...

The Top 12 Myths about College Applications

Many parents and students think they know what matters when it comes to a college application, but sometimes their strategies are based on past experience (some things have changed!) or...

4 Strategies to Minimize Student Loan Debt

Unless you have a hefty college fund, financing your college education may be your only option. But don’t despair. If you'd rather not drown in student debt, here are a few strategies to keep your...

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation for College

A recommendation letter for college is a summary of years of hard work both in high school and before. Does yours show off your outstanding work...or barely scratch the surface of what you’ve...

When Should You Take the ACT and SAT?

Seven. The number of times the ACT and SAT are each offered every year. As you consider the school and personal activities that quickly fill up your schedule, it can be challenging to find the best...

Ask John Anything! – Internships

Looking for a way to set yourself apart in the college admissions process? Internships can do just that! Learn how completing an internship can catapult you into your best fit...

Ask John Anything! – Understanding Financial Aid

In this episode of 'Ask John Anything!', John discusses two important types of financial aid, and tells you everything you need to know on how to best use these grants to lower...