Tom Talks College Tom Kleese (Owner of OnCampus College Planning)

Just back from my Pacific Northwest Expedition, I have 8 takeaways: time-tested, Tom-tested pro tips for better campus visits and college exploration. Your backup may be a better fit than your top choice.A sunny day on campus is just one sunny day. Comparisons = connections Listen to what they’re saying. Get off campus. Every campus visit is about being a college student. Spend some time now where you’ll spend a lot of time later. Visit early. Visit often.&n...

It's been a minute since you've heard from me, and even longer since I've visited any new campuses. Time to kill two birds with one stone on a three-day, eleven college tour of Washington and Oregon. View my itinerary and campus visit wish list in the accompanying blog.

Here's the skinny: Why and how much essays matterEssay myths, misconceptions and harmful half-truthsThe real reasons colleges make you write essaysTwo primary types of essays Two quick tips for every writer

When a Mom asks for your help, you better deliver. Here's something parents can share with stressed, panicky students pondering seriously scary college and life decisions.

Part 3 of our College + Money series digs into a tool you can find on (almost) any college website called a Net Price Calculator. The best versions help you estimate merit and need-based aid, and I'll show you how to spot the good, the bad, and the potentially game-changing ones. As with parts 1 and 2, you can access key information on our blog and get an added bonus of "why my fictitious third son is going to Vanderbilt on a sweet deal".

Merit aid is the best tool you have to reduce the cost of college, and it expands options you didn't know existed. It's also one of the least understood pieces of the college admissions process, so here's a quick introduction into what it is, where to find it, and how to lower costs by turning in your homework. This is part 2 of a 3-part series on College + Money and just like episode 16 "College Costs Simplified", you'll find a condensed version with all links and graphics on our blog.&...