Keystone College Planning

09/03/2026

Test-optional policies might be popular, but did you know only 4% of selective schools have truly gone test-blind? 📉 The rest still review scores for aid and admission.

Ask three questions before you finalize any school list:

1. Does the school require scores for merit scholarships? 💰
2. Does the school use scores to award need-based aid?
3. Does the school publish average scores for admitted students?

Answers to these questions decide who pays what.

Keystone College Planning helps families match test data to real dollars. One review can shift a family from sticker price to a funded plan ✅.

Parents who clarify policies early protect both admission odds and their savings.

Schedule your consultation now, while we still have spots open before our fall workshop series begins!

09/02/2026

As hiring has declined across nearly every field, surprisingly, new data suggests that liberal arts graduates may be best suited to adapt.

As hiring has declined across nearly every field, new data suggests that liberal arts graduates may be best suited to adapt.

09/01/2026

As federal student borrowing limits tighten, college access risks becoming increasingly determined by one thing: how much wealth a student's family has. Put the odds in your favor by planning in advance. Advance preparation and strategic planning can often reduce the cost of college dramatically - even if you're not wealthy.

As federal student borrowing limits tighten, college access risks becoming increasingly determined by one thing: how much wealth a student's family has.

08/31/2026

College financial aid offers may not always be the final number.

In some cases, families may be able to appeal or negotiate an award based on their situation and competing offers.

In this example, the family received an additional $67,000 in aid over four years.

The bigger takeaway: understanding the financial aid process can make a meaningful difference in the true cost of college.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: Why College Planning Is A Retirement Issue on YouTube or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

08/28/2026

The kids are headed back to school, and that can only mean two things: The house is quiet again, and the coffee is hot for the first time in months.

However you are feeling about back-to-school season this year, we hope the transition is going smoothly for your family. As always, if there is anything we can do to help, do not hesitate to reach out. That is what we are here for.

08/27/2026

The largest number of Americans born in a single year arrived on campus in the autumn of 2025, and now a falloff is looming. Here's what that may mean for colleges and universities in the years to come.

The largest number of Americans born in a single year arrived on campus in the autumn of 2025, and now a falloff is looming.

08/26/2026

Factoring in things like the amount of green space, historical significance, and appearances in film and television, these college campuses stood out...

Factoring in things like the amount of green space, historical significance, and appearances in film and television, these are the college campuses that stood out.

08/25/2026

How do you plan to cover college costs?

💲Savings.
💲Scholarships.
💲Loans.
💲Or a mix.

Reply with your choice. We review every comment. Your answers shape our resources and workshops.

Your input helps other families see real options. It also shows us where guidance is needed most.

We can also help turn these conversations into clear steps for funding college without draining family wealth.

Tell us your plan below!

08/24/2026

With college costs reaching new highs, The Princeton Review ranked schools based on how much financial aid is awarded and how satisfied students are with their packages.

At several of the schools near the top of The Princeton Review’s list, the average scholarship awarded in 2025-26 to students with need was more than $70,000.

Here are the colleges that ranked highest for financial aid awards this year:

With cost a top concern, these colleges are considered the most generous with their financial aid packages.

08/21/2026

August has a way of reminding us that change is already on its way. Summer is not quite over, but the days are already hinting at something new — earlier sunsets, a slight cool in the morning, and a quiet sense that a fresh season is just around the corner.

It can be tempting to hold on to what is familiar and comfortable, but this month is a gentle nudge to look forward instead. This is the moment to channel something new: a goal, a habit, or a mindset shift that moves you toward the next chapter with intention.

As we move through August, what is one thing you are ready to build or step into? Feel free to share it in the comments. We would love to hear what you are looking forward to.