Advanced College Planning

05/06/2026

Summer gives families a quieter opportunity to step back, get organized, and build a thoughtful college plan before the pressure of deadlines begins.

At Advanced College Planning, we help families clarify the next steps around admissions, affordability, school fit, and timing so the process feels more manageable from the start.

A calmer plan now can create more confidence later.

Schedule a family strategy session.

04/30/2026

Big thank you to the Simsbury Public Library for hosting us last night. We are grateful to have the chance and give back to the communities which have supported us throughout the years!

Parents, thanks for coming out, and remember, a fool with a plan...!

04/27/2026

Parents, getting into college is only one piece of the puzzle.
The real goal is helping your student find the right school, understand the real cost, avoid unnecessary debt, and feel confident in the process.
At Advanced College Planning, we help families build a strategy for college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and long-term affordability.
College is too expensive to “figure it out as you go.”
A better plan can lead to better options.
Question for parents:
What part of the college process feels most confusing right now: applications, financial aid, essays, scholarships, or choosing the right school?

04/27/2026

🎉 Please join us in wishing Rebecca a very happy birthday!

Rebecca brings so much care, patience, and positivity to the families we work with, and we are grateful to have her as part of the Advanced College Planning team.

Happy Birthday, Rebecca! We hope your day is filled with joy, celebration, and everything that makes you feel appreciated. 🎂💙💛 The New York Rangers are lucky to have you as a fan Rebecca Onofrio!

04/22/2026

If you have a senior… check on them.

This time of year comes with a lot of pressure — decisions, uncertainty, expectations.

Behind the scenes, many students are overwhelmed.

Remind them they don’t have to have it all figured out right now.

At Advanced College Planning, we help families turn this process into something clear, confident, and empowering — because the goal isn’t just college… it’s the right college.

04/22/2026

Check on your Seniors!

04/18/2026

Dream Bigger. Go Farther..... TOGETHER! Thank you to Superhero Training Corps Tyler Semrow Rebecca Onofrio and all of our volunteers and students for all of your hard work!

Who has a great idea that can make Connecticut an EVEN better place? Let's make it happen!

04/09/2026

If you read a financial aid award like it’s final, you may be overpaying for college.

That’s the trap.

At many schools, the first offer is not the only conversation you can have.

But most families either accept it too fast or ask for more money with no real strategy.

And no, not every school will match another offer.

That’s exactly why leverage matters.

Real leverage is knowing what kind of appeal the school will consider, what documentation matters, and whether another offer actually strengthens your case.

The expensive mistake is not failing to negotiate harder.

It’s assuming you have no options before you learn the rules.

PARENTS: what feels hardest right now?

Understanding the award letter?
Deciding whether to appeal?
Or comparing offers to see where you actually have leverage?

Our goal is simple: To help families pay for college in the most cost-effective and comfortable manner.

Dream Bigger- Go Further

04/07/2026

Even with top grades and achievements, college admissions are unpredictable. These real stories show that even students with 6 Ivy applications, a 1550 SAT, or a six-figure business can face rejections. If this resonates with you, don’t leave your future to chance—start planning strategically with us. Share your story below or book a free consultation today.

03/27/2026

The "UConn Surge" & What It Means for Your Student
Headline: Record Applications at UConn: Is Your 2026 Strategy Ready?

It’s official—the landscape of college admissions in Connecticut has shifted. UConn recently saw a record-breaking 62,000+ applications, marking a massive jump in selectivity for the Storrs campus. As a UConn alum and local consultant, I’m seeing firsthand that "safety schools" from five years ago are now "target schools," and "targets" have become "reaches."

📈 What’s Driving the Trend?
The Flagship Frenzy: Students are flocking to top public universities like UConn, UMass, and URI for their high ROI, driving acceptance rates down to historic lows.

The "Test-Optional" Trap: While UConn remains test-optional for the 2025-2026 cycle, strong SAT/ACT scores are still a major differentiator for merit scholarships and Honors Program entry.

Early Decision Impact: UConn’s new Early Decision (ED) track is filling seats faster, leaving fewer spots for the Regular Decision pool.

💡 Jeff’s Pro-Tip:
Grades and high test scores are no longer a "guarantee" for Storrs. To stand out, students need a cohesive narrative—a strategy that connects their extracurricular "spike" to their intended major.

At Advanced College Planning, we help West Hartford families navigate these trends so you can secure a spot at a dream school without sacrificing your retirement savings.

Don’t wait until senior year to react to these numbers- GET INVOLVED EARLY!!!!