Travis helps you navigate the insane world of student loans, especially if you owe $20,000 to $1 million. If you've ever spent too much time on the phone with your loan servicer, this is the show for you. Every week we share tips on loan forgiveness, investing, crushing debt, and how to get to financial freedom when you owe more than most people's mortgage.
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The College Investor podcast is a daily audio show that's dedicated to bringing you the best of TheCollegeInvestor.com. We discuss a variety of topics, all relating to millennial money - including student loan debt, investing, earning more money, and more! Robert Farrington, the founder of The College Investor and a Millennial Money Expert, shares how to get out of student loan debt so that you can start investing and building wealth for the future. Instead of cutting expenses and living a f ...
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Keep Yours is a survival guide to capitalism, where we decode the complex financial system and help listeners understand how to thrive within it. We share practical financial hacks to keep you out of debt, claim your financial power, and help you keep what's yours.
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Welcome to the Student Loan Podcast! Here you’ll find practical advice on tackling student loan debt, paying down your higher education expenses and inspiring stories about paying off student loans. Join Daphné Vanessa and Shamil Rodriguez as they discuss student loans, tuition, and everything in between.
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Beyond the Basics: Smarter P&C Insurance for High-Income Professionals
48:36
48:36
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48:36Most people treat insurance as a set-it-and-forget-it expense — but that approach could be costing you. We’re going beyond the basics with industry experts Bobby Jackson and Taylor Walker from Rhodes Advisors to unpack the forces driving rising property and casualty (P&C) insurance costs. Y ou’ll learn why premiums are climbing, how natural disaste…
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1
The Confirmation Battles at Dept of Education
37:18
37:18
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37:18Confirmation battles are heating up, and student loan policy hangs in the balance. Linda McMahon is set to take over the Department of Education, but will her past come back to haunt her? More importantly, who will actually be in charge of student loan decisions? We address why student loans have been on the back burner, what could change, and how …
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How to Actually Get a Full-Ride Scholarship
11:13
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11:13A full-ride scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies and equipment. It can include college-specific awards, national programs from private scholarship providers, and athletic scholarships. But while winning a full-ride scholarship is a prestigious accomplishment and significantly eases…
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1
What a Decade of Advising Taught Me About People and Money
33:48
33:48
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33:48Personal finance is a journey, and we’ve spent years guiding clients through its twists and turns. Now, we’re sharing the top 10 lessons we’ve learned — insights that can help you tackle student loans, achieve financial goals, and navigate the emotional side of money. Learn how simplicity can transform your financial plan, why celebrating small win…
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1
Can Colleges Withhold Your College Transcript?
11:04
11:04
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11:04Colleges have been known to withhold college transcripts to recover unpaid debts. But this practice is becoming illegal in some places. For many students and alumni, a college transcript is more than a piece of paper – it’s a gateway to career opportunities, additional education, and professional development. But what happens when a college withhol…
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By The College Investor
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The first week of a new administration always brings a flurry of activity, but despite a wave of executive orders, the Trump administration hasn’t touched student loans… yet. What does this mean for borrowers? Let’s unpack the silence and uncover what this lack of immediate action says about the administration’s priorities. If you’re curious about …
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Homeownership Then vs. Now: Should You Just Rent Instead?
32:48
32:48
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32:48The age-old question of renting versus buying takes center stage in this episode as we explore whether the American dream of homeownership lives up to the hype. Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, a financial planner with the SLP Wealth dental team, joins us for a lively debate as we dig into the financial and lifestyle factors that go into this decision, …
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College Rankings Fraud and Loan Forgiveness: What to Know
12:02
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12:02By The College Investor
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Federal vs. Private Student Loans: What To Know
12:20
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12:20If you're looking for additional funds to pay for college, you may be looking at Federal vs. private student loans. After you're admitted to college, you’ll receive a financial aid package that breaks down your cost of attendance minus any grants, scholarships, or other sources of financial aid you’re eligible for. This financial aid package includ…
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What Will the GOP Do First on Student Loans?
13:45
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13:45With a new Trump administration taking office, the next 100 days could shape the future of student loans in America. We’re breaking down what we’re watching and what these potential changes could mean for borrowers. Key moments: (01:06) The GOP’s budget reconciliation bill and how it could impact borrowers nationwide (03:46) A closer look at the pr…
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Pay Off, Refinance, or Wait It Out? Planning for Post-SAVE Drama
27:50
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27:50What’s next for student loan borrowers in a world of shifting repayment plans and interest rates? Financial planner Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to break down the potential repeal of the SAVE plan and how it could reshape repayment strategies. We explore why PAYE or IBR might take center stage, when refinancing could make sense, and why i…
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$1 Trillion In CDs Are Maturing In 2025: Here's What You Need To Know
9:11
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9:11CDs (or certificates of deposit) are low-risk savings vehicles offered by banks, credit unions and many other financial institutions. Individuals can commit a certain amount of money for a specific period of time, and the issuing bank commits to paying a specified rate of interest. CDs generally have terms ranging from a few months to several years…
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Can A 529 Plan Be Used For Dual Enrollment?
10:44
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10:44Dual enrollment allows you to earn college credit while you’re still in high school. Doing so can help you save money on the total cost of your education while preparing you for a more rigorous course load once you start college. A 529 plan can be used for dual enrollment but there are some things you should be mindful of before you withdraw funds …
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Top 10 Tips to Make 2025 Your Wealthiest Year Yet
38:32
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38:32If you’ve been wondering how to level up your finances in 2025, we’ve got you covered. Discover our top 10 strategies to help grow your wealth, including smart investment moves, must-know insurance tips, and how to recession-proof your finances without losing sleep. But it’s not just about numbers. We’ll talk about how mental health and money inter…
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How To Invest $50,000: 7 Different Options To Invest Your Cash
6:34
6:34
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6:34By The College Investor
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1099 by Day, W2 by Law: When Your Boss and the State Disagree
37:47
37:47
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37:47What’s the real difference between being a 1099 contractor and a W2 employee? And who actually decides which one you are — your employer or state law? Financial planner Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, CSLP®, CBDA, joins us to unpack the distinctions between these classifications and what they mean for your career, finances, and legal obligations. You’ll learn…
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What Are The Best 529 Plans Based On Performance?
8:45
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8:45529 plan performance is tough to measure - it's not just the investment returns, but it's also about the tax benefits and fees. Minimizing costs is usually key to maximizing returns, but not always. Sometimes, state income tax breaks can compensate for the cost of 529 plans with higher fees. So, how can you find the best 529 plan for your state and…
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The New Student Loan Order + Investment Mistake I Made
16:30
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16:30We’ll look ahead at major changes in student loan repayments under the new Trump administration, with potential IDR recertification deadlines and implications of the 8th Circuit's decisions. Plus, I’ll share a personal story about an investment mistake that cost me thousands and tips so that it doesn’t happen to you. Key moments: (01:28) Student lo…
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5 Legal Ways To Lower Your Student Loan Payment
9:12
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9:12Don't you wish you could lower your student loan payment? It's possible, and legal, do work some "magic" to get your student loan payment lower. If you don't do anything with your student loans, you're automatically signed up to a generic repayment plan that typically has even payments for 10 years. However, that can be tough, especially right afte…
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How To Start Investing After College For 22 – 29 Year Olds
16:01
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16:01You know you want to invest. You know you need to invest. But honestly, how do you start investing in your 20s after college? Who do you trust? Do you pay someone to help? How do you know you're not going to be ripped off? Or even worse - how do you know you won't lose all your money? If you want to invest after college, here are our thoughts. For …
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Applying to college may be the most stressful thing you've encountered in your life so far. Depending on the college you're applying to, you may have to submit grade transcripts, test scores, evidence of extracurricular activities, essays, and references. But one thing that colleges will almost never ask you about is your high school attendance. It…
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Buying a Home Without Credit and Avoiding Tax-Time Trouble
43:53
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43:53Is it possible to buy a home without a credit score? We’re joined by special guest Steve Stewart, podcast editor, who shares how he moved his family to Colorado and secured a mortgage without a traditional credit score. Steve, who hasn’t opened a credit account since 2008, reveals tools and strategies for documenting payment history, navigating hom…
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How To Do Your Own Taxes (DIY or Tax Pro)
12:39
12:39
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12:39By The College Investor
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The PAYE Mess + Are U.S. Stocks About to be Dethroned?
21:05
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21:05Student loan repayment plans are in chaos. From the PAYE and ICR confusion to the ongoing servicer challenges, borrowers face an overwhelming mess. We break down what’s happening, what changes might be coming, and how to stay ahead in an unpredictable system. On the investing side, we’re tackling the dominance of U.S. stocks since 2008, asking whet…
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As you start to consider where you’ll go to college, affordability is typically top of mind. The cost of higher education in the U.S. can be daunting, but understanding financial aid policies – and identifying need-blind colleges – can make the process less overwhelming. If you’re unfamiliar with the term “need-blind,” it refers to an admissions po…
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Curious how to become a billionaire? It's a question that got me thinking... Earlier this year, I was browsing social media and came across an interesting post. Someone asked a pointed question, which seemed particularly relevant as I was in Las Vegas at the time. “What do you need to do to become a billionaire?” With all of my personal finance and…
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Are The Benefits of Business School And An MBA Worth It?
13:15
13:15
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13:15The thought of going back to business school appeals to those who want to boost their income and advance in their career. However, business school can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000 per year, so it is critical that the benefits of business school will outweigh the costs. Even the average cost of $60,000 is too expensive to "find yourself". …
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Parent PLUS Loophole Closing and Retirement Income Math
51:20
51:20
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51:20The clock is ticking on the double consolidation loophole for Parent PLUS Loans, which closes in July 2025. Learn what this change means, why borrowers must act quickly, and how to make the most of the remaining time. We’ll tackle the big questions: Should you file taxes jointly or separately? How do Medicare penalties and student loan repayments o…
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Listener Mailbag: Your Student Loan Questions Answered
23:01
23:01
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23:01This episode is packed with answers to listener questions about student loans. From Public Service Loan Forgiveness rules to spousal consolidation loans, we’re covering real-life scenarios that borrowers face every day. Wondering how family size changes affect payments or what to make of new repayment plans? We’ve got you. Tune in for practical adv…
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What To Do With Your Unwanted Christmas Gifts
6:06
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6:06Christmas is over! Now it's time to handle all of the unwanted Christmas gifts that you're stuck with. Hopefully you have a family full of awesome gift-givers, and you want to keep everything you got. But the fact is, most of our families are terrible gift givers, and you probably have a bunch of Christmas gifts you don't want or need. So what shou…
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Profits Over Patients: How a CEO’s Murder United America on Healthcare
31:47
31:47
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31:47The shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO is a tragic story that highlights deeper issues within the health insurance industry — wealth, greed, inequality, and power dynamics — and raises important questions about the prioritization of profits over patient care. We’re taking a closer look at the broader implications of this event and its ties t…
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Medical School Admissions Guide: What To Know
9:44
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9:44The competition to get into medical school is intense, and you need to be prepared. Start your planning with our medical school admissions guide. Learn more.By The College Investor
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Financial aid consists of loans, scholarships, and grants that help cover the cost of college. Depending how much you need to pay for books, tuition, and housing, you may have some money leftover in your bursar’s account. What should you do with unused financial aid money? Should you spend it or save it for the future? More importantly, can you ret…
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Exact Language to Get Max PSLF Forgiveness
13:09
13:09
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13:09The PSLF buyback program could be the key to reaching forgiveness faster, but there’s a catch. You must use exact language in your reconsideration request, or it won’t count. Without it, your request might be dismissed as just an inquiry — seriously. We break down everything you need to know about PSLF buyback, including the steps to get your appli…
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How To Make Group Work And Group Projects Successful
12:13
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12:13If there’s one thing you’re certain to encounter in college, it’s group projects. Some students love the collaboration, while others dread the challenge of coordinating and communicating with classmates. And while many might warn you to prepare yourself for uneven workloads, unclear expectations, and endless group chat notifications, it’s not all b…
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Graduate school is an opportunity to advance your education and further your career. While post-pandemic applications are up, actual enrollments are down, so right now is as good a time as ever to send in your application. One huge perk of graduate school is that your career earnings are likely to be higher than if you only had a bachelor's degree.…
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8 Ways to Protect Your Financial Data from Hackers
9:46
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9:46In today's world of data breaches, online banking, and online shopping, it's essential that you take practical steps to keep your financial information secure. Unless you’re an unbanked person, most of your personal and financial information is online. That means it could be accessible to hackers and thieves who can cause headaches (and financial l…
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Influenced to be Broke: Social Media Trends that Keep You Poor
41:42
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41:42Social media is overflowing with flashy trends and hyped-up advice, making it easy to feel like you’re missing out. From “get rich quick” schemes to so-called success shortcuts, the constant FOMO can lead to bad financial habits and second-guessing your decisions. We’re exposing the trends that claim to help but actually hold you back. Discover how…
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How Does the College Admissions Process Work?
9:33
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9:33You’re reading this because it is likely that a year from now, you will be getting ready to attend a college to pursue a major you’re excited about. But how does the college admissions process even work? At this point, you’re on an information highway that all seems confusing and blurry because of the number of things you have to think about in ord…
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How Much Do Federal Student Loan Servicers Make Per Loan?
5:25
5:25
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5:25Borrowers often believe that student loan servicers get to keep the interest on the loan. But it doesn’t work like that. Servicing companies collect payments of principal and interest on behalf of the loan holder (the Department of Education in the case of federal loans). In exchange, they're paid a monthly fee for each loan serviced. So how much d…
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The Pros and Cons Of Tax Refund Advance Loans
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6:38With tax season quickly approaching, you’re probably seeing ads for refund anticipation loans. Refund anticipation loans (also known as refund advance loans or tax refund loans) are a form of secured debt. A lender (usually a tax preparer) will give you an advance on your tax refund (often up to $3,000). In exchange, the tax preparer will pay the l…
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Biden’s Mixed Legacy on Student Loans (and What It Means for the Future)
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34:36Over the past four years, student loans have been at the center of some of the most dramatic changes we’ve ever seen — both good and bad. We’ll explore the Biden administration’s legislative and executive actions, such as making student loan forgiveness tax-free through the American Rescue Plan, the PSLF waiver, and the introduction of the SAVE pla…
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Will Student Loans Take My Tax Refund In 2025?
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8:38Student loans are back in repayment, and starting in 2025, that also means that collection activity has resumed on student loan debt. Could your student loans cause you to see your tax refund garnished? According to data from the Department of Education, around seven million borrowers have defaulted on their student loans. Those who are in default …
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Deciding what college to attend is a big decision. It could potentially affect your entire life. But will it? Does what college you go to actually matter? Prestigious schools definitely have some benefits, such as networking opportunities and name recognition on your resume. But do the benefits outweigh the costs? Public schools and community colle…
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Roth IRAs are a fantastic tool for building tax-free retirement wealth, but they’re not without their pitfalls. Uncover common Roth IRA mistakes, like contributing too much, missing key deadlines, or triggering taxes you didn’t expect — and how to avoid them. Already made a misstep? Don’t worry. We’ll walk you through how to fix these mistakes, fro…
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529 plans offer a dedicated way to save for education costs. Generally, parents or grandparents open up 529 accounts to build up a war chest for the beneficiary to eventually use on college or other educational costs. Since the primary contributor to a 529 isn’t the beneficiary of the account, the ownership rules might feel a bit murky. We get clea…
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Does The Government Profit Off Of Student Loans?
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11:35It should be a simple question - does the government profit off of student loans? But depending on who you ask, the federal government either earned a profit or lost money on federal student loans prior to the pandemic. The answer depends on political and accounting perspectives. During the pandemic, however, the payment pause and interest waiver h…
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What to Do If You’re Really Close to Forgiveness
18:41
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18:41If you're counting down your final PSLF payments and feeling like you're losing your mind with all the uncertainty, this episode is for you. We'll tackle what's actually worth worrying about when you're close to forgiveness, explore strategies for navigating the final stretch, dig into the PSLF buyback situation, and cover what you need to know abo…
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The Secret To What Colleges Want In Students
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14:01The college admissions process is notoriously competitive. The last several decades might even indicate that getting into college has become harder, overall. College acceptance rates hover at a national average of 68%, though the rate at some of the nation’s top institutions is a shocking 3%. Let’s put that into perspective, though. Of course, acce…
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