There’s no doubt about it: If international students have the time and ability to visit campuses in the U.S., do it!  But that certainly isn’t always a realistic option. So, for those students just too far away to visit prospective colleges—here are five essential steps to take to make sure you pick the right colleges for you:

1. Take a virtual tour.
2. Look into the international student services office.
3. Chat with a college student ambassador.
4. Chat with former students from your high school.
5. DON’T rely on rankings.

Learn more about how international students can research colleges when they can’t visit on the College Coach Insider blog at blog.getintocollege.com.

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. And while the media tends to focus on just a handful of schools, we at College Coach encourage students to think outside the box during their college selection process and explore a wide range of colleges, including this week’s School Spotlight, Virginia Tech. While Virginia Tech is well-regarded for its phenomenal science and engineering departments, did you know the University also offers extensive programs in agriculture, architecture, business, liberal arts, and natural resources? Whether you’re interested in dairy science, art history, or wildlife conservation, VT will likely have a program to suit your needs. The school’s 29,000 undergraduates appreciate the University’s hands-on educational approach, where applying practical knowledge to research and discovery is seen on a daily basis. Through the Cooperative Education and Internship Program, for example, sophomores and juniors can combine internships with on-campus coursework, further enriching their résumés and academic experiences. For first year students eager to get a head start on developing their research skills, VT offers an “Introduction to Research Practices” course as well as advising through the Office of Undergraduate Research. Outside of the classroom, Hokies (HokieBird—an orange and maroon turkey—is VT’s official mascot) have hundreds of clubs, sports, and student organizations to keep them engaged and entertained. Good to know: VT currently only accepts applications from the Coalition Application (not the Common Application), and the essay questions they ask are designed to measure applicants’ “non-cognitive variables” such as creativity, self-awareness, and persistence.

There is a scholarship (or many scholarships) out there for everyone. In this week’s Scholarship Spotlight, we look at the Doodle 4 Google Scholarship. Imagine doing a Google search and seeing your very own design appear on the screen! Every year Google runs this national competition for students ranging from kindergarten through 12^th grade. Students can submit entries in a variety of mediums. Winner selection is based upon creativity, the best incorporation of the Google logo, and the overall ability demonstrate the contest theme. For more information on this scholarship and how to apply, check out the College Coach Insider blog at blog.getintocollege.com.

You may already be considering applying to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) because they strike you as a good cultural fit. While that’s a hugely important factor, it’s also vital that students look at fit on many different levels; not every HBCU is automatically going to be the right match for every student. Aspects like academic offerings, location and setting, and cost also need to be researched and considered. College Coach Emily Toffelmire details where and how to approach your research on HBCUs in the latest article on the College Coach Insider blog. Check it out at blog.getintocollege.com.

After spending hours on your applications, filling out financial aid forms, and waiting for what might feel like an eternity to get an answer, it can be tempting to accept the first offer that comes along. They like you, they really, really like you! And you like them—what’s the problem? We’ll tell you on the latest episode of “Getting In: A College Coach Conversation.” We’re also talking to a former Wharton admissions officer about MBA’s—what it is and whether or not it might be right for you. In Office Hours, we’re exploring test optional policies to help listeners better understand how they might work to a student’s advantage. To listen, say, “Alexa, play Getting In: A College Coach Conversation.”

One of the most common questions families have as they start the college application process is whether they should be looking at public or private universities. Sometimes it’s a matter of what you’re hoping to get from campus life: those students looking for school spirit, for example, might gravitate to large public universities with well-known sports teams, while those students who want more intimate class sizes might favor a smaller private college. Often, though, finances will play a role in this discussion. It’s generally assumed that public universities are more affordable than private, but what about when you’re going to a public university out of state? It turns out that that can be the costliest option of all! Learn more about the cost of public universities and how to get a discount as an out-of-state student on the College Coach Insider blog at blog.getintocollege.com.

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. And while the media tends to focus on just a handful of schools, we at College Coach encourage students to think outside the box during their college selection process and explore a wide range of colleges, including this week’s School Spotlight, Hanover College. Touted as Indiana’s first private college (it was founded in 1827, just seven years after the creation of Indiana University Bloomington), Hanover College is situated on 650 wooded acres in the historical college town of Madison. Hanover is dedicated to providing its approximately 1,100 students a transformative liberal arts education with an interdisciplinary and hands-on approach. All business scholars graduate with at least one internship under their belt, while future teachers can volunteer in local schools and earn initial teaching certification. And if none of the College’s 30+ majors appeal to you, consider creating your own major such as Biological Chemistry, Computing & the Arts, or Political Philosophy & Ethics. Among Hanover’s most striking academic features is its unusual 4-4-1 calendar, whereby students take four classes during both the fall and winter terms, but one intense course – either on campus or off – during a shortened May term. For one month each spring, imagine trying a fascinating course like “National Parks” at the Grand Canyon, “Math History” in London, or “Cyber Psychology” on campus! Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, Hanover offers all students a challenging yet supportive community to call home. Good to know: approximately half of students participate in Greek life, which offers plenty of community service and leadership opportunities for those who wish to join.

There is a scholarship (or many scholarships) out there for everyone. In this week’s Scholarship Spotlight, we look at the Minecraft Scholarship. College Coach Robyn Stewart’s daughter is obsessed with the game, Minecraft. For all of you parents in the same boat as Robyn, fear not! Welcome to 2020 and the only (that we know of) Minecraft Scholarship for students. The scholarship committee wants to hear from all gamers who share a love of Minecraft and learn how it is so much “more than a game” in their lives. For more information on this scholarship and how to apply, check out the College Coach Insider blog at blog.getintocollege.com.

Post-January 1 can be super challenging for seniors. After the crush of finalizing and submitting applications, have nothing left to do but wait—and that can be tough. We have some suggestions for actions you can take once all of your apps are in. Since it’s the new year, we are all about resolutions—and we have thoughts about some good resolutions you can make related to college admissions and finance. To listen, say, “Alexa, play Getting In: A College Coach Conversation.”

With college application season just wrapping up, many families’ thoughts are turning to financial aid. College Coach’s finance experts are flooded this time of year with some variation of the question, “Do I need to complete a FASFA if I’m not going to qualify for financial aid?” The short answer to that question is “no.” The FAFSA is a financial aid application, and no student is required to apply for financial aid. Believe me, colleges will be more than happy to admit your child without providing you any financial assistance. Still, there are many reasons why you may want to complete an aid application even if you don’t expect to qualify for need-based assistance. Read about the top five on the College Coach Insider blog at blog.getintocollege.com.