Scholarships
Nov 2, 2026
Understanding How Colleges Award Financial Aid — and What Families Need to Know
For many families, the cost of college is one of the most significant factors in the college decision-making process. Yet financial aid can be just as complicated as navigating admissions. What does a college consider when determining how much your family can afford? Why might two colleges offer dramatically different financial aid packages? And can your ability to pay actually influence whether your student is admitted?
Feb 14, 2026
529 Plans: A Smart Way to Stretch Your College Savings With Test Prep
There is no question that college costs continue to rise, so many families are turning to 529 college savings plans to prepare for future expenses. What many parents don’t realize is that recent changes to federal law now allow 529 funds to be used for SAT and ACT test prep and tutoring—a powerful way to stretch those college dollars even further.
Jan 14, 2026
How Students Can Find Scholarships — and Write Essays That Win Them
Paying for college is one of the biggest challenges students face — but scholarships can make a huge difference because they don’t have to be repaid. Used strategically, scholarships can reduce the cost of tuition, books, housing, and more. Below are practical tips on where to find scholarships and how to craft scholarship essays that stand out.
Nov 15, 2025
PSAT Scores Are Out: What Should Juniors and Sophomores Do Next?
October PSAT scores have officially been released! Whether your student is a junior preparing for college applications or a sophomore starting their testing journey, now is the perfect time to create a smart, strategic plan for the SAT or ACT, as many colleges, such as
The Ohio State University, are returning to requiring test scores for admissions and scholarships.
Jun 11, 2025
What Parents Need to Know About the PSAT & National Merit
As your student moves through high school, the first important testing milestone is the PSAT/NMSQT—a test that not only prepares students for the SAT but can also open the door to prestigious scholarships and academic recognition.
Jun 13, 2024
How to Compare an ACT and SAT Score
All colleges accept either the ACT or SAT with no preference to either test. On which test should a student focus?
...
Dec 28, 2022
How a State ACT Differs from National Dates
State ACT testing works a bit different than national Saturday testing, so it’s no wonder families are confused!
All ...
Nov 28, 2022
The LEAP Scholarship Program
While we work hard to keep the cost of our premium ACT-SAT prep course affordable for the typical family, we know we are still out of reach for many. Our goal is to have one scholarship student in every group test prep course we run.
Oct 4, 2021
What They Don't Tell You at Financial Aid Night
A recent Hechinger Report news story ranked FAFSA No. 1 among the “most complex and convoluted higher education forms.” Students and families are required to navigate a host of confusing and redundant questions and submit information difficult for many to obtain.
Jun 26, 2019
How to Beat College Application Deadlines
Follow LEAP’s step-by-step plan for stress-free, no parent nagging, college application completion.
-How to tackle...
Feb 27, 2019
5 Reasons to NOT Pay Your College Deposit
It’s exciting! You have a place to go to college. A new home for the next four year. SOMEONE wants you – maybe even ...
Jan 1, 2019
White, Upper Middle Class and on a DIVERSITY Scholarship
How does a white, Catholic, upper-middle-class, Midwestern young lady achieve a full-tuition DIVERSITY scholarship at a highly selective university like Ohio State? Actually not one, but TWO, LEAP students have received this honor by following this advice!