FAFSA: Five things to know

What is the FAFSA and why is it so important? The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the primary application for receiving need-based aid at American colleges and universities. If you need help paying for college, submitting your FAFSA is the first step in applying for financial aid from most colleges …

Comparing Financial Aid? Ask These Questions!

For many high school seniors and their families, the college selection process includes a comparison of financial aid offers. As you narrow your list and weigh your options, there are a few important questions to consider. Keep this list handy as you compare financial aid packages: What is the renewal criteria for my financial aid? …

Countdown to Hope

* Note: This post is updated annually in January for newly admitted students. It’s a new year! And a new chapter for you as well. You’ll be starting college life in just a few months. These are exciting times — but let’s be honest, these can be stressful times, too. We want to take the worry …

Gratitude and Hope [at Hope]

This past fall semester, I invited members of the Hope College community to share their gratitude for the people and experiences [at Hope] that made a difference in their lives.  Their messages captured what the Hope experience is all about. World-class faculty. Caring staff. Inspirational coaches. Dedicated mentors. Formation of faith. Excellent academics with top-tier …

Are You Asking These 6 Questions on Your College Tours?

By Kristin Diekevers ’07, Associate Director of Admissions Ahhhh, the changing of the seasons. We are less than two weeks from the official start of fall (it’s September 23 if you were wondering), and colleges are back in session. That means many of you are doing yourself the awesome favor of scheduling college visits — …

Once in Your Shoes: Reflections from the Harveys to Prospective Hope Parents

Feel like you’re swimming in questions about searching for the right college? You’re not alone! In this series, “Once in Your Shoes,” four Hope families share their wisdom about the college search process as they were once in your shoes. We’ve asked these families some admissions-related questions, with the goal of letting their experiences help …

Once in Your Shoes: Reflections from the Goszkowiczs to Prospective Hope Parents

Feel like you’re swimming in questions about searching for the right college? You’re not alone! In this series, “Once in Your Shoes,” four Hope families share their wisdom about the college search process as they were once in your shoes. We’ve asked these families some admissions-related questions, with the goal of letting their experiences help …

Once in Your Shoes: Reflections from the Carpenters to Prospective Hope Parents

Feel like you’re swimming in questions about searching for the right college? You’re not alone! In this series, “Once in Your Shoes,” four Hope families share their wisdom about the college search process as they were once in your shoes. We’ve asked these families some admissions-related questions, with the goal of letting their experiences help …

Countdown to Hope

We want to help you worry less and enjoy more your transition to college life so we’ve created a “Countdown to Hope” — an important to-do list designed to clarify next steps about financial aid, scholarships, and enrollment. From now until enrollment in the fall, you’ll find every next step necessary to get you to Hope.

10 Tips for writing an unforgettable college essay

By Kristin Diekevers ’07, Associate Director of Admissions A 17-year old me is sitting at my basement computer, fingers lightly touching the good ol’ Gateway keyboard from yesteryear and…nothing. I’m blank. I’m here to write my college essay, and I’m straining not only on the first sentence, but the topic itself. Sound familiar? The Common Application is …