This year, students we worked with received over $2.1 million in merit aid from colleges. That number stands out, but it’s not the result of luck. Merit aid is driven by positioning, and positioning comes from building the right college list. When students apply to schools where they stand out academically, opportunities tend to follow. I put together a quick breakdown of how merit aid actually works and why intentional list building makes such a big difference.

A new sports business minor at Nebraska might seem like a small update. It’s not. It’s a really clear example of how these programs are evolving, moving toward business-first models with real-world application built in. If you’re helping students think about sports careers, this shift matters.

Internships are still the gateway into sports careers, but they’re getting more competitive and more structured at the same time. And not all internships are the same. This article breaks down the different types students are stepping into and what those paths can actually lead to.

Most families think college advising is about essays and building a list, and while that’s part of it, it misses the bigger picture. The real value is in building a clear plan early, making better decisions along the way, and connecting academics, activities, and essays into something cohesive that actually reflects who a student is. That’s where applications start to stand out. I put together a quick breakdown of what this process really looks like and why it matters more than most people think.

Most students don’t think seriously about college until junior year, but by then a lot of the foundation is already set. The reality is that a strong application is built over four years, not one. Freshman year is about building habits and exploring, sophomore year is about starting to be more intentional, junior year is where everything accelerates and depth really matters, and senior year is about pulling it all together. When there’s a clear plan across those four years, the process feels a lot less rushed and a lot more manageable. I put together a breakdown of what each year should actually look like and how to approach it in a way that sets students up for success.

Most students think improving a college application means adding more. More activities, more programs, more everything. In reality, the strongest applications aren’t built that way. They come from being intentional with academics, committing to a few meaningful activities, using time outside of school wisely, and tying it all together through clear, thoughtful essays. I put together a breakdown of what actually moves the needle and how students can approach this process in a way that makes sense.

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my early career in college athletics. Playing, coaching, operations, fundraising it shaped the way I work in ways I never fully appreciated until I stepped outside the industry.

I put those thoughts into a new piece about what sports business teaches you, why so many young people are drawn to it, and why counselors play an important role in helping students understand both the opportunities and the realities. The long hours, the low pay, the pressure to prove yourself. For the right kind of student especially those with an athletic mindset it can be an incredible training ground.

If you work with students who dream about careers in sports, I think this perspective will resonate. Here’s the full article.

Sport management is a family of majors that prepare students for the business and operations of sport, and where the program lives on campus matters. Some are in colleges of business, others grow out of education or kinesiology, some stand alone, and a smaller group sits in areas like public health or hospitality. Each home shapes coursework, internships, and alumni networks. This article is a quick guide to the main program types, what they tend to emphasize, and examples to help counselors match students with the right fit.

For high school and college athletes who dream of working in a pro sports front office, it’s one of the most common—and complicated—questions. The GM chair is one of the most visible and prestigious roles in sports, and it attracts students who want to stay close to the game they love. But the path to get there isn’t as glamorous as the job title. This article breaks down the real-world data from current GMs across the NFL, NBA, and MLB and offers clear, practical advice for students who want to follow in their footsteps.

The NCAA’s recent legal settlement is reshaping college sports by introducing strict limits on team sizes, particularly affecting Olympic sports. While major sports like football and basketball are set to receive more resources and roster spots, Olympic sports may face cuts in funding, scholarships, and team sizes. This shift could reduce college opportunities for athletes in non-revenue sports, potentially limiting the future pipeline for U.S. Olympic teams. The changes have led to concern and opposition from athletes, families, and coaches, who fear the divide will increasingly favor a few high-revenue sports while leaving fewer options for others.

With recent shifts back towards standardized testing requirements by prestigious institutions like Brown, Dartmouth, and Yale, the college admissions landscape is evolving. This post delves into the history of testing in the NCAA and the positive and negative implications of this change for college athletics and recruiting.

There is a lot of mythology surrounding college athletic scholarships. They are the end goal for thousands of families across the nation and the world. But what opportunities are out there for students who don’t receive that Division 1 or 2 scholarship? What is the experience of the non-scholarship athletes who fill out college rosters? The walk ons.

Strategic Class Selection for College-Bound Student-Athletes