CATCHY COLLEGE CONTENT - VOL. 15

VOL. 15 — YOUR TRUSTED GUIDE TO EVERYTHING COLLEGE

EDITOR’S NOTE:

As April comes to a close, we know many families are gearing up for next week — National College Decision Day! And believe it or not, parents need to start booking parents weekend!

For underclassmen, this is a perfect time to start planning summer campus tours, exploring college prep resources, and just starting to think about the road ahead. We recently went on a self-guided tour of Vanderbilt and shared our tips and tricks below.

As always, remember to check out our curated vendor directory of both services and shops — everything we do is designed to make the college process easier and more exciting. Follow along as we continue to share intel and inspo on the best ways to prepare your high schooler for the next chapter!

NEWS YOU CAN USE

DOES A 529 PLAN AFFECT FINANCIAL AID?

A 529 college savings plan can be a powerful tool when saving for future education expenses because investments in the plan can increase tax-free, but many savers don’t take full advantage of all the benefits that 529 plans have to offer. One common deterrent to investing through a 529 account is the concern that assets in a 529 account will reduce financial aid eligibility — but the effect is likely smaller than many expect.
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/529-college-savings-financial-aid-f6b4c818e05067bff0b03da2f...

OVER 150 COLLEGES PRESIDENTS SIGN LETTER REBUKING TRUMP’S ‘OVERREACH’

More than 150 university and college presidents co-signed a letter condemning the recent federal efforts to dictate university policies, including grant freezes unless universities alter admissions practices or student activities.
Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/education/education-news/college-presidents-republican-policies…

COLLEGE GRADS SAY THEY ARE CONFIDENT ABOUT JOBS, BUT CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE ECONOMY

Graduates of 2025 are showing optimism about job prospects, though many recognize the need to navigate a cautious economy.
Read more: https://highereddive.com/news/college-graduates-confidence-job-market-economy-survey/ …

ADVICE CORNER – PARENTS WEEKEND

ATTENTION FUTURE COLLEGE FRESHMEN!

Just when you thought you could get excited about your kid getting into college, you have to think about parents weekend!

Here are a few tips from our experts on how to prep & plan:

  • ✅ Start now!

  • ✅ Check the college website for parents weekend info (tickets, registration, parking)

  • ✅ Book your hotel

  • ✅ Pro tip: look into Airbnb if hotels are booked or too expensive

  • ✅ Make dinner reservations

  • ✅ Book tickets to events (e.g., football games)

  • ✅ Have fun!

Check out a fun reel here: https://www.instagram.com/p/…

DECISION DAY CELEBRATIONS

DECISION DAY IS AROUND THE CORNER!

We keep getting requests for our Amazon idea lists to help you plan perfect color-coordinated celebrations.

Since we are big TERP fans (Ali is an alumni and Suzi’s daughter is going!), we wanted to share our Terp Edition or explore other editions in our Amazon storefront:
https://www.amazon.com/…

If you have a request that we haven’t covered, feel free to send us an email with the school you’d like to see featured next.

ROOMIE GIFT GUIDANCE

In case you missed it and you need some roomie gift guidance, click here for everything you need:
https://www.thecollegecorner.com/roomie-gifts

THE CAMPUS CORNER

Last minute I planned a weekend trip to Nashville with my daughter who is a sophomore in high school. We decided to check out Vanderbilt and since it was a holiday weekend (Easter) we ended up doing a self-guided tour.

Here are some of our tips!

  • ✅ Research the school beforehand

  • ✅ Create a plan identifying areas of interest (sports, academics, etc.)

  • ✅ Download a campus map before you go

  • ✅ Visit key locations — library, dining halls, dorms

  • ✅ Talk to students around campus

  • ✅ Speak with staff and take lots of photos

  • ✅ Of course — hit the bookstore for swag!

P.S. We met a wonderful operations/guest services manager who gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the basketball stadium!

You can find our full College Corner Vanderbilt Travel Guide here:
https://www.thecollegecorner.com/vanderbilt-travel-guide

PHOTO OF THE WEEK – GOOGLE DOODLE

The Google Doodle for April 22, 2025, was an Earth Day homage featuring six aerial images taken from Google Earth.

(Image placeholder)

HANDY ACCESS

STORE FRONT
We’ve done the work for you! All the college & celebration must-haves in one place:
https://www.thecollegecorner.com/storefront

TRAVEL CORNER
Submit travel recommendations for your school town:
https://www.thecollegecorner.com/submit/travel

STYLE CORNER
Submit a look styled by you. Include a title and links to each item in your look:
https://www.thecollegecorner.com/submit/style

CURATORS
Direct access to curated finds for your college acceptance celebration:
https://www.thecollegecorner.com/curators

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU

We would love to know more about YOU and what we can do to help your college journey! Please fill out this short questionnaire so we can get you exactly what you’re looking for:
https://www.thecollegecorner.com/questionnaire

FOLLOW + SHARE + CONNECT

Instagram: @thecollegecorner_
Website icon • Instagram icon • Pinterest icon • Facebook icon • Email icon

Thanks for reading! Want to stay connected? Subscribe right here:
https://mailchi.mp/thecollegecorner/catchy-college-content

Back to blog