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Clark College Consulting Blog by Ryan Clark - expert college planning tips for families

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Why This Blog?”

Hi, I’m Ryan Clark. I’ve helped thousands of families reduce college costs and get their teens into schools they love. This blog is where I share what’s working now — so you can confidently navigate the process with less stress and more savings.

🎓 Explore Our Latest College Planning Tips

Adjusting to College Life

Ryan Clark

Published on: 06/07/2025

We explore common first-year college challenges—academic pressure, time management, social transitions, and homesickness—and offer proactive tips for students and parents to support a smoother transition.

College ActivitiesCollege Advisor

Insights Into Playing Sports in College

Ryan Clark

Published on: 05/25/2025

This article breaks down the realities of college athletics—from recruitment and scholarships to time commitments and academic fit. It helps student-athletes set realistic goals and explore all levels of college sports, including club and intramural options.

College Sports

Pitfalls to Avoid in Your First Year

Ryan Clark

Published on: 05/16/2025

A practical guide to financial success in college, this piece covers budgeting, credit use, hidden costs, and scholarships. It offers smart habits and tools to help students avoid debt and manage their money from the start.

First Year in College

Focus on majors: Sport Management

Ryan Clark

Published on: 05/09/2025

For students passionate about sports, this article explores sport management as a career path. It highlights key programs, coursework, and careers in marketing, analytics, and event planning, while stressing the importance of internships and school location.

Major

Overused Essay Topics

Ryan Clark

Published on: 05/02/2025

This article helps juniors craft standout college essays by steering them away from cliché topics like sports wins, service trips, or stories about someone else. Instead, it encourages students to write authentically, focusing on personal growth and values.

Essays

Understanding Letters of Recommendation

Ryan Clark

Published on: 04/25/2025

As the school year starts to wind down, think about one of your core teachers who can write a letter of recommendation that will be sent with your college applications in the fall.

Letters of Recommendation