I didn't get into my dream college even though I was a top student. I was devastated, but I'm happy it worked out the way it did.

Tech Insider
headshot of Hazra Khatoon next to a building on Delhi University campus
The author and Delhi University.

Courtesy of Hazra Khatoon; Hindustan Times/Getty Images

I donated my eggs to help pay off my student loans. I made nearly $50,000, but I'm still in debt.

Tech Insider
Alicia Erickson in a london phone booth
The author while studying abroad.

Tina Erickson

Growing up in Uruguay, I thought college was a pipe dream. But I was accepted into Harvard with no help from consultants or private tutors.

Tech Insider
two students leaving a harvard building at night
Getting into Harvard on his own was not easy.

Brooks Kraft/Getty Images

I worry I got into Yale only because I'm Black. I now do everything I can to prove I belong.

Tech Insider
Miles Kirkpatrick wearing a yale shirt under a sign that reads welcome to yale class of 2027
The author.

Courtesy of Miles Kirkpatrick

I'm an American teaching at a university in Tokyo. College life is much different in Japan, from admissions to housing.

Tech Insider
Students sitting at desks in a classroom.
null

Frédéric Soltan/Getty Images

I'm a college admissions expert. Here's my advice on what you should and shouldn't do on your applications.

Tech Insider
girl writing with a marker at her desk
null

Carol Yepes/Getty Images

I encouraged my son to apply to only 3 colleges even though his friends were applying to 12 to 15. He still got into his dream school.

Tech Insider
Liz Alterman and her son at a table
The author and her son.

Courtesy of Liz Alterman

I was drowning in student-loan debt, so I bought a house and flipped it. I used the profit to pay off my loans.

Tech Insider
A house with a

Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

I was drowning in student-loan debt as a single mother. But this year, I turned 53 and my $200,000 loans were forgiven.

Tech Insider
close up of a website that reads
null

Sean Gladwell/Getty Images

I saved so much money by going to community college — and then, I was able to transfer to UC Berkeley

Tech Insider
Kaitlin Clapinski dressed in graduation regalia
The author.

Kaitlin Clapinski

Subscribe to college-freelancer