Using the Common Data Set

Using the Common Data Set: A Parent’s Guide to Smarter College Decisions
Cut through the college marketing noise with real data. This guide shows you how to use a college’s Common Data Set (CDS) to uncover what really matters in admissions, how your student compares to incoming freshmen, and whether the school is a smart financial fit for your family.
Learn what colleges actually prioritize in applications
Compare graduation and retention rates across schools
Analyze first-year profiles to see if your teen is competitive
Spot need-based vs. merit aid patterns
Use ChatGPT to simplify and speed up the process
Includes a real walkthrough using the University of Florida’s CDS as  example. Perfect for parents of high school students building their college list.