When Mimi Duong’s parents emigrated from war-torn and politically tense Vietnam in the 1980s, they wanted more opportunities and a safe place for their children to grow up. They ended up in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, where they started a successful business and sent all four of their children to…

For families with a high school senior, now is when most college acceptances arrive in full force (congratulations!), and with them, financial aid offers. It’s an exciting time and—let’s face it—also a bit overwhelming as deadlines loom: Most colleges require a deposit by May 1. That means that…