Student Advice Blog

A Collection of Our Most Popular College Planning Advice Articles

How To Set Up a Mock Interview

A mock interview is a great way to prepare for a job or internship interview. By practicing in a safe environment, you will gain confidence, improve your communication skills, and practice responding to questions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a successful mock interview: Find a Partner Ask a friend, family member, counselor, or ... How To Set Up a Mock Interview

Read More

Common First-Job Interview Questions + Answers

Getting ready for your first job interview? Or trying to land a cool internship? Don’t sweat it! Here are some common questions, tips, and examples of how to answer each one! Tell me about yourself. Avoid a generic answer. Give a quick rundown of your life, but keep it relevant to the specific job and ... Common First-Job Interview Questions + Answers

Read More

4 Ways AI Can Help You With Your Interview Skills

Ready to rock that next job or internship interview? Of course, you are! On top of leaning on friends, family, and mentors to sharpen your people skills, you can use AI to help you prep, practice, and ace your interview. Here are four ways AI can help you land your next big opportunity: Strengthen Your ... 4 Ways AI Can Help You With Your Interview Skills

Read More

Is College Worth It?

Is College Still Worth It? Let’s Find Out! According to the latest research, middle and high school students have the lowest opinion ever of the value of a college education. With social media often highlighting non-traditional paths to success, you might wonder if college is worth the investment. Does a degree benefit your social, health, ... Is College Worth It?

Read More

3 Ways to Make College More Affordable

If you’re dreaming about going to college but nervous about the cost, we’re here to help! Here are just a few of the ways you can make college more affordable. Understand the Difference Between Sticker Price and Net Price When you start looking at college costs, the first thing to understand is the difference between ... 3 Ways to Make College More Affordable

Read More

Unpacking the FAFSA Verification Process

If you’re selected for FAFSA verification, it doesn’t mean you or your family did anything wrong. Verification simply confirms that the data reported on your financial aid application is accurate. About 1/5 of applicants are selected for verification, some at random, and some because of mismatched information on your FAFSA that needs further explanation.  Here ... Unpacking the FAFSA Verification Process

Read More

3 Types of College Scholarships

Paying for college is a huge concern for many students. A high sticker price may be enough to discourage students from applying. If you're wondering about how you'll pay for college, remember the sticker price is the cost before financial aid is applied. 

Read More

A Crash Course in Admissions and Financial Aid

As you fill out financial aid forms and compare financial aid packages, you’ll probably see some unfamiliar terminology. While most terminology is universal across US colleges, some terms are unique to specific colleges. Don’t be afraid to ask your high school or admissions counselor about acronyms or processes. They want you to be as informed ... A Crash Course in Admissions and Financial Aid

Read More

Everything You Need to Know about the CSS Profile

What is the CSS Profile? The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile is an online application that colleges and scholarship programs use to give out non-federal aid. Hundreds of colleges require you to fill out the CSS Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). College Board provides this service as well as the ... Everything You Need to Know about the CSS Profile

Read More

Financial Aid Packages 101

Your financial aid award letters—often called “packages”—usually arrive in the spring of your senior year. They tell you what your college will offer you and what you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket or with loans. Each school you apply to will send you a letter after they’ve reviewed your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). ... Financial Aid Packages 101

Read More

Your Complete Guide to Student Loans

Student loans and scholarships are funding options you can use to pay for college. Scholarships are free money you don’t pay back. Loans are borrowed money you pay back over time with interest. Ideally, it’s best to get most of your funding from scholarships, but many students take out loans to help pay for additional ... Your Complete Guide to Student Loans

Read More

Your Guide to the FAFSA as a First-Time Applicant

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is an important part of the college application process. Once you submit the application, you’ll be considered for financial aid from federal and state governments and many colleges and universities. The 2025–26 FAFSA will be available in December 2024. It’s a good idea to complete the ... Your Guide to the FAFSA as a First-Time Applicant

Read More

Learn the Lingo: Financial Aid Vocabulary

When you’re new to the financial aid process, there may be terms you don’t recognize or understand. That’s why we created a list of the most universal financial aid terms in the U.S. While some colleges have specific terms, you’ll see the following terms most often. Ask your admissions or financial aid counselor to explain ... Learn the Lingo: Financial Aid Vocabulary

Read More

2024-2025 Common App Essay Prompts

More than 1,000 schools worldwide accept the Common Application (Common App). This advanced college application platform streamlines the admissions process and allows you to apply to multiple colleges in one place. As part of your application, you write a short essay using one of the prompts provided.  The essay prompts are the same as the ... 2024-2025 Common App Essay Prompts

Read More

Your Guide to the Net Price Calculator

College is about learning new things, exploration, and gaining the skills you need for future success. As you start making your list of dream schools, you’re probably looking at the sticker price and wondering, “Can I actually afford this?” Thankfully, there’s a powerful tool out there called a net price calculator. It can help shed ... Your Guide to the Net Price Calculator

Read More

Your Guide to Digital Wellness and Setting Time Limits

Our phones are practically extensions of ourselves. Texting, social media, games, and Google are all at our fingertips. While technology has a valuable place in our lives, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance. Here are some tips to help you find digital wellness and take control of your time. What Is Digital Wellness? Digital ... Your Guide to Digital Wellness and Setting Time Limits

Read More

Thriving in a Diverse Campus Environment

College campuses are a melting pot of ideas! Students come from all over, bringing their unique backgrounds and beliefs. This mix can spark lively discussions and inspire people to take action on issues they care about. Colleges have a long tradition of being a center for activism. They even have resources to support students and ... Thriving in a Diverse Campus Environment

Read More

Launching Into Life: Life Skills For High Schoolers

Whether you’re just starting high school or the countdown to graduation has begun, now is the perfect time to start learning practical life skills with lifetime benefits! Whether you’re planning on college or stepping directly into a career, having some practical tools in your belt will make the transition smoother and set you up for ... Launching Into Life: Life Skills For High Schoolers

Read More

Take Advantage of Your Summer

What’s not to love about summer vacation? While summer is the perfect time to take a much-needed break and recharge your mind, it’s also a fantastic time to catch up on things you don’t have time for during the school year. Here’s a list of ways to stay productive over your summer vacation! Get a ... Take Advantage of Your Summer

Read More

Is College Right for You?

Graduating from high school opens lots of doors, and sometimes it’s hard to decide which one to choose. We’re here to help you find the door that’s perfect for you! Picture Your Dream Lifestyle Imagine the kind of life you want to live.  Do you have a specific career in mind?  Do you see a ... Is College Right for You?

Read More