Student Advice Blog

A Collection of Our Most Popular College Planning Advice Articles

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

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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 2024-25 FAFSA is now available. It’s a good idea to complete the FAFSA as early ... Your Guide to the FAFSA as a First-Time Applicant

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A Guide to the SAT

If you want to walk into the SAT feeling confident and ready to succeed, preparation is key! To help you prepare for the big day, here is a guide to everything you need to know about the SAT.  How do I register for the SAT? Visit the College Board website to register for the test. ... A Guide to the SAT

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A Guide to the ACT

Preparation is half the battle! If you know what to expect and you’ve studied the materials, you can walk in on ACT test day ready for anything! To help you prepare for the big day, here’s a short guide to everything you need to know about the ACT. How do I register for the ACT? ... A Guide to the ACT

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Everything You Need to Know about the PSAT and NMSQT

You’ve probably heard the acronyms PSAT or NMSQT floating around your school. If you’re not sure what they stand for or what they mean, don’t worry! We’ve got you! Here’s everything you need to know about the PSAT and the NMSQT. PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) The PSAT is a practice SAT exam. Even if ... Everything You Need to Know about the PSAT and NMSQT

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4 Things You Can Do Now to Make College More Affordable

It’s no surprise that college can be expensive. The cost of tuition, books, fees, and living expenses and room and board, can add up. The good news is, college is much more affordable if you plan ahead. But even if you’re in your final years of high school, there are still plenty of things you ... 4 Things You Can Do Now to Make College More Affordable

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Getting Ready for College Application Season

The beginning of the college application process can feel overwhelming. You can relieve some pressure by starting early and taking one step at a time. Here are some tips that will help stay on track and prepare for college application season.  Stay organized. Gather information on all your top schools. Are they on the Common ... Getting Ready for College Application Season

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Why Your GPA Matters

If you’ve ever wondered how much your high school and college GPA matters, you’re not alone. Let’s unpack why your GPA matters at all stages of your education. Your GPA and College Admissions While all college admissions teams look at your GPA, some colleges place a higher weight on it than others. Even though all ... Why Your GPA Matters

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4 Tips to Help You Choose High School Classes

Choosing high school classes can be stressful, especially if you’re getting ready to start high school or wondering which classes look best on college applications. Here are a few tips to help you choose your courses with confidence so you can make the most of your time in high school. Learn about your high school’s ... 4 Tips to Help You Choose High School Classes

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5 Questions to Ask Your High School Counselor

Your high school counselor is one of the most valuable resources at your school. They can help you choose classes, find school activities, prepare for college and a career, and even support your mental health. It’s easy to get so involved with your friends and schoolwork that you forget your counselor is available to help. ... 5 Questions to Ask Your High School Counselor

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Should You Consider a GAP Year?

You’ve probably heard about students taking a year off before starting college or even in the middle of their college journey. If you’re curious about a gap year, what it means, its benefits, and how to do it, we’ve got you covered!  Pros of a Gap Year A gap year is a period (often a ... Should You Consider a GAP Year?

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7 Tips for Choosing a Major During High School

Choosing a major while you’re still in high school can feel like a huge decision, especially if you aren’t sure what you want to study or what career you want to explore. While you don’t need everything figured out, choosing 2-3 majors you like will help you pick colleges that fit your academic interests. Here ... 7 Tips for Choosing a Major During High School

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What’s Next After High School?

The value of a college degree is a hotly debated topic. Whether you’re swiping through TikTok or talking to your school counselor, everyone has an opinion.  While some research shows that adults with degrees are more likely to earn more and achieve high levels of career satisfaction, no path has a guaranteed outcome. It’s important ... What’s Next After High School?

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10 Study Hacks

Ready to step up your study game? We’ve got 10 study hacks that will help you study smarter, not harder!  1. Use voice-to-text to take notes. Use the voice-to-text feature on your phone as a study tool! Instead of typing notes as you read, summarize your thoughts in your own words, and let your phone ... 10 Study Hacks

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What are the Different Types of Colleges?

Not all colleges are the same! If you’re wondering which college is best for you, here are the most common types of colleges and universities. Private College/University Private colleges/universities are four-year schools that don’t receive government funding and rely mainly on tuition, fees, and private funding sources. Private donations allow some private schools to provide ... What are the Different Types of Colleges?

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Top Summer Internships

Summer is the perfect time for an internship because you don’t have to work around school hours, and you can invest more time learning about a career or industry you’re interested in pursuing. An internship allows you to take everything you learned in school and apply it to a real-world job. Internships help you narrow ... Top Summer Internships

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5 Tips to Rock Your First Internship

Congratulations! You’ve scored an internship. You’re about to begin laying the foundation for your future as a professional, get valuable hands-on experience, and increase your chances of finding a full-time job. If you’re feeling a little nervous, we’ve got some tips to help shake the first-day jitters and rock your internship.   1. Be Prepared  Do ... 5 Tips to Rock Your First Internship

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Top 10 College Towns

There are thousands of college towns across the country. The size, ambiance, and offerings vary from one town to the next, but there’s something for everyone within these communities. Here are our top college town picks! 1. Chapel Hill, North Carolina University of North Carolina You can get a bit of everything in Chapel Hill. ... Top 10 College Towns

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Building Your College List

If you’re applying to college, you know there are a lot of options! It can be overwhelming to narrow down what you’re looking for in a college experience. Building a list of top colleges takes time, research, and patience. The first thing you should remember is this is YOUR education and YOUR choice. As you ... Building Your College List

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5 Reasons to Choose the Affordable College

If you’re experiencing pressure to choose a college, you’re not alone! When you factor in cost, the choice gets even more confusing. If you’re caught between choosing your dream school with little to no financial aid or a more affordable school further down your list, here are five reasons to choose the more affordable college ... 5 Reasons to Choose the Affordable College

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