Student Advice Blog

A Collection of Our Most Popular College Planning Advice Articles

Tips for a Stress-Free College Move-In Day

Move-in day marks the exciting beginning of your college adventure. While moving away from home and into a new space involves logistics and preparation, a little pre-planning can go a long way. Here are a few tips to help you make a smooth transition. Before Move-In Day Consider your location. How are you going to ... Tips for a Stress-Free College Move-In Day

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Cracking into the Social Scene: A Guide to Navigating New Friendships

If the thought of making new friends after high school gives you butterflies, we’ve got your back. Here are some insider tips to help you rock your new social scene! Tap into your resources. Colleges and workplaces are full of opportunities to connect. There are entire jobs on-campus and in the workplace whose purpose is ... Cracking into the Social Scene: A Guide to Navigating New Friendships

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Orientation: Your Ultimate College Kickstart

If you’re preparing for college, you’re probably experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. You’re thrilled about the college experience but a little nervous about navigating a new campus, tough classes, and living on your own.  That’s the beauty of new student orientation. It’s your golden ticket to smoothing those first-year jitters and getting comfortable in your ... Orientation: Your Ultimate College Kickstart

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Is your student using ChatGPT? Here’s what you need to know.

The AI boom is upon us! Its capabilities feel endless. Ready for a vacation? Type a short question about your preferred destination, and AI will plan your trip. Need a professional photo of yourself? AI can use your existing photos to create the perfect headshot. It can be tempting for students to use this new ... Is your student using ChatGPT? Here’s what you need to know.

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Rock Your College App: Tips to Help You Stand Out

If you’re applying to competitive colleges, here are some tips to help make your college applications stand out.

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5 Questions to Ask Your Counselor about College

Your high school counselor is an important person who can help you with your college search, admissions, and finding a career you’ll love.

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Crushing College Choices: Tips for Picking Your Perfect Match

Picking a college is exciting! It can also play a huge role in shaping the life you want for yourself. There’s a lot to consider, including the size of the school, academic offerings, cost, and location. While your top priorities may differ from other students, everyone should consider these key priorities when making this important ... Crushing College Choices: Tips for Picking Your Perfect Match

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Free ACT Prep Resources

Whether you’re taking the ACT for the first time or trying to improve your score, ACT's free prep resources can help you achieve your goals.

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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 PreACT®, PSAT/NMSQT®

The PreACT, PSAT, or NMSQT are acronyms you may have heard, but if you’re not sure what they stand for or mean, don’t worry! We’ve got you! Here’s everything you need to know about the PreACT, PSAT, and NMSQT. What is the PreACT? The PreACT is a practice version of the ACT®. It helps you ... Everything You Need To Know About the PreACT®, PSAT/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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