Student Advice Blog

A Collection of Our Most Popular College Planning Advice Articles

2022-2023 Common App Essay Prompts

As you begin your college application process, you may decide to apply through the Common Application. The Common Application (also known as the “Common App”) is an advanced college application platform that allows you to apply to multiple colleges at once. The Common App has seven essay prompts for you to choose from. Some things to keep ... 2022-2023 Common App Essay Prompts

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Be Ready for College Application Season

Chances are, when you’re starting your college applications, you may feel overwhelmed by the list of tasks required for admission. To relieve this pressure, be sure to take this process one step at a time. Here, we’ll cover some crucial steps to take to avoid burnout and imposter syndrome as you apply. 1. Stay organized ... Be Ready for College Application Season

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College Applications: Tips and Tricks

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t drop the ball on in the application process, it’s your admissions essay. Your essays are a raw reflection of your unique abilities to contribute to the institution and allows a space to tell your story. This is an opportunity to display your passions and your writing skills all in ... College Applications: Tips and Tricks

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Financial 101: Scholarships Explained

Financial aid is money lent or given to you to you help you pay for school. Scholarships are often referred to as “gift aid” because they do not need to be repaid upon graduation.   Scholarships can be awarded by private organizations, governments, and colleges or universities. They are often merit based. This means that they ... Financial 101: Scholarships Explained

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4 Reasons Why Volunteering is Good for You

While hectic schedules, classes, jobs, and extracurriculars might make it hard to find time to volunteer, there are plenty of advantages to offering your time, energy, and talents to service work. Here are a few reasons to do good and feel good: 1. Give Back to the Community & Make an Impact  You don’t have ... 4 Reasons Why Volunteering is Good for You

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Applying to College 101

The college application process can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been through it before. But have no fear. We’ve got your back! Here are some of the most common college application questions. Some Common Questions 1. When should I start applying for college? There’s no exact time to start your applications, but ... Applying to College 101

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Match Your Career Goals to Your College Major

As a college student, it’s okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to do after you graduate. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the options before you, we get it. You’ve got so many choices, and no idea where to start. Work Backwards You’re not alone. In fact, we recommend figuring out which ... Match Your Career Goals to Your College Major

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Display Your Awesome with a College Brag Sheet

College applications are a lot like dating. You have to make a good first impression, and you have to do it fast. That’s why you need to create a brag sheet! It’s basically like a resume, but it includes all of your achievements in one spot. What is a College Brag Sheet? A brag sheet ... Display Your Awesome with a College Brag Sheet

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7 Ways Your Counselor Can Help

Your school counselor is one of the most helpful resources you and your family have during your high school years. They provide support and help you plan and succeed in your future, even beyond academics. While it’s normal to feel nervous about meeting your school counselor for the first time, don’t let that stop you. ... 7 Ways Your Counselor Can Help

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Everything You Need to Know Before Your First College Visit

Visiting colleges is a great way to get a feel for what college is like, and help you decide if a particular college is the right fit for you.   We’ve developed this guide to help you make the most of your college visits:   Arrange Your Visit  All colleges and universities have admission offices that can ... Everything You Need to Know Before Your First College Visit

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High School Juniors: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

If you didn’t already know, your junior year is your time to shine! It can be stressful, overwhelming, and scary all at once. Thankfully, your school counselor is available to help put your mind at ease by guiding you through the process and help you overcome some of these challenges. Not sure where to begin? ... High School Juniors: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

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High School Sophomores: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

Congratulations! You survived freshman year! As you move into your sophomore year, you’ve got the basics covered, like where to sit at lunch, how to navigate your halls to the next class, and other helpful things that got you this far. Even if you think you have it all figured out, your school counselor should ... High School Sophomores: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

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High School Freshman: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

If there’s one person that you should focus on becoming BFFs with, it’s your high school counselor. Haven’t booked an appointment to visit them just yet? You’re missing out and should probably get on that ASAP. Think of it as your new bestie that can help you with all things related to your classes, school ... High School Freshman: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

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7 Ways to Crush Your Goals

If you’re working to become #GOALS, you know how challenging it can be to stay the course and continue grinding. It’s easy to go through the everyday motions and feel like you’re not making progress. But you know what’s great about setting goals? You can do anything you set your mind to. We’ve been there ... 7 Ways to Crush Your Goals

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College Rankings: What They Really Mean

From US News to the Princeton Review, there are hundreds of different college rankings based on hundreds of different factors. They all seek to answer the age-old question: is one college better than another? It seems like a clear cut question, but what does it even mean for one school to be better than the next? How do ... College Rankings: What They Really Mean

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Benefits of Trade Schools

Though a traditional four-year college or university may seem like the right choice for many students, trade schools are worth keeping on your radar. Trade schools, also known as technical or vocational schools, teach and develop skills related to a specific job. Read on to learn more about the benefits of trade schools. Benefits of ... Benefits of Trade Schools

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Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)

What are Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)? Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) are colleges with greater than 25% of their undergraduate enrollment identifying as Hispanic or Latinx. This designation makes HSIs eligible for government funding which provides students with resources for student success. Dating back to the 1980’s, Hispanic Serving Institutions have a long history in educational ... Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)

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Types of College Degrees

When thinking about college degrees, you may only think about the classic bachelor’s degree you earn at a four-year university. However, there are all different types out there! Read on to learn more: Certificate Programs Undergraduate certificate programs are short-term training programs that prepare students for immediate employment. You can find these programs at community ... Types of College Degrees

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5 Careers Working With Children

If you enjoy working with tiny humans and impacting the leaders of tomorrow, perhaps a career working with children is right for you! We’ve highlighted five professions that work specifically with children. Within our highlight, we will briefly describe the role, review the required education, and link you to the median salary. Just an important ... 5 Careers Working With Children

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Matching Your College Major to Career Goals

As a college student, it’s okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to do after you graduate. You have plenty of time to figure it out! However, there are some steps you can take to make sure you are matching your college major to your career goals. Work backwards We recommend figuring out ... Matching Your College Major to Career Goals

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