Student Advice Blog

A Collection of Our Most Popular College Planning Advice Articles

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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All About Certificate Programs

When planning for your future, don’t forget about certificate programs. They are a prime option for students who aren’t sure about committing to a four-year university. They also suit students interested in a highly specialized field. Read on to learn more about these programs.  What Are They? Undergraduate certificate programs are short-term training programs that ... All About Certificate Programs

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Apprenticeships May Be Right For You

What is an Apprenticeship? Apprenticeships have been around since ancient times, allowing craftsmen to supervise and pass along knowledge to younger generations. The purpose of these relationships is to maintain the quality of a trade. Nowadays, apprenticeships include time in the classroom. According to the Department of Labor, apprentices are required around 144 hours of ... Apprenticeships May Be Right For You

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Tips for Choosing a Career

There is no doubt that choosing a career is an overwhelming undertaking. With so many choices, how could anyone ever decide? Here are some simple steps to get you thinking about your future goals and endeavors. 1. Evaluate yourself Gauge your values, interests, soft skills, aptitudes, and personality traits. By taking into account these vital ... Tips for Choosing a Career

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Sending Your Scores for College Credit

It’s official! You’ve made your college decision, and now you are preparing for college in the fall. If you participated in AP courses or dual enrollment, it’s important to make sure your chosen college gets your scores and college grades. That way, you receive college credit for all your hard work. Here’s a guide to sending ... Sending Your Scores for College Credit

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Preparing Your Student for College Applications

Your role as a family member or mentor is crucial in supporting your student through college applications. Once they create a college application list based on fit and match, it is time to prepare for college application season. Here are five actions you can do to support your student. In doing so, you will equip your student to ... Preparing Your Student for College Applications

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Applying Test-Optional: Should You Still Take the ACT or SAT?

With more and more schools going test-optional, you may be wondering if you should still take the ACT or SAT. To clarify, when colleges are test-optional, they are waiving the requirement of ACT or SAT test scores. This gives you the choice to submit testing scores or not. Here we will discuss the benefits and ... Applying Test-Optional: Should You Still Take the ACT or SAT?

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Gearing Up for Standardized Tests

If standardized testing stresses you out, you are not alone. There are ways to test prep that will help you go into standardized tests with confidence. We’ve listed test-taking tips for before and during your exam. Before the Standardized Test 1. Switch your study activities Consider mixing in different elements from other learning styles such ... Gearing Up for Standardized Tests

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Supporting Your Student In Determining If College Is Right for Them

You want what is best for your student. You might also be feeling overwhelmed by what life after high school holds for them and what your influence in that time will (or should) be. We’re here to help break this down into steps so that you feel empowered and able to be an important influencer ... Supporting Your Student In Determining If College Is Right for Them

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Supporting Your Student in Finding Their Fit

As your student navigates through the college process, it is important for them to keep match and fit in mind. For the sake of clarity, when we talk about match, we are referring to academic factors. And when we discuss fit, that’s based off non-academic factors. Both build an ecosystem of support and success for a student ... Supporting Your Student in Finding Their Fit

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When You’re Unable to Pay Tuition

First thing we want to say to anyone suddenly unable to pay their tuition: you are resilient. It takes strength to pursue your education when financial insecurity is a part of that experience. This is a stressful circumstance, and we want to help. With these steps, we hope to equip you with the knowledge you ... When You’re Unable to Pay Tuition

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Tuition Bill Breakdown

Looking at your tuition bill, you may be shocked at the total expense. Here we will puzzle together your tuition bill, and answer some common questions associated with making these payments.   What’s included on my tuition bill? Tuition Part of your tuition bill includes the tuition itself. “Tuition” refers to the money you pay to ... Tuition Bill Breakdown

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Taking a Gap Year During the Pandemic

There are many reasons students are postponing their college plans and taking a gap year during the pandemic. For some, college is simply too costly to take on at this point in time. Others hope to wait until they can attend college courses in person rather than continue with virtual learning. If you are taking ... Taking a Gap Year During the Pandemic

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What to Do Your First Week of College

Surviving the hectic rush of move-in day, you’ve recycled the cardboard boxes, hung your clothes in the closet, and waved goodbye as your folks drove away. Now what? Check out our to-do list for your first week of college. 1. Get settled in your dorm You probably feel a combination of excitement and nervousness living ... What to Do Your First Week of College

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What Is Privilege?

When logging on to social media or watching the news, you may often hear the word “privilege” being used. For many, this can be a confusing concept to grasp. Learning about privilege will allow us to become more open-minded, and move towards a world that is more inclusive and empathetic to the challenges of others. ... What Is Privilege?

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Tips for Common App Essay Prompt #6

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. Here are ... Tips for Common App Essay Prompt #6

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