college admissions

So You Didn’t Get Into Your First Choice of College: Now What?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

A lot of time, effort, dedication, and hope is put into the college search process, especially your first choice college. With essays, college visits, long research sessions, and applications, sending it all off can be a big moment. And then comes the waiting. Opening that letter can be nerve-wracking for sure. So what happens if you …

scholarship search & applications

Mistakes Students Make While Applying For Scholarships and How to Avoid Them

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Scholarships are an ideal way to pay for a chunk of college expenses—especially since they don’t have to be paid back, unlike loans. With a variety of types and a variety of benefits, applying for scholarships should be at the top of college-bound and college-hopeful students’ to-do lists. No doubt a lot of time and …

financial aid

Shocking Statistics: Why Aren’t Students Applying for Financial Aid?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to college, nearly the first topic of every conversation is finance. The cost of college has increased dramatically over the years, and it’s all anyone ever seems to talk about. But there’s an important conversation that is apparently not happening: the availability of and applying for financial aid. The Shocking Stats The …

college news & trends

Where Powerful Women Went to College (Part 2!)

By Allison WignallLast updated on April 1, 2024

Not too long ago we presented an infographic all about powerful US women and where they went to college. Now we’re back with part two of the series with more women in power and where they went to college! This time around, every single woman we feature spoke at the first-ever United States of Women …

financial advice & planning

Financial Facts about Colleges in America

By Allison WignallLast updated on February 26, 2025

Finance is often at the forefront of many major college decisions. Is this school too expensive? What kind of financial aid can I receive? How much debt will I graduate with? What sort of major converts to a well-paying job? There are enough questions to make your mind spin. But there are a lot of …

questions & answers

Should I Pay Attention to Professor-Rating Websites?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s no doubt that the internet has been a boon to students around the world. With research materials posted or scanned online, students researching papers no longer have to spend hours at the library simply searching for relevant information. Sharing assignments online saves paper and printer ink money. There are numerous other benefits to the …

questions & answers

Are Freshmen Retention Rates a Good Indicator of a College’s Quality?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The answer may not be as clear-cut as you’re hoping, because: yes and no. But let’s break it down. First off: what is a freshmen retention rate? It is the percentage of students who return for their second (or sophomore) year at school. For example, Vanderbilt University has a first-year retention rate of 97%. That …

questions & answers

What if I Can’t Afford a College Visit?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Visiting a college you’re interested in is an integral part of the college selection process. During a visit, students get an in-depth look at a potential school, get a feel for the campus and atmosphere, and can ask questions to current students and faculty. They can even sit-in on classes! But if you can’t afford …

student life

Different Kinds of Living Arrangements in College

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Often one of the first thoughts upon entering college as a freshmen concerns dorms—how to decorate them, wondering if such a small space is really enough, thinking about closet-space and the tiny beds, and so on. Most freshmen spend their first year in dorms. But what about sophomore year? If you loved your dorm experience, …