financial advice & planning

Financial Facts about Colleges in America

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

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, …

questions & answers

What are the 4 Types of College Degrees?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

While there are many different kinds of college degrees out there in the big world of academia, you can categorize them into four different units: Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree. Let’s go through the types of college degrees and see what differentiates these accomplishments from one another. Note: this is not …

college search

Why You Should Attend a College Fair as a High School Student

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Like a job fair, a college fair is a collection of different colleges that have a table or booth and present information about their school. They are a great place to learn more about specific colleges you may be interested in. Typically they will have hand-outs, presentations, and representatives that can answer any questions you …

ACT & SAT

Pros and Cons: Taking Both the ACT and SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Typically, a student will take either the ACT or the SAT as their college entrance exam. However, a growing trend shows that more and more high schools students are taking both tests. Are you considering taking one or both the ACT or SAT? If you’re thinking about the latter, here are some ACT or SAT …

myths

Myth: If My ACT/SAT Score is Below the Average at a College, I Shouldn’t Apply

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

With such great emphasis put on the ACT and SAT exams—the studying, the review sessions, taking the test, retaking the test, scholarships dependent on scores, etc.—many think the scores are the be all end all of college applications. If you have a high score, you can get into any college you want. If you have …