ACT & SAT

Unusual ACT & SAT Test Prep Tips

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ve heard all the regular ACT and SAT test prep tips: Take the practice exams and check your answers. Focus on your weak areas. So here are a few tips that are a bit more unusual when it comes to your ACT and SAT study time. Use a Distraction Add On It’s easy to get …

questions & answers

Why Are the Ivy League Schools Called the “Ivy Leagues?”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 6, 2023

If you’re thinking about applying to an Ivy League school, you’re probably wondering why they are called Ivy League schools. While the term Ivy League refers to the eight elite research universities that make up the Ivy League sports conference – Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Columbia University, Brown University, Dartmouth …

college search

How to Create a Pros and Cons List for Schools in Your College Search

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you have a few colleges or universities on your radar, it may be a bit difficult to choose between them, especially if you received acceptance letters from all your top choices. Creating a pros and cons list is an excellent way to help you narrow the schools down and see how they compare to …

questions & answers

What Are “Hidden Ivies?”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 29, 2024

The Hidden Ivies are colleges that have an excellent reputation but are not considered Ivy League schools. You’ve heard of the Ivy League Schools – Harvard, Yale, Brown, Columbia, Princeton, Dartmouth, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania. These eight research universities consistently top the list of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the United …

college search

How To Use Your Intended Major in the College Search

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When searching for your potential future college, there will be quite a few things you will have to keep in mind. This may include the school’s dorm rooms, the location, the size of the school, the college’s reputation, and, of course, your major. Here’s how you can use your intended major in your college search. …

ACT & SAT

The Importance of Understanding Your Mistakes on ACT/SAT Practice Tests

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you’re taking an SAT or ACT practice test, you’re doing it for more than just to see how many you can get right on your first try (or second or third). You should be timing yourself, but also seeing what mistakes you make and, more importantly, why you made that mistake so you can …

financial aid

A Guide to Funding the Financial Aid Gap

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 1, 2023

Although many schools offer financial aid packages to help make college more affordable for its students, some individuals find themselves unable to cover the entire cost of their education even with these packages. This is what they call a financial aid gap. If a student is in this situation – what are their options? Finding …

college applications

Things Your High School Counselor Can Do For You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Every high school student has at least one, but when is the last time you visited your guidance counselor? Many students don’t take full advantage of all the benefits the office has to offer. Here are just three things you counselor can do for you, freshman year to senior. Academic Assistance from Your Counselor Most …

college majors & minors

Will Being an Undeclared Major Hurt My College Acceptance Odds?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re not quite sure what you’d like to major in by the time you complete your college applications, you may be tempted to put down “undeclared.” However, will that help or hurt your acceptance odds? It’s A Good Idea To Put Something Down In most cases, students who are leaning towards writing down “undeclared” …