student life

What NOT To Do First Week of Freshman Year

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

As the countdown begins for your freshman year of college, you’re going to be hearing a lot of advice from a lot of different people. Some of it is good, some of it is great, and some you should avoid like the plague! Most of that advice will encompass your entire college career. However, your …

tips tools & advice

How to Balance Freedom and Responsibility in College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 28, 2023

Many students are pumped for the freedom that comes with going to college. It is exciting! It’s a time when you start making decisions about: what classes to take when to take them when to study whether or not you want to work and how you want to spend your free time. It will be …

student loans

Student Loan Borrower Protections 101

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

After you graduate college, you (and your co-signer if you have one) will be responsible for repaying any student loans you’ve taken out, private, federal, or both. Some loans, like federal loans, will have a six month grace period after you graduate or leave school, while others will require payment immediately. However, before you get …

college admissions

Do’s and Don’ts of Orientation: Parent Edition

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Although it depends on the particular college, many schools actually have a parent orientation at the same time as the freshman orientation. This may be completely optional for parents, but it truly is worth it to attend. Here are some “do’s” and “don’ts” of attending college orientation as a parent. Do Stick To The Schedule …

student life

What To Do After College Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Summer is drawing to a close and many of you have already attended your college freshman orientation. If you haven’t already, it’s most likely on the horizon. There are a few things you’ll want to do after orientation and before school starts: Select Your Dorm Some colleges have you select your dorm at the orientation, …

careers & internships

Questions to Ask the Person You’re Job Shadowing

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you have a job shadowing appointment coming up soon, you’ll absolutely want to take a few minutes ahead of time to plan. This includes coming up with questions for your contact. Here are just a few general questions you’ll want to ask. What is a day like in this position? This is one of …

tips tools & advice

Words of Wisdom for Parents of College Bound Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If your child is heading off to college, especially if it’s your oldest, you know it’s a life-changing experience and can be nerve-wracking. You’ll have advice for your children, of course, but here are some words of wisdom for you as well as they head away from home. Keep in Touch But Don’t Helicopter You’ll …

ACT & SAT

Pro Tip: NEVER Leave an Answer Blank on the ACT/SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If your SAT or ACT exam is coming up, we’re sure you’re studying hard! By this time, you’ve heard quite a few test-taking tips regarding each of them, which may have included “never leave an answer blank”. Here is how you should approach more difficult questions and why you should never leave them blank. Skip …

tips tools & advice

Best Pieces of Advice for Incoming College Freshmen

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re heading to college this fall as a freshman, there is no doubt that you’ve received dozens of pieces of advice from everyone! This includes your parents, older siblings, teachers, co-workers, and neighbors. A lot of it will be good tidbits. Just in case you haven’t heard though, here are some college tips for …