student life

How to Start off Second Semester Right

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

How did your first semester go? We hope it went well! No matter the results though, it’s important to start your second semester off on the right foot. These are a few great tips for any semester though, so make sure to remember them for later years or even if you starting college this fall! …

myths

Myth: I Should Pick My Favorite Teacher to Write My Letter of Recommendation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s time to ask your teachers for the letters of recommendation for your college applications, but who do you ask? Most juniors and seniors instantly think of their favorite teacher as the answer. While it may be a great choice, it shouldn’t always be the default selection. Here’s why you should consider some alternative options: …

questions & answers

What Will I Experience on a College Tour?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 17, 2024

Visiting a college before you agree to attend is a great way to determine if the school is for you. It’s a chance for students to make the college “real” in their minds and see if they can envision themselves there for the next four years. Many schools offer in-person college tours (or online versions) …

college search

Brandname Isn’t Always Best: Colleges That Change Lives

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When you’re searching for your college, it’s always recommended to do some research into which school is a good fit for you. This includes taking a close look at their majors and minors, investigating their employment rate after graduation, and checking their tuition, but it can also involve taking a trip to the university to make …

affordability & college cost

Did You Know There are Exceptions to Paying Out-of-State Tuition for College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

For the most part, schools have a separate tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, with out-of-state sometimes costing as much as three times the in-state rate. Most states require you to have called the area home for at least a year to be consider a resident, but there are exceptions to this rule. Here are …

ACT & SAT

What You Need To Know About The PreACT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Students have been told to take the PSAT for several years and was often used as a primer for both the ACT and SAT, even though the testing formats are different. Now, however, students can take the PreACT to prepare for the ACT test. Allows For Early Practice Taking the PreACT is a great way to …

questions & answers

Your Guide to Reapplying to College After a Rejection

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 4, 2023

Did you not receive an acceptance letter from your dream school?  Don’t fret! Reapplying to college after rejection may be an option. But, here are a few things to keep in mind and to do in the upcoming months before reapplying to college after rejection. Can You Reapply to a College After Being Rejected? In …

college admissions

What Families Need to Know About Sending Their First Child to College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Sending your child to college can be a stressful time, both for you and them. There are a lot of things to take care of from selecting the school itself to making sure all the correct books are purchased. Here are a few tasks you may have forgotten before your firstborn leaves the nest. Filing …

financial aid

What is the Pell Grant?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 26, 2023

Between scholarships, federal aid, and loans there is a lot to do before heading to college in the fall, but one thing you don’t want to forget about is the Pell Grant. It’s one more reason to complete the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. But what exactly is it? What Is the …