ACT & SAT

ACT / SAT Test Prep: Grammar Lesson Refresher

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Reading comprehension and writing skills are incredibly important for both standardized tests (and just college prep in general). Therefore, it definitely doesn’t hurt to refresh on the basics of grammar as part of your test prep for the ACT and SAT. It may seem simple to go over basics, but a strong foundation will help …

college comparisons

5 Colleges with Touching Thanksgiving Traditions

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Most students travel home for Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean college campuses are completely devoid of the heart-warming Thanksgiving spirit! Here are 5 colleges with feel-good Thanksgiving traditions. Smith College: Thanksgiving Day Match-Up Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday meant to celebrate family and friends. The students and faculty at Smith College go a step …

financial aid

What is the SEOG?

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 12, 2025

Colleges sure do love their acronyms. While searching for federal financial aid you might have come across the term SEOG, but what does it mean? Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant The SEOG (or FSEOG) is a federal grant offered to college students to help pay their higher education expenses. It’s typically reserved for students with the …

student life

5 Ways to Manage College Roommate Conflict

By Allison WignallLast updated on May 2, 2023

When you stick two people into a tiny dorm room, conflict is bound to surface. Even roommates who are the best of friends will experience friction from time to time. Roommate relationships are something so special but often very fragile. It’s normal and human but it can feel discouraging when you’re having problems, especially with …

financial aid

Pros and Cons of Work Study Programs

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 5, 2025

While researching financial aid, and ways to pay for college, you might have come across the federal work study programs. They are great opportunities for students to earn experience and get paid for their work, but what about the drawbacks? Is work study right for you? Pro: Financial aid Work study programs pay their student …

ACT & SAT

Pros and Cons of Retaking the ACT / SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Some students consider taking the ACT / SAT a one-and-done sort of situation, others go in expecting to retake it at least twice. Whichever camp your in, it never hurts to consider the points of the other side. Pro: Better understanding of the test Nothing is a substitute for experience. You can read all the …

ACT & SAT

The Importance of Language in the ACT Essay

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Given the nature of an essay, it should come as no surprise that language—how things are written—is essential. This is especially true for the ACT optional writing test, as you’re receiving an important grade for your hard work. Since there are time constraints, many students focus more on getting their words on the page rather …

myths

Myth: Your College App Essay Has to be About a Big Life Event

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The college app essay can be one of the more frustrating elements of building an application—especially because there’s a pervading myth that the essay has to be about a monumental life event. Luckily, this isn’t really the case. Big Stories Aren’t Always Best Some students stress out over picking the subject of their essay. Many …

college applications

How to Decide Between Applying Early Action or Early Decision

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Ambitious students might want to submit their college applications early, before the regular application deadlines. Applying sooner rather than later can come with a few great benefits. That includes higher acceptance odds, earlier acceptance notifications, more time to plan your finances, etc. There are two types of early applications to look into: Early Action (EA) …