student loans

What Does “Co-Signing” a Loan Mean?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When applying for a student loan, many lenders ask students to have a co-signer for co-signing a loan. What is a co-signer? A co-signer shares the responsibility with the student to ensure timely repayments. Essentially, if the student who is taking out the loan can not—for whatever reason—repay, it’s up to the co-signer to do …

questions & answers

What Is the Most Important Factor in Your College Application?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There is a lot of pressure put on various things that go into an application, but which is the most important factor? GPA? Test scores? Class rank? Academic honors? Work experience? Extracurricular? What is the most important factor? The truth is: all of them. Not as cut and dry as you hoped? Some students want …

ACT & SAT

Why You Should Take The Optional Writing Test on the ACT / SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Not too long ago, the essay portion of the SAT was mandatory, but now—like the ACT—it’s optional. Some students are hesitant to take the writing tests—it’s additional time, effort, and money, so why bother with an optional writing test? Well, there are many benefits you can earn if you do well! Colleges May Require the …

ACT & SAT

Avoid These ACT/SAT Exam Day Mistakes

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to taking either the ACT or the SAT (or both), you should take advantage of every kind of preparation. Studying, taking practice tests, and attending review sessions are a few excellent ways to prepare, but there are other, subtler things that can also help—especially when it comes to the big day itself. …

college applications

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your College Applications

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There certainly is a lot that goes into an application: a cover letter, grade transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, an essay, letters of recommendation, and so on and so forth. It can be a bit tricky cobbling all of the materials together without a single mistake. We’re here to help you discover common mistakes you want to …

tips tools & advice

Best Ways to Study if You’re an Independent Learner

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Some people study better in a group, others prefer to learn on their own. These latter students are known as independent learners, sometimes called solitary or intrapersonal learners. An independent learner can focus in on a task when left to their own devices. Often, independent learners are adept at analysis and can develop interesting ideas …

student loans

The Difference Between a Variable Rate and a Fixed Rate

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 6, 2025

There are a lot of questions students ask before taking loans to pay for college. For those who need a private student loan, one such consideration is: “Should I choose a fixed rate or variable interest rates”? In order to know what’s right for you, you’ll have to compare the two types of interest rates …

financial aid

What’s the Difference Between Need-Based and Merit-Based Aid?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

College can be quite expensive, which means you’re looking for ways to afford it. As you look for aid to help pay for college, you’ll hear a lot of phrases and acronyms. These are two phrases you probably hear a lot while you’re researching scholarship and financial aid opportunities: need-based and merit-based. But what is …

student loans

Questions You Should Ask Your Private Student Loan Lender

By Allison WignallLast updated on March 3, 2025

College is pricey, which means students are looking for ways to pay for their college education. Student loans are one of many ways to pay for college—but unlike gift aid, loans have to be paid back. A private loan should only be considered after you’ve fully exhausted scholarships, grants, and federal aid programs. Even then, …