college admissions, questions & answers

College Planning Timeline: Key Deadlines from Freshman Year to Senior Graduation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 15, 2025

Key Takeaways: January 1 is a common regular decision deadline for college applications, but students who want to apply early often need to submit applications in November. During high school, students should complete a variety of tasks to prepare for college, including meetings with academic advisors and scholarship research. Colleges start sending out regular decision …

financial advice & planning, financial aid

What Colleges Offer the Most Endowment for Students?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Endowment helps students afford college tuition. Harvard, Yale, and Stanford are among the universities and colleges that offer the most endowment for their students. Here’s what endowment means and how much every school has available for the designated year: What is College Endowment? College endowment is the amount of money a school receives in donations. …

financial aid, scholarships

Who Offers College Grants?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023

Did you know that scholarships and grants aren’t only available from community organizations and the government? So, who offers college grants? Many companies, including Google, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft offer grants and scholarships to students, too – and you don’t necessarily have to be an employee! Here are just a few organizations that offer awards you …

questions & answers

Why Isn’t There a Common App for Scholarships?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

If you’re completing scholarship applications, you may be a bit overwhelmed by the number of forms you have to fill out and essays you need to complete. You wouldn’t be the first student to ask, “Why isn’t there a Common App for scholarships like there is for college applications?” Sadly, there are no standardized applications …

financial aid, questions & answers

How to Find State Grants for College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 16, 2025

Key Takeaways: Many states offer grants for college that help its residents better afford higher education. You can apply for most state grants by completing the FAFSA, but some also require a state-specific financial aid form. Grant availability and eligibility varies depending on your location, academic achievements, and financial need. College students can often locate …

financial aid

What Federal Grants are Available?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 28, 2023

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) isn’t only about loans – there are actually grants you could qualify for depending on your family, need, and career choices. There are four federal grants available from the United States government: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Iraq and Afghanistan Service …

student life

Transfers: Your Guide to Transferring Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

Have you entered your first year of college and discovered that this particular college, although you fell in love with it on paper, is just not for you? Or maybe you’re in your junior year and you’re frustrated with your major’s program? Well this guide to transferring colleges is for you. Finding out the school …

questions & answers

How Much Harder is High School Than Middle School?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 21, 2022

As you get ready to head into freshman year of high school, there’s no doubt there are some jitters. That’s okay! You might be pleasantly surprised to learn, however, that high school isn’t necessarily harder, but it is certainly different. High School vs. Middle School: Is It That Much Harder? It’s natural for classes to …

questions & answers

Requesting Dorms: How to Play the Game

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 12, 2025

Key Takeaways Before requesting your dorm room, decide what type of housing best fits your lifestyle and preferences—a traditional single or double room, suite style, or apartment style. It’s important to understand how the dorm request process works at your school and know your preferences beforehand. While some will go by orientation dates, others will …