Hilary Cairns

A student filing her FAFSA on her laptop
financial aid

2023-2024 FAFSA Changes: What You Should Know About!

With October comes the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2023-2024 school season! This year, the application has a few updates, including some big FAFSA updates thanks to a bill that passed in December 2021. Read on to discover what major changes the FAFSA form has in store as well as …
A college student working out his class schedule.
student life

Building a College Class Schedule: Spacing Vs Blocking

Curious about building a college class schedule? Blocking and spacing both have their pros and cons. Here are some things to remember as you pick and choose your classes and times. Block Scheduling Block scheduling is very similar to high school schedules, where you attend one class and immediately head to the next after the …
College student with checklist.
college admissions

The Month Before College Checklist

The month before you head to college can be quite stressful. After all, you have a lot on your plate! This before-college checklist can help you track all of the tasks you need to get completed so you can be sure you’re first week at college (and your entire semester) is stress-free and enjoyable! Packing …
College major textbooks.
college majors & minors

4 Potential Majors for Indecisive Students

Heading into college in the fall and not sure what you want to major in? That’s not all bad – there’s actually pros and cons to declaring you’re “undecided.” However, as you get comfortable in college, the question needs more serious thought, especially towards the end of your freshman year and absolutely during your sophomore …
College admissions looking at social media mistakes
college admissions

Social Media Mistakes High School Students Make

Teens are not strangers to social media. Although the generation has grown up with the technology, mistakes are still made on the platforms. These errors could cost you scholarships, college options, or even jobs down the line. Here are three social media mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Creating Unprofessional Profile Names A common mistake that …
Summer classes at a college.
student life

Should You Take Summer Classes in College?

One common question that students ask is whether or not they should take summer classes in college. Although the answer depends on the particular student and their goals, there are two pros and two cons that should be considered. Pro: You Can Graduate Faster The biggest pro when it comes to taking summer classes in …
Student at an HBCU.
college comparisons

FAQs and Facts About HBCUs

As you develop your college list, you might come across the term “HBCU.” These letters stand for “Historically Black Colleges and Universities”. But what exactly does that mean for you? Can you apply to them even if you’re not a minority? Keep reading to find out what HBCUs are and some of the best ones …
Coffee spilled on college application.
college admissions

3 Summer College Prep Mistakes High Schoolers Make

Did you just finish your junior or sophomore year of high school? Congratulations on another year under your belt! While summer is ahead of you, you don’t want to entirely waste it. Here are some college prep mistakes high schoolers tend to make during the warmer months. Mistake #1: Not Using This Time For College …
Student graduating in the class of 2020.
student life

3 Motivational Commencement Speeches by Celebrities | Class of 2020

Every year, celebrities take part in motivational commencement speeches to help send graduates off to the next stage in their life, whether that be furthering their education, joining the workforce, or another path. 2020 was a bit different with the coronavirus, and most commencement speeches occurred virtually rather than in-person. Here are a few of …

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