college admissions

The Benefits of Choosing to Attend a Safety School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you applied to safety, match, and reach schools, you most likely received an acceptance letter from your safeties. Even if you received acceptance letters from other colleges, you might actually want to consider attending your safety school. Here are the benefits of choosing to attend a safety school.  You’ll Most Likely Be Ahead of …

college admissions

What To Do If You’re Waitlisted by a College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Getting waitlisted by a college can be disappointing, but remember it’s not a rejection. It also gives you a chance to reassess your college choices and decide the best route for you for the next four (or so) years. Here’s what to do if you’re waitlisted by a college. Step #1: Decide If You Want …

college admissions

Narrowing College Lists: Consider an Outside Perspective

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When crafting your college list, you’re usually talking to people in your “inner circle” including your immediate family and your friends. However, when you’re narrowing down your school choices, you may want to go outside of this zone a little bit and consider some other perspectives. Here are some people you can talk to about …

financial aid

What is the Difference Between an Offer Letter and an Acceptance Letter?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 27, 2025

Key Takeaway: An acceptance letter is a document that lets you know you’re accepted to a college whereas an offer letter details how much financial aid the school is offering you, including federal loans, grants, and more. Comparing your offer letters helps you determine which college is giving you the best deal. While some might …

college applications

What is the Early Action deadline?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 12, 2026

Most Early Action deadlines are on November 1 or November 15, but they can range from October 1 to December 1 depending on the school. Many students hear back from their colleges by the end of December. However, an early submission means starting on your application sooner, so you’ll need a game plan if you …

financial aid

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

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 26, 2023

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 …

student life

Building a College Class Schedule: Spacing Vs Blocking

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 admissions

The Month Before College Checklist

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 majors & minors

4 Potential Majors for Indecisive Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 …