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 …

college admissions

Social Media Mistakes High School Students Make

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 …

student life

Should You Take Summer Classes in College?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 …

college comparisons

FAQs and Facts About HBCUs

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 18, 2025

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 …

college admissions

3 Summer College Prep Mistakes High Schoolers Make

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 life

3 Motivational Commencement Speeches by Celebrities | Class of 2020

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

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 …

tips tools & advice

3 Things to Do During a Gap Year

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Have you weighed your options after graduation and decided to take a gap year? It can be a great choice for students! But that doesn’t mean you should waste the next year. You have a few different options on how you can spend the next 12 months and get some meaningful lessons out of your …

college search

Why Going to Safety Schools Isn’t a Bad Thing

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to searching for colleges, schools are typically divided into three categories—safety, match, and reach. Safety colleges are those you’re highly likely to get into—schools with higher acceptance rates and less competition. Many people think that attending a safety college means “you weren’t good enough” to get into a match or reach school. …