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. …

college admissions

What you need to know about college waitlists

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 15, 2026

Key takeaways College waitlists are lists of students who would have been accepted but the college doesn’t have enough spots for them just yet. If enough admitted students decline the college’s offer, some waitlisted individuals may receive acceptance letters. You could potentially improve your chances of admission by writing an interest letter and highlighting new …

college admissions

How to Use Additional Time to Select the Right College During the Quarantine

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Many colleges and universities moved their student decision timeline up a month, from May 1st to June 1st. If you haven’t given a college your “yes” or “no” answer yet, you can absolutely use this time to determine which school is the right option for you. Try these steps out to select the right college. …

careers & internships

Career Planning During the COVID-19 Quarantine

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Although many states are still shut down completely due to the coronavirus, there are plenty of ways you can work on your career planning and strategies during quarantine. Here are some great ideas to help you get started. Network Conferences and businesses may be closed in response to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you still …