myths

Myth: Scholarships Are Just For Minority Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 27, 2025

As you move through high school and get closer to college, it’s time to start applying for scholarships. There’s a common thought among high school seniors and juniors that scholarships are only for minority students. If you limit your search, that may seem the case, but it’s far from the truth. When You Only Skim …

college majors & minors

Some of the Fastest Growing Undergraduate Majors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 13, 2023

It’s normal for majors to become more popular or less popular over time. There are several majors in healthcare, engineering, computer science, and other areas of study that are getting more attention than ever before. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the five fastest growing occupations are: Wind turbine service technicians – 45% …

college search

How I Chose My College: “A Feeling This Was It”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

In 2006, I graduated from high school and started attending SUNY New Paltz, where I would go on to major in English with a focus on creative writing. I wanted to share with you the process I went through and why I chose my college. My Parents Got Involved Part of why I chose my …

ACT & SAT

ACT / SAT Test Taking Strategies to AVOID

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s a lot of advice out there that helps you on the SAT and ACT, but mixed in with the good advice, is some bad advice. Here are just a few test-taking strategies you should be avoiding. “Cramming / All-Nighter”  Some students think study cramming works, but it can do more harm than good. Whether …

majors & industries

The Basics You Need To Know On How To Get A Job At Apple

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Do you have dreams of working for Apple? You may be curious about the majors they’re looking for. Here’s a quick glance at what you may want to study during your next four years at college: Engineering Hardware or software engineering are great bets if you’re hoping to be a part of Apple’s product line …

majors & industries

10 Awesome Art Careers for Art Majors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s no secret that art majors often have to defend their degree. Sometimes it’s your parents, but other times it can be a total stranger questioning your education choices. However, no matter what they think, there are plenty of well-paying careers for art majors out there! Here’s just the tip of the iceberg and some …

financial aid

How I Paid for College: Financial Aid in Hindsight

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 26, 2025

When you’re 18, paying for college may sound like a scary prospect, especially if you know you’re going to have to take out loans. My story on how I paid for college is a bit more fortunate, but there are some things I know now that I wish I had known then. I Was Fortunate …

questions & answers

What should I do if my financial situation changes for college?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 3, 2026

Key takeaways: Job loss, reduced earnings, divorce, health concerns, and other problems and emergencies can impact a family’s finances, affecting their ability to pay for college. If you feel your FAFSA and financial aid offer doesn’t reflect your current financial situation, you can request an aid adjustment. Colleges’ aid adjustment procedures vary, but gather relevant …

college applications

College App Essay Tip: Use the Active Voice

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Are you struggling with how to write your college application essay? Don’t worry! Many do. Quite a few students have to brainstorm to determine just what they want to write about and once they settle on a topic, the problem lies in HOW to write it. A major tip is to use the active voice. …