questions & answers

What Happens if You Back Out of Early Decision?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways: Early decision applications are a binding agreement – accepted students are expected to attend the following fall. Students can generally back out of the agreement if they can’t afford the school, have a sick family member, or are facing an illness. Backing out without an acceptable reason can result in rescinded acceptance offers …

myths

Myth: If I’m Deferred From a School, I’ll Never Get In

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Depending on how you look at it, getting deferred by a school could be a load off your mind or extremely frustrating. You haven’t been declined, yet you haven’t been accepted, putting you in a difficult spot. You may have heard the myth that you simply won’t get into the college after being deferred admission. …

questions & answers

Can Your Declared Major Affect Your Acceptance Odds?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Students applying for college want to have every edge they can when it comes to their application college acceptance odds, especially when it involves a dream school. So many students wonder if their intended major will alter their college acceptance odds or not. Here’s what you need to know. Each School is Different Every school …

questions & answers

What is a College Endowment and Why Does it Matter?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on August 26, 2025

Key Takeaways: College endowment is the total amount of funds an institution has from donors. Schools often invest this money, using a small percentage of the income each year to help fund college operations. Harvard University, Yale University, and Stanford University have some of the largest total endowments in the United States. College endowment refers …

college admissions

9 tips to help you boost your college acceptance odds

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 27, 2025

Key takeaways A strong college application includes your academics, extracurriculars, awards, essay, recommendation letters, and careful attention to detail. From your essay and extracurriculars to your online presence, focus on highlighting the depth of your experiences to set your application apart. Take your time and be intentional with each part of your application so colleges …

questions & answers

Transfer: What If Your New School is More Expensive Than Your Current One?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If your first school choice wasn’t quite what you dreamed of, it may be in your best interest to transfer to another college that best fits your career goals, needs, and wants. However, if the cost of education is higher at your newer school than your current one, it could cause some financial issues. Here’s …

college applications

How to Create SMART Goals for College Applications

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 2, 2024

Have you heard of SMART goals before? It’s generally for project management, but it can also be a great tool when you put it towards personal development. Today, the acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Here’s how you can use each one towards your college applications. S: Specific When it comes to …

student life

Good Habits to Start a New Semester for High Schoolers

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Whether you’re a freshman or a senior in high school, there are always good habits you can take advantage of. You probably have a few good ones already (as well as bad)! However, as you head into a new semester, these are a few good habits you can add to your life and learn from. …

ACT & SAT

Different “Types” of Math Problems on the ACT / SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 7, 2023

Even if math isn’t your best subject, knowing the types of math problems you’ll run into on the ACT or SAT can give you a huge boost. You can find what types of math you struggle on and focus on those before the test date. Here are the ones you’ll run into: Algebra Of course, …