financial aid

A Guide to Funding the Financial Aid Gap

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 27, 2025

Although many schools offer financial aid packages to help make college more affordable for its students, some individuals find themselves unable to cover the entire cost of their education even with these packages. This is what they call a financial aid gap. If a student is in this situation – what are their options? Finding …

college applications

Things Your High School Counselor Can Do For You

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 6, 2025

Every high school student has at least one, but when is the last time you visited your guidance counselor? Many students don’t take full advantage of all the benefits the office has to offer. Here are just three things you counselor can do for you, freshman year to senior. Academic Assistance from Your Counselor Most …

college majors & minors

Will Being an Undeclared Major Hurt My College Acceptance Odds?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re not quite sure what you’d like to major in by the time you complete your college applications, you may be tempted to put down “undeclared.” However, will that help or hurt your acceptance odds? It’s A Good Idea To Put Something Down In most cases, students who are leaning towards writing down “undeclared” …

affordability & college cost

How To Strike a Balance Between an Affordable College and a Dream School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Quite a few students in high school already have their dream school chosen, but for some, it may be out of reach financially. Finding a balance between affording college and attending your dream school may present you with solutions. Investigate Scholarships and Financial Aid Through Your Dream School Many juniors and seniors in high school …

college majors & minors

How To Figure Out Your Intended Major During High School

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Choosing your intended major for college can be a daunting prospect, especially when you’re still in high school. However, there are some things you can do to help determine what field and subject will be a great choice for you. Here are some steps to take on how to figure out what to major in …

questions & answers

Can You Refinance and Consolidate Federal Student Loans?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 6, 2025

When it comes time to pay off your federal student loans, you may find yourself overwhelmed. Many who have either graduated or left school ask if it’s possible to refinance or consolidate these debts. So, is federal student loan consolidation or refinancing an option? Yes, You Can Refinance and Consolidate Your Federal Student Loans! Yep! …

student life

Advice for Incoming College Freshmen: Go Beyond the Minimum

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ll have quite a few people offering their “best advice” as you head into the final weeks before your first year of college. There will be quite a bit to soak in as they will all have something to say. A good bit of it will be good advice too. But if I had to …

student life

Common Fears About College and How to Overcome Them

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

There’s no doubt that college is a big step and a life-changing one. It can be jarring for quite a lot of freshman! Don’t worry though; you’re not alone in your fears. These are only a few common fears incoming college students have. Fear of Change College is change. You’ll be living in a new …

student life

Common Mistakes Students Make While Packing For Freshman Year of College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s easy to make mistakes heading into college. Most of this will be new to you and possibly your family. Packing for your dorm the week before is easily one area, however, that freshman students regularly make mistakes. Here are some common errors you will want to try to avoid. Underpacking You know the feeling: You’re …