student life

How to Make a Home Care Package for Your College Student

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

After a few weeks of college, many students can start feeling quite homesick, especially if they go to a school far away from home. These are where home care packages come in! Here are some things you should include in their college care packages: Their Favorite Treats Everyone has a favorite snack, candy, or food. …

student life

What NOT To Do First Week of Freshman Year

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

As the countdown begins for your freshman year of college, you’re going to be hearing a lot of advice from a lot of different people. Some of it is good, some of it is great, and some you should avoid like the plague! Most of that advice will encompass your entire college career. However, your …

tips tools & advice

How to Balance Freedom and Responsibility in College

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 28, 2023

Many students are pumped for the freedom that comes with going to college. It is exciting! It’s a time when you start making decisions about: what classes to take when to take them when to study whether or not you want to work and how you want to spend your free time. It will be …

student loans

Student Loan Borrower Protections 101

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 25, 2025

After you graduate college, you (and your co-signer if you have one) will be responsible for repaying any student loans you’ve taken out, private, federal, or both. Some loans, like federal loans, will have a six month grace period after you graduate or leave school, while others will require payment immediately. However, before you get …

college admissions

What To Expect at Parent Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 29, 2025

Key takeaways: Some colleges offer parent orientation, which highlights valuable information for parents to help their students make the most of their college experience. Sessions during orientation can cover financial aid, campus life, health and safety, academics, and more. Parents can sign up for their orientation online, through the student’s college portal. Colleges usually require …

student life

What To Do After College Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Summer is drawing to a close and many of you have already attended your college freshman orientation. If you haven’t already, it’s most likely on the horizon. There are a few things you’ll want to do after orientation and before school starts: Select Your Dorm Some colleges have you select your dorm at the orientation, …

careers & internships

Questions to Ask the Person You’re Job Shadowing

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you have a job shadowing appointment coming up soon, you’ll absolutely want to take a few minutes ahead of time to plan. This includes coming up with questions for your contact. Here are just a few general questions you’ll want to ask. What is a day like in this position? This is one of …

tips tools & advice

Words of Wisdom for Parents of College Bound Students

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If your child is heading off to college, especially if it’s your oldest, you know it’s a life-changing experience and can be nerve-wracking. You’ll have advice for your children, of course, but here are some words of wisdom for you as well as they head away from home. Keep in Touch But Don’t Helicopter You’ll …

ACT & SAT

Pro Tip: NEVER Leave an Answer Blank on the ACT/SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If your SAT or ACT exam is coming up, we’re sure you’re studying hard! By this time, you’ve heard quite a few test-taking tips regarding each of them, which may have included “never leave an answer blank”. Here is how you should approach more difficult questions and why you should never leave them blank. Skip …