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 …

tips tools & advice

Best Pieces of Advice for Incoming College Freshmen

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re heading to college this fall as a freshman, there is no doubt that you’ve received dozens of pieces of advice from everyone! This includes your parents, older siblings, teachers, co-workers, and neighbors. A lot of it will be good tidbits. Just in case you haven’t heard though, here are some college tips for …

student loans

Are There Student Loans That Go Directly to You?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on July 7, 2025

Key Takeaways: Most federal and private student loans go directly to the college. After the college balance is paid, any leftover loan money can be transferred to the student. Only direct-to-consumer private student loans are sent directly to the student to cover education-related expenses. Many students need loans to cover the cost of college. While …

majors & industries

Undergraduate College Majors to Consider to Work for NASA

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Dream of working for NASA? Your undergraduate major matters if you’re going to apply to the agency after you graduate college. Engineering Engineering is a broad category and major, but definitely one you’ll want to think about if you’re dreaming of working for NASA. You have plenty of options when it comes to engineering and …

financial aid

Use Summertime to Search for Financial Aid Opportunities

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 25, 2025

Summer is a great time to relax, catch up on your reading list, play a few video games, or take on a part-time job. Before college starts up again though, you may want to consider using some of your summer to expand your search for financial aid opportunities. Here are a few things you should be …

ACT & SAT

What to do with Extra Time on the ACT/SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

During your SAT or ACT, you may complete a section, look down at your watch, and realize you have a few minutes or more before time is up. Here are a few things you should be doing with that precious time. Go Over Questions You Skipped If a question proved too difficult during your initial …

college admissions

What NOT To Do at College Orientation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re heading to college this fall, you will most likely have an orientation coming up this summer. Your future school will tell you what to expect, such as what events are planned, what placement tests you need to take, and more. However, there are things you should not do at college orientation. Do Not …

college search

What Students with Learning Disabilities Should Keep in Mind When Searching Colleges

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you have a learning disability, you may be a little anxious while searching for colleges. Higher education is a big step in everyone’s lives, but you may want to approach it differently. Here are some things you should keep in mind as you begin to apply. Know Your Rights Almost everyone is anxious about …

student loans

How to Change Your Student Loan Repayment Plan

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on February 25, 2025

Your student loans will generally come due about six months after you graduate or leave college, though some loans will not have that grace period. You may discover at this point that you can’t quite afford the current repayment plan. Here’s how you could change your student loan repayment plan. While you could change your …