college applications

Mastering Common App Essay Questions for 2025-2026

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 7, 2025

Key Takeaway The Common App is used by over 1,000 colleges and universities throughout the United States. It allows you to apply to multiple schools at once, track deadlines, easily gather materials, and more. One key component is the Common App Essay, also known as a Common App personal statement, which is required by nearly …

college search

College Search: Questions to Ask College Alumni

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

During your college search, there are quite a few things you should be doing including research into various schools, visiting the campus, and talking to students and representatives. One step some students forget about though is talking to alumni from that particular college. Your best bet is to talk to people who graduated in your …

myths

Myths about Student Loan Refinance and Consolidation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Necessary knowledge of student loans doesn’t end after you’ve applied and accepted the granted loans. After college, whether you graduate or leave early, you will be responsible for repaying those amounts so it pays to understand how to do that, which may include loan refinance and consolidation. However, there are a lot of myths floating around …

scholarships

Scholarships for Students with ADD

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When searching for scholarships, it’s truly important to do your research to see what is out there. For those with learning disabilities such as ADD, you may find there are quite a few options available to you. Here are just a few scholarships you might want to consider applying for. DisABLEDperson, Inc. Scholarship Amount: $2,000 …

college search

45+ Questions to Ask College Students on Your Campus Visit

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 3, 2024

Asking current college students questions on your visit to campus can give you some unique insight into the school. Always be polite and considerate when approaching students on campus! Ask questions that are important to you and your unique college needs and wants in addition to more general ones. You know you’re supposed to compare …

student loans

How Often You Should Connect with Your Student Loan Lender

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

For the most part, after you accept a student loan, you won’t have to connect with the lender very often. However, there are a few times that contacting them will be absolutely necessary. Here are a few examples of times you should connect with your student loan lenders. To Change Contact Information Changing or updating …

questions & answers

How Does Divorce Affect Financial Aid Applications?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Filing out financial aid applications, more specifically the FASFA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid), can be daunting already for many students. However, with those who have divorced parents, it’s important to understand how that may affect your application and awarded financial aid. Who is Your Custodial Parent? The parent who completes the financial aid …

ACT & SAT

Can You Study TOO MUCH? How to Study Smarter, Not Harder for the ACT/SAT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When preparing for the ACT or SAT, did you know that it is easily possible to study too much? Studying hard is a great thing, but heading towards a burn out won’t help you when the test date arrives. Instead, practice smarter studying habits by following some of these tips. Plan Ahead Planning months ahead …

questions & answers

What is an “Outside” Scholarship?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 28, 2025

Outside scholarships are financial aid awards that help you fund your college education. Instead of coming from your college, they come from third party organizations, such as businesses or nonprofits. Since you don’t have to pay scholarships back*, they can be a great way to help pay for college. What Is an Outside Scholarship? An …