tips tools & advice

How High School and College Students can Set S.M.A.R.T Goals

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on January 2, 2024

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. SMART goals help high school students, college students, and even employees design realistic goals. Setting these types of goals can potentially increase the chance of achieving them. SMART goals could be exactly what you need to meet your newest goals or resolutions you set this year! …

college applications, questions & answers

What is the Coalition Application?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You’ve probably heard of the Common Application, but what about the Coalition Application? It came out a few years ago, and it may be worth your time to explore the differences. Here’s what you need to know about the Coalition Application, its pros and cons, and how it stacks up against the Common App. What …

college majors & minors

Can You Switch College Majors? And is it a Good Idea?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on June 10, 2025

Key Takeaways Students can switch their majors in college. However, there are hurdles to changing areas of study, including increased costs, delayed graduation dates, and limited availability of certain majors. Students shouldn’t change their majors simply on a whim or because of outside pressure, as this can lead to burnout and other problems. Those looking to …

questions & answers

What’s the Difference Between a College and a University?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 24, 2025

Key Takeaways: A college is generally a higher education institution that only offers up to bachelor’s degrees. A university offers bachelor’s degrees in addition to postgraduate degrees, such as master’s or doctorates. Experiences can vary depending on the type of school, so students should compare college vs. university before applying. In the United States, “college” …

questions & answers

What is the National Merit Scholarship?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 22, 2024

The National Merit Scholarship is an award given to students who score very well on the PSAT and meet the requirements to be named a National Merit Scholar. All students who take the PSAT are automatically entered into the program, but only a select few will be named Finalists and earn money to put towards …

scholarships

6 Scholarships for Theater Majors

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 17, 2023

There’s nothing quite like a night at the theater. But what the audience may not know or always remember is all of the hard work, dedication, and people it takes! Actors, playwrights, set designers, lighting specialists, stage managers, costume designers, technicians, sound designers, directors, composers, conductors, and more make a show come to life. A …

myths

Myth: The Second Half of My High School Senior Year Doesn’t Matter

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 26, 2024

After you submit your college applications, it can feel like it’s time to finally relax. And many do just that – they fall into the trap of feeling like the second half of their senior year in high school simply doesn’t matter. After all, the colleges have your grades, your SAT/ACT scores, your extracurriculars – …

ACT & SAT

Colleges That Don’t Require the SAT or ACT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 1, 2025

There are over 3,500 colleges, universities, and institutions that offer degrees in the United States, but did you know that more than 2,100 of these schools don’t currently require SAT or ACT scores should you apply? Many colleges are currently test optional, while a handful are test free. If you didn’t score well or you’re …

college search

Parent Checklist: How to Help Your Student Get to College — FREE Download

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on March 29, 2024

Grades are important to getting accepted into a college, but that’s not all that goes into the process! Students also need a support system in order for them to succeed. Parents can absolutely help their children prepare for their future education through the entire college planning process. This checklist can help you and your family …