Student Advice Blog

A Collection of Our Most Popular College Planning Advice Articles

7 Ways Your Counselor Can Help

Your school counselor is one of the most helpful resources you and your family have during your high school years. They provide support and help you plan and succeed in your future, even beyond academics. While it’s normal to feel nervous about meeting your school counselor for the first time, don’t let that stop you. ... 7 Ways Your Counselor Can Help

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Everything You Need to Know Before Your First College Visit

Visiting colleges is a great way to get a feel for what college is like, and help you decide if a particular college is the right fit for you.   We’ve developed this guide to help you make the most of your college visits:   Arrange Your Visit  All colleges and universities have admission offices that can ... Everything You Need to Know Before Your First College Visit

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High School Juniors: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

If you didn’t already know, your junior year is your time to shine! It can be stressful, overwhelming, and scary all at once. Thankfully, your school counselor is available to help put your mind at ease by guiding you through the process and help you overcome some of these challenges. Not sure where to begin? ... High School Juniors: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

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High School Sophomores: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

Congratulations! You survived freshman year! As you move into your sophomore year, you’ve got the basics covered, like where to sit at lunch, how to navigate your halls to the next class, and other helpful things that got you this far. Even if you think you have it all figured out, your school counselor should ... High School Sophomores: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

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High School Freshman: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

If there’s one person that you should focus on becoming BFFs with, it’s your high school counselor. Haven’t booked an appointment to visit them just yet? You’re missing out and should probably get on that ASAP. Think of it as your new bestie that can help you with all things related to your classes, school ... High School Freshman: Questions You Should Be Asking Your Counselor

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7 Ways to Crush Your Goals

If you’re working to become #GOALS, you know how challenging it can be to stay the course and continue grinding. It’s easy to go through the everyday motions and feel like you’re not making progress. But you know what’s great about setting goals? You can do anything you set your mind to. We’ve been there ... 7 Ways to Crush Your Goals

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College Rankings: What They Really Mean

From US News to the Princeton Review, there are hundreds of different college rankings based on hundreds of different factors. They all seek to answer the age-old question: is one college better than another? It seems like a clear cut question, but what does it even mean for one school to be better than the next? How do ... College Rankings: What They Really Mean

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Benefits of Trade Schools

Though a traditional four-year college or university may seem like the right choice for many students, trade schools are worth keeping on your radar. Trade schools, also known as technical or vocational schools, teach and develop skills related to a specific job. Read on to learn more about the benefits of trade schools. Benefits of ... Benefits of Trade Schools

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Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)

What are Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)? Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) are colleges with greater than 25% of their undergraduate enrollment identifying as Hispanic or Latinx. This designation makes HSIs eligible for government funding which provides students with resources for student success. Dating back to the 1980’s, Hispanic Serving Institutions have a long history in educational ... Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)

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Types of College Degrees

When thinking about college degrees, you may only think about the classic bachelor’s degree you earn at a four-year university. However, there are all different types out there! Read on to learn more: Certificate Programs Undergraduate certificate programs are short-term training programs that prepare students for immediate employment. You can find these programs at community ... Types of College Degrees

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5 Careers Working With Children

If you enjoy working with tiny humans and impacting the leaders of tomorrow, perhaps a career working with children is right for you! We’ve highlighted five professions that work specifically with children. Within our highlight, we will briefly describe the role, review the required education, and link you to the median salary. Just an important ... 5 Careers Working With Children

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Matching Your College Major to Career Goals

As a college student, it’s okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to do after you graduate. You have plenty of time to figure it out! However, there are some steps you can take to make sure you are matching your college major to your career goals. Work backwards We recommend figuring out ... Matching Your College Major to Career Goals

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All About Certificate Programs

When planning for your future, don’t forget about certificate programs. They are a prime option for students who aren’t sure about committing to a four-year university. They also suit students interested in a highly specialized field. Read on to learn more about these programs.  What Are They? Undergraduate certificate programs are short-term training programs that ... All About Certificate Programs

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Apprenticeships May Be Right For You

What is an Apprenticeship? Apprenticeships have been around since ancient times, allowing craftsmen to supervise and pass along knowledge to younger generations. The purpose of these relationships is to maintain the quality of a trade. Nowadays, apprenticeships include time in the classroom. According to the Department of Labor, apprentices are required around 144 hours of ... Apprenticeships May Be Right For You

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Tips for Choosing a Career

There is no doubt that choosing a career is an overwhelming undertaking. With so many choices, how could anyone ever decide? Here are some simple steps to get you thinking about your future goals and endeavors. 1. Evaluate yourself Gauge your values, interests, soft skills, aptitudes, and personality traits. By taking into account these vital ... Tips for Choosing a Career

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Sending Your Scores for College Credit

It’s official! You’ve made your college decision, and now you are preparing for college in the fall. If you participated in AP courses or dual enrollment, it’s important to make sure your chosen college gets your scores and college grades. That way, you receive college credit for all your hard work. Here’s a guide to sending ... Sending Your Scores for College Credit

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Preparing Your Student for College Applications

Your role as a family member or mentor is crucial in supporting your student through college applications. Once they create a college application list based on fit and match, it is time to prepare for college application season. Here are five actions you can do to support your student. In doing so, you will equip your student to ... Preparing Your Student for College Applications

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Applying Test-Optional: Should You Still Take the ACT or SAT?

With more and more schools going test-optional, you may be wondering if you should still take the ACT or SAT. To clarify, when colleges are test-optional, they are waiving the requirement of ACT or SAT test scores. This gives you the choice to submit testing scores or not. Here we will discuss the benefits and ... Applying Test-Optional: Should You Still Take the ACT or SAT?

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Gearing Up for Standardized Tests

If standardized testing stresses you out, you are not alone. There are ways to test prep that will help you go into standardized tests with confidence. We’ve listed test-taking tips for before and during your exam. Before the Standardized Test 1. Switch your study activities Consider mixing in different elements from other learning styles such ... Gearing Up for Standardized Tests

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Supporting Your Student In Determining If College Is Right for Them

You want what is best for your student. You might also be feeling overwhelmed by what life after high school holds for them and what your influence in that time will (or should) be. We’re here to help break this down into steps so that you feel empowered and able to be an important influencer ... Supporting Your Student In Determining If College Is Right for Them

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