Archive for March, 2010

For many students, moving away from home to live on a college campus with an unknown roommate is enough of an adventure. For others, and for those emboldened by the success and fun of their dorm and college experience, college provides a great opportunity to experience a new country and culture – and get college credits at the same time! So, what’s the deal with study abroad?

Let’s fast forward a bit. For seniors, we’re going to jump ahead only a few short months from now and for underclassmen, a little longer (but believe me, your time is coming). Picture a blazing hot August day. You and your family have packed up the old minivan with all of your dorm supplies and have made the trek to your new home. You pull up to your dorm, where… Read More

Taking the ACT is not a very common practice on the East Coast. My brother took it this past year when he was applying to colleges, but I never heard of the test when I was in high school. I became familiar with the ACT after I started working as a College Guide. Only recently, my school has been encouraging students to take the ACT. It’s a useful standardized test… Read More

Because I came from a fairly low-income household, most of my educational costs were covered by federal and state grants. But not all people have the same financial background. That’s why, on top of submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students should also constantly be searching for private scholarships to apply for. But what are scholarships? Simply put, scholarships are free money that you can receive to… Read More

Last week, a student in California emailed me with some questions about attending college on the East Coast. Going to a college far from home is a great opportunity to experiment with living in a new place without having to commit to more than four years, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when considering this option. This list is not exhaustive, but should help you start thinking about attending a long-distance college or university.

With spring break  just around the corner, what better way to spend it than investing in your future with a couple of college tours? I know what you’re saying, “I want to do something else during spring break,” like spending time with friends, going to the beach, going on a family vacation or even just sitting at home and taking a break from everything. Trust me, I understand, because I… Read More

Recently, I was talking to the senior class president at one of my schools about which college she will be attending in the fall. She has applied to several of the most competitive schools in North Carolina, as well as some smaller campuses, and she is torn between the prestigious names and the best fit. Let me make my point clear right here and right now: always choose the best… Read More

When deciding which college to attend after high school, it is important that you understand that you have many options. You can consider attending a four-year college or university, a trade or technical school, or perhaps a community college. The best way to decide is to think about what type of career or college experience will be best for you. Consider asking yourself, do I want to have the traditional… Read More

Many students struggle with the decision of whether to go to college or serve in the military. Some fear that college will be unaffordable and see the military as way to obtain vocational training. Some simply want to serve their country by participating in the armed forces as soon as possible. And others just want to travel! What many students don’t know, however, is that you can obtain a college… Read More

Are you a junior in high school? Have you heard about the SAT? Debating whether or not you should take the test this year? I think it’s a great idea to take the SAT in the spring of your junior year. Here are two good reasons to take the test now, if you can: You will have one less thing to worry about during your senior year, while you are… Read More