Third-Party Scholarships and Outside Scholarships: How to Find Them And What to Watch Out For

Once you’ve filed the FAFSA and are awaiting financial award letters from colleges, students should take some time to pursue what are commonly referred to as third-party scholarships, or money awarded from organizations other than the colleges themselves. Third-party scholarships, also known as outside scholarships or private scholarships, can help fill unmet need that's not covered by your financial aid package. However, it's important to check colleges' policies on outside scholarships because different schools treat them differently. Here's what you…

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How to Decline a College Acceptance

After you’ve been recruited and wooed by a college, it can be incredibly difficult to say the “no thank you” to one of them. Here's our advice for how to decline a college acceptance: 1. Say "yes!" to your chosen school First, inform your chosen school that you'll be attending. Submit your deposit before the deadline. Then, write your admissions representative a note — email is fine — to thank them for their help and give them the good news. …

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Community College: Is It Right for You?

Community college or four-year college? The idea of attending a four-year college sounds awesome, doesn’t it? You get to do your thing whenever you want. You are on your own. You are making your own way. But let’s face it, a four-year college is not for everyone. Community college often is the right choice for a student, whether it is a short-term choice, a path to an associates or two-year degree, or part of a more affordable financial plan. Why…

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Make Social Media Work for You!

There are many tips and articles on what you should not post on social media and the Internet, but let’s consider some ways that social media can be used in a positive way. LinkedIn LinkedIn is not only for your parents. This social media tool is an excellent way for you to promote yourself. More and more students are using this site to share their work experience, their successes, and resources as well as finding a job. Start connecting with…

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Greek Life: Is it for You?

You might know already know if Greek life is the right choice for you. But, if you are like many college students, you just aren't sure. Joining a sorority or a fraternity has pros and cons. On the plus side, there are parties, immediate friend connections, possibly a place to live as an upperclassman, and a lifetime of memories to be made. But joining a Greek organization also means additional fees, extra commitments and activities, potentially gossipy girls and rowdy…

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Greek Life: Is It For You?

You might know already know if Greek life is - or is not - the right choice for you. But, if you are like many college students you just aren't sure. Joining a sorority or a fraternity has pros and cons. On the plus side, there are parties, immediate friend connections, possibly a place to live as an upperclassman, and a lifetime of memories to be made. But joining a Greek organization also means additional fees, extra commitments and…

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Anatomy of a College Essay

Rising Seniors--it’s time to start working on your college essay. If that strikes fear in your heart, then I have some advice that may help. I find the use of an analogy—comparisons that are easy to visualize and understand—and then breaking it down into smaller pieces simplifies this looming task. Let’s compare your college essay to basic human anatomy. We can easily break the it down into 5 segments or parts of the body that represent essential elements of the…

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Make Social Media Work for You!

There are many tips and articles on what you should not post on social media and the Internet, but let’s consider some ways that social media can be used in a positive way. LinkedIn LinkedIn is not only for your parents. This social media tool is an excellent way for you to promote yourself. More and more students are using this site to share their work experience, their successes and resources as well as finding a job. Start connecting…

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5 Reasons Why Juniors Should Begin Their College Search NOW

Somebody recently told me that they thought talking to high school juniors this early about their college search was just a scare tactic. The “scare” will be if you put off beginning your college search much past the Fall of Junior year. Why the rush? Here are just 5 good reasons: It Takes Time to Figure Out Your Career Direction Sure, going into college as a “Still Deciding” major is just fine! And, the more you know about…

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Parent Adjustment to College

Seeing your first child off to college is one of the more significant transitions parents face. Advice abounds for parent adjustment to college, but as a parent who has been through this stage, I have some advice of my own to share. These tips will be most effective if you discuss them together as a family and agree on the decision. 1. Accept that You’ll Miss Them If your child is going away to college and living away from home, this…

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