Going to College Articles
Back to category selection
10 hidden helpers
Here are 10 people to meet once you get on campus!
10 residence myths uncovered
Living in residence has changed a lot since you went to college/university
10 ways to ACE the SAT
Predict the answer, know the format and get rid of obviously wrong choices with this SAT and PSAT guide.
24 hours to decide
Your students stress about college visits all the time. Here’s one mom’s account of a college tour with her senior son
40 of the Best Web Sites
Make your teen take a break from IM-ing and use the Web for college planning with these helpful sites!
5 things to know before applying online
Deciding to where to apply is just the beginning
5 things to say as your kids head off to college
Parents and students both face critical issues during the transition from high school to college. Here are some words of wisdom to share with your children as they head off to college.1. Don’t ...
5 things to say as your kids head off to college or university
Parents and students both face critical issues during the transition from high school to college or university. Here are some words of wisdom to share with your children as they head to postsecondary ...
5 ways to get a college
How to decide which colleges to research, visit and ultimately attend
6 steps to financial aid
Follow these easy tips to pay for your education
A cross-country education
How to deal when your child wants to go far away from home
A friendlier FAFSA
Read on for how to decode the FAFSA and get the financial aid you need
A friendly transfer
Transferring loses its edge when there are others to help you through it
A Parent’s Bill of Rights
Important guidelines for you and your teenager
A Planning Guide for Juniors
Use this to figure out what you should be doing to plan for college this year and next!
Ace the ACT and SAT
You can become a standardized-test whiz with these 10 tips
Ace the ACT and SAT
Become a standardized-test whiz
Ace the interview
The college, scholarship or job interview is all about putting your best personality forward
Adjusting to College Life: The first few days
The alarm went off at 6:30 am one last time. This marked the beginning of one of the biggest days of my life, the day I would leave home and go to college. It is every high school senior's dream to suddenly ...
Advancing their placements
More than 700,000 students take AP tests each year. Here’s how the tests change those students’ college experiences
An American in Canada
Canada, isn’t much different from school in the U.S.
An American in Paris
Name: Brian Cleveland Age: 23 What he did: Traveled Europe after graduating from college Brian’s story: I have yet to meet a person who studied ...
Are AP Classes worth it?
Juniors, should you fill senior year with AP work or take less-demanding classes?
Are you college-ready?
This article is brought to you by AESmentor, on the Web at www.aesmentor.org.
Are you there yet?
Are you ready to handle the changes you’ll face at college?
Ask a counselor
Q: I heard once that a student sent cookies with his essay to butter up the admissions people. Should I do something cute like that? What would really impress the admissions staff?
A: Trust ...
Ask a rep
How to begin your college search
Ask a rep
Is a community college right for you?
Ask a rep your transfer questions
Q: How do I begin to search for a transfer college that’s right for me?
A: The first thing to do when preparing to search for a transfer college is to get organized. Purchase ...
Ask a rep-My parents want to come with me on college visits.
Q: My parents want to come with me on college visits. What is their role in this process? A: You may think that choosing colleges to apply to is stressful. Then you get through that process, ...
Back to school
Follow this game for the year and you'll be ahead of the ball
Best of times, worst of times
Living in a dorm means on-campus living with 200 of your closest friends.
Best-Kept Secret for College Admissions
Write a great college admission essay
Book worm benefits
Reading—anything—can boost your SAT score
Busted.com
Computer-crimes investigator Susheel Gupta traces the bad guys online
Campus Life
How a three-hour tour can teach you more than how to make a phone out of a coconut.
Can you hear me now?
Not everyone can handle a long-distance relationship. But if your sweetie is really The One, here’s how to deal
Cardio surgeon
Medical technology may mean new opportunities for doctors and patients, but cardio surgeons still have a place.
Classes that Transfer
Taking courses that your next school will likely accept is one way to graduate as planned
Take the stress out of transferring your classes by taking courses you know will transfer to a four-year ...
College Costs
Don’t be surprised by college costs!
College sports in America
What you need to know
College-planning calendar
Use this timeline to keep your student on track!
Consider Canada
Attending school up north can mean an international experience not too far from home!
Consider the ACT
Q: I’ve spent a lot of time studying for the SAT, so why should I even bother taking the ACT?A: If you are experiencing trepidation about your SAT scores, taking the ACT may alleviate any ...
Controlling Your CASH
Tips on college budgeting
Course choices for the clueless
There area a ton of courses for you to take
Culture courses
We know we’re wonderfully diverse, but how to teach that at college?
Cut a rug
Bonding with your roommates may happen over the silliest task
Dare to dream
Never sacrifice money for happiness, reminds this Ontario student
Dear Mom: Summer school rocks!
Mow lawns or learn a language? Summer programs can be great alternatives to minimum-wage jobs
Deciding not to Decide
Uncertainty about a major can be a good thing.
Do the dorms
Picturing on-campus life as a scene from Orphan Annie? Think again—dorm life is worth it
Do you need a break?
Taking a gap year—time off between high school and college—can give you a refreshed approach to college
Dream school revised
Your second-choice college may actually be your best fit after all!
Early birds
Enrolling in a college early can give you peace of mind—if it turns out to be your perfect fit
Early Decision?
There are many options for when to apply to college
Editor’s Soapbox-Roommates!
NSM editor Laura wants you to make your own decisions about life after high school. Really. But there are just some things she can’t keep to herself. Do what you want, but consider this advice first.
Empty nesting
The tables are turned. Now, mom needs me
Fair Advantage
College fairs can help you with the process of choosing schools
Find a perfect fit
You’ve got the career-picking thing down. Now it’s time to choose the school that will fit you best
Find your best college match
Use these seven tips to find a perfect school for you
Finding the right fit
Ask a rep
Finding your Perfect College
Knowing what to consider on a campus can help you refine your search for schools
First semester advice
A sociology professor in California offers you insider advice for your first semester at college
For women only
What to expect from women’s colleges
Four reasons to say yes to sports
Why you should consider playing a sport in college as a freshman
Generally study
Going liberal-arts can give you a broader view of the world
Get a degree without going to class
Distance learning is the hot new program at many schools. This book helps you decide if it’s for you
Get involved and get rewarded
Your volunteering efforts can translate into scholarship money
Get organized - quick!
Organize your life with these sure-fire tips
Get out!
10 ways to graduate college in four years or fewer
Get your kicks
Route 66, Highway OO … Whatever the road you travel, it’ll be paved with pecan logs and pancake houses
Give yourself a boost
The right mental attitude can make all the difference
Giving back
Volunteers deserve rewards for the brightness they bring
Going Greek?
The Greek system doesn't have to be Greek to you
Going Independent
If your family needs help through the admissions process, consider hiring an independent counselor
Going the distance
Never go to class and still get a degree?
Graduation gift guide
Your friends have worked four years to get their cap and gown. Here’s what to give them for their achievements.
Greek life, delayed
Name: Heather Werle Age: 22 What: Joined a sorority as a sophomore instead of as a freshman Heather’s story: We’ve all been told that what we put into something reflects what we take out of ...
Helping students access their top-choice schools
Today’s high school students face many challenges when it comes to gaining entry into the colleges of their choice. As children of the post-baby boom generation, this group, referred to as “millennials,” ...
Honors colleges
What does being an honors college student mean? We fill you in
How I chose my college
Here's how some students made their decisions
How I chose my community college
Name: Darlene GroveAge: 25School: Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, OhioHometown: Eastlake, OhioHow did you choose your college? It was close to home and offered ...
How much college tuition will you pay?
According to the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing study:8.4% of full-time undergrads attend a four-year college that costs $24,000 and more for tuition and fees. 5.9% ...
How to earn straight A’s
Use these tips for academic success!
How To Get Great Letters Of Recommendations
Now is the time to set your pride aside, to dish out all the compliments you are capable of without gagging, and to hone your skills of flattery. Because you will need two or more ...
How to improve your memory
These tips really work to increase how much sticks with you
How to make 'em want you
Here's what admission reps are searching for in your application
How to make community colleges work for you
Thinking of starting out at a community college? You’ve come to the right place!Students attend community colleges for a number of reasons: affordable cost; distance from home; they want ...
How to make friends at college
The best—and scariest—part of heading to college is starting from social scratch
How to Plan a College Visit
Taking a college for a test drive is a good idea
How to stand out without sucking up
You can have quality relationships with faculty without being teacher’s pet
How to study smarter
Do you want to know the secrets of earning better grades? Some simple strategies can help you study more effectively.
How to take college classes now
Take advantage of community colleges to get a leg up on your freshman year
How to Write a College Essay
So you're ready to start filling out your college applications. Easy stuff first name, address, extracurricular activities. Kind of fun, right? Then you flip the page and see an entire blank piece of ...
Insider’s Guide to College Application
10 ways to master the system
Internships matter
Bulk up your resume and jump-start your career by doing an internship in your field
Interview with a recruiter
How to get past the college interviewer and into the college
Is the PSAT worth it?
What could you get from taking the PSAT?
It's a small world?
Looking for reasons to travel abroad? We’ve got tons
Know the trend
Colleges are using more–specific recruiting ways. Here’s how to help them find you
Know where you are going
In 1981, Eugene Lange, a very successful businessman, offered each of the sixth graders at a New York school a full four-year scholarship if they graduated from high school and were admitted to a college. ...
Law school
You're thinking of pursuing a career in law, start your preparation now
Learn about peace
Programs about peace make for open-minded majors
Let freedom ring!
Senior year’s a great time to test your self-sufficiency skills
Life at a HBCU
Historically black colleges and universities are a good choice for college-bound students
Living in a Dorm
Everything you need to know about living on campus
Long-distance learning
If a traditional university doesn’t sound appealing to you, consider earning your degree online
MAJOR changes
Change is good. But when it’s your major that’s changing, use extra care
Making the most of your college career
Get the most out of college by focusing, having fun, and finding a stable center
Making your case
If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in law in the states, start your preparation now
Masters of what?
Using all our study time to prepare for the national exams doesn’t prepare us for what Real Life offers
Matchmaker, matchmaker
Making the move to live on campus? You’ll be surprised at how your roommate is picked
Meet a college coach? Me?!
Even if you’re just considering playing a sport in college, meeting the coach is a must.
Military now, college later?
If you’re going into the military after high school, read this for insight into how colleges may handle veteran applicants
Minority report
Is the school of your dreams as diverse as you’d like?
Need help?
If you’re going to need more college-planning help than your high school counselor can provide, consider hiring an independent one
Northeast Colleges Transfer Profiles
We’ve taken the work out of researching four-year colleges!
Not just for geeks
The information/technology sector is getting cool again
Online learning
Internet-based courses offer flexibility, but they cost the same in money, time and effort as traditional college classes
Options for students with disabilities
There are many ways for students to get the help they need
Our towns
Should you navigate the big city or stick to a rural community for school? Here are two first-hand stories to help you decide
Parents, avoid financial aid scams!
Beware of “free money” tricks!
Part of the college sports team
Intramural and club sports can help you stay on the field after high school
Patience for parents
In my 20 years as an admissions professional, I’ve become more patient with the parents in the admissions process. I expect much of this has to do with the fact that my oldest daughter ...
Pick a major, any major
The average person changes careers six to eight times—so how are students supposed to pick one major now?
Pick a major, any major!
The average person changes careers six to eight times—so how are you supposed to pick one major now?
Prayer in school
A guide to understanding schools with a religious affiliation
Preparation for the New PSAT
You didn’t think they’d spring a new SAT on you without a practice, did you?
Prevent the Pitfalls
Seize the moment without letting your freshmen year moments seize you
Professors are regular folks
You see them three times a week and rely on their expertise. But how did they get to the head of your class?
Putting up with a problem roommate
What to do with a roommate that's less than desirable
Q&A with Margaret Hoyt, a graduate of Bryn Mawr College
Q: Why did you choose a women’s college?A: Essentially, it came down to how comfortable I felt on campus. I had a tour, an alumnae interview and an overnight visit. I couldn’t believe ...
Quiz: What's your study style?
Should you read alone or get a group together for review?
RAs are there to help
Resident assistants make sure you’re not totally on your own when trying to navigate your freshman year
Room re-do
Eight tips to turn your cement-block cell into your own personal palace
SAT and ACT tips
With these testing tips, you’ll be able to show your stuff with confidence
Score one for the team (and yourself)
Have sports always been a big part of your life? Here’s how to keep that connection in college and beyond
Senior Sliiiiiiiiiide
Slacking off in high school can hurt your future plans more than you might imagine
Should I bring it?
Here’s an honest-to-goodness guide about what to bring to school—and what to leave home
Sports and school
How to keep involved in the sports you love while at college
Stick to the Game Plan
Getting into college is a process, not a stroke of luck
Study abroad
Earlier this school year, I had to write a paper in my English class about one of my fears. I finally thought of a fear that had been haunting me for several months. The thought of flying to Spain unaccompanied ...
Study abroad in New York State
New York state has more to offer than a big city down south. Read on to find out more!
Study Habits of Successful Students
Study Smart, not hard
Studying in the States
Expert advice about your teen’s options in the U.S.A.
Summer and the SAT
As a junior, you’ve still got time to prepare to do the best you can on the SAT
Summer test prep
Visit just a couple SAT and ACT prep sites this summer, and you’ll feel more prepared by test time
Support services
Here are some aspects of the college search to consider if you’ve got a learning difficulty or ADD/ADHD
Take college classes now
Save money and time by taking advantage of community colleges while you’re still in high school!
Talking to your teen
Going off to college is a stressful and bewildering time for students and their parents. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you try to help your teen tackle the college admissions process.Make ...
Ten Tips for Campus Health
The smart, safe way to stay fit
Test drive your school
A summer program was the best way I found to see what kind of experience a school could offer
Test Taking Myths
One of the most detested aspects of applying to college is the fact that you will spend no less than six excruciating hours on early Saturday mornings taking a series ...
The ASVAB explained
The test that high school students all over the country are taking and what it means
The Ball’s in Your Court
How to Play College Sports
The benefits of a community college
Consider a two-year school to start your life after high school
The big wait
What to do between applying to colleges and receiving tons of acceptance letters
The Common Application
The Common Application is the greatest gift you will ever receive from the colleges (besides an acceptance letter). In the old pre-Common Application days applicants had to complete ...
The HBCU experience
Why you should consider a historically black college or university, from someone who did
The inside guide to internships
Work hard, network and always work with a smile for internship success
The major maze
Choosing isn’t easy, but we can help you decide
The myth of the perfect college
How to help families learn what’s best for them
The new SAT
Listen up, sophomores: In 2005, the SAT format is gonna change!
The power of sight
Viewbooks are nice, but look before you transfer to a new school
The recipe for great grades
After a really fantastic meal, I once asked my aunt if she had taught her children to cook. “I taught them to read,” she quipped. She was implying that anyone who can read a recipe can cook ...
The ROTC option--Air Force, Army and Navy!
Don’t mind working for Unlce Sam? You could qualify for great college benefits
The SAT Versus ACT: Which Test To Take
We are often asked which test is easier: the SAT or ACT. Unfortunately, we have a lapse in our powers of divination and can not predict on which test you will score higher. We ...
The scoop on research papers
We contacted writing and researching experts to find out how you can craft the perfect paper
The top 10 languages to study
You’ll be surprised at the languages that will be most useful to you in the future
The way down south
What to consider about school in the States
The write stuff
Try these grammar and structure tips to become a paper-writing pro
To play or not to play
I wondered if I should play a sport in college. Now, I know where to go for advice.
Top 10 crazy college courses
Move over algebra 101
Touring campus
Viewbooks are nice, but make a visit before picking a college
Touring Campus
Viewbooks are nice, but make a visit before picking a transfer college
Trade schools
Why you should consider a career college or technical school
Transition time!
There are plenty of programs available to help you make the jump from high school to college
Trouble in paradise
I was positive I wanted to attend College #1. Then, I visited it again. Read this before committing to a school
TV-show producer
Ready, set, action!
Two years can be better than four
Spending two years at a community college can help your student save money, prepare for a bachelor’s degree and get a head start on a career
U.S. Marine Band Program
This Marine recruiter looks for musicians, not soldiers.
Weird classes
Statistics, English lit, American history and…hip hop? It’s possible!
What are my chances with a 2.2 to 2.6 GPA?
Dear Gen & Kelly: You seem to know your fair share about getting into college. Riddle me this. I am a pretty smart guy who recently took the PSAT and scored 650 on verbal and 550 ...
What does it mean to be Religiously Affiliated?
Colleges and universities with religious affiliations offer unique learning environments for students. Is one right for you?
What does it mean to be Religiously Affiliated?
Colleges and universities with religious affiliations offer unique learning environments for students. Is one right for your student?
What makes you so special?
How you can compensate for a not-so-hot GPA
What to expect at a military college
Military colleges build leadership, character and knowledge
What your mama’s told you all along
Take college algebra as soon as you can!
What's in a name?
You can’t judge a college by its price
What’s a community college?
Community colleges are two-year schools. At a community college, you can earn an associate’s degree in arts or sciences, or you might earn a specific certification, such as in medical transcription ...
What’s a senior to do?
Planning for college takes thought and action. Let us help you plan a successful senior year
Where to live?
Your housing options are many. Narrow your choices with this guide
With honors
If you enjoy depth in your classes, an honors program could satisfy your needs
Women’s colleges
Is a tradition-rich women’s college for you?
Women’s colleges
Is a tradition-rich women’s college right for your student?
Writing Tips To Create An Irresistible Essay
Before you get started on your essays, read a few of the following writing tips. It's a good idea to review them from time to time while you are writing. Also, don't forget to ...
Your Advisor
A knowledgeable and experienced guide for college.
Your guide to a trouble-free transfer
These 17 easy steps will help you make your transfer smoothly
Your internship kit
The summer before your senior year is most likely your first on the job. Here’s how to work it
Your Options for Life After High School
Looking for a quick rundown of your options? Here’s our A to Z list if what to do while you’re in—and after—high school!
Your senior-year plan
Before applying to colleges next school year, take these tips and warnings to heart
|