Your Future Starts Here
You’ll find a collection of resources, tips, and strategies to help you gain clarity and confidence through life’s major academic and career transitions.
Sort by College Planning | College Success | Career Development
Master Your Remote Interview: Tips for Visual Success
In video interviews, visual preparation is also a vital aspect of making a great first impression. Follow these 3 steps for making the best visual impression possible during your video interview.
Common Application Essay: It’s Really About You
The purpose of the Common Application essay — the main college essay — is for the admissions officer to get to know you. This essay sets the stage for the supplemental essays that help admissions readers recognize what makes you a great fit for their university. Before you settle on a prompt, take a personal inventory.
Leverage LinkedIn for Professional Success
As a Certified Professional Résumé Writer and College/Career Strategist, I think LinkedIn is THE tool for job seekers and those who take a proactive approach to their career growth. Here are the top four ways to use LinkedIn to advance your career success.
Career Exploration: Industry and Career Research Tools
Exploring potential career options can be daunting. There are so many different industries and types of jobs, it’s hard to figure out where to even start looking. My latest blog post provides several resources that are great for researching almost every occupation imaginable. Read more for some ideas on how to start identifying your ideal career path.
SAT, ACT, AP: The Alphabet Soup of College Prep Testing
SAT, ACT, and AP — The alphabet soup of college prep testing can be confusing and overwhelming. Know which standardized exams you need and when.
Market Yourself with a Solid LinkedIn Profile
Every successful CEO knows that marketing is key to creating the company’s brand. Think of LinkedIn as the place where you can market yourself as the perfect candidate for the career you want. Follow these tips to project the right professional image.
Study Abroad: Is It Right For Your College Experience?
Study abroad is often a once in a lifetime experience that students remember as a significant life event. Whatever your reasons for considering study abroad, there are several things you should think about before making the commitment.
Outside Scholarships for College - Part 2
An often overlooked component to seeking scholarships is calculating your financial eligibility. Your total student aid, including federal or state need-based aid, subsidized loans, and scholarships cannot exceed your total cost of college.
Failure: Terrible Outcome or Opportunity to Learn and Grow?
When is the last time you failed at something? Did you try something similar again? How did it turn out? Have you ever allowed fear of failure to prevent you from something? I get it; I really do.
Outside Scholarships for College - Part 1
College is expensive, and most of the cost is up to the student and their family to pay. Part of your financial aid package will include the availability of federal loans. Before you apply for a student loan, it’s important to look into scholarship opportunities.
Master Your Remote Interview
Remote job interviews were a common occurrence long before 2020. In fact, they may be one of the few things that companies didn’t have to scramble to manage in the new way of doing business. Learn four tips to master your next virtual interview.
Career Exploration: Volunteering Counts
Volunteering, whether on the frontlines of an organization’s mission, or in a more administrative or research role, provides valuable work experience that may help you develop your career goals and interests. When looking for a volunteer opportunity, step outside your comfort zone.
Social Media Best Practices
It’s vital to remember that people are always watching your online life, have access to your online history, and will judge you based on what you present. Take stock of your social media habits and personality to make sure that you’re not causing yourself potential problems.
College Visits: Go Beyond the Tour
As colleges and universities around the country are re-opening to students and live classes, they are also beginning to offer prospective student tours again. Visiting the schools you’re applying to is a fun and educational rite of passage, so take advantage of school visits before you commit to a top choice.
Life After College: What’s Next?
The first few months after college graduation are a bit surreal for most young adults. A life that was filled with structure, after school time commitments, and due dates is suddenly full of free time. Now that it’s fall and the social calendar is slowing down, you may find yourself wondering what to do when you’re not at work.
What Do I Need to Know About Financial Aid for College?
On October 1st, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and College Board CSS Profile will open for the 2022/2023 academic year. Colleges use these forms to determine aid eligibility. For teens and families, these forms may seem intimidating, but with the right preparation, it’s extremely manageable!
Writing a College Essay: Make a Match with the University
While your essay might be on any number of topics, customizing it to the school of your choice will not only attract admissions officers to your application, but it will also help you solidify your belief that this school will be a good fit for you.
Start High School With An Eye On College
By planning early and maximizing the four years of high school for exploration and self-discovery, teens can enhance admissions results and enter college with confidence.
Welcome to Freshman Year of College
While finishing high school and getting into college was intense, it was all preparation to ensure that you gained the tools, confidence, and resources to excel in your college career. Now that you’re approaching this next phase of your exciting journey, it’s time to prepare once again.
Get Ready for Freshman Year: Packing for Dorm Life
Congratulations! You’re going to college!
What on earth are you supposed to pack?