Test day is almost here, but there's still time to study. Whether you're well-prepared, semi-prepared or not at all prepared, we have several last-minute prep strategies that can help you boost your score. Note: SAT deducts points for incorrect answers but there is no penalty for questions left blank. The ACT does not deduct points for incorrect answers. What this means ...

One of the most important steps in applying to college is figuring out which ones you're going to apply to (go figure). I haven't made up an official list of colleges I'm applying to yet, but I do know what I'm interested in. My views have gone through a long evolution, and if you look at the past three years, I've ...

Want to try something new? Really new? That list of majors in the course catalog isn’t static. As technology advances and business evolves, fields of study that weren’t imagined or that may have been limited to a few specialized classes emerge as full-blown majors. Check out these 10 fields of study that hardly existed a decade ago. 1. New Media Online ...

Graduate school requires a lot of hard work, a lot of time and a lot more money. So it's important to consider these issues when deciding whether or not to pursue a graduate degree, and just what level of degree you want to attain. General Definitions A general master's degree can either be a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of ...

Many college students choose a major simply because it interests them. Others decide on a major that will guide them toward a specific career. But what if you want to do more? Depending on your school, you may have more options than you think. Adding a minor or a double or dual major can enhance your academic experience and give you ...

Applying to college for the first time is complicated enough, but the process of transferring from a two-year to a four-year college can be dizzying. With little consistency in transfer policies from school to school, there’s a lot to keep track of when changing colleges. Use the tips below to make a smooth transition. Know When to Transfer Prepare for your ...

Richard O’Brien wasn’t sure he wanted to attend a community college. “Most of my friends were going straight to four-year schools and there is some negative stigma attached to attending community colleges,” he says. After considering the pros and cons, O’Brien decided to attend Danville Area Community College and then transfer to complete his engineering degree at the University of Illinois. ...

Before you start researching the average class sizes at your top choice colleges, you should assess your own learning style. Do you prefer a small environment with an emphasis on discussion? Or would you rather be in a large class with a lecturing professor? Both class sizes have their advantages and disadvantages, and knowing the style that fits you can help ...

There are good reasons to go to grad school – to pursue an interest you’re highly engaged with, or to take the next step necessary to meet your career goals. There are also bad reasons to go to grad school. Think twice about earning an advanced degree if one of your primary motivations for going to grad school falls into one ...

You've written the college essay, signed the application and sealed the envelope, all before the deadline. Now, you'll spend the next four months wondering if you'll be accepted to the college you love, or if you'll need to rely on your safety school. Fortunately, many schools permit students to apply for "early decision" or "early action." Both options allow students to ...

Many students spend so much energy deciding on college majors that they sometimes overlook a related – and sometimes equally important – question: What minor, if any, should you choose? As with so many career issues you'll face during the college years, there is no straightforward correct answer. Insofar as prospective employers are concerned, it all depends. But one thing is ...

If you're like most people, you flip to your prospective school when you see the college ranking editions of U.S. News, The Princeton Review and other publications. We all want to see how our choices measure up. But what do those numbers mean? How big of a role should a college's ranking play when selecting a school? Wealth of Information Want ...

Does the prospect of talking face-to-face with admissions officers give you fits? Before your nerves get the better of you, learn what to expect - and how to ace your college interview. Understanding the Process There's no doubt that the college admissions interview causes a lot of angst. And yet, it's rarely the deciding factor in admissions. Many schools don't even ...

I’ve been answering questions that seem to be wildly misled about who actually reads your application. One site refers regularly to the "ADCOMM" -- admissions committee -- likes it’s some alien entity that always acts the same way, and not thousands of individuals. Questions like "how do admissions committees look at essays about my trip to Antarctica?" are almost as nutty ...

So many schools! So many choices! Take it step by step to find the right college for you. Step 1: Develop your ideal college profile You can't find your perfect college until you figure out what you want. Start by breaking it down. Make a list of the characteristics you want in a college. Think about: Size: Large schools can offer ...

A good plan is essential when applying to graduate school. Use FastWeb’s timeline to help you find out what you should be doing and when you should be doing it. Junior Year: Keep your grades up. Don’t allow your plans for graduate school to take your mind off of your first priority: success in your undergraduate courses. Your grade point average ...

Participating in a summer program is a great way to spend your summer. Not only do you experience life on a college campus, you get to explore new fields, earn college credit and make friendships that last a lifetime. But if you're planning on a summer program, you need to act now! Application deadlines come early in the year. To get ...

College planning can be stressful for both students and parents. Long before they face the challenge of finding college funding, students face an equally important challenge - the college admissions process. Filling out college applications and waiting to hear from admissions committees can make for a nerve-wracking senior year. But now schools are taking steps to alleviate student stress by instituting ...

Maybe you're planning to go to school at night while you work a full-time job. Or maybe you're scheduling class time around daycare for your preschooler. Or perhaps you're going back to school after a stint in the military. If any one of these describes you, you're part of one of the fastest-growing groups on college campuses. Non-traditional students include a ...

There are a lot of reasons students choose to transfer colleges. Some plan from the start to save money by starting at a community college and finishing at a four-year college. Others are simply not happy with their choice and want to explore other options. Whatever the reason, if you're thinking of transferring, you need to plan ahead to make sure ...