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An undoubtedly important part your entire college application packet is the essay. This component is integral to many college's decision-making processes for several reasons. It is your one and maybe only chance to show the admissions team your personality, how you will fit into the campus culture, and what makes you unique. To top it off, there are so many ways to approach your college essay. Do you want to write about a big accomplishment? A struggle? An experience or a failure? 

The SAT and ACT are standardized tests that allow colleges to compare you to other students. In some cases, schools are dropping these tests as a requirement for admissions but most schools still require one or the other. Some schools even use your test scores to evaluate whether or not you are eligible for a merit-based scholarship.

The ACT tends to be more popular with public schools and schools in the Midwest and South. The SAT is the more common requirement at private schools and colleges on the east and west coasts. The most important factor in determining which test you should take is which test the schools you are applying to require. Some students may end up having to take both tests. 

If your child is heading to college next fall, you've likely spent some time pondering/worrying about how you are going to pay for it. Financial aid, the general term for financial assistance provided to families with a college-bound student, comes in two basic forms: need-based and merit-based. Below, we'll discuss the differences and how each is awarded.

You wouldn't be in college if you didn't feel the pressure during finals week, especially if this is your first time around the block. You can beat the stress if you know how to manage your time and discipline yourself. With our stress busters for college students, you won't find yourself pressed for time because you will have prepared yourself ahead of time to succeed!

Your child has made a big commitment by choosing to go to college. Likewise, you are putting a large commitment in your child by agreeing to pay for college. But many parents, like yourself, can't help but wonder, "how the heck am I going to pay for this?"

The sticker price on a college education can no doubt lead to shock. If you see that number and wonder how to pay for college with no money, know that there are options available. Most families these days don't pay the sticker price published on a college website.

Here's what you can do so you don't need to either. 

While internships are indeed a pipeline for fresh talent and new faces around the office, college internship programs (like interns) sometimes need a little push to get going.

Once that push has been made, it can turn your internship program from competent to great and from an opportunity into a process that delivers consistent results.

Are you considering studying abroad during your college years, or working in internation business after graduation? If so, doing an international college internship when you study abroad or after graduation either one may give you the competitive edge you need! Like with any internship, you will receive professional experience and add much needed experience to your resume. But having an international resume will also make you stand out from the crowd when it comes time to compete in the workforce, especially if you plan to work in global markets. 

Did you take the SAT or ACT? Maybe you took both tests because you weren't sure which one was the right one for you or the colleges you were applying to had different requirements. Or maybe you only took one because you felt that you would perform better on that test. Regardless, if you took one test or both and you applied to a "test optional" school or to a school that accepts either type of test scores,  you're probably battling with one question: "should I send in my scores or not?" Not to worry because you have a few different routes that you can pursue. We want you to get into your dream school, so take our advice if it feels right for you. 

The SAT and ACT test a lot of the same content. But two of the major differences are that the ACT has a science section and the SAT has a math section that doesn't allow you to use a calculator. So, if you intend on being a biology or chemistry major, it may make sense to send in your ACT scores because you got tested in science (assuming you did well!). On the other hand, if you plan to go into mathematics related major, sending in your SAT scores might be the right choice for you.

You started off your semester strong by getting to class ten minutes early and finishing projects weeks ahead of time. Now you find yourself in November struggling to complete assignments that are due the next day - that is college life. If this is you, you're not alone. Many college students are guilty of losing motivation over time. In many cases, it's mind over matter! But remember, one of the first reasons why you're at school is to be successful!

Have you ever checked your bank statement and saw that you spent $60 on Uber, $150 going out to eat and $75 on your new fall wardrobe in a month? Yikes! Cue the big sigh and panic. You may have thought, "how am I going to pay my bills, put gas in my car and buy textbooks for the class I've just enrolled in?"

When you break down your expenses into categories such as food, transportation, incidentals, etc, you might be surprised how much you're actually spending. Think about how many hours you had to work for each transaction you made. Was it worth the long hours standing on your feet working retail or running around bussing tables? Hmm.... All of those "little" expenses add up and make a huge difference! 

It's time to come up with a plan to minimize spending, so here are our tips for budget conscious college students.

Ahhhh, November: the aroma of sizzling turkey and tart taste of cranberries; the crunching of fall leaves underfoot on a crisp sunny morning; the cozy sweaters and down blankets.

Yes, it is fall in its epitome, but if you are a high school senior (or the parent of one!), your November might be feeling a little different this year. College application season is in full swing. And while you definitely should set aside some time to enjoy football games, frolic in pumpkin patches, and devour family dinners, there are some major things you'll want to accomplish this month in the college planning arena.

We've rounded them up for you below to help you stay on track.