All posts by Nikki Martens
YesCollege Podcast Coming Soon!
It’s no secret that we are passionate about higher education. But let’s face it, there’s a lot of information on getting into college and succeeding, and it can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’re excited to launch our YesCollege Podcast next month!
In just one month’s time, we’ll release the first three episodes on this website, iTunes, and Google Play Music. And if you follow us on Twitter and Facebook, you’ll see the episodes shared there too!
How to Determine Dependency Status in 3 Simple Steps
First off, dependency status simply refers to figuring out if you need to submit one, both, or neither of your parents’ financial information as well as your own when filing the FAFSA. And knowing this beforehand will help in expediting the process, which is always a plus.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps the government and colleges determine how much tuition you and your family can afford to pay versus what you will still need to pay to attend. Finding out if you’re a dependent or independent student can seem tricky, which is why I want to break down and demystify this process.
The Grand Debate Finale: Off-Campus Housing
The debate is coming to a close, and Team Off-Campus Housing will now present its case. You’ll see that this post is formatted the same way as The Great-Debate Beginnings: On-Campus Housing, including statements from Team Off-Campus with rebuttals from Team-On Campus.
This round of the debate will focus more on how these housing options will affect your finances. Before enrolling in a college or university, it’s critical for you factor in all of your expenses, including where you choose to live.
The Great-Debate Beginnings: On-Campus Housing
When it comes to campus housing, there’s a lot to consider before making your decision. Depending on the school you’d like to go to, you may be able to rule out some of your living options right away. On the other hand, comparing different living options to your personal preferences can help you choose between schools.
In this two-part post, you’ll hear from both sides, Team On-Campus and Team Off-Campus. This week, Team On-Campus will present their case, and each statement will be followed by a rebuttal from Team Off-Campus. The debate begins now, and only you can decide which side wins.
Summer Classes: Great Tips to Stay Motivated
Taking summer college classes is a great way to get ahead in your studies. The warm weather, cool treats, and fun outings that come with the season make it difficult to keep your focus on school.
You’ll have no time for distractions, since it’s half the length of a fall and spring semester. Sit back and relax while you can, and read on to get some great tips from a variety of perspectives on how to stay motivated during your summer classes.
5 Essential Podcasts for College Students
Whatever your plans are for this summer, I recommend adding a few podcast channels to your to-do list. Podcasts are, in a word, amazing. There are literally hundreds of thousands of podcast channels available, giving you quick (and often free) access to expert advice, interesting stories, a good laugh, and more.
If you’re taking a break from classes this summer, it’s still important to keep your mind sharp. By listening to a podcast, you to absorb new information, on-the-go, with a less academic approach.
5 Videos On Getting Involved in College: Extracurricular Activity Edition
You’ve heard it time and time again, “join extracurricular clubs and organizations in college.” These videos go beyond the cookie-cutter advice that you will find with a quick Google search. Each source provides their own informative, fun, and personal insight into what getting involved in college means to them.
Getting Involved in College: Group Project Edition
Group projects are an inevitable part of college, yet they are rarely discussed in terms of using them as a tool to get more involved with your school. They may not always be considered the most enjoyable aspect of college, yet they are valuable nonetheless.
You can’t control the behavior of others in your group. However, you can make it a more positive experience for everyone involved, including yourself.
Declaring Your Major 101
Whether you are going into college right out of or years after graduating high school, the number one question people ask is, “What are you majoring in?” Those of you who know exactly what you want to do when you “grow up” are lucky. For the rest of us, that question can feel like more of an interrogation rather than excited curiosity.
Sure, you know they mean well, but how are you supposed to pick a major anyway? There is so much to do in this world, how can I, you, or anyone, just pick ONE thing?! Relax, breathe, and take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone.
Preparing for Midterms
Midterms are a final’s sidekick; often overlooked but equally as important. If you don’t do well on the midterm, your chances of doing well on the final and passing the class are substantially lowered. Sure, it’s still possible to pass a class without a stellar midterm grade. However, there’s no point in stressing out at the end of the semester when you can choose to prepare for the midterm.