How I Drastically Raised My ACT Score in Six Months
Jaclyn Barr got to work, and the payoff was an ACT score more than five points above the national average.
Applying
How to Write Admission Essays That Get You Noticed and Get You In
So many students stress over their college admission essays. Story2 helps you write admission essays that get you noticed and get you in.
6 Major Things COVID Changed About the SAT and ACT Exams
There’s nothing standard about standardized testing this year. Keep up with rapidly changing testing policies.
6 Ways the Pandemic May Influence College Admissions Trends
Here are six admissions trends to be aware of as you’re applying to and enrolling in college.
5 Expert Study Tips to Help You Pass Your AP® Exam
Pros share their top study tips and tools to help develop the confidence you need to pass your AP exam.
QUIZ: Should You Go to a Trade School Instead of College?
Depending on your goals, trade school may be a better choice for you than college.
5 Unique Schools to Consider If You Want to Be an Engineer
mpressive engineering schools that stand out for merits other than a tippy top ranking.
5 Colleges for Serious Video Gamers
If video games are more than just a casual hobby for you, add these schools to your college list.
5 Fine Arts Majors Share Their First Jobs
Proud BFA holders share their first gigs to help you decide if a fine arts degree is for you.
QUIZ: Is Your College List Ready to Go?
Putting together your college list is an important task. Find out if your list is spot on or needs to be tweaked.
I Went to My Reach School. Here’s What Happened.
Students share their experiences of navigating the pros and cons of going to the schools at the very top of their college lists.
English Majors Share Their First Jobs and Salaries
Get some career inspiration from the first job experiences of these proud English major grads.
5 Lawyers Share Their College Major and Whether It Helped Their Careers
If you’re unsure what major can serve your goal to be a lawyer best, check out what these lawyers say about their college majors.
How I Improved My SAT Score Without a Class or Tutor
One student’s hyper-focused study method that doesn’t involve a class or tutor. It worked to increase her score and it could for yours.
7 Schools to Consider If You Don’t Test Well
If you know that standardized tests aren’t an accurate reflection of you as an applicant, here are seven schools to consider adding to your college list.
QUIZ: Is an Out-of-State College Right for You?
A basic, but helpful, criterion to consider while whittling down your college list is location — out-of-state versus in state. Find out if out-of-state makes sense for you with this quiz.
The Latest Trends in College Application Essays
Stay up-to-date on college essay trends so you craft your essay to make the best impression with potential schools.
How to Prepare for an Overnight Stay at a University
If you’re heading off to an overnight stay on a college campus soon, here are few tips on how to make the most of your time.
How to Go to College With Your High School Friends and Still Meet New People
Students who attended college with friends from high school share tips for how to maintain old relationships while meeting new friends and taking advantage of college.
6 Types of Essays College Admissions Officers Are Tired of Reading
The essay is your chance to let your personality shine in your application. Be sure yours showcases your best self and doesn’t fall into one of these categories.
I Didn’t Go to Freshman Orientation
College grads reflect on their decisions to skip their orientation and pre-move-in day events.
7 College Packing Tips for Your Freshman Move
Expert tips on how to make your packing and move-in day as organized and seamless as possible.
How to Prepare If College Is Your First Time Away From Home
Things you can do right now, before you leave for school, that will help you cope with flying solo for the first time.
6 Questions to Ask Your Roommate Before You Move In
College RAs and students share their advice on what exactly you should be asking when you talk to your future roommate.
Freshman Roommates: What It’s Really Like to Live With a Total Stranger
Before you take the plunge of living with a complete stranger, find out what it’s really like from these recent grads.
5 Freshman Move Challenges I Totally Didn’t Expect
To help you expect the unexpected, current students and recent grads share the unforeseen challenges they wish they’d prepared for.
How to Find Alumni and Talk to Them
Itching to know everything possible about your upcoming college experience? Talking to alumni should be your next move.
The Debate: To Roommate or Not to Roommate
There are benefits to living with a roommate and to living on your own freshman year. Here, students share their thoughts.
How to Maximize a Campus Tour Over a School Break
Even with emptier campuses, you can get all the information you need to make the best college list decisions possible.
What to Do If You Don’t Like Your Freshman Orientation
The point of orientation is to ease your transition into college life. But what if you don’t like your orientation? College experts weigh in on your options.
5 Students Share Why They Love Their City Campuses
Thinking about an urban school? Read about people who chose city campuses and have zero regrets.
7 Uniquely LGBTQ-Friendly Campuses
If you’re committed to supporting a spectrum of sexualities, genders and identities, why not look for a college that promotes those values as well?
I Had a 4.0: Here’s Why Community College Was Still the Best Choice
A college grad shares her success story of starting at community college, transferring to a four-year university and graduating debt-free.
7 Unexpected Campus Tour Questions That Are Really Helpful
Don’t be afraid to ask unexpected questions on your campus tours. These are the type of questions that help you figure out if a school’s a fit for you.
How to Get the Most Out of Every Campus Visit
There are many ways to research colleges these days, but there isn’t much that can replace planting your own two feet on campus.
9 Eco-Friendly Campuses to Consider for Your College List
If you’re going to college because you want a bright future, it makes sense to want your college campus to be contributing to a bright future for the planet.
Big City vs. College Town: The Debate
Real students share their personal pros and cons of city schools vs. college town campuses.
What It’s Like Going to a College That Doesn’t Give Traditional Grades
Education and grades may seem inextricably linked. But, there actually are some schools that opt for narrative assessments in place of traditional letter grades.
How to Revise and Proofread Your College Essay
What’s one of the biggest secrets of great writing? Revise, revise, revise.
Quiz: Should You Consider Community College First?
As you wait to hear back about your applications, it may be worth considering the merits of spending time at a community college.
The Debate: Are Rankings the True Measure of a College’s Worth?
It's tempting to focus on a seemingly straightforward measure like college rankings when deciding where to apply. But it’s worth digging deeper.
What Makes a Good College Essay Topic?
Not sure what topic to choose for your college essay? These tips can help you get started.
Getting Started on Your College Essays
It's not easy to write about yourself. But colleges really want to understand what makes you tick. Here's how to get started.
The ACT and SAT Exams Are Optional — Should You Still Take Them?
And if you choose not to submit them, are you handicapping yourself?
SAT Advice for Students Who Don’t Excel at Math
Think you’re bad at math? Here are tips that can boost your math score.
Prep for the ACT and SAT Exams with This Learning-Style Quiz
Are you a visual, auditory or a kinesthetic-tactile learner? The answer can make the difference in how you prep for the SAT® and ACT® exams.
Everything You Need to Know to Conquer the SAT Essay
What you need to know before you decide to take the optional SAT essay section and how to score your best.
7 Ways to Make Your College Application Essay Stand Out
When comparing students with similar scores and extracurriculars, a good essay can lift an application to the top of the pile.
QUIZ: What College Club Should I Join?
Whether you want to try new things or meet new people, clubs are a great way to bolster the college experience.
How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
When it comes to college applications, more isn’t necessarily better.
Private College vs. State College: The Debate
Look at what private colleges and state schools can offer. Which is best for you?
College Meal Plan vs. No Meal Plan: The Debate
Stumped on which meal plan to sign up for while in college? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
How to Know If a School Really Cares About Diversity and Inclusion
Do the colleges and universities on your list prioritize diverse voices and representation?
Are Legacy Applicants Really More Likely To Get Into A College?
If your parent went to the college you’re applying to, it very well could help your chances of getting in.
How to Get the Real Story About Campus Life
There’s more to learning about your dream college than guided tours. Find out what campus life is really like using these tips.
Best Study Tips from Successful College Students
Want to succeed in college? Take a study tip from college students.
The Essay That Got Me Into College: My Summer at the Mall
You don’t have to solve world peace to write a winning college essay. What truly sells you? Honesty.
College Housing: Should You Live Off Campus or On Campus?
Students and student life experts offer advice on how to factor community, independence and finances into your dorm living decision.
QUIZ: What Type of College is the Best Fit for Me?
Not sure which college is right for you? Take our quiz for inspiration on where to apply.
QUIZ: Which College Entrance Exam Should You Take?
Not sure whether to take the SAT or ACT? This quiz can help you figure it out.
The Mixed Emotions of High School Graduation
The end of high school can be a bittersweet time for both students and their parents.
5 Expert-Approved Tips for Networking at a College Fair
How can you stand out and make the kind of impression that leaves admissions representatives eager for you to apply?
Is a College Degree Necessary for Success?
When you're facing tuition costs and potential loan debt, you may wonder if a college degree is necessary. Here's what to consider before you apply.
SAT or ACT: Which is Right for You?
Since all US colleges accept both tests, the key is to take the test you’ll do best on. The trick is to figure out which one that is.
How To Get the Most Out of a College Fair
Preparation may just be the key to productivity.
How to Balance Senior Year and College Applications
If you take charge and prioritize your time, you can find a balance between applying to school and managing your other commitments.
How to Study for Your Final Exams Like a College Student
Freshman students are often thrown for a loop when they start taking college exams. Get some practice before you begin college.
7 Ways to Prepare for the ACT and SAT Exams
When should you start test prep? Which test should you take? Is it worth enrolling in a class, or should you just buy a book?
Feeling Indecisive? Here’s How to Make (and Trust) Your Decisions
Decision-making is no easy task. There are a few strategies you can use. Here are six ways to help eliminate anxiety and tackle major decisions.