Recent Blog Posts
How to Find the Perfect College for You
Choosing a college feels like one of the biggest decisions of your life – that’s because it kind of is. But the good news is that there is no single "perfect" college. There are probably many schools where you could thrive, make lifelong friends, and launch your future career.
The trick is figuring out which ones fit you best. Finding this answer takes more than looking through rankings – it involves personal research, scholarship opportunities, a campus’s vibes, and thinking about what you really want out of your college experience. At My College Companion, we want you to find a great school that you will love.
Read more about what helps students like you, and make sure to check out our scholarship listings.
What Should You Actually Be Looking For in a College?
Forget what everyone else thinks matters. Your college needs to work for your life, your goals, and your budget. Ask yourself the following:
What to Look For When You Visit Campus for the First Time
Visiting a college campus is one of the best ways to figure out whether a school feels right for you. Encoura, a major source of educational technology solutions, estimates that at least a third of college-bound high school seniors visit universities.
Different types of students look for different things from their college experience, but some important parts of going to school are universal. Here are some things to pay attention to when you visit a university or college campus for the first time.
Is the Campus Environment the Kind of Place You Could See Yourself in Every Day?
The most important thing is to get a sense of what it would feel like to live and study there every day. Pay attention to how the campus looks, how people interact, and whether you feel comfortable walking around. Are professors’ doors open? Do teachers, librarians, and guidance counselors seem approachable? How do you feel when you’re walking around?
What I Wish I Had Known Before Starting the College Application Process
If you are starting to apply for colleges and universities, you might feel a little overwhelmed. Everyone has opinions about where you should apply, what major to choose, and how to stand out. Here are some pointers from current students and past students who have been through the college admissions process and learned a few things.
Thousands of Scholarships Go Unclaimed Every Year
Most students apply to only a handful of scholarships because they assume scholarships are only for valedictorians or students with exceptional circumstances. But there are thousands of scholarships, and there is something for every type of student.
There are scholarships for left-handed students, for students whose parents work in specific industries, for students interested in certain hobbies, and for students from particular regions. Starting the search early, like sophomore or junior year, and treating scholarship hunting like a part-time job will pay off significantly.
Test-Taking Tips for the ACT and SAT That Actually Work
A high ACT or SAT score can open doors to more colleges, better scholarships, and even increased financial aid. But the truth is, you don’t need expensive prep courses or a perfect memory to do well. You just need a smart strategy and consistent effort. Here are a few test-taking tips that actually work, along with advice on how to make the most of your prep time.
Have a Strategy for Guessing
The ACT and SAT are designed so that most test-takers will not be able to answer all the questions. Either because you run out of time or because you don’t know the answer, you will almost certainly end up guessing randomly on a few questions. This is normal, not a failure on your part.
Importantly, neither of these tests will penalize you for wrong answers; you only get rewarded for the questions you get right. This means you should answer every single question, even if you totally guess.
How Starting a 529 Plan Now Can Make College More Affordable Later
If you have ever looked at the price of college tuition, you know how intimidating those numbers can be. The average cost of attending a four-year university continues to go up every year, and while scholarships and financial aid can help, most families still need to cover a large portion of the bill themselves.
That is where 529 plans come in. These state-sponsored investment accounts make it easier for parents and even students to save for future education costs, tax-free.
Whether you are a parent trying to give your child a head start or a high school student already thinking about your future, understanding how 529s work can make a huge difference in how manageable college costs are later on. Learn a little more about 529 plans here and check out our other helpful information for college students.
What to Expect Your First Few Weeks in College
Starting college is exciting, but many new students are also very nervous. You’re in a new place, surrounded by new people, and learning how to manage your own time for the first time. The good news is that most students feel nervous at first. Everyone is adjusting, even the ones who look like they already have everything figured out.
The first few weeks of college are all about finding your rhythm. You’ll start building routines, making connections, and discovering what works for you. Here’s what you can expect, and how to make the most of it.
Adjusting to Dorm and Campus Life
Living on campus is often one of the biggest changes for new college students. Whether you’re sharing a dorm room or living in a suite, learning to live with other people can take some time. You’ll probably be sharing spaces, schedules, and cleanup with your roommates.
How To Get Into a Big 10 School
If you’re in high school and your goal is to get into a Big Ten school, you’re aiming high – as well you should! The Big Ten is home to top-tier universities with strong academics, research, and name recognition. But getting in takes more than just good grades. Here’s a guide on what you can do now (and later) to boost your chances, plus advice on scholarships and grants.
What Makes Big Ten Admissions Competitive?
First, know that not all Big Ten schools are equally tough to get into. Some are extremely selective, like Northwestern, whose acceptance rate has historically been around seven percent. Others have higher acceptance rates, which gives you more room to compete even if your test scores or GPA aren’t elite.
Students who are aiming for these universities are serious about their education and have often been preparing with help from parents, coaches, and tutors for many years. High test scores, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and clear visions for their future set these students apart.
Going to College as a First-Generation Student
Being the first in your family to go to college is exciting, but it can also be very intimidating. You probably don’t have parents, siblings, or other close relatives who can tell you what to expect. Every step can feel uncertain. Although this isn’t easy, it is both a challenge and an opportunity. You get to set the path for yourself and possibly even for future family members, too.
One of the biggest things that first-generation college students think about is how they are going to pay for school when it gets more expensive every year. Thankfully, there are many scholarships; some are even designed specifically to help first-generation students pay for school. Keep that in mind as you read about what lies ahead. With careful planning, you may not have to handle the costs on your own.
What Makes the First-Generation College Experience Different?
When your family hasn’t gone through college before, students say they have less built-in guidance. You may not have someone at home who can walk you through admissions forms, financial aid, or what a syllabus is. Your college advisor will be a valuable resource here.
How Can I Improve My Time Management Skills in College?
One of the hardest parts of starting college isn’t the classes. It’s figuring out how to juggle everything at once. Between lectures, homework, clubs, part-time jobs, and your social life, it can feel like you never have time to relax, let alone manage all your responsibilities. The good news is that time management is a skill you can learn and practice, and getting better at it will make your college years way less stressful.
Keep in mind that if you are the kind of student who already manages your time well, you may also be academically competitive and a good candidate for scholarships. Working less makes managing other obligations easier for everyone, however, so no matter what your time management skills look like, take a look at some scholarships that you may qualify for.
Balancing School and Social Life During Your First Semester of College
College isn’t just about studying, of course. It’s also about meeting people, building connections, and enjoying new experiences. The trick is not letting one take over the other. Start by setting boundaries. For example, you might decide weeknights are for schoolwork and weekends are for hanging out. Or you could set a rule: finish assignments before going out. This way, you don’t fall behind academically while still making space for friends.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
How do I find scholarships that match my major and background?
There are many scholarships available for students from different backgrounds or who are pursuing specific degrees. By searching online, you can find scholarships for specific majors, as well as scholarships for specific types of students, such as single parents or members of the military. My College Companion can help you find a scholarship that will meet your needs.
Can I still apply for financial aid if I missed the FAFSA deadline?
You will typically want to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) while you are planning to attend college. Submitting this form before you enroll in college can help ensure that you have financial aid lined up. However, even if you have missed the FAFSA deadline, you may have other options, since states and colleges have their own timelines. You may also apply for private scholarships or find other options for financial aid.
How Can I Improve My Time Management Skills in College?
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed as you begin attending college. Attending classes and completing homework and projects may be your main focus, but you will probably also want to maintain a social life and participate in activities, and you may also need to work. Finding the right balance can be tricky, but with the proper preparation, you can set yourself up for success.
To make sure you are managing your time effectively, you may want to set up a calendar to help you keep track of when you need to attend classes or labs while also blocking out time for homework, meetings with professors or advisors, study groups, social events, activities at school, or other events. You can set reminders for yourself, making sure you will not miss any deadlines and will be prepared for exams. Finding ways to prioritize what is important while still making time for yourself when necessary can help you get the most out of your college experience.
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