Your Portfolio as a Living Document: Quarterly Check-in & Update Strategy
Resume and Portfolio BuildingYou’ve built your digital portfolio – congratulations! But your work isn’t quite done. Think of yo... Read More
Ethical Considerations in Portfolio Building: Citing Sources, Giving Credit & Avoiding Plagiarism
Resume and Portfolio BuildingYour portfolio is a showcase of your abilities and accomplishments. Maintaining honesty and integrity in how y... Read More
Portfolio Peer Review Party: A Fun Guide to Getting Actionable Feedback
Resume and Portfolio BuildingYou’ve spent hours building your digital portfolio, adding projects, and polishing descriptions. But how... Read More
Language Skills on Your Resume/Portfolio: Showcasing Fluency & Cultural Competence
Resume and Portfolio BuildingBeing able to communicate in more than one language is a fantastic skill. It opens doors, connects cultures, a... Read More
The One-Page Resume Rule: When to Break It (and How) for College Applications
Resume and Portfolio BuildingYou’ve probably heard the golden rule: keep your resume to one page. For most job applications and many ... Read More
Curating Your Online Presence: Aligning Your Portfolio with LinkedIn & Handshake
Resume and Portfolio BuildingIn today’s world, your online presence often forms a first impression. For students and recent grads, ke... Read More
Using Your Portfolio in College Interviews (Virtual or In-Person): A Quick Reference Guide
Resume and Portfolio BuildingYou’ve built a great digital portfolio showcasing your projects and skills. Now you have a college interview c... Read More
From Idea to Impact: Documenting a Passion Project for Your Portfolio
Resume and Portfolio BuildingPassion projects – things you create or pursue outside of school simply because you’re interested – are ... Read More
Getting Granular: Showcasing Specific Software & Tech Skills (Beyond “Microsoft Office”)
Resume and Portfolio BuildingAlmost everyone uses basic computer programs these days. Listing “Proficient in Microsoft Office” ... Read More
Accessibility Matters: Making Your Digital Portfolio User-Friendly for Everyone
Resume and Portfolio BuildingYou’ve worked hard building your digital portfolio to showcase your skills and projects. But have you th... Read More
The Micro-Internship & Gig Work Resume: Showcasing Short-Term Experiences Effectively
Resume and Portfolio BuildingMaybe you didn’t have a traditional summer internship. Instead, perhaps you completed a few short projec... Read More
Portfolio Content Checklist: What to Gather BEFORE You Start Building
Resume and Portfolio BuildingSo, you’ve decided to create a digital portfolio for your college applications or job search. That’s gre... Read More
Documenting Group Projects for Your Portfolio: Showcasing Collaboration AND Individual Contribution
Resume and Portfolio BuildingGroup projects are common in school and activities. They teach valuable skills like teamwork and communication... Read More
Visual Storytelling in Your Portfolio: Using Infographics & Design (Even If You’re Not an Artist)
Resume and Portfolio BuildingYour digital portfolio showcases your achievements and projects. While text is important, adding some simple v... Read More
The “Brag Sheet” Revisited: Using It to Power Your Resume AND Recommendations
Resume and Portfolio BuildingYou’ve probably heard about making a “brag sheet” for your teachers or counselors when askin... Read More
Building a Portfolio for Direct Admit Programs (Nursing, Business, Engineering)
Resume and Portfolio BuildingGetting accepted directly into a specific major like nursing, business, or engineering is a big deal. These &#... Read More
From Gaming Wins to Resume Skills: Translating Non-Traditional Experiences
Resume and Portfolio BuildingWhen you think about activities for college applications, maybe sports, clubs, or volunteering come to mind. B... Read More
“Link in Bio”: Using Social Media to Point to Your Portfolio
Resume and Portfolio BuildingYou see “link in bio” everywhere on social media. It’s a common way to share more information. Whe... Read More
Your GitHub Profile as a Portfolio: A Guide for Aspiring Coders & Tech Students
Resume and Portfolio BuildingIf you love coding or plan to study computer science or engineering, you need to know about GitHub. It’s... Read More
TikTok Resume? Using Short Video in Your Application (Carefully!)
Resume and Portfolio BuildingYou might hear people talking about a “TikTok resume.” The idea sounds new and exciting. But shoul... Read More
Navigating Career Uncertainty: It’s Okay Not to Have It All Figured Out
Career Planning and DevelopmentAre you constantly asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Does the pressure to choose a... Read More
Career Exploration Road Trip: Planning Virtual or IRL Visits to Different Workplaces
Career Planning and DevelopmentReading about careers and talking to people are great first steps. But sometimes, the best way to understand a... Read More
Presenting Your Personal Brand: Elevator Pitch Practice for Students
Career Planning and DevelopmentImagine you’re at a college fair, a networking event, or even just meeting someone interesting, and they... Read More
The Gen Z Workplace: What to Expect (Remote Work, Flexibility, Purpose-Driven Companies)
Career Planning and DevelopmentAs you start thinking about internships and future careers, it’s helpful to understand that the workplac... Read More
Reverse Engineering Your Dream Career: Identifying Skills & Experiences Needed NOW
Career Planning and DevelopmentThinking about your future career can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? One powerful approach is car... Read More
“What Can I Do With a Major In…?” – Deep Dive Series (Psychology Example)
Career Planning and DevelopmentPsychology is a popular major, exploring the fascinating complexities of the human mind and behavior. But a co... Read More
The Importance of Global Competence in Today’s Job Market
Career Planning and DevelopmentWe live on a connected planet. Businesses operate across borders, teams collaborate internationally, and cultu... Read More
Using Informational Interviews to Test Drive Career Ideas Before Committing
Career Planning and DevelopmentExploring potential careers can feel abstract. Reading job descriptions online only tells you so much. A power... Read More
Career Paths for Creative Thinkers Who DON’T Want to Be Starving Artists
Career Planning and DevelopmentAre you a naturally creative person who loves drawing, writing, designing, or coming up with unique ideas? May... Read More
The Ethics of AI in Your Future Career: What Gen Z Needs to Consider
Career Planning and DevelopmentArtificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of our daily lives and workplaces. From recommendation a... Read More
Upskilling on a Budget: Free & Low-Cost Ways to Learn In-Demand Skills
Career Planning and DevelopmentIn today’s fast-changing job market, continuously learning new skills is super important. Whether you wa... Read More
Building Your “Personal Board of Directors”: Mentors, Sponsors & Advocates
Career Planning and DevelopmentYou often hear advice about finding a mentor to guide your career path. That’s great advice! But relying... Read More
Career Exploration Through Virtual Reality & Simulations
Career Planning and DevelopmentChoosing a career path often involves reading job descriptions, watching videos, or talking to people. But wha... Read More
From Gamer to Game Developer (and Other Gaming Industry Careers)
Career Planning and DevelopmentDo you spend hours exploring virtual settings, mastering game mechanics, or following esports tournaments? If ... Read More
“Green Careers”: Exploring Jobs Focused on Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Career Planning and DevelopmentClimate change and environmental protection are huge topics today. Many people, especially younger generations... Read More
The Rise of the “Portfolio Career”: Building Multiple Income Streams & Skill Sets
Career Planning and DevelopmentFor a long time, the typical career path looked like climbing a ladder at one company. But the way people work... Read More
Careers That Didn’t Exist 10 Years Ago (and What Might Be Next)
Career Planning and DevelopmentThink back just 10 or 15 years. So much has changed, especially with technology. This rapid change creates ent... Read More
Finalizing Your College Choice: Beyond Fit – Comparing Financial Aid & Career Outcomes
College Applications and AdmissionsCongratulations! You have college acceptance letters in hand. That’s a huge accomplishment. Now comes the fina... Read More
The Parent’s Role During Decision Time: Supporting Your Child Through Acceptances, Rejections & Waitlists
College Applications and AdmissionsThe college application process is intense, but waiting for decisions can be even more nerve-wracking – for bo... Read More
Making the Most of College Fairs (Virtual & In-Person): Prep, Questions & Follow-Up
College Applications and AdmissionsCollege fairs, whether huge bustling events in a convention center or online gatherings you attend from home, ... Read More
Anatomy of a Great Supplemental Essay: Analyzing “Why Us?” and “Community” Examples
College Applications and AdmissionsBeyond the main Common App essay, many colleges require shorter supplemental essays. These often ask specific ... Read More
Decoding College Rankings: Using Them Wisely (and When to Ignore Them)
College Applications and AdmissionsCollege rankings seem to be everywhere. Lists published by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and others ge... Read More
The Transfer Student Application: Key Differences from First-Year Apps
College Applications and AdmissionsThinking about switching colleges or moving from a community college to a four-year university? Applying as a ... Read More
Applying with a Low GPA or Test Scores: Strategies for Highlighting Your Strengths
College Applications and AdmissionsSeeing average GPA or test score ranges for colleges can be stressful, especially if your numbers aren’t... Read More
How Your Social Media Footprint Can Impact College Admissions (The Good & The Bad)
College Applications and AdmissionsYou share photos, connect with friends, and follow trends online every day. But have you ever stopped to think... Read More
Submitting Standardized Test Scores: A Deep Dive into Score Choice & Superscoring Policies
College Applications and AdmissionsNavigating standardized test scores for college applications can feel complicated, especially with many school... Read More
Impact of High School Course Rigor: AP, IB, Dual Enrollment & College Admissions
College Applications and AdmissionsWhen planning your high school schedule, you probably hear a lot about taking tough classes like Advanced Plac... Read More
Demonstrated Interest in the Digital Age: Beyond Campus Visits
College Applications and AdmissionsColleges want to admit students who genuinely want to attend their school. “Demonstrated interest”... Read More
Asking for Recommendation Letters: A Timeline & Etiquette Guide for Students
College Applications and AdmissionsCollege recommendation letters are a crucial part of your application. They offer a personal perspective on yo... Read More
The College Essay Brainstorming Playbook: Techniques to Uncover Your Best Story Ideas
College Applications and AdmissionsStaring at a blank page trying to come up with the perfect college essay topic can feel overwhelming. You know... Read More
Financial Safety Schools: How to Identify Them & Why They’re Non-Negotiable
College Applications and AdmissionsWhen building your college list, you probably think about “safety schools” – places where you̵... Read More
Understanding Holistic Review: How Colleges REALLY Evaluate Applicants Beyond Numbers
College Applications and AdmissionsYou hear the term “holistic review” thrown around a lot in college admissions. But what does it ac... Read More
Navigating College Waitlists: The Do’s and Don’ts of the Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
College Applications and AdmissionsGetting waitlisted by a college can feel confusing. It’s not a yes, but it’s not a no either. One ... Read More
College Application Red Flags (From an Admissions Officer’s POV)
College Applications and AdmissionsYou spend months perfecting your college applications. You want everything to be just right. But sometimes, sm... Read More
The International Student’s Guide to US Financial Aid & Scholarships
Scholarships and Financial AidDreaming of studying in the United States? That’s exciting! However, securing funding as an internationa... Read More
Scholarships for Students with Chronic Illnesses or Disabilities
Scholarships and Financial AidGoing to college while managing a chronic illness or disability presents unique challenges, sometimes includin... Read More
Understanding Different Types of Student Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS, Private)
Scholarships and Financial AidAfter exploring grants and scholarships, many students still need help covering college costs. Student loans a... Read More
Appealing Your Financial Aid Award: Step-by-Step Guide & Sample Letter
Scholarships and Financial AidYou received your financial aid award letter, but after reviewing it, you realize there’s a gap between ... Read More
“Need-Blind” vs. “Need-Aware” Admissions: What It Means for Your Application & Aid
Scholarships and Financial AidWhen researching colleges, especially highly selective ones, you might encounter terms like “need-blind&... Read More
Scholarship Application Reuse Strategy: Creating Modular Components
Scholarships and Financial AidApplying for scholarships is often essential for funding college, but filling out application after applicatio... Read More
529 Plans & Financial Aid: Understanding the Impact on FAFSA/CSS Profile
Scholarships and Financial Aid529 plans are popular, tax-advantaged accounts designed specifically for saving for education expenses. They&#... Read More
Budgeting for College Reality Check: Estimating Costs BEYOND Tuition
Scholarships and Financial AidWhen you look at college prices, the big number everyone talks about is tuition. But the real cost of college ... Read More
Finding Scholarships for Graduate School (Even While Still in High School!)
Scholarships and Financial AidGraduate school might feel like a lifetime away when you’re still navigating high school or just startin... Read More
Scholarship Displacement: Will Winning Outside Scholarships Reduce My College Aid?
Scholarships and Financial AidWinning scholarships from sources outside your college (like local clubs, national organizations, or companies... Read More
How Parent & Student Income/Assets Affect Financial Aid (FAFSA & CSS Profile Deep Dive)
Scholarships and Financial AidFilling out financial aid forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile means sharing detailed financial information. H... Read More
Negotiating Merit Scholarships: Is It Possible? When & How to Ask
Scholarships and Financial AidYou received your college acceptance letters and financial aid offers – fantastic! But maybe your top-choice s... Read More
Tracking Your Scholarship Applications: Tools & Templates for Staying Organized
Scholarships and Financial AidApplying for scholarships is a fantastic way to reduce college costs, but it can quickly become overwhelming. ... Read More
The Scholarship Thank You Letter: Why It Matters & How to Write a Great One
Scholarships and Financial AidCongratulations! You received a scholarship to help pay for college – that’s fantastic news! After the i... Read More
Scholarships for Specific Talents & Skills (Beyond Academics & Athletics)
Scholarships and Financial AidWhen you hear “college scholarships,” you might immediately think of awards for straight A’s... Read More
State-Specific Financial Aid Programs You Might Be Missing Out On
Scholarships and Financial AidWhen thinking about financial aid, most people focus on federal aid (like Pell Grants from the FAFSA) or schol... Read More
Understanding Your Student Aid Index (SAI): What It Means & How It Impacts Your Aid
Scholarships and Financial AidIf you’re filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you’ll encounter a new... Read More
FAFSA vs. CSS Profile: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Key Sections & Required Info
Scholarships and Financial AidApplying for financial aid for college often means filling out forms. Two of the most common ones are the FAFS... Read More
Applying to Liberal Arts Colleges vs. Large Universities: Key Application Differences
College Applications and AdmissionsChoosing where to apply to college involves big decisions. Beyond location and size, the type of institution m... Read More
The “Additional Information” Section: Friend or Foe? When & How to Use It Wisely
College Applications and AdmissionsThe Common Application has a section called “Additional Information.” It sounds inviting, right? L... Read More
Dissecting the Common App Activities Section: Strategy, Character Limits & Impact Verbs
College Applications and AdmissionsThe Common Application asks about your activities outside of class. This section is super important. It shows ... Read More