Article library

From classroom to career, we're here with the insights and advice to help you make your dreams happen.

High School

Crush every year of high school

Freshman or senior, your next move matters. From SATs to part-time gigs to college plans, these to-do lists help you tackle what you need to stay ahead.

How to save money in high school

Got birthday cash, allowance money, or side-hustle income? Don’t just spend it—grow it. Our tips make saving simple (and worth it).

Ace your interview

Get ready for your next interview with confidence. Learn how to tackle short-form questions that test your clarity, creativity, and quick thinking. Plus tips to stand out from the crowd.

Where should I put my first paycheck?

Got your first job? Then it's time for a student checking account. You'll get benefits like no ATM transaction fees from us, no overdraft or monthly maintenance fees, and more.

Nearing College

How to choose a college

Choose a college with confidence. From asking the right questions to taking campus tours, get started finding your dream school.

College app deadlines, explained

EA, ED, or Regular Decision? Which should you apply under? Here's what you need to know about the different college application deadlines.

10 ways to improve your admissions chances

Do you have a 3.5 GPA and participate in school activities? You're already halfway to a great college app. See what else you can do to stand out.

Find your true cost of college

Tuition, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and other living expenses—find out how much your education will really cost.

In College

How to balance your busy schedule

Between classes, careers, and clubs, your life is packed. Find balance in the busy with these helpful tips.

10 healthy financial habits for college students

Saving, budgeting, and building credit in college will pay off HUGE once you graduate. Build good money habits with these easy tips.

Graduate college in 4 years

Missing college credits could cost you another semester. Here’s what you need to know about credits and how to graduate on time.

100 life skills for college and beyond

Do laundry, check. Cook a meal, check. Change a flat tire, check! Be the boss of your life by mastering real-world skills that matter.

Beyond College

Smart money moves for life beyond college

Build your financial foundation. From budgeting to making the most of your first job's benefits, we’ve got tips to help you start your post-grad journey with confidence.

Land that first job with confidence

Write a standout resume and cover letter, make the most of career fairs, and network at your best with these tips to help you navigate your job search.

Student loans? Here's how to stay on top of them

Managing student loan debt doesn't have to be overwhelming. Get tips to help you organize your loan details, understand grace periods and payment strategies, and more.

Thinking about grad school? Ask yourself these questions first

Grad school can be a smart investment—or an expensive detour. Before you apply, explore whether it aligns with your career goals, budget, and timing.

Scholarships

7 common scholarship information requirements

Make applying for scholarships faster and easier by having these common requirements and documents ready to go.

Common scholarship interview questions

Some scholarships require essays or interviews. Nail your responses with tips to answer 10 common questions.

A complete scholarship task checklist

Keep your scholarship search on track and organized with this step-by-step guide.

Can you earn scholarships without the FAFSA?

While you can technically earn scholarships without the FAFSA, it could limit your options and award potential.

Finding a College

Step-by-step guide to choosing the right college

Choose a college with confidence. From asking the right questions to taking campus tours, get started finding your dream school with these simple steps.

What do colleges seek in applicants?

Colleges look for well-rounded students with good grades and high test scores. See what else you can do to make your college app stand out.

The top 20 schools in the US

Check out the top 20 "T20" colleges in the US and see how to use this list as a starting point to building your own "best colleges" list.

Safety, reach, and match, explained

Learn how to build a balanced college list with a mix of safety, match, and reach schools. See what this means and how it can improve admissions chances.

Paying for College

Are there student loans that go directly to you?

Learn how student loans are disbursed, when funds go directly to you, and the difference between federal, school-channel, and direct-to-consumer loans.

What counts as an "asset" on the FAFSA?

When filing the FAFSA application, you'll be asked about any assets you and your parents have, but what counts as an asset?

Can I edit the FAFSA after I submit it?

Yes, you can edit your FAFSA after submission—learn when, how, and what changes are allowed.

College application fees: what you need to know

Learn how much college applications cost, how to get fee waivers, and tips to reduce expenses when applying to multiple schools.

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