Recent Blog Posts
What to Expect at University Orientation
It’s the end of February, which means university acceptance letters are on their way and orientation is right around the corner. Most students are busy applying for scholarships and FAFSA, and even starting to take a look at student housing options. For a lot of new students in 2026, orientation is the first real taste of college life, and it can feel like a lot is being thrown at you all at once.
The good news is that once you know what to expect from university or college orientation, it is a lot less stressful and a lot more fun. Here is a breakdown of what most university orientations look like and how to make the most of yours.
What Actually Happens During College Orientation?
Orientation is your school's way of helping you go from "admitted student" to "actual college student." It usually runs anywhere from one day to an entire week, depending on your school. Some programs are in person, and some schools now offer a mix of online and in-person sessions.
What Does a College Guidance Counselor Do?
If you are planning to go to college in fall semester 2026, your high school guidance counselor will be one of your most valuable resources. Many students do not realize how much their guidance counselor can help them navigate the college application process.
Your counselor is not just there to fix your schedule or write a recommendation letter. They have the training and experience that can make your path to college much smoother. They can help you find and apply for scholarships and figure out your FAFSA application. They can help you compare colleges and make tough decisions.
Understanding what your guidance counselor does and knowing the right questions to ask can make a huge difference in your college plans. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, students who meet with their guidance counselors are more likely to enroll in a college and to complete financial aid applications like the FAFSA on time.
Should I Go to Graduate School?
Maybe you’re getting close to finishing your bachelor's degree. Everyone keeps asking you what you’re going to do next. Some of your friends are applying to graduate school. Your professors might be encouraging you to continue your education. Your parents have opinions, which they share regularly and in not-so-subtle ways. But what should you actually do?
Graduate school can be a great choice for some people, but it is definitely not the right move for everyone. Before you start filling out applications, you need to think about your goals, your personality, your money situation, and whether more education will actually help your career.
My College Companion is a resource for students in high school and college. We’re focused on helping you make smart decisions now so you can have the bright future you’ve always dreamed of. Here, we break down the pros and cons of graduate school.
Four Tips for College Students Who Have to Work
Balancing college classes with a job is tough. You have to keep your grades up, pay your bills, and somehow still have time to sleep. Many college students, especially nontraditional students and students with financial needs, work while going to school. But working does not have to wreck your academic performance. My College Companion offers five strategies to help you manage both responsibilities.
Choose a Job that Matches Your Schedule and Studying Needs
Not all jobs are equal when you are a student. The best jobs offer scheduling flexibility. Employers who understand that you have classes and exams are easier to work with, and campus jobs often provide this flexibility.
Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for students with financial need. Title IV of the Higher Education Act created the Federal Work-Study Program, which pays students directly and schedules around classes. To qualify, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
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.
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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