Blog

Find advice and follow the college experiences of our current first-gen student bloggers.

There's No Place Like Ames!!

When choosing a university every aspect of that school has to fit like a glove, - if it doesn't feel right, turn around, jump on the express way, and visit the next school on your list (Seriously). If you're investing you're attention, time, and money into an...

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The Importance of Recommendation Letters

If you are in college, it is that time of the year when you start thinking about what you are going to do with your summer. In my case, being in the quarter system, I am thinking about what I am going to do during my spring semester. There are many applications to...

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Financial What?!

Looking back a year ago, I was one big stressed out mess – so I understand what you guys are going through. Essay after essay, resume after resume, research after research, while still having homework and work and a social life!?! What gives?  Oh the joys of being a...

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Spring Admission

I remember when I got my acceptance letter in the mail. It was a big envelope with "The University of Southern California" on the front. I was so excited. I ripped it open and saw the word "congratulations" and I couldn't stop smiling. But soon my face turned into a...

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Money, a Source of a College Student's Sorrow

Now that everyone's gotten the applications over with, I bet you'd like to relax. Well, don't. Not yet anyway. There's something else...FINANCIAL AID! DUN DUN DUN. Truth is, even though you may get into the school of your choice, or even several of them, let's face...

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Scholarships Are Key

No loans. No loans. No loans. Ever since I learned of the skyrocketing rates of college tuition (even at in state schools), I feared I would need a ton of loans to attend college. However, I turned to scholarships to avoid accumulating debt.  I joined sites like...

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The Excitement of Looking Forward

It’s a new year, a new semester, and a new opportunity to make good on those long-contemplated New Year's resolutions! As I begin the second semester of my sophomore year in college, I’m beginning to realize that I won’t be in school forever; there is a Real World out...

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Confessions

I have to confess…I failed to set any New Year’s Resolutions for this upcoming year.  I don’t have my usual slip of paper with five or seven things written down that I’d like to improve, and I didn’t even commit to trying to lose that extra-comfortable ten pounds...

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Reminiscing for a Better Future

My first semester in college was definitely not what I expected! My social life had its ups and downs throughout the semester. Since I was the only one from my high school to go to Texas State University, I was very excited to make new friends. Everything was great at...

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