The Compass Academics Blog
Resources Designed for Academic Growth
ACT and SAT Updates: What to Know Now
For years, the terms ACT and SAT have been synonymous with college entry preparation. Potential undergraduates knew that at least one of these standardized tests would be part of their application process, and preparation often began early for getting the highest...
Taking a COVID Gap Year? What You Should Know
A “gap year” has been a popular concept for far longer than the COVID-19 pandemic has been around, but the uncertainty and tumult of the last few years has definitely made a gap year more appealing for many would-be college freshmen. As CNBC reports, the Fall 2020...
Will My Social Media Posts Keep Me Out of College?
Good grades, a stunning resume filled with extracurricular activities, and a stack of letters of recommendation may not be enough to overcome the challenge of a past social media misstep. These days, college admission boards aren’t just looking to make sure they bring...
Switching Schools? What College Transfer Applicants Need to Know
For some students, transferring was part of the plan from the very beginning. Whether moving from a community college to a four-year school or trying out something closer to home before transferring further away, many college students plan to switch schools at some...
Dorms vs. Off-Campus Living: Pros and Cons of College Housing
College is a time for growth and change — academically but also personally. College students are often living away from their families for the first time, and this chance for independence and autonomy carries opportunities of its own. With that in mind, the question...
What Student Athletes Need to Know about Athletic Scholarships
The myth of the college athlete gives the impression that tons of sporty students are coasting their way through school on the merits of their abilities on the field or the court. We’ve seen plenty of movies and TV shows that give this impression, but the truth is a...
What to Know about Test-Optional Schools
For a long time, taking the SAT or ACT was just a standard step in applying for colleges, and many students began prepping for them years in advance. After all, these tests could determine everything from acceptance to scholarship opportunities. College admissions...
College Freshman To-Do List: Get a Covid Vaccine?
Getting ready for the first year of college is equal parts exciting and hectic. As families gear up for this big transition, there’s plenty to do. From textbook lists to class registration to finding the right sheets to fit dorm...
FAFSA and Financial Aid
How the FAFSA can make college more affordable. It’s no secret that the average cost of college has been on the rise for years, and many people take a look at the stated cost of a year’s tuition and assume they’ll never be able to afford it. While it’s true that these...
Campus Visit Tips
With COVID vaccines widely available and many high school students vaccinated, physical campus tours are coming back. Many families are hitting the road to visit colleges this summer, and we want to provide advice on how to make the most of the experience. Ideally,...
The Costs of College
Before college, the most expensive purchase for most students is a cell phone or a car. For their parents, it is most likely a home. Given that the cost of an undergraduate degree often equates to a home purchase, it would be nice if the total cost of the college...
College List Building
There are approximately 5,300 college and universities in the United States. When looking at the rest of the globe, that number increases fourfold. No wonder so many high school students feel paralyzed when asked to build a college list. Questions immediately arise:...
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