The College Grind

Writing down the unwritten rules of higher education.

Exploring the "hidden curriculum". The invisible system that shapes your college experience

Exploring the "hidden curriculum". The invisible system that shapes your college experience

Learn how the hidden curriculum influences your success in college and what you can do to navigate it with confidence.
Where should you go to college? How to choose a “good” university

Where should you go to college? How to choose a “good” university

The right college for you is the one where you'll be engaged, supported, and able to graduate.
What should you study in college? How to choose a major

What should you study in college? How to choose a major

Learn how to choose a college major you won’t regret based on your strengths, interests, and career goals.
Should I go to college? A question-first guide for prospective students

Should I go to college? A question-first guide for prospective students

A question-first guide to help you decide if college is right for you based on readiness, finances, and personal fit, not pressure or hype.
What is a feeder school? The truth about high schools and college admissions

What is a feeder school? The truth about high schools and college admissions

What makes a high school a “feeder school” and how it influences college admissions.
Building a strong college application without advanced placement (AP) coursework

Building a strong college application without advanced placement (AP) coursework

How to build a standout college application without AP courses by emphasizing rigor, personal growth, and meaningful achievements.
Building a strong college application without standardized tests

Building a strong college application without standardized tests

How to impress colleges even without SAT or ACT results through strong coursework, essays, and extracurriculars.
Do SAT and ACT scores still matter?

Do SAT and ACT scores still matter?

How colleges use test scores, when submitting them can help, and when your time is better spent elsewhere.
How to build a four-year high school course plan

How to build a four-year high school course plan

How to create a four‑year high school course plan that balances graduation requirements, academic rigor, and college goals.
AP classes vs dual enrollment. Which is better for college credit?

AP classes vs dual enrollment. Which is better for college credit?

How AP classes and Dual Enrollment differ in earning college credit and boosting applications.
AP classes vs IB programme. What is the difference and which is better?

AP classes vs IB programme. What is the difference and which is better?

Key distinctions between AP and IB to choose the best path for your academic goals.