Joanna Nesbit, Freelance Writer

Joanna Nesbit

CollegeXpress

  • How to Find Inclusive Colleges for Jewish and Muslim StudentsJanuary 2024

    It’s vital for colleges to foster culture and create space for everyone. With the tensions of the Israel-Hamas war, students need to be assured their campus will welcome them, but they need to assured their cultural and religious needs can be met. Here's what to look for.

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  • A Guide to Student Safety and Support on CampusJanuary 2024

    You’ve arrived at college and settled in, and campus likely feels like a safe village to you. But just like anywhere else, you'll need to use common sense and have safety strategies on hand because college campuses include some unique situations.

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  • The Most Important Things to Know About the Upcoming FAFSA ChangesJuly 2023

    The 2024-25 FAFSA is undergoing the most significant overhaul in decades. There are winners and losers with this version. Learn what's new so you can plan for college costs a year from now.

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  • Breaking Down Important State Guaranteed Admission Systems for YouJuly 2023

    Some states want to make college admission easier for their resident students. Here's which states are admitting students directly and how to get in on it.

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  • Direct Admission at Colleges: What to Know and How to Get Instantly AcceptedMay 2023

    Direct admission is a new strategy some colleges are starting to use. The goal is to simplify the application process for students. Read on to learn about how it's being used and where you can find it.

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  • Important Steps to Learn Smart Money Borrowing Practices for CollegeMay 2022

    If your family needs to take more loans than the federal student loan limit, talk it through with your student. What do you expect them to pay back? Will you be contributing? Can they handle the loan limit? Can you? Steps here to consider.

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  • All About Tuition Reciprocity at Out-of-State UniversitiesOctober 2021

    Have you heard of regional compacts? The US has four of them, and participating colleges may offer discounted tuition to students from the region. Each compact operates a bit differently, and not all participating colleges offer discounted tuition for every program. It takes research, but you could turn up a gem you didn't know about.

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  • Important Things You Should Know About State AidOctober 2021

    State grant and scholarship programs differ heavily in offerings. Here's what to know about the types of state aid and how they can help you pay for college.

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  • What is Work-Study? Your Top Questions, AnsweredOctober 2021

    If you qualified for work-study -- it's a need-based form of "self help" -- you can find a work-study job on campus. These can be great opportunities. Here's what to know.

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  • How Colleges are Helping Students Meet Basic NeedsApril 2021

    Lots of college students struggle with food and housing while they're taking classes, and many campuses have stepped up their services. Here's what to know and where to go for extra help.

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  • Financial Tips for Disadvantaged International StudentsSeptember 2020

    University can be expensive for international students in the US. Here's how economically disadvantaged students can pay for their education.

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  • How the Coronavirus May Change the Transfer ProcessJuly 2020

    Whether you’re transferring to a new school for fall 2020 or you’re planning to transfer in fall 2021, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is going to add (or already has added) a layer of considerations to the transfer admission process.

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  • College Search Advice for Undocumented StudentsMarch 2020

    Students with undocumented status have a harder road during the college search process because every state has different laws about financial aid. But with the right guidance, students can find options.

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  • Success with Learning Differences: Important Services Offered in CollegesJanuary 2020

    For parents of teens with learning disabilities, the college search can feel more complicated. It's important to tap into the available resources for a successful experience.

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  • 6 Important Ways To Get Involved on CampusDecember 2019

    Doing well academically is your primary job in college, but it isn’t your only job. College should be a holistic experience, and getting involved on campus is important for your success (blog post).

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  • 4 Benefits of a College Job, Plus Tips for Finding OneDecember 2019

    Studies show that working in college hones your ability to manage your time effectively, teaching you how to prioritize and plan. Good time management often boosts grades (as long as you don’t work too much) and is an important skill that will benefit your career after graduation (blog post).

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  • How to Make the Most of An Undergraduate Business DegreeNovember 2019

    The most popular undergraduate degree is business. It can position you for a career in government agencies, public utilities, insurance companies, banks, brokerage firms, personnel management, finance, retail and sales management, market research, social media management, and many more.

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  • What to Do About Transfer ShockNovember 2019

    Many students transfer to a new institution during their college career, and they may not be prepared for some of the surprises they'll experience. Here's what transfer shock is (blog post).

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  • Foreign Universities vs. US Colleges: What You Need to KnowNovember 2019

    Some students are more interested in getting their degree in Europe, and there are plenty of English-language programs outside the US. What to know if you pursue this path.

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  • How to Team Up With Your Teen on the College SearchSeptember 2019

    As a parent, it's all too easy to take over the college search process for your teen. You might not even realize you're doing it. But it's much better if you act as a teammate, not a coach. Here's why.

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  • Making the Most of Your Campus Resources as a First-Generation StudentAugust 2019

    Heading to college is a big adjustment for anyone, but the "hidden curriculum" of college can be extra challenging for first-generation students (the first in their family to graduate from college). Here's why campus resources help you get settled.

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  • 9 Reasons to Use the Career Center Before Senior YearApril 2019

    Many students delay going to the career center until they're close to graduating, but they're better served by using it early and often to learn about career options, job fairs, internships, and writing resumes.

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  • Important Things to Know About Your EFCFebruary 2019

    In the fall of your senior year, your family will fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to start the process of possibly receiving a federal or state aid package that will help you pay for college (f you qualify). When you fill out the FAFSA, it generates what’s called an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Here's what to know.

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  • How to Help a Reluctant Student With College PlansJanuary 2019

    Sometimes students simply feel overwhelmed with the college search process and don't know where to start, but sometimes there's an underlying issue going on. How parents can help their students get going... or choose a different path.

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  • From Mold to Mice: How to Deal with Dorm Room IssuesNovember 2018

    We all hope our kids have a great dorm experience, but sometimes that room turns out to be less than rosy. Here's what students should do if they run into problems.

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  • All About the CSS Profile: What It Is and What You Need to KnowSeptember 2018

    In addition to the FAFSA, the CSS Profile is a detailed financial aid form that more than 200 colleges and programs use to assess your financial profile. It makes the FAFSA look like child's play.

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