Setting Up and Organizing

First is your setup. Most dorm rooms will have a bed, a desk, and a dresser. The goal is to make it your own, homey, and comfortable, while not taking up too much space. An easy place to start is with bins. Most dorm beds will be raised and provide room underneath for storage. There, you can place some bins to store extra items. Keeping these bins organized is also key to making the most of your space. Some options are to get bins with preexisting sections, getting smaller organizers to place in the bins, or getting smaller bins all with different purposes. You can also decorate the bins or get cute bins to make them more personal.

Posters and pictures are a great way to make your dorm feel more of your own. While most dorms don’t allow thumbtacks and duct tape, there are other ways to hang things up. Posters can be held up with painter’s tape or specialized poster backers. These are both available at any standard store. A creative way to hang up photos is to hang fairy lights and attach the photos to the wire. It’s easy and aesthetic while providing another source of light in the room. The overhead light of the dorm is often harsh and fluorescent, so getting a lamp or string light in yellow will be better on your eyes. String lights also aren’t as bright as other lights, so it’ll allow you to still have light while your roommate sleeps.

Roommates

Roommates are tricky to get the hang of at first, but as long as you stay communicative, that is the key to a good year. When you first meet your roommate, it’ll probably be over the phone or text. Get to know each other a little bit before going into the logistics of rooming together. Important things to ask when you talk to them about rooming are: are you a morning person or a night owl? When do you usually take a shower? Thoughts on alarms? Are you busy, or will you be more likely to stay in? Will friends be coming over? Do you want to share food or have your own sections in the cabinet? These questions will provide a baseline of understanding between the two of you while also giving you a glimpse of what living with your new roommate will be like.

The showers in the dorm will be communal, and there’s very little room for privacy, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve privacy. If you feel uncomfortable or need more privacy, communicate that with your roommate, and if they don’t respect that, go to the dorm’s RA for help. This also applies the other way around; if your roommate places a boundary, try your best to respect it. It’s fun to have a night in with your friends or partner, but you need to tell your roommate first. This allows them time to make other plans or not be surprised by a stranger in their space. This should be done a few hours before at the very least.

Dorm rules

There will be hall and dorm meetings, and those are important to attend. Like stated before, communication is key, so make sure to keep in mind all of the rules of the dorm building. Something that will be said in these meetings is that candles are not allowed, and while they do smell nice and are very calming, they are a fire hazard, and that rule is meant to keep everyone safe. Be mindful of quiet hours; some people have 8am classes. Some dorms also have rules about guests, and as annoying as it may be, it is for safety. Each dorm rule has a reason, and that’s why they’re so important. The RA(s) of the dorm are a great resource; if you have any questions, go to them.

Going to college is a grand new adventure, and even though it might be out of your comfort zone, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Having nerves and being homesick at first is completely normal, but you will find a rhythm with the person you will be living with. Dorm life can be very freeing as long as you communicate, understand building rules, and make your space your own. If you keep those things in mind and put them into your life, then that first year of college is yours.

The post Intro to Dorm Living appeared first on GirlSpring.

Picture Credit

Those with a strong desire to help others often begin their journey through volunteer work, peer support, or related service roles. For many, this passion eventually points toward professional counseling. Earning your online Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) degree is one of the most direct and flexible ways to make that transition. 

Offered by accredited institutions across the country, these programs are designed for people who want to qualify as Licensed Professional Counselors without relocating or pausing their current commitments. Whether you’re switching careers or already working in human services, this route allows you to meet licensure requirements while studying from anywhere. 

With online options expanding rapidly in recent years, more students are pursuing counseling credentials on a timeline that fits their lives. If you’re ready to turn compassion into a career, the path forward starts with choosing the right program and knowing exactly what to expect at every step.

What the Online LPC Pathway Actually Involves

To become a Licensed Professional Counselor, you must meet academic, clinical, and examination requirements. Accredited online LPC programs offer the same rigor as on-campus alternatives. 

Core Academic Requirements

The curriculum covers human development, counseling theories, ethical frameworks, and multicultural considerations. These subjects build the foundational knowledge required for licensure and clinical practice. Courses are delivered online through recorded lectures, live discussions, and interactive assignments.

Supervised Clinical Experience

Your academic learning is paired with fieldwork. Online students complete a practicum and internship in approved clinical settings near their residence. These experiences total over 700 hours and are crucial for applying knowledge in real-world contexts. Supervisors provide weekly evaluations to ensure proper progress.

Licensing Exams and State Requirements

Before licensure, you must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE). Most states also require post-degree supervision hours before full licensure. Online programs are designed to meet these benchmarks, allowing you to transition into the field without unnecessary delays.

Choosing a Program That Aligns With Your Career Goals

Not all online LPC programs are created equal. When selecting one, verify that it holds regional accreditation and meets your state’s educational requirements. Look for CACREP accreditation when possible, as many states use this standard to determine licensure eligibility.

It’s also important to consider state-specific pathways. Some programs tailor their coursework and practicum guidelines to meet local licensure criteria more efficiently. For example, students residing in the South often look for online LPC programs in Texas because they’re structured to meet the coursework requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas. This can reduce delays in approval, streamline supervised hour tracking, and ensure eligibility for in-state counseling roles after graduation.

Program structure is another key factor. Some are cohort-based, moving all students through in lockstep. Others allow for open enrollment and self-paced progression. Think carefully about your ideal timeline and how it fits with your current obligations.

Key Benefits of Earning Your LPC Online

Many students choose an online format for practical reasons. They may live in areas without graduate counseling programs or need to balance education with full-time employment. The digital format removes geographic limits, opening up high-quality instruction regardless of zip code.

You also gain control over your learning schedule. While some classes may follow a set calendar, many allow for asynchronous participation. This setup enables learners to study during evenings or weekends without sacrificing quality. 

The main advantages of online LPC programs include:

• Studying from any location without relocating,
• Fitting coursework into evenings or weekends,
• Saving on commuting and campus fees,
• Accessing financial aid and part-time tuition options,
• Building relationships through virtual cohorts.

Despite being remote, most programs offer a strong sense of community. Through group projects, mentorship, and live sessions, students still benefit from consistent peer and faculty interaction.

Real-World Application Through Virtual and Local Placements

One concern for online learners is whether they will receive meaningful clinical experience. Today’s programs are structured to ensure that field placements meet state licensure standards. Many universities have networks of approved clinical sites across the country. Others allow students to propose local sites that match program requirements.

Your practicum typically includes 100 hours of supervised training, followed by an internship totaling 600 hours or more. Throughout this period, you work directly with clients under the guidance of a licensed counselor. These hours expose you to different populations, therapeutic techniques, and case management tools.

Even though instruction is remote, your fieldwork happens on the ground. This balance ensures that you’re not only gaining academic knowledge but also learning how to adapt it to real client needs. Supervisors provide feedback through regular meetings, case notes, and evaluations. Technology plays a supportive role here, with digital logs and video call supervision reinforcing accountability.

Professional Impact After Receiving Your License

Once licensed, LPCs can work in private clinics, hospitals, schools, or nonprofit organizations. Your role may involve one-on-one therapy, group sessions, crisis intervention, or program planning. Some counselors choose to open their own practice, while others join multidisciplinary teams. Your training prepares you to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and deliver counseling with ethical precision.

Demand for licensed counselors continues to grow. Communities face ongoing challenges with mental health access, especially in underserved regions. Online LPC graduates are filling these gaps by bringing qualified services to more locations. You are not limited by geography. Instead, your virtual training expands your reach, allowing you to serve diverse populations with confidence.

Additionally, your credential opens the door to leadership roles. With experience, LPCs often become clinical supervisors, program directors, or university instructors. Some pursue doctoral work or specialize further in trauma, grief, or career counseling. What begins as a personal passion becomes a platform for long-term professional influence.

Taking the First Step Toward a Counseling Career

The decision to become a licensed counselor starts with intent, but it only becomes real through action. Enrolling in an online LPC program is one of the clearest ways to move forward. It signals commitment, gives you structure, and places you on a licensure track that matches national standards.

The post From Passion to Profession: Earning Your Online LPC appeared first on GirlSpring.

At GirlSpring, we believe in shining a light on young women who are pushing boundaries, asking bold questions, and dreaming beyond the stars. One of those remarkable dreamers is Nina, an undergraduate engineering student, scuba diver, citizen science researcher, and aspiring astronaut. We caught up with her to talk about her journey, her challenges, and her bold dreams of walking on Mars.

GirlSpring: What first inspired your dream of going to Mars?

Nina: At the age of seven, I received a children’s encyclopedia about space. I remember reading the chapter about the Moon landing and upcoming plans to send humans to Mars. That was it, I was hooked. I dreamt of being one of those explorers, setting foot on the red planet. People told me it was just a phase and that I’d grow out of it, but I never did. I’m still walking step by step toward that dream, hoping that one day, those steps will turn into giant leaps on Martian soil.

GirlSpring: What challenges have you faced, and how have you worked through them?

Nina: One of the recurring challenges I’ve experienced is the subtle but persistent perception that girls are less technically inclined. Sometimes, my ideas would be overlooked—not out of malice, but due to unconscious bias. The way I’ve handled this isn’t by becoming louder or confrontational, but by staying consistent. I work hard, stay reliable, and let my work speak for itself. Over time, people begin to notice and respect your contribution. My message to other girls: never let others define you. Your passion and persistence are your best proof.

GirlSpring: Why do you believe young girls in STEM matter for the future?

Nina: When more girls enter STEM fields, it means that every child, regardless of gender, gets the opportunity to dream big. Representation matters. A girl who loves science might never consider it as a career if she doesn’t see women thriving in those spaces. We can’t afford to leave half the population behind when it comes to solving global challenges and building our future. As technology advances, we need more passionate people in the room, diverse minds who bring
new perspectives and fresh ideas.

GirlSpring: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Nina: Hopefully walking on Mars! But even if that hasn’t happened yet, I see myself contributing to space exploration and sustainability in some way. I’m studying environmental engineering and would love to do my master’s and PhD on renewable energy systems for extreme environments, like oceans, mountains, deserts, and even moons like Europa. I hope to design systems that could help power future space stations or research bases. And maybe I’ll have a few patents under my belt too!

GirlSpring: What advice would you give to younger girls with big dreams?

Nina: Start by clearly defining your goal—whatever it is. Ask around, research, and break that goal into smaller, achievable steps. Focus on building the skills and knowledge you’ll need, and don’t be afraid to get involved in extracurriculars, internships, or clubs. And most importantly, don’t stop trying. Taking a break when needed is okay, it’s part of the journey. But giving up? That’s not an option. When someone says, “You can’t do it,” your answer should be: “Watch me.”

Why Nina Resonates with GirlSpring

When Nina first reached out to us, she asked if we feature girls in STEM. The answer is a resounding yes, and Nina is exactly the kind of voice we want to amplify. She’s not only dreaming about changing the world, she’s already starting to. From scuba diving to simulate spacewalks, to researching sustainable energy solutions for outer space, Nina is showing that science, courage, and heart go hand in hand.

To every girl reading this: Your dreams are valid. Your voice matters. And the stars are not the limit, just the beginning!

Check out more women breaking boundaries here!

The post Girls Should Dream Big: Reaching for Mars with Nina, Future Astronaut and Environmental Engineer appeared first on GirlSpring.

The preset mindset remains that grades are essential for any student who wants to go to a top university and take an educational path to success. This narrative is chanted by so many people around us who technically do speak from experience. Careers evolve overnight, industries are born on social media, and self-made opportunities often outweigh the prestige of a degree.

The Old playbook

For decades the formula has been

Study hard + good grades = success!

This path cannot be labeled wrong as it has helped decades of people land stable, secure jobs; just when credentials were essential and a degree was the marker of intelligence. The same scientists with the degrees have gone on to define new types of intelligence and prove that not everyone’s path has to be so mundane. This outdated formula is also worse for women as academic excellence was fundamental to outperform co-workers to merely “prove” that they even deserved to be there. This short-sighted definition ignored so many qualities such as creativity, leadership, adaptability- the unique strengths that could never fit on an exam paper.

The Big Change

Degrees can also mark economic disparities in society so they cannot possibly define human ability. It is an epiphany that is slowly but surely becoming widespread in society. This is why more and more jobs omit the requirement of a degree, preferring well-skilled and creative workers.

In addition to that, learning in its nature has become different. Just the understanding of the different kinds of learners and the skills people excel in expand the horizons of success and its metrics. Moreover, the accessibility and availability of the internet has made the process of consuming knowledge nuanced: knowledge that cannot be verified on a test if known.

Furthermore, the fall of menial jobs has caused a spike in the frequency of self-made careers. Online businesses, social media and even self-employment like freelancing and publishing allow success to be achieved. The world’s evolution and shift towards acceptance notes the strive for passion which allows creativity to thrive over the few careers that many in the past considered “appropriate”.

Women Who Have Done It

This journey has been walked by many women before you. Notable people include:

• Rosalind Franklin: A ground breaking biologist whose work was part of the foundation that helped us understand DNA structure.
• Marie Curie: The only person to win two noble prizes for her work in radioactivity originally did not have a degree and succeeded in spite of the many gender-based barriers in academia.
• Emma Watson: From a young age she was a talented actor and speaker. She starred in notable roles such as Harry Potter and Beauty and the Beast but also went on to get a degree in Language. Aside from that she is a famous activist for women rights and owns an alcohol brand by passion.

Famous names aside, there are countless women closer to home that have achieved extraordinary things. From friends that are home bakers to those who sell crafts online, there is no shortage of greatness all around.

Everybody and everything is an inspiration: you merely have to find it.

SO… do grades still matter?

The simplest way to put it is that they don’t not matter. This is not a sign for one to drop out of school. Grades are great for opening some doors, especially to technical fields. BUT they do not define your self worth or your ability. Today, success is multi-dimensional: it’s about mindset, approach, skills, confidence and so much more with the biggest variable being you.

Success at the end of the day is the definition you choose to give it and not what people dictate it to be.

The post Good Grades are No Longer the Definition of Success appeared first on GirlSpring.

Fortunately, there are tools and resources designed specifically to help small business owners manage these tasks more efficiently. These solutions enable entrepreneurs to focus on what truly matters: growing their business, building their brand, and connecting with their community.

The Importance of a Strong Foundation

Every successful business begins with a strong foundation. For young entrepreneurs, especially girls and women stepping into leadership roles, building that foundation means more than just having a great idea. It requires managing the day-to-day operations with confidence and clarity.

Digital tools tailored for small businesses provide just that. They simplify complex processes such as payroll management, tax filings, employee onboarding, and benefits administration. By automating these tasks, entrepreneurs reduce the risk of mistakes and free up valuable time to innovate and create.

Streamlining Payroll and Employee Management

One of the most critical areas for small business owners is payroll. Handling payroll correctly ensures employees are paid on time and taxes are filed accurately. For a young business owner who might be new to these tasks, payroll can seem daunting.

Using payroll services designed for small businesses can take the guesswork out of the equation. These services handle direct deposits, tax withholdings, and provide clear reports that make compliance easier. This allows entrepreneurs to avoid costly penalties and focus on growing their team.

In addition, employee management tools help organize work schedules, track hours, and manage benefits. For young business leaders, having this level of organization supports building a professional and reliable workplace culture.

Financial Clarity for Smarter Decisions

Understanding the financial health of a business is essential to its success. Many small business owners struggle with tracking income and expenses or forecasting cash flow. Fortunately, financial management tools integrate seamlessly with payroll and other business operations to provide clear insights.

Access to real-time reports and analytics empowers entrepreneurs to make informed decisions. Whether it’s planning for seasonal demand, adjusting budgets, or considering new hires, these insights keep business owners ahead of challenges.

Growing Smarter, Not Harder

Growth is an exciting milestone, but rapid expansion can overwhelm a business if the right infrastructure is not in place. Small business solutions scale with the business, offering flexibility that adapts to evolving needs.

For young entrepreneurs, this means starting with tools that fit the current stage and gradually adding more features as the business grows. This approach prevents unnecessary complexity and keeps operations manageable.

Building Confidence Through Support and Education

Beyond the tools themselves, education and support networks play a crucial role. Many solutions come with resources to help entrepreneurs understand compliance, tax regulations, and best practices for employee management.

For young women entrepreneurs, access to mentorship, community forums, and expert advice builds confidence. Knowing that help is available when questions arise reduces stress and encourages continuous learning.

Encouraging Girls to Lead and Innovate

Entrepreneurship is more than a career path; it is a way to develop skills, express creativity, and create a positive impact. When girls are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, they can break barriers and become leaders in their industries.

By embracing small business solutions that simplify operations, young women gain the freedom to focus on innovation and community-building. This empowerment leads to stronger businesses and a future where female entrepreneurs thrive.

Making the Journey Manageable

The entrepreneurial journey is filled with exciting challenges and rewarding moments. For girls and young women stepping into this world, having access to reliable small business solutions makes a significant difference.

These tools remove many of the day-to-day obstacles, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on their vision and goals. As the business grows, these solutions grow too, supporting sustainable success without the overwhelm.

Starting smart and building a solid foundation today paves the way for a future where young women lead with confidence, creativity, and resilience.

The post Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: How Small Business Solutions Can Help Girls Thrive appeared first on GirlSpring.

However, before you can reap the benefits of college life, you need to get accepted into your chosen school. While admittance rates vary from institution to institution, this can be challenging, especially if you aren’t sure where to start.

As such, if this is something that you’re currently worried about – you aren’t alone. In fact, a recent report found that “74% of students feel overwhelmingly stressed about applications.” Fortunately, there are plenty of steps that you can take to ensure you’re on the right track when applying for college. 

Figure out what you want to study.

While some people have known what career they want to pursue from an early age, others do not have a clue. This, in turn, can make it difficult to figure out which program you’d like to apply for, or what you’d like to major in. The good news is that there are hundreds of different options to choose from, which means you are sure to find something that catches your eye through a little bit of research. 

When choosing what you want to study, you should take into consideration the classes you currently get the best grades for (or those you find most interesting), whether or not you’d like to focus on STEM or liberal arts, and the industry you could see yourself in in the future.

Find your dream school(s). Before kickstarting the application process, you should have a clear idea of where you’d like to study. There are many different things you should take into consideration when choosing a college, including: 

• Location
• The courses/programs they offer
• Their required GPA
• Tuition fees and scholarship opportunities 
• Size of the student body and diversity 
• Dorms and on-site amenities 
• Extracurricular offerings and societies 
• Greek life opportunities 
• Sports teams 

Determining what’s important to you based on the list above should help you narrow down the list of colleges or schools you’d like to apply to. While there is no limit to the number of applications you can send out during this time, it’s typically advised to send out between 4-8 applications. This will ensure that you’re putting together quality applications each time that are tailored specifically for the course/school, as opposed to using the same cookie-cutter application over and over again.

Work with a college counselor. Reaching out to a company that offers college counseling is perhaps the easiest way to put your best foot forward when applying to college, especially if your chosen program(s) are competitive. This is because they will be able to guide you through the entire process while also helping you build a stellar application that stands out from the crowd. For example, they could help you strengthen your application by participating in relevant extracurricular activities and volunteering programs. 

For the most part, students who work alongside college counselors have a higher chance of being accepted to their dream school than those who do not. 

Look into scholarship opportunities. There’s no denying that going to college can be expensive. So, if you have money on your mind at this time, you could put yourself at ease by researching the different scholarships that you may be eligible for. 

You can increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship by applying early, compiling letters of recommendation from teachers and applying to multiple different scholarships.

Get started as early as you can.

For the most part, college applications close in January (though this can vary). However, you should not wait until the last minute to start sending applications. This is because you’ll then have to rush to get everything together, which means that the quality of your application and any accompanying essays will drop quite considerably. 

Conversely, when you get started on the college application prep early, you’re giving yourself plenty of time to put together a killer application that will help you stand out from the crowd. You can also ensure that you’re then able to increase your chances of success by taking on additional challenges outside of school, such as internships or volunteering roles that relate to the course/career you are pursuing. 

When researching colleges, be sure to take note of admission opening and closing dates so that you know exactly when to work on each application.

Put time and effort into your essays.

The essay is one of the most important parts of your application. This is because it will help you set yourself apart from other applicants while also proving to the reader why you deserve a place on the course. In short, it is an opportunity to: 

• Showcase your personality 
• Demonstrate your interest in the course/program 
• Highlight your skillset and what makes you right for the course
• Discuss any extracurricular activities you participate in that will help you to stand out 

Remember, you should tailor your essay(s) each time you send out a new application, ensuring that you’re referring to the specific course/program you are applying for. 

It goes without saying that you should also ensure that your essay is well-written, with perfect spelling and grammar. While you may consider yourself something of a pro at this, it helps to get a few extra sets of eyes on the essay before sending it off. This ensures that you aren’t missing out any crucial information. 

Ask your teachers for letters of recommendation in advance.

Asking teachers for letters of recommendation is another important part of the application process. This can help the admissions team at your chosen school(s) to find out more about you and your approach to learning. For this reason, it is important that you gather these recommendations in advance – especially when you consider the sheer number of letters each teacher will have to write! Ideally, the letters should come from teachers who are covering the courses that align with your major. For example, if you’re hoping to study classics, this could include your classics and literature teachers!

Try to keep your cool.

While it is perfectly normal to feel as though your stress or anxiety levels are a little higher during this time, finding ways to relax and keep your cool is crucial. After all, this can impact everything from your academic performance to the quality of applications you are putting together. 

There are many ways in which you can relax during this time, from hanging out with friends to making time for your hobbies and interests. In addition to this, you may want to reach out to a counselor or therapist, especially if you feel as though you are struggling to keep your feelings in check. While this may seem a little daunting, they will be able to provide you with practical guidance and stress-management techniques that can help to boost your well-being. 

Final thoughts. If you’re currently dealing with anxiety or sleepless nights at the mere thought of the college application process, you aren’t alone. This is something that everyone goes through! However, there are plenty of steps that you can take to ensure that you succeed at this task, from putting time and effort into your essay to working alongside counselors who can help ensure your application is as high-quality as possible. 

The post Top Tips For Applying To College appeared first on GirlSpring.

Photo by Yan Krukau

Scholarships are the key to making college dreams more affordable, and the earlier you start, the better! If you’re looking to snag some scholarship money, below are some tips to help you stand out and maximize your chances of winning.

1. Stay informed

Scholarships can sound very overwhelming. To get your familiar with the process, let’s start with some rapid fire questions!

When do I start applying to scholarships?

In your senior year of high school!

How do I know if I’m eligible for scholarships?

Scholarships will always have information about eligibility on the application. Read carefully!

I don’t have a good standardized testing score. Should I even try?

100% yes! Some scholarships will not ask for your score at all!

I don’t think I’m considered for needs based scholarships. Do I have any luck?

Yes! Though most scholarships are needs based, a good search can land merit-based scholarships!

I feel lost about this. Who should I go to?

Definitely talk with your school counselor! Not only are they knowledge about scholarships, but they can even refer you to ones! Reddit is also a great place to discover scholarships or get proofreading help (though since it’s an online community, stay safe with what information is out there!)

2. Start Early

Make sure to start as early as possible. Begin your scholarship search in August of your senior year and start applying by September. This gives you plenty of time to research, prepare, and stay ahead of deadlines. Plus, starting early means less stress when things get hectic later in the school year. Remember, even if the fall semester has passed, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing left for you! While it is ideal to start in the fall, thousands of scholarships run through the spring, and even the summer. Better late than never!

3. Start Local

Check out scholarships in your city or state first. Local organizations often offer scholarships with less competition compared to national ones. Reach out to community groups, businesses, or even your school counselor for leads.

4. Make Your Search Specific

Tailor your search to YOU. Look for scholarships based on your gender, future major, career goals, personal experiences, or challenges you’ve faced. The more specific the scholarship criteria match your life, the better your chances of standing out. Take advantage of your differences! There are scholarships for all types of criteria, even tall people and gingers!

5. Keep a Tracker

One of the best tips for receiving scholarships is to have a tracker. Use a spreadsheet or notebook to jot down each scholarship, its deadline, and what’s required (like essays or recommendation letters). This way, nothing slips through the cracks, and you’ll feel super prepared. This is the tracker I use and it is very detailed and helpful!

6. Get Recommendation Letters/Documents Early

Some scholarships require recommendation letters, so be sure to check which ones do and ask your teachers or mentors for them as soon as possible. Giving them plenty of time shows respect for their schedule and ensures your letters are thoughtful and detailed. The absolute worst situation is finding an amazing scholarship, but not having enough time to request a recommendation. Don’t worry about asking for too many, teachers will most likely reuse what they’ve written!

7. Watch Out for Scams

Stay safe while searching! Avoid scholarships that ask for your Social Security number, charge a fee to apply, or seem sketchy. Checking the winner list can ensure validity as well as if the scholarship is outdated or not. Some scholarships will slowly stop after a few years, but never disclose it directly. When in doubt, run it through your school counselor.

8. Reuse Essays and Extracurricular Descriptions

Always remember–work smarter, not harder. Many scholarships have similar prompts, so don’t be afraid to reuse essays and activity descriptions where it makes sense. Be sure to tweak them to fit the specific scholarship requirement!

9. Don’t Dismiss Small Scholarships

Even small scholarships add up! A $500 award might not seem like much, but a few of those can help cover books or other expenses. Plus, smaller awards usually have fewer applicants, so your chances of winning are higher.

10. Stay Competitive

Scholarship applications are like mini competitions, so don’t hold back! Showcase why you’re the best fit by highlighting your extracurriculars, achievements, and goals. Submit as many applications as you can—you never know which one might be your ticket to success.

I hope these tips make you feel better about your scholarship journey! If you’re looking for a general scholarship community, check out r/scholarships on Reddit! I found most of the scholarships I applied to through there! For more scholarship tips, check out this Girlspring article about business scholarships and helpful information! Best of luck!

The post College Scholarships Tips appeared first on GirlSpring.

Start Early

The earlier you begin preparing, the less stress you’ll experience on move-in day. Start by creating a packing checklist and organizing your tasks over a few weeks. This will prevent last-minute scrambling. Break the packing into smaller tasks—like clothes, school supplies, and toiletries—to keep things manageable.

Declutter and Downsize

Packing for college is a great opportunity to simplify your life. You likely don’t need to bring everything from home. Assess what’s essential and avoid overpacking. Donate or sell items you no longer need. By minimizing what you bring, you’ll save space and avoid unnecessary clutter in your new living space.

Coordinate with Roommates

If you have roommates, it’s crucial to communicate and coordinate what each of you will bring. For instance, one person can bring a microwave, while another brings a mini-fridge. Sharing a list of who’s bringing what will prevent duplicate items and help avoid conflicts in shared spaces. Discuss cleanliness and common area rules to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Pack Strategically

Packing efficiently is key to making your move easier. Label your boxes with clear descriptions (e.g., “bathroom essentials” or “winter clothes”) to find things quickly. Use space-saving bags for bulky items and roll your clothes to maximize space. Pack a “first-day” bag with essentials like toiletries, chargers, and a change of clothes so you won’t have to dig through boxes upon arrival.

Arrange Transportation

How you get your belongings to college is a major part of the process. If you’re not driving, think about asking family or friends to help or look into moving services. You can find quotes online for professional movers at www.shiply.com. Make sure you know the college’s move-in schedule and parking policies to avoid confusion. Planning transportation ahead of time will help things go smoothly.

Complete Administrative Tasks

Take care of any administrative tasks well before you move in. Ensure that your health records, vaccinations, and insurance are in order. Verify your class schedule and confirm that you’ve registered for all necessary courses. Make sure your student ID and campus email are set up so you’re ready to go when you arrive.

Prepare for Homesickness

Leaving home can bring feelings of homesickness, especially at the beginning. Stay connected with friends and family through calls or video chats. Bring comforting items, such as photos or a favorite blanket, to make your dorm room feel more like home. Be patient with yourself during the adjustment period, as it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions.

Stay Organized and Flexible

Stay organized but flexible throughout the process. Use a calendar to keep track of important deadlines and move-in dates. Expect a few hiccups along the way, but try to stay calm and focused on the bigger picture. The goal is to enjoy the journey and embrace the excitement of this new chapter.

The post A Guide to Take the Stress Out of Moving to College appeared first on GirlSpring.

The post How to Learn Anything, even Physics appeared first on GirlSpring.

A Final Note
Note that these are only some factors to take into consideration when choosing the college for you. There are several other factors as well, but these are the main elements that helped me decide which colleges to apply for. Take your time to research schools and do what feels right for you! Thanks for taking the time to read this, and good luck on the rest of your college app journey!

The post Qualities to consider when choosing the college for you appeared first on GirlSpring.