Changing your major can open doors to a more fulfilling career, but it also carries costs and timing issues. Consider whether your interests, job prospects, and academic standing align before making the switch, and weigh lower‑risk alternatives when uncertainty is high.
Dropping a class can protect your GPA and reduce stress when deadlines allow, while failing may be unavoidable after the drop deadline or when the course is essential. Consider prerequisites, financial aid implications, and your overall academic plan before deciding.
Double‑spacing a personal statement can help readability in some contexts, but many institutions expect single‑spaced, compact prose. Consider the expectations of your target schools, any formatting guidelines provided, and how the layout affects the narrative flow before deciding.
Filling out the FAFSA can still be worthwhile even with a high household income, but it depends on your goals, eligibility for need‑based aid, and the potential for non‑need‑based assistance. Consider how the application could unlock opportunities, while also weighing the effort and privacy concerns before you decide.
Work‑study can provide income and experience, but it isn’t right for everyone. Consider your academic load, career goals, and financial need before deciding.
Taking the ACT Writing can boost your college profile if schools require or recommend it, but it adds time, cost, and pressure. We weigh the benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives so you can decide based on your goals and circumstances.
Taking the act with writing can be a useful habit when you need structure or accountability, but it also carries risks like burnout or reduced creativity. Consider your goals, time constraints, and existing workflow before deciding.
Listing other schools on applications can demonstrate transparency and strategic planning, but it may also raise concerns about commitment and competitiveness. Consider your target schools, the type of application, and the potential impact on admissions before deciding.
Taking the PSAT can be a useful step for students aiming for scholarships or practice for college‑entrance exams, but it isn’t essential for everyone. Consider your academic goals, timing, and college plans before deciding. We’ll walk through when it makes sense, potential downsides, and alternatives.
Submitting a counselor recommendation to the University of Michigan can strengthen an application when it adds new insight, but it may be unnecessary if the school already has sufficient context. Consider the advisor’s familiarity with your achievements and the program’s specific requirements before deciding.