Why You Can't Cite Wikipedia

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Why You Can't Cite Wikipedia

You need information. You find the information on Wikipedia. You do it when you are curious about some small idea in the middle of the night, when you are trying to win an argument, etc. It’s the first stop for all answers to things we don’t know.

But you really can’t cite Wikipedia.

At least, if you have an assignment that requires four authoritative sources, Wikipedia isn’t one of them. You are a college student. Here’s why… and the final reason I give is the same as every other teacher/professor: “because I said so.”

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Creating a Side Business

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Creating a Side Business

Life post-college is scary. Finding a direction, building skills, and getting on track for a career is all an overwhelming and extremely important process. One option that can add a little breathing room to the process is to create a side business as a freelancer. I've done that since graduating, but wish I had started sooner. If you have a marketable skill, try building something out of it. You might just create a career for yourself. 

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The Value of Volunteer Work--in School and After (Guest Post)

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The Value of Volunteer Work--in School and After (Guest Post)

Korrin Bishop has leveraged her research interests and volunteering experiences in ways that have enriched her life and led to incredible opportunities. Volunteering is a way to connect with the community, and to get experience in the 'real world' that can guide academic interests and lead to career insights and advancement.

In this guest post, Korrin shares a bit of her journey from Eugene to Washington, DC, as well as providing valuable insights about how volunteering--both in school and in the workforce--can make a huge difference in your journey.

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You DO Need to Study for the GRE

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You DO Need to Study for the GRE

Much as you may dread it, you do, in fact, have to study for the GRE. Applying to grad school almost always comes at a messy, inconvenient life moment. You're stressed out and handling dozens of other projects and goals... but still. You have to learn the test. You need to know the basic skills. You need to take a practice test. And here's how to do that. 

PS I bombed the first time I took the GRE. So for the record, you're not alone. 

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The System: How I Wish I'd Taken Notes as an Undergraduate (Guest Post)

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The System: How I Wish I'd Taken Notes as an Undergraduate (Guest Post)

Good notes can make or break your finals prep and essay writing. In today's guest post, Miles shares his excellent multi-tiered system for taking notes on books--starting with writing in the margins, then moving on to dictating thoughts and copying out passages.

I'm really impressed and inspired by the idea, and hope to integrate it into my reading as well!

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Why I Majored in Comparative Literature

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Why I Majored in Comparative Literature

Comparative Literature is one of those small, interdisciplinary majors that doesn't get a lot of love from mainstream ideas about college majors. But it was an incredible student experience, and one that invited me to delve deeply into narratives and human experiences, teaching me to think around corners and engage with a broad range of theories and ideas. 

So here's why I chose the major, and what comp lit gave me as a student...  

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How to Put Studying Abroad on Your Resume

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How to Put Studying Abroad on Your Resume

Having visited a place and feeling transformed is not something that’s easy to record on paper for a hiring committee or grad school admissions board. Many people travel. Many people claim transformation. So how do you make sure studying abroad is something you can claim and celebrate in your ‘on paper’ future?

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Interviewed on the College Info Geek Podcast (And What I Learned)

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Interviewed on the College Info Geek Podcast (And What I Learned)

For those of you who have been readers for a while, you’ll know that podcasts are among my favorite things in the world. So it's with enormous glee that I share my experience being interviewed on the College Info Geek podcast to talk about how volunteering and internships can lead to enormous opportunities. I talk a bit about the lessons learned and insights gained, as well as my general excitement for the chance to be part of the podcast! 

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What Chronic Fatigue Taught Me About Owning My Student Experience (Guest Post)

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What Chronic Fatigue Taught Me About Owning My Student Experience (Guest Post)

Jenna was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome during her sophomore year in high school. She struggled with energy, concentration, and being perceived as 'lazy' instead of sick. She shares her experience finishing high school and going on to school at Rutgers, and the study and health strategies she developed to eventually own her student experience and take control of her health. 

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Making the Most of Your Thesis: From Classroom to the 'Real World' (Guest Post)

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Making the Most of Your Thesis: From Classroom to the 'Real World' (Guest Post)

Korrin Bishop launched her post-graduate life from the network and experience gained through writing an undergraduate thesis. She shares her thesis writing advice, as well as her perspective on leveraging research into 'real world' publication and opportunities. 

This is a fabulous post for all those out there who have a thesis looming on the horizon and are wondering how to make it happen an if it really matters. Here's how to do it, and why it's worth the work. 

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Calming Parental Fears: How to Approach the College Selection Process

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Calming Parental Fears: How to Approach the College Selection Process

Choosing a college is a momentous decision: one that will have an enormous impact on where you’ll be and what you’ll do for the next four years of your life. It feels like it should be entirely personal, like the only one really impacted by your decision is you.

Of course, if your parents are helping you pay for school, they (quite accurately) feel like they have a considerable stake in the decision as well.

Here are some strategies for managing the college search profess in a way that will make everything far smoother, less conflict-prone, and more comfortable for everyone involved. 

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Sunday Dinners: Not Yo Mama's Porridge from Cath at Peace Meals

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Sunday Dinners: Not Yo Mama's Porridge from Cath at Peace Meals

Today's Sunday Dinner comes from Cath, who is currently at culinary school to become a Natural Foods Chef. She shares secrets to an excellent bowl of porridge, as well as tips and tricks and a thorough explanation for why oatmeal might not be the best go-to college breakfast. 

Check this out for easy, healthy meals that will stick with you all day! 

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Why Alternative Spring Breaks are a Great Idea

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Why Alternative Spring Breaks are a Great Idea

An Alternative Spring Break is a great idea. It’s a particularly good fit for students who place a high value on service learning and volunteering their time, and who want to pair those impulses with travel and/or augment what they can commit to while classes are in session.

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