Blog and Student Resource Center - The College Monk

Federal student loan interest rates for 2025–26, how rates are set each May, origination fees, daily interest math, private loan factors, and smart ways to lower your cost—plus a quick comparison to 2024–25 and a borrower checklist.

A practical 2025 checklist of college application mistakes to avoid: deadlines and portals, test-optional traps, essay/AI pitfalls, activities lists, recommendations, transcripts, financial aid, file-naming, and final pre-submit audits—with quick fixes and copy-paste emails.

A clear 2025 guide to micro-credentials vs degrees: what counts as a micro-credential, when employers value them, ROI math, how to vet programs, stackable credit, ATS/LinkedIn tips, and when you still need a degree or licensure.

A plain-English 2025 guide to tuition-free college: what “tuition-free” actually covers, last-dollar vs first-dollar programs, who qualifies, how to apply step-by-step, fine print to watch, and ways to cover fees, books, and housing.

A clear 2025 guide comparing part-time jobs vs internships: pay, credit and workload, resume impact, recruiting timelines, international student rules, how to choose (with a scoring matrix), and scripts to land either fast—plus ways to stack both without burning out.

A practical 2025 guide to the best part-time jobs for college students: on-campus vs off-campus vs remote, typical pay, schedule fit, skills gained, work-study rules, international student limits, how to find roles fast, and scripts—plus ROI math and resume bullets.

A practical parents’ guide to college admissions in 2025: month-by-month timeline, what to do (and not do), essays and recommendations support, testing and campus visits, financial aid basics, family communication rules, and copy-paste email templates.

A student-friendly 2025 guide to OER: what counts as Open Educational Resources, where to find quality free textbooks and courses, Creative Commons licensing, accessibility tips, a switch-over checklist, and how OER cuts your total college costs.

A step-by-step 2025 guide to community college transfer: how to pick classes that transfer, use articulation agreements and 2+2 pathways, hit GPA/credit targets, fund your degree, and apply on time—with checklists, timelines, and advisor email templates.

A practical 2025 guide to scholarships for minority students—60+ opportunities by community and major, application checklists, essay tips, deadline calendar, and ways to stack awards with financial aid.

A practical 2025 guide to student credit cards—how to choose the right starter card, avoid interest, keep utilization low, use secured and authorized-user strategies, qualify as an international student, and follow a 90-day plan to build credit safely.

Thinking about dropping a college class in 2025? Learn the difference between drop vs withdrawal, how a “W” affects your transcript and GPA, refund deadlines, financial aid (Pell, loans, SAP, R2T4), international/athlete rules, and exact steps—plus advisor and financial-aid email templates.

Major vs location in 2025—what should drive your college choice? Use this decision guide to compare program strength, cost and financial aid, internships and careers, campus life, and ROI—plus a scoring matrix you can copy.

A 2025 guide comparing part-time vs full-time college: credit loads, cost and financial aid impact (FAFSA, Pell, loans, SAP), time-to-degree math, work-study balance, sample schedules, and a quick decision framework.

A clear 2025 guide to high school vs college: schedules, grading and GPA, professors and support, freedom and time management, costs and financial aid, campus life, and a 30-60-90 day success plan.

A practical 2025 time-management guide for college students: weekly templates, time-blocking, Pomodoro, prioritization frameworks, study schedules, digital hygiene, and sample scripts—plus quick fixes for procrastination.

A clear 2025 guide to college accreditation: regional vs national vs programmatic, how it affects aid, transfer, licensure, and jobs, plus a 5-minute verification checklist, red flags, and myths.

A practical 2025 guide to common college interview questions—what admissions asks, how to structure winning answers (with samples), questions to ask your interviewer, virtual setup tips, and a printable checklist.

A no-fluff 2025 guide to the perfect college resume: one-page ATS format, sections to include, data-driven bullets, keyword strategy, examples by major, and a free copy-paste template.

A practical 2025 playbook to turn alumni networks into jobs and internships: where to find alumni, outreach scripts, event strategy, referral etiquette, a 6-week plan, tracking system, and ROI metrics.