Tips and Tricks Archives - 91�Թ�

FAFSA 101: What Every Family Should Know

Lydia Garrison — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:53:34 +0000

When looking for a college to attend, figuring out how to manage those expensive payments can be stressful. Applying for governmental student aid can potentially offer substantial support but also may seem scary to students and parents unfamiliar with the process. We know this unique period can be a journey, and so we’ve compiled some important information that can help you fill out the FAFSA with confidence.

What Does the FAFSA Do?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a governmental resource for college students seeking any form of student aid. These include grants, scholarships and forms of work study without repayment. This form is free to all students, making it easy to begin filling one out within a few clicks.
FAFSA is used by an average of 17 million students each year, all from different cultural and financial backgrounds. Upon completing the form, your information is shared with schools of your choice, allowing them to work with FAFSA’s information to create a potential offer of aid.

For the sake of preventing fraud and misuse of the form, the US Department of Education actively flags potentially dubious activity within FAFSA forms. This is a .gov website, meaning you ��ǲ�’t need to worry when submitting your personal information.

Most importantly, a completed FAFSA form is often required by many schools before you can receive school-granted scholarships. Schools use the information provided by FAFSA to determine an individual student’s financial eligibility.

What You Need to Have On Hand

You will need to submit several important personal documents, some of which you may need extra time to acquire. The official Student Financial Aid website provides this list of potentially necessary documents for the upcoming 2025-26 school year:

Tax returns
Records of child support received
Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms
Your parent’s SSN (if you are a dependent student)

Whether or not some of these documents are needed for your form depends on various factors, so it helps to have them handy, either for the current form or for later years.

As shown in the list of resources above, dependent students will need to provide the personal information of their parents. Some of this can be completed by the parents themselves on their own accounts, so long as you provide them with access on your form.

Update Annually

Your family’s financial situation may change during your years of study. Because of this, your eligibility for aid is assessed annually, and you will need to fill out a new FAFSA each year. Without an updated FAFSA, you will not be able to receive any amount of financial aid.

While your first time filling out the FAFSA may be more time-consuming than you expect, the process will be streamlined for later years since you will be largely updating only information that has seen changes since the last submission. Even if you decide to transfer schools at a later point, you can simply change the school listed on your FAFSA and carry over existing information.

Be Proactive and Submit Early

While the FAFSA form is free to submit, there are crucial deadlines involved. There is a unique deadline for your school or schools of interest, your state of legal residency, and the federal government. While the federal deadline is typically later than the other two, it is beneficial to get on top of filling out the form as soon as possible.

And in case you’re waiting for there to be a catch, ��ǲ�’t worry! By submitting your FAFSA form, you are not committing to every loan, scholarship, or grant that you are potentially offered. You will be able to accept or refuse any of the grants, scholarships, or loans included in your letter.

Here we go . . .

Filling out the FAFSA is straightforward, but you will need to keep the following steps in mind:
1. Create a .
2. Gather all important documents (see list from before) and ensure they are up to date.
3. Determine your dependency status.
4. Fill out the FAFSA (and have your parent fill out their part, if applicable).

The FAFSA form for the 2026–27 year opens on October 1, 2025. Complete it with confidence at .

What to Know If You Are Considering Working While in College

Laura Rossi — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:07:31 +0000

Deciding whether or or not you should be working while in college means assessing your personal situation. It can be a great way to gain experience, build your resume, and earn extra money—but it also means learning how to balance school, work, and your personal life. Will a job help or hinder your academic success? Should you prioritize experience over higher pay? What would it cost you to get an off-campus job?

For many students, working during college is common, whether it’s to cover tuition, save for the future, or have extra spending money. In fact, some studies even suggest that��

If you’re considering a job, you’ll need to decide between on-campus and off-campus work, each with its own advantages and challenges. Let’s break down the key factors to help you find the best fit for your needs and goals.

Working While in College: Off-Campus Jobs

��Off-campus work is a great option if you are considering working while in college, particularly for commuters or for those who already have a job and are going to a local college. Let’s take a look at the reasons it may or may not work for you:

Off Campus Pros

Networking. Networking is a common term thrown around in the business world. While it may seem nebulous or unimportant, know that you can network even if you are not working in your field of study! You never know what kinds of connections you develop that will push you toward the career of your dreams.
Variety of Opportunity. With working while in college off campus, you have even more options at your disposal than on-campus work. Additionally, if you have a career trajectory in mind, you have more options at your disposal to find a relevant job or internship.
Pay Options. When you have more variety in job options, you also may have variety in pay opportunity! Looking to get a couple extra bucks to take a friend out to coffee? Add a shift into your schedule this week.

Off Campus Cons

Juggling Priorities. When you consider the time and energy for a job off campus, you always have to check in with your priorities. You have to factor in school workload, social life management, and other important things that an off-campus job could cause you to lose focus on.
Complicated Schedule. Sometimes you may run into complications with a consistent work schedule if you work off-campus. If you go home for spring break, summer, or other school breaks, you might not have guaranteed job security when you return.
Additional Expenses. Depending on your college’s and potential job’s location, you’ll have to factor in the cost of gas, meals, and time.

Working While in College: On-Campus Jobs

Sometimes, the best place to find a job is right in front of you. Colleges often offer jobs as student workers or interns in various departments. It can be a great way to earn some cash in a familiar place. But is on-campus work the right choice for you?��

On Campus Work Pros

It’s Right There.��Travel expenses for an on-campus job will be minimal, if at all.
Mentorship. In addition to the familiar environment, you can have a job working with professors or staff you probably already know or will get to know! This allows you to build relationships and further develop skills with those who know you better than others.
Dependable. Some off-campus jobs may not offer as much flexibility when you go home for breaks—especially if you live farther away. Having an on-campus job where you prove to be a reliable worker often means you will stay on staff between semesters and summers!
Earn Credits and Cash. Many times, on-campus work can count toward program internship credits or certain volunteer requirements, making it a great two-for-one deal!

On-Campus Cons

You Have to Act Fast. If you wait too long in the semester, you might lose first-come, first-serve opportunities. Especially for freshmen, plugging into a job sooner rather than later helps set you up for success in the future.
Less Options. On top of acting quickly, on-campus jobs may have less variety to choose from, especially if you want to work in a department or school that fits better with your major of study.
Limited Skill Development. Some on-campus roles may involve routine tasks (e.g., scanning IDs at the gym, shelving books at the library) that ��ǲ�’t contribute much to career growth or experience.

Conclusion: Is It Wise to Be Working While in College?

��Overall, whether you work on or off campus, having a job can add a ton of benefits to your personal, academic, and career growth. Ultimately, though, the choice of working while in college will rest on knowing yourself.

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8 Unique Strategies for Fighting Procrastination in College

Laura Rossi — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:37:37 +0000

We’ve compiled a list of strategies and tips for those fighting procrastination in college. And these aren’t your run of the mill standard “hacks.” We’ve come up with unique methods for fighting procrastination that are sure to get you an A+.

1. Take a Nap

This might be a college student’s favorite piece of advice. If you are bogged down by brain fog or looking at a paper over and over again and get that stale, glazed over feeling, it may be your brain’s way of telling you to take a break. Studies show taking help refresh your brain without leaving you dazed and confused.

2. Get a Friend to Play Good Cop Bad Cop

Maybe you need a friend who knows you well. Once you find one that knows your strengths and weaknesses, try having them motivate you with encouraging words. If that starts to become unproductive, have them take your phone or one of your snacks if you are getting distracted, thus putting the pressure on you to stay focused.

3. Leverage an Intense Motivational Playlist

Another unique tip you can try involves curating songs that are a certain amount of time that will allow you to take a break. Play around with music that might feel . Alternatively, you can try a more unconventional method of more that makes you want to double down and get things done.

4. Practice Fighting Procrastination with Fun

Don’t take a meaningless break. Whenever you decide to take one, add time for like grabbing dinner with friends, taking a walk, or watch one episode of your favorite show. Also be on the lookout for times when your��college’s resource center hosts fun events or offers new resources that help you in your efforts of fighting procrastination.

5. Add Arbitrary Tasks to Your To-Do List

Put some items on your list that you are about to do anyway, like brushing your teeth or putting something away. That way, you can look at a checklist that shows you are already getting things done and your brain gets that “fighting procrastination” feeling.

6. Change Out Your Checklist Method

Try a different method for acknowledging your hard work, because fighting procrastination in college isn’t easy! Whether you use a jar to fill up with (or take out) your tasks, make your checklist into a game, or crumple up sticky notes, there are plenty of ways to show yourself that you are making progress. This gives your brain a tangible way to acknowledge that you are successfully fighting procrastination.

7. Set Up an Optimal Snack System

One of the best ways to fight procrastination in college is to include snacks into your studying. Whether it’s for an hour or throughout the day, focus on timing what you eat for .

8. New Location, New You

Finally, if you start to feel unmotivated or unorganized, try moving your study space somewhere else. This helps reorder your headspace, bringing your mind back to what’s important—your work!

Tips on How to Handle Grad Workload Efficiently

Laura Rossi — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 17:54:43 +0000

Graduate school and the grad workload can be demanding. You already have a ton on your plate as is. With the right strategies, you can manage your workload efficiently and thrive. Whether you’re planning to balance work, school, and personal life, or you’re diving straight into full-time studies, here’s how to stay organized and productive, including links, tricks, and strategies.

1. Master Time Management

Effective time management is the cornerstone of handling the grad workload. With research, readings, assignments, and sometimes your work or internships, your schedule fills up quickly. Here’s a few suggestions on tools to juggle it all:

Use a Planner or Digital Calendar: Map out your deadlines for assignments, exams, and projects at the start of each semester. Tools like

�� These tools aren’t exhaustive. Keep exploring what will help keep your to-do list organized!

Break Tasks Into Manageable Pieces: Break down big tasks like thesis work or presentations into smaller, manageable tasks. Set milestones and celebrate progress along the way, which helps incentivize you to keep at it.
Set Priorities: Management techniques like the , helps you prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Focus on what needs immediate attention, and ��ǲ�’t get bogged down in less important work.

2. Develop Effective Study Habits

Handling the grad workload requires a deeper intellectual engagement than mere rote memorization or cursory reading. Success at this stage demands a strategic, deliberate approach to scholarly work that fosters critical thinking and mastery of complex material. So how you develop that?

Embrace Active Learning Techniques: Passive reading is inadequate for the intellectual demands of your graduate studies. Try engaging with materials by annotating texts, critically analyzing arguments, and formulating incisive questions. These�� habits will enable a deeper synthesis of knowledge and enhance cognitive retention.
Adopt the Study-Block Methodology: Lengthy, unstructured study sessions can lead to diminishing returns in terms of productivity and intellectual stamina. Structured study blocks—such as the —promote sustained cognitive focus and facilitate the assimilation of dense, complex material. Interspersing these periods with brief, intentional breaks allows for mental recovery and prevents burnout.

3. Set Realistic Goals and Deadlines

While in graduate school, it’s essential to set both short-term and long-term academic goals. Being specific with your objectives will help you stay focused and motivated

SMART Goals: Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for your studies. This approach ensures that your academic and personal goals are clear and actionable. You can find that help you visualize your goals and manage your grad workload.
Avoid Overcommitting: Graduate students often feel pressure to take on too many responsibilities at once, such as research projects, extracurricular activities, or teaching assistantships. Be selective about what you commit to and avoid burnout by setting realistic expectations for yourself.

4. Prioritize Boundaries

It can be easy to get caught up in the intensity of graduate school. Prioritizing your grad workload will suffer, though, if you aren’t careful with taking care of yourself. Establish balance in your life by:

Establishing Boundaries: Define specific hours for study, work, and personal time. Sticking to a routine helps create a sense of balance between your academic responsibilities and personal life.
Incorporating Exercise and Nutrition: It may be a cliché, but a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind. Regular exercise and eating nutritious meals will boost your energy levels and improve focus.
Regularly Assessing You Mental Health: Graduate school can be stressful, so practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce anxiety. Don’t be afraid to seek out mental health services on campus if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

5. Leverage Technology to Stay Organized

Technology can be a huge help when it comes to staying organized. Here are a few digital tools to help manage your workload:

Task Management Apps: Tools like , , and help you organize tasks by projects, track deadlines, and set reminders.
Note-Taking Apps: and ��can store your lecture notes, research ideas, and reading summaries all in one place, making it easy to find information when you need it.
Cloud Storage: Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud storage system to keep your important documents safe and accessible across devices.

6. Collaborate with Your Peers

Graduate school is about more than just individual success—it’s a community experience. Building a support network with fellow students can provide you with emotional encouragement, academic feedback, and opportunities to collaborate on research or projects.

Study Groups: Forming or joining a study group can help you stay motivated and get different perspectives on the material.
Peer Mentorship: Find a peer or classmate who can help guide you through challenging courses or unfamiliar processes. You can return the favor by mentoring others in areas where you excel.

7. Seek Assistance

Graduate school is challenging, but you ��ǲ�’t have to go through it alone. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance when you need it.

Advisors and Professors: Regularly communicate with your academic advisors and professors for guidance, feedback, and clarification on assignments.
Counseling and Tutoring Services: Many universities offer free counseling and tutoring services to support students through difficult times, whether academically or emotionally.

Conclusion

What now?

Managing your graduate workload efficiently is all about balance, planning, and knowing when to seek help. By mastering time management, developing effective study habits, leveraging technology, and taking care of yourself, you can thrive in your graduate program and reach your academic goals. Grad school is a marathon, not a sprint—pace yourself, stay organized, and you’ll be set to handle the workload.

Check Out Cairn's Grad Programs

91�Թ� offers online, hybrid, and in-person programs in various fields. Now that you are equipped to balance graduate work and your personal life, check out which grad program is right for you!

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Why Applying to College Early is Key

Laura Rossi — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:24:52 +0000

As a high schooler, the pressure of college applications can be overwhelming. But here’s a secret: applying to colleges early—between October and December—can give you a major advantage, particularly if you are a senior. This blog will break down the value of applying to college early, how it can help you stand out, and how you can easily submit your applications using the Common App.

Why Applying to College Early Matters

Increased Admissions Chances

Many schools have rolling admissions or Early Action programs, where applying earlier means your application gets reviewed sooner. This is often when schools have the most available spots and a slightly lower competitive pool, which can increase your chances of acceptance.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities

Colleges may have limited funds for scholarships and financial aid. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to be considered for these awards. Some schools may have specific deadlines for merit-based scholarships, so you ��ǲ�’t want to miss out by waiting until the last minute. The earlier you apply, the more time you have to research and receive scholarships, even ones outside of the ones a university offers, like from niche.com. Some colleges even have awards just for applying early! For example, if you apply early to 91�Թ� (between October and December), you can earn a $500 tuition award!

Peace of Mind

Completing your applications early allows you to focus on the rest of your senior year without the added stress of looming deadlines. Plus, if things ��ǲ�’t go as planned, applying early gives you time to reassess your options and apply to more schools if needed.

The Value of Applying Early Through Common App

The Common Application (also known as Common App) is a free online platform that allows you to apply to multiple colleges with one application. It streamlines the process, saving you time, which is especially helpful if you’re applying to several schools.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying with the Common App

Create an Account. Go to the and create an account. Make sure to use a reliable email address that you check frequently, as colleges will contact you through it.
Add Your Colleges. After logging in, use the search tool to find and add the colleges you’re interested in applying to.
Complete the General Application. The Common App has a single set of questions that go to all your selected schools. This includes sections about your education, extracurricular activities, and personal information. You’ll also have to upload a personal essay (which you can use for multiple schools).
Submit School-Specific Requirements. Some colleges may require additional materials, such as supplemental essays, portfolios, or recommendation letters. Make sure to check each school’s unique requirements in your dashboard. You can find a list of all of Cairn’s application requirements here.
Pay Application Fees (or Request Fee Waivers). Each college may have its own application fee, but if you qualify for a fee waiver, you can apply for one through the Common App. Oftentimes colleges include it in their communication with you, so check your email!
Submit Your Application. Double-check all the information and click “Submit.” Once submitted, track your application status through the Common App dashboard.

Apply to Cairn through Common App!

If you have any questions, reach out to us at admissons@cairn.edu.

Final Tips for Applying Early

Start Sooner Rather Than Later: You don’t have to wait until early senior year to apply. There are tons of unique benefits to applying as early as your junior year. Check them out here!
Stay Organized: Use a spreadsheet or planner to keep track of all deadlines and materials for each school.
Prepare Your Documents: Have your transcript, recommendation letters, and test scores ready to go, as those are the basic requirements for all college applications.
Don’t Rush: While it’s important to apply early, take time to review your materials and essays before submitting. Quality still matters!
Ask questions! If you aren’t sure about additional application requirements, your application status, or anything else, reach out to the college admissions office! You can talk to your counselor at Cairn by emailing admissions@cairn.edu.

College Search

Can You Apply to College as a Junior? 8 Benefits of Applying Early

March 26, 2025

Applying early can open more doors and give you a great head start. With the help of the Common App, the process is easier than ever. Take advantage of this opportunity, and start submitting your applications today!

What Can I Do with a Digital Media and Communication Degree?

Laura Rossi — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 13:21:14 +0000

In today’s increasingly technological world, employers are seeking those adept at navigating the digital world and communicating effectively through it. Those who study Digital Media and Communication may follow a career as a:

Content Writer
Technical Writer
News Analyst
Graphic Designer
Sports Media Manager
Editor
Social Media Manager
Public Relations Specialist
Digital Journalist
Communication Manager
Copywriter
Web Developer

That’s a lot of options! What do some of these careers even mean and look like in the day-to-day? Here are just a few descriptions with a link to more information below:

: News Analysts and Journalists create, write, collaborate on, and edit content for newspapers, websites, magazine publishers, television, or radio broadcasting. Your ability to understand an audience and communicate a message effectively to them is the valuable skill you need to be a successful news analyst or journalist.

If you have an eye for the aesthetics, a trained ear for what’s popular, and a grasp on what words and phrases will get people’s attention, being a social media manager may be the perfect job path for you. With digital media becoming an ever-relevant platform, the social media manager is a great place to start in the workforce.

Content writers use their skills in a variety of industries, including for-profit and nonprofit organizations. You’ll combine your ability to research, organize creative content, and write to a specific audience.

If your passions lean you more toward a desire for an artistic career, graphic design is an incredibly useful and ever-increasing need in the workforce. Graphic designers can be responsible for a myriad of things, including contributing creative ideas, designing aesthetically pleasing content, and working alongside others to produce appealing media.

These are just some of the many opportunities you can pursue when you have a degree in Digital Media and Communication. As you cultivate and expand your knowledge and use of effective communication from a digital and content standpoint, you’ll gain marketable skills employers need for their businesses.

Already know this degree is right for you? Apply today at cairn.edu/apply.

Why Working During College Makes You a Better Student

Blog Team — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 19:57:30 +0000

More and more college students are responsible for their own college loans and personal finances. This means that more students are working part-time, or even full-time, throughout their college experience. Students either work to offset the costs of their education until they can really start paying off their loans after graduation, or they try to graduate debt-free by working as much as they can.
But there’s another reason why people work during their college years. Holding a steady job in college can actually make you a better student. Here’s why working during college isn’t just good for combatting student loan debt:
Priorities
If you’re working in college, you’ve likely got your priorities straight. You know how to put long-term goals before short-term wants. Video games can’t always come before working on an essay; hanging with friends late into the night can’t always happen before an early shift.��
The responsibilities of a job establish other responsible attitudes on all that college entails. That makes you a better worker and a better student.��

Time Management
A lot of what it takes to get school assignments done is proper time management. If you have a steady job that you’re faithful to, you already know what it takes to manage your time. Plus, your work and class schedules will give you clear guidelines throughout your week as to what you should be doing and when. Working a job helps you figure out how best to use your time.
Professional Development
If you’re in school while you work a part-time or full-time job, it’s more likely you know what you want to do. Say you’re in a part-time job you like but know you ��ǲ�’t want to stay at forever; you’re in college because you ��ǲ�’t want to keep doing what you do. You’re studying a different skill or topic that will get you ready for where you do want to be.��
Are you in a full-time job or in a field you know you want to stay in? You’re going to college to get even better at what you do. Whether you study business to be a better sales associate or psychology to be a better behavioral health worker, your studies are helping you develop in your profession.��

Dedication
It takes priorities and time management to work during college, but even more, it takes dedication. If you’re faithful and hardworking at your job, you’ve got the dedication needed to accomplish your goals. That same dedication will play a primary role in your education; you’ll give your studies the hard work they require.��
Application
As you develop as a person, learner, and professional, a job gives you the opportunity to apply what you’ve gathered. Whether you try it or not, you’ll bring the knowledge from the content you’re reading and the skills you gather from professors, and you’ll be even better at your job. Additionally, programs like business and social work have internship experiences built in, so in some cases, you can use a current job or get connected to a new potential employer through your course of study. Ultimately, academic programs give you opportunities to apply the new skills and knowledge you gain right into the workplace.��
Working through school can be hard, and it will demand a lot of you. But a steady job and a college education can coexist, and it might just make you a better student in the process.

Five Tips for Doing Remote Learning Right

Blog Team — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 20:02:09 +0000

College students are learning remotely now more than ever. For some, online learning is a preferred way to balance schoolwork and life with family and friends. For others, this time of remote learning is a default because of the unfortunate current circumstances.��
Either way, if you’re learning from home, here are the five best practices you can do to make sure you’re still getting the most out of your college experience.

1. Get ready for class.

Getting ready for class is a must. Create the expectation for yourself that you will be mentally and physically prepared for class.
This can include several things:��

Get up an hour before class: If you are the type of person to roll out of bed at 7:59 for your Zoom class at 8, try getting up earlier and starting your day right. Getting up an hour or more before class makes you more awake and alert so you can actually get something from it.��
Eat breakfast: Getting some food is another way to wake up right. This will help you feel active and present as you attend class, and it give you the fuel to expend the mental energy that learning requires.
Take a shower and get ready for the day: A third way to wake up and feel like you’re living your best life, taking a shower and getting ready for the day helps you feel more prepared and engaged.��
Dress for success: It’s tempting to wear your sweats and a hoodie to class. For a better experience, dress like you would if you were attending in person. The clothes you wear have an effect on the way you feel. Some people even wear shoes at their desk to complete the “work-mode” feel. Dressing in something a little bit nicer will make you feel like you’re invested and ready to succeed.

2. Schedule time for homework.

It’s not enough to just pay attention in class. A huge part of college (probably where you’ll learn the most!) is in the time spent outside of class completing assignments. Working from home, you’ll need to set aside time specifically for homework. If you ��ǲ�’t schedule it, there’s a good chance it won’t happen—at least, not on time.��
Find what works best for you. Ultimately, you know yourself and when you function best. Figure out your own system, but make sure you set up some expectation of intentional study time based on your class schedule.

3. Use the remote work essentials.

Now that so many people are working from home, they are finding the best ways to stay home and not feel like they’re losing their minds. Beyond our normal tips to beating stress that still apply, here are some best practices:

Designate a work area: If at all possible, find a desk or table and make it your workstation. Find a quiet place, pick the right chair, and seat yourself in or near sunlight if your home or apartment allows. Organize the space as you like and make it your own!
Take reading assignments or videos outside for fresh air and sunshine.
Use entertainment as a reward; stay off your phone, YouTube, or Netflix until you accomplish a task.
Take breaks.
Go for a walk.

4. Be diligent and stay intentional.

When you’re learning from home, the draw to our other pastimes is even greater than in-person learning. Fight the urge to indulge in your distractions for too long.��
Avoid endlessly scrolling through social media; catch yourself before you get sucked down YouTube wormholes or Netflix sessions. Acting like you will ignore them completely probably won’t work. But being aware of when you need to limit them is important.��
When you’re learning from home—and really anytime in your life—be intentional about what media you use and how much you use it.

5. Stay connected.

Life as a remote student is obviously much different than on-campus life. There might not be as much going on, and your parents might be getting on your nerves. For that reason, find a way to connect with friends from college online.��
That social aspect of college is a big deal, and we need it to feel healthy and known. We need it to be reminded we’re not alone. Use Facetime or Zoom to get some face-to-face interaction with others. Figure out ways to play games online, like Pictionary, Mafia, or—whatever you got! There are more ways to be together when we’re apart than ever before.��
Incorporate these five best practices into your life, and you can get the most out of learning from home.

Why Study English at a Christian University?

Blog Team — Thu, 07 May 2020 13:46:10 +0000

The decision to pursue a BA in English is an exciting one with many opportunities now set before you. Not only do you get to go to school to read and write (presumably your favorite pastimes), but you also cultivate creativity and communication skills, which will be huge benefits when it comes time to find a job.
Now, you have to choose the right university. A good university should have a balance of courses in your field of study as well as on- and off-campus experiences. A great way to get those and more is to find a biblical university; you’ll get those academic aspects along with a well-rounded education in the Word and Christian community.

As you look at various English programs, consider if they have these six important aspects:��

Qualified Faculty: The university you choose should have professors who are not only qualified but dedicated to the subjects they teach. A school may dazzle you with their Oxford-educated faculty who are thought-leaders in literary criticism, but are these same professors available for office hours? Personalized assistance from English professors who are invested in your academic and personal development can make or break your college experience.
Diverse Courses: Courses offered in various areas of literature and writing, like a short stories class or one on Asian literature, allow you to tailor your education to your specific interests. When exploring different programs, request a curriculum sheet to get a better sense of what types of courses you could take.��
Integration of a Biblical Worldview: As you study a wide range of literature, you will find the truth of Scripture in the themes of both religious and secular texts. An effective English program at a Christian university will embrace and encourage this type of integrated thinking. The mindset gained at a Christian university is an asset to the English major, not only because they will be able to apply what they learn about Scripture to other class material, but they can also use what they learn about literature to build a greater appreciation for the Word of God.
Internships: Internships allow you to grow professionally and better prepare for the job market. Most universities offer internships for students on campus or have connections with internship programs off-campus, with certain opportunities even tailored specifically for English Majors. Find out what kind of internships could be available to you.��
Study Abroad: Options to study abroad in places like Oxford or Ireland open a whole new understanding and context to the literature you study. Not only do you gain a cultural context to the classics you love, but your own worldview broadens through these new experiences.��
Creative Expression: Students who are allowed to pursue the creative arts through class, competitions, or clubs often end up more well-rounded. University outlets for creative expression are important to your chosen English program. This also breaks up the monotony of academic writing and studying.

English programs from a biblical worldview prepare Christians to work within the world to serve and benefit those around them. Whether you major or minor in English at Cairn or another Christian university, you will receive a well-rounded education that combines your love of literature with your love of the Lord.��

What Can I Do With an English Degree?

Blog Team — Thu, 07 May 2020 12:39:45 +0000

Nothing. At least that’s what everyone tells you. In actuality, a degree in English provides you with a wide set of skills to pursue a variety of careers.��
An English degree prepares students to think critically about the world and to communicate well within it. The ability to communicate is paramount in most industries, giving English majors an advantage in the job market. As unexpected as it might be, studying English equips students to work in a multitude of different fields that utilize specific communicative skills many employers look for.��

Here are just a few examples of what you can do with your English degree:��
Publishing: If you love to pick apart other peoples’ papers, then the publishing industry is for you! With options to be an editor, literary agent, and much more, you can combine your love of reading with the critical eye you have developed with your English degree. What’s more fun than getting paid to read all day?��
Marketing and Communications: Marketing is dependent on using images and language to engage an audience, and that’s where you come in. As a content creator, proofreader, or even a researcher, you can use the writing and thinking skills you painstakingly learned as a student to create/edit content for companies.
Creative Writing: This seems obvious, but professional creative writing comes in many different forms. You could be a: journalist, freelance writer, web writer/blogger, travel writer, speechwriter, etc. There are endless ways you can write professionally that are engaging, creative, and fun.��
Law: Want to do more than edit and write? Use your BA in English as a stepping stone! A foundation in English gives you the writing, critical-thinking, and researching skills that allow you to pursue law at a graduate level to become a paralegal, attorney, or even a lobbyist.��
Higher Education: If you’re looking for something a bit more scholarly, a bachelor’s degree in English is a great undergraduate foundation for you to pursue a career in education as a teacher, librarian, or professor. Graduate school is required for all of these careers, and what you learn as an undergraduate will continue to provide value to your graduate studies and your career.��
Many More!: It would be impossible to make an exhaustive list of all the careers an English major can pursue. But that’s my point: studying English is a great way to prepare for any number of fields. Basically, if the job requires communication, writing or speaking, critical thinking, and creativity, it’s worth it to consider majoring in English.