More Than a Test Score

At Zinch, our goal has always been to help students research, get in, and pay for school. Now that we’re a part of the Chegg family, that focus has become part of Chegg’s greater mission to help students save time, save money, and get smarter. That’s why we’re proud to announce Chegg For Good will now be matching students’ scholarships on Zinch!

You heard right, if you find, apply, and win a scholarship through Zinch, Chegg will Double Your Money and write you a check for the same amount. Think of it as our little “thank you” for sticking with Zinch, and a bit of motivation to get you on your scholarship hunt. We have over $2 billion in financial aid listed in our scholarship database, so there’s no shortage of awards looking for a deserving student!

Get started now and learn how Chegg For Good will double your scholarship money DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR>>>

Students often view the course syllabus as something they glance at on the first day of classes, and then toss in their backpacks, never to be seen again. In reality, the syllabus is a treasure trove of information: one of the few places in the course where the professor reveals his or her true conception of the course and explains what you need to do to excel in the course.

The trouble is, very few students know how to read the syllabus and unearth the important clues that are often found there. You’re guaranteed to do a bang-up job in each of your courses if you pay attention to these 10 secrets of the college syllabus.

Learn how to use your syllabus to gain the edge—
and the grade—you want>>>

Students on college campuses around the world are recruited as volunteers.  Their passion, flexible schedules, and convictions often make them valuable members of volunteer teams.  Depending upon where you’re attending college, you may need to accumulate community service hours.  Even if it’s not a requirement to become involved in your college’s community, here are some great reasons to give volunteerism a try:

- Volunteering gives you real world experience. If you’re studying graphic design, volunteer your artistic talents to a non-profit organization in need of a new brochure, or if you intend to study law, offer your services to a legal clinic for indigent individuals.  You’ll learn a lot and gain valuable insight into your chosen profession.

- Volunteering is a great way to network. Volunteering gives you access to people in the community who also believe in the cause.  Supporters are often business owners and professionals who can offer you great career advice and become beneficial references.

- Volunteering can give you a great deal of personal satisfaction.  Working toward a goal with passion can be fulfilling.  You’ll likely mature during your time as a volunteer and learn to empathize with people you might not otherwise consider.

- Volunteering helps others.  When you volunteer, you really do make a difference in the lives of those affected by the cause you support.  Making life better for even one individual is a good feeling and a noteworthy accomplishment that you’ll take pride in for years to come.

-Volunteering keeps you healthy.  Volunteering fosters the social interaction that keeps you mentally healthy and self-confident, and many types of volunteer work also foster physical activity and wellness, all important factors in your daily life as a college student.

Whatever the reason you decide to volunteer, make sure you’re comfortable with the demands of the job and that you’ll enjoy the time you spend at it.  Then, roll up your sleeves and give it all you have.  You’ll reap the benefits of your hard work and so will the cause you’ve chosen to support.

Congratulations to Martese Johnson, our Weekly “Three Sentence Essay” Scholarship winner for this week! With the summer in our sights there’s just one obstacle between students and break…finals! To help keep you focused and get the creative juices flowing, we asked how you go about preparing for finals. While late-night cramming, flashcards, and hourly coffee runs were popular methods, Martese is going the extra step to make those facts stick.

Here is his winning essay:
I use many techniques to study for finals, but recently my friends and I have been trying something new. Instead of constantly going over boring facts that we can’t retain, we make the facts interesting! We make rap songs about the work and memorize the humorous lyrics instead.

Here is a little bit more about our winner:
I am an African American honors student at Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago, Illinois. I take senior honors/AP courses, yet I’m only a junior. I’m the Junior Class Vice-President. I’m a student-athlete who plays Varsity Football and Volleyball. My main goal in life is to succeed at anything that comes my way, and any goals I set for myself. I am a social person who loves meeting people, going out, and having fun. I try to live life to its fullest potential and get the most out of every opportunity. My future is bright, and it will remain that way throughout my life.

If you’re a college bound student, the best prepping you can do is getting a jumpstart on paying for tuition. Enter to win our Weekly “Three Sentence Essay” Scholarship for your shot at $1,000. Three sentences for a thousand bucks? You’d be nuts to pass that up!

College life is hectic.  There are lots of classes to balance, along with your social life, work, volunteerism, and the myriad other activities in which you take part on a regular basis.  If you haven’t already done so, add a trip to your college careers office to your to-do list.  It’s a wonderful resource that many students don’t take full advantage of, and it can help you meet your goals as you move toward graduation.

Here are some things that the college careers office at your college or university can do for you:

1. Help you choose a major: If you aren’t sure where you attention should be focused when it comes to your studies, approach your campus careers office to find out about counseling and assessments that they may offer to help you choose a major.

2. Help you network: Campus careers offices often draw upon a pool of successful alumni as well as prominent individuals and companies from the surrounding community.  They can offer introductions that can lead to internships and even job offers after graduation.

3. Help you gain experience: Companies seeking interns and students who are willing to participate in co-op opportunities reach out to college careers offices in their local areas.  If you make yourself known to those at your college careers office, they can pass your information along to these potential mentors and employers.

4. Help you write a resume and cover letter: Counselors from your college careers office know what works when it comes to writing and revising your resume.  Ask for their advice and put it to good use when you begin to apply to internships and professional positions.

5. Offer interview skills:  The interview is the most important — and often the most nerve-wracking — part of finding a position, whether it is an internship or a permanent job after graduation.  Seek out advice from your college careers office about what to do and not to do during your interview.  They will likely be more than happy to coach you can offer mock interviews to help you prepare for the interview experience.

Your college careers office is dedicated to helping you find appropriate internship and employment opportunities and can help you meet your goals when it comes to finding a position within the field you choose.  Don’t pass up an opportunity to spend some time with these on-campus experts who can help make your transition from college student to active employee a successful and meaningful experience.