In landing and keeping the perfect job or internship, a collegiette’s number one goal is to make a good impression. But let’s face it, ladies: we’re not perfect. From emailing a potential employer the wrong version of your cover letter to accidentally replying-all to an office-wide email, there are about a million and one ways that a simple tech glitch or user error could land you in a reputation-blowing – not to mention embarrassing – situation. Although you can’t just Control-Z your way out of these real-life scenarios, you can still remedy the damage, and we’ll tell you how. 

Mistake #1: Emailing the Wrong Person

The damage done by this unfortunate yet common mishap can easily range from minimal to massive.  It all depends on who received your email, who was supposed to receive your email and what you said in the email. Among the most dangerous of incidents are emailing your boss or potential employer something that was meant for your mom, dad, boyfriend, etc., and replying-all to an office-wide email when you meant to just email your favorite co-worker. 

Whichever blunder you’re guilty of, apologizing to your boss should always be your first priority. “I would send an apology to the employer,” says Christy Dunston, a career counselor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “I might even call to speak to the person over the phone.” Whether by phone or email, Dunston suggests simply stating that your message was an accident and apologizing for the error. 

Of course, the best way to handle the situation would be to avoid it in the first place. “It is important to pay attention to whom emails get sent to,” Dunston says. “I like to proofread my emails before I send them, including making sure the email is being sent to the correct person.” And for those times when human error gets the best of you, there are a number of useful email tricks to prevent a mishap like this, like enabling Gmail’s “undo send” feature. Prevention is key, according to Dunston, because sending a personal email to your boss could raise big red flags depending on the content. 

Mistake #2: Addressing Someone by the Wrong Gender

Let’s say you see a listing for a job or internship on your school’s career services website, a search engine or even HC, but the listed point of contact for said position has an ambiguous name like Hayden, Jordan or Alex. You may assume that person is either male or female, but without a picture or the appropriate Mr./Ms. title in front of the name, you can’t really know for sure. Sometimes, even names that you think are clearly indicative of a specific gender, like Ashley or Lindsey, could mislead you.    

Fortunately, this mistake should be pretty easy to avoid. Try to do some Internet-savvy delving to see if you can determine the contact’s gender from other Internet listings of the name. You could look for a bio on the organization’s website, a LinkedIn profile or a news article about the person – just make sure you’ve found the right person! 

If the damage has already been done, however, it isn’t too late to make things right. First of all, a person with an ambiguous name has probably had this type of thing happen before, and he or she will probably correct the error without taking it personally. In this case, a simple apology should do the trick. 

If you notice the error before receiving a response, it’s always a good idea to apologize preemptively. “I would suggest for a student to go ahead and reach out to the hiring manager,” Dunston says. “I think if the student is proactive about the mix-up then the hiring manager may be more forgiving than if the student just waits.”

Mistake #3: Sending the Wrong Resume or Cover Letter

Now that many job and internship applications are submitted online or via email, it’s easier than ever to submit an incorrect resume or cover letter. You may attach the wrong version of your resume to the email or submit a cover letter with a major or minor typo in it, but either way, a quick reaction is necessary. 

“Having a typo or other mistake could show a lack of attention to detail or that the student just applied at the last minute with no real interest in the organization,” Dunston says. “That could be the difference between getting an interview and not getting an interview.”

If you do realize that you’ve submitted a resume or cover letter with a mistake of some sort, the best course of action is to admit the mistake and correct it. “I would suggest sending the updated resume or cover letter with an explanation,” Dunston says. 

Mistake #4: Receiving an Unintended Email

This slip-up isn’t your fault, collegiettes, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. 

If your boss or coworker accidentally emails you something that was intended for someone else, you still play a role in the recovery. First and foremost, Dunston warns, do not send the email to anyone else, no matter how funny, juicy or impressive it is. If the sender hasn’t already figured it out, you should alert him or her to the error, even if that means pointing a mistake out to your super picky, hard-to-please boss.

“I think it would be okay to politely point out the error by simply emailing back, stating, ‘I believe I received this by accident,’” Dunston says. If the error has already been noticed, your job is simple: just accept an apology and assure the sender that no important, confidential information has been compromised.  

Life can be stressful, especially when you’re applying for jobs and internships. With these crisis-mode protocols, your professional email correspondence won’t add to your already accelerating stress level. 

De-cluttering and organizing your closet can be one of the most daunting tasks to complete. Your shopping addiction has finally caught up with you and your closet is now one shirt away from completely caving in. So, now what?

We’re all too familiar with the struggle—that’s why we’ve shared these amazing organization ideas that will make your life (and finding your favorite pair of jeans) a whole lot easier.

1. Add a garment rack if your room is big enough

Fall is finally here, meaning we’ve bombarded our closets with countless oversized sweaters and knits for layered perfection. The problem? A tiny space we call our closet.  A garment rack, like this one from Target, ($18.99) is a great way to create extra room. You can even organize and hang outfits to wear for the week, nixing the use of your closet even for a small amount of time.

2. Hang multiple garments in one spot with soda can tabs

Create even more space for hangers by using the tabs from empty soda cans. Slide the tabs down the hangers, and voila! You can even use the tabs as an organization tool; if you have clothing of a similar style or color, keep them in one place with the help of these nifty tabs.

3. Organize shoes by creating a shelf on the bottom of your closet

Ms. Carrie Bradshaw had it easy when Big surprised her with the shoe closet of her (and our!) dreams. Our tip, while a little more down-to-earth, can create instant space in your closet and keep your prized possessions right where you can see them.

If you’re in a dorm and you can’t install a shelf directly into your wall, this shoe organizer ($29.99 from The Container Store) can be easily assembled to fit inside a small closet space. You can also use these stackable shoe bins ($9.99 from The Container Store) if spacing calls for it.

4. Use shower curtain hooks to organize your scarves on a hanger

With fall here and winter on its way, we need a little help organizing our favorite scarves. A quick and easy way to keep your favorites organized is by taking a few shower curtain hooks ($2.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond) and clipping them to your clothes hangers, as pictured above. Then, loop your scarves through the hooks, and you’re all set.

5. Hang wire baskets inside your closet to store clutches and small purses

Our accessories need love, too! Use a wire basket to store any small purses or accessories that you wouldn’t normally hang. If you’re on campus and are unable to drill holes into a wall, use an adhesive wall strip ($4.99 at The Container Store) with a hook to hang the basket.

Sometimes a mini-makeover is all a closet needs. Make even more room for your new, fabulous fall wardrobe with these lifesaving ideas. Have any tips on how you keep your closet organized? Let us know in the comments below! 

Just when we thought nothing could top the hairstyles at College Fashion Week Boston, TRESemmé Pro Tyler Laswell took the glamour up a notch at CFW NYC, where the catwalk was replete with bold supermodel ‘dos that demanded our attention. No backstage beauty pass, no problem—Laswell gave us the scoop on all the steps (easy enough for you to try!) and TRESemmé products needed for getting on-trend tresses guaranteed to carry any collegiette from school to soirée. Scroll ahead for a fresh batch of hair inspo now!

Look #1: Imperial Two-Strand Twisted Half Up

Steps:

1. For long-lasting shape, start by applying TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse ($5) and then rough dry. Use a one-inch curling iron to get textured, tousled waves.
2. Make a deep side part and divide the bigger section of hair into two equal parts. Then, twist the section of hair at your hairline by crossing the strand closest to the hairline on the opposite section.
3. After each twist, incorporate a small amount of hair into each section and repeat until the twist covers three-fourths of your head. Secure with an elastic.
4. Repeat steps two and three on the opposite side and when finished, use an elastic to combine the two ponytails.
5. Pull the look together with a few spritzes of TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray ($4).

Look #2: Woodlander Sectioned Bubble Ponytail

Steps:

1. Prep your locks with TRESemmé Thermal Creations Volume Mousse ($5) then rough dry.
2. Tie your hair into a loose ponytail that sits at the nape of the neck.
3. Section the ponytail into multiple two to three inch portions with elastics, leaving two inches of the end loose.
4. To get those uber-chic bubbles, lightly pull the outside of each section.
5. Give it some gloss with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Illuminating Shine Spray ($5) and amp up the volume by running your fingers through the top of your head.

Look #3: Brooklyn Princess Braided Undone Top Knot

Steps:

1. Apply the brand's24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse ($5) all over then rough dry. Section the front two inches of your hair and temporarily clip it to the side.
2. Pull your remaining hair into a ponytail on the top of your head.
3. French braid the front two inches of hair that you put aside in step one, secure it with an elastic then wrap it around the base of your ponytail. Fasten with bobby pins.
4. Next, back brush the ponytail on the top of your head to give it an airy texture. Then create a three-strand braid, wrap it into a bun and secure with pins.
5. Lock in the look with TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Firm Hair Spray ($4) for a flake-free, glitzy top knot that’ll last you from morning until night. 

For more tips, tricks and easy-to-follow hair tutorials from the pros at TRESemmé, click on over to their YouTube channel! Don't forget to check back for our hair highlights from the upcoming Chicago and San Francisco shows, and get even more updates at collegefashionweek.com!

This just in: An anti-bullying campaign has arrived from the last place anyone would have expected it... Abercrombie and Fitch. Yes, you heard that right. The controversial retailer that has routinely sparked public outrage and is often accused of hiring employees based on their appearance is now preaching acceptance. Really?

A&F has fallen on rough times over the past decade, facing public outrage at its politically incorrect shirt slogans and offensive remarks made by CEO Mike Jeffries, not to mention a major drop in sales as fashion trends moved away from the brand’s signature preppy look.

Abercrombie has been open about its commitment to a design overhaul, taking its logo off clothing and attempting to reimagine its aesthetic. Now the company has gone one step further, teaming up with Lucy Hale (of Pretty Little Liars fame) to put out an anti-bullying video and t-shirt line. They’re even offering a scholarship for students who have overcome bullying or have led anti-bullying efforts.

If you know anything about A&F’s CEO Mike Jeffries, this might come as a total shock. Back in 2006, Jeffries admitted to Salon that he wanted to “market to cool, good looking people” ... and no one else. The brand has also come under fire for refusing to sell plus-size clothing, as well as printing slogans many have identified as racist or sexist.

As a brand with a policy of only hiring attractive employees, (because, as Jeffries told Salon, “good-looking people attract other good-looking people”), it’s hard not to find the fact that it is now selling shirts with “be yourself” printed on the front just a tad bit ironic.

So what should we make of this change of heart? Is this representative of a real evolution of thinking, or simply the business strategy of a company that has seen stock prices and sales drop in recent years? So far, its aesthetic revamp seems to be successful. It seems likely that this latest move is simply another expression of the company’s new “be the opposite of what we used to be” strategy.

Whether or not Abercrombie is sincere, it seems that this new campaign, along with its other recent changes, say something positive about today’s society. The outrage that has faced A&F over the past few years—and the drastic changes that have resulted—prove that consumers’ voices (not to mention their wallets) have clout. The people spoke, and Abercrombie listened. I for one am happy to live in a world where exclusionary market strategies aren’t successful. Perhaps the ultimate bully—Abercrombie itself—has already been defeated.

What do you think? What’s motivating this new campaign—is it something that's sincere, or just a marketing ploy to bring relevance to the company again?

From football tailgates and frat parties to barhopping and unwinding with your friends and a big bottle of wine, it’s no secret that drinking can be a popular weekend activity in college. But what about those weekends when you want a break from booze, or can’t afford to be hungover because of an exam or are just looking to have some sober fun? No matter where you go to school, there are plenty of alcohol-free options for you on campus to make the most of your weekend. Here are our top suggestions! 

1. Host a potluck 

You may not be in the mood to drink, but is there ever a weekend where you’re not in the mood to eat good food? Get your friends together for a classy potluck dinner so you can catch up and feast at the same time. Have every person be in charge of bringing a different dish (definitely don’t forget dessert!). You’ll be sure to get a few good foodstagrams out of it. 

You could even make a weekly or monthly tradition out of it and have a different theme each time, like Kaylee, a senior at the University of Michigan, does with her friends. “My friends and I all really like to cook, so every once in a while we will host a potluck at one of our houses,” she says. “Each time we pick a different cuisine to feature. We’ve done American, Italian and Mexican so far, and one time we had a vegan night because one of my friends is vegan. It’s a really fun way to get together and actually take the time to cook.” No cooking skills to speak of? Check out these delicious recipes you can make using only a microwave! 

2. Enjoy the great outdoors

While many weekends are spent holed up in the library, taking the time to get outside is a great way to spend a day without class. Didn’t have enough time during the week to hit the gym? Go on long walk with a friend, or if there are any trails near your campus, you could turn it into a hike. If you’re in relaxation mode, just lying outside (and catching those last few rays of sun until spring) or reading a book in the quad is a nice way to unwind. 

“I transferred to NYU last year and when I was getting used to city life, whenever I got overwhelmed and wanted a break from it, I loved going to Central Park or other little parks I found,” says Lena, a senior. “If I was alone I'd bring a book or some music, but I also loved relaxing there with friends.” 

If you’re feeling especially adventurous, check out which outdoor activities are happening in your local area. From yoga in the park to apple picking, there’s bound to be something fun going on. If your school has its own campus garden or farm (many schools with agricultural programs do), see if there opportunities to volunteer there. It’s a great way to pass time with friends, learn about nature and maybe even get some free fresh produce. 

3. Attend a sporting event 

Sure, there’s often alcohol at sporting events, but you certainly don’t have to drink to enjoy one! Whether it’s football or basketball season or you’re more of a volleyball or soccer fan, show your spirit by supporting one of your school’s teams. Dress up in your school colors with your friends and lose your voice from cheering so loudly. 

If your school isn’t big on sports, you could go to a professional game if there’s a team nearby. “Last year, a bunch of my friends and I went to a Detroit Red Wings game,” says Deena, a senior at the University of Michigan. “Even the girls who weren’t big hockey fans had a good time. We’ll definitely go to another this year.” 

4. Go to a concert 

No matter what your taste in music is, chances are there’s a concert on campus (hello, a cappella groups) or in your surrounding area to attend! You can use sites like TicketNetwork and StubHub to search for concerts (and other ticketed events) near you. 

“A group of about 30 girls in my sorority are going to an electronic music festival next weekend,” says Jamie, a senior at the University of Michigan. “We are renting a bus to get there and making a whole day and night of it.” Try getting a group together like Jamie—when it comes to concerts, the more the merrier! If concerts aren’t really your scene, then you could try something as simple and low-key as seeing a local band perform at a coffee shop.

5. Volunteer 

Rather than waste the night getting wasted (hey, we’re not judging; we just like wordplay!), carve out some time in your weekend schedule to volunteer. Find a club on campus that interests you and see if they have any upcoming volunteer opportunities. Or, if there are any local organizations that you’d like to get involved in, there’s no better time to start than this weekend! 

Check out national organizations like Habitat for Humanity or the American Red Cross to see if there are locations near you. From animal shelters and soup kitchens to tutoring centers and hospitals, there are countless places that would appreciate your help (and your resume would be grateful, too!). 

6. See a performance 

If you haven’t attended a play or musical through your school’s theatre department yet, you are missing out. Student productions are always better than you’d ever imagine they would be—for a fraction of the price of professional performances!

But if you live in a city and are willing to dish out the big bucks, you could also have a night out with the girls and see a professional play or musical. Or, maybe there’s stand-up comedy you could watch at a local bar or comedy club. “I went to see a comedian at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase with my friends during my birthday weekend, and it was an awesome time,” says Meredith, a senior at the University of Michigan. “We still quote some of the lines from it.” 

7. Get crafty 

Hop on the DIY bandwagon and get crafting. You can spruce up your room, update your wardrobe or make some personalized gifts for your friends or family. Pinterest has an endless supply of DIY ideas, like this skirt made from a men’s dress shirt or this cinnamon stick candle. And as always, you can find plenty of fun DIY ideas on HC’s Pinterest boards. 

Not only will you get cool new swag out of your crafting, but it can also help you de-stress before a long week of classes. “Doing anything artistic or crafty has a way of calming me down when I’m overwhelmed with work or if I just want to relax on the weekend,” says Alison, a senior at Brown University. “I was obsessed with making friendship bracelets when I went to camp, so sometimes I still make those, but recently I’ve gotten more into drawing and 3D printing.”

Don’t get stuck in the mindset that you have to drink every weekend when there are all of these awesome ways to spend your time sober. Give your liver a break and try something new!

I am the biggest product junkie you will ever meet. It’s a serious problem. I have an overflowing makeup case for when I’m away at school and another collection for when I’m at home. I read beauty articles like it’s my day job. But all that sifting through products and reviews has resulted in a finely tailored arsenal of must haves, one I’m going to share with you!

Face

As someone with super oily skin that is constantly breaking out, I tend to shy away from foundation for fear of suffocating my pores. Maybelline New York Dream Pure BB ($8.99) is the perfect compromise between providing coverage and letting my skin breathe. The salicylic acid fights breakouts and it’s light enough to feel like I’m not wearing anything on my face.

When it comes to covering a breakout or avoiding looking like a raccoon, MAC Cosmetics Select Cover Up ($19) is the best there is. It stays put from sun up till way after sun down. Applied with a brush, it blends seamlessly.

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder ($32) is a god send. It’s the only thing I’ve found that doesn’t just stop my face from looking like an oil slick, but actually makes it stay that way.

I never used to wear blush, since I figured it would make me look like a circus clown. ButBenefit Rocketeur($28) and Rimmel Match Perfection Blush in Light/Medium ($7.98) have proved me wrong. The first is the most beautiful rose gold color that warms up fair skin tones like nothing else and the second looks exactly like my natural flush. Both are practically impossible to overload on.

Brows

One downside to having curly hair is having curly eyebrows. For those times in between waxing appointments when they’re getting unruly, I use Benefit Speed Brow ($18) to keep them tamed and locked in place all day.

Sometimes I have one of those days where I want to look like Lily Collins with her super fierce brows. For those days, I have Benefit Instant Brow Pencil ($20) and Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Caramel ($23) to fill in any bare patches and provide some extra oomph.

Eyes

Mascara is the one beauty product I can’t live without and Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara in Black ($27.50) is the best mascara I’ve ever used. It volumizes and lengthens to the point where people ask me if I’m wearing falsies. It’s practically transformative. I’m now a lifetime devotee.

After priming with Benefit Stay Don’t Stray ($26), my eye shadow and concealer don’t budge, no matter the weather. It’s so good that I can sleep with full on smoky eyes after going out and wake up the next morning with no creases and no pillow smudges. That’s magic.

I have an obsession with gold makeup and MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Indianwood ($21) is a rich burnished gold color that makes me feel like a Greek goddess. It looks even better when applied with your fingers so it gets all smudgy.

When you buy an eye shadow palette, it’s almost a given that there will be a couple of shades that are unwearable. But the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette ($54) is a rare exception with a mix of glamorous shades of pink and bronze that are almost too pretty to use. Almost. It may be one of my most prized possessions.

Maybelline New York Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner in Black ($7.99) is ideal for the liquid eyeliner impaired because it’s practically goof proof. The easy to use pen doesn’t smudge and creates a perfectly even wing. I love it because it makes the line look the same on both eyes.

For going out, I love NYX Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Gun Metal ($4.50), especially when applied to just the lower lash line. The blue-gray sparkle is unlike any other color and it makes my blue eyes pop.

Lips

For every day, I use eitherBurt’s Bees Lip Gloss in Summer Twilight ($12.99), a juicy berry that goes with any makeup I’m wearing, or Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose ($12) which makes you lips so soft that you can't stop touching them.

I love the look of super bright lipstick. My favorites are Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Backstage Bambi ($21), Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren ($4.99), and MAKE UP FOR EVER Lipstick in Moulin Rouge ($20) which is awesome not only because it’s inspired by my favorite movie, but also because it’s a non-drying matte red  that actually follows up on its promise of being long lasting.

Experimenting with fun colored streaks in your hair is a trend we've seen a lot recently, both on the runway and on celebs like Ashley Tisdale. Coloring your hair can be daunting, especially when faced with the prospect of having dyed ends for several weeks until the color fades out! That's why we here at Her Campus were so excited to hear about the Streekers hair dyes! These temporary hair dyes come in eight colors (red, blue, pink, ultra violet, purple, green, orange and yellow) and provide you with opaque, brushable color that washes out as soon as you shower. Crazy colors with zero commitment? Sign us up!

I received the colors Orange, Purple, Green, Ultraviolet and Blue. The website says that the lighter your hair, the more vibrant the colors will be, so I enlisted my lighter-haired friend Sam to help me test out these products. Author's note: I did try these dyes on my own dark brown hair and they showed up as a faint highlight, so keep that in mind!

I decided to use the colors blue, green and purple on the bottom few inches of Sam's hair to create a dip-dyed effect. The product itself comes in an adorable and bright decorative bottle and the applicator itself is a doe-foot sponge, which makes it super easy to apply. Since we only wanted to do the bottom of Sam's hair, I just applied the blue at the very ends of her hair, then the green and then the purple. 

The color dried almost immediately but it's a good idea to wait at least one minute before going back over one color with another if you want an ombré effect. The product did feel a bit sticky while it was drying but once it's dry and you brush it out it shoudl look great. Plus, as the color dried it softened a bit, creating more of a natural ombré effect.

I didn't have any latex gloves on hand but I would recommend using a pair of those if you have them, just to minimize any mess! If you do get some dye on your skin, not to worry—all you need is a little soap and water and it comes right off! I should mention that, according to the website, the dye will stain clothing so you should definitely throw on that old high school tee shirt you don't really care about before application!

We really loved these products. Temporary hair dyes usually flake or fade soon after application but this really did feel like we had actually dyed Sam's hair. These dyes would be amazing for Halloween looks (mermaid, anyone?), whether you're going for something crazy and colorful or just want a few fun highlights. Costumes aside, these could be really fun for mixing up your daily look, or as Sam suggests, a new way of showing off your school's colors at big games. Adding a few highlights for a night out, a concert, a festival or a themed party is a great way to spice up your look without having to commit to a permanent dye job!

We all know you’ve been searching high and low (and under the bed, in graveyards, and at butcher shops, we presume) for the s-c-c-c-ariest Halloween-inspired shoes this month. Stop! Don’t waste your time digging through sketchy piles of garage sale heels—fungus, anyone?—we have you covered. The scariest shoes around? Check ‘em out. Don’t blame us if you can’t turn out your lights tonight.

1. Skull-king Around

Shoes, TOMS, $85

Do some good while getting your BOO! on in these TOMS flats. Okay, these are heavy on the pretty and light on the scary—we're easing you in, we swear.  

2. Phone Home Flats

Flats, Iron Fist, $30

Make all the extraterrestrial friends you could ever want in these out-of-this-world flats. Martians will know you're an ally (victim) upon first glance. Fair warning: if you get sucked up into space, it's not our fault. We assume zero responsibility for acts of abduction from this planet. Sorry, guys. 

3. Hell on Heels

Heels, Hades, $160

The words "heels" and "torture" are most often thrown together around 2 a.m. on a Saturday evening (morning?), but these bad boys give a whole new meaning to the word "pain" in regards to your feet. Literally nobody will cross you when you have these on. Try it and send us your results. We await them with impatience. 

4. Man Eater

Heels, ModCloth, $65

Food is scary, too! Haven't you ever seen Super Size Me? Not only are these shoes a pretty stellar conversation starter, they're also your midnight snack. (As long as they don't eat you, first.)

5. Skele-Ten Toes

Shoes, Funtasma, $30

It's an anatomy lesson and a pair of shoes all in one! How fun! But seriously, who doesn't love a good exposed phalange? 

6. Hoofin’ It

Hooves, Urban Outfitters, $35

FINE! So these aren't technically shoes. But try to tell us that seeing someone walk into a party with these on their limbs wouldn't be absolutely terrifying. Accessorizing with hooves is some next-level ish. Just tell everyone your name is Mr. Tumnus and watch them squirm. Isn't this entertaining? 

7. Don’t Fall Now, Pumpkin

Heels, ZooShoo, $33

For a festive flair without diving too far into the gory or distrubing, these pumpkin-hued pumps are perfect for the Halloween season. The scariest part about them is, well, trying not to fall over (at 5.5 inches, we're impressed with you if you can parade gracefully in their care). 

Do you love these horror-inducing heels? Which are your faves? 

Ever wonder how companies and recruiters find their latest, greatest hires for jobs and internships? It’s actually not as complex, expensive or impossible to get your resume noticed by these recruiters as you may think. In fact, it can be as simple as changing a couple of words and phrases on your LinkedIn profile. How do you understand the whole recruitment system? Master the art of the Boolean search!

What is a Boolean search?

At its simplest, a Boolean (pronounced BOO-lee-un) search gives someone the ability to narrow, broaden or change a search of any kind by adding words (known as operators) like “or,” “and,” “not,” or “near.” The idea is to find a range of options that better meets what you’re looking for.

For example, pretend Her Campus was looking for a new social media assistant and had a recruiter conducting the search. If that recruiter was to just type the phrase “social media assistant” into Monster or LinkedIn, a whole slew of different types of social media assistants would pop up.

One issue right off the bat is location. How many of these social media-savvy people live in Boston, where Her Campus’s headquarters is located? It’d be better to type in “social media assistant NEAR Boston” because that rules out people working in other places. As you can see, the more a recruiter customizes the search, the easier it gets to find the right applicant without having to search through thousands of profiles.

In the field of recruitment and employment, knowing how to fix your LinkedIn profile, personal website or online CV and understanding how to manipulate these searches can give you a huge edge. Of course, Her Campus is going to show you how to beat the competition!

Becoming More Searchable in Three Easy Steps

Her Campus talked to Jan Melnik, a certified career manager and professional resume writer as well as the founder of Absolute Advantage, to discuss simple and straightforward ways to make your online presence (specifically, your LinkedIn profile) more searchable. You’ll be at the top of a recruiter’s list in no time!

1. Do your research

Many people say job searching is a full-time job in itself. Naturally, part of that job includes research! Don’t just stick to staring at your own LinkedIn profile; branch out! There are millions of users on LinkedIn (not to mention millions of personal websites and online resumes) for you to look at. Check out not only the profiles of established professionals who’ve been in the business for decades, but also the profiles of recent grads and even current college students for ideas and inspiration. Someone could be setting up his or her profile better than you.

One thing to look at in other LinkedIn profiles is word choice. Do you notice common words or themes? For example, if you look at profiles for people working in your dream field and realize that all of them use the term “self-starter” when talking about themselves and how they completed their work, it would be best to change “takes initiative” to “self-starter” on your LinkedIn profile. Again, it’s not only important to see how successful people in an industry completed a job, but also how they say it.

2. Place the right keywords in your LinkedIn profile

Now that you’ve seen which words and phrases people in a particular industry use, it’s time to look at job descriptions and make sure that your LinkedIn profile aligns with what job recruiters are looking for! “Ensure that keywords that tie to opportunities being targeted are used throughout,” Melnik says. “Glean those keywords that consistently appear and reappear, then match to experience, background and interest in writing the content of [your] LinkedIn [profile].” 

Looking for a more concrete way to ensure that you’re using the most effective keywords? Use “word cloud” generators like Wordle to help you figure out which words to put into your resume. Just copy and paste a job description into Wordle and look at which words appear the most. Then, take these words and place them appropriately throughout your LinkedIn profile.

Next, be the recruiter yourself; type different words and phrases into job search engines and see what comes up. Then, match your profile to mirror what works best!

3. Make sure your LinkedIn profile has the right material

If all your profile says is where you go or went to school and the names of a couple internships you did in college along with that little grey box where a profile picture should be, it’ll be very hard for a recruiter to find you in a sea of other profiles. Also, if an employer was to stumble upon your profile, he or she may not look at it for more than two seconds.

But which specific sections should you flesh out to make your profile more recruiter-friendly? There are several places to start! “Make sure your profile includes a narrative-rich and compelling summary section, a strong headline, well-developed experience content and a myriad of detail in the community/civic/volunteer/projects sections,” Melnik says. She also suggests including relevant links, publications, URLs and anything else that could help a recruiter separate you from the rest of the pack. 

If you take the keywords you found through word cloud generation and put them in your summary, headline and experience sections (which are usually at the top of your LinkedIn profile), a recruiter is more likely to find them, become intrigued and want to read more!

Melnik also suggests looking at a LinkedIn profile as being both professional but politely conversational. From the employer’s perspective, who wants to hire someone when all they know is her job history? You’d want as many details about a potential employee as possible. What are her interests outside of work? Which organizations does she support? What more unconventional experiences would help her be a great employee and a nice addition to the staff? By answering these questions and looking at your profile from a recruiter’s point of view, you can make your profile top notch!

Your LinkedIn profile is an investment. Spend time on it!

Remember that building an impressive resume and then transferring it to an online audience and platform takes time. Do your research and be as detailed but personable as possible. Using these three steps and a broader knowledge of what a Boolean search is, you’ll become a recruiter’s dream!

9 people who are going to cheat on you. [YourTango]

Why college is one of the most crucial times in your creative career. [The Huffington Post]

Get inspired by these chic workout outfits! [Racked]

Turning 26 soon? Start birthday shopping for health insurance ASAP! [Women’s Health]

Low-fat foods to stop eating now. [Newser]

Behind the scenes of Taylor Swift’s secret sessions. [YouTube]

Yummy pumpkin and apple recipes for fall. [BuzzFeed]

9 beauty lessons we learned from mom. [Elle]

Can enough exercising make up for bad eating? [The Atlantic]

Women dislike having female bosses even more than men do. [Businessweek]

Long and fabulous nails (à la Beyoncé and Rihanna) have inadvertently paved the way for a new nail trend: The undernail manicure.

 

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@mikutsutaya #Louboutin inspired #gelnail #extensions #nailart #vanityprojects

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There’s no trick to this new trend—it’s exactly what it sounds like. Instead of limiting yourself to one color, why not increase your surface area (this sounds like physics... no?) and your creative color combinations? 

You’ve been spending your time hanging out with friends, keeping up with your homework and (of course) staring at the back of your crush’s head for the entirety of your lit class, willing him to ask you out already. Seriously, what’s the holdup?!

The best way to deal? Definitely not by waiting around for him to man up and text you. Instead, woman up and ask him out yourself! If the idea of putting yourself out there makes you want to hole up and hide in your dorm, try following these tried-and-true tips.

1. Be Confident

We get it: asking a guy out can be super scary. Like, I’d-rather-watch-The-Conjuring-alone-than-do-this scary. The problem is, if all you do is sit around thinking about how scared you are to make a move, you might miss your chance! To give you a much-needed confidence boost, we’re going to let you in on a little secret: most guys are A-OK with you taking the lead!

“As a guy, I really wouldn't mind if more women started taking action into their own hands,” says Her Campus Real Live College Guy Dale. “If you like a guy, go up and talk to him or ask him out—don't send out playful vibes and hope that he'll get the message. I would be so totally impressed if a woman just came up to me and asked me out. It shows me confidence and creativity, and I would really have almost no other choice than to say yes to a date.”

Dale’s not the only one who wants you to make a move. Briana, a recent graduate of Georgia College, has found that boys don’t mind at all. “It's perfectly alright to ask a guy out—in fact, many guys think that it's super attractive when you make the first move!” she says.

Don’t let your nerves get the best of you. He may not even know you’re interested in him until you make it clear—after all, males aren’t exactly known for their intuition.

2. Initiate Conversation

Unsurprisingly, it’s best to actually talk to a guy before you try to take him out. For one, you want to see if he’s even worth getting to know. Is he your type? Can he hold up a conversation? For another, it’s one of the best ways to gauge whether he might be into you too, saving you from what could be a serious awkward-turtle moment.

“You should have a conversation before asking him out,” advises Kim Olver, author of Secrets of Happy Couples: Loving Yourself, Your Partner, and Your Life. “You’ll have a sense of if it’s give and take. If you ask something about him and he seems just as interested in finding out something about you, then I think it’s safe to be able to ask [him out].”

If you’re doing all the work whenever you talk and he’s not responding much, Olver says you can save yourself the trouble and find another fish in the pond.

The tactic worked well for Kaitlin, a junior at Denison University. “We ended up sitting next to each other [in economics], and since I didn't really know anyone else in the class and thought he seemed nice/good-looking, I said hey, and asked him a question about the class,” she says. “We ended up talking for five minutes until our professor arrived. Looking back, if I hadn't initiated a conversation with him, nothing may have ever happened!”

While Kaitlin’s boyfriend was the one who asked for her number and asked to take her out, Kaitlin’s the one who got the ball rolling by striking up a conversation in the first place. Think of it as an awesome and super-rewarding way to stretch your flirtation muscles!

3. Keep it Casual

Even if your heart’s beating a mile a minute when you start chatting, your best bet is to keep your cool and keep the questions light. “[Say] something low-pressure,” advises Olver. “Not, ‘Would you go to my sister’s wedding with me?’ That’s kind of high-pressure. You want to do a low-pressure, kind of casual, ‘Would you like to get coffee? Would you like to get lunch?’” You’re probably not ready for super cutesy fall dates, but you might get there soon if you lay the groundwork now!

Briana agrees. “Invite him to get coffee with you or something chill like that,” she suggests. “You don't have to make it an elaborate production.” You aren’t asking him to marry you, so there’s really no need to be nervous (or make him nervous in the process)!

The best way to do it? Show your funny side! You don’t have to be the star of your school’s improv group—chances are you’ve got a little bit of Tina Fey in you anyway. There’s no better time to let her shine than when you’re making movies on your man crush!

“I've casually asked guys out before via text by using a sarcastic sincerity. It’s a thing!” says Chloe, a recent grad of The University of Iowa. “I generally say something along the lines of, ‘Not that texting back and forth for days isn't fun, but we should actually talk face to face some time. Maybe with food. Maybe this weekend.’ I don't think it's never not worked! Or I'll say the exact same thing, but in person.” She swears that her humor diffuses any awkwardness and that nervousness is a total mood-killer. So take her lead and make fun of the situation!

4. Suggest Something Specific

As easy as it would be to casually ask, “Want to hang out sometime?”, this cop-out won’t get you and your Campus Cutie anywhere any time soon. If you’re going to ask him out, you should ask him to actually do something specific.

“Usually it helps if there’s something specific to invite him to,” says Olver. “I would try to think about, first of all: what do I like to do? And what do I think this person might like to do? If you’re into football, ask if he’s going to a football game and if you could meet up there. Or if you like to work out, [ask], ‘Are you going to the gym? Would you like to go with me [and] maybe grab a smoothie afterwards?’”

The awesome thing about being the one to make the first move is that you get to call the shots. As much as we love being dragged to a campus hockey game in which we’re totally disinterested (yawn) we think it might be time that we do something we like for a change. What’s more, you’ll get to show him the real you. If you really love a band that’s performing on campus and you bring your crush with you, he’ll learn a lot about you just by being there.

5. Don’t Worry About the Outcome too Much

Olver says that the key to asking-him-out courage is to not view it as a make-or-break situation. “It’s important to recognize that if we ask out our crush and he says no, we’re still going to be fine,” she says. “[What] I think is so important is understanding [that] it’s not because you’re not good enough. It’s not because there’s something wrong with you. It’s just because he wants something different, and that’s okay. When you go into it with that mindset, there’s less nervousness; there’s less riding on it.”

The less nervous you are, the more casual you’ll be, and the more likely it is that he’ll be into the idea. Even if he just wants to be friends, you’ll feel better knowing!

“My advice would be: no matter how nervous you are, do it,” says Nicole, a senior at Marist College. “Otherwise, you're just going to wonder if things would be different if you had opened up.” After all, it’s worth it in the long run, even if a guy or two turns you down along the way.

Take the lead in your love life this semester! No matter how nervous you may be about taking the plunge, you might just find that the shy guy you’ve been crushing on has been into you from the start. You’ll never know until you ask!

My grandmother, Boe, has lived with my family from the time I was born. As a kid, I could not have hoped for anything better. The treats, gifts and showering of attention that other children received on occasional visits to grandma’s house were all a constant fixture in my life. Going to garage sales was our activity of choice, and I never walked away from a day of sales without a new toy. In short, I was spoiled rotten.

Yet, amidst the pampering, my clearest childhood memory of time spent with my grandmother wasn’t a present or treat, but running into Boe’s room to snatch my favorite toy from its perch: her wig. It was the perfect mix between a make-believe pet and the best dress-up accessory ever. I would sit in the middle of the kitchen floor brushing it, until I decided that it was finally fit to go on my way-too-small head. Then the fashion show would begin, with my parents taking the hundreds of pictures and Boe laughing. It wasn’t until I'd reached my teenage years that I questioned why Boe had a wig to begin with; it was then that I learned she'd had breast cancer.

My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, when I was two years old. It was also the year that my younger brother was born. In every picture with the new baby, she’s smiling. You would never know anything was wrong, unless you knew her well enough to notice the change in her hair from chemotherapy, and the eventual switch to the wig. Even that change was hard to perceive. She adopted the wig early on in her chemo treatment to make the transition as seamless and unnoticeable as possible. This is one of the things I respect most about my grandmother: She bore cancer with a smile and was so strong through the process that as a child, I had no idea that she was sick. When I realized all of this as a young adult, I was floored.

Boe found out that she had cancer from a typical mammogram—the type of mammogram that most women have annually from the time that they are twenty-one. The type of mammogram that most women dislike getting but during which they think, "It won't happen to me. It can't happen to me." Yet this time, it did happen to Boe. For me, this is an unimaginable situation. I simply cannot wrap my mind around the thought of a doctor looking me in the eye and saying, “I’m sorry, but you have breast cancer.”

From this lack of comprehension is born the deference and respect I’ve developed for the extraordinary women that lived with breast cancer. From this physical weakness comes the greatest strength that anyone can hope to experience in his or her lifetime. While it is a brand of strength that I would not wish any woman or family to have to show, it is humbling as a woman to see the battle these women fight daily and the impact they have on the world around them.

Twenty years passed since Boe was first diagnosed with, and then overcame, cancer. Throughout most of my adolescence, including middle school and high school, breast cancer wasn’t anything more than something I mentioned to my doctor when discussing my family medical history: “My grandmother had breast cancer, but it’s been in remission for years.” Thought it wasn’t an issue I stopped caring about, it wasn’t at the top of my mind, either. But just as breast cancer grew into a hazy memory, it came hurtling back into my life this past summer. Somewhere between the barbeques and pool parties, breast cancer came back to Boe for a second time in June 2014. Once again, it was discovered in a typical mammogram, and once again, breast cancer came as a surprise. Except this time, Boe is twenty years older and in the beginning stage of Alzheimer’s disease. And this time, I also know exactly what’s going on.

It can be hard to talk about breast cancer when a family member is diagnosed, because often, it can seem selfish. In addition to the concern you obviously have for that loved one, you can’t help but also be afraid for your own health. Of course I worry about Boe, especially now that she’s older, both my brother and I are 12 hours away at school, and she is alone much of the day while my parents work. It breaks my heart. 

But I also have an all-consuming fear that my mother will develop breast cancer, and that ultimately I will develop breast cancer as well. 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases aregenetic, which can seem like a small percentage until you have the potential to be a part of the statistic. There is nothing like a strong statistic about a fatal disease to remind a girl that maybe she's not so invincible. It's a scary thing to think about.

At the same time, it also serves as an inspiration both to keep myself healthy and promote women's health. While exercising and eating healthy definitely isn't guaranteed to stave off cancer, it can help prevent the disease. Women have to take responsibility for their health and be sure to receive an annual mammogram. I'll be the first to say that it's not a pleasant experience, but early detection can be the key to beating breast cancer. A couple minutes of discomfort is well worth the benefit.

When the thoughts of fear and anxiety creep into my head, I just have to think about the strength and courage that Boe has demonstrated. Breast cancer may be scary, but that doesn’t mean that I should live in fear. After all, for the past two decades she's lived either with cancer or with the knowledge that her cancer could come back, and I have never seen her so much as flinch. If she can do that, then who am I to be afraid?

While I pray that I will never have to personally face cancer and summon up the strength to fight the disease myself, I hope that if I do, I am able to meet it with the same grace and fortitude that Boe has demonstrated to me. My grandmother’s fight on breast cancer’s battlefield has taught me to smile, even when the unthinkable becomes reality. 

Do you have a story to share?Submit your story to Her Story!

It’s that time of year again when you polish up your college essay, approach teachers for recommendations and get started on that dreaded Common App. Applying to college is a long and complicated (but most definitely rewarding!) experience. Applications often require a number of different elements, which can throw you in different directions when you’re getting ready to apply.

One key element of the college application is the recommendation letter – namely, the counselor recommendation letter. Some colleges require them, some recommend them and others don’t even mention them. Generally, opinions on the counselor recommendation letter vary; luckily, HC is here to explain this curious part of your college application!

What is a counselor recommendation letter?

A counselor recommendation letter is exactly what it sounds like – a letter written by your guidance or college counselor that recommends you as a student. In essence, it’s a letter sent to colleges that brags about what a great student you are and why a particular college should accept you.

A recommendation letter should highlight your special skills and personal involvement. It should convey how you go above and beyond and set yourself apart from other students. All this information should be backed up by scholarly statistics, like your GPA and standardized test scores – so stay on top of it!

A recommendation letter could be the factor that sets you apart from another competing student. Each year, colleges and universities receive thousands of applications from somewhat similar students with almost identical application elements. After comparing transcripts, test scores and GPAs, there are only a few more elements that can set you apart, and a recommendation letter is one of them.

Recommendation letters are creative and personal, unlike the numerical value of your SAT score. They can convey your strengths to an admissions counselor in a way that an essay or transcript can’t.

While you may have heard of the concept of teacher rec letters – or even recommendations for jobs – counselor recommendation letters are a little different. Counselors have a special insight of where you stand among other students because they’ve gotten to know many of them. While teacher recommendation letters can be a bit more personalized and positioned in a certain way, counselors can give some educated insight on how you behave as a student in a specific environment among other students.

Why use one?

It’s easy enough to tell a college why you’re awesome, but let’s be honest: You’re a little biased. Recommendation letters offer colleges a new perspective on you as a candidate. Letters of recommendation can validate what you’ve already said on your application and highlight skills that you might not have had the chance to express.

In addition to giving some background on you as a student, a recommendation letter can also give an admissions counselor some information about where you come from. “Many college and university admission officers use the counselor recommendation to learn more about the school and the community of the student applying for admission,” says Shawn Abbott, assistant vice president and dean of admissions at New York University. “It is helpful to learn about the academic profile of one's senior class, testing averages, and the socioeconomic background of the students attending and the town or city in which the school resides.”

Not all students come from the same environment with the same resources, so a counselor recommendation letter may give admissions counselors that insight and put your achievements in perspective based on your peers.

Moreover, letters of recommendations can let admissions counselors peek into your life. "They can be really helpful in explaining grades that are anomalies or family situations that may have adversely impacted a student,” says Jacqueline Murphy, director of admission of the undergraduate program at Saint Michael’s College.

While you might not be able to explain a familial situation or environmental factor on your transcript, your counselor has the opportunity to do so in his or her letter. In general, a recommendation letter is another medium that allows your counselor to express your strengths and advocate for you as a candidate.

How can these letters help or hurt your app?

Opinions vary when it comes to how relevant the counselor recommendation letter is. At large schools, it’s likely that students and counselors don’t get much one-on-one time.

Avianne Tan, a senior at New York University, was in this situation. Because Avianne didn’t have much contact with her counselor, she says, “During senior year we were required to give in ‘senior brag sheets’ that listed all our accomplishments and other notable resume-esque items just so that they could write letters of recommendation for us even without knowing us, really.”

While those who didn’t know their guidance counselors well probably view their recommendation letters as useless, other collegiettes think differently about the topic. Haleigh Kopinski, a senior at Point Park University, says that her guidance counselor wrote her a letter of recommendation when she was applying for scholarships, which helped immensely. “There were scholarships in my area I wasn't even eligible to receive due to location, GPA, things like that,” she says. “[My guidance counselor] made me apply for these scholarships I wasn't eligible for and would send recommendation letters to the boards on these scholarships for them to consider my application. I got all of the scholarships he sent letters into.”

And while it makes sense that students who don’t know their counselors might think that their letters don’t make much of a difference, admissions workers beg to differ. “At UT Austin, we use a holistic review process,” says Laura Lavergne, assistant to the director for special projects and communication at UT Austin’s Office of Admissions. “As a result, meaningful information that comes to us through any submitted items – including recommendations – [has] the potential to make a difference when we are reviewing applications.”

College applications are made up of multiple different elements, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not all important. Everything you submit to colleges can influence their decisions about your application!

How do you receive a good rec letter?

Avianne, who never had much contact with her guidance counselor, points out a good rule to follow when it comes to recommendation letters. “I think it’s a great idea to go out of your way to intentionally meet and chat with your guidance counselor,” she says. “The more [he or she gets] to know you, the more likely you’ll have a much better recommendation letter that doesn’t sound generic, and the better your college application will look!”

Colleges take into consideration that some schools are larger than others and some don’t even provide guidance counselors to all students, but even if this is true, you should be making your best effort to get to know one (or let them get to know you)!

Brianna Susnak, a freshman at Indiana University, has a few recommendations when it comes to getting to know your counselor. “Schedule a one-on-one meeting with [him or her and] talk about your post-high school plans, career path, goals, etc.,” she says. “If [your counselor is] familiar with your passions and interests, it will be far easier for [him or her] to write a standout letter of recommendation for you.”

Haleigh, who was awarded scholarships she wasn’t even eligible for because of a meaningful recommendation letter, thinks that her letter was so successful because she knew her counselor well. “In high school [my counselor] really helped me out a lot, and not only with class and school,” she says.

Guidance counselors aren’t only there for academic purposes, but also for mental and emotional support. “I felt that he really knew me because he actually took the time to do so,” Haleigh says.

Consider approaching your counselor for more than just academic purposes – he or she is there to help you out with a number of issues, not just college applications!

Avianne recommends starting up the relationship as early as possible. “Introduce yourself as early as freshman year!” she says. Meeting your counselor early will set up a solid foundation for developing a relationship all throughout high school. Not only will building the relationship help you when it comes to the letter of recommendation, but your counselor might even be able to help you decide on schools and develop your college essay if he or she knows you well enough. Not to mention your counselor will be able to track your growth throughout your high school career and be able to highlight it on a letter of recommendation. Getting to know your counselor early will surely reap some benefits come application time!

“Counselor and teacher letters of recommendation can be very helpful in assessing a student’s readiness for college-level work if they are clear and honest in their evaluations,” Murphy says. Murphy also mentions that boilerplate letters that could’ve been written about anyone or letters that bear little resemblance to the rest of the student’s application are not helpful to the process. “At times one wonders if the writer really knows anything about the student when a glowing recommendation is paired with a mediocre transcript,” she says.

So make sure to get to know your guidance counselor personally and work with him or her closely on your application. This way, your counselor will be qualified to write about your strengths, and the letter will line up with the rest of your application.

Counselor recommendation letters are just one portion of the college application process, but it’s important not to overlook them. Anything in your application can make or break your college acceptances, including what your guidance counselor has to say about you! Do your best to get to know your counselor in order to receive the best advice as well as a personal and impressive recommendation letter – you’ll get one step closer to the college of your dreams!

Whether you’re throwing a party or just feeling festive, making a few delicious recipes is the perfect way to get into the spooky Halloween spirit. Her Campus has compiled some of the best Halloween recipes on the Internet, from appetizer to dessert. Enjoy!

1. Appetizers: Hot Dog Mummies from Mommy Noire

Ingredients:

• 1 11-ounce can of refrigerator breadsticks
• 1 12-pack of hot dogs
• Yellow mustard

Directions:

1. For each mummy, separate one breadstick from the roll and use kitchen shears or a knife to slice it in half lengthwise to create two thinner strips.
2. Wrap one strip at a time snugly around the hot dog. Depending on the size of the hot dog, you may not need all of both strips. Leave about 1/2 inch of hot dog exposed for the face area and continue wrapping the top of the hot dog.
3. Bake the mummies on a cookie sheet at 350º F for 15 to 18 minutes or until the breadstick wrapping is golden brown.
4. Remove the mummies from the oven and cool them for 5 minutes. Add yellow mustard eyes just before serving. Makes 12 mummies.

2. Salad: Mesclun Meanies from MyRecipes.com

Ingredients:

• 8 large thick-skinned oranges
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons grainy mustard
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 5 oz.-bag baby mixed greens
• ½ cup of toasted pumpkin seeds

Directions:

1. Grate 1/4 tsp. zest from top of an orange. Slice 1/2-inch slice off top of oranges and carve out pulp; slice enough off bottom of oranges so they won't roll.
2. Slice pulp of four oranges into half moons (1 1/2 cups); set aside. Juice rest of pulp (1/4 cup); set aside.
3. Cut a jack-o'-lantern face on each orange.
4. Whisk together reserved orange zest and juice with vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, lemon juice, ginger, pepper and salt. Whisk oil in until combined.
5. Toss greens and reserved orange pieces with 2 to 3 Tbsp. dressing. Stuff orange shells with salad; top with pumpkin seeds.

3. Entrée: Chili-Filled Coffins from TasteOfHome.com

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (8-1/2 ounces each) corn bread/muffin mix
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon black paste food coloring
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, sliced
• 1 serrano pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) fat-free vegetarian chili
• 1 tablespoon process cheese sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the corn bread mix, milk, eggs and food coloring just until moistened. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pan. Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Cut top fourth off loaf of bread; carefully hollow out bottom, leaving a 1-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use).
3. In a large skillet, sauté peppers and onion in oil until tender. Set aside 1/4 cup pepper mixture. Stir chili into remaining pepper mixture; heat through. Spoon 2-1/2 to 3 cups chili mixture into bread coffin; arrange reserved pepper mixture over chili. Replace bread top. Transfer remaining chili to a serving bowl.
4. Place cheese sauce in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Write "RIP" with cheese sauce, then repeat with ketchup. Serve immediately.

4. Entrée: Ghostly Pizza from MyRecipes.com

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound of frozen pizza dough, thawed
• 3/4 cup jarred tomato sauce
• 8 oz. slices low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon capers

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 475º F. Brush bottom of a 16-by-11-inch rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Press and stretch dough evenly to cover bottom of sheet. (If dough resists at first, let it rest for a minute and then continue.)
2. Spread sauce in an even layer over dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all sides. Bake until underside of dough is golden (lift up pizza with a spatula and take a peek), about 15 minutes.
3. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut ghosts from cheese. Place ghosts on top of hot pizza and bake for 5 minutes.
4. Place two capers on each piece of cheese for eyes. Let stand 5 minutes on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

5. Punch: Bloody Vampire Punch from Squidoo.com

Ingredients:

• 1 quart or liter of cranberry juice
• 1 liter 7-Up or Sprite
• 1 package of frozen strawberries in syrup
• Thawed grenadine (pomegranate syrup)

Directions:

1. Place strawberries in punch bowl.
2. Add cranberry juice. Stir.
3. Pour in 7-Up or Sprite.
4. Pour in grenadine. Do not stir. The grenadine looks like blood!

6. Punch: Apple Cider Punch from Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients:

• 6 cups apple cider
• 2 cups orange juice, cranberry-raspberry juice, or orange-mango juice
• ½ cup lemon juice
• 1 750-milliliter bottle sparkling white grape juice

Directions:

1. In punch bowl, large pitcher, or pitchers, combine apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice.
2. Slowly add sparkling white grape juice or sparkling wine. Serve immediately.

7. Dessert: Jack Skellington cupcakes from DisneyFamily.com

Ingredients:

• Batch of chocolate cupcakes
• White buttercream frosting
• 2 toothpicks
• Tube of black decorators icing

Directions:

1. Frost the cupcakes using the white icing.
2. For each cupcake, use the tip of a toothpick to lightly etch the outline of two large Jack Skellington eyes in the frosting.
3. Slowly pipe black decorator's icing onto the etched lines and then fill in the inner circles. Use another toothpick to spread and smooth the icing.
4. Pipe on two short lines for a nose. Next, pipe a long line across the bottom of the cupcake for the mouth. For the finishing spooky touch, randomly top the mouth with a bunch of short icing barbs.

8. Dessert: Halloween Oreo Pops from MomEndeavors.com

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Oreos
• Candy Melts/Bark Coating (dark chocolate, orange, and white with green food coloring
• Popsicle sticks
• Sprinkles
• Grape (or dark fruit) leather
• Chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Insert the stick into the cream layer of the Oreos.
2. Melt your chocolate according to the package directions.
3. Coat each “Oreo on a stick” with chocolate (dark for bats and orange for the pumpkins). Let harden.
4. While those are hardening, cut out bat wings. Lay the fruit leather out and cut the shape of bat wings.
5. For the bats, once the chocolate is just about hard, push in sprinkles to the front.
6. Use white sprinkles for the mouth and fangs and some large round sprinkles for the eyes.
7. To affix the wings, just put a dab of melted chocolate on the back and stick it on. Let it harden, face down.
8. For the pumpkins, once the orange coating is hard, put some melted chocolate in a baggie with the tip cut off (or a piping bag) and pipe on jack-‘o-lantern faces.

9. Snack: Pumpkin-Shaped Oranges from TrendHunter.com

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of oranges
• Choice of preferred filling (raspberries, strawberries, etc.)

Directions:

1. Cut off the top of the orange.
2. Scoop out the inside.
3. Carve a face.
4. Put your filling inside. Put the top back on.

10. Snack: Chocolate-dipped strawberry rats from The Hidden List

Ingredients:

• 20 large strawberries
• 40 sliced almonds
• 2 3.5-oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate bars, coarsely chopped and melted
• 40 slivered almonds
• 20 2-inch pieces of black licorice laces

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Trim a small piece from one side of each strawberry so they can rest flat on wax paper.
2. Insert 2 sliced almonds about 1 inch from pointed end of strawberry to make the ears on the rat. Repeat with remaining strawberries.
3. Insert a fork into the wide end of a strawberry. Holding the strawberry on fork, spoon the melted chocolate over the fruit to coat, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off.
4. Place on baking sheet. While chocolate is still wet, arrange 2 slivered almonds to create eyes, then place licorice pieces at the bottom of the wide end of the strawberry to form a tail.
5. Repeat with remaining strawberries, chocolate, almonds, and licorice. Chill until firm.

In case you missed it, we're into our third installment of our sorority nail art series—don't forget to check out our Delta Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta tutorials! Next up: Delta Delta Delta. Keep reading to find out how to create a simple and subtle manicure just in time for all those fall events and functions!

Tri Delt's colors are cerulean blue and gold so I'm using Ulta's Blue Streak ($6) and Nina's Big Spender ($3.99). You'll need a beveled nail brush (from this set for only $2.62) and a toothpick, like the ones shown below, to create these designs.

Begin by painting all of your nails with the cerulean blue, applying enough coats to create an opaque, solid base.

On our thumb we will create a trident to represent one of Tri Delt's symbols, the Greek god Poseidon. Using the toothpick, draw a gold "U" near the cuticle, tips curving out. Finish with a line down the middle.

Since the ocean is home to the dolphin, another one of Tri Delt's symbols, we'll draw waves on our pinky. Again, using the tootpick, draw as many waves as you can fit across the nail. 

Lastly we will create three triangles, the Greek letters for Delta Delta Delta. Lightly dip the beveled nail art brush into the gold, and begin by drawing the tip of the triangle in the middle of your pointer nail. The two sides of the triangles should come down to the corners of the tip of your nail. Fill in the traingle and repeat on your middle and ring finger.

If you don't have the nail art brush, here's a quick and easy way to help create straight-edged triangles. After making sure your base coat is COMPLETELY dry, simply get a piece of Scotch tape and tape it to the back of your hand (this lessens the stickiness to prevent the tape from removing the base color). Cut it in half and place both halves on your nail to create a triangle stencil, just like Kaylah from The Dainty Squid did below.

As always, be sure to apply a topcoat and use a cotton swab to remove any extra polish from your skin. You're done—time to show off your new mani!

Let us know in the comments what sorority you'd like to see next!

We often think that having a successful college career comes at a price. A collegiette who performs well and is a top student must be unhappy because she puts everything into her work, right? Wrong! We don’t mean to be cheesy, but you can have it both ways. In fact, happiness in your life and your success in school can be related, so take it from us that you don’t have to choose one over the other.

We caught up with a few collegiettes and got the scoop on some habits that keep them on the track to success all while staying happy at the same time. We also spoke with psychiatrist Dr. Roy Stefanik and certified nutrition specialist Susan Holmberg for their views, so if you want help with having a great school year that is also full of smiles, check out these worthwhile pointers.

1. Schedule weekly girlfriend time

When all of your girlfriends have such busy and differing schedules, it’s easy to neglect hanging out on a regular basis. Sit down with your roommates or closest girlfriends and decide on a time each week to meet up and do something fun, even if that means just getting into your pajamas and catching up on Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

University of Ottawa sophomore Sarah Khalid and her roommates dedicate time each week to do one of many fun activities they have up their sleeves. “Once a week we cook dinner together,” she says. “We also get together to go on walks or to just grab a cup of frozen yogurt.”

Once you make a weekly commitment to spend time with one another, make sure you stick to the plan! Since it’s easy to brush off a froyo date, go the extra step to ensure that everyone shows up. Send a group text the day of reminding everyone, or write a note on a Post-it and stick it on the front door of your suite. If you choose an activity that involves tickets, like movies, buy them ahead of time so you’re less likely to back out at the last minute.

2. Call up your parents every so often

Many of us are utterly thrilled when we leave home for college, since it means no more of Mom and Dad’s rules, but that doesn’t mean you should cut them out of your life completely! If you haven’t already, make a habit of talking to your parents on a regular basis (and by that we mean more than just a quick text asking them to send you money!).

“I talk to my parents regularly; it can be really helpful and comforting for me at times,” says Judith Eng, a senior at Barnard College. “Whenever I have a dilemma, they give me advice, and even if I don’t take it, I’m glad to hear it.”

Chatting with your parents will not only give them the peace of mind that you’re doing okay, but it can help them help you with what’s going on in your own life. If you’re struggling with a certain professor or you have something else to vent about, your parents can offer good insight and are almost guaranteed to be great listeners.

Even if you don’t tell them if something’s wrong, they usually realize and will try to help you. “It’s good for them to hear your voice because parents will often pick up on stress levels or emotions that can go undetected in electronic contact,” Dr. Stefanik says.

Of course, you don’t have to call them only when you have a problem—your dad will appreciate when you call to let him know you’ve aced a test, and your mom would probably love to hear about your amazing shopping finds from last weekend. Plus, it’s also an opportunity for you to learn news about how things are going at home, like how your favorite pet is doing.

3. Constantly motivate yourself

Self-motivation is way easier said than done, but luckily, there are various ways to go about it. One way is to print out inspirational quotes and hang them up on your walls. If phrases you find through Pinterest are hung up in your room and you see them every day, they’re going to stick longer than one you briefly saw before scrolling farther down on your Pinterest homepage.

Find a quote from your favorite role model and write it on your mirror in lipstick. As you look into it every morning before you leave, you’ll see that Gandhi quote about kindness, and hopefully it’ll be in the back of your mind throughout the day.

If you’re more interested in tangible ways of motivating yourself, consider writing down goals, whether they pertain to school, your career or general habits. You want to create goals that are realistic, like allowing yourself one junk-food day per week or spending one less hour on Facebook each day, so you can actually see results.

If you set really big goals, you may get results right away, and that may detract you from setting goals in the future. Track your successes (or failures) on paper so you can look back on your progress. When it comes to more behavioral targets like losing weight or improving sleep habits, “it’s best to set incremental goals,” Dr. Stefanik says. “Making small changes at a time can increase your likelihood of success dramatically.”

4. Allot yourself some “me time”

In an episode of MTV’s The City, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg said: “The most important relationship in your life is the [one] you have with yourself.” Her token of wisdom, no matter how cheesy it sounded, is so true! And just like the relationships you have with others, your relationship with yourself needs consistent maintenance. Hanging out with your besties has its benefits, but sometimes you need to just do you, whether it’s by trying a new recipe or getting cozy and reading a book.

“Personally, alone time reading a book that’s not required for school helps,” says Claudia Dimuro, a senior at New York University.

Dr. Stefanik says, “Reading for leisure can be an effective use of alone time. It’s better to read books and magazines that support healthier lifestyles than ones that encourage self-loathing.” So instead of picking up a mag whose cover evaluates celebs’ beach bodies, opt for a novel that offers a strong female protagonist, like Divergent.

There are countless activities besides reading that you can pursue that will make you feel productive, whether it’s starting that DIY jewelry project you bookmarked weeks ago, going to your local art museum to check out the new photography exhibit or writing a good, old-fashioned letter to a friend.

5. Exercise

Exercise has its obvious benefits relating to your physical well-being, but it will also put you in a good place from a mental standpoint. Like Elle Woods said, “Exercise gives you endorphins; endorphins make you happy!”

“[Endorphins] have a calming characteristic that leave you in an awfully good mood post-workout,” Holmberg says.

Morgan Dux, a senior at Juniata College, sticks to a regimen of three workout days per week. “It definitely helps me stay sane and benefits my overall well-being,” she says. “I try to work out primarily outside. I feel much more relaxed and refreshed after an outdoor workout, even if it’s cold outside.”

The best time of day to work out or where you do it depends completely on you, Holmberg says. “For some, the gym can have many negative connotations; you may feel self-conscious or you may feel like you have to compete with others,” she says. “Those who enjoy the gym may feel incentivized by exercising alongside others, and that’s why they may prefer it.”

So, if you have a complete aversion to the gym (you’re not alone if you do), take a jog or even walk on a scenic route through your campus. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore your campus or town all while attaining the same level of accomplishment you might feel indoors.

6. Unplug every once in a while

With your cell phone buzzing every five minutes and your email inbox getting flooded with messages from professors, it’s no wonder you’re on the verge of insanity! Even if it’s just once a week, devote at least half an hour to eliminating the use of all electronic devices from your life. Turn off your cell, take out your earbuds, shut down your iPad. With your newfound free time, find something fun to do, like organizing your shoe collection or taking a bubble bath. In fact, your time to unplug can be channeled into a new weekly activity.

“[A] habit I started in college and carried on into [life after college] was taking an hour on Sunday afternoon, turning off my electronics and doing my nails,” says Chantalle Brown, a Purdue University graduate. “It’s a great way to relax, doesn’t cost a ton of money and guarantees that your nails will look great each week — the only struggle is choosing the right color!”

Aside from giving you time to your nails, you’ll find that occasionally tuning out will improve your life in other ways. Our gadgets become huge distractions. Detaching yourself from them for even a short period of time will better your focus and enable you to think more clearly. Plus, your tired thumbs and otherwise strained eyes will thank you!

7. Use a planner

Since you’re on your own in college, time management becomes a key skill you either learn to refine or struggle with. Don’t underestimate the power of a planner, because it can solve many potential problems before they even happen. Aside from being pretty to look at, a planner will help you prioritize everything on your agenda from that weekly Skype date with your SO to the office hours appointment with your professor. Many of us make the effort of buying a planner but then become flaky when it comes to recording tasks and or checking it regularly, so make it your job to be consistent. Force yourself to write down new commitments the second you become aware of them, and keep tabs on what you have on your plate each morning after waking up.

Sarah Engstrand, a recent graduate of the University of St Andrews, says she survived college thanks to her planner. “Every single thing had to be written down, and if it wasn’t, it didn’t exist [in my mind],” she says. “It helped to have a planner with a monthly and daily view so I could see what was coming up.”

With the end of the calendar year coming up, now is the best time to start looking for a new planner. There are so many out there in different colors, patterns and formats, so you can definitely find one that fits your personality. The coolest ones have cute stickers that you can use to deck out your calendar pages in order to help you keep track of upcoming events or occasions.

At the end of the day, your own happiness is key. Once you find the best ways to reach and optimize it, you may realize that you’re already halfway closer to success, whether it involves your GPA or overall college goals.

Are you regretting opting in for the standard bedding set provided by your school? Realizing the comforter you brought from home (the one you’ve been using since you were twelve) isn’t really fitting in to your new grown-up look?

Well, you’re in luck.

We’re giving away an entire bedding set worth $170 (including a comforter, pillow sham and matching accent pillow!) from American Made Dorm & Home, your ultimate destination for ultra-chic dorm bedding and accessories. In short—your dorm room is going to reach Pinterest-worthy status. The winner gets to choose from the sleek and sophisticated Cool Grey Quatrefoil set, the edgy-glam Black and White Damask set, and the fun and colorful Sky Blue Quatrefoil set. Like everything else on the site, these collections are made with high-quality materials in the U.S., and across the brand, you’ll also find rugs, curtains, towels and tons more.

Give your dorm room a chic update now—enter below for your chance to win!

Be sure to follow American Made Dorm & Home on Twitter and Facebook to check out more of their chic dorm decor!

It happens almost overnight: You pack up your cap and gown, move to a new city, pay your first utility bill... and get asked on a real date.

So, now what? Dating in the real world is different than it is in college, so you probably have a ton of questions. What’s the new hook-up etiquette? Where can you meet new people? Do people actually use online dating sites?

The new scene can be hard to navigate, so we’ve put together an all-inclusive guide for everything you need to know about dating after college, from one-night stands to long-term relationships. Check out our list of dos and don’ts!

Do date outside of your comfort zone

The real world is a great place to explore different kinds of people and personalities. Instead of ignoring those who don’t fit your mold when you’re out at a bar, say yes to a date with someone who might even be the opposite of what you think you’re looking for.

“I always tell people to be open,” says Marla Martenson, author of Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker. “Try going out with [people] who you don’t think [are] your type… like someone who’s shorter than you.”

You never know what could happen—Martenson says that chemistry isn’t something you can gauge just by looking at someone.

At the very least, you may learn something new about yourself and what you like. You might think you like the funny, life-of-the-party sort of guy, but end up having a great time with someone who’s more on the quiet side.

“Many happily coupled people find themselves with amazing partners in packages different from the vision they held when single,” says Jasbina Ahluwalia, founder and president of matchmaking site Intersections Match.

Don’t be afraid of age differences (but do be conscious of your lifestyle differences)

Other than your cute econ TA (who was totally not an option anyway), you were probably used to dating guys or gals around your age in college. After graduation, however, you’ll meet some people who seem old enough to be your parents, but still want to date you anyway.

The bonus? They’re probably a lot more mature and serious about their lives, futures and careers. This could also mean that your priorities are in different places—are they looking to settle, when you’re looking for a more casual dating relationship?

Jodi RR Smith, an etiquette consultant, also points out that it could also be the opposite situation.

“Why is [he or she] not dating somebody with a similar life experience?” Smith asks. “Is [he or she] very immature? Is [he or she] unable to commit? After dating you for five years will [he or she] trade you in for a younger model?”

While it’s good to have these questions in mind, don’t let them define your relationship—regardless of age, every relationship should be based on love, honesty, loyalty and whatever else your ideals and values are.

Don’t date coworkers (if you can avoid it)

Just like you can get a reputation on a college campus, you can also get one at your job, Smith warns. And when it happens, “it might not be as humorous out in the professional world,” where you’ll have to live with it for the next 30 years instead of just four.

People think they’re good at keeping office relationships discreet, but it’s much harder than they realize, Smith says. Before you know it, “you’ve become the star in the office soap opera,” she says.

And if things don’t work out with your coworker, you will have to see that person every single day at the office, which could be upsetting, embarrassing and distracting.

Of course, you can’t help whom you like—if you do find yourself falling for someone in your office and are determined to make it work, take it very slow, Smith says. You should already know this person very well (Smith recommends one year as a general rule).

Do figure out what you want

Dating can be like interviewing—you want to make a good first impression, but you also want to ask your own questions and make sure that person is a good fit for you so you know when to say yes to a second date and when to say no.

When starting out, Martenson suggests to focus on your deal-breakers first, then go from there. Martenson always knew that she didn’t want children and that she wanted to live in Los Angeles, so she ruled anyone out who wouldn’t jive with her on those points.

It’s important to differentiate between your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves,” Ahluwalia says.

“If one of your values is spending quality time with your parents, then a must-have would be his acceptance and appreciation of your desire to spend quality time with your parents. A non-essential nice-to-have may be his being close with his own parents,” Ahluwalia says. “Being as flexible as possible with respect to your nice-to-haves optimizes the chances of finding a guy who meets your must-haves.”

Do get creative

In college, you were surrounded by fellow students. You may have taken for granted that this meant that everyone you met had a few qualities in common with you, like age and education, and perhaps even things like majors, extracurricular activities and more. In the real world, you may have to go out of your way to find potential dates who have interests in common with you.

“I have played in some coed sports leagues, and there are always cute guys,” says Sabrina*, who graduated college a few years ago. She says she has enjoyed meeting people on her soccer team who are also athletic and outgoing.

Going out to bars with your friends is the most obvious way to meet new people, so get out of your comfort zone and make an effort to talk to more people than just the ones you’re out with. You might be surprised how many people are also out to meet others (and not just looking for a one-night stand) if you give them a chance!

Or, if you’re a regular at your local coffee shop, pay attention to the people who are also there frequently; they’re probably from the same area, so getting to know them will instantly open up your network of people in your neighborhood.

Many colleges also offer alumni meet-ups in cities across the nation. Having the same alma mater gives you an instant connection and a great place to start a conversation. 

It’s never a good idea to play the stereotypical dating games—and in the real world, it’ll get you even further from where you want to be. Instead, get real about your relationships and keep it straightforward and honest—you could be meeting “The One,” so you don’t want to start the relationship off in the wrong way! Don’t pretend you don’t care when you really do, and definitely don’t wait days before responding to a text, especially if you’re interested in someone. When you revert to these tactics, more likely than not the other person will lose interest, write you off as being immature or not understand what you’re trying to accomplish, period.

Don’t get too drunk

Know what your limits are—there’s no better way to put a damper on a first date than to have your date escort you home… all the way across town (you’re not just heading to the next dorm building on campus anymore!). Additionally, spending time with someone who’s essentially a stranger already comes with its own risks; you don’t want to impair your judgment.

“The dangers you see on campus are the same in the real world,” Smith says. “If you had a terrible day and you want to get rip-roaring drunk, do it with you friends.”

As for a night out with a new date? Even with all safety considerations aside, you should be taking the time to get to know your date and vice versa; you don’t want to be remembered as the one who passed out mid-date.

Do use the Internet

Let’s admit it—we’ve all Facebook-stalked potential suitors. After college, there’s nothing wrong with using the Internet to check out new guys (it is the digital age after all, right?). Of course, there are the traditional dating sites, like Match.com and OkCupid (which is free!). But don’t stop there—apps like Tinder, Hinge and Coffee Meets Bagel make it even easier to meet new people.

Tinder is connected to your Facebook account, and the app pulls your name, age and a few photos to create your profile. The app will bring up profiles of people who are close to your current location. Then, you can go through each profile and decide if you want to swipe right, which means you like what you see, or swipe left, rejecting him or her. If the other person also swipes right for you, it’s a match, and you’ll be able to message each other.

Hinge matches you with 15 people a day who are already in your extended social circle, based on your Facebook network: They might be friends or friends of friends. This gives you a more select pool of potential dates, complete with information about where they went to school and where they work.

The premise around Coffee Meets Bagel is that you’re not committing to a serious date, but rather just a casual meet-up for coffee. You’re matched with one person a day, also based on your mutual friends, and you have the chance to “like” or “pass” on that person. If you both like each other, you have the option to chat.

“I got matched with my boyfriend on both Hinge and Coffee Meets Bagel,” says Keira*, who graduated in 2012 and lives in New York City. “We’ve been dating for a few months now.”

The hook-up culture of college does not magically end after you graduate. There will still be people who have only sex on their minds who are not looking for long-lasting relationships. Don’t feel like you have to do the same, even if it’s with someone you think you really like. And if that’s what you’re looking for, that’s totally fine—but be sure that you’re being safe and using protection.

If someone is pressuring you to do something you’re not comfortable with, don’t be afraid to stay firm in your answer. You may need to have a serious conversation with your date, and if you’re not being taken seriously or your concerns are being brushed off, it’s time to move on—no matter how much you like this person.

Whether you have a date lined up or not, you’ll be ready to take on dating in the real world. You might just find that meeting people is a lot easier than you think—and a lot more fun than campus-dining-hall dates of years past!

*Names have been changed.