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What's So Different About the New SAT?

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If you look back at your high school experience, there's one thing that probably stands out to you as the absolute worst part: the SAT. The studying, the hundreds of hours spent memorizing pointless words, and the knot in your stomach when it’s results day. Well, colleges started thinking the SAT sucked, too, and now CollegeBoard is making some major changes to try to make people believe in the power of the test again—starting this Saturday.

According to CollegeBoard, “SAT questions focus on skills that matter most for college readiness and success, according to the latest research." They're trying to bring the test out of the past, and actually make it relevant to students and colleges today.

On the previous test, for example, students spent way too much time memorizing words than they will never use. CollegeBoard says that now, the redesigned SAT will focus on “important, widely used words and phrases found in texts in many different subjects” and will ask you questions in order to find out what the word means based on the context. These are words that you'll most likely actually use in college and even after. 

Another major change is that this SAT will focus on evidence based reading passages. Instead of a few short passages like in the past, the new test will give you much longer passages and more questions to answer, in an attempt to analyze and interpret the information, according to BuzzFeed. The SAT essay will also be completely optional.

One of the best changes is that on the new SAT, you will no longer lose points for question you answer incorrectly. You'll only gain points when you answer correctly. So go ahead and guess all you want, because it doesn’t make a difference if you mess up! No more trying to decide if you should go for the answer you're not sure about or just leave it blank.

Basically, the new test should be more realistic and give a better reading of your skills. BuzzFeed also states that the old SAT score “is directly correlated with one thing: your parents’ income." Meaning, the old SAT didn't show anything about how smart you are—Just how rich you are, and whether or not your parents can afford for you to take expensive prep classes. That's not super helpful information for colleges, so CollegeBoard is trying to even things out by offering free online prep classes. They're also not letting in any people from test prep companies get insider knowledge by taking the test on Saturday.

With all the new changes and resources, it'll hopefully be much easier for students to do well on this test and have it accurately represent what kind of student they are. Break a leg! 


Bloody Knife Was Found On O.J. Simpson's Former Property "Years Ago"

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It's been revealed that a construction worker found a bloody knife "years ago" at O.J. Simpson's property that he was living in at the time of the infamous murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Simpson, and Ron Goldman in 1994. It was allegedly given to a off-duty police officer at the time, who then kept it in his home until finally turning it over to the police in January. 

The story was broken by TMZ, which the LAPD confirmed in a later news conference. The police officer was off duty at the time, working as security for a movie that was being shot across the street. He was a motor officer, and retired in the late 1990s, but it is not known if he was retired at the time.

The knife has been recovered by the Murder Robbery Division and will be tested for DNA and other biological evidence at the LAPD's Serology Unit. 

At the news conference, the LAPD officer added that the 'O.J. Simpson' case was still open since no one had been convicted for the murders, but then quickly corrected himself, "I shouldn't say the O.J. Simpson case, this is the Nicole Brown case, this is a double homocide that is still open."

The double jeapardy law means that because O.J Simpson was acquitted in 1995, he can't be retried. 11 years after the murders, it came to light that Simpson was writing a book titled "If I Did It" which reportedly had detailed scenes that 'hypothetically' described how the murders might have happened. The public became enraged and the book was dropped. 

A civil court jury in 1997 found that Simpson was liable for the killings (which is different from being guilty of their murders), and millions of dollars was awarderd to families of the two victims.

However, Simpson couldn't escape prison forever—He's currently serving time for a 2007 armed robbery, where he and a group in Las Vegas took 'back' sports memorabillia at gunpoint. O.J Simpson said they were stolen from him, as he used be a professional football player. 

How to Prep Your Skin For Spring Break

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Now that spring is officially here, there's little we've been thinking of besides spring break. Dreams of warm beaches and bikinis provide solace from cold, dreary classrooms, and give us motivation to push through those midterms. If you’re actually lucky enough to be taking a trip somewhere warm this year, it’s time to start thinking about your skin. Especially after a winter spent indoors, you’ll need to give your skin a little extra TLC to ensure adequate protection while soaking up those rays. 

1. Use SPF 30 or higher—and re-apply!

It’s simply not enough to spritz on some SPF 15, just so you can say you did. Dr. Elizabeth Hale, a board-certified dermatologist, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NYU and Vice President of the Skin Cancer Foundation, recommends applying a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to the entire body, being sure to wait about 20 minutes for it soak in before going outside. “Best to do this naked to get the areas that may be under your bathing suit,” says Dr. Hale. It’s also important to reapply if your spending all day outside, and especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

But don’t forget your face! Renee Rouleau, a celebrity esthetician, recommends “both a sunscreen cream followed by an SPF powder.” There are also some great moisturizers with SPF that are soothing and smooth on the face, without the greasy feel of traditional sunscreen. Try Clinique Sunscreen Face Cream,which also happens to have a lovely, fresh scent, or a super lightweight serum from Supergoop!.

2. A faux tan won’t protect you from burning

Unless you happen to go to school in Southern California, chances are you’re feeling about as pale as a vampire by the time spring break rolls around. If you want to get a head start on your golden glow, a spray tan can be a safe option, but only if you still take precautions. “One must realize that these artificial tans do not contain any sun protection,” says Dr. Hale.  “Your skin is still able to burn despite having this ‘base tan’.” In addition, if you like using a tanning oil to help achieve an even color, be sure that you either apply sunscreen as well or use an oil with built-in SPF. Banana Boat Protective Tanning Oil is one example, but keep in mind these products usually only come in SPF 15, so a little extra protection is still necessary.

And don’t even think about hopping under a tanning bed. Not only are they likely to increase your risk of skin cancer, but “contrary to popular belief, tanning beds do NOT make the skin less likely to burn,” says Dr. Peggy Fuller, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Esthetics Center for Dermatology.

Related: 7 Self-Tanners That'll Give You a Perfectly Bronzed Glow

3. Know your skin type and plan ahead

While everyone, regardless of skin tone, should wear sunscreen before going outside, there are some who should take extra precaution. “The people with lower amounts of natural melanin, i.e. those with blonde or red hair, light skin, and light eyes are at greatest risk,” says Dr. Hale. “This is because melanin is protective so people of darker skin types have some degree of natural protection.” In addition, different skin types may give way to damage in different ways. Rouleau notes that “dry, sensitive and aging skin is most susceptible damage,” which could appear in the form of redness or brown spots. Of course, those with very pale, porcelain skin or a tendency for rosacea will likely develop more redness. “With fair skin types, a burn can occur in as little as 20 minutes,” says Rouleau.

For a skincare routine that is more tailored to your tone, look for products that are geared toward your needs. If you also have sensitive skin, there are particular ingredients you should look out for as well. Rouleau notes that physical sunscreens with “active mineral ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide” are “much better for sensitive skin… since it deflects the heat and energy given off by the sun away from the skin.” 

4. Invest in a rash guard or sun-protective shirt

Dr. Fuller is a big advocate for the rash guard! “Rash guards are really cool tops that have UVA/UVB protection built in,” she says. “I have rash guards in bright and beautiful colors that not only protect the skin I’m in but look smashing and flattering.”

A rash guard is a great way to ensure extra protection, especially when you are in the ocean and sun exposure is the greatest. If you’re hesitant about ditching your bikini, don’t be. Rash guards are on trend and will give off that effortless, surfer-girl vibe. Dr. Hale recommends checking out J. Crew and Mott50 for a stylish selection.

5. Adjust your diet

Healthy skin has as much to do with what you put inside your body as what you put on the outside. The first step toward building a glowing complexion is to hydrate properly. Dr. Fuller recommends that you “start hydration early (and) drink lots of water” before your spring break trip. Fuller gives another important and under acknowledged spring break tip: “don’t combine alcohol and the beach.” Not only is it a recipe for severe hydration, but you’re more likely to overdue sun exposure or forget to reapply sunscreen if you're a little tipsy.

For even more protection, Dr. Hale suggests adding in a supplement. Omega-3s and Vitamins D and C can boost skin health, while “some essential oils and even caffeine may afford some additional sun protection,” says Dr. Hale. Studies have shown that drinking coffee can actually reduce the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common type of skin cancer. Keep in mind though that coffee can be dehydrating, so make sure you’re drinking water throughout the day.

6. Build healthy skin with a top-notch routine

Besides layering on the sunscreen, there are many steps you can take to prepare skin before long hours spent outdoors. Rouleau also suggests “a natural skin lightener” like “magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a type of vitamin C,” applied daily under sunscreen. A lightener “will help suppress melanin cells to fade and prevent brown spots,” she explains.

It may also be beneficial to start preparing your skin for prolonged periods of sun exposure by catching a few extra rays in the weeks leading up to spring break. The most damage often occurs when you jump into a day of sun-drenched fun after months of very little exposure. “It happens because the skin has not yet developed a tolerance to the sun, which is something that often occurs by the end of the summer,” says Dr. Hale. Sun damage can occur after only 20 minutes of exposure, particularly if your skin has not yet adjusted from a winter spent indoors. Make sure you’re well prepared by aiming to get 10 minutes of sun exposure each day in the time leading up to spring break.

Proper skincare is an invaluable skill that will have lifelong rewards. Dr. Hale, VP of the Skin Cancer Foundation, stresses the importance of skin protection from an early age. “Exposure to the sun is responsible for 90 percent of skin cancer and percent of the signs of premature skin aging,” she says. By protecting your skin during your spring break adventures, you’ll not only be able to enjoy the fun without the pain of a burn, but you’ll be setting the foundation for a life of healthy, happy skin.

14 Times Blair Waldorf Empowered You To Be Your Best Self

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She may be the resident mean girl on Gossip Girl, but Blair always knows best -- especially when it comes to being self-assured and strong.

1. She knows how to stay positive

Everything is going to be okay.

2. She is willing to work for what she wants 

Hard work pays off.

3. She encourages going after goals

And don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

4. She keeps a smile 

Even if you're terrified.

5. She embraces her true-self

No matter if people will like you or not. 

6. She knows when to ask for help

No one's perfect.

7. She knows how to treat herself

So necessary. 

8. She knows the importance of dressing well

Look your best, be your best.

9. She is the epitome of girl power. 

And is determined to get what she wants.

10. She's independent 

Sometimes you have to get by on your own.

11. She's not afraid to fall in love

Even when she knows she might get hurt.

12. She won't let anyone dull her sparkle

Because she knows how important it is.

13. She's the life of the party

Turn some heads.

14. She knows when to not take life seriously

Because laughter is the best ab workout.

What to Do When Your Friend Comes Out to You

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Coming out is a different experience for everyone. While it’s not always a totally inspiring story of bravery, coming to terms with who you really are and telling the ones you love the most about it can be difficult.

This is exactly why the situation is sometimes uncomfortable on both ends. The person coming out doesn’t know what to expect and the person on the other end doesn’t know how to react. But obviously if your friend trusts you, you want to be as supportive as possible. Here are some super great tips on how to handle this stressful, yet essential conversation!

1. Listening is key

You have a million questions when your friend comes out to you. You want to ask her all the who, what, where and whys of the situation. But Daniel Dallas, the LGBTQ+ Diversity Coordinator for University of Wisconsin-Madison housing, says that listening is the best thing you can do. “The most positive thing you could do in this moment is listen,” Dallas says. “I don’t think there’s a single way to respond better than this.”

But one of the biggest things that you can do as an ally is to understand that these situations are not about you. It has everything to do with listening to your friend and hearing everything that they need to say, without judgment.

2. Don’t make it a big deal

So your friend just came out to you in casual conversation. You asked her if she was seeing anyone lately and she just happens to mention it’s someone of the same sex. It may catch you off guard, but just go with the flow! Dallas agrees that you should act as if nothing happened and just keep asking questions about her as you would normally. “I think the most beautiful experience is when your friend just acts like nothing has changed,” Dallas explains. “Because nothing will change. Your friend is still herself and you should respect her for it.”

If you really are curious about her sexuality and asking about how she identifies, maybe it’s best to leave it for later on in the conversation or ask at a later date. You don’t want to seem too freaked out or come off as judgmental. But as long as you keep it cool, you will be totally fine.

3. Ask your friend what she needs

Maybe she just needs a listening ear, in which case, you’re already doing a fantastic job. You’re hearing everything that she may have been keeping bunched up inside for a while. Just talking at you for a while can be a huge stress reliever for your friend.

But sometimes, when a friend comes out to you, it might be her way of asking for help. Carrie*, a junior at the University of Illinois, says that her best friend came out to her because she knew that she had connections to the LGBTQ+ community on campus. “She knew that I had volunteered at a few events and wanted to see if she could come with me,” Carrie says. “At that time, she just really needed support from other people who identified the same way that she did.”

By connecting your friend with the right resources, like support groups and campus centers, you can make sure she continues to have a positive coming out experience. Helping your friend in whatever way they need can play a huge part in not only their journey in exploring their identity. Make sure to be receptive and patient as they explain what they need.

4. Thank her for trusting you

While coming out is a process for everyone that never actually stops, it almost never gets easier. There is always an inkling of worry or doubt in the back of a person’s head that whispers their worst fear: what if I lose this relationship?

Alex* from the University of Minnesota says that knowing that their best friend understood how serious it was for them personally to come out made them way more calm about the situation. “She just understood that it was something that I was still trying to come to terms with,” they say. “Everyone thinks that coming out is this huge, spectacular party for everyone, but I really appreciate that she knew how hard it was for me personally.”

Bullying is something that is still prevalent in our society today, particularly with queer and trans folks. This is why when someone trusts you enough to come out, you shouldn’t just feel grateful, but you should express your gratitude as well. “Just a few affirming statements can wash all of her fears away,” Dallas says. Make sure you let her know that while you understand the seriousness of her situation, nothing has changed and you will continue to support her.

Coming out isn’t always a huge, dramatic moment like we think it can be. However, it is a sign that your friend coming out trusts you enough to let you know a potentially vulnerable side of them. It’s important to acknowledge this aspect of the experience, no matter what.

The biggest thing that you should do when this moment arises is to just be there for her. Listen to what she has to tell you, ask her if you can help, and channel all the love you have for her into making sure she feels most comfortable.

Should You Use a Feminine Cleansing Product?

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As health-conscious women, we always take the extra step to take care of ourselves, whether it's eating healthy, wholesome meals or getting in that hardcore workout. But that's not all it takes to keep yourself in good shape—believe it or not, you need a little extra care ~down there~. So when I was given the opportunity to review SweetSpot Labs, I jumped on it.

SweetSpot Labs is a by women, for women collection of feminine washes and wipes. Their products come in three scents: Grapefruit Verbena, Neroli Mandarin and Vanilla Blossom. The washes are 97 percent natural, pH balanced and can be used all over your body. The wipes are 98 percent natural and are easy to pack in your purse or gym bag when you need to freshen up in between practice and classes. I was personally drawn in by the adorable, modern packaging and the fact that all of the products are gynecologist-tested and recommended.

I decided to try the Grapefruit Verbena scent, since the Neroli Mandarin was out of stock, and for some reason I didn’t like the idea of something vanilla-scented anywhere near my “sweet spot.” 

While I was on the go, I tested out the wipes. The directions on the packaging were pretty straightforward: “One wipe per use and toss. Smile all day.” Super cute.

The first thing I noticed about the wipes was their scent. The Grapefruit Verbena smell was pleasant, but not overpowering. They worked well, but a downfall for me is that they aren’t flushable. It’s inconvenient to have to throw the wipe away separately, especially since the toilet in my apartment is separate from the bathroom sink, and I have four roommates. It’s not exactly attractive taking a used wipe out of the bathroom stall and having to throw it away in the bathroom trash can, especially if I had used one of the wipes during my period.

Thankfully, I ended up liking the wipes enough to just deal with having to throw them away after each use, since I was fully satisfied with the results otherwise. The natural ingredients and refreshing scent of the wipes definitely influenced my opinion, since it’s hard to find feminine wipes that smell good and have soothing ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber and witch hazel.

Next up: the gentle wash. I had used other feminine washes such as Summer’s Eve previously, but it wasn’t a product I consistently purchased. Again, the Grapefruit Verbena smell was SO nice, and I was looking forward to seeing how the SweetSpot wash compared to other feminine washes I had tried in the past.

I’m happy to say that the wash was absolutely amazing. It was gentle, it lathered and rinsed well, and it left me feeling confident, clean, and ready to take on the day. The ingredients were once again an intrigue for me: coconut, sunflower and jojoba oils were included in the line-up.

As I was reading the bottle in the shower, I noticed it said, “Don’t just spoil your sweet spot—this treat is good for your entire, beautiful body!” I decided not to try some of the wash on the rest of my body, but I thought it was awesome that 1) they called me beautiful and 2) it was a multi-tasking product. This is definitely a perk when you’re traveling (what up, spring break!) and trying to conserve space in your suitcase. 

For me, the wash worked better than the wipe; it's just a more natural addition to my daily routine. You might be wondering why it's important to use a feminine cleansing product—well, it's because most daily washes aren't pH-balanced, and are made with ingredients that could actually be the cause of yeast infections. The best part about SweetSpot Labs is that every product serves more than just one purpose, so it's an easy product to add to your arsenal!

The University of Texas Wants to Stop Victim-Blaming By Campus Cops

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The University of Texas is setting a new standard for handling rape cases that all campuses across the nation should follow.

Researchers and campus police released the Blueprint for Campus Police this past February. In all, it's a 174-page document developed to address “neurobiology and trauma, rape myths, the role of alcohol and drugs, the college hookup culture, victim-blaming language, forensic interviewing and false reports,” from the perspective of the victim, the Huffington Post reports.

Too many times, when college women and men work up the courage to report their rape to campus police, their cases are not taken seriously, even though rape is the most common violent crime to occur on college campuses. Campus police had deemed a third of rapes on campus to be falsely reported, while new research included in the blueprint states that only two to ten percent of rape allegations are false. Many officers have even bought into some of the common rape myths, leading to cases being mishandled. 

This strategy of not blaming the victims will be implemented at all 14 campuses under the University of Texas branch, and the blueprint will be a guide during training for campus officers. The use of science-based information makes the blueprint more objective, which should better help the police force understand the facts behind rape. 

Unlike many universities who invest the majority of their money into athletics or infrastructure, the UT system has created this blueprint as part of a $1.7 million investment into combatting sexual assault over the next four years, according to the Huffington Post.  

"We must publicly acknowledge our moral obligation to understand sexual assault for the life-altering and destructive experience it is, and be champions of those victimized," UT System police director Michael Heidingsfield told the Associated Press.

Big kudos to this university system for their efforts to end sexual assault in a world where many people are turning their backs to the problem. 

There's An App That Helps You Stop Saying "Like" So Much

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Like, is so, like, annoying.

Well according to the iPhone app LikeSo, it is. Ever heard of it? No? Let me enlighten you. 

Apparently, the word like, had become so, like, annoying, that someone thought it was time to create the inevitable app to help us stop saying it. In general, it's meant to help you eliminate filler words, such as 'like,' 'actually,''ya know' and 'I mean.' 

According to the creators, it acts as "your personal speech coach" and trains "against the epidemic 'like, ya know' syndrome and other verbal habits." Epidemic? A little extreme. No one is, like, dying.

Okay, I'll stop.

The app helps you learn how to stop saying those filler words by either giving you a conversation prompt, or allowing you a free speech option where you talk about whatever you want. It records you, lets you know how many filler words you used, then gives you a percentage representing how "articulate" it thought you sounded. 

This app could be helpful if you feel you need to learn to filter out filler words for an important job interview or to meet your significant other's family for the first time. Some people have that natural gift where they can adapt to their environment and the people around them, but others don't. And whether it's fair or not, many people still see speech peppered with "like" and "actually" as unprofessional. It's never bad to have something to practice on when you need to. In a society where first impressions are now so important, this app could really help some of us out. 

But don't let it make you feel bad either—The majority of millennials use those filler words from time to time. It's practically part of our DNA.


13 Ways to Save Money on Spring Break

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Every penny is precious for the average college student, but spring break has a way of making you throw your good spending habits out the window. But you don’t have to sacrifice all of your savings for a stellar spring break vacay, collegiettes! Try these tips to have a blast this year but still have money left when you return.

1. Stay with people you know

Know a friend who lives in New York? Maybe your Aunt Jan has a vacation home in Florida. Call those friends or family members and ask if you can spend a night or two with them. You could save yourself $100 or more per night by not staying in a hotel.

Sophie Dodd, a junior at Middlebury College, says that when she vacations with friends, she tries to crash with buddies along the way as often as possible. “Chances are you’ll have a friend at school in Florida, New York, etc.,” she says. So if you know someone who lives at your spring break destination, give him or her a call and see if you can crash there for a night or two.

2. Take the bus instead of flying

Let’s face it: plane tickets are expensive. If you can, take a bus instead of a plane to your spring break destination. The tickets will cost you a fraction of the price of a plane ticket!

Gabrielle Sorto, a sophomore at Georgia State University, says that she once took a Megabus to New Orleans for vacation and paid only $90 for a round trip, a fourth of what the plane ticket would have cost. “It obviously did take longer,” she says. “But it was worth it with how much I saved.” If you’re traveling with friends, you can always play games and have a great time along the way!

3. Make it a camping road trip

Make the journey to your vacation destination into a road trip adventure! If everyone pitches in for gas, your traveling costs will be astronomically lower. Instead of paying for hotels every night, camp out under the stars. You can rent camping equipment from REI for a pretty decent price. You can also check out Recreation.gov to find government-owned campsites along your route, which are much less expensive to rent than private campsites. You can even save money by finding the least expensive gas stations along the way: check out GasBuddy. Pump up your favorite jams, pack your camping gear and remember that getting there is half the fun!

4. Do some creative touring

When it comes to vacation, it’s easy to spend your bucks on swimming with the stingrays, but there are so many fun and exciting attractions all over the country that you can try for free! Using the free app RoadTrippers, you can search for tourist attractions and offbeat destinations in your area and even compare their costs. You just enter your starting location and your destination, and RoadTrippers will show you tons of interesting tourist spots along your route. Instead of spending nearly $100 on a theme park ticket or breaking the bank over dinner at an expensive restaurant, you can use this app to find fun activities that are totally inexpensive.

5. Bring your own food

Dining out can drain your wallet fast. Did you know that in 2011, the average US restaurant meal cost $35.65? Think of how much money you could save if you packed lunch or cooked your own dinners!

When going on a trip, pack snacks! And, if you’re 21, bring your own booze (those fancy umbrella drinks aren’t always worth the $12). Stock up on granola bars, microwavable treats, other healthy snacks and supplies for preparing meals at a grocery store near your hotel.

Meghan Gibbons, a senior at Boston College, says that to save money on drinks, she brings a reusable water bottle. “I’ll bring it with me by the pool, on the beach or on an adventurous activity to save me money,” she says.

6. Don’t waste the food you do buy

While it’s great to save money by grocery shopping, chances are you’re going to eat out at some point. You’re on vacation, and you have to treat yourself! So when you do splurge, don’t be wasteful. Does your hotel have a free breakfast? Grab a few extra pieces of fruit or a muffin to snack on later. Take your leftovers from a restaurant lunch with you and eat them for dinner. Most restaurants will give you a to-go box, and most hotels have at least a mini fridge to keep your food from spoiling. Don’t let the money you spend on food go to waste!

7. Get discount tickets at Costco

Do your parents have a Costco membership? With a Costco membership, you can get discounted tickets to Disney World, Universal Orlando and many more theme parks. They also offer discounts for hotels, car rentals and vacation packages. You can go to the Costco Travel website to see what deals you can find before you leave. All you have to do is enter your membership information to purchase discount tickets.

8. Bring coupons with you

Groupon and LivingSocial will most likely have deals for your vacation destination! The sites can offer you group deals on dinners out, water sports or even a spa day.

“We went all-inclusive, which in the long run will be far less expensive,” Alli Smith, a staff writer for Her Campus Sewanee, says of finding a good deal on the sites. All you have to do is enter your vacation location a few weeks before you leave, and the sites will send you coupons in your area as soon as they’re available.

9. Use your student ID

You’d be surprised by how many places offer student discounts, and not just on clothes and food: many attractions and transportation companies will offer student discounts. If you’re not sure if a retailer offers a discount for students, just ask!

10. Rent a bike

So many big cities now let you rent bikes for cheap. Instead of paying for expensive cabs or renting a car when you get to your destination, rent a bike at your location and use that to get around. You can log onto Spinlister to find locations near you where you can rent a bike. All you do is enter your location and the site will show you places near you to rent a bike. Or, to save even more money, just walk!

11. Only bring the amount of money you want to spend

Credit cards can be a dangerous thing. It’s easy to lose track of how much money you’re spending when you’re just swiping a card. To make sure you stay on budget, only bring the cash with you that you want to spend when you go out at night. Or, if you’re uncomfortable carrying cash, you can always purchase a prepaid debit card.

Kailee Baylor, president and editor-in-chief of the University of Tampa Her Campus chapter, says that only bringing the cash with her that she wants to spend always keeps her on track. “By only taking out an amount I’m comfortable spending, it stops the temptation of impulse (and often drunk) buys,” she says.

Figure out what you want to spend each night and only carry that with you. It’s always a smart idea to be prepared for the unexpected, though. For emergencies, Kailee recommends keeping an extra $20 in a secret part of your purse. “That extra $20 can pay for a taxi back to your hotel—a lifesaver when you’re in unfamiliar territory,” she says.

12. Spend the night outside of touristy areas

When traveling to areas that draw a lot of tourists, the hotels and hostels right in the middle of everything are usually the most expensive. Chastity Deforme, a senior at Brandeis University, recommends checking websites like Hostels.com to find inexpensive options just a little further away from the center of everything.

“Sometimes you will find bed-and-breakfast houses that give great discounts to large groups, and the places are really quaint,” she says.

13. Use your phone to keep you on track

Have trouble sticking to a budget? You’re not the only one! Budget apps like BUDGT ($1.99) or Travel Budget Tracker ($1.99) allow you to input the amount of money you have to spend and then track your daily expenses. All you have to do is input your overall budget and then enter in how much you spend every time you make a purchase. You can keep track of exactly how much you’re spending and make sure you’re staying on track.

 

Having a great spring break doesn’t have to cost you a ton of money. With a little extra planning, you can save a ton of money on your vacation, but still have a whole lot of fun! 

15 Things Introverts Want You to Know

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There are some who love nothing more than parties, meeting new people or constantly being with their friends. These people are commonly labeled extroverts; however, it's not to say introverts can't do these things -- they just prefer not to (at least, not all the time). Rather than thriving on interactions with other people, we simply find it to be draining. Don't take it personally, though. Also, remember the following if you're BFFs with an introvert: 

1. We're not all shy

Just like being outgoing doesn't equate to being an extrovert, being shy doesn't equate to being an introvert.

2. Please respect our personal space

Whether it's the literal space between us, or a space like our bedroom -- know our limits and respect them.

3. We hate being called "anti-social"

It's not that we're anti-social, we just value our alone time. 

4. We don't just sit at home

Nope; we just love doing things alone -- like shopping, going to dinner, etc. 

5. We tend to over-analyze things

Since we're deep thinkers, we may over-analyze certain situations. 

6. Listening is our fortè

While we may not be particularly equipped to help you with your problems, we're always down to listen.

7. Don't call us

 

Texting is definitely more likely to get you a reply.

8. We're not that intimidating

We may look unapproachable, but we aren't.

9. People-watching is our favorite 

Sitting back and observing is fun for us.

10. Meaningful conversations are important for us

Small talk isn't really our thing -- we prefer deep conversations.

11. We aren't lonely

Alone does not equal lonely.

12. Surprises aren't our thing

Surprising an introvert will most likely be a disaster.

13. It may take us a while to open up

Taking things slow is important for us.

14. Don't be afraid to cancel plans with us

We won't mind at all (most of the time).

15. We love putting the attention on you

Since being the center of attention isn't a priority of ours, we're happy to let you shine instead. 

How to Plan a College Visit Road Trip Over Spring Break

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Spring break is right around the corner and pre-collegiettes from all across the country are beginning to plan their long-awaited college visits. It is a prime time for visiting colleges and checking out which schools pique your interest. Between taking standardized tests and keeping up your grades, there are enough things to worry about junior year – so have no fear, because Her Campus is here to help.

Roxie Garber, a college counselor at Riverwood High School in Atlanta, Georgia highly advises that high school juniors visit colleges during their spring breaks. If you have a long list of schools you’re visiting over spring break and you don’t know how to cut it down, check out this article.

Schedule Your Visit

When you’re scheduling your college visits, check out each school’s admissions page on their website. You can usually sign up for tours and info sessions online. Call the admissions office to ask for more information on fun things to do on the campus during your visit, such as local restaurants, attractions, and more. If you're not able to sign up for tours online, call the admissions office to talk about scheduling options.

Decide When to Visit

Most high schools have different spring breaks than colleges do, so high school spring break is a great opportunity to see what the school’s environment is like while the campuses are filled with students. In addition, make sure you don’t visit during the college’s finals or midterms week, because students will be stressed and that could easily skew your perspective. Don’t forget to check the spring break dates of the colleges you plan on visiting so you don’t accidentally schedule your tour for a day when no one is on campus. You can find college spring breaks through the school’s academic calendar on their website or check out this list.

Stick to One Region

It’s important to stick to schools in one region so you can use your time wisely. You don’t want to waste too much time traveling, so visit a cluster of schools that are near each other every time you take a college visit road trip. If there’s a school nearby that you aren’t in love with but you think you might be interested in, visit and have an open mind! You never know how you will feel about a school until you’ve visited and taken a tour. Take a long weekend or another school vacation to visit schools that are not in that region, but are still high on your list.

Plan Out the Length of the Trip

When it comes to actually visiting the school, you should give yourself about a day and a half or two days per region. Doing so will give you the chance to not only visit the campus, but to check out the surrounding town, as well. Definitely spend a decent amount of time in the city or town surrounding the campus because it could be the town you live in for the next four years! Check out the restaurant scene, and shopping scene, and even pay attention to the locals. You want to be surrounded by people who are happy to be there, even if they aren’t college students.

What to Do on Your Visit

There are so many things to do and so little time to do them when it comes to visiting colleges! Garber is a major proponent on sitting in on the initial info session, especially because it provides opportunities to hear questions from other parents and students. Taking the official tour and sitting in on a class if you can is also important because it lets you see the school from a wider perspective. It’s also a great idea to pick up the school newspaper so you get an idea of what’s going on around campus.

Who to Visit With

Stephanie, a collegiette at Indiana University, recommends going with your parents to get a better feel for the school without being too distracted by having fun with your friends. Garber feels strongly about students making the initial college visit with just their parents, because in the long run, they are going to be paying for the education and looking our for your best interests. It’s important to realize that your parents are likely to be the ones who will ask your tour guide about safety, financial aid, and other important things that you may be afraid to ask. It’s a great opportunity for parents and students to learn more about what the students like and don’t like in a college. You can always have the conversation when you get home but its not the same as being there and experiencing it with your family.

Talk to Students You Know

Michaela from Framingham High School says, “If you know someone at the school, ask them to show you around because they can show you the school in a way that a tour guide couldn’t.” You’ll get an entirely new perspective by speaking to someone who knows the ins and outs of the school. Not only will talking to a student help you get a fresh perspective, but it will also make you feel more at home at an unfamiliar campus. If you aren’t sure about what to ask them, check out this article.

Connect With the Students You Know

If you know any students who attend the school that your visiting, kindly ask them if you can stay with them for a night while you are visiting the campus. Staying in student housing or in an apartment or house near campus will give you a more hands-on experience of what it is like to be a student at that school. Also, it will give you a chance to meet other students and ask them any questions you may have. If you don’t know anyone on campus, stay in a hotel with your parents, but try to make a connection with someone on the tour. If you connect with another prospective student, you guys can bounce questions and answers off of each other and find out things you may not have otherwise.

What to Do If You Don’t Know Anyone

If you don’t know anyone on campus, approach a student who looks like they have a few minutes to spare and explain that you’re looking at the campus. Make sure to ask students on campus about what the typical social life and nightlife looks like at the school. By looking into what the typical social scene is on campus, Leila, a student from Atlanta International School, got a better feel for student life at each campus.

Get Organized After the Visit

When you are finished with your trip, get organized and categorize the schools in terms of how you feel about them. Leila is visiting schools in DC during her spring break. “I made a spreadsheet on Excel to fill out for each school so I could ask myself questions that I couldn’t find on the website,” says Leila. For example, Leila looked into whether the classes were taught by TAs or teachers, whether or not Greek life was big on campus, and the competitiveness of academic life. She found this information by visiting the school and speaking with students on the campuses. To help keep track of everything, take notes during your info sessions and tours.

You got this!

After you get organized, take a deep breath and realize that this is a wonderful and exciting process. It can get complicated with all of the factors to consider, but visiting schools is a great process, and an awesome way to bond with your parents. If you’re wondering what it’s like to be in college, check out this hilarious article. What are you most excited about when it comes to visiting colleges? Comment below!

Links We Love 3.6.16

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How to do your makeup when you want a job in beauty. [Ed2010]

Easy ways to eat more fruits and veggies. [BuzzFeed]

Guys are secretly using women's beauty products. [EliteDaily]

Hidden gold in college applications. [The New York Times]

Which Kardashian said this? [Cosmopolitan]

Meet 'Donald Tramp.' [The Huffington Post]

Watch the Obama girls grow up. [USA Today College]

Did you know these Gilmore Girls fun facts? [Ranker]

Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas is still an incredible gymnast. [ABC News]

How to wear black lipstick. [allure]

These 10 Celebs Have the Best Grammar on Twitter

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In honor of National Grammar Day (yes, it’s an actual holiday), Grammarly.com compiled a list of the top 10 celebrities who showcase the best grammar on Twitter. It’s pretty tough to say everything you need to without misspelling some words all while staying under the 140 character limit, but somehow these celebrities manage to get their message across with about one mistake for every 100 words they tweet.

Conan O’Brien came in on top with the least amount of grammar errors: .21 mistakes per 100 words. O’Brien is followed by Bill Gates with .22 grammar mistakes and President Barack Obama with .26 grammar mistakes. This comes as no surprise, since all three are Harvard graduates.

O'Brien's fellow talk show hosts Ellen Degeneres and Jimmy Fallon also made the list, tweeting with only .29 and .30 errors per 100 words, respectively.

At the bottom end of the rankings are Selena Gomez at number eight with .98 mistakes per 100 words and Justin Timberlake at number nine with exactly one mistake for every 100 words. Khloe Kardashian rounded out the top 10 with 1.18 grammar mistakes per 100 words, which is still quiet impressive considering how often she tweets.

It would be interesting if there were a way to find out how many grammar mistakes we make on Twitter. Where do you think you’d rank?

These 9 Hacks Make DIY Nail Art a Breeze

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When it comes to DIY nails, most of us fall into one camp or the other—either you have a crazily steady hand and an insane amount of patience, or your hand seems to shake uncontrollably every time you even look at a bottle of nail polish. If you fall into the latter group, what’s a girl to do? While there's always the salon, it’s not exactly practical for the collegiette budget. Luckily, there are tons of lazy girl DIY hacks that can turn your at-home manicure from disaster to salon-worthy masterpiece—no matter how much you normally struggle with nail polish. Get ready, because these are serious game-changers. 

1. Meet your new BFF: scotch tape

First things first: the secret to Instagram-worthy nail art is probably already located in your desk drawer. When it comes to nail art, scotch tape is everything—it sticks, but is gentle enough to lift easily when you’re finished with your mani masterpiece. Tape it in across your nails for perfectly straight lines in a crisscross or stripe pattern, cut it in little shapes for the perfect nail stencils, or line the edges of your nails to avoid getting polish on your skin—the possibilities are endless!

2. Blow it up

Splatter-painted nails can seem like a bathroom disaster waiting to happen—that is, until you try this life-changing hack. Instead of shaking your brush haphazardly, create splatters by dipping a straw into nail polish and blowing through the other end onto your nail, which is way less messy! Get rid of any stray splatters with polish remover and a pointed-tip cotton swab when finished. 

3. Lovely lace

We all lust over lacy nail designs that are seemingly only the work of salon magic, but as it turns out, you can easily get the look at home! For a lace effect, stretch a piece of lace fabric over your nail and dab polish on top with a makeup sponge. When you lift the fabric off you’ll have salon-worthy nails! And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, use mesh (like a piece clipped from an old shower loofah!) to create a snakeskin-esque look.

4. Ditch the brush

Every nail art guru knows that limiting herself to simply a brush is a major mistake. For exact, fine lines and details, try using a fine-tipped gel pen that's been dipped in polish. For perky polka dots, the rounded end of a bobby pin makes the ultimate dotting tool.

5. Connect the dots

We love a good chevron print, and luckily, it’s super easy to DIY this look on your nails! Instead of trying to draw zig zags directly onto your nails, create dots where each point on your chevron pattern will be, and connect them using straight lines. 

6. DIY decals

Love nail decals but hate the super pricey, one-and-done packs you’ve been buying at the drugstore? Believe it or not, it’s crazy easy to make your own! Take a plastic sandwich baggie and outline the shape of your desired decal in white nail polish. Once it’s dry (using a hairdryer on the cool setting can speed up the process), layer a colorful design on top. Repeat the drying process, and when fully dry, your nail decals will peel easily off the plastic bag and can be placed directly onto your nails—just add topcoat to secure them!

7. Sticky situation

Thought you left Elmer’s glue bottles back in Kindergarten? Think again! Elmer’s is a tool that every nail art lover should have on hand. To protect your cuticles from excess polish (or splatters from a splatter paint nail!) just line the edges of your nails with glue prior to your DIY mani and let it dry. Once you’ve finished your last coat of polish, the glue will peel off easily from your skin to reveal a picture-perfect at-home mani job underneath!

8. Easy marble

Marble is another unexpectedly easy pattern to create at home! To achieve the look, you’ll need a small plastic or paper cup filled with water and a few nail polish colors. One by one, carefully pour a few drops of each color you’d like to swirl into the cup—they’ll create a bull’s-eye shape on the surface of the water. Once you’ve added in all of the colors, swirl them with a toothpick to create a marble effect. Then, all you need to do is simply dip your nails into the cup—the polish will stick right to your nail! For mess prevention, be sure to use a little tape or glue around the edges of your nail to keep the colors off of your skin. 

9. Simple stripes

Love stripes but don’t have the patience? We feel you! But luckily, there’s a much easier way to get the look that doesn’t involve painting them on one by one. Take a fan makeup brush (the kind you’d usually use on your face!) and dip it lightly in nail polish. When you drag it across the surface of your nail, it’ll create wispy, barely-there stripes that look like they took hours to create.

These hacks prove that just because you’re not exactly the Picasso of nail art doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice killer fingertips! We just hope you’re ready for all the “What salon do you go to?” questions. Happy polishing, collegiettes!

We Found All Your Favorite Contestants From This Season of 'The Bachelor' on Tinder

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To preface, of course we're still all riled up about last week's explosive Bachelor episode. But before we can discover who Ben has chosen as his future wife, we must revel in the beautiful drama that is the Women Tell All. Ben's rejects will reunite for one final throwdown tomorrow night, and in honor of the occasion, we took it upon ourselves to make Tinder profiles for each of his (memorable) former flames. You know, to help them get back out there.

1. Mandi

2. Lace

3. Haley

4. Amber

5. Jennifer

6. Jubilee

7. Leah

8. Lauren H.

9. Olivia

10. Emily

11. Becca

12. Amanda

13. Caila

14. Chris Harrison

Don't judge us. We had to!


I’m Not a Slut Because I Was Sexually Assaulted

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Trigger Warning: Sexual assault

Most college students have their wild venture into booze and boys and fun as soon as they get to campus their freshman year. I—quiet, wanting to do well in my classes, and afraid of getting in trouble—decided that I would be better off drinking hot chocolate and reading a Harlan Coben mystery novel on Saturday nights instead. 

Then I got my first B, my friends stopped asking me to hang out because I always said no, my mom got sick, and my world of perfection didn’t seem so perfect anymore. I went to my first college party, made out with a cute guy I didn’t know and woke up with a blaring headache of a hangover the next morning and had the time of my life. Needless to say, freshman year ended with a bang and sophomore year was looking up.

Life when I got back to school sophomore year revolved around cheap tequila, a long list of boys texting me and a start on my double major of bullshitting. My grades were still good, and I was involved on campus--I seemed to have found the perfect balance. But something wasn’t right.

I had never been popular in high school—and I was okay with that. But suddenly I had all these friends, guys that wanted to get to know me, and leadership roles on campus. I was having a lot of fun, don’t get me wrong. The problem was that I seemed like I had confidence, I seemed happy, and I seemed to always have a smile on my face. And it was all fake.

I was petrified of screwing up. I needed to do well in school, excel in my extracurriculars, and account for a good time on the weekends. I was constantly looking for someone else’s approval. 

And where did I find that approval? Usually with some cute guy who was older, well-liked, played a sport, whatever his allure was, who would make me feel like I was pretty and smart and nice and fun until they dumped me when something better came along.

Feeling like I was never good enough didn’t exactly help my problem.

I got into this cycle. I’d go out on the weekends, have a drunk guy come up behind me, start dancing with me, and asking me to go back to his room with him. I didn’t know how to say no.  I’d make out with him, have him walk me home, and he’d text me for a while until he got bored with waiting around to jump into bed. Then a new guy would come along. I’d swear up and down to my friends he was nice and different, and he’d do the same thing.

So I started giving in. I started giving what they wanted. I got my approval. And guys started to expect it from me.

The first time I heard someone call me a slut, I got angry.

The second time I heard someone call me a slut, I cried.

The third time I heard someone call me a slut, I felt numb.

I knew deep down I wasn’t whatever slur I was being called, but when you hear something enough, it starts to resonate. 

The worst part was when I did say no to a guy, they still called me those names.  And they still expected me to do what they wanted. And when I didn’t? More rumors and more words were slurred at me.

I began to think it was normal.

And then one Saturday night came along. I was sober, the guy I was seeing had just dumped me and I was taking care of some kid who was throwing up from 10 shots too many. A friend of mine offered to drive me back to my dorm. I told him no thanks, the walk was short and I needed some air. He insisted. I shrugged my shoulders and said okay. And less than 30 seconds into the ride, he pulled over off to a wooded area and tried to kiss me.

I kissed back. 

He was my friend. I trusted him. I was sad.

And then his hands went lower and I pushed back. I gave him apologetic eyes and told him that sorry, but I didn’t want that. He responded with another kiss. I pushed back. He pushed me down.

I said no 17 times before he was satisfied and told me I could get out of his car.

I walked back to my room crying.

I never told a soul.

Had I reported it, the rumors would have swirled—I saw it happen to other girls. I kept thinking about what would be said: I was a slut, I had asked for it, and I had kissed him back. He was an athlete, a good student, a nice guy. I was a psycho bitch wanting to get him in trouble because he didn’t like me.

I started to believe it. Maybe I did ask for it. Maybe I was a slut.

Fast forward to this very moment. I am writing this. I am telling my story. And I am still trying to convince myself that it wasn’t my fault.

Junior year, I got involved with learning about sexual assault, going to trainings, asking questions, and joining organizations that had the mission of raising awareness. I heard stories of women who had gone through the same thing. I was told over and over that there were no excuses for a man not to listen to the word no. 

I am now a senior who wants to make a career helping those that have been impacted by sexual assault and violence, and I realize that I can’t do that effectively if I still believe that what happened that one night was my fault.

It wasn’t. 

But I still don’t know how to convince myself of that.

The guy is still around, still walks around with his head held high acting like big man on campus, and still has the gall to say hi to me when I see him and ask me how I am.

I ignore him. But I can’t ignore how he makes me feel,

I should have reported what happened.

I should have told a friend what happened.

I shouldn’t have felt afraid to tell someone about it. I shouldn’t have to deal with this.

I am not the only woman this has happened to.

I am not the only woman that has been raped by someone they know.

The problem is simple. I said no and I was assaulted, but to other people that means that I was a slut who was asking for it. 

I think about every detail of that night. Was I wearing provocative clothing? Was I flirting? Did I lead him on?

The answer should be apparent: It doesn’t matter. But I haven’t convinced myself of that yet.

No means no.

No means stop.

No does not mean yes. Under any circumstance.

Start talking. Start standing up for yourself. For your friends. For those you’ve never met. 

I guarantee it will change someone’s life.

 

 

30 Times Grey's Anatomy Made You Lose Your Damn Mind

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Did you ever really watch an episode of Grey's Anatomy if you didn't experience a wide range of emotions that ultimately resulted in you crying hysterically in front of your TV? After watching twelve seasons of steamy romances and heartbreaking plot twists, it's safe to say that this show is officially making us all "dark and twisty" inside. From the extremely intense to the insanely stupid to the just plain weird, allow us to remind you of a few times when Grey's Anatomy was the root of our emotional issues. 

1. When Addison popped up and caused a rift to form between Meredith and Derek

2. When Izzie discovered she had a brain tumor

3. When George died right after announcing his plan to leave Seattle-Grace and join the army

4. When Meredith drowned

5. When Izzie cut the LVAD wire

6. At the same time that Dr. Burke is shot

7. When Denny died after Izzie agreed to marry him

8. When Burke left Cristina at the altar

9. But popped back up in the tenth season

10. And basically gave Cristina the keys to his hospital, causing her to move to Switzerland

11. When the homemade bomb happened

12. When a shooter arrived in the hospital and shot Derek

13. And Cristina had to perform surgery on him (with a gun to her head)

14. When Callie found out she was pregnant with Mark's baby

15. And got into a terrible car accident that put the baby in danger

16. Which prompted the musical episode

17. When Meredith almost died giving birth 

18. When Owen revealed he had an affair

19. And he and Cristina got a divorce

20. The plane crash that killed Mark and Lexie and caused Arizona to lose her leg

21. When Arizona cheated on Callie

22. And the two eventually got a divorce

23. When Dr. Webber and Ellis Grey's secret daughter showed up as the new head of cardio

24. When Jackson and April lost their baby due to a birth defect

25. When Amelia performed a nearly impossible surgery to remove Dr. Herman's brain tumor

26. When Derek died

27. And the surgeon who failed to save him started dating Callie and got a job at the hospital

28. When Meredith was violently beaten by a patient

29. And when Jackson and April signed the divorce papers

30. And April revealed that she was pregnant immediately after

Oh, Shonda. You always know how to keep us guessing.

The 9 Stages of Midterms, As Told by Disney Characters

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Midterms always seem to come out of the blue. Your classes seem like easy A’s (you really don’t have to do the reading, and your prof. barely takes attendance) - until you realize that it’s the middle of the semester and exams are literally next week.  If you’re reading this, you’re probably amidst the midterm season panic, so continue procrastinating with some Disney characters who feel your pain.

1. The Surprise Stage

Everything is great until one day you look at the syllabus and realize you have a midterm TOMORROW.

....And it's worth 50 percent of your grade.

How did this happen? This can't be right.

2. The Planning Stage

Okay, you’ll just make a to-do list. That’s productive.

You’ll read all the chapters you neglected all semester tonight and study your notes tomorrow morning.

Checking off things will make you feel good.

3. The Procrastination Stage

Since you're feeling so productive, maybe you should add some things to your checklist.

Once you do your laundry, clean your room and reorganize your desk, you’ll be ready to go!

And of course you’ll have to watch a few episodes on Netflix, just so you won’t be tempted to later.

4. The Oh Crap Stage

Aaaannnd it’s 11 p.m., and you haven’t done ANYTHING.

Your exam is in 12 hours; how are you supposed memorize half a semester’s worth of knowledge?!

That's it, you're screwed.

5. The Focused Stage

Okay, time to buckle down. For real.

 

Focus now - you can sleep tomorrow.

6. The Bargaining Stage

Maybe if you just skim the first couple chapters of the book and forget about note-taking, you'll be good...?

If you finish this chapter, you can have a cookie. Or three.

All right, there’s actually no way you can memorize all this. What’s the lowest grade you can get without failing out of school?

7. The Over-It Stage

Well, if you don’t know it by now, you're never going to know it.

This is it: One hour to go and you’ll be done. Just make it through.

It’s only one grade. It doesn’t matter that much! One day you'll back on this and laugh.

 

8. The Relief Stage

Thank goodness that’s over!

It wasn’t thaaaaat bad.

You're just happy that you don’t have another exam until finals!

9. The Despair Stage

Oh wait, you have another exam tomorrow.

Back to the library...

...After you nap, of course.

How She Got There: Ava Coleman, Executive Assistant & Junior Manager at SB Projects

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Name: Ava Coleman
Job Title and Description: Executive Assistant & Junior Manager at SB Projects 
College Name/Major: University of Southern California, B.S. in Communications
Twitter Handle:@ava_flaaav

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

AC: My current position is two-fold as junior/day-to-day manager for Tori Kelly and executive assistant to SB Projects President, Allison Kaye. While those are my official titles, a great thing about our company is that we don’t let titles define us. While there are several things I can expect every day like calls, meetings and tons of emails – there is no such thing as a typical day.

What is the best part of your job?

AC: The best part of my job is being able to work with incredible people. I love music and pop culture, but working in a field that you love for fun can sometimes suck the fun right out of it. I’m lucky to work with people that make that utterly impossible. Also the snacks… The snacks are very good.

You started as an intern at SB Projects. How did you work your way up to where you are now?

AC: When I first started at SB Projects, there were only about six people working in our office. Some days were really busy and other days I was more or less left to my own devices. On those slower days, I would sit at my desk and come up with marketing and fan engagement ideas for the artists on our roster. I think that level of investment in our clients caught the attention of my bosses.

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?

AC: I’ve been lucky to work with incredible people since my very first internship as a senior in high school at the 9:30 Club in DC. I also have an incredible working mother who taught me so much before my career even started. Right before my senior year at USC, I was told I would become Allison’s executive assistant. Those shows of faith completely changed my career and I haven’t stopped learning since.

How did you come up with the idea for the Justin Bieber roast?

AC: I figured my friends didn’t want to see Justin sit down with an experienced journalist and talk about feelings. They wanted to see him take accountability for his actions in a way that would be amusing. I thought it was important to show that Justin was normal and hilarious as well as self-aware and apologetic. The James Franco roast was so popular and I thought what if we did that with a musician? It kind of went from there.

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

AC: In my opinion, the worst kind of mistake is the kind that you could have never foreseen. In the beginning, it’s unrealistic to think that you’ll get everything right on the first go. As I’m learning, growing and inevitably messing up, the most important thing I can learn is to never make the same mistake twice. That’s not always possible, but it’s always my goal.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

AC: While there have been many great moments, the Comedy Central Roast is the obvious answer. From the moment the show was greenlit, I was given the opportunity to work on various aspects of it with my boss Allison. Walking into the room on the night of the taping was unbelievably surreal. It was an incredible feeling to see such a labor of love come to life.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

AC: Never stop asking for advice. Always work hard but don’t forget to have a life once you step out of the office. My friends will tell you I could really work on this, but it’s all about balance and not taking yourself too seriously. 

 

Fill out my online form.

Melissa McCarthy Might Be Joining The 'Gilmore Girls' Revival After All

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As you may have heard, Melissa McCarthy was pretty upset that Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino didn't invite her back for the recently announced Gilmore Girls reboot, which will consist of four 90-minute episodes on Netflix. Sherman-Palladino initially said that she would love for McCarthy to come back for a cameo, but she knows the actress is incredibly busy. But fans haven't lost hope, mostly because of this little nugget Sherman-Palladino gave TVLine: "The thing I have said [to her team] is, 'Look, if Melissa is available and has an afternoon free, I’ll write her a scene…And if it’s a last-minute thing, I would write her in and we would figure it out.' That’s the way we left it."

Now we might have some evidence of said cameo! Yanic Truesdale, who plays the fiesty Michel, posted a photo on Instagram of himself and McCarthy having dinner on Saturday night. The beginning of the caption had us really excited, but then we read the rest.


Despite the serious tone of Truesdale's warning to fans, we are still curious. McCarthy has recently been posting on social media about her time in LA—possibly to film a scene for the reboot?

We think that it'd be amazing if Sookie made an appearance. The inn, if it's still up and running, wouldn't feel the same without the greatest chef on the East Coast and Lorelai's gossip partner! We'd love to see how she and her family are doing after all these years.

What do you think, collegiettes? Should we get our hopes up or is this run-in merely a coincidence?

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