A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a resume is worth so much more. Your resume is often your first introduction to a potential employer, and the difference between a stellar resume and a lackluster one could make or break your chances at landing that killer job or internship.

Whether you’re putting together your first resume or trying to polish up one you already have, HC is here to help your resume land in the “yes” pile. We’ve talked to college career counselors who know what employers want from applicants’ resumes and gathered the best tips to make yours stand out from the crowd.

1. Make a different resume for each job or internship you apply for

We know what you’re thinking—you already have to fill out separate applications and write separate cover letters for jobs and internships; do you really have to write separate resumes, too? Christy Walker, assistant director of University Career Services at UNC-Chapel Hill, says yes.

“The best resumes…are written specifically towards the job they are applying for,” Walker says. Your stint on the school newspaper isn’t going to look as impressive as your work in a lab if you’re applying for an engineering internship, so don’t include the newspaper experience just to fill up space—stick to related experiences and save the newspaper gig for if you decide to apply for a media internship, or at least put it further down on the page.

Tim Stiles, an associate director of University Career Services at UNC-Chapel Hill, suggests creating a master resume of everything you’ve done. Then, you can take a look at the description listed for each job or internship you’re applying for and copy and paste your most relevant experiences into a new resume specifically for that position. When you tailor your resume specifically towards one job, “you’re always going to grab someone’s attention that much more,” Stiles says.

2. Don’t get too fancy with the layout

It seems impossible to stand out from the crowd when everyone’s resume looks exactly the same, but having too many complicated graphics or fonts could make your resume stand out in a bad way. Most employers just want to see a clean, readable summary of your experience.

If you’re majoring in a creative field such as graphic design, it’s okay to show a little bit of your creativity with your resume layout, but keep it simple—save displaying all your artistic skills for your portfolio.

“I’ve talked to people in the creative fields a lot of times and they said, ‘I still want that kind of one-page summary,’” Stiles says. “Most people want to size somebody up quickly, and then if they bring them in for an interview they say, ‘Bring your creative stuff. But I want to know what you did first before I can make a judgment on that.’”

Not to mention, many companies use a program to scan resumes into their computer system. Not all complicated fonts and graphics will translate into the program, which could potentially make your design look more jumbled and illegible than aesthetically pleasing. “It can be a bit of a mess,” Stiles says.

For collegiettes applying for positions in creative fields, Stiles suggests creating a website or online portfolio to show off your design skills and including a link or a QR code to that website on your resume. That way, you can keep your resume simple but still offer the employer a view of your artistic side.

3. Stick to one page

Hiring managers are busy people; they don’t have time to read pages and pages about someone’s work experience, particularly if certain items in it aren’t relevant to the job description. “Don’t put your whole life story on your resume,” Walker says. “Keep it to one page on one side.”

Not sure what to cut out to make your resume fit on one page? Start by getting rid of information about what you did in high school, especially if you’re a junior or senior in college (that was three or four years ago—it’s time to move on). “Employers want to know: ‘What have you done since then?’” Stiles says. “There might be something so stellar [you] did in high school that we want to keep it on, but for the most part people are more interested in… what’s happened over the last two or three years.”

4. Include your summer or part-time jobs (if you need to)

Good news: that waitressing gig you had last summer could have been worth more than just some extra cash! If you don’t have enough related experience to make your resume last an entire page, start by looking back on the part-time jobs and other activities you’ve done that might not seem relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Sure, maybe your summer as a barista didn’t lend itself to any hard skills relating to the public relations internship you’re applying for. But, for example, if you were so good at your job that you were sent to other cafes to train new employees, including that information will show the employer that you have a great work ethic, you rose above your standard responsibilities, and you’re good at communicating with others.

“Often I find when I start digging in with students, there’s always interesting stories like special projects people took on, things they do over and above just because they get bored and want some stimulation, some challenge,” Stiles says. “Showing that you can accomplish things and make things happen—people want to hire people like that. They want to know that somebody can run with something and get it done and do a good job at it.” Get brainstorming and remind yourself about how awesome you were that summer you worked at the mall!

5. Arrange descriptions into concise bullet points that pack a punch

Once upon a time, you may have taken a literature class that taught you about the power of lengthy, flowing descriptions. Now, take all of that information… and forget about it. When it comes to your resume, “complete sentences can go out the window,” Stiles says. Again, employers don’t have time to read through long paragraph descriptions in your resume, so use bullet points with short sentences to describe your experiences.

“The critical piece to remember is to be able to say what you want to say in those bullet points…in as few words as possible without losing syntax, the meaning, and without losing the power and relevancy to the reader,” he says.

Although you need to be concise with your bullet points, make sure you’re still thoroughly presenting what exactly you did in your jobs, internships, or leadership positions. “We like to see built into the bullet itself not only what the person did, but put it in context,” Stiles says. “Who were they doing it for? Why were they doing it? Whoever they handed it off to, how was it used? Did they produce any kind of results because of their actions they took?”

To make sure your sentences have the most impact, start them with action verbs, such as “managed” or “supervised,” instead of personal pronouns (e.g. “I managed” or “I supervised”). “(Action verbs) grab the reader’s attention,” Stiles says.  It’s also important to quantify things you did whenever possible.  For example, if you’re an engineering student who worked on a production line in a factory, including that you “increased line efficiency by 25 percent” is more impressive than just saying you “increased line efficiency.”

So instead of doing this for your descriptions:

• For my internship at Her Campus, I wrote interesting articles.  I also wrote posts for a few blogs.  I also helped out by working with social media.

Do this:

• Wrote two articles a week.
• Wrote “The Best Resume Ever: 8 Tips on How to Write It,” which was the most-read article in March 2013.
• Wrote three posts a week for Her Campus’s News Blog and Pop Campus blog.
• Managed the company’s Pinterest account (under the supervision of the Manager of Operations) in order to drive traffic to the site.

6. Don’t just write job descriptions, write about what you accomplished

In the “Experience” section of your resume, it may seem like you should just list your daily tasks under each position you’ve held. However, Stiles says that “that’s what we don’t want.” Your daily tasks are important to include, but if you don’t write about what you specifically did, you’re just listing the same things that every other intern did… and definitely not standing out from the crowd.

Instead, concentrate on what you accomplished in those past positions that sets you apart from all of the other former interns, employees, or club officers. For example, Stiles says, if you talk about your position as treasurer for your sorority, don’t just talk about what a treasurer does; talk about what you did as treasurer. “What happened on your watch? How did you make life better for the next treasurer?” he says. “That’s really important: to say how I take something and run with it when someone gives me that opportunity.”

So instead of writing this:

Fundraising Chair, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority (Aug. 2012-present)

• Organized fundraisers throughout the school year.

Write this:

Fundraising Chair, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority (Aug. 2012-present)

• Exceeded the chapter’s yearly fundraising goal by 50 percent.
• Organized the chapter’s first ever charity 5k, which raised $5,000.
• Managed a team of 10 committee members.

7. ALWAYS use correct spelling and grammar

We don’t want to patronize you—you’re a smart, savvy collegiette, so of course you know how to spell and use correct grammar! But mistakes can happen to the best of us, so don’t get careless and forget to double check for language slip-ups—employers won’t be too impressed by a lack of attention to detail. “I still see spelling errors and grammatical errors on resumes much more than I’d like to see, especially even from some juniors and seniors,” Stiles stays.

Make sure your exceptional grammar compliments your exceptional experience. Did you catch the error in that sentence? Spell check didn’t. Don’t rely on spell check to correct every mistake in your resume (like using “compliment” instead of “complement”), because it doesn’t catch everything. And don’t rely on your own editing, either—enlist the help of a friend (or two, or three!) or a career counselor to double check your resume for errors. “You just get too close to the document sometimes that you can’t see [errors],” Stiles says. “That second set of eyes, third set of eyes are going to catch things like that.”

8. Stop by your school’s career center

There’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” resume. A resume for someone applying to an internship at an art museum will look very different from one for someone applying to a chemical engineering job. Ultimately, what you put on your resume and how you format it depends on the job or internship you’re applying for. If you have a career counselor look over your resume, he or she will be able to offer more advice about resumes for your specific field, including which experiences to include and which to leave off. The career counselors know what they’re doing—they did get hired to offer career advice, after all!

Perfecting your resume may seem like a daunting task, but with HC’s tried-and-true resume tips, yours is sure to stand out from the pile. Be sure to check out our sample resume for even more tips! Happy job/internship hunting!

Angelina Jolie is serving up your daily dose of philanthropy via her latest project, a movie titled First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers. Based on a human rights activist's memoir, Jolie's film will examine the brutal ruling of Khmer Rouge in Cambodia during the 1970s. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Jolie spilled some of the details on her next directorial adventure.  

The film, scheduled for release on Netflix in late 2016, bears a special significance to Jolie. In 2001, Jolie starred in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, which filmed partially in Cambodia. The following year, Jolie adopted her son Maddox from an orphanage in western Cambodia. She also launched the Maddox Jolie-Pitt foundation in an effort to give back to the community that gave so much to her. Needless to say, Cambodia holds a special place in Jolie's heart. With Maddox, Jolie plans to share her vision and perspective of the Cambodian people. "I feel a deep connection to Cambodia. I want to respect its history and bring a film to the world that will not only show the hardships of war but the dignity and resilience of a people I deeply respect," Jolie shared. Told from a 5-year-old's point of view, Jolie's film will discuss "the experience of children during the genocide in Cambodia."  

With Jolie's passion, attention to detail and dedication, we have no doubt that this film will be one to add to the Netflix queue. Stay tuned for more details on this project! 

There are some school supplies every collegiette should have—pencils, pens, folders and notebooks, just to name a few! But once you're through with the generics, it's time to focus on major-specific items. Whether you're a math whiz or aspiring artist, we've got the perfect suggestions for tools that will help you succeed this coming semester! Just locate your major's division in our list and get shopping!

Arts

Drawers, designers, videographers and future broadway stars—we've got suggestions for every creative type!

Supply Case

Artists have tons of supplies to lug around, from pencils to paint brushes and a whole lot more. Keep them all stored safe and secure in an incredibly posh pouch. But don't settle for just anything—you need a bag that's just as artsy as you are. Lee Coren's line of bags should do the trick—grab this Portofino Pouch in Confetti Blue ($34, leecoren.com).

Sketchpads

Fashion designers, your prayers have been answered. These mini sketchpads come with discreet model templates so you can skip the struggle of figure-drawing ($9.95, chroniclebooks.com). Not a fashion major? Artists of all sorts should have sketchpads on hand—just find some that are right for you.

Flash Drives

Digital artists need a place to store their portfolios, and flash drives are the perfect place. Flash drives from Beyond Object's Empty Memory collection double as chic jewelry pendants—perfect for showcasing your unique personality ($66.82, beyond-object.com).

Business

Expert marketers, PR stars and future business leaders of the world—here are some perfectly posh and professional items to keep you classy in the classroom.

Subscriptions

Want an edge in the classroom and in the business world as a whole? To be an incredibly successful business student, you need to stay updated on the latest industry news. Get subscribed to journals or magazines that speak about your specific field—The Wall Street Journal is always a good option ($12 for 12 weeks, store.wsj.com).

Professional Pens

While gel pens are our go-to writing utensil when we're craving color in the classroom, they're probably best left in primary school if you're aiming to appear professional! Look the part of businesswoman extraordinaire by swapping in an elegant pen for your notes—both in the classroom and out in the field ($36, gracioushome.com).

Padfolio

Padfolios are just what they sound like—a blend between a notepad and a portfolio. They've got space for note paper and tons of pockets for pens, supplies and all of the business cards you're likely to collect at school networking events! Business professionals adore them, and you should too! Best of all, if you purchase this classy pink style, Rolodex will donate a dollar to breast cancer research ($56.89, Office Depot). 

Humanities

Linguists and philosophers alike will benefit from these must-haves!

Hole Punch

You're gauranteed to have stacks of notes and handouts in any humanities course. Stay prepared with a hole punch so that all of these valuable resources can stay put in an organized binder! A sleek, white style will match any room decor ($34, rachelgeorge.com). 

Highlighters

Opting for a humanities major means tons of reading. Avoid getting lost in the text (or put to sleep by the dull, tiny words) by investing in some adorable highlighters—you'll remember all the important stuff and can ignore that wordy gibberish ($4.99, yoobi.com). 

Mini Stapler

Those essays and reports aren't going to staple themselves! Find a mini stapler to keep on hand so you never have to be that kid begging for one before class! These flirty patterns are to die for ($13.99, praxxispro.com).

Journalism/Media

An incredible writer needs incredible tools. Look no further than these!

Reporter Notebook

While your typical notebooks are great for class, make sure you also have a reporter's notebook for all of those interviews you'll be masterfully conducting! This one is so, so chic and comes with a matching pen—how perfect ($18, verabradley.com)!

Voice Recorder

Transcribe those interviews (and lectures, if allowed!) with a handy-dandy recorder. The pastel design of this one is too trendy to pass up ($31.35, alexnld.com).

AP Style Guide

Any journalist needs to follow formatting rules. Keep the full AP Stylebook on hand to ensure you're staying on track—your professors will appreciate it ($20.95, apstylebook.com).

Social Sciences

Psychology, history, political science and education majors will stand out with these stylish and supportive suggestions.

Flash Cards

Social sciences require what seems like endless memorization. Take down those terms like a pro in the prettiest note cards around ($8, verabradley.com).

Sticky Notes

Like your friends in the humanities, you'll have your nose in quite a few textbooks. Keep a tab on what you read with these purr-fect sticky notes ($4.50, muji.us).

Notebooks

Taking notes is a no-brainer, but those bland Five Star notebooks everyone has can't compare to the luxurious pattern of these Agate journals ($12, Urban Outfitters).

STEM

If you're an aspiring scientist, mathematician or engineer (or simply technologically advanced) you won't know how you lived without these tech supplies.

Convertible Tablet

Hate taking notes by hand, but hate lugging around a heavy laptop? Convertible tablets were made for you. The Surface 3 can handle all of your complex software and programming needs while remaining compact. The colorful keyboards are sure to stand out in the sea of silver and chrome in your morning lab, and if you ever miss handwritten notes, you can always take them on-screen with a techy tablet pen (Starting at $499, microsoftstore.com).

Graphing Calculator

This tool is vital for making it through the plethora of equations and formulas floating in your textbooks. But believe us when we say that math is far from boring—especially when it involves a popping shade of pink. The TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator  never disappoints with it's incredible graphing capabilities and ease of use ($149.99, Office Depot).

Coffee Maker

Those incredibly early lectures and late-night labs will require a consistent helping of caffeine. You'll thank us for suggesting the Keurig Mini, we promise (just look at that gorgeous emerald shade). We apologize for your newfound coffee addiction in advance ($99.99, shoplavazza.com).

With these suggestions, your back-to-school transition is sure to be a breeze, no matter what courses you're enrolled in. Have a great semester, collegiettes! 

We’ve all been there: You walk into the drugstore to buy mascara and end up leaving with nail polish, shampoo, red lipstick (in two shades) and glitter eye shadow that you don’t need but reaaaallly want. It happens so often, but we just can’t help it that we get sucked in every time we spot the beauty section. Here are the 11 stages of shopping for beauty products at a drugstore.

Stage 1: Focus

I’m here for mascara and mascara only. Eyes on the prize.

Stage 2: Distraction

Oh, Essie just came out with new colors… I guess it couldn’t hurt to look…

Stage 3: Refocus

No, I just bought nail polish last week. Mascara. I’m here for mascara.

Stage 4: Temptation

But that new shade of pink is sooooo cute. It would look great on my toes. Plus it’s named “Peachy Keen,” which is adorable.

Stage 5: Bargaining

Well, an $8 bottle of nail polish is way cheaper than a manicure. I’m just being money savvy.

Stage 6: Giving in

It’s decided; I’m getting the nail polish. I feel good about this. Might as well stock up while I’m here! *Puts 3 more colors in basket*

Stage 7: Free for all

I’ve been dying to try that new leave-in conditioner. And that morning face wash would really do wonders for my skin! Oh, is that red lip stain? I’ve GOT to have this navy blue waterproof eyeliner!

Stage 8: Satisfaction

Look at all my new beauty goodies! I can’t wait to try them all out. This has been such a successful trip.

Stage 9: Shock

Wait, all this costs HOW much?

Stage 10: Acceptance

You know what, no one ever said looking good was cheap. Plus I NEED all these things. Really, I do.

Stage 11: Denial

Shoot, I never picked up mascara. Guess I have to go back! This time I’ll only get what I need. 

With fall semester approaching, it's almost time to slip back into bar-crawl, clubbing and campus party ensembles. But if you're trying to avoid those borderline-trashy looks that leave nothing to the imagination, you're definitely not alone. Is it really impossible to look hot and sophisticated? According to our favorite street style sites, the answer is a firm no. You don't have to bare it all to stand out on a night out, and these three outfits are here to prove it with cool and classy inspo.

1. Something short, something not

This look, straight from the pages of blog Song of Style, demonstrates how you can pull off a super-short hem with sophistication. The key is to mesh revealing styles with more conservative features. Aimee Song's black tunic isn't afraid to show some leg, which is perfectly fine because it accentuates legs and only legs. The long sleeves, high neckline and accented blazer tie in a classic, cool feel that transforms the short skirt from overly flashy to fashionably classy. The best part of this look is that you don't have to sacrifice night-out staples, such as high heels. Since legs are the focus, strappy shoes simply showcase them further.

To achieve a similar look, choose the feature you want to focus on—be it legs, stomach, or even chest—and tastefully cover up everywhere else. This move really highlights your best assets, rather than detracting from them with an overwhelming amount of showy hems, cuts and slits.

If this exact outfit is what you're craving, mix and match a swing dress ($98, Free People), an embellished blazer ($99, ASOS) and the fringe Schutz shoes Aimee is wearing ($200, Zappos).

2. Classy separates

Matching sets, highlighted by the fashion experts at Glamour.com, are ideal for any Saturday night. Coordinated separates are the definition of posh, and the two-piece aspect allows for a refined flash of skin. And while an all-white ensemble will accentuate that post-summer glow, anything monochrome is guaranteed to elevate your going out look. 

While you can find a wide variety of co-ords, from blazers and shorts to crops and minis, we're obsessed with this mock pantsuit. Create your own with a drapey pant ($89.50, J. Crew) and a cool crop ($42, Nasty Gal). Just don't forget those sexy, strappy sandals ($59, Lord & Taylor)!

3. Anything leather 

Style blog Where Did U Get That knows what's up when it comes to rocking leather tastefully. A clean-cut mini is hot, hot, hot, and paired with a tee, it won't look too overbearing. Experiment with unexpected shades and popping prints on top. 

Ready to shop? Find a graphic tee ($29, Urban Outfitters) that speaks to you and tuck it into the perfect A-line ($50, Abercrombie & Fitch)—voilà!

Get ready for stares that are envious (not shocked) and interested (not creepy)—you know, the ones you deserve!

He jetted off to travel abroad and you were consumed by your dream internship in a big city. Or, you both bummed it on the couch at home and you just happen to live eight hours apart. Whatever the reason, you and the person you were seeing at school decided to take a break over the summer. But now that summer’s over, you’ll be back in the classroom before you can even say “Welcome Week.” And, of course, that means he or she will be there too. So what do you do now? If you’re nervous about where your relationship stands, check out these tips from dating coach Jasbina Ahluwalia for bouncing back from a relationship break.

Step 1: Get Ready to See Him or Her Again

Seeing him or her for the first time in the fall after a break can be either a really happy, exciting moment, or a really awkward one. Luckily, you do have some control over which way the situation sways. An easy way to initiate the “reunion” is to text him or her a few days before you return with something simple, like: “Can’t wait to be back at school! When do you move in?” It eases him or her into thinking about seeing you again, and it’s also a great way to get back in touch if you haven’t talked in a while. Set up a time to grab coffee or plan to sit together at a class meeting. That way, you won’t be flustered when you accidentally bump into him or her in the mailroom after not seeing him or her for three months. 

Step 2: Feel it Out

Sometimes, it’s easy to tell how your old flame is feeling once you see him or her again—he or she will either run up to you to scoop you into his or her arms for a kiss, or he or she will go for the awkward friend hug (the worst!). And while a lot of what he or she does will probably seem hard to read, it’s important to tune into how he or she acts towards you, because it could be a major indicator of how things will play out now that you two are back at school. Three months is a long time to be apart, and jumping right back into a relationship at the drop of a hat can be difficult. Be attentive to how flirty, awkward, or distant your guy or girl might seem. Likewise, be aware of the vibes you could be giving him or her.

3. Don’t Set the Bar too High

As we said before, summer is a long three months to be apart, and even if you two decide to kick things back into gear with your relationship, it still might take you a while to get back into the groove that you had last year… and that’s okay! A lot of things can change in three months, especially if either of you was traveling or working over the summer, so the dynamic of your relationship might be different this time around. And a new school year also means changes in classes and schedules, which might eliminate the Wednesday lunch dates you guys used to have last semester.

Don’t get discouraged if things don’t fall into place perfectly right away—few things do in the first few weeks of school! The easiest way to deal with any changes is to embrace them, and try not to put a lot of pressure on a relationship that’s just as rusty as you are in class after a three-month vacation.

4. Have “The Talk"

If your relationship seems different or awkward once you return to school and you’re not really sure what’s going on, sit down with your guy or girl and talk about your current (and future) relationship status. It doesn’t have to be a super serious, intense session. Just tell your guy you want to catch up and see where things are with the two of you now that you’re back at school. It can be frustrating and nerve-wracking if the responsibility falls on you to initiate the conversation, but you’ll be happy you did once you know exactly where the two of you stand and where to take things from there—especially since you’re most likely going to be seeing your guy around campus pretty consistently.

“Be honest and upfront with him about your feelings,” advises Ahluwalia. “Express yourself using a confident and positive emotional tone. Do not expect him to read your mind, and do not attempt to read his.”

Whether you want to completely pick up where you left off last year or if summer made you realize you’d rather be single, you need to tell him or her what you’re thinking. Leaving any confusion or ambiguity in your relationship is only going to cause trouble and hurt feelings. Tell each other what you each want out of the relationship and what summer did or didn’t change for you. And if you decide not to get back together, talk about things like hooking up with other people, seeing each other out at parties, etc. Even if you don’t end up getting back together, having complete transparency in regards to what you want and expect out of each other will eliminate a lot of problems later down the road.

5. Don’t Stress!

Not all relationships survive the summer, and if yours didn’t, that might just be an indicator that it wasn’t a very strong one to begin with—or, more likely, that he or she isn’t worth it!

Ahluwalia says it’s important to be open to the possibility that your guy or girl might not be on the same page as you are. “It is about respecting yourself as well as him enough to truly listen to each other’s feelings and expectations, and thereby determining whether expectations are sufficiently aligned to continue investing in the relationship,” she says.

Stress is one of the worst things to start a new year off with, so if you and your guy or girl didn’t get back together after summer, try not to let it ruin the excitement of being back at school. No matter your situation, the start of a new school year means 10,000 other new and exciting things happening and appearing for you to focus on, so embrace them!

Speaking of starting new—a fresh school year also means new guys! So if your summer break turned out to be more permanent than you thought, that just means it’s time to get started on scoping out (and making the first move with) all of the new guys on campus!

We all like to swoon over Adam Levine's strong arms and Beyonce's ***flawless dance moves, but what does this say about you? Are you more opinionated or easygoing? Reasonable or reckless? Read on to find out what your celebrity crush reveals about your personality.

1. Chris Pratt

Like Anna Faris, you have a great sense of humor and you're not afraid to show off your weird side, but you also want to feel protected. If your SO can defend you, make you laugh AND double as eye candy, he's a keeper.

2. Mila Kunis

You like a good dose of mystery and drama in your life. You are driven, passionate and witty, and you need someone who can keep up with your fast pace, but also wind you down when you get a little too worked up—which is a LOT.

3. Daniel Radcliffe

So you're a little high-maintenance and a lot opinionated, but that doesn't mean you don't know how to appreciate the good things in life. You know a good guy when you see one, and you've always known that behind the awkward little boy in The Sorcerer's Stone was a real hunk of a man. The fact that he's such a fervent feminist and ally is just the icing on the cake.

4. Andy Samberg

Your biggest strength is not taking yourself too seriously, so it makes total sense that you would go for nice Jewish guy and funnyman Samberg. Between your easygoing personality and his witty and irreverent humor, the two of you would never have a dull moment.

5. Pharrell Williams

You're super confident, but you never let your ego get in the way of your relationships. If you were dating Pharrell, you would never feel in his shadow, and you would reassure him that his music is awesome on days when he's not so sure.

6. Mindy Kaling

You're the wise one of your friend group, and the person everyone comes to for advice, so you'd definitely be able to deal with Mindy's crazies. More than that, you'd love her all the more for it—she'd be the crazy to your calm, the waves to your ocean, the b-a-n-a-n-a-s to your peaches and cream.

7. Justin Timberlake

You're nostalgic for your childhood, but you're wise enough to know that sometimes growing up is for the better. You impress your friends with your loyalty—after all, you've loved JT since his *NSYNC days, all through the Britney episode, and up until The Lonely Island and Friends With Benefits, when you discovered his funny side.

8. Niall Horan

You're pretty mainstream, but not so much that you would go for Harry Styles. You're also kind of clumsy, so you could definitely use some of that Irish luck Niall has going on. Finally, the one requirement to contend for the position of ~your soulmate~ is a smile that melts your heart and turns your legs to jelly. Check!

9. Reese Witherspoon

You're a traditional one, but not at all boring. When you grow up, you want to settle down in a quiet little town with your family, and you fully intend to monogram every single one of your possessions, but this won't stop you from pursuing whatever you set your heart to—with poise, character and perseverance.

10. Prince Harry

When your dad called you his "princess," you may or may not have taken it a little bit too literally. You already fancy yourself a member of royalty, so it only makes sense that you would be the one to sweep Harry off his feet. You're a born leader, but you're not quite ready for the pressure of leading a whole country, so you'll stick to a bit of attention from the press—besides, William is already taken.

11. Beyoncé

You're not one to shy away from a challenge, and you're constantly fighting for what you believe in. Obvi, you and Bey would be the ultimate power couple. You'd convince her to take some time off to travel the world with you and work to make it a better place, one village at a time.

12. Adam Levine

You like to live a little dangerously, even if it gets you in trouble. Your motto is that Mark Twain quote, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do." Your ideal partner has a rugged charm and keeps you constantly on your feet. You two will be a passionate and explosive couple—be careful not to get your heart broken!

13. Damon Wayans Jr.

You're pretty sarcastic (aka hilarious!), and so many people simply do not get your humor. With Damon, things would be different. You two are made for each other, and would laugh until you cried day in and day out. Bonus: you'll never get tired of that sexy smile.

14. James Marsden

You have a plan for yourself. You're super organized and even more determined, and your ideal partner would support you in everything you took on. What you're really looking for is fulfillment, not recognition, so you'd appreciate James for the low profile he keeps—despite his smouldering good looks.

15. Sam Smith

You're the protective type. Your friends like to call you "mom" affectionately when you worry too much about them, and you always come prepared with tissues, Band-Aids and deodorant wipes. You know Sam is fragile, and that's what you like best about him. You'd be the best, most caring girlfriend to him and in return he would sing you to sleep with his sweet, sweet voice. #RelationshipGoals

What does your celebrity crush say about you, collegiettes?

By now, most of us are aware that Neville Longbottom (AKA Matt Lewis) got way hot. No one is sure when his transformation happened, but we definitely aren't complaining! In the latest Neville news, photographer Joseph Sinclair shared an outtake from Matt's Attitude magazine photo spread that has never been seen before. Matt re-grammed the photo on his personal Instagram account, much to our delight. Get ready for Neville Longbottom's abs:

Wow. This piece of news might (almost!) tide us over until we can embark on J.K. Rowling's next adventure.

When it comes to packing for college, sometimes less is more. College dorm rooms aren’t known for their spaciousness, and when you arrive on your first day with all your worldly possessions in tow, you’re bound to feel some regret (and probably some annoyance from your roomie). You may be able to think up a dozen different situations in which it would be great to have your snow cone machine with you at college, but here are a few items that you’re really better off leaving at home.

1. Big stereo systems

We know you want your dorm room parties to rock, but unless you want your entire desk space taken up (and all your floormates’ ears to bleed!) your iPod speakers will get the job done just as well.

2. Cutesy knickknacks

You may think those snow globes and figurines scattered all over your shelves are a great way to express your whimsical nature, but all they’re really doing is collecting dust.

3. Your entire book collection

We know you love Harry Potter, but do you really think you need all seven books with you at college? With all the schoolwork, extracurriculars and hanging out you’re going to be doing, you’ll barely have any time to read for fun.

4. Excessive kitchen supplies

Not only are toaster ovens, mini grills, panini makers and other appliances usually prohibited from freshman dorm rooms, they’re almost always completely unnecessary (especially if you’re on a meal plan!).

5. Other prohibited items

For most schools, this means candles, halogen lamps, space heaters, incense and other items that are hazardous to your safety or the safety of those living in your dorm. Be sure to check with your school for items that aren’t allowed and keep those things off your packing list (and really, would you want to bring incense and have your dorm room smell like a fortune teller’s tent, anyway?).

6. Pets

How fun it will be to have a fish in my room, you think. How cute would it be to have a gerbil, you say. Spoiler alert: you’re going to regret it. Dorm room pets are not cute or fun, but rather smelly and inconvenient—and probably not even allowed by your school.

7. Clichéd college posters

That John Belushi Animal House poster may really resonate with your new “college student” persona, but purchasing one, as well as any poster with Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley or drinking paraphernalia on it, is the equivalent of walking around in a T-shirt that says “Freshman."

8. Stuffed animals

Cuddles, Snuggles and Mr. Fuzzykins may have sat faithfully on your bed for the past 18 years, but we think it’s best that they don’t join you on this latest journey.

9. Your printer

You’ll think it’s great to have one in your room… until the first time you run out of ink and you never use it again. Plus, your school will likely offer plenty of on-campus printing options anyway.

10. A full-sized vacuum

Because it’s totally necessary to have one of these to clean your 8x10 area rug, said no one ever. Stick to a mini one and save your precious closet space.

11. Off-season clothes

You’ll most likely be going home for Thanksgiving, so you can probably wait to haul those three heavy parkas to school until then.

12. Excessive furniture

It might seem like a great idea to bring an extra dresser, a bookshelf and a Ping-Pong table to make your dorm room the coolest on the floor, but once you see the size of your room, you’ll realize you’ve simply made it the most cluttered one.

13. High school apparel

You may have been a proud member of your high school’s cross country team for the past four years, but there’s no need to bring four year’s worth of warm up jackets and sweatpants with you to school.

14. Duplicates of what your roommate is bringing

Unless you want to end up with two mini fridges, two full-length mirrors and zero space, be sure to discuss who’s bringing what with your roommate before move-in day.

What are you definitely leaving at home this semester? Let us know in the comments below!

Tired of scrolling through photo after photo of #fitspo and fashion bloggers in size 0 clothing, we searched for the best fashion bloggers who actually look like REAL women. These women, considered "plus-size" by fashion's crazy standards, post inspiring pictures encouraging their followers to love the body and life they've got. Each gorgeous blogger will add her own twist to your newsfeed. We're talking cheesy grits (@tessholliday) and behind-the-scenes peeks at photo shoots... and just their glamourous lives in general. Meet the lovely ladies below!

1. Gabifresh

The blog Gabifresh was born in 2008 when Gabifresh herself sought to fill the void of fashion bloggers who were sizes 14 and up. She's been an inspiring success ever since, having been featured in Glamour and Cosmopolitan, and appearing on Good Morning America and The Today Show.

2. Tess Holliday

The model known for her outspoken attitude (#EffYourBeautyStandards) and her recent success as the first plus-size model of her stature to be signed to a major agency, Holliday fills her feed with fun posts of fashion, food and body-loving pics.

3. Candice Huffine

Huffine recently made headlines for being the first—and only—size 16 model to be featured in the 2015 Pirelli calendar. All of her pics give us serious life envy. 

4. Nicolette Mason

The columnist for Marie Claire posts on her own blog about fashion, beauty and travel.

5. Ashley Graham

The plus-size model and lingerie designer, who was featured in the #CurvesinBikinis ad in Sports Illustrated, posts inspirational bikini-clad pics admist the enviable goings-on of her daily fashion escapades.

Whether you just landed your dream internship or you’re starting out in an entry-level position after graduating college, one of the biggest questions you may have is, “What am I going to wear to work?”

Sure, you’ve seen countless episodes of Law & Order: SVU and you know that Olivia Benson’s tendency to wear pantsuits is not the direction for you. On the other hand, the glitz and girly glam of Carrie Bradshaw’s Sex and the City wardrobe seems a little too unprofessional for your position. What you’re looking for is the middle ground — a collection of chic, comfortable pieces you can wear again and again without sacrificing style or professionalism. These are the pieces that you need in your wardrobe (and where on Beyoncé’s green earth you can find them).

1. A pair (or two) of perfect pants

While the ‘70s may have been a sartorial mecca for wide-legged suit pants that were a little too long and a little too baggy, most offices won’t appreciate a poorly tailored manifestation of hippie nostalgia. The most important thing in your business-wear arsenal is arguably a pair of killer pants. These days, we’re loving ‘em skinny, cropped and streamlined.

One of our favorite pairs of cigarette pants is the Minnie from J.Crew. At $89.50, these pants are a good investment piece that you’ll wear almost every day. They’re stretchy and comfortable, but they’ll keep their shape even after hours of coffee runs, lunch dates and whatever else a busy girl like you has going on during her workday. The Minnie is also super flattering on virtually every body type — we’d be in favor of buying two (or three) pairs.

If you have the kind of body that fits into pants right off the rack, then bless you. If, like 90 percent of us, you don’t love the way pants fit you right when you try them on, then it’s important to take them to a tailor. In most offices, a little ankle is kosher, so you can get your pants cropped right above your anklebone.

2. A classic skirt (that’s actually comfortable!)

In the sticky summer months, sometimes the thought of pulling yourself into a pair of pants in the morning sounds less enjoyable than a bikini wax. On days like this, slip into a versatile skirt and zip out the door.  Skirts are fantastic because they allow your skin to breathe more than constricting pants will. In a conservative office, a classic pencil skirt, like this one from LOFT ($69.50), will take you a long way. An adaptable color, like khaki or navy, can be worn with lots of different tops depending on your mood and office environment.

In a more creative office, your skirt options increase. We’re loving mid-length A-line skirts this summer; their longer length keeps them office-appropriate, but the range of colors and prints you can find them in allows you to express yourself.  This striped midi skirt from Zara (on sale for $29.99) adds a pop of color to your outfit and can be worn year-round.

3. Neutral pumps

We get it — heels can be awful.  With the right pair, however, you can make a pretty good outfit a fantastic one.  In any office environment, no matter how conservative, our recommendation is to stick with heels that are between 2 ½ and 3 ½ inches high. Anything shorter gets dangerously close to kitten-heel territory (maybe the most obnoxious shoe ever invented), while anything higher will be super uncomfortable and unprofessional.

If you’re just starting to build up a professional wardrobe, the perfect place to begin is with a classic pump in a neutral color like black, navy or camel.  For example, collegiettes will love this nude pump from Callisto of California ($39.94). It goes with almost any outfit you may want to wear at the office (and also works well for after-work drinks with your colleagues!).

The pointed toe on this Aldo poppy-hued pump ($59.95) will add interest to your outfit -- and will be a great pop of color with a neutral-toned skirt and top. 

4. A pair of simple flats

Some days, you just won’t want to wear heels. When you’re craving comfort, opt for a pair of simple flats. Make sure that the style is mature enough for the workplace, and choose a color that will match almost any professional ensemble.

These quilted ballet flats from Steve Madden ($59.95) are the perfect basic shoe. They’ll look great with a solid colored dress or skirt.

Another option is this pair of classic Steve Madden flats ($39.95). They come in black and nude, as well as a bunch of other bright colors that will make any outfit pop.

5.  A one-step outfit

A dress is the easiest outfit to put together during a hectic morning. Work dresses can be hard to perfect, however. You need a longer hem, a conservative neckline and enough stretch to keep you from overheating throughout the day. A structured yet flowy dress is usually your best bet — the breezier, the better.

This dress from Zara ($69.90) will look great with any color sweater or blazer. Wear it with your pumps or a pair of simple ballet flats for instant chic. We love the flouncy hem, which is professional enough for an office but also flirty enough for weekend strolls or nighttime adventures.

For something ultra-stretchy yet defined, try this dress (on sale for $68.00) from Madewell. When you pair this dress with bold accessories, you’ll make a statement without sacrificing comfort or practicality. 

6. A blazer that fits perfectly

Whether you’re interviewing for a new position, you have an important meeting with your supervisor or you work in an office that requires one, chances are you’ll need a blazer in your professional wardrobe sooner rather than later.

A slim-fitting blazer, like one from J.Crew ($99.99), will last you years and dozens of wears. You can even wear it on casual Fridays with dark denim and a well-cut T-shirt or over a cotton dress.

7. A classic white blouse

When it comes down to it, a white button-down will never do you wrong. Invest in one that keeps its shape, doesn’t wrinkle easily and is even (gasp!) machine-washable. We’re fawning over Banana Republic’s version (on sale for $49.50), which we’d pair with skinny pants, Audrey-Hepburn-style. It’s as simple an outfit as has ever existed, but also one of the chicest.

In the summer heat, sleeveless blouses will also be some of your best friends. Underneath a thin cardigan, nobody has to know that there aren’t sleeves attached to your shirt! Uniqlo’s version (on sale for $5.90) of a bow-tie blouse will go well with both pants and skirts and will prevent you from sweating through your top.

8. A basic cardigan

Especially in the summer, an office can be chilly. If the AC is always blasting, you’ll want a sweater that you can throw on or take off depending on the temperature. A classic cardigan will keep you comfortable, and the right one will look good with almost any outfit.

A basic black cardigan, like this one from LOFT ($44.50) will compliment your ensemble without distracting from it. Plus, it comes in a bunch of other fun shades, so you can stock up and add a pop of color to any look.

9. A versatile statement necklace

Once you have your outfit staples, you’ll want to accessorize. Statement necklaces are always a good idea, as they add a touch of personality to your office-chic look. While many statement necklaces come in bright colors and loud designs, choose one in a more subtle shade, so that it will match multiple outfits.

We love this pretty statement necklace from Francesca’s ($24.00). The light blue color and gold chain would look great against a navy or black top.

If you’re looking for something even more modern, this geometric statement necklace from Francesca’s ($26.00) will make any ensemble feel complete.

10. An awesome bag

If you rock the rest of these professional essentials but walk into the office on the first day with a tattered backpack or bag, the value of your first impression will plummet.  Instead of hauling your belongings in an old purse or backpack, invest in a classic, streamlined bag that will hold everything you need and make you look good doing it. The perfect bag has to be big enough to fit all the necessities (phone, wallet, keys, laptop if you need it, iPod, makeup, etc.), but not too big. Awkwardly filing through cubicles with a sack the size of a diaper bag won’t be graceful, trust us.

An oversized tote, like this one from Urban Outfitters ($59), is the perfect size. It’s reversible, so you can match your bag to your outfit!

To add a little personality to your ensemble, you can also pick up a bucket bag, like this one from Target ($49.99), which is totally on-trend for this summer. It’ll carry you from the office to drinks on the weekends and back again.

With just ten pieces, you’re on your way to accumulating an entire professional wardrobe that will last you for years. Congratulations on your job or internship — we know you’re going to be awesome! 

National Mutt Day is July 31st, so what better way to celebrate than to look at pictures of the cutest mixed-breeds out there? Oh, and by the way: They're all adoptable and waiting for homes... so pass this along to anybody looking to adopt a dog—these little guys would love to have you!

1. Buddy

Hometown: Boston, MA

Breeds: Cocker Spaniel and Shih Tzu

Buddy may be little, but he has a big personality!

2. Ginger

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Breeds: German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever

Ginger would make the ideal cuddle buddy!

3. Alex

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Breeds: Cairn Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier

Those eyes!! You're killing us, Alex.

4. Duke

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Breeds: German Shepherd and Chow Chow

Duke is such a ~noble~ dog.

5. Bananas T Bear

Hometown: Valley View, OH

Breeds: Shepherd and Dobie

This pup is a little crazy and a lot lovable.

6. Bo

Hometown: Boston, MA

Breeds: Boxer and Beagle

We'd take long walks in the park any day with this one.

7. Snow

Hometown: Carollton, TX

Breeds: Retriever Terrier and Pit Bull

Apparently, this mutt isn't a big fan of cats. It's okay, Snow—we're dog people, too.

8. Chewy

Hometown: Clarksville, IN

Breeds: Golden Retriever and Labrador

Chewy is so. Cute. Literally, can't deal.

9. Bruno

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Breeds: Pit Bull Terrier and Mastiff

The word "SnuggleSaurus" was invented for Bruno, so he must be pretty special.

10. Polaris

Hometown: St. Cloud, FL

Breeds: Maltese and Yorkie

"IT'S SO FLUFFY I'M GONNA DIE"

11. Mik

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Breeds: Not Specified

Staaahp it, Mik<3

Which of these adorable mutts would you adopt, collegiettes?

So you’ve been planning a movie night with your friends all summer, but the Netflix selection is seriously lacking. HC is here for you, collegiettes!

We’re giving one lucky winner a copy of Insurgent, the second installment in the Divergent series, on DVD. If you love a good action thriller (and Shailene Woodley!), this is the movie for you! So invite a few of your besties over, grab some popcorn and watch this The Fault in Our Stars actress fight for freedom from the oppressive faction system.

Ready to host the best movie night ever? Enter to win the Insurgent DVD now!

Insurgent DVD Giveaway

After snagging that internship this summer, you learned how to make the best of it,how to be a better intern and how to connect with your fellow interns. Now that you have the skills, you’re ready for your next internship... right?

It may sound crazy, but as one internship and job season ends, another begins. We spend the spring applying for summer opportunities and the summer applying for fall positions. Now that fall is around the corner, it’s time to see what’s on the horizon for spring and summer again! Come October or so, you may wish you’d done a few things for your internship or job application earlier. To save you from the feeling that you’re already behind, we’ve got some tips so you can begin the semester ahead of the game. Check out these six steps for getting your internship and job application process off to a strong start.

1. Map it out

Before you start doing any internship or job research, have a plan for what you’re going to do with the listings you collect. Having an idea of how you’re going to organize your findings will be so helpful as you continue to find opportunities! These internship websites are great places for finding internship options. Browse the sites every couple of days to keep up with emerging positions and bookmark them as you go. Keep one Word document, bookmarked folder or even secret Pinterest board as a depository for all of your possible internships and add any opportunity that looks interesting. Later, you can go back and read the descriptions to narrow down which ones are actually a good fit for you.

Once you have a solid list of contenders, you may start to feel overwhelmed. With all the different deadlines, requirements and various contacts to keep track of, it’s hard to stay afloat. Stop the madness before it starts and get organized. You’ll be so glad you did!

“Last semester, I applied for 26 different internships (crazy, I know!),” says Hannah Orenstein, a recent grad of NYU. “In order to keep them all straight, I made a spreadsheet so I could track when I sent each application, if they followed up with me, whether or not I was offered an interview and more.”

Having a list or spreadsheet like Hannah did will keep you on track and help you manage deadlines efficiently. “Once you apply to more than a handful of internships, it's impossible to keep all the important details in your head, so the spreadsheet really helped me,” Hannah says.

Whatever method you use to keep track of your internship or job opportunities, choose wisely. If your roommate is saving all of her internship deadlines in iCal, but you’re more of a paper and pen kind of girl, go with what works for you. The newest to-do list app or cute day planner won’t do you any good if you don’t normally use it, so stick with what you know!

2. Polish your online presence

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: to get an internship or job, you have to be presentable online, period. You have control over what people see from your personal accounts, so make sure they represent you accurately and in a positive way. From your social media accounts to your online portfolio, employers are always searching to see how you’re presenting yourself!

Kim Reitter, the director of Career Services at Saint Louis University, cautions collegiettes about what they make public on their social media profiles. “Never post anything that you wouldn't want a potential employer to see,” she says. “I always recommend editing as if your grandma is looking at your site. If you wouldn't want grandma to see it, delete it, or, better yet, never post it!” Eliminate any unflattering content from your social media profiles and update your portfolio regularly so that it continues to show up in search results online.

Another thing to consider is what comes up on the Internet about you that you didn’t post yourself. While the things you post are yours, the things your friends post don’t require your permission or your knowledge.

“It’s important to either periodically search yourself or set up a Google alert to monitor the use of your name online,” says Katherine Battee-Freeman, the assistant director for recruitment for the Office of Career Services at University of Illinois at Chicago. “Be mindful of what others put online as well because if they are associated with you, you may come up in a search unexpectedly. If your friend tags you because he or she wants you to see a picture of his or her latest party, then someone could Google your name and a picture of a drunken group of people shows up. That’s not good for your professional image.”

So keep tabs on what shows up in these scenarios and ask friends to remove potentially damaging material. To minimize your friend’s ability to tag you in compromising situations, you can update your privacy settings on Facebook so that you have to approve every photo tag that goes up. Reitter even recommends de-friending those people who you know have a tendency to post content that could cause a stir so that you can keep your associations online clean.

After tackling the big pieces of your public persona, zero in on the small stuff. To keep your information separated from your professional and casual life, Battee-Freeman says that “it’s good practice to use one email and set of social media accounts for your professional information and a different set for your personal information.”

A good rule of thumb for a professional email is to make it as simple as possible and align it in some way with your name. Whether that’s a straightforward “firstname.lastname@example.com” or something similar, set it up before you send in internship or job applications and check it regularly.

3. Change your voicemail

To really go the extra mile, it wouldn’t hurt to clean up your voicemail message, too — you probably haven’t changed it since you first got your phone! If recording a new voicemail makes you uncomfortable, write a script first. You may feel silly, but knowing what you’re going to say will help you keep an even pace and a consistent tone. This will convey confidence to a prospective employer. For example:

“Hi, you’ve reached the cell phone of Rachel Wendte. I’m currently unavailable, but please leave your name, number, and a short message, and I’ll return your call soon!”

The voicemail clearly states the name of the person who people are calling, so they won’t think they’ve dialed the wrong number. Plus, giving specific instructions to leave a message will encourage those looking to get in touch with you to say something and not just hang up.

4. Visit your school’s career center

You know the office that’s advertised in all of your school’s flyers? Chances are a professor, academic adviser or visiting alum has mentioned career services once or twice, and they’re not talking about it for kicks. There are tons of programs that you can take advantage of in your school’s career center that will help you navigate the internship and job searching processes. “Career services professionals love when people come in and make sure of all the services they have to offer,” says Battee-Freeman. “Don’t be afraid to start early!” Here are a few to consider:

Resume review

If you do nothing else, make an appointment to go over your resume with a career counselor. Erin Smith, who recently graduated from Towson University, says that this is one of those under-utilized services that can really make a difference. “My school's career center gave me tons of advice on how to make my resume stand out in a crowd, which helped me land an internship!” she says.

“Basic services that let you better market yourself and/or simply confirm that what you are doing is on the right path can be very helpful at any point,” says Battee-Freeman. “These include resume and cover letter development and critiques.”

When you visit, bring along a few copies of your resume and questions for your reviewer. Questions about proper wording, ideal resume length and creative resumes are all good starting points.

Seminars

Sometimes career services will host professional seminars for students to prepare them for interviews and networking. Topics could include proper interview attire, etiquette dinners and how to ask for a raise. Take advantage of these great opportunities! Look over the events calendar in your career services center to see if any of these kinds of events are offered and grab some friends to go with you. It’s an easy way to learn new things and get answers to questions you’re unsure of.

Mock interviews

Taylor Emhart, a grad of the University of Maine, says her favorite resource at UMaine’s career center is the mock interviews. “Apart from reviewing your cover letter and resume, the career center tailors interview questions to the type of questions that would be asked. An interview for NASA would be a lot different than the local grocery store,” she says. “They videotape your whole interview, then watch it back with you. It's a great way to see how your body language is portrayed and to point out little mannerisms that you didn't even know you did.”

Battee-Freeman and Reitter say that most career services should have some sort of mock interview option available, but if your career center doesn’t offer mock interviews, you can achieve a similar effect by having a professor or friend interview you instead. Using the job description as a guide, have them ask questions related to the job. If they’re familiar with your industry, so much the better! They’ll be able to ask you more focused questions that will give you the chance to expand on your knowledge and experience.

5. Secure your recommendations and references

Depending on your internship, you may need recommendations or references. A recommendation is a physical letter and/or email from a professor or previous employer, while a reference is giving a potential employer permission to personally contact a previous employer or professor. To make sure you have a variety of recommendations that showcase you well, you’ll need to think critically about who ask, and ask them early! From past employers to professors, be conscious of their commitments and approach them in plenty of time.

“Request recommendations as soon as you know that you’ll need them and give a specific deadline by which you will need to receive them,” Battee-Freeman says. “I recommend asking to receive them two days before you need to submit them, if that allows the person at least a week to write the letter. If the time between when you ask and when you request to have them is longer than a month, remind the person one or two times before the deadline.”

Battee-Freeman also says it’s important to give the people writing your recommendations any extra information they’ll need to write the best letter. “Items such as your resume, personal statement, instructions from whatever you are applying to and examples of your volunteer and/or community services may be useful,” she advises. “If you want the person to focus on specific skills or experience you have, make sure to ask them to do so.”

References are a bit different because you’re asking the person to be willing to promote you well if a potential employer asks about you, so he or she needs to be prepared for a call at any time. To secure a reference from a professional contact, stay away from your computer! “Either call or ask in person if he or she would be willing to be a reference and for what purpose; e.g., graduate school, job search,” Reitter says.

When making your reference sheet for applications, Reitter says it’s important to verify your references’ contact information. “Make sure to ask your references what information they want you to put down,” she says. “For example, would they like to have potential employers contact them through [a] business phone or [a] personal cell phone number?” Basic information to include in a reference sheet would be the reference’s name, title, preferred contact information and their relation to you, such as a teacher or former supervisor.

6. Network, network, network!

How many times have you heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? When it comes to jobs and internships, that statement could not be more true. The sooner you start cultivating a professional network, the better off you’ll be in the long run.

“Whether or not you are still in college, many universities have alumni or career center events that both students and alumni can attend,” says Reitter. “Many larger cities also have networking groups. Remember that every contact can be a potentially good networking contact, whether you meet that person at a formal event or at the grocery store!”

Phyu-Sin Than, a senior at Mount Holyoke College, has experienced chance encounters with great contacts more than once, so she’s always prepared. “I would suggest that college women make business cards,” she says. “I know that sounds weird, but they're extremely helpful when meeting someone on the go. I've met people on the metro or at a café with brief morning conversations that I wanted to keep in touch with.”

“Networking in an ongoing activity that occurs online and offline,” says Battee-Freeman. While both she and Reitter recommend LinkedIn for a professional presence, Battee-Freeman is quick to mention that networking occurs both online and in person, and that there are appropriate protocols for each.

“Online, connect to relevant groups and your alumni networks on LinkedIn, and if your university has an alumni database/network elsewhere, find out how to get involved in it,” Battee-Freeman says. “Offline, start talking to people about what they do and what you want to do including professors and community members. Make a note in your phone or notebook of those who are interesting and may be beneficial to learn more about or help you make the right connection.”

Finally, remember that networking is about the people you meet as well as your own professional development. “Be willing to be a resource for others as well,” says Battee-Freeman. The more people you can build a rapport with, the wider your career net will be. It can only help, and you never know where one of those people will end up one day!

Using this checklist, we know you’ll start the academic year confident and ready to wow in all of your internship and job applications. With a little organization, some rock-solid application materials, and a strong network, there’s no stopping you from another fabulous internship experience. Good luck!

Do you have any tips for job and internship applications? Tell us in the comments below!

As collegiettes, there come times when we have to get out of our leggings and actually look put-together. And often, this means putting on makeup. But let's face it, makeup is expensive. With student loans, rent, and all the fun college things we have to pay for, there's not room in the budget to spend hundreds on makeup. However, there are tons of budget-friendly makeup brands out there so we've come up with a complete makeup look for under $25. And it even includes bronzer and eye shadow!

1. Revlon ColorStay Foundation ($7.01)

This foundation is a great inexpensive drugstore option that still provides amazing coverage.

2. e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder ($3)

This set is perfect for contouring and comes in four different color options, so you'll find one that's perfect for your skin tone!

3. Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Duo ($4.99)

Pick your favorite color combo and use this duo for your lid and crease. Your eyes will look flawless!

4. Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner ($3.95)

With a variety of colors, this liner is a must-use. And its super creamy and precise!

5. Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal ($5.27)

You can't go wrong with this amazing drugstore mascara. It coats each individual lash for amazing volume!

6. e.l.f. Essential Lipstick ($1)

These lipsticks are super creamy and come in a wide range of colors.

There you have it—an entire makeup look for under $25!

On Wednesday, three graduate students from University of Virginia filed a suit against Rolling Stone for their infamous article, “A Rape on Campus.” All three men—George Elias IV, Stephen Hadford and Ross Fowler—are Phi Kappa Psi brothers and are facing varying degrees of distress following the publishing of the now debunked article. In an attempt to make amends, the three filed a defamation lawsuit against Rolling Stone, Sabrina Rubin Erderly, who authored the article, and the magazine’s publisher, Jann Warner.

The article in question was published in November 2014, and it claimed that a woman named Jackie was gang raped at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house. The rapists remained unnamed, but readers were quick to accuse certain members by following the clues left in the article. George Elias IV was a member whom readers attacked, since he lived in the room that was vividly described as the scene of the crime. 

The men claim that they faced “emotional turmoil” after being shunned by classmates, friends and even family members. They stated that they had difficulty focusing at work and in school, and that they will “forever be associated with the alleged gang rape.” In a Washington Post story, Elias said that, “the day [the article] came out was the most emotionally grueling of my life.” The brothers of the fraternity, Elias, Hadford and Fowler included, were faced with an uphill battle as soon as the media picked up the story. Because of these repercussions, the former students are seeking at least $225,000 in damages.

Nicole Eramo, the dean of the University of Virginia, filed a lawsuit back in May for up to $7.5 million in damages caused by the article. The Phi Kappa Psi fraternity has said that they plan on suing as well, but no progress has been made. With both lawsuits combined, Rolling Stone may face up to $8 million dollars in defamation damages because of their inaccurate reporting. 

Your bed is the centerpiece of your teeny dorm room, so obviously it’s super important that it reflects your personality! We picked our favorite bedding pieces to help you feel right at home in even the plainest of campus housing.

Bedding Sets

Heart Sheet Set

Follow your heart and add this set ($32.50 - $129 at PB Teen) to your shopping cart! We love how the black and white downplays this fun print, for a super chic bed fit for a collegiette—not her little sister!

Mosaic Sheet Set

These sheets ($29.99 - $49.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond) are perfect for all you preppy collegiettes out there. The little fish aren’t super obvious, but they’ll be just enough to remind you of the beach during exam season.

Damask Duvet Cover Set

Damask print is a dorm decor classic—and with good reason! We love this two-tone set ($39.99 - $49.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond) that is sure to put you in a good mood.

Summertide Twin XL Comforter Set

This boho-chic ombre print bedding ($84.21 at DormCo) looks so luxurious that you’ll feel like a princess every night. Not a bad way to forget about your daily troubles!

Quilts & Blankets

Stripe Throw Blanket

Snuggle up with this classic but beautiful striped throw ($24.99 at Target). Fair warning: its coziness might make it that much more difficult to get out of bed.

This Is My Happy Place Throw Blanket

In case you needed a reminder that there’s no place like your bed, this blanket ($59 at Deny Designs) has your back. How amazing is it?!

Reversible Quilted Comforter

If you’re the indecisive type, this reversible comforter ($109 - $149 at VS PINK) is the one for you. It’s perfect for anyone who likes to switch things up often and will definitely keep you warm on the chilliest of nights.

Decorative Pillows

Greeting Reversible Pillow

These pillows ($35 at PB Teen) say “bye now” and “sweet dreams” on the back—so you can have the best day ever, then signal to your roommate when it’s time for you to wind down.

Guinevere Throw Pillow

This throw pillow ($39.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond) is elegant and fun all at once, so you can have the most on-trend bed out of all your friends’.

Reversible Throw Pillow

Honestly, all pillows should be reversible like this one ($29.95 - $39.95 at VS PINK). Flaunt the leopard when you’re feeling daring, and the classic PINK logo when you’re in the mood for a sleeker living space!

Monogram Throw Pillow Cover

It’s all about personalization, remember? Take it one step further with this gorgeous made-to-order pillow ($30+ at Etsy). You’ll feel so grown up, too!

With this beautiful bedding, your new space will never have looked more attractive—and that’s saying something! Is it dorm shopping time yet? We think so.

The beginning of fall semester can be stressful. Everything from making sure your pens from last year still have ink, to picking up your textbooks, moving in to your new room, choosing an outfit worthy of the first day of class and, most importantly, an outfit that shows off how much hotter, tanner and fitter you have gotten over the summer for last semester’s crush. However, an outfit can only do so much.

Your crush from spring semester may have been a guy you hooked up with a few times but weren’t “hooking up with,” or maybe something a little more serious, or maybe just a love-from-afar kind of crush that you never had the guts to do anything about. 

While you may be tempted to hide behind the nearest building when you first see him on campus, instead try some of these effective and, at times, very strategic flirting tips from my two suave friends, a senior at Cornell and a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill (let’s call them Jake* and Sam*). 

Scenario 1: You end up next to each other in line at the dining hall.

Do not keep talking to your girl friend and pretend like you have somehow managed not to notice he is standing right next to you; otherwise the next 10 minutes are about to be the most painstakingly awkward moments of your life. Instead, embrace the nervous excitement churning in your stomach and say hello. Have the regular post-summer conversation, like updates on internships and vacations, and at some point casually slip in a compliment.

Jake suggests, “Compliment him on a summer improvement. If he had a really cool summer job tell him, ‘That sounds so interesting,’ or if he explains he went to the beach say, ‘I can tell, you look really tan.’ If you can’t think of anything creative, just genuinely smile and tell him ‘You look good!’ Then he will walk away from the conversation thinking about you, thinking about him looking good. It will definitely turn him on and get him thinking about your chemistry last spring.”  

Scenario 2: You walk into your classroom and discover him sitting in the third row.

As endless weeks of steamy study sessions and excuses to meet up before and after class start flashing before your eyes, compose yourself and focus on finding a strategic seat.

If it’s a big lecture, Jake says you should, “Sit behind him a few rows back and a little to the side, so you can catch him checking you out. On the first day of class, guys love to sit and watch all the girls coming in to the classroom and get excited about all the new hot girls they will have excuses to spend time with.”

Plus, if you sit in front of him, you will most likely feel extremely self-conscious and imagine he is staring at your love handles or that stain on the back of your shirt you thought no one would notice. After class, text him something like: “I noticed we have [blank] class together, this should be a good semester.” It will have him excitedly wondering if you meant “good” because of him, or because of the syllabus.

If it’s a smaller, more intimate class setting like a seminar, Sam says, “You definitely want to be in the same row and within conversation distance. It would be awkward if you sat too far away because you will obviously both acknowledge each other’s presence. Have a friendly conversation and act really excited to have a class together, and shoot him flirtatious smiles throughout the class whenever the professor says something funny or interesting.”

Scenario 3: You wave to each other crossing the quad but it’s too awkward of a distance to have a conversation.

This is the perfect time for a first text. A few minutes after you saw each other, text him: “Too bad I missed you. We should catch up soon.” You don’t need to be overly flirtatious here, and you may be tempted to add a smiley emoticon for an obvious clue that you still like him.

However, Jake has pretty strong feelings about emoticons: “Emoticons are boner killers.” This might not be the same for all guys, but a smile is insinuated without a colon and a parenthesis. Hopefully he will text you back, and if so, follow the tips explained in Scenario 4.

Scenario 4: He texts you out of the blue.

Don’t freak out, but this may be the single most important thing to ever happen to you. Just kidding – sort of. The fact that he texted you without any stimulant on your end shows that he has been thinking about seeing you and is excited you are both back on campus. Ask a question back to maintain the conversation, and after a couple of texts stop being so vague about your summer and start being specific, telling jokes and flirting.

Sam explains, “Don’t talk about academics or your internship, talk about fun, unusual and adventurous things you did over the summer that will make him interested and have the conversation continue for a long time.” Hopefully it will end in one of you suggesting meeting up over the weekend or for a meal.

Scenario 5: You run into him at a wild first-weekend-back party.

This scenario will require some constraint on your end. In your drunken haze you will think to yourself, “Darn it, what were those tips in that great article on Her Campus?” – or something along those lines. Here is the key point to remember:

DO NOT hook up (no making out, nothing) the first night you run into each other coincidentally. You don’t want him to think of you as the surefire hook up for a weekend. However, both Jake and Sam agree that you also do not want him to think, “Oh my god, why didn’t she want to hook up with me? Is she over me?” 

Instead, the ever-strategic Jake suggests you create a false time constraint. “Casually work into conversation that you promised your friend you have to stop by this other party. If he wants to come with you he will follow you there, or you should text him later and invite him: ‘Hey this party is really fun you should come.’ That way, he will think ‘She didn’t hook up with me because she had to go somewhere’ rather than ‘she wanted to run away from me because she doesn’t like me anymore.’” If he ends up coming to the party, then it’s clear he still likes you and the serious flirting can start. Then, it’s up to you if you want to hook up.

(Note: Don’t freak out if he doesn’t fall into your trap and come to the other party; it’s possible his friends convinced him to go elsewhere, or countless other events of an unpredictable night at college.)

Scenario 6: You look up from your laptop in the library and realize he is doing homework at a desk right near you.

Now, there are two choices: you either wait for him to notice you and come up to you, or you make the move. If you are lucky, you will catch him staring at you and give a little wave or a smile and nod.

If you want to make the move, Jake tactfully explains, “You want to walk past him as an excuse for conversation, but you can only do what your surroundings present you with for a destination: a friend, the printer, the bathroom, the water fountain. Walk towards the pretend destination and act surprised and happy to run into him, and have a quick and friendly conversation.” Remember, he might be caught up with homework and will probably only be receptive to a short yet flirtatious hello.

Scenario 7: You are with a group of girl friends and run into him with his group of guy friends at the go-to Sunday breakfast place. 

We saved the trickiest situation for last. When we were talking to Jake and Sam, they both admitted to being stumped for the perfect way to handle it. Jake admits he “hates the showdown of the crews,” because groups of friends get in the way and make this first encounter more awkward than it should be. It’s good to note that guys are just as uncomfortable in this situation as girls are; friends can be intimidating and might throw you off your game.

Amidst the rounds of polite hugs and overly-excited “Heys!” between groups, make sure you hug him a little tighter, and flash him a brighter smile, and have a slightly longer greeting than you do with all his friends so he realizes you are more excited to see him. Later shoot him a text about the encounter: “It was great to see you at [blank], maybe next time we can run into each other on purpose,” or any joke that implies you should have more coincidental run-ins in the future.

Keep these flirty tips in mind for the first week of fall semester, and hopefully you will feel well prepared and resist the urge to hide when you suddenly cross paths. Love is a battlefield, and sometimes it requires a little strategy to nudge it in the right direction.

*Names changed to prevent girls on campus from finding out how suave these two eligible bachelors are.

If you haven't gotten the experience of watching She's the Man, you're seriously missing out. There are so many quotes from that movie that can be applied in real life, how anyone can go through their days without quoting it isn't really living. Here are some life lessons and relatable quotes from one of the best films of our generation!

1. The reason why heels were invented

Get your sprint on, ladies!

2. How to act like a lady

"Chew like you have a secret."

3. And sometimes, there's this hard truth:

Yikes!

4. How to lie on the spot

Better than blaming a raccoon, like Joey from Friends does!

5. Girls can do anything boys can

Aw, Paul, we know what you meant!

6. Guys are just as scared of bugs too, if not more!

Duke can hold us any day while a tarantula crawls on the floor!

7. Tampons are multi-purpose

They are expensive, after all!

8. How to end a bad relationship

*Drops the mic*

9. Even the most popular guy in school can be shy 

10. How to flirt

Your favorite can actually be feta cheese, too.

11. And the importance of flow

"We're flowin'!"

12. How to insult people

Buuuuuuuuuurn!

13. Sometimes, people are just out of our league 

That doesn't mean we can't try!

14. But, other times, we find love with someone who was there all along

You go, girl!

15. We learned what relationships are about 

We agree, Duke!

16. But that sometimes people can decieve us, too

It's a scary world.

17. How to speak in a guy's language  

"Later, G-Money."

18. How to give ourselves a pep talk

Always good to remind yourself before doing something new!

19. Always be true to yourself 

Even in disguise *insert emoji with sunglasses here*

20. Sometimes our friends won't agree with who we like or date

But we say go for it anyway! 

21. And, the most valuable lesson of all, how to be sexy when answering our flip phones 

*Swoon*

While some movies are more influencial to society like Titanic or Selma, She's the Man has some pretty valuable life lessons hidden behind Amanda Bynes' guy voice and Malcolm's stalking. So, just remember, the next time you're trying to flirt with the cute guy in your history class, ask him what his favorite cheese is!

This is it. This year will be your year. It’s finally the year that you can live young and wild and free. But with great freedom comes great responsibility; for every unforgettable Friday night when you’ll dance on tabletops, you’ll need an equally unforgettable outfit. There are several wardrobe essentials that are a must to ensure that when you walk into the club or frat basement (let's be real), all eyes are on you and only you. Before you arrive on campus, make sure you have all the clothing basics you will need to feel as fancy as Iggy Azalea for your first nights out on the college party scene!

Black Basics

A Little Black Dress

Marilyn Monroe once said, “I don’t mind making jokes, but I don’t want to look like one.” If you’re worried you’ll wear the wrong outfit to a party and feel like you stick out like a sore thumb, look no further than a little black dress. An LBD is a classic party must-have because, for collegiettes, versatility is key. “The perfect little black dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion,” says Elora Clifford, a recent graduate of Boston University.

You want to find a dress that, given the right accessories, you can wear to multiple types of parties. Pick a style that compliments your figure—you should always feel your cutest in your LBD. Your perfect dress should show off a little skin, but not too much. Keep it plain and let the dress be something your accessories can play off of.

Forever 21 is a gold mine for LBDs; check out their Twist-Front Bodycon Dress for $17.90 or their Strappy Open-Back Cami Dress for $14.90. With the right purse and pair of heels, a black dress is the perfect look for almost any party. Once you've found your perfect LBD, check out HC’s 20 ways to wear a little black dress for some style inspiration.

A Black Skirt

Don’t be afraid to show off your legs! A black skirt has the potential to be one of your most-worn party staples. Although you might not want to wear your LBD every weekend, you can easily wear the same skirt over and over again as long as you match it with different tops, shoes and accessories. “You want clothes that are versatile so you can get the most use out of them,” says Cassie, a recent graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Tuck a cute tank into a high-waisted black miniskirt, and voilà—you have yourself an easy, stylish outfit. Elora says, “My go-to party outfit is usually a black skirt paired with a hot shirt, usually something with chiffon or lace with a bandeau underneath, and heels.”

You should look for a tight, above-the-knee skirt, but make sure it’s long enough that you’ll be able to comfortably dance or sit in it. Consider trying out this Crochet Trim Bodycon Mini Skirt from Charlotte Russe for $22.99.

For Under Your Clothes

Bandeaus

Little girls wear neon Band-Aids. Party girls wear neon bandeaus. A necessity for every collegiette’s wardrobe, a bandeau can be worn under a shirt instead of a tank top when your outfit needs a little extra coverage. They’re perfect for parties where you'll be spending the night on the dance floor because you’ll be wearing less fabric, so you won’t get as hot. Try to buy a bandeau or two that goes well with multiple items in your closet. “A black bandeau is essential. You can wear it under almost anything,” Cassie says. You also may want to consider choosing a colored bandeau to wear under a sheer top to add a bold accent to your outfit. Try American Apparel’s Cotton Spandex Ruched Front Tube Bra for $5-15. Not only does this bandeau come in a ton of colors, but because it’s ruched, the bandeau will create the illusion of a bigger bust. If you’re looking for a bandeau with an even more feminine flair, try Free People’s Intimately Lace Trim Bandeau for $28.

Spandex Shorts

To avoid a wardrobe malfunction second only to Janet Jackson's, get a pair of spandex shorts to wear under short dresses and skirts. It’s vital to wear these when you’re going to be dancing, because there’s a good chance your skirt could fly up. You really don’t want to be known as that girl who accidentally flashed everyone at the party. Try these basic boy shorts at Forever 21 for $3.90. You want to opt for a discreet color that will blend with what you are wearing, so it won’t be too noticeable if anyone gets a peek. Just remember to try your shorts on under one of your skirts or dresses first to make sure they lay flat and don’t create lines.

For Theme Parties

Costume Clothing

Wearing nothing but a sheet to a toga party is perfectly acceptable (and often encouraged), but most theme parties at college will actually require clothing (unless you’re headed to an ABC—anything but clothes—shindig). There are lots of items that you can wear to multiple types of theme parties. For example, you can wear the same cute green top for Saint Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, a stoplight party (a party where you wear green if you are single, yellow if your romantic situation is complicated, and red if you are taken), or a Christmas party. A button-down can be your go-to when dressing up as a nerd for a jocks vs. nerds party, or as business executive for a CEOs and office hoes party. “Some kind of animal print is always a must for a jungle party, or a costume party, if you can get a pair of ears,” says Cassie.

You also should bring old costumes you might have—you never know when they may match the theme of a party. See if you can borrow your brother's old sports jersey for sports-themed parties. Thinking ahead about items that you have at the back of your closet that could potentially be great for a themed party will help ensure that you won’t have to scramble to buy a last-minute outfit.

Elora advises to pack “items that can be worn for a theme but won't make you stick out like a sore thumb at a different party. You never know where the night will take you.” This is extremely important, because although you might start the night at a party with one theme, you may end up at a different party at the end of the night.

White Tees

White tees are so useful that having a few of these stashed in your drawers at all times is always a good idea. You can guarantee that you'll go to glow parties, where everyone will decorate each other’s shirts with highlighters, and paint parties, where everyone gets slathered in a mass of paint. At these types of parties, you don’t want to ruin any of your nice clothes. A simple white Hanes tee is easy on your wallet at two for $10. They come in both crew neck and V-neck styles.

Keep in mind that you can easily cut a plain white shirt into a cute crop top. If you get really good at cutting your own shirts, try making the back into a cute bow style shirt. Plain tees are also perfect if you get invited to specific themed parties where you have nothing to wear, because you can create your own custom shirt for the night.

Accessories

A Cross-body Bag

If you don’t already have one, you should buy a cross-body bag. You don’t want to have to think about holding onto your purse, wristlet or wallet all night at a party. After all, you may end up putting your belongings down for a game of pong or flip cup and end up losing track of your stuff. Look for a small bag, since all you need for a night out is P-MILK: your phone, money, ID, license, and keys.

Macy’s has a variety of options that are sensible for a range of budgets. Try a Steve Madden crossbody for $38 or this Nine West crossbody for $40.

Fast Flats

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but fast flats ($7.75) are a party girl’s best friend. Fast flats—very thin flats that can roll up to easily fit into a purse—are so small that they don’t take up much room and are so light that they won’t weigh your bag down. Just throw a pair of these into your purse when you’re wearing a pair of heels so you have a backup option if your feet end up killing you later in the night or on your walk home.  Sometimes beauty is pain, but it doesn’t have to be when you’re going out!

A Cheap Jacket

At the end of the night, searching through a mountain of jackets can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—finding yours will be downright impossible. Since there’s often not a good place to stash your jacket at a large party, it’s not unusual for everyone to throw their jacket in the same massive heap. Because of this, it’s possible someone may end up taking your jacket, either accidentally or on purpose. You don’t want to lose an expensive J.Crew or North Face jacket at a party, so you should have a cheap jacket or zip-up hoodie that you don’t care about that you can wear instead. That way, you will be warm on your way to the party, but won’t really care if there is a mix-up and you lose track of it by the end of the night.

With a little advanced planning, you’ll always be prepared when you feel you gotta get down on Friday. Remember that parties are danger zones for expensive or easily stained materials, so when shopping for clothes that you’ll wear to parties, you probably don’t want to wear anything too expensive or sentimental. If you’re going to a party where there will be dancing, light colors that show sweat also aren’t the best idea since hundreds of people dancing in a basement can make the dance floor pretty hot and humid.

These essential items are vital to any party girl’s wardrobe. With the help of this guide, if you fall into your bed right after a party, you’ll never wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy—you’ll be better dressed!