As collegiettes, we have learned that friends really do come and go, and often times, the smaller number of people that we consider close friends, the better. But, back as middle schoolers, everyone was our friend, until we stopped talking to them in high school, and then the same thing happened when college came. But, a new study has found why your 7th grade friendship didn’t last.

According to Science of Us from NY Mag, a new study in Psychological Science, led by Amy C. Hartl from Florida Atlantic University, was conducted and found that only one percent of friendships created in 7th grade were still solid by senior year of high school. The study used 410 participants and tracked their friendships, each year, from 7th to 12th grade, finding that kids’ friendships fell apart due to difference in interests.

Hartl and her co-authors, Brett Laursen of Florida Atlantic and Antonius H. N. Cillessen of Radboud University, wanted to research whether certain attributes in kids’ personalities, like sex, age and popularity led to the demise of middle-school friends, however this was not the case. Therefore, a girl was no more likely to lose a friendship than a boy. What mattered were the differences between friends; so a friendship between those with a better academic record and those without, was more likely to end.

Due to “cognitive and emotional changes,” Hartl says that for children, friendship breakups during middle school are the hardest, as adolescent years “elevate the significance of friendships at the same time that growing independence from parents heightens interconnections between friends.” The study also concluded that about half of all friendships during middle school do not last and friendships often don’t survive the migration to middle school or high school.

With that, real friendships are the ones that stand the test of time.

If you’re anything like us, back-to-school shopping is basically the BEST part of fall. Not sure which fall trend suits you best? Not sure what this season’s trends even are? Take our quiz! We broke it down by personality, giving you a fab first-day outfit that will instantly make you best-dressed on campus! Score all of the items of your awesome new look at H&M—our favorite fashion brand is giving 20 percent off when you buy $50 or more AND free shipping! What more could you possibly ask for?

How’s that for serious style inspo? Be sure to check out H&M for the hottest fall trends, and take advantage of their 20 percent off when you buy $50 coupon! Happy shopping, collegiettes!

Shop the key trend item(s) at H&M!
Laid Back & Casual: Plaid
Flirty & Feminine: The Jumpsuit
Bold & Outgoing: The Two-Piece Set - Top, Bottom
Sophisticated: Lady Loafers
Classic & Minimalist: Kimono Coat
Sporty: Printed Pant

With six years of explosive episodes, Gossip Girl is arguably the best show of our generation. The chemistry between the cast, the surprising twists, and the overall emotion of the series are all part of why we were hooked from the pilot all the way to the tear-jerking finale. Why else was Gossip Girl the best show ever? Here are eleven indisputable reasons.

1. Chuck and Blair’s epic love story

Because they are the definition of #RelationshipGoals.

2. Serena and Blair’s friendship

S and B forever.

3. The fashion

Has a television series ever had such a stylish wardrobe?

4. NYC as the show’s backdrop

The city is its own character.

5. The music

Those soundtracks are uh-mazing.

6. The stunning cast

Everyone on the show is absolutely gorgeous.

7. The fact that it’s unrealistic in all the best ways

We wish high school had been that fabulous!

8. The quote-worthy words of wisdom

Gossip Girl speaks the truth.

9. The star-studded special guests

Michelle Trachtenberg, Hilary Duff, Tyra Banks…

10. Dorota

Where is she in our lives?

11. Because we’re still talking about it, even after all this time

You know you love me.

HCXO,

Gossip Girl

When stars like Ellen DeGeneres and John Krasinski rolled out to Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux's Bel Air mansion Wednesday night, they expected to celebrate Justin's 44th birthday. Instead, they watched the couple get married—surprise!

Apparently, Jen used the birthday party excuse to keep the wedding on the DL, but TMZ knew something was up from the start. On Wednesday afternoon, paparazzi spotted not one, but two clues: a cake being transported into the house and a pastor making his way towards it. The cake didn't exactly say "birthday," since it had a couple of muppet-like characters on it, a boy and a girl. But that's not all it takes to keep an A-list wedding secret: a source told TMZ that a giant shed was built just to hide the furniture (casual!), that staffers weren't allowed to use their phones for the week and that nobody could park near the property while everything was being set up. Whoa!

From the party pictures that were leaked, the outdoor wedding looks like an absolute fairytale. We are so stoked for the newlyweds. Congrats, Jen and Justin!

As we make our way back to campus this fall, our favorite cozy sweaters and brown boots will slowly inch their ways back into our wardrobe, while we sip on pumpkin spice lattes and study away. Along with fresh fashion and a new semester, we can also look forward to fall beauty trends, which give us permission to finally break out the mulberry lipstick and gray nail polish.

Every season brings new trends, so this fall, we want to make sure your beauty look is the chicest on campus. With these totally up-to-date tips, you may even find other collegiettes messaging you for the latest beauty advice!

1. Statement-Making Black Eyeliner

Seen At: Chanel, Versace and Marc Jacobs

When it came to eyeliner on the Fall/Winter 2015-16 runways, designers were all about that charcoal vibe. Models were seen with intense geometric black eyeliner designs, which were purposely as abstract as possible. Big and bold liner designs were center stage, and even Kendall Jenner nailed the trend at Paris Fashion Week during a Chanel show, bringing black winged eyeliner to a whole new level.

Whether you prefer to use a pencil, liquid or marker-style liner, you can easily recreate the look at home with a few simple steps. First, don’t think too much about making the lines totally even; often with winged eyeliner, we spend so much time making sure the lines are on fleek that it can get overwhelming. This fall, however, you won’t need to stress about perfect lines, since the more dramatic the look is, the better. The desired look is supposed to appear more messy and smudgy than the traditional cat eye, so seriously, it's better to avoid perfection!

We recommend using the Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner ($7.99, ULTA) for an easy way to make bold lines with minimal effort. The marker-style applicator gives you total control and precision over the liner, so you can create as many eccentric designs as you desire. As for usability, incorporate this trend into your Friday night going-out routine or for other fun celebrations where you don’t have to worry about looking super professional.

2. Natural, Low-Maintenance Hair

Seen At: Chloe, Tom Ford and Gucci

When it comes to the runway, we often imagine hairstyles that are unique and totally all-out, so we were a bit surprised when we noticed some simple styles on the catwalk this year. Gucci and Tom Ford, among other designers, put their models on the runway with simple waves or smooth, straight locks rather than extravagant braids, bombshell curls or show-stopping hair color. Sure, you may need a few strokes of a flat iron to get locks that are completely smooth, but hours spent styling hair are now totally taboo. When paired with barely-there makeup, the world of high-fashion suddenly seems a bit more attainable.

During the summer months, it’s easy to part from our beloved flat irons and curling wands. We can embrace the natural texture of our hair, whether we’re content with the waves the salt water at the beach gives us, or we are just too busy to bust out the hot tools when we’d rather be out and about with friends. But when the fall comes around, it’s harder to give styling tools a break and work with your natural texture. Luckily, we know exactly what to use to stay as minimal as possible.

A new product that’s perfect for the days when you just want to let you natural hair do its thing is the “Don’t Blow It” styler from Bumble and bumble ($30, Sephora). It lets you air dry your hair without sacrificing a fab style by giving your locks a look that's defined and frizz-free.

For smooth and straight strands, we recommend using the Keratin Smooth Serum from TRESemmé ($5.99, ULTA) to put unruly hair in line and create major shine. And when you’re craving beachy waves, try the Beach Babe Texturing Spray from Not Your Mother’s ($5.99, ULTA).

3. Smudged and Sultry Smoky Eyes

Seen At: John Richmond, Nicole Miller and Diane von Furstenberg

Meanwhile, the smoky eye has gotten an upgrade as well. The look is now a bit less defined and a little more subtle. A token rule for any great smoky eye? Smudging the makeup is not only acceptable, but actually brings a desirable lived-in feel to the look, just like the eyeliner mentioned earlier. Cara Delevingne rocked such shadow while walking in the same Chanel show as Kendall, making her overall look edgy without being sloppy.

The key to achieving this take on the smoky eye isn’t necessarily to have a highly pigmented and black-based look, but instead to focus on blending and shading a variety of dark shadows. This will still bring the intensity you crave when creating a smoky eye, but with a little less drama.  

To avoid looking like a raccoon while you slay, we suggest investing in the Sephora Pro Blending Brush ($20, Sephora) and a palette that includes various shades of black and gray, such as the Naked Smokey Palette ($54, Sephora) from Urban Decay. This way, your look will have some dimension and extra oomph without making it look like you have a black eye.

Finally, pair it with a nude lip such as the Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes from NYX ($5.99, ULTA) and a simple mascara such as the Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara ($9.99, ULTA) for a complete look that will totally amp your #selfiegame.

4. Barely-There Makeup

Seen At: Mila Schon, Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors

The concept of “no-makeup-makeup” means something different to every collegiette, but an easy guide to achieving the look is to keep it simple with just a bit of foundation and mascara.

Another popular fall trend is to chill on the contouring—whether it’s “clown contouring” or Kim Kardashian inspired— and just embrace your natural features. Designers such as Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana loved letting their models walk the stage with fresh faces, which let the clothes (and the girls' natural beauty!) do all the talking.

The natural look can be achieved through a variety of different ways, such as going completely bare-faced (extra time to sleep in!) or just defining your brows and lashes while concealing any blemishes. For the latter, we recommend the Brow Wiz pencil from Anastasia Beverly Hills ($21, ULTA) if you’re stuck when it comes to finding the perfect brow product.

5. Fire-Engine Red Lipstick

Seen At: Antonio Berardi, Vanessa Seward and Ashley Williams

A timeless tradition that will shine even brighter than usual this season is the classic red lip, a total makeup essential. Models on the runway shined this year with fire-engine red lipstick, while keeping other makeup minimal so that the vibrant color could take center stage. Nothing amplifies an outfit or a collegiette’s sense of style quite like red lipstick does.

For a matte finish, try Ruby Woo from MAC ($17, Nordstrom), a cult-favorite among makeup artists and celebs such as TSwift. If you prefer a bolder look with shine, reach for Heatwave by NARS ($27, Neiman Marcus), an eye-catching color that Kate Bosworth adores. The best part about red lipstick is that is goes with almost anything, and can be worn at many different occasions and events. It’s definitely a trend that we fully support!

On campus, we love pairing red lipstick with fluttery, baby doll lashes using a mascara such as "They’re Real" Lengthening Mascara from Benefit Cosmetics ($24, ULTA) for va-va-voom volume. Finish the look by making sure your complexion looks ***flawless using your go-to concealer or foundation. Our favorites are the Mineralize Concealer from MAC ($21, MAC Cosmetics) and the BareMinerals bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation ($29, ULTA).  

Feel free to get creative and have fun with each of these fall beauty trends, and hopefully you’ll find a favorite that you can rock all season long. As always, no matter what you choose, we know you’ll look fabulous.

As you move back to campus, you’re probably stoked to see your friends again and eat all the great food in your college town—but buying a bunch of pens and paper clips? That sounds much less exciting. But we're here to help make shopping for desk supplies fun with these adorable (and sassy!) essentials! 

1. Girl Talk Pen Set

Turn up the sass in class with this awesome pen set ($14 at Ban.Do).

2. Personalized Laptop Sleeve

A laptop case with your name on it ($19.99+ at Etsy) might be just the motivation you need to start writing that paper.

3. Bling Binders

Store all your old assignments and FAFSA paperwork in these stylish binders ($5.99 at Office Depot). We recommend throwing a quick pic of Ryan Gosling in there as well—you know, for good measure.

4. Cork Desk Organizer

This desk organizer ($26 at Urban Outfitters) will make your desk look that much more grown-up.

5. Necessities Pencil Set

Okay, these pencils ($14 at Miss Poppy Design) have “Necessities” in the name, so we’re going to go ahead and take that as a sign that we need to buy them ASAP. Plus, they all say different things that we love!

6. Alma Otter Tape Dispenser

We guarantee that this tape dispenser ($14.99 at ModCloth) will turn your stress levels all the way down.

7. Expletive Paper Clips

These paper clips ($12 at Kate Spade) accurately describe how you feel while doing those assignments, but at least you get to make them look cute once you’re done!

8. Floral Notebooks

Say no to generic notebooks and go for these floral ones ($2.99 each at Target) instead.

9. Dino Skull Staple Remover

You have to remove those staples somehow, so why not let this helpful dino ($10 at Urban Outfitters) do the job?

10. Friends Stationery

Notecards like these beautiful ones ($22 at Rifle Paper Co.) are such a great thing to have on hand in college. You never know when you’ll need to write a thank you note to your roommate for cleaning your living quarters.

11. Patterned Erasers

These erasers ($14 at Kate Spade) are probably (definitely?) too pretty to use, but decorations still count as an essential, right?

12. Hamburger Notepad

Juno may have a hamburger phone, but soon you’ll have a hamburger notepad ($4.99 at Target). Not so smug now, huh, Juno?

13. Get On It Clip

This jumbo clip ($14 at Urban Outfitters) serves both as a filing device for all your papers and as a reminder to get on that assignment already. Here’s to the most productive year ever!

If your workspace makes you happy, you will be more productive and less stressed. Boom, science. So get to shopping, collegiettes—you need these desk supplies in your life!

Sneakers and female empowerment—two things we're obsessed with but never thought would come together. Well, you can thank Solange for making it happen. With a couple of stellar Puma collections already under her belt, the singer-songwriter is partnering with the brand for another design collaboration.

The line, which is called Word to the Woman, is much more than just a recreation of Puma’s Suede Classic WN’s sneaker. Solange, along with her brand Saint Heron, wants to applaud amazing women who “innovate and redefine roles in various walks of life.” And the collaboration’s campaign already nails that exact sentiment.

Solange chose several inspirational women, including Dr. Jessica Clemons and poet Cleo Wade, to pose in the line of sneaks. Swapping out the usual rotation of top models for females eager to provide words of wisdom about their career successes and the passions that drive them? *insert praise hands emoji here*

We love that Solange is willing to sacrifice the typical sales-driven promotion of her kicks to shine a light on a variety of women we can truly look up to. If you’re dying to shop the line, each of the four designs is priced at a fairly reasonable $90. We don’t know about you, but we can totally see ourselves running (late) to class in these colorful yet simple styles.  

Have you always wanted Peggy Olson's office-chic wardrobe? Are you jealous of Joan Holloway's sexy style and Betty Draper's flirty pieces? It's your lucky day, Mad Men fans/fashionistas! Hundreds of items from the award-winning show are currently being auctioned off on Screenbid, including tons of accessories from your favorite characters. And the best part? Some of these clothes and accessories are relatively affordable (think a couple hundred dollars as opposed to the thousands you might expect).

Here are some of the pieces we need in our lives:

1. Betty's Light Blue Satin Open Toe Heels (Asking Price: $250)

BRB, pinning these to our wedding boards.

2. Betty's Snakeskin Handbag (Asking Price: $250)

We found your back-to-school book bag. You're welcome.

3. Peggy's Gold Colored Watch (Asking Price: $425)

Aaah, pretty!

4. Joan's Red Suede Stilettos (Asking Price: $350)

We would totally go clubbing in these chic pumps.

5. Joan's Emerald Necklace from Herb Rennet (Asking Price: $1,400)

Maybe an early Christmas present... Mom? No?

Which of these ~mad~ stylish accessories do you want, collegiettes?

The stereotypical perception of masculinity is a tough and strong man, but a new study proves again that masculinity is quite fragile.

A new study shows that men feel threatened by women in power. In an era in which women have become successful leaders, this is a sexist stigma that everyone must take steps to counteract. How much better would the world be if gender wasn’t a prerequisite for respect?

It is highly evident in society today that women just aren’t given the same respect men are in the workplace-- even when they have equal or greater qualifications. For example, recently the #ILookLikeAnEngineer campaign sprung up on social media this past week in response to nasty social media comments that doubted an attractive woman could be an engineer. As if beauty and brains can somehow not coexist in a woman.

Another study that was conducted recently about women experiencing harassment in the gaming world. Low-skilled male gamers felt threatened by women who were better than them and as a result often harassed them. Skilled male players didn’t feel threatened, so they didn’t react negatively to women’s presence in the gaming world.

Do men feel threatened by women gaining status in the workforce because of the outdated preconception that men have to be the breadwinners and bosses while women have to be the stay-at-home mothers? (Sidenote: There is nothing wrong with stay-at-home moms, but it should be a choice and not an assumption). Or are they just afraid that women can be better than men?

Some men obviously need a newsflash. Women are just as capable as men, and that is nothing that men should be afraid of.

We all know that heart-sinking moment when we realize we've smeared makeup all over our favorite article of clothing. But before you freak out over the huge lipstick stain, read these easy tips and tricks for getting makeup stains out (no matter what the fabric!) and what to do in case of a stain-emergency.

Getting makeup stains out if you’re near a washer

You’re doing your nails when you accidently spill some on your jeans. Luckily, you’re near a washer and dryer so you can avoid a pesky set-in stain. However, fabrics react differently to makeup stains so make sure you treat a stain properly based on what your clothing is made of.

Stains on cotton

Getting stains on cotton is the best-case scenario because the material itself is pretty tough. You can soak and dry cotton, as well as bleach it if your clothing is white. If you are dealing with something white, dilute chlorine bleach and treat the stain. For colored cotton clothing, most detergents will get the stain right out!

Stains on wool

Unlike cotton, which is more heat-resistant, wool is very sensitive to heat so you have to approach stains on it carefully. Find wool-safe detergents and wash or soak your clothing in lukewarm (not hot!) water. Avoid bleach completely because it will end up damaging the wool. Try to treat stains on wool as quickly as possible and lay your garment flat as it dries so it doesn’t get stretched out. If you’re nervous about ruining your wool, take it to the dry cleaner to get it professionally cleaned.

Stains on synthetics

There are a bunch of different types of synthetic materials out there, but rayon and polyester are the most popular. If you’re dealing with makeup stains on either of these, don’t use bleach (even if they’re white) and stick to regular laundry detergent. If you have a really greasy stain, synthetic materials can handle gently rubbing using dish-soap as well as soaking in warm water.

Stains on silk

Everyone dreads getting makeup on silk because it’s a tricky material to work with. Water works well on silk stains but make sure you wash the whole article of clothing, not just the spot with the stain. If you just treat the stain, you’ll get water spotting which isn’t much better than the stain! You can also use a glycerin-based stain remover, which is gentler than regular detergent. Always hand wash or soak silk. Avoid throwing it in the washer!

Getting rid of stains on the go

You’re at your internship and you get red lipstick all over your white blouse. It’s only lunchtime, which means you could potentially spend a half a day with an awkward stain. But fear not! There are a lot of easy tricks to get stains out on the go, with stuff you have in your purse!

Lipstick stains

The secret to removing lipstick stains is surprisingly simple: hairspray! Spray a little bit onto your stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Grab some clean paper towels from the bathroom and dab it off. (Just remember to not rub too hard because then you risk having it set!) With a damp paper towel, gently rub off the rest and let it dry. Depending on the fabric and size of the stain, you can also try applying some regular Scotch tape to remove it!

Liquid foundation stains

With foundation, you want to treat the stain as quickly as possible. Find a plastic knife (from your office kitchen if you’re at work) and scrape off the excess foundation. Don’t rub! Then blot the stain with a damp paper towel. If you have hydrogen peroxide on you, apply a few drops. If not, gently work in hand soap in a circular motion. That should get the majority of the stain out, but be sure to wash it as soon as you get home!

Waterproof mascara stains

The whole point of waterproof mascara is to have it stay on forever. Of course, this is great for our lashes, but bad for our clothes. For small stains, pour a little makeup remover onto a paper towel or use makeup remover cloths. The trick here is that the makeup remover needs to be oil-free otherwise it will make the stain worse. Otherwise, opt for a little bit of soap and water and gently rub in a circular motion. Apply stain remover before washing when you get home for the day.

Deodorant stains

It happens to the best of us: that moment when you get deodorant all over your black shirt. Good thing you can get rid of the annoying white streaks easily! If you’re wearing nylon stockings, rub them directly on the mark. Or simply fold your shirt over the stain and rub. The same fabric will remove it instantly! You can also apply a little water and dab with a paper towel for a bigger stain.

In a makeup stain-emergency, whether you’re near a washer or out, take a deep breath. Your clothes aren’t ruined! Just keep these easy tricks in mind and you’ll avoid any permanent damage of makeup mishaps.

If you're reading this, it's too late...

Because Drake recently reunited with a few of his former Degrassi costars at the We Are Disorderly premiere in Toronto. The rapper was spotted hanging out with Degrassi: The Next Generation's Lauren Collins (who played Paige Michalchuk), Daniel Clark (AKA Sean Cameron), and Adamo Ruggiero (who portrayed Marco Del Rossi).

Drake, who played the character of Jimmy Brooks in the Canadian teen show from 2001 to 2009, was all smiles at the event. Best behavior.

Happy #ThrowbackThursday!

Whether it’s the cute baseball player down the hall, the arty English major one floor up or the lacrosse-penney-sporting-Natty-drinking bro just two doors down, let’s face it: your college dorm is teeming with hotties of every race, creed and fraternity.  Incoming freshmen get ready: living with guys is unlike anything you’ve experienced before.  But is it wise to tap into this veritable meat market knowing there’s a risk of bumping into a foiled hook-up every time you want to walk down the hall to take a shower?  Have no fear, darling co-eds.  Use these fixes for common dormcest “pitfalls” and you’ll be plunging headfirst into intra-dorm relationships before you can say, “Hey, I live on North Campus too!”

The Pitfall: Mismatched Expectations

It’s going to be tempting to jump into romance as soon as you get on campus and realize you have hot guys living next door.  Even the girl with the most self-control can have trouble resisting such romantic convenience.  But take it from Kelsey*, a collegiette who got involved with a guy in her dorm right off the bat, it’s better to wait.

“Right away I thought Tyler* was cute. After our first meeting, I started to see him all the time around the dorm. We ‘hung out’ quite a few times in the next couple of weeks, but it was nothing more than friends with benefits. One time, we were messing around and he wanted to have sex but I said no.  He understood, but after that incident we were completely awkward around each other.”

When a gal gets involved with a guy quickly, it can be difficult for both parties involved to know what the expectations for the hook-up are.  It’s especially important to get these straight with a guy in your dorm — the possibilities of after-hookup awkwardness are that much greater (think a 24/7 Walk of Shame). 

The fix?  Spend a couple weeks just getting to know the guys in your dorm before you take it to a physical level — you’ll have a better sense of what they’re looking for (and what you’re looking for too).  And hey, there is no crime in looking!

The Pitfall: He Sees You at Your Best . . . and Your Not-So-Best

You know the feeling you get when you decide you’re interested in a guy: you’re consumed by the constant compulsion to touch-up your lip gloss, you put your girlfriends on a 24 hour “crushwatch” (so you can look like you are NOT trying at all times) and you actually start waking up to shower before class.  While we’ve all succumbed to this Secret Girl Behavior (which we guess is no longer secret), living with the guy you’re interested in poses a whole new set of challenges.  Your same-dorm stud will without a doubt see you at least once in each of the following situations:

1. walking to the shower in your towel, acne medication (or worse) in hand,
2. coming upstairs to your room at 3 am with a huge pepperoni pizza and no visible friends to share it with, and
3. having a loud and embarrassing phone conversation with your mother in the stairwell (“MOM, I told you I do NOT EAT TUNA FISH!  STOP SENDING IT TO ME!”)

The fix?  Well, there really isn’t one.  Living in close proximity to the boy of your dreams means that he’ll get pretty comfortable with your less-than-perfect habits pretty quickly.  Learn to crack a joke when he catches you, and at least this way there are no surprises about you in store for him down the road.

The Pitfall: Non-Exclusivity and Shared Living Space

So you’ve started getting busy on a semi-regular basis with a hottie on your hall.  Congrats!  While a late-night rendezvous is much more convenient when only a few yards separate you from your boy-du-jour, there comes a time when you (or he) may long for a romance outside the dormitory walls.  So what do you do when your dormcestual dude catches you coming back with another guy?  Or you see him coming back with another girl?  Without the promise of exclusivity, these can be quite the sticky situations.

The fix?  If you see your guy bringing back another girl, you’ll want to quietly and calmly go back to your room, or better yet, a girlfriend’s room.  This is not the time for loud, confrontational displays a la The Bad Girls’ Club or one of the many iterations of Flavor of Love.  If in the morning you find that you are still disturbed by the thought of your non-exclusive guy with another girl, it may be time to grit your teeth and have the “talk."

Now if your guy sees you coming back with, well, another guy, be prepared for him to be upset.  Again, try to avoid any scenes.  You’re not technically in the wrong, so leave it up to him to say something later — but know that he may not have anything to say to you at all.  Remember that the proximity inherent in dormcest can be a cost as well as a benefit, since there’s really no avoiding each other.

The Pitfall: Keeping Dormcest Relationships Fresh

Real, exclusive, dormcest relationships can and do work.  But they require a bit of an extra effort to reach normalcy.  For example, it’s not normal to move in with a guy after dating for two weeks, but when you already essentially live together, it can be hard to find that separation you need in the early stages of the relationship.  Ava* reveals that her biggest problem with her boyfriend who lived in her dorm was that “we went from zero to living together in the span of about a week.”  Charlotte* echoes her sentiment: “Being in the same dorm meant the only time my boyfriend and I had to spend apart was when we had class.” 

It’s easy to get caught up in such a convenient romance, spending Friday nights cuddled up with your guy watching Friends reruns while your actual friends are out wondering if you’ve chosen to study abroad this semester without telling them. 

The fix? Make an effort to develop friends and interests that take you out of the dorm — that way if your romance ends, your life won’t!  Relationship expert Dr. Shoshanna advises against falling into “dead routines” in a relationship.  If every Saturday you and your guy spend the afternoon playing video games with his friends on his hall, eat dinner in your dorm’s attached dining hall and watch movies in your room at night, break out!  Take a walk around campus in the afternoon, try a new restaurant, go to a party you normally wouldn’t attend.  It will keep you and your romance fresh!

The Pitfall: Dormcest Doesn’t Last Forever

If your dormcestual relationship has an unhappy end, it can be tricky to navigate the post-breakup waters.  If you’re close to the end of the year, congrats!  You won’t have to awkwardly co-habitate much longer.  But if you’re not so lucky, seeing your ex-flame at (literally) every turn can really take a toll on your psyche.

The fix?  Throw yourself into activities outside the dorm.  Do the same things you would do at the end of any relationship, but especially try to put yourself into situations where you won’t be spending excessive amounts of time wallowing in your room, only to bump into your ex walking to the vending machines to get a soda when you venture out of your room sporting your rattiest sweatpants and mascara tears.  If you’ve really got to do the full-on waterworks, watch-The-Notebook-and-eat-a-pint-of-Ben-and-Jerry’s routine, consider moving the party to a girlfriend’s room in another dorm. Speaking with a friend earning their counseling degree might also be helpful. Above all, keep your head up, and know that there are infinitely more eligible bachelors outside your dorm than in it.

Now, perhaps you’re thinking, with all these pitfalls, why would I ever want to brave dormcest territory?  Girls, it really can be sweet, all risks aside.  Here are the top five perks of dormcest:

1. Your fingers will never freeze in sub-zero January temperatures on your way to see your boy-toy.
2. You probably have a lot of the same friends that live in your dorm, thus, making social plans together is easy.
3. Good day, bad day: He’s always going to be down the hall (or up the stairs).
4. If your man is of the Spencer Pratt variety, it’ll be much easier to keep tabs on him.  (But please don’t put up with these shenanigans in the first place.)
5. You’ll never have to do the Walk of Shame across campus.

*Names have been changed.

Being in the presence of a happy couple isn’t all bad. But when you’re cynical, recently went through a break-up, or just generally enjoy not being bombarded with disgusting lovey-dovey cuteness, watching PDA can be a personal type of hell. Here is every thought we usually have while watching some obnoxious couple flirt: *insert gagging noise*

1. Aw, look at that cute couple!

2. Okay… you’re holding hands, but you can feel free to separate every once in a while so as not to hold up the entire sidewalk.

3. Who plays footsies?! What’s cute or sexy about footsies?

4. Did he just feed her her food? Please tell me I did not just see him feed her her food.

5. You know what, I don’t even care if they see me scowling at them. 

Oh shoot they’re looking at me. Look away! ABORT MISSION!

6. Have some decency, you animals! You're in public.

7. Ew. I didn’t sign up for this.

8. PDA. Public display of affection? More like, "Please don't, already."

 9. Ugh. I’m so single.

After 18 years of living in your parents’ house, moving into your college dorm room can be a jarring transition. Suddenly your room isn’t just yours anymore, the kitchen is covered in dozens of people’s dishes, and you no longer know who used the shower before you(or what they did in there). Instead of sharing your space with people you’ve known all your life, you’ll be sharing it with people you’ve never met, some of whom you probably won’t get along with (hey, we all have our differences, right?).

Rather than endure the exquisitely awkward pain of a conflict with someone you barely know, it’s important to know and respect the rules of the dorm that Res Life doesn’t include in the student handbook. By adhering to these, you can hopefully avoid unnecessary arguments, hold onto your belongings and skip over some of the uglier moments of freshman year.

Rule #1: Don’t keep your door shut all the time. 

No one will want to introduce him or herself to the person who’s always locked in her room, and sooner or later you could find the building to be pretty lonely, no matter how many neighbors you have. Leave the door propped open so that people passing by can say hello and you can actually meet who you’re living with.

Rule #2: Don’t be the roommate who barges into the room without knocking. 

You don’t know what you could be walking in on! Regardless, your roommate deserves a courtesy knock (and so do you), and she won’t take kindly to you constantly bursting in on her privacy.

Rule #3: If the shampoo isn’t in your shower caddy, do not touch it. 

The same rule applies to conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and especially razors and loofahs. Go to the local CVS or even the campus store, and buy your own toiletries. And if you’re really in a bind, just ask—there’s sure to be some girl with a heart of gold who will let you borrow her conditioner—but ask nicely, and don’t make a habit of it.

Rule #4:Don’t hook up in one of the communal showers. 

People will hear you, they will tell other people, and before you know it, everyone in your dorm will know.  Plus, ew.  Just ew.  There’s a reason you have to wear flip-flops in there.
 
Rule #5: Do not take anything from the kitchen unless you brought it there.

If it’s communal, people will leave food and dishes there. How would you feel if someone stole your expensive mochaccino caffeine-less beverages from the fridge?  Not good, that’s how.

Rule #6: Clean up after yourself...

... or forever bear the pain of your dorm-mates complaining to each other about how messy you are.

Rule #7: Don’t start making out with your latest love interest while your roommate is in the room...

...unless you want to completely alienate and/or repulse her.  She doesn’t want to see that, and you wouldn’t want to be subjected to her PDAs either.  Think about just sitting around, doing your psych homework, only to realize with growing horror that those wet sounds you’re hearing… yeah.
 
Rule #8:Think long and hard before hooking up with someone who lives in your dorm (aka dormcest), especially if they’re on the same floor as you.

Remember that you will probably see him or her every day for the entire school year. Remember that even if it feels good now, it has incredible awkward potential—and since you live together, that awkwardness will spread like wildfire to everyone in your dorm.

Rule #9: There is no complaining on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

If people are playing music too loudly, talking too loudly, or generally distracting you with their revelry.  It’s the weekend, and absolutely no one cares if you want to study. If you really can’t put your books down to join in, take it to the library.
 
Rule #10: “She who boots shall clean up the puke.”

If you get sick from drinking too much, it’s on you to take care of the mess. Don’t leave it for the janitorial staff, or expect that anyone else will clean it up. Once you’ve sobered up, go get rid of the evidence, and try not to overdo it the next time.

Rule #11: Everyone has the right to some peace and quiet in college.

If someone in your building is being ridiculously loud on a week night, go knock on the door and ask him or her nicely to keep it down. If the culprit doesn’t listen and/or doesn’t care, then you can report him or her, guilt-free. However, the emphasis is on ridiculously. People have the right to talk, even while you’re studying (especially on the weekend—remember Rule #9!). Remember that the dorm is a shared space.

Perhaps most importantly, remember that when a large group of people lives in a small space, everyone seems to know everyone else’s business. Gossip flows like water. So you can be sure that if someone catches you stealing cake from the dorm fridge or swiping toothpaste in the bathroom, sooner or later everyone else will know about it, too.  The best rule is The Golden Rule—treat your dorm-mates the way you wish to be treated. Don’t set yourself up for a year of suspicious looks and scathing whispers. Instead, follow the unwritten rules of dorm life and guarantee yourself a happy school year with lots of new friends.

A group known as the National Center on Exploitation (NCSE) is making news for its “Cosmo Harms Minors” campaign. The campaign against Cosmopolitan magazine was launched in 2013, when the NCSE included the publication in a ‘Dirty Dozen List,’ which names “the top twelve organizations contributing to sexual exploitation.” Cosmo is listed among the American Library Association, the Department of Justice, Facebook, Verizon and others.

The NCSE argues that Cosmopolitan is a pornographic magazine that “glamorizes things like public, anal, group, or violent sex in nearly all of their issues.” The group wants the publication to be sold to adults only, as well as have the cover wrapped like other porn magazines are. Three retailers—Walmart, Rite Aid, and Delhaize America (which owns Hannaford stores and Food Lion)—announced that they will be putting Cosmo behind blinders in all of their locations.

The model on the front cover will not be obscured, nor will the banner across the top that reads Cosmopolitan. A U-shaped plastic blinder will hide the headlines around the outside of the magazine, which often include words such as “sex” and “orgasm.”

Dawn Hawkins, the executive director of the NCSE, addressed the news by saying, “We hope that covering it sends the message to shoppers that Cosmo is not a women’s friendly magazine, but that it really is pushing women to accept the pornified and sexually violent culture around us. Once people realize what Cosmo is really promoting, we expect that either sales will drop or Cosmo will be forced to change their course.”

The granddaughter of William Randolph Hearst, who founded Hearst Corporation—the publisher of Cosmopolitan—is Victoria Hearst. She is a partner of the “Cosmo Harms Minors” campaign, and is actively speaking out against the magazine.

Cosmo responded with this quote: “Cosmopolitan is the most successful global media brand for young women, publishing 60 editions in 79 countries and 32 languages. Its award-winning content is produced for adults by leading female journalists. We are proud of all that the brand has achieved for women around the world in the areas of health, relationships, career, politics, equality and social issues.”

The September issue of Cosmo features Demi Lovato on the cover, and none of the headlines even mention the word “sex.”

Demi spoke out on social media, saying:

Women should be proud of their bodies and confident about their sexuality. We are entitled to safely explore these things without judgment. Cosmo aims to empower females everywhere—socially, in the workplace and yes, in the bedroom. Shaming us for embracing this fact is unnecessary, not to mention degrading.

Cosmopolitan magazine is not marketed toward children. It is a publication for young adult women. Articles are intended to inform and advise on various topics, not to encourage or push anyone into doing something she is not comfortable with. We are all capable of making our own decisions, and a magazine is not going to change that fact. Censorship of this kind of material is not where the focus should be. In fact, educating women on sex is exactly what does need to happen. And who says we can’t have a little fun in the process?

So, you're considering going on The Pill. And with a name as ominous as that, who wouldn't have questions? Fear not, collegiettes—we've got the answers. We got some advice from the experts, and we're here to give a run-down on everything you should know before delving into the world of oral contraception.

Birth control pills can help us with everything from preventing pregnancy to eliminating acne and minimizing menstrual cramps. It’s important to remember, however, that there are also risks associated with these pills. Rozalyn Yannacone, a Registered Nurse Practitioner at Bucknell University who specializes in gynecological services, shares some tips on how to deal with the ups and downs of birth control.

The Pill, Explained

So, what is the Pill, anyway? 

Basically, there are two types of pills—combination pills (containing estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills (sometimes called mini pills). Like any hormone, ingredients contained in the Pill can have profound effects on your body, and frankly we're not qualified to delve into the science specifics! At the basic level, though, the Pill works in a few different ways:

• It thickens the mucus in your cervix, making it nearly impossible for sperm to access your eggs.
• It thins your uterine lining, meaning that even if an egg is fertilized, it won't be able to attach to your uterus
• It can ovulation (science-talk for when your egg leaves the overies and becomes available for fertilization)

​The final bullet is extremely important to note, because if you do notice any signs of ovulation while on the Pill, it may not be working! Consult your gynecologist stat and she'll work with you to figure out what's going on—it will all depend on what type you're taking.

No matter what pill you're on, you'll be required to take it (or a placebo if you're on a combination brand) every single day—and most likely at the same time everyday! So, if that sounds like something you're not ready to commit to, you should reconsider choosing the Pill as your form of birth control. When it comes to the Pill, forgetting a dose can completely ruin the pack's efficacy!

Benefits of the Pill

By now you've probably figured out that the Pill prevents pregnancy. But what you may not know is that pregnancy-prevention is far from the Pill's only benefit! In fact, the Pill is often prescribed to collegiettes for reasons other than contraception. Here's the low-down of some awesome Pill-related benefits:

• Got killer cramps? Not anymore!
• Sick of hormone-induced acne? Say buh-bye!
• Suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? The Pill can help!

Ask your gynocologist for an explanation about the reasoning behind these benefits and whether or not she thinks that the Pill can produce them for you. If you've got debilitating cramps, aggitating hormone imbalances or flare-up acne that just won't settle down, the Pill may be the answer to your prayers. Thanks, birth control!

Starting Your Birth Control

According to Yannacone, the first three months of taking birth control pills—as well as other birth control methods including the ring and patch—can be difficult. It often takes time for your body to adjust, and most women experience at least a few negative (albeit totally minor) symptoms. During the first month, adjustment bleeding is common. With adjustment bleeding, it is common to see some unexpected spotting even if you aren't technically on your period. Alternatively, the opposite can occur—some women will stop menstrating altogether! Finally, many collegiettes may also experience nausea, breast tenderness and turbulant emotions during their first few days on the Pill.

So, if these symptoms are initially normal, when should we expect them so stop? “By the third month with the pill, what you see is what you get forever,” says Yannacone. She notes that it’s important to remember that you may have to stick it out for a few months in order to see how your body will react to the Pill. Of course, if her patients are experiencing symptoms like extreme and overwhelming nausea or severe weight gain within the first few days of their pill packs, Yannacone will usually switch them to a different type of pill fairly quickly. In general, however, by the third month, emotional fluctuations should be fairly nonexistent and nausea should no longer be a part of daily life. Breast tenderness should also disappear, although collegiettes may experience increased breast fullness (it's apparently rare, but many of us are convinced it's happened to us!) for the entirety of the time that they remain on the Pill—we'll take it!  

But what if you've already started and have been mysteriously symptomless? That's totally normal too! You're simply one of the lucky ducks out there who go through the transition as seamlessly as possible—congrats!

Finding the "Perfect Pill" 

As it turns out, finding the right pill is no one-and-done deal. “There is no way to pick a perfect pill for everybody,” says Yannacone. “It’s trial and error.”

Although she always starts collegiettes with a low dosage, Yannacone says that she will switch them to different types of pills or dosages of pills if they are still experiencing negative symptoms like nausea, breakthrough bleeding or excessive mood swings after three months (or less than three months, depending on the severity of those symptoms).
 
The necessity of upping the dosage of the Pill makes sense once you understand the biology of the birth control pills. Most pills have the same estrogen hormones but different brands have different levels and types of progestins. If a woman is having trouble with her pills—say she is experiencing spotting even when she is not having her period—an increase of progestin (or perhaps a different type of progestin) can help the uterine lining thicken, meaning that the breakthrough bleeding will stop.
 
“It all has to do with the makeup of the body and how each person responds to pills,” says Yannacone. A birth control pill that works great for one of her patients can cause nausea and weight gain for another—so it really is a gamble at first!
 
It's also important to realize that the brand of pill may not be the problem. In fact, you may not have chosen the right form of birth control. Some collegiettes experience nausea from the Pill that never, ever subsides. For these women, options like NuvaRing or an IUD may be a better bet. There's tons of options out there, including shots, patches, and of course, condoms—only you and your gyno will truly know which method works best with your lifestyle.

Ramifications of Using the Pill

Those rumors about the Pill causing infertility? Totally false, according to Yannacone. “Birth control pills do not affect your ability to have children.”
 
There is a nuance, however, for a specific subset of women who suffer from over suppression. Over suppression occurs only in women who have irregular periods while on the Pill (as in 7 to 10 periods a year instead of 11 to 13). These women often have a difficult time getting pregnant once they stop using the Pill because it can take a while for their bodies to begin ovulating again. While the average woman typically begins ovulating and getting regular periods about 3 to 6 months after they stop using the Pill, women who experience over suppression will have irregular periods for far longer. So, if you're not on a period-suppressing pill (remember, some can purposely stop them altogether!) and you experience fewer than 10 periods a year, check in with your doctor about switching to a different method of contraception, just to be safe.

In addition, Yannacone says that the only real infertility danger for most women occurs because of STDs. “Many women think that because they are on the Pill, they don’t need to use condoms. As a result, they get STDs (most commonly Gonorrhea or Chlamydia) that damage their reproductive organs and result in infertility.” Here that, collegiettes? STDs are not something to mess around with, which is why the safest method of birth control always involves doubling up with condoms. After all, is it really worth the risk?

The Pill's Biggest Danger 

While the Pill is relatively safe, often super beneficial, and taken by millions of women each and every day, there is one major health concern you need to be wary of. 

Keara, a Hamilton collegiette, can’t take birth control pills because of the potential of blood clots. “I can't take birth control and I think that it's important that other girls are aware of why,” she says. “Nobody in my family knew that we hada genetic predisposition to blood clotting called a Protein C deficiency. My sister started taking birth control to help regulate her period, and ended up having a pulmonary embolism.”
 
According to Yannacone, birth control pills actually change the body’s clotting mechanisms, meaning that collegiettes who are on the Pill may be more prone to strokes and heart attacks—both of which result from blood clots.

Don't worry too much though, girls! We're trying to inform you, not terrify you! Luckily, there are five danger signs that can immediately help you identify an issue: migraine headaches, blurred vision, leg pain, chest pain and abdominal pain. These five warning signs are indicative of a possible stroke or heart attack as a result of blood clots, so if you or one of your friends experience any of these symptoms while taking birth control, see a doctor immediately.

The Big Picture

All in all, if you're sexually active you should be using some form of birth control. “In college, you are at a time in your life when a pregnancy is not ideal,” says Yannacone. “So it is important to protect yourself in some way.” 

Birth control pills can be great—they can help you have clearer skin, shorter periods and milder menstrual cramps. They can protect you from pregnancy and prevent excessive mood swings. They can even increase your breast size by a cup size or two.
 
But with every perk comes some downsides, so stay tuned in to your body as you begin to take the pills. If you’re still experiencing nausea, breast tenderness and adjustment bleeding after three months (or severe symptoms before those three months have passed), see your doctor to discuss changing pills or changing birth control methods. And if you experience migraine headaches, blurred vision, leg pain, chest pain or abdominal pain, head to the doctor immediately as you may be experiencing the Pill's biggest danger: blood clots. 

Finally, it should go without saying that you should never rely solely on web searches when trying to understand any health process—birth control included! It's absolutely necessary that you find a gynocologist that you feel totally comfortable with and discuss your options, symptoms, questions and concerns on a regular basis. Trust us, she'll love to help!

While we're not opposed to the occasional beauty splurge, Christian Louboutin has certainly taken it too far. The brand, which brought us the iconic red-soled pumps, is adding to its overpriced beauty collection with a lipstick that will go for—wait for it—$90 a pop! The line includes 36 shades and 3 textures, and will be sold at Saks Fifth Avenue starting in September, just a little more than a year after the Louboutin nail lacquer ($50) made its debut.

Even though this lipstick comes in every shade you could ever want and doubles as a necklace (err, great?), we can think of so many better ways to spend our money. We did a little online shopping to find out what we could get for the price of this insane lipstick.

1. Gilmore Girls: The Complete Series on DVD ($89.99 at Amazon)

2. A 9-month subscription to Birchbox ($90)

3. A 9-month gym membership ($90 at Planet Fitness)

4. 10 Chipotle lunches WITH guac ($9 each)

5. Kate Spade mini wallet ($88)

6. J.Crew earrings ($88)

7. Ed Sheeran concert ticket ($79.50 at Live Nation)

What would you buy with $90, collegiettes?

Now that you know how to write that ever-so-perfect resume, it’s time to WOW potential employers with a cover letter that leaves them in awe of your skills, and gives you what you’re looking for — an interview, and hopefully a job!

Step 1: Figure out the employee's name and contact information.

When composing a cover letter, knowing the name of the employee to send your letter to, her position in the company, and the address of the company is crucial. An easy reason for someone to toss your application in the trash is spelling his or her name wrong. Put all this information on your cover letter — it may seem tedious but it’s professional and it gives an immediate indication that this isn’t a mass produced cover letter. “If you can get someone’s title that’s very important,” explains Beth Conyngham, President of Conyngham Partners, an executive search firm. To find someone’s title (if it is not on the job listing) try searching the company’s website, the person’s name (try LinkedIn!), or call the company and speak to a receptionist who will be able to give you more information. You do not necessarily need to put your own address on the letter—especially as that information should be on your resume. But definitely include immediate contact information (email/phone number)! Read on to find where you should include that information.

Step 2: Choose a professional font

While this may seem pretty standard, it’s actually really important. Always send out cover letters in Times New Roman. It’s a classic font that won’t create problems. And WriteExpress.com explains “The serif font uses small horizontal lines and flourishes that carry the eye along and make the text easier to read than the rigid vertical lines of a sans serif font.” May sound pretty meaningless, but why risk it?

Step 3: Salutation

“It should be Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. COLON. A comma is informal and casual and a colon is business-like and this is business,” said Conyngham. But what to do if you’re faced with an ambiguous name like Devon or Ryan? “Ambiguous names, that’s always a quandary,” Conyngham said. “The proper thing to do would be to call the company and say I’m writing a letter to Devon/Ryan should I address them as Mr. or Mrs.?” Might be awkward but you know what would be more awkward? Getting it wrong. Other options to figuring out the person’s gender? Searching for the person on Google or Google images, or even Facebook.

Step 4: Immediately introduce what job you're looking for (and yourself!)

Start with a basic introduction sentence to the cover letter such as: Please consider this letter and my attached resume for employment as a summer sales intern at Best Company, Inc.“Every cover letter should be very specific to the job you’re going after,” Conyngham said. “If you’re applying for a job, it should be in response to your ad on Monster.com or wherever you saw it. Reference the job, where you found it, and the date. If there is a number beside it you should reference that as well. You want to give the reader as much explicit information as you can about the job to which you are applying. Make it easy for them.” Then, don’t forget to say who you are! Quickly introduce yourself, your school, and your year! This is especially important if you’re applying for a job in a big company. Tell them you’re applying for an internship in the specific department you’re interested in or tell them what job you want. You wouldn’t want to be applying for a job in sales for a company and not specify the job…and then end up in human resources.

Step 5: Compliment the company

“Say something specific about the company BEFORE YOU TALK ABOUT YOURSELF,” Conyngham said. “For example, ‘I’ve always been passionate about Your Company’ or ‘it’s always been in line with my career goals.’ This is either at the top or the bottom of your cover letter, not in the middle. There isn’t a right way or a wrong way to do that but it’s got to be included.” Make sure you make it clear why this is the company you want to work for. Make them feel special and as if they are your #1 choice! For example, if you wanted to work for Forever 21 you could say: “Forever 21 is a fast-paced environment which is ideal because I like working under pressure and quickly. I am particularly impressed with Forever 21’s ability to quickly take high fashion inspiration and turn it into affordable clothing that is exceptionally fashion forward.”

Step 6: Quickly tell them why you're great

Choose your best qualities and state them clearly and efficiently in your second paragraph. If you say: I feel I am well qualified for this position because I am deadline-oriented, organized, a leader, a professional, a self-starter, a hard worker, creative, dedicated, positive, punctual, eager to learn, adaptable, sociable, dedicated, dynamic, reliable, mature, efficient, a team player, analytical, a problem solver, dependable, communicative, motivated, and have great attention to detail all you will do is BORE THEM WITH BUZZWORDS. “Avoid the buzzwords and in a sentence or two say something that really captures your experience and why you’re appropriate for this role,” Conyngham reiterated. “You should talk about your resume and the experience that relates to this job. My experience makes me uniquely qualified because of this, this and this.”

STEP 7: Wrap it up

“Say when you’re available for an interview in person or on the phone and how to reach you. You should also say ‘If I don’t hear from you I will follow up with you next week.’ A cover letter should be followed up with an absolute date of when you will follow up with them if they don’t follow up with you,” explained Conyngham.

STEP 8: Bye!

Conyngham’s advice? Close with a “very best regards” and your name (obviously) and call it a day. “I think you only want two main paragraphs. Short and sweet,” Conyngham said, noting that reading cover letters gets tedious. But in my experience, if something on your resume needed particular clarifying—a unique position perhaps—it’s okay to clear it up, as long as you aren’t repetitive with what’s on your resume. Check out the model below for a guide about how to write the two main paragraphs and a closing paragraph!

STEP 9: Proofread, proofread, and, oh, proofread

Then send that thing out and wait for a call back (and if not, touch base with them!) And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…a sample cover letter to show you how to put it all together!

March 21, 2014

Ms. Jane Smith
Vice President of Sales Best Company, Inc.
118 5th Ave. New York, NY 10036

Dear Ms. Smith:

Please consider this letter and my attached resume for employment as a 2014 summer sales intern at Best Company, Inc. My name is Cara Sprunk and I will be completing my sophomore year at State University in May. I am extremely interested in working at Best Company, Inc. Since I first became interested in sales I have had extreme respect for Best Company, Inc. and believe it truly personifies what a great company can do with an innovative product. Not only do I think that I would learn a great deal about the sales industry from Best Company, Inc., but I also think my unique skills would make me a highly valued intern.

At State University, I am president of the sales club, the marketing manager of the marketing club, and a sales associate at Clothing & Co. These positions have helped me become extremely organized with my time, as well as taught me the inner workings of marketing including psychological marketing techniques and the relationship skills to facilitate good employee-client relations for continuous sales. I would love to speak on the phone to learn more about the sales internship or to schedule an interview. I can be reached at (201)-555-5555 or cara@hercampus.com anytime. If I do not hear from you I will contact you on April 10 about the sales internship. Thank you so much for considering my candidacy.

Very best regards,
Cara Sprunk

Getting into Harvard may be a lot simpler than you think! According to AdmitSee, a start-up that allows incoming college students to share their application data with other students, depressing essay topics are the way to go if you’ve got your sights set on the Harvard Crimson.

Interestingly, the opposite is true if you’d prefer to be a Stanford Tree. Students admitted to Stanford were more often used words like “happy,” “passion,” “better” and “improve.” On the other hand, those admitted to Harvard used words like “cancer,” “difficult,” “hard” and “tough” to describe their life experiences.

Before you jump to the conclusion that Harvard is a more depressing place than Stanford, it turns out that the reason for the difference in the essays’ tone highlights what each school looks for in its applicants. “Extrapolating from this qualitative data, it seems like Stanford is more interested in the student’s personality, while Harvard appears to be more interested in the student’s track record of accomplishment,” Stephanie Shyu, co-founder of AdmitSee, told Fast Company.

Tailoring your essay to what you think each school is looking for in its applicants is your best bet when trying to maximize your essay. It turns out the schools like Brown want to hear about volunteer work while schools like University of Pennsylvania and Cornell want to hear about career aspirations.

This actually makes a lot of sense when you think about students trying to find a college that fits their personality. Sounds like a great thing for soon-to-be collegiettes to try when they apply to schools.

For any collegiette who knows (or thinks she knows) the field that she wants to pursue a career in, an internship is a must. But, not everything in life goes according to plan, and internships are no exception. Unfortunately, there are more than a few stories from collegiettes out there who had to make the best of some less than ideal situations at their internships. If anything, these intern horror stories will make an average, run of the mill internship seem like paradise—and no worries, if you find yourself in one of these situations, we've got some tips on how to deal!

1. Alone and Ignored

"I was the company's first intern for that department, so they didn't really know what to do with me. I shared an office with my boss. Once, he gave me the template and said to type up a script for a television show that would air later that week. He left the office as I did it. I finished in 10 minutes, but he didn't come back for another two hours! He could have come back any minute so I didn't want to use my phone or anything like that, so I sat and stared at a blank computer screen for two hours until he finally came back. They ended up not even using the script I wrote, or anything else I did at that internship," says Amanda*, a junior at Arizona State University.

If you find yourself in a similar situation: Don't be afraid to ask somebody else in the office for direction or clarification on what you should be doing. Additionally, if you are ever confused or left alone with no guidance, ask another member of your department for some filler tasks. Odds are, there will be at least one person who is more than willing to help you (or be more than grateful for help)! 

2. No Structure

"I was given absolutely no direction during the internship. We got one assignment at the beginning of the week, which took less than one day to finish. Then, we were just expected to keep ourselves busy and know what to do. We tried asking for more assignments, and they told us that we could always clean the office. It was a bad structure, and we had a lot of wasted time," says Alana*, a senior at Florida Atlantic University. 

If you find yourself in a similar situation: Asking for additional assignments is never a bad idea, as long as you complete all primary assignments first. When an internship is on the unstructured side, suggest your own projects to gain the experience you crave. Such ambition shows that you are willing to go above and beyond expectations, and that you're a proactive problem solver. And while menial assignments such as office cleaning may feel degrading, remember that completing smaller tasks with enthusiasm is a surefire way to prove that you're willing to pay your dues in the industry. 

3. Miscommunication in the Communications Department

"Once I worked at a communications company editing and writing articles for a number of magazines owned by the company. At the end of the summer, I eagerly awaited the publication of the magazine on which I’d primarily worked. I was so excited to see my name under the list of contributing writers! However, I was disappointed to see that someone named 'Megan Tempest' had been credited for my work. Apparently, after having worked there all summer, no one had actually learned my name, and assumed my last name was 'Tempest' because of my school email address. To this day I’m upset that I can’t put the work in my portfolio!" recounts Megan*, a Seattle University sophomore.

If you find yourself in a similar situation: Ensure that your boss knows your name by introducing yourself immediately upon the start of your internship and signing all of your work (including emails to your boss!) with your name. And if you notice a misprint or misspelling of your name in any important documents, be sure to let someone know and ask if it would be at all possible for a correction. 

4. Uninformed Personal Assistant

"I had an internship with a wedding and event planner who worked from home. I was told that I would see all aspects of the wedding planning process, but I ended up doing (and only doing) her social media work. In addition, I ended up being her personal assistant and doing everything for her because she had surgery, none of which was ever mentioned. I walked her dog three times a day, picked up the dog's poop when she had an accident in the house (which was almost every morning), went grocery shopping for her, made her bed, and a lot more. It was awful, and I felt like my talents really went to waste that summer," says Ariel*, a University of Florida junior.

If you find yourself in a similar situation: Gently point out that your current tasks weren't exactly what you were expecting. Let your boss know that while you don't mind helping out, you would love to spend time on industry-specific assignments, too. After all, your boss may not even realize there's an issue unless you tell her in a polite and clear way how you're feeling.

5. (Not So Amusing) Amusement Park

"I was an intern for a popular amusement park by my school during spring semester. I was supposed to have weekly workshops and shadow major supervisors while working as a retail, culinary or park operations employee. I only had two workshops during my five months of working there, and I shadowed one supervisor, who was my own. I didn't learn anything about behind-the-scenes like I was promised, and I was essentially just another retail employee. Luckily, it was paid, but it was falsely advertised to schools and students," claims Gabrielle*, a sophomore at the University of South Florida.

If you find yourself in a similar situation: Feel free to reach out to your supervisor or somebody in charge of the intern program while it is going on. Oftentimes at organizations with big internship programs, there can be miscommunication between the actual supervisors and HR, who is advertising the program. And if nothing can be done during your internship, make sure to provide constructive feedback to the program leaders once your internship is over so that they can improve their program for future students. Letting your school know about the discrepancies between internship listings and reality can also help other students avoid a similar situation. 

6. Flirting with Disaster 

"I was the youngest of a dozen interns at a law firm, but that didn't stop one of our supervisors from hitting on me almost every day. It got to the point where I had to tell another supervisor about it, and I almost left the program early. It was really creepy, and not professional at all, to say the least," recounts Chelsea*, a sophomore at Florida State University.

If you find yourself in a similar situation: While confronting the perpetrator directly can clear any confusion about the prospects of your relationship on his or her part, we understand that doing so may be intimidating or result in an uncomfortable situation. To make sure that the overbearing supervisor doesn't unfairly penalize you for rejecting his or her advances, immediately reach out to Human Resources or a co-worker that you know you can confide in. Workplace harassment is never acceptable and you have every right to report it.

7. Free (Full-Time) Labor

"I had an unpaid, out-of-state internship for the summer. I was staying with family, and knew that it was unpaid when I started, but I had a huge workload. I was told that I would be working 20 hours a week, but I ended up with closer to 35 or 40. I put up with it because I was getting course credit, which they were definitely using to get away with free full-time labor. I did learn a lot and am appreciative for that, but it was more time that I was originally told, and a bit more than I could chew," says Brianna*, a Clemson University senior.

If you find yourself in a similar situation: Ask for clarification on what your hours are supposed to be, and if you are unable to manage the additional hours, you have every right to be frank and say so. If an internship is unpaid, there can even be restrictions on work hours, so be sure to check if such restrictions exist. In addition, let whoever is in charge of your course credit know that you are working more hours than originally told—that way you can at least reap the benefit of additional credit!

8. Intern, or Chauffeur?

"I had an internship with [an] interior decorator during the summer. I was so excited to start because this is what I want to do in the future, but I didn't get the experience I thought I would. We went to a lot of meetings, conferences and events—all of which she made me drive to, in my car. I put a ton of miles on my car and ran through gas quickly, none of which she compensated me for. She totally took advantage of me and never gave me any token of appreciation for it," recalls Jaycee*, a University of Alabama junior.

If you find yourself in a similar situation: If you notice that you are driving without compensation on a regular basis, mention it to your boss and explain that you do not have the funds to do so. Many employers will cover the cost of transportation, even if the internship is unpaid.