Think studying only counts if you're sitting with a textbook the night before an exam? Reviewing notes, doing homework, and quizzing yourself all count too. Here's a simple 3-column trick to figure out what you actually know versus what just feels familiar.

English 15 is an introductory writing course required for all Penn State students. Though it may seem easy on paper, it’s important to take it as seriously as all your other courses. We’ve compiled some tips from current Penn State English 15 instructors and previous students to help you succeed in the class!

Your notes do more than record what your professor said, they're an active part of how you learn. Here's the psychology behind why notes matter and a simple 3-step method (Record, Revise, Review) to make your studying more efficient and less stressful.

Created your Gmail account years ago and wish you had a more professional email address? Google now allows some users to change their Gmail address without losing their old email or account data. Here’s what college students should know before making the switch.

Ever wondered what a gap year actually looks like, beyond the backpacking-through-Europe stereotype? We asked two accredited gap year consultants to break down what a gap year really is, who it's for, and how it can help students build motivation, confidence, and direction before (or during) college.

The first two weeks set the tone for the whole semester. From organizing your syllabi to calculating real study time to naming your plan for when things get hard, here's everything to knock out before your first class.

Most students in State College don't have a car, and honestly, you don't need one. Between CATA's free routes and a handful of inexpensive paid options, you can get to class, downtown, and the grocery store without opening Uber or Lyft every time you need to go somewhere. Here's how to actually use it.

We all face a choice when something goes wrong: sit with the problem, or figure out what to do about it. Learn why dwelling can actually get in the way of solving, and try the simple 3-minute rule that helps stuck students shift from venting to action.

By now you've probably seen dozens of Penn State packing lists. They all cover the essentials: extra-long twin sheets, towels, shower shoes, laundry basket, fan, storage bins, power strips, and a small first aid kit. Those lists are great, so instead of repeating them, we're going to focus on the items you don't think you'll need—but will probably be glad you packed by October. These are the purchases that can make college life easier, reduce stress, and help you stay organized throughout the semester.

Important deadlines and dates often sneak up on us. Calendar management is a key piece of ensuring a successful college experience. At Penn State, every semester is packed with key academic, administrative, and planning milestones. Knowing these dates ahead of time, and building them into your system early, can make a huge difference in how smoothly your semester runs.

While the experience of buying season tickets has changed quite a bit over the years, the experience of going to a Penn State Football game hasn’t. From the drum major flip to the “We Are” chant to the singing of the alma mater, the student section leads the way in keeping up the exciting atmosphere.

New to Penn State this summer? Enjoying some time in Happy Valley before your senior year? Locked in a solid internship downtown? No matter the reason, if you’re sticking around this summer, things will look a little different than the hustle-and-bustle of the fall & spring semesters, but there are still plenty of activities (for all ages) in the summer.

Whether you’re an undergraduate student looking for real-world experience or a recent graduate on the job hunt, searching for your next role can be a daunting task - but, there are sites out there to lighten the load. After you’ve updated your resume, make sure to check out these sites and follow these tips to help you stand out above the rest.

The spring semester moves quickly, and missing key dates can create unnecessary stress. From add/drop deadlines to finals, study abroad applications, and commencement, this post breaks down the most important Penn State Spring semester dates. A little planning now can make a big difference later.

If you’ve ever wondered why staying organized, regulating emotions, or starting assignments feels harder for you than it does for your friends, this post is for you. Learn how ADHD affects brain development, and how you can use that knowledge to grow, thrive, and build real independence in college.

STATE COLLEGE, PA — Tierney Education, a leading academic coaching and tutoring company serving Penn State students and families, proudly announces Julianna Herriott as Tutoring Program Manager.

“We are so excited to have Julianna join the Tierney Education team,” said James Tierney, Founder and CEO of Tierney Education.

College isn’t supposed to be easy…it’s supposed to help you grow. Learn how to handle frustration, recover from setbacks, and build resilience through small acts of persistence, self-compassion, and “connected independence.”

How you think about your abilities matters. This post explores how adopting a growth mindset, believing that you can improve through effort and feedback, helps college students stay motivated, learn from challenges, and keep progress in perspective.

A lot of focus is put on what and how to study, mostly because that’s really important. However, we also need to consider how our brains and bodies are functioning while we study. Mindfulness and movement might not be the first things you think of when you think of study strategies, but I’d argue that they should be on the list. These things can make a big difference when it comes to focus, memory, and stress and the great news is: it only takes a few minutes! 

Mindfulness and exercise are two of the most effective and underutilized tools for improving attention, executive functioning, and emotional balance, especially for students with ADHD or anxiety.

College can feel like a list of never-ending choices: what to major in, which internships to pursue, how to prepare for a career that still feels light-years away. The good news is... You don’t have to navigate it alone. Finding a mentor can be one of the most powerful moves you make in college.

A mentor doesn’t have to be a professor, advisor, or even someone officially assigned to you. They’re simply someone who’s been where you are and is willing to share what they’ve learned. The right mentor helps you make better decisions, build confidence, and see possibilities you didn’t even know existed.