BIG DECISIONS, BOLD CELEBRATIONS - VOL. 1
EDITOR’S NOTE
Hi everyone! Welcome back to The College Corner and The Cornerstone.
If you’re new here or missed our introductory email last week, we’re thrilled to have you join us!
The College Corner is the first curated marketplace for all things college. And for those of you still waiting to hear back from schools, we’re cheering you on and sending lots of positive energy your way!
DATES TO LOOK OUT FOR
• 1/15 – Indiana (on or before)
• 1/15 – UT
• 1/15 at 5 PM – Purdue
• 1/17 – USC
• 1/17 – UMass
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Each week, we bring you the latest college news — because let’s face it, there’s never a shortage of updates in the college world.
Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite stories this week:
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Colleges are increasingly embracing AI programming to attract students and prepare graduates for the jobs of tomorrow. Today, around 100 universities offer credentials in artificial intelligence — a number that’s growing rapidly.
While the full impact of AI on higher education by 2025 remains uncertain, click HERE for predictions to consider.
FINANCE
The 2025–26 FAFSA® is now available online. You can complete the form to apply for financial aid for attendance at college or career school between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
Click HERE for more information.
EDUCATION
The Senate committee hearing to confirm President-elect Trump’s education secretary nominee, Linda McMahon, likely won’t take place until after Inauguration Day.
McMahon is a former professional wrestling performer, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment, and served as the 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017–2019. She has been nominated to lead the Department of Education under the second Trump administration.
What are her chances of confirmation?
SPORTS
The 2024–25 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Notre Dame and Ohio State is scheduled for Monday, January 20, 2025, on ESPN.
Let us know who you’re rooting for — click HERE for predictions!
SPOTLIGHT ON THE EXPERTS
ALYSE LEVINE, OWNER OF PREMIUM PREP
Words of Wisdom for Students
This is a big step into adulthood — take it in stride. Dream big, but be ready for Plan Bs. They can often lead to incredible and unexpected opportunities that may be just as good, if not better, than Plan As.
Something People Would Be Surprised to Know
I think of Premium Prep as my third child. Don’t get me wrong — my first two children are pretty important too — but Premium Prep also requires love, nurture, sensitivity, and tenderness. We’re helping shape people’s futures, and that responsibility is something we take very seriously.
Best Advice I’d Give My Younger Self
Don’t be so afraid of failure — it’s part of growth and learning. Perfectionism is overrated. Do your best, learn from your mistakes, and be ambitious without fear.
Click HERE to learn more about Premium Prep
“Perfectionism is overrated. Do your best, and learn from your mistakes.”
TRENDING NOW
DEMYSTIFYING THE BED PARTY
Find out everything you’ve been curious about when it comes to the latest college acceptance celebration trend. Think of it as a wedding shower — but for a soon-to-be college student.
In a nutshell, a bed party transforms a student’s bedroom into a personal celebration zone complete with school colors, spirit gear, snacks, and swag.
The best part?
The College Corner features 30 amazing shops offering the most sought-after merch for bed parties and beyond.
• Bed Parties
• College Wishlists
• Inspiration by School
COLLEGE WISHLISTS
Due to popular demand, we’ve created college wishlists to make gift-giving easier. All items in our vendors’ shops can be customized for any school!
Drop us a line and tell us which school you’d like to see next.
THE TRAVEL CORNER
SCHOOL OF THE WEEK: UPENN
Thinking about touring UPenn? We’ve got you covered.
Click below for recommendations and pro tips to help you make the most of your college visit.
TRENDING NOW
BACK TO THE BOOKS
Millions of students are heading back to class this week, and we asked students from cities across the country to share their go-to looks.
Whether you’re grabbing coffee between classes, lounging on the quad, or meeting up for a casual study session, mastering the effortlessly cool vibe is key.
Read the full blog post — complete with links to all featured items.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Photo Credit: AP
While we’re focused on college planning, we cannot ignore the tragedy unfolding in California. This image is just one of thousands representing the bravery of firefighters battling raging fires — a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.