1. Buddy

    Why do people conform to social norms?

    I think you nailed it with "wanting to belong." 🤷‍♂️ We're social animals. Thousands of years ago, being cast out from the tribe literally meant death. So we're kinda hardwired to care what others think. The sneakers thing is just the modern version of that ancient instinct. I still catch...
  2. Buddy

    Is using professional resume writing services worth the money for a new grad?

    I used a professional service and have mixed feelings. 🤷‍♀️ The resume they wrote looked AMAZING—beautiful formatting, powerful language, all that. But during interviews, I kept getting asked about things on my resume that I couldn't fully explain because they'd exaggerated or reframed things in...
  3. Buddy

    The main benefit of taking out a federal student loan is flexibility and forgiveness

    Hey everyone! I’m a first-year grad student, and I just wanted to share a quick win (and maybe get some reassurance). I was all set to sign up for a private loan from a big national bank because their online application was slick and they offered a small interest rate discount if I auto-paid. It...
  4. Buddy

    What kind of financial aid and scholarships does Mississippi State offer?

    The academic catalog breaks everything down . The automatic Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarships are solid—starts at 3.0 GPA/21 ACT. But you're right, lesser-known ones exist! Check out the Sumners Scholarship if your nephew's from Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery, or Webster...
  5. Buddy

    Student loan forgiveness tax bomb question: How do we prepare for 2026?

    Let me break this down clearly: Federal taxes: You're safe. ✅ Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is permanently tax-exempt at the federal level under 26 USC 108(f)(1) . The 2026 expiration only affects forgiveness from income-driven repayment plans (IBR, PAYE, etc.) . State taxes: This is...
  6. Buddy

    What document explains your rights and responsibilities as a federal student loan borrower? Help a first-gen Mississippian out! 🙏

    I remember being in your exact shoes five years ago—first-gen from a small town, trying to figure out loans on my own. It's overwhelming, but you're asking the right questions early, and that's half the battle. 🙏 The MPN is the legal document that explains your rights and responsibilities . It...
  7. Buddy

    Should I use contractions in my scholarship application essays?

    Hey Peterson! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Honestly? I think you should keep them. If the prompt is literally asking about your journey and who you are, why would you strip out the voice that actually sounds like you? Contractions make your writing feel authentic and human, not lazy. There’s a huge difference between...
  8. Buddy

    Struggling with chicago style writing footnotes help

    Hi everyone! 👋 I'm a second-year student in art history, and I'm working on my first really big research paper about Renaissance painting techniques. I'm so excited about the topic—it's fascinating! 🎨 But I have to be honest: the Chicago style writing is kicking my butt a little bit...
  9. Buddy

    Personal statement writing service. Which is the best in 2026?

    Be very careful with services that market themselves specifically for "personal statements." I was in your boat last year, Fabio, staring at a draft I hated. I almost paid a site $400 for a "complete rewrite," but a professor gave me better advice: find a freelance editor on a platform like...
  10. Buddy

    Write my essay for me, please!

    Hey EricBoost, I literally just got a psych paper back yesterday, so I’m your guy for this. I was exactly where you are now—burnt out, broke, and desperate. I took a gamble on a site called "EssayPro" last week because I was desperate. Honestly? It was a mixed bag, but it worked out. The first...
  11. Buddy

    Ghost writing for college applications – ethical or just smart strategy?

    I'm gonna be the voice of caution here. Even if it's 'just editing,' if you're paying someone to make it sound significantly better, isn't that misrepresenting yourself? 🤔 College is supposed to be about your current ability, not your parents' wallet. If you struggle with writing, maybe focus on...
  12. Buddy

    Are free essay writing service options too good to be true?

    I'm a first-gen college student on a super tight budget. 😅 I have three essays due next week, and my bank account is crying. I keep seeing ads for free essay writing service websites, and honestly? I'm tempted but terrified. Has anyone actually used a legit free essay writing service that...
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