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A pass/fail grading system allows a student to receive either a grade of “P” (pass) or “F” (fail) for a particular class instead of the usual letter grading system. Many colleges offer this option in order to encourage students to explore new academic areas without having to worry about it affecting their transcripts.

However, the pass/fail grading system comes with some limitations, including restrictions on which and how many classes you can take pass/fail each year. And, in some cases, taking a class pass/fail can still have an impact on your academic record.

Read on to learn exactly what pass/fail means, what a passing (and failing) grade is, and when to consider a pass/fail option.

How Pass/Fail Grading Works

The traditional grading system was initially established centuries ago by English universities like Oxford and Cambridge as a way of encouraging students to work harder. While letter grades may still be the dominant system in American universities, some schools have deviated from this structure, establishing their own ways of evaluating students largely based on the pass/fail system.

Reed College in Portland, Oregon has a unique style of grading that encourages students to “focus on learning, not on grades.” While students are still assigned grades for each course, these grades are not distributed to students. Instead, students are given lengthy comments and reports on their academic performance. Reed does not have a dean’s list or honor roll either.

At Brown University students can take an unlimited number of classes “satisfactory/no credit (S/NC),” and GPAs are not calculated. They also do not name student’s to a Dean’s list.

Some schools, including Swarthmore College and MIT, have students take all classes pass/fail in the first semester of their freshman years. Swarthmore’s policy is meant to encourage students to stretch themselves and take risks, and is aligned with their policy of collaboration as opposed to competition with classmates, while MIT’s policy is designed to help students adjust to increased workloads and variations in academic preparation and teaching methods.

In both cases, taking the emphasis off grades is meant to improve students’ experiences of higher education, helping them to take full advantage of their time on campus.

Of course, most schools emphasize letter grades more than Brown and Reed, as it allows them to distinguish high achievers and highlight specific areas where students excel or may need to improve.

It’s common, however, for colleges to allow students to take one class pass/fail per semester. Typically, this is only offered for elective (not core) classes. Often, a grade of “P” is equal to a grade of D- or higher, but has no impact on the student’s overall grade point average. A grade of “F,” however, will usually have the same effect on the grade point average as a traditional failure.


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What Are The Benefits of Pass/Fail?

While college can be a rewarding and stimulating time for students, it also has its challenges, including constant pressure to keep up your grades. The beauty of taking a class pass/fail is the sense of freedom it gives you — once the stress of getting a perfect grade is removed, you are at liberty to fully embrace the kind of intellectual curiosity that should be at the heart of a college experience.

Maybe you’re a pre-med student and want to take a painting class, or perhaps you’re majoring in sociology and want to dabble in art history. These options can lead you down unexpected paths, opening creative doors you might have avoided if you were solely focusing on your GPA.

Recommended: How Grades Affect Your Student Loans

The Limits to Pass/Fail

The pass/fail system also has some potential downsides. One is that should you end up doing really well in the class, you generally can’t change your mind and ask to take the class for a grade rather than pass/fail. By the same token, if you do poorly in a class, you can’t make a belated request for a pass/fail.

In addition, pass/fail grades generally don’t count toward a major or minor, which limits your options when deciding whether or not to go this route.

While it’s hard to know for sure, some students feel that taking a higher number of pass/fail classes could reflect poorly on their college academic record and be a strike against them when applying for a job or to graduate school. However, it’s also possible that a potential employer or an admissions officer might be impressed by a student’s breadth of study and sense of initiative in studying “outside the box.”


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The Takeaway

Taking a few of your classes pass/fail can be a great way to explore new academic areas of interest during college, and is unlikely to adversely impact your post-grad opportunities, including summer internships, employment, and graduate school.

While employers and graduate school admissions officers generally prefer to see quality grades over pass/fail grades, they will typically review applications holistically, and grades are just one of many ways you can show your skills, knowledge, and leadership potential. Indeed, taking a few pass/fail classes that are outside your major can show intellectual curiosity.

Whether you take a class pass/fail or for a letter grade won’t have any impact on how many credits you get from the course — or the cost of tuition. If you’re concerned about how you’ll cover the cost of your education, keep in mind that you have a range of options — including savings, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and federal or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Many people are aware of the number of data breaches and scams today and want to feel reassured that they are protected from identity theft and other forms of credit card fraud.

If you are among their ranks, you might benefit from a credit freeze, which is typically free, or credit lock, which may involve a fee. Both of these processes block access to your credit file. This can prevent credit checks that may be the first step in unauthorized applications for a new loan or credit card.

It can be a wise idea to apply for a credit lock or credit freeze at one or all three of the major credit bureaus if you are dealing with a data breach or identity theft.

Learn the pros and cons of a credit freeze vs. lock here, as well as when what’s known as a fraud alert might provide the right level of protection.

What Does a Credit Freeze Do?

A credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) is a free tool that allows you to block all access to your credit report and makes it tougher for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

That’s because nearly all creditors want to see your credit report before they approve an account and extend credit to you.

If they can’t access your credit report, it’s unlikely that you will get approved. That works in your favor when someone other than you is trying to open an account in your name and perhaps commit identity theft.

Fortunately, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), freezing your credit will not harm your credit score, nor will it impair your ability to get your free annual credit report.

A credit freeze also won’t limit your ability to open new accounts. However, because credit freezes prevent lenders from checking your credit, you will need to lift the freeze temporarily before applying for a loan or credit account, and then place the freeze again when you are done accessing your account.

In addition, freezing your credit won’t hurt your ability to apply for a job, rent an apartment, or, say, buy insurance for your family. According to the FTC, the freeze doesn’t apply to those actions.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that a freeze won’t prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts.

For that reason, you will still need to stay on top of your finances and monitor all of your bank, credit card, and insurance transactions carefully for fraudulent transactions.

You may also want to be aware that, even with a freeze, certain entities will still have access to your credit report.

These include your existing creditors, debt collectors acting on their behalf, and government agencies who need to have access in response to a court order.


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How to Freeze Your Credit On Your Own

Putting a freeze in place simply requires contacting each of the nationwide credit bureaus, which include:

•   Equifax
•   Experian
•   TransUnion

You will need to supply your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, along with some other personal information.

After receiving your freeze request, the credit bureaus will give you a PIN (personal identification number) or password. You’ll want to keep this in a safe place since you will need it whenever you choose to lift the freeze.

By law, credit bureaus must activate a credit freeze within 24 hours of receiving a request by phone or online, and they must lift a freeze within one hour of receiving a request to do so accompanied by your PIN or password.

Your freeze will remain in place until you temporarily lift or completely remove it (more on how to do that below). In some states, a freeze lasts indefinitely; in others, up to seven years.

How to Lock Your Credit Report

If you’re wondering about a credit freeze vs. a credit lock, here’s more intel. Like a credit freeze, a credit lock blocks access to your credit report but won’t harm your credit score.

Like a freeze, to be fully protected, you must place locks with all three credit reporting agencies. However, it may offer lesser legal protection if you do encounter an issue.

With locks, however, there’s no PIN, and usually, there is no delay of up to 24 hours when locking your credit file, nor a delay of up to an hour for unlocking it.

With a credit lock, you can activate and disable it instantly via a smartphone app or secure website.

Locking your credit involves enrolling in one (or all) of the programs offered by the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, (Lock & Alert), Experian (CreditWorks), and TransUnion (TrueIdentity).

There is often a monthly fee involved in enrolling in one of these services. Credit locks, however, often come with additional services, such as monthly access to credit reports from all three bureaus, alerts when there’s new credit activity on your accounts at any of the three bureaus, identity theft insurance, and fraud resolution assistance.

Credit bureaus typically require you to provide proof of identity when you set up a credit lock. You can submit the necessary documents electronically or mail in hard copies.

The security benefits of a credit lock are the same as those for a credit freeze, and the limitations on access to your credit are the same as well–criminals won’t be able to access your credit file.

By the same token, new lenders whom you are legitimately working with to apply for loans or credit won’t be able to either unless you temporarily lift the block.

Unlike credit freezes, credit locks are not regulated by state law but are instead governed by a contract between you and the credit bureau.

Recommended: Guide to Blocked Credit Cards

How To Remove a Credit Freeze or a Credit Lock

If you want to lift or remove a freeze, you’ll need to call the credit bureau or visit the credit freeze page on its website, then use the PIN code or password you set up when you activated your credit freeze.

If you are lifting a freeze because you are applying for credit and you can find out which credit bureau the lender will contact for your credit file, you may be able to lift the freeze only at that particular credit bureau. Otherwise, you need to make the request with all three credit bureaus.

When you call or go online, you’ll likely have the option to thaw your credit temporarily (in which case, you will likely be issued a single-use PIN or password that you can provide to a creditor to access your frozen credit file), or to lift the freeze permanently.

Removing a credit lock, on the other hand, is typically just a matter of turning off a virtual switch online or in an app provided by the credit bureau.

When access to your credit file is no longer required, you can simply turn the switch back on.


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How Is a Credit Freeze or Lock Different from a Fraud Alert?

Now that you’ve learned about a credit lock vs. freeze, there’s another scenario to consider. If you are worried about catching credit card fraud and/or identity theft but haven’t yet become a victim, you might consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report, which is less severe than a credit freeze or lock.

Unlike a freeze or lock, which shuts down access to your credit information, a fraud alert allows lenders to see your credit file, but it requires verification of your identity before any credit application is processed or any new account is opened in your name.

For example, if you have a phone number in your credit file, the business must call you to verify whether you are the person making the credit request.

A fraud alert can make it harder for an identity thief to open more accounts in your name, and can be a good idea if your wallet, Social Security card, or other personal, financial or account information is ever lost or stolen.

To place a fraud alert you simply need to contact one of the credit bureaus. It will then put the alert on your credit report and tell the other two credit bureaus to do so.

A fraud alert is free, and the alert stays on your report for one year. It’s a good idea to mark your calendar, so you can then place a new fraud alert.

If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, credit bureaus often offer a free extended fraud alert that lasts for seven years.

Recommended: Types of Bank Fraud to Look Out For

The Takeaway

A credit freeze vs. a credit lock can each provide a layer of protection if you’re an identity theft victim or you have good reason to believe someone with criminal intent has accessed your information. Credit freezes and credit locks both restrict access to your credit reports. But you can turn a credit lock on and off instantly while adding or lifting a credit freeze requires making a request to the credit bureau.

Another key difference is that credit freezes are free, while credit locks are typically offered as part of paid services from the three national credit bureaus.

Whatever form of fraud protection you choose, it’s still important to stay on top of and regularly check all of your financial accounts.

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FAQ

Can I freeze my credit for free?

Yes, you can freeze your credit for free by contacting each of the three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

What’s the difference between a credit freeze vs. credit lock?

A credit freeze limits access to your credit reports, is free, and must be filed with each of the three credit bureaus. A credit lock can be a paid service, can be instantly turned on and off, and may in some cases provide a lesser degree of legal protection.

How long does a credit freeze vs. credit lock last?

A credit freeze lasts until you remove it or up to seven years in some states. A credit lock lasts as long as you subscribe to the service providing it.

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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Millions of students have earned a GED diploma and gone on to get a college degree. In fact, 97% percent of colleges accept the GED credential just as they would a high school diploma.

Some competitive schools and programs, however, require a certain minimum GED test score for admission, and possibly other tests and requirements. Here’s what you need to know to get into college with a GED.

What Is a GED Diploma?

A GED diploma is an alternative to a high school diploma for students who didn’t complete the requirements to graduate from high school. To earn a GED, you need to take a series of tests that will indicate whether or not you have a high school level of education. This is known as the GED (or General Educational Development) test.

The test covers four subject areas: Social Studies, Science, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning Through Language Arts. Each test is administered separately (so you can space them out), timed, and covers several topics in the subject area.

•   Social Studies (70 minutes):

◦  Reading for Meaning in Social Studies

◦  Analyzing Historical Events and Arguments in Social Studies

◦  Using Numbers and Graphs in Social Studies

•   Science (90 minutes):

◦  Reading for Meaning in Science

◦  Designing and Interpreting Science

◦  Experiments

◦  Using Numbers and Graphics in Science

•   Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes):

◦  Basic Math

◦  Geometry

◦  Basic Algebra

◦  Graphs and Functions

•   Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 minutes):

◦  Reading for Meaning

◦  Identifying and Creating Arguments

◦  Grammar and Language


💡 Quick Tip: SoFi offers low fixed- or variable-interest rates. So you can get a private student loan that fits your budget.

Preparing for and Taking the GED Test

The first step to getting your GED is to create an account on GED.com. Once you have an account, you’ll be able to access free study guides and practice tests, register for low-cost online and in-person prep classes, and purchase a voucher for the official GED Ready practice test.

You can register to take the GED test online or at a local test center through your GED account. Some states require that you take the GED practice test to register for the official GED test in-person or online. You can look up your state’s requirements here.

Each of the four tests is taken and scored separately, and there are three scoring levels.

•   GED Passing Score: Scoring a 145 on each test subject is a passing score, the minimum needed to obtain a GED diploma.
•   GED College Ready Score Level: Scoring between 165 and 174 on each test subject indicates a readiness for college-level coursework.
•   GED College Ready + Credit Score Level: Scoring between 175 and 200 indicates not only a readiness for college-level coursework, but possible eligibility for college credit, depending on the college program.

Test scores are typically available in your GED.com account within 24 hours of taking the test, though it can sometimes take up to three business days. The scoring section of your account will also include a detailed report of each subject test’s score and skills you can work on to improve their score.

Can You Go to College With a GED?

Absolutely! Nearly all colleges accept a GED diploma in lieu of a high school diploma. These include community colleges, vocational schools, private universities, and public universities. In some cases, however, you may need to meet a few specific requirements, or take a few extra steps, in order to be admitted with a GED.

Certain colleges, for example, may require a GED grad to show they’re ready for college-level courses either by submitting a high enough ACT or SAT score to the college or by taking the college’s placement test. The placement test score will be a factor in the admissions process.

Recommended: College Application Checklist

How to Get Into College With a GED: Step-by-Step

While most colleges and universities accept the GED diploma, this diploma can sometimes be perceived as less challenging than a high school diploma. As a GED student, you may also lack other things colleges might be looking for, such as transcripts that show academic performance or class rank.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps GED grads can take to increase their chances of getting accepted to college.

Check the School’s Admission Requirements

Some schools and competitive programs require students to have a minimum GED test score or some prior college credit to be considered for admission. Other institutions require applicants who hold a GED diploma to take additional placement tests. There is also a small percentage of schools that do not accept the GED diploma at all.

You can learn about requirements on a school’s website. If you can’t find enough information online, you can always call the school’s admissions office. The admissions staff can be a great source of accurate and up-to-date information on general admission policies, as well as standards pertaining to GEDs, such as getting credit for a College Ready+ score.

Consider Taking the SAT or ACT

Many colleges are test-optional now, which means students don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores along with their applications. However, If you take one of these entrance exams — and get a higher-than-average-score — you could potentially increase your chances of getting in. Some schools (even those that don’t require the ACT or SAT) also use these test scores for class placement or scholarships.

The SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, and the national average is 1050. The ACT scores range between 1 and 36, and the average is around 21.

Write a Compelling Essay

The college admissions essay gives GED grads an opportunity to shine. Telling a personal story, perhaps about challenges that you have overcome or ways in which you have persevered, or describing how a volunteer activity has made an impact on your life, might be the thing that makes your application stand out against a stack of others.

Include Activities on Your Application

If you participated in extracurricular activities while you were in high school or volunteered with a community organization, putting that information on your college application can give the admissions team a fuller view of who you are as a person (instead of just looking at your test scores). You may also want to include any jobs you’ve had that are to the field you want to study.

Get Letters of Recommendation

Some colleges require two or three letters of recommendation. Even if a letter of recommendation is optional, including one can help your application stand out. A highly positive letter gives the admissions team insights into your character, while also showing that someone is willing to vouch for you. Good sources include former coaches, teachers, school counselors, supervisors, local leaders, and mentors.

Apply to Multiple Schools

A common — and recommended — strategy for all students is to apply to more than one school. Even if your goal is to attend a four-year college, you may want to include a local community college on your list. Community colleges often have “open enrollment,” which means that they don’t require the ACT or SAT tests. And, if you don’t get into colleges of your choice this go around, you might opt to get an associate degree at a community college, then transfer to a four-year college to complete your bachelor’s degree.

Recommended: How to Qualify for a College Application Fee Waiver

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships and other financial aid packages can reduce the cost of getting a college education. So be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This allows you to find out if you’re eligible for federal aid, such as grants, work-study opportunities, and even federal student loans. You can also qualify for state-level and school-based aid through the FAFSA form.

In addition, you may want to explore private scholarships opportunities using a database like Fastweb or SoFi’s Scholarship Search Tool. Your school’s financial aid office might know about more resources available, too.

If you need to borrow to pay for college, it’s generally a good idea to take out federal student loans before private ones. Federal loans have benefits that private loans don’t, including access to income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs.


💡 Quick Tip: Federal student loans carry an origination or processing fee (1.057% for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans first disbursed from Oct. 1, 2020, through Oct. 1, 2024). The fee is subtracted from your loan amount, which is why the amount disbursed is less than the amount you borrowed. That said, some private student loan lenders don’t charge an origination fee.

The Takeaway

Just because you didn’t finish high school, doesn’t mean you can’t go to college. By getting your GED diploma, you can apply to virtually any type of secondary school, including community colleges and four-year universities.

To improve your odds of getting into college, you’ll want to make sure you meet all of the school’s admissions requirements, take any necessary entrance or placement tests, and put together a strong application that includes a great essay and personal recommendations.

To make going to college affordable, it can also be a good idea to start researching ways to cover the cost of your education. Options include: savings, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and federal or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Whether you’re living on campus or commuting to school, college is a time to experiment with independence. College students can choose their own classes, make their own friends, and decorate their dorms according to their own styles. And while exploring diverse areas of study and deepening intellectual curiosity is a pivotal element of the college experience, it’s only one aspect of those four significant years.

College is also a period to define one’s life outside of academia and get involved on campus. On-campus activities are one of the most important elements of a college experience, helping students to get to know themselves and others, build a community, and develop long-term skills.

From clubs and sports teams to jobs and volunteer work, there are countless ways to play a part in campus life and explore new areas of interest.

Finding the right balance between college activities and classwork can be a challenge for any student, so it can be crucial to determine which activities are worth the time.

Some activities, like major-based clubs or a college publication, can enrich one’s intellectual experience, while others are more focused on building friendships or maintaining physical health. All of these types of activities are worthwhile as long as they don’t distract a student from their academic goals.

Getting Involved On Campus

As a new student, one way to see what the school has to offer for extracurriculars is to attend a student activity fair. This can be an opportunity for students to survey the different activities and clubs on campus and talk to current members about what they do and the types of time commitments involved.

Here are some other ideas for how college students can get involved on campus.


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Assess Current Interests and Skills

Many students may have already begun to take part in extracurricular activities during their high school years. Perhaps they were on a sports team, took part in Model UN, or were part of the school choir.

Students will find that many universities offer continuation of the activities they were involved with in high school, though they will generally have to reapply or audition.

Even if a student-athlete doesn’t make it onto a college varsity team, they can try out a club sport instead. Larger schools may have more varied clubs and activities, but smaller schools will offer more opportunities for students to have their voices heard.

There may be less competition to make it into a school play, for example. Whatever size a school is, there are ways to get involved and continue to develop skills cultivated during high school.

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Find a New Hobby

College extracurriculars can also be a great way to experiment with new interests, whether a student has long had the desire to explore an area, or is simply intrigued by a new idea.

Most colleges have activity fairs early on in the school year as a way for clubs and activities to advertise to new students. This is a wonderful way for students to find out what clubs are available, and to get to meet the students who are already involved.

Students may get overzealous and sign up for too many clubs and activities at first, so it’s important to assess which of these pursuits are worth sticking with and which can be politely left behind.

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Flex Your Inner Athlete

Playing a college sport, whether it’s trying out for varsity or joining an intramural team, can be a great way to get involved. The community that’s fostered through team sports is perhaps unmatched among other college activities, with athletes spending multiple days a week in practice, at games, and socializing off the field.

Physical activity can be one effective way to combat depression, which is on the rise among college students. If a sports team is too much of a commitment, a dance or yoga class can be a good way to meet people and stay in shape, or simply hitting the college gym.

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Get Creative

Students interested in creative expression will find a wide range of ways to get involved on campus. Trying out for a college play, auditioning for an acapella group, or joining the jazz band are great ways to meet other students and explore one’s artistic side.

College theater clubs and musical groups allow students to invest in a meaningful project and ultimately perform for their campus communities and can help improve a student’s sense of confidence and self-worth.

Visual artists may want to join a figure drawing group, and writers may be interested in joining a creative writing or poetry workshop with their peers outside of class. There are countless ways to tap into the creative bug on campus and perhaps even discover a new artistic interest to pursue beyond university.

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Go Greek

For some students, Greek life forms the backbone of their social lives during college. Rush or recruitment events for fraternities and sororities provide an array of activities for potential members in an attempt to draw students to their particular organization. Pledging will take up much of a student’s time as well before they finally join the ranks of their house.

Once involved in Greek life, students often find a built-in community waiting for them. Sororities and fraternities often sponsor campus-wide events and parties or facilitate volunteer opportunities for members.

While Greek life is a great way to build friendships on-campus, it can be all-encompassing at times. It’s important for students to be able to strike the right balance between their fraternity or sorority and the rest of their lives on campus, including their classes.

If a student is interested in joining a social club that’s not Greek, or the school they are attending does not have Greek life, there may be other social clubs offered.


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Try Your Hand in Media

Lots of colleges and universities have student-run newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV stations. Participating in one of these media organizations can be a great opportunity to meet students and get acclimated to the campus.

Joining the school newspaper will allow students to explore their campus from the inside out, researching topics that affect the community and publishing their work.

Writing for a literary magazine is also a wonderful way to get involved, with students being able to help solicit work and screen submissions.

College radio stations are also a classic staple of campuses—running a radio show, whether it’s talk radio or playing a certain genre of music, is a wonderful way to connect with the community, even if you’re doing it via radio wave.

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The Takeaway

Getting involved on campus helps students build community, maintain a sense of productivity and accomplishment, and explore potential career avenues. The connections made through on-campus activities can be the most enduring of one’s college career since they’re often based on the passions a student will continue to enjoy after graduation.

On-campus involvement can also be a major form of stress relief from the heavy workload that college entails. Taking a break from the library by going to rehearsal for a play or music group, or by practicing with a sports team, can be one of the best ways to take the edge off a day of intense studying or classwork.

Physical activity, whether through a college team or a yoga class, helps improve health and releases endorphins that can improve one’s mood as well.

While getting involved in multiple on-campus activities can be highly beneficial to any student, it’s important to balance extracurriculars and academic work, making sure to allot the proper amount of time for studying so that one’s interests outside of class don’t eclipse everything else.

Another aspect of a successful college career is figuring out how to cover the cost of your education. Private student loans can be an option when other forms of aid, including federal student loans, scholarships, and grants aren’t enough.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

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