Salah Assana

Salah Assana

38 Posts

I’m a first-generation college student and the creator of The College Grind, dedicated to helping peers navigate higher education with practical advice and honest encouragement.

Studying in college is different. Your old methods will stop working

Studying in college is different. Your old methods will stop working

A practical look at why high‑school tactics stop working in college and how to adapt with confidence.
Is college worth it? How to think about ROI without obsessing over salary

Is college worth it? How to think about ROI without obsessing over salary

Learn how to assess whether college is worth it by looking beyond earnings and considering long‑term value.
How financial aid actually works. Grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study explained

How financial aid actually works. Grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study explained

A clear guide to how financial aid really works, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work‑study.
What to consider before choosing pass/fail, withdrawing, or requesting an incomplete

What to consider before choosing pass/fail, withdrawing, or requesting an incomplete

Learn when pass/fail, withdrawals, and incompletes help you and how to avoid unintended consequences.
What a "good" college schedule actually looks like and why it depends on you

What a "good" college schedule actually looks like and why it depends on you

Understand what makes a college schedule sustainable and why the answer is different for every student.
How to use the course catalog to plan a manageable semester

How to use the course catalog to plan a manageable semester

Understand what the course catalog really tells you and use it to plan a semester you can handle.
How to choose your classes strategically and build a semester that works for you

How to choose your classes strategically and build a semester that works for you

Choose classes with a clear strategy so you can build a semester that supports your goals and capacity.