CampusBuddy Blog

CollegeBudget Acquires Y Combinator Backed Startup MunchOnMe.com

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:43:00 +0000

Acquisition enhances CollegeBudget’s position as the fastest-growing college marketing platform for retailers and brands of all sizes.

San Francisco, CA- May 15, 2012

CollegeBudget.com, the leading student-exclusive shopping platform, announced today that it has agreed to acquire MunchOnMe.com, a food discovery and discount portal from Y Combinator’s summer 2011 batch.

The combination of the two services will strengthen CollegeBudget's leadership in the college social commerce market. The acquisition will add a passionate food-centric user base to CollegeBudget’s large network of college students and merchants. The acquisition increases CollegeBudget’s total college footprint to 2 million students. The new addition will allow CollegeBudget to expand into new markets, offering more food deals and regionalized offers.

“Students are the life-blood of all businesses” says CollegeBudget founder Mike Moradian. “They are among the most coveted demographic in marketing, because they are the future family decision-makers and business professionals. By targeting students early with discounts, companies can develop brand preferences that will last a generation.” American Apparel and Skype are two prominent brands that have offered extremely popular deals through CollegeBudget’s platform.

Terms of the deal were not announced. Munch On Me users will be able to access purchased coupons until September 1, 2012. Future plans for integrating the platforms will be forthcoming.

About MunchOnMe.com

Part of the Y Combinator’s Summer 2011 batch, Munch On Me is a food discovery portal that connects people with great food at great prices in local communities. Munchonme.com enjoys success promoting local eateries in college towns across the nation.

About CollegeBudget.com

CollegeBudget.com is revolutionizing student discounts. The service saves college students money through student-exclusive deals and collective social buying. CollegeBudget’s mission is to bring savings to every facet of the college experience, including textbooks, student loans, and potentially one day even tuition.

Since launching in March 2011, CollegeBudget has grown to become the largest student deal site. CollegeBudget represents over 2 million college subscribers and has already saved students millions of dollars collectively.

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CollegeBudget Makes Empact100 List

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:25:00 +0000

CollegeBudget.com has just been featured in the Empact100 list, recognizing the top 100 companies run by young entrepreneurs age 30 or younger who impact our economy. As a result, the CollegeBudget team has been invited to a recognition presentation at the White House. CollegeBudget is a startup dedicated to making college more affordable by implementing student discounts and collective buying in the retail, textbook and student loan space. More simply, they are like the Groupon for college, specializing in college daily deals.

Our own CampusBuddy founder, Mike Moradian, is also the co-founder and president of CollegeBudget. If you have any questions that you would like to ask the White House, please message us or post a response to this message.

Also: CollegeBudget is currently ranked #2 in the Empact100 list. Help the team get to the top spot: vote here.

Young entrepreneurs are not just America’s future. They’re America’s present. The Empact100 list represents the talent and potential of today's young entrepreneurs. It is meant to inspire others to join the movement to revitalize our economy by starting a business.
- Carl Schramm, CEO, Kauffman Foundation

Should I go to Harvard? Social Media Vote Decides for CollegeBudget.com CEO

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Founder and CEO of CollegeBudget.com allows world to vote on whether he attends Harvard Business School or remains at CollegeBudget.com.

LOS ANGELES, August 8, 2011 — Mike Moradian, the founder and CEO of CollegeBudget.com is faced with an incredibly difficult decision - whether to attend Harvard Business School, a top-ranked MBA program at one the most prestigious universities in the world, or forge ahead with his newly launched startup, which seeks to revolutionize student discounts and finances. “They are both opportunities of a lifetime, but in order to make an impact, I can really only choose one” says Moradian, who was ranked America’s Best Young Entrepreneur in 2010 by Bloomberg Businessweek. In a totally unprecedented move, Mike has opened up his decision to attend Harvard to public vote at ShouldIgotoHarvard.com.

Over 20,000 people have cast their votes since the poll opened up last week to users of CollegeBudget. Today, the poll opens up to all members of the public. “I’m taking this very seriously” says Moradian.

“The rising cost of tuition and the growing inaccessibility of affordable education for the average student is one the most pressing issues facing Americans. Although, I alone can’t address all of the problems surrounding the rising cost of higher education, innovation is desperately needed and my hope is that we can at least help reduce some of the costs for students while also developing a viable business that prospers by helping people.”

Over 100 companies have already signed up to give limited time students discounts of 50% off or more. BookRenter.com, a textbook rental service, is currently offering 60% off the cost of Textbook Rentals through CollegeBudget only. This deal is available on CollegeBudget from Monday, August 8^th through Friday, August 12^th.

Moradian explains, “I’m willing to walk away from what could be a once in a lifetime educational opportunity, but only if I feel that other people share my vision for CollegeBudget and see the value in what we can do for college students. The choice is yours America, choose wisely.”

About CollegeBudget

CollegeBudget.com officially launched on August 1, 2011. It aims to revolutionize student deals and reduce the costs of college life for students across the nation. The service saves students money through exclusive discounts and collective social buying. In addition to student deals, CollegeBudget aims to bring collective social buying and most importantly deep discounts to every facet of the college student experience, including textbooks, student loans, and potentially one day even tuition. CollegeBudget currently represents over half a million college subscribers and has already saved students over one million dollars collectively.

To vote, comment or get updates go to: http://shouldigotoharvard.com

For more information about CollegeBudget, visit: http://CollegeBudget.com

CollegeBudget.com Reviews and Ratings

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 08:42:00 +0000

CollegeBudget.com is a student only deal site dedicated to saving students money. Have you had a chance to use the site yet? Has it saved you money? If so, what type of deals have you bought? Leave us your reviews, ratings and comments in the comment section. Thanks!

CollegeBudget.com launches to revolutionize student discounts

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:31:00 +0000

Los Angeles, CA -- August 02, 2011

CollegeBudget.com officially launches today aiming to revolutionize student deals and lower the costs of college life for students across the nation. The service saves students money through exclusive discounts and collective social buying. In addition to student deals, CollegeBudget aims to bring collective social buying to every facet of the college student experience, including textbooks, student loans, and potentially one day even tuition.

The company is kicking off with Back-to-School Palooza featuring over 100 merchants lined up to give 50%+ off their services, only to college students. Since launching in private beta in March 2011, CollegeBudget has already grown to become the leading student deal site. CollegeBudget currently represents over half a million college subscribers and has already saved students over one million dollars collectively.

CollegeBudget Works for Businesses
CollegeBudget.com offers the ideal way for national brands, e-commerce sites, and local businesses to attract the college crowd. The CollegeBudget service uniquely ensures the exclusivity of student discounts by requiring members to provide a valid .edu e-mail address in order to buy.

CollegeBudget also distinctively delivers a complete social media marketing campaign to merchants, with no upfront cost. Merchants who sign up to offer student deals through CollegeBudget receive a YouTube testimonial video made by a real college student, and social media blasts to CollegeBudget’s over 130,000 Facebook Fans and 3,000 Twitter Followers.
Merchants can sign up to offer exclusive student deals at: http://CollegeBudgetWorks.com

About the CollegeBudget.com Team
CollegeBudget.com is the love child of CampusBuddy.com, one of the leading social academic tools on the internet. Since 2008, CampusBuddy has helped students connect on Facebook and receive better grades. Mike Moradian, founder of both services, was recognized as America’s Best Young Entrepreneur for the 2010 year by Bloomberg Businessweek, for his work on CampusBuddy.com. Mike considers himself to be the quintessential college student, and is currently admitted to Harvard Business School this fall. His entrepreneurial side wrestles with the idea of going back to school just yet though…

For more information about CollegeBudget, visit: http://CollegeBudget.com

CollegeBudget.com is Legit!

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 06:21:00 +0000

Wow, students have really responded to the call to save money collectively on CollegeBudget.com. Since it's launch this year it has saved students hundreds of thousands of dollars on everything from shoes, to filtered water bottles to clocks that run away. It is clear that CollegeBudget is no scam. Over 115,000 students have liked their page on Facebook, making them one of the top Facebook pages in the college space already!

Sample Deals on CollegeBudget:

If you have not had the chance to join CollegeBudget yet, do it now. While the deal of the day is not for everyone, keep following the daily deals and rest assured you will shortly. Who doesn't love a good student discount? Join CollegeBudget now and you're going to love it.

College Daily Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 09:13:00 +0000

We're always excited to show off hot new items to college students, and today we have a real treat!

CollegeBudget.com is a new student discount and college daily deal site. One of the key differentiators of this site is that fact that you must have a .edu e-mail address to use the service.

Student deals are always a perk when you're on a CollegeBudget. Make the most of you're .edu e-mail address and enjoy the savings now.

To join CollegeBudget:
Get Student Deals now

CampusBuddy Wins Businessweek's Most Promising Business Award

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:59:00 +0000

CampusBuddy was just announced as the Businessweek.com 2010 Most Promising Business Award winner. CampusBuddy won this award as a result of our CEO Mike Moradian being selected by Businessweek.com for the 2010 America's Best Young Entrepreneurs List, which highlighted 25 remarkable companies started by young entrepreneurs. We're really excited to have been selected as the 2010 Most Promising Business, because there are thousands of great companies out there being started by young entrepreneurs all over the country. On behalf of everyone at CampusBuddy, thanks for your votes!

No. 1: The winning company, with 2,106 readers' votes, was CampusBuddy. The Los Angeles-based site sells subscription access to grading data at public colleges that CampusBuddy compiles through public records requests. Founder Mike Moradian says the five-employee company's database draws on more than 100 million grades from schools across America. A business economics major who graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2007, Moradian used his earnings from working at accounting firm KPMG to launch the business in 2008.

Read the Full Story Here.

CampusBuddy Founder featured in Businessweek's 2010 Best Young Entrepreneurs list

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:49:00 +0000

We're thrilled to announce that CampusBuddy Founder and President Mike Moradian is featured in Businessweek's 2010 Best Young Entrepreneurs list. Don't forget to vote for CampusBuddy as the most promising business at the end of the slide show! View the Article

Vote for CampusBuddy Now!

CampusBuddy and Cramster join forces to give Students the Academic Edge

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:01:00 +0000

With Back-to-School Fall 2010 in full swing, CampusBuddy is proud to announce our partnership with Cramster to help students get the "Academic Edge" in college. Starting today, all of Cramster’s members are entitled to Free Academic Edge accounts, including CampusBuddy’s Premium Data featuring over 100 million official grade records.

Wish you could get help with your homework from experts and see the textbook solutions to over 400 college textbooks?

Meet Cramster.com. The leading provider of online homework help for college and high school students lets you do just that! Armed with Cramster and CampusBuddy, you could rule the world (or maybe just your academic career).

We thought we’d let the cast of Iphone 4 vs. HTC introduce the big news:

How it works:

1. Sign up to Cramster
2. Email CB@cramster.com with the email address you use to log in to Cramster
3. Cramster will send you a promo code for a free Academic Edge account.

Already a Cramster member? Complete steps 2 and 3 above and you’re in the money.

Don’t wait though, this offer is only good for the month of September!

Spam Problems? How to avoid spam in college

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 07:32:00 +0000

The beginning of the school year is brings opportunities to network and do all types of new things. Taekwondo club, underwater basket weaving and other activities seem like they will be great new hobbies to pick up for the year. Two weeks into school, you realize you're over it and their weekly e-mails are starting to feel like weekly spam. Here's some advice on how to avoid the problem of spam in college:

1: Disguise your e-mail:
Make it more difficult for spammy groups to get your address by writing illegibly or typing it confusingly when you use it in groups, forums and the like.

2: Use disposible e-mail addresses:
It takes 2 minutes to sign up for another g-mail account or the like. Take that time upfront to make a second "questionable e-mails" e-mail address and forward those messages to your main e-mail. If the quantity or quality of the e-mails from that account becomes too much, simply discontinue using it and move on to a new secondary e-mail address.

3: Use crazy long e-mail addresses:
Spammers like to guess e-mails, and if your name is Jane Smith they'll probably be able to guess Jsmith@gmails.com. In order to avoid the spammers, get tricky 1240_xx_firefish_101@gmail.com is highly unlikely to be guessed by "Guess Spammers" and will therefore help keep your e-mail addresses even safer.

CampusBuddy's University Facebook Page tabs launch today, Free of charge

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:01:00 +0000

Social media dominates college marketing today, but places a newfound burden on schools to frequently create relevant information.

CampusBuddy strives to make social media simpler for schools. Today we are releasing a free university Facebook Page tab that can easily be placed on any Fan Page on Facebook.

The tabs highlight each individual schools offerings and updates with new information automatically, helping page moderators access fresh information about their college with less work. The tab is available for anyone who operates a Facebook page-- from official university pages to niche fan-made pages.

USC's CampusBuddy Tab demonstrates the simple functionality, highlighting information about the college right on their Facebook page. (See USC's Fan Page here)

The CampusBuddy tab is available for all U.S. Colleges that have a Facebook network, totaling over 5,000 colleges in all. This tool will help colleges showcase their official school info and social features seamlessly on the school's Facebook page.

The tabs include:

--Official Admissions Statistics for the university.

--University Pictures

--Student Ratings

--A Campus Q&A Board

--Profiles of Current and prospective students

--Links to Department Pages for the university

To add the tab simply go to CampusBuddy's Facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/CampusBuddy
Click "Add to page" and select the Facebook page you would like to add the University tab to!

Partner with CampusBuddy to become a featured college, making your university standout more to qualified prospective students utilizing CampusBuddy. The service is at no cost, like Facebook and Twitter, and directly engages the student community.

For more information on free tools and integrations for official university purposes, please e-mail us at: universityrelations@campusbuddy.com

College & Professor Grade Distributions: Official Information Only

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:26:00 +0000

A post by CampusBuddy Founder Mike Moradian. To see official grade distributions from over 250 universities, probably including yours, visit our academic edge section here.

Q: What does it mean that CampusBuddy displays "Official Grade Distributions?"

A: It means exactly that. CampusBuddy attains all of its grade information directly from the respective university registrars. The same grades that are kept under lock and key at a university, are available for all to see (stripped of student's names of course) here on CampusBuddy.com. The CampusBuddy team has spent years tirelessly pursuing this data in an effort to make the grading process more transparent and open for everyone.

Q: Why care to know this information?

You've spent years of your life working towards the college of your choice. You've paid thousands in tuition for your education, and carefully researched what major you want to pursue. You will invest literally hundreds of hours over the coming term to work for the best grade you can-- the grade that will reflect your knowledge to future grad schools and employers alike. When your grade is often the only tangible indication of your knowledge, why would you not invest to find out how out how hard a particular class or professor is before you take it?

The concept of not being educated about your education seems boggling at times. You are a hardworking student, who is about to work your tail off for 3-6 months straight, shouldn't you have an idea of how hard the class or professor you are taking is? Not knowing how hard a class is is like taking a full-time job, but having no idea about the salary until the project is done. Virtually no one says it is trivial to know what you should expect in that case.

Work in progress. more coming soon...

To get access to over 100 million official grade histories instantly, visit our Academic Edge section now

.

Goodbye to Facebook Verified Apps! (We'll miss you)

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:25:00 +0000

Today is the last day Facebook Apps will be verified. CampusBuddy was honored to both have been a part of the verification process and to have been one of only 120 founding Facebook verified apps. The initiative that Facebook took with this process was incredibly useful in helping to identify and promote dedicated long-term application developers, and we would have liked to have seen this program flourish further instead of being retired.

The CampusBuddy Facebook Application, with over 150,000 Monthly Active Users (pictured above) has been showing very steady growth since the introduction of the Facebook Verified Program and will likely miss the Verified App perks while trying to attract new users.

We, at CampusBuddy, are looking forward to releasing some nice new Facebook features. In the holiday spirit, our wish this year is that Facebook stabilize the platform more in order allow developers more time to focus on building quality product and less on updating apps to Facebook platform changes and policy updates.

CampusBuddy Forums launch today

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:22:00 +0000

Today, CampusBuddy is formally launching our new "Forums" section, where students can actively discuss college life, admissions, grad schools, careers and much more. We feel that an open dialogue on these subjects will help students explore their interests and academic goals.

The forum section features individual sections for thousands of US colleges, as well as more broad national-level forums, for subjects such as Computers, Fitness, Style, Health and Relationships. We hope that this will help connect students with specialty or niche interests to other like-minded students in a more simply way.

To see the new Campus Buddy Forums go to:
http://www.campusbuddy.com/forum/

Thanks,
Mike

CampusBuddy 2.0, Fall 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:49:00 +0000

We’re excited to announce a lot of great news and features on CampusBuddy, just in time for the back-to-school Fall 09!

More Social Features

· CampusBuddy has a populated course-list of classes offered at more than 400 universities, making it simple for students to simply click, choose and connect with classmates.

· Campus and Class pages have real-time comment walls, posting student comments straight to Facebook and notifying other in the class.

· Students can publish their courses and weekly schedule straight to their Facebook newsfeed, or post them to their profile with our Facebook tabs and profile boxes.

Student Tools

· Textbook Price Comparison search engine, helping students find the best prices for textbooks on the web, from a selection of 20+ leading stores.

· Academic Edge option for students providing premium access to analysis of official grade distributions for classes. Users will be able to see how professors grade, dissected many ways so that students can have an understanding of how difficult certain classes may be and to see where they stand compared to others on campus.

Accolades

· Chosen as the #4 Best way for students to pick a college by Mashable

· Facebook Verified Application

We have some more exciting announcements coming soon. Be sure to subscribe to our blog to be the first to know!

Thanks,

The CampusBuddy Team

Campus Buddy

About CampusBuddy

noreply@blogger.com (Student) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:08:00 +0000

Welcome to CampusBuddy.
CampusBuddy's mission is simple:

"To make it easier, much easier, for students to network and share with classmates."

The same principle applies to making it much easier for universities and professors to network and share with students as well.

Since launching on Facebook last October we have received quite a bit of praise from being ranked as the #4 best way to pick a college using Social Media by Mashable, to being selected as 1 of only 120 verified applications on Facebook.

CampusBuddy is a community, so please take a moment to connect with us too!
Subscribe to our blog!
"Become a Fan" on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter:
Send us Feedback

Thank you very much!
-Mike

P.S. CampusBuddy is one word. You wouldn't say Face Book, My Space or Black Berry, and the same goes with Campus Buddy. ;)