If balancing college exams with a job and social excursions has taken a toll on your love life, breathe a sigh of relief, because help has arrived.

With online dating being more popular than ever, an accurate yet stimulating profile is necessary for you, the college student, to find a date.

Because you're busy writing 10-page papers and working to pay the bills, Kristen Peairs, an Internet dating coach in Columbus, Ohio, has compiled a list of 10 tips for creating a profile that attracts a great match.

The notion that "Single and looking for you" is an acceptable headline must be stomped. "It doesn't tell anyone anything about your personality or your activities," Peairs says. We're all well aware you're on a dating site because you're (most likely) single and "looking." Think of something more creative to set you apart from the competition. Try "Wow!" or "Guess what?" Peairs suggests, "It just may make someone curious enough to look twice." Use open-ended statements or questions to draw the reader's attention.

"If you asked a question, answer it. If you declared an action, say how you're doing it in your life," Peairs says. For example, if your headline is "What's new?" the first sentence of your profile might say, "My life has changed completely and for the better -- I've started college, found my own place, and landed a cool job!"

If you're into cars, sports or partying, convey those interests with your photos. It's also important to use seasonally appropriate pictures. " If it is summer, post pictures of what you do and how you look during the summer," Peairs said. A clear and current headshot should be used as your primary picture. "First impressions will make or break you. This shot is very important and it's worth having a friend take some posed shots of you to get the best one."

Providing a few examples of the activities you currently participate in, such as volleyball or a book club, will paint a clearer picture of how you spend your time. However, don't hesitate to also state a few things you would like to do with the person you meet, be it skydiving or seeing the latest popular movie.

Talking about your degree in business is great, but it's more interesting if you explain why you chose the major and what you plan to do with it in the future. "It would be better if you said, 'Architecture is amazing -- the way I am learning to create new buildings from the ground up makes me feel like I'm creating a better world,'" says Peairs. While telling people about your college endeavors, you're also providing a clear perspective of you and your goals.

"Avoid statements like 'I don't want anyone who plays games,'" says Peairs. These negative statements usually hint at your tendency to be surrounded by drama, which is something a potential partner would most likely steer clear of. "I enjoy people who are fun and easygoing" is an example of a positive statement likely to attract desired respondents.

If you know what you want -- great! If you don't know what you want, Peairs suggests taking a look at what you're spending most of your time doing. If you are partying a lot, ask yourself if you want someone to party with. If the answer is yes, then write your profile accordingly. If your answer is no, think one step ahead to what you want. Be honest. Saying, "I've been doing the party scene for awhile and I've decided it's time to do something different. I'm thinking of getting involved with a local soccer team or Big Brothers/Sisters program" could attract another party person who also wants to clean up, or someone who already is involved in communal activities and can show you the way.

It's no secret that most college students are lacking in the large bank account department. However, there are ways of expressing these details without saying, "I barely have enough money to do laundry." Try a different approach to explain your lifestyle of getting by with a small amount. "Make sure you state in your profile activities that you can do with limited finances," Peairs says. "For example, 'I enjoy cooking dinners at home, playing Frisbee golf on campus, and having brief, spontaneous telephone conversations throughout the day.'"

How often do you skim your reading materials for the next day's class? Chances are, page-long paragraphs bore you and thus your brain never processes the material you'll need for later. Short paragraphs highlight each of your topic areas and help your reader remember what you said.

Invite your reader to email you so the two of you can get to know each other more in depth. "An invitation inspires action, whether to contact you or to join you on a skiing expedition," says Peairs.

For more tips about writing an Internet dating profile, check out Kristen's web site leapahhacoaching.com.