SAT, standardized tests, test optional, test prep

Standardized Test Tips for Parents

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standardized test tips

Yes, I said parents. Because let’s face it, standardized test prep and test taking will stress the entire household, even the parents. Nancy Berk, author of “College Bound and Gagged” describes it like this:

“Standardized testing can turn your life upside down. In the college-bound process, standardized testing runs at the top when it comes to parent and student stress.”

It’s no secret among parents that the test causes most of us to shake in our boots. We shake because we know the importance that test scores will play in admissions and even scholarships. Knowing this, you can do some things to alleviate the stress and assure that both you and your student emerge from the process unscathed.

Here are a few standardized test tips to help ease the stress and pressure.

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college costs, financial aid, scholarships

How to Find Scholarships on TikTok: A Smart Guide for Students and Parents

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scholarships on TikTok

If your teen is already spending time on TikTok (and let’s be honest, most are), there’s a great opportunity hiding in all that scrolling.

What if some of that screen time could actually pay for college?

More students are discovering scholarships on TikTok through short videos, quick tips, and real-time opportunities, but knowing how to find legitimate ones is key. Students are finding real opportunities, learning insider tips, and even getting reminders about deadlines, all in quick, digestible videos.

But like any online tool, it works best when you know how to use it wisely.

Let’s break down how your student can find scholarships on TikTok by turning it into a smart, effective scholarship search tool without falling into common traps.

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, financial aid, parenting, Resources, Student debt, student loans

How to Help Your Teen Make the Final College Decision: A Parent’s Guide

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final college decision

The May 1 decision deadline is approaching and you and your student are carefully weighing your final college decision options:

  • Do you choose the least expensive college, but not the first choice?
  • Do you choose the college that costs more because it’s their first choice, knowing you are creating financial difficulties for your family?
  • Do you play it safe and commit to the college that gives the most aid, even though it was one of the “safe” ones on the list?
  • Do you take a deep breath and jump at the dream college, hoping you will find a way to pay for it?

Those were my family’s choices twenty years ago and although it was difficult for my daughter to accept, we learned some lessons along the way that might help you as the May 1 deadline approaches.

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FAFSA, financial aid, financial planning, merit aid, Resources, Student debt, student loans

Financial Aid Explained for Parents: FAFSA, Student Loans, Grants, Merit Aid & Award Letters

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For many families, understanding financial aid feels more stressful than the college application process itself. Between unfamiliar terminology, changing FAFSA rules, and confusing award letters, parents often struggle to determine what college will actually cost.

This guide breaks down how financial aid works, what each type of aid means, and how parents can confidently compare college offers.

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admissions, standardized tests, test optional

Test-Optional Colleges: Should Your Student Submit ACT or SAT Scores?

test-optional colleges

Over the past few years, many colleges shifted to test-optional admissions, meaning students are not required to submit standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT.

At first glance, this sounds simple: if your student doesn’t want to submit scores, they don’t have to. But the reality is more nuanced. In many cases, submitting scores can still strengthen an application, while in other situations it’s better to leave them out.

For parents of college-bound teens, the key question becomes: Should my student submit their test scores even if the college is test-optional?

Here’s how to decide.

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admissions, in the news, parenting

BYU Acceptance Letter Mistake 2026: Rejected Students Told They Were Accepted Again

BYU acceptance letter mistake

In February 2024 thousands of hopeful applicants experienced what every high school senior dreams about followed swiftly by heartbreak. Brigham Young University accidentally sent acceptance notices to students who had actually been denied admission. The congratulatory emails went out prematurely because of a system error, only for many recipients to later receive corrected rejection notices. This BYU acceptance letter mistake was a painful emotional roller coaster for families who had already begun celebrating.

Fast forward to February 2026, and a strikingly similar mistake happened again.

According to news reports, the university mistakenly sent congratulatory acceptance messages to nine students who had been rejected. When those applicants logged into their admissions portals, they saw “You’re accepted!” only to later find the message replaced by a rejection after the error was discovered and corrected. BYU has since apologized to those affected and acknowledged that the mistake caused confusion and disappointment.

One of the students affected, 18-year-old Owen Johansen, captured the emotional whiplash many experienced. “At first when I was accepted, I was really excited,” Owen told local media, a reaction that’s easy to imagine for anyone who has waited anxiously for college news. But when the acceptance notice was replaced with a rejection, his feelings turned sharply negative: “I was really mad,” he said, adding that he felt the situation could’ve been handled “way better.”

Owen’s mother, Talai Johansen, also spoke out, expressing how the family was initially thrilled and urging the university to offer more than just a formal apology. She suggested they consider admitting the mistakenly rejected students because “it is the right thing to do.” I have to agree with her.

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college planning, college prep, technology

Why AI Tools Are Reshaping Your Teen’s College Choices

The college search process is changing, and many parents don’t even realize it’s happening.

A recent article from Inside Higher Ed confirms that today’s students aren’t just using Google to research colleges. Increasingly, they’re asking AI tools questions like:

  • “What are affordable colleges with strong biology programs?”
  • “Which schools have the best job placement after graduation?”
  • “Where can I get merit aid with a 3.7 GPA?”

Instead of sorting through websites, rankings, and brochures, students are getting:

  • school recommendations
  • program comparisons
  • cost/value insights
  • career outcome data

All from a single AI-generated response.

And colleges are already adjusting their marketing strategies to make sure their schools appear in those answers.

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college prep, independence, MamaBear, parenting

How to Scan, Store, and Access Your Teen’s Power of Attorney Before College Move-In

Your senior is heading to college next year, and your to-do list feels never-ending.

Once they have received their offers of admission and financial aid awards, the next big step is deciding which college to attend.

You should be thinking ahead as well, and if you’re smart, you have already purchased Mama Bear Legal Forms and completed them for your student.

Here’s what surprises most families—once your child becomes a legal adult, you no longer automatically have the right to:

  • Speak with doctors about their medical care
  • Access health information
  • Handle financial matters
  • Step in during an emergency

Even if you’re paying tuition. Even if they’re still on your insurance. Even if they call you first.

Without the proper documents in place, privacy laws can prevent you from helping when it matters most.

Now the practical question becomes:

Where should you store it—and how will you access it quickly if your student needs you once they’re on campus?

These are common questions parents ask after completing documents with Mama Bear Legal Forms. The good news? There’s an easy solution.

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college prep, independence, summer programs

How Summer Programs Help Teens Prepare for College

summer programs

For parents of college-bound teens, summer break can feel like a balancing act: you want your student to recharge, but you also don’t want three months to pass without growth or direction. That’s where summer programs come in.

Today’s summer opportunities go far beyond traditional camps. Teens can explore academic interests, career paths, leadership skills, and independence, all while strengthening qualities colleges value. When chosen thoughtfully, a summer program can become one of the most meaningful parts of a teen’s high school journey.

Let’s explore what these programs offer and why they’re worth considering.

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Alternatives to College, career planning, careers, Resources

Alternatives to College: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Choose the Right Path

alternatives to college

Parents of high school students are increasingly searching for alternatives to college, career training options, and practical pathways that align with their teen’s strengths. The goal isn’t to steer teens away from higher education, it’s to guide them toward the right educational and career path for their individual learning style, interests, and readiness.

For decades, parents were told that a traditional four-year college degree was the clearest path to success. But today’s career landscape tells a more nuanced story. While college remains an excellent option for many students, it is not the best fit for every teen, and recognizing that can open doors to rewarding, financially stable careers.

If your teen is unsure about a traditional college route, this is not a failure, it’s an opportunity for thoughtful exploration.

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Helping parents with all aspects of college prep