All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

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.

Continue reading Alternatives to College: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Choose the Right Path →
529 plans, FAFSA, financial planning, Resources

529 Plans Explained: Smart College Savings

529 plans

Every year, parents suddenly start searching the term “529 plans”. Search interest tends to spike around tax season, policy announcements, or financial planning milestones, and that surge tells an important story.

Parents aren’t just curious. They’re actively looking for smart ways to save for college while navigating rising tuition, changing rules, and long-term family finances.

If you’ve recently found yourself wondering whether a 529 plan makes sense, or if you’re revisiting your savings strategy, you’re right on schedule. These spikes in attention often coincide with moments when families pause to reassess their financial priorities. The key is turning that moment of interest into informed action.

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admissions, FAFSA, Resources

College Application and FAFSA Deadlines

college deadlines

If the college admissions process feels overwhelming, you’re not imagining it. Senior year comes with stacked deadlines, unfamiliar acronyms, and high-stakes decisions — often all at once.

This guide breaks down college application deadlines (ED, EA, RD, and rolling) and FAFSA deadlines at both the federal and state level, so parents can help their students stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize financial aid.

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admissions, college planning, college prep

How to Improve Your Teen’s Chances of Admission to College

chances of admission

Getting into college today feels very different than it did even a decade ago. Acceptance rates are lower, applications are up, and many students are applying to 10, 15, or even 20 schools. For parents of college-bound teens, the process can feel overwhelming and high stakes.

The good news is that college admissions is not a mystery. There are concrete steps parents can take to help their teens build a strong, competitive application over time. This guide breaks down what colleges look for and how families can support students in improving their chances of admission without burning out or losing perspective.

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career planning, careers, college majors, Resources

College Majors and Their Average Salaries After Graduation

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college majors

Choosing a college major is one of the most important and stressful decisions families face during the college planning process. Parents often ask the same question: which majors really pay off after graduation?

Common College Majors with Average Earning Potential

While salary shouldn’t be the sole factor in decision-making, understanding average starting salaries and long-term earning potential can help families make informed choices. Below is a breakdown of the most common college majors in the U.S., what graduates typically earn immediately after college, and how those degrees can lead to future career opportunities.

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Resources

Scholarships for College by State

scholarships for college

Many parents and students neglect to search within their own state for scholarships for college. These lists should help you find state-specific scholarships for need or merit-based.

Scholarships.com

Scholarship.com’s scholarship database houses a variety of state scholarships. State scholarships may be offered by state schools, community-based organizations and state-based career initiatives, among others. Students who have lived in one state their entire lives can easily qualify for a state scholarship, and students looking to attend college in a particular state may also be able to win state scholarship awards.

Just like any other scholarships, state scholarships will be both merit and needs-based. Merit scholarships will recognize high school academic achievements and standardized test scores, while needs-based scholarships examine finance and individual ability to pay for college.

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college costs, college guidance, college planning, financial planning, parenting, Student debt

Is College Worth It? A Parent’s Guide to College ROI and Cost

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is college worth it

If you’ve found yourself Googling “Is college worth it?” or “college ROI vs student debt,” you’re not alone.

As 2026 approaches, more parents and students are asking important questions. As college costs keep rising, parents nationwide are searching for answers about college ROI, student loan debt, and whether a degree still offers long-term value. For families with college-bound teens, understanding the true cost of college, and what return you can realistically expect, has become one of the most crucial financial decisions parents will make.

Let’s honestly discuss what “return on investment” truly means when it comes to college and how parents can evaluate it without turning the process into a math problem that takes away the joy of this milestone.

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campus security, in the news, parenting, safety beyond campus

When a School Shooting Hits Home

school shooting

When news breaks about a school shooting on a college campus, it lands differently for families. Even if the incident occurs far from home, it can feel uncomfortably close, especially for parents with teens who are already in college or preparing to go.

The recent shooting at Brown University forces many families to confront a painful reality: college campuses, once widely viewed as safe and sheltered environments, are not immune to violence. For parents and students alike, the emotional impact can be immediate and overwhelming.

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career planning, careers

Why Choose a Trade School

trade school

Many parents (and students) still assume that a 4-year college is the default “successful” path. But trade (or vocational) schools offer real advantages that, depending on your child’s interests and goals, can lead to well-paying, stable, and fulfilling careers.

Why trade school deserves serious consideration

  • Shorter training, faster entry into the workforce. A typical trade-school program lasts 6 months to 2 years, compared with 4 years (or more) for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Lower cost, less debt. Trade school tuition tends to be much lower than a full four-year degree, meaning your child can start working with little to no student-loan debt.
  • Hands-on, career-focused training. Rather than four years of general education + specialization, trade programs emphasize practical skills that directly apply to a job.
  • Strong demand and growing acceptance. Many trades continue to have high demand for qualified workers. As labor markets shift and tuition costs climb, more families are recognizing trades as legitimate, respectable career paths.

In short, trade school can offer a more direct, affordable, and efficient route into a stable career, especially for students who prefer hands-on work, want to avoid heavy debt, or want to start earning sooner.

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