Category Archives: admissions

admissions, college fairs, college planning, college prep

What is a Christian College?

christian college

As you explore colleges and universities, you’ll likely notice many that identify as Christian. But what exactly does that mean, and how does a Christian college differ from other institutions of higher education?

For students and families exploring faith-based options, it helps to understand what sets Christian colleges apart. With an emphasis on spiritual growth, service opportunities, and Christ-centered academics, these schools go beyond simply awarding a degree—they aim to equip students to live out their faith in every aspect of life.

A Christian college is an institution of higher education that is founded upon and operates according to Christian principles and teachings. These colleges integrate faith and learning, aiming to provide an academic environment where spiritual development is considered as important as intellectual growth.

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admissions, career planning, college prep, financial aid, independence

The Top 7 Conversations Parents Have During College Prep

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Top conversations parents have during college prep

If you’re the parent of a high school student preparing for college, chances are you’re having many of the same conversations as other families going through this journey. The process can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Here are the top conversations parents have during college prep:

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admissions, parenting, social networks

Social Media and College Admissions: What Parents Should Be Aware Of

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social media and college admissions

When it comes to college prep, parents usually focus on grades, test scores, and application deadlines. But there’s another area that’s becoming increasingly relevant and sometimes overlooked: your teen’s social media presence. College admissions officers aren’t just reading essays and transcripts. In some cases, they’re Googling applicants and checking out what’s publicly available online.

So, what should parents know about the role of social media and college admissions, and how can you help your teen put their best digital foot forward?

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admissions, college apps, college guidance, college planning, college prep

College Hopes and Worries Survey

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hopes

The last few months have been a nerve-racking stretch for the more than 1 million high school seniors and their parents receiving decisions about their college applications. According to a January 16 report from Common App, an organization that has more than 860 colleges among its member institutions, applications are up 7% this year (up 3% to private institutions and 11% to public institutions). Hopes spring eternal. 

If you haven’t been on Reddit lately, spend a few minutes and pop in on the /ApplyingtoCollege subreddit. It’s flooded with students (and some parents) expressing woes over the college application process and the admission offers (or lack thereof) from the Ivies and the UC system of colleges.

It’s amazing to me how many excellent students apply to these schools every year, hoping against hope to get an offer of admission only to be rejected from every one of them. With so many colleges and universities in the country, there are other schools that would offer the same education.

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

Planning for College: 5 Stress-Free Tips

planning for college

Planning for college can feel like juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope, but panicking never helped anyone get into their dream school. It doesn’t have to be a panic. College is the place where you are aiming to kickstart your career. 

And with a few smart steps and a dash of chill out, you can tackle the whole process without losing your mind or your GPA. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just wondering if applying to college will always be so hard, here are 5 stress-free tips to help when planning for college.

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admissions, college guidance, college visits, parenting

Is Your Teen Still Unsure Which College?

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unsure which college

You’ve visited campuses, read every admissions packet, compared financial aid letters, and heard your teen’s pros and cons a dozen times.
But the decision deadline is looming… and they’re still unsure about which college to attend. Now what?

May 1st is just a few days away and your teen still hasn’t made their final decision. How can you help?

First, take a deep breath. It’s completely normal for students to feel overwhelmed or hesitant before committing. The final college decision is a major milestone — and a meaningful opportunity for growth.

As a parent, your role isn’t to make the choice for them, but to guide and support them toward confidence.
Here’s a step-by-step way to help your teen move from feeling stuck to feeling ready.

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admissions, parenting, wait list

Navigating the Wait List

wait list

If your student has been put on the wait list at one of their top-choice schools, take a deep breath—you are definitely not alone. Many families go through this, and while it can feel like you’re stuck in a holding pattern, there are productive and empowering next steps you can take together. Many students have been waitlisted at their dream school, this isn’t the end of the road—it’s just a detour.

Here’s how you can support your teen through the wait list process with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

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admissions, college planning, college prep, parenting

College Application Season Starts Now for Rising Seniors

COLLEGE APPLICATION SEASON

It may still be spring, but college application season is just around the corner. The more your junior does now, the less stressful senior year will be. And summer is the best time to start the process.

Here’s how to set them up for a strong start this summer.

1. Brainstorm Essay Ideas

Encourage your student to reflect on meaningful life moments and write down possible personal statement topics. These early brainstorms can turn into solid essay drafts later on.

Parent Tip: Ask questions like “What’s something you’re proud of?” or “When did you overcome a challenge?”

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admissions, college prep, graduation, parenting

Key Things Seniors Must Do Before Graduation

graduation

As graduation draws near, your senior is almost at the finish line—but a few final tasks still need your attention. Helping your teen wrap up their college plans now can prevent headaches later. Here’s your parent-friendly checklist of what to tackle this spring.

1. Finalize the College Decision

Support your student as they compare financial aid offers and consider how each campus feels in terms of community, academics, and future opportunities. Encourage them to reach out to current students or attend a virtual event to help with their final decision.

Parent Tip: Use a spreadsheet to track cost, location, graduation rate, job outcomes, and gut feelings.

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admissions, financial aid, parenting, Student debt

When Your Teen Gets Into Their Dream College—But You Can’t Afford It

dream college
Image by Carla Bosteder from Pixabay

When my daughter opened the email, I saw the joy light up her face. Congratulations! She got in. She did it. Her dream college, the one she had been talking about for years, was offering her a spot.

For a moment, everything felt perfect.

I let myself soak in her excitement. I hugged her tightly. I even let myself imagine what it would be like—move-in day, walking around that beautiful campus, wearing the school sweatshirt with pride. I thought about all the years of hard work, the late-night study sessions, the endless applications, the moments of doubt she had overcome. This was supposed to be it.

Then, the financial aid package arrived.

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