Category Archives: college guidance

admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep, parenting

College Prep Tips from a Parent Who’s Been There

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college prep

Let’s be honest, if you’re a parent with a kid prepping for college, it can feel like you’re riding a roller coaster you never bought tickets for. As someone who’s now watched both my kids go through college prep and come out on the other side, I know just how wild the season can get. College stuff takes over: SATs, essays, applications, and everyone stressing about whether you’re doing enough. But trust me, there are ways to make it easier on both you and your student and maybe even enjoy the ride a little. Here’s what I learned along the way.

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academics, admissions, college guidance, college planning

7 Reasons to Choose a Small Liberal Arts College

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liberal arts college

When families start the college search, big-name universities often steal the spotlight. Large campuses, nationally ranked sports teams, and well-known brand names can feel like the safest path.

Just as my daughter did, many students find their best fit — academically, socially, and financially — at a small liberal arts college (often called an SLAC). If your teen is exploring college options, it’s worth understanding what these schools offer and why they may be the right choice.

1. A Truly Personal Learning Environment

Small liberal arts colleges are typically home to 1,000–3,000 students, compared to tens of thousands at major universities. This means your child will likely sit in classrooms with 15–20 students, not 200. Professors get to know students by name, notice when they’re struggling, and often become mentors. For students who thrive on personal attention, close discussion, and the chance to speak up, this setting can make a big difference.

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college guidance, dorm life, empty nest, parenting

A Parent’s Guide to Starting College

starting college

Watching your child leave for college brings a mix of pride and worry, which is completely natural as a parent. 

It is a significant shift for everyone involved, from you as parents, your child who is leaving, and any other children you have at home. 

Daily routines change. Conversations become less frequent. You want to support your child but also help them become independent. 

Think of it like teaching your child to drive. At some point, they steer on their own. With precise planning and communication, this transition can be easier for both of you.

Below is a parent’s guide to starting college:

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college costs, college guidance, college planning, college prep, financial planning

The Rise of the 3-Year Degree: What You Need to Know

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3-year degree

If you’re the parent of a college-bound student, you’ve probably had a few sleepless nights wondering: How are we going to afford this? Between rising tuition, student loan anxiety, and the pressure to launch into the workforce quickly, the traditional four-year degree may feel out of step with today’s realities.

Fortunately, a growing number of colleges and universities are now offering a faster, more affordable option: the three-year degree.

Here’s what’s behind the trend—and how to tell if it might be a smart fit for your teen.

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college guidance, MamaBear, parenting

Legal Documents Every Parent Should Prepare Before College

legal documents from mamabear

When your child turns 18 and heads off to college, it marks a big milestone—for both of you. They’re gaining independence, starting a new chapter, and legally becoming an adult. But here’s something many parents don’t realize until it’s too late: once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic access to their medical, financial, or academic information—even in emergencies.

To stay informed and be able to step in if needed, it’s smart to have a few important legal documents in place before move-in day. Here are legal documents every family should consider when sending a young adult off to college.

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college guidance, high school, independence, parenting

Parenting Teens: From Helicopter to Co-Pilot

parenting

As your teen enters high school or begins planning for life after graduation, your parenting role needs to evolve. You’re no longer in the driver’s seat—but you’re not out of the car either. Welcome to the co-pilot phase.

In this stage, your support is still crucial, but it looks different. You’re no longer managing every detail of their life. Instead, you’re coaching, encouraging, and stepping back—just enough for them to take the lead.

Let’s talk about what this shift looks like and why it matters.

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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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Alternatives to College, college guidance, college planning, parenting

When Plan B Becomes the Best Plan

plan b

What do you do when Plan A doesn’t work out and your student is forced to take a look at Plan B? Here’s what happened in our family.

My son had his heart set on one school. For years, he talked about attending the United States Naval Academy. His walls were covered in Navy posters, he subscribed to their YouTube channel, and he even attended a summer seminar program there between his junior and senior year. He admired the discipline, the challenge, and the honor of service. When it came time to apply, he poured everything into the process: excellent grades, participation in NJROTC competitions, letters of recommendation, and hours spent polishing his personal statement.

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