Category Archives: college guidance

career planning, careers, college guidance, college majors

What Parents Should Know About the Changing Job Market for College Grads

changing job market

The old story went like this: study hard, get into a good college, graduate, and the world opens up. For decades, that narrative shaped how parents and students viewed success. But the ground beneath that story is shifting as graduates face a changing job market.

A Business Insider report found that over 41% of graduates in their early and mid-twenties are underemployed. Many are working in jobs that don’t even require a degree. The diploma that once promised security is no longer a golden ticket. Instead, it’s a starting point in a world that rewards adaptability, creativity, and skill over simple credentials.

So what does this mean for the next generation and for the parents guiding them? Let’s look closer.

Continue reading What Parents Should Know About the Changing Job Market for College Grads →
admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

Why Are College Admissions So Competitive Today?

college admissions

If you’re a parent of a college-bound student, you’ve probably noticed that the college admissions process feels more stressful. It is also more competitive than it was a decade ago. Maybe you remember your own college search being simpler. You applied to a handful of schools. You wrote one essay. You waited for the mail to bring either a thick or thin envelope.

Today’s students are facing a high-stakes and data-driven system. The system is often confusing. It feels more like an Olympic event than a rite of passage. The question many parents are asking is: What changed?

Continue reading Why Are College Admissions So Competitive Today? →
career planning, college guidance, college planning, empty nest

How to Survive Going Back to School as an Adult

going back to school

You have been helping your teen get ready for college. It all seems so exciting and you might be wondering what it would be like to go back to school.

If you’ve got a dream that’s been sitting quietly in the back of your mind, maybe going back to school or college has crossed your mind a few times. Whether you want to finish a degree, change careers, or just learn something new for yourself, returning to education can feel like a big step. You might be excited one minute and doubting yourself the next. That’s completely normal. The good thing is, plenty of people do it every year and make it work. You absolutely can too.

Continue reading How to Survive Going Back to School as an Adult →
admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

New College-Bound Surveys Reveal Politics, AI, and Campus Safety Are Impacting the College Search Process

1 Comment
college-bound surveys

Enrollment marketing and admissions experts Spark 451, a Jenzabar Company, today announced the findings of its 14th annual College-Bound Student Survey and Parent Survey of College-Bound Students. The research revealed that, while academic quality was the primary factor for both students and parents when choosing a school, campus safety, political climate, and institutional values played key roles in the college decision process.   

The College-Bound surveys were conducted in the summer of 2025 and consist of responses from more than 1,800 graduating high school seniors and 1,400 parents of recent high school graduates from across the U.S.

“Academic quality, cost, and value remain top priorities for both parents and students, but this year’s findings show growing sensitivity to factors like campus safety, political climate, and institutional values,” said Michael McGetrick, Vice President of Creative and Interactive Services for Spark451, a Jenzabar Company. “At the same time, institutions are adapting. By investing in more student-centered recruitment and communication strategies, they’ve improved the admissions experience—70% of students reported being satisfied with the process this year, up from 62% last year.”

Continue reading New College-Bound Surveys Reveal Politics, AI, and Campus Safety Are Impacting the College Search Process →
admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep, parenting

College Prep Tips from a Parent Who’s Been There

1 Comment
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.

Continue reading College Prep Tips from a Parent Who’s Been There →
academics, admissions, college guidance, college planning

7 Reasons to Choose a Small Liberal Arts College

3 Comments
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.

Continue reading 7 Reasons to Choose a Small Liberal Arts College →
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:

Continue reading A Parent’s Guide to Starting College →
college costs, college guidance, college planning, college prep, financial planning

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

1 Comment
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.

Continue reading The Rise of the 3-Year Degree: What You Need to Know →
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.

Continue reading Legal Documents Every Parent Should Prepare Before College →
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.

Continue reading Parenting Teens: From Helicopter to Co-Pilot →