Category Archives: college planning

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

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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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college fairs, college planning, college prep

How to Make the Most of Spring College Fairs and Info Sessions

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Spring is full of opportunities to connect with colleges through college fairs and virtual events. These events can open new doors, but preparation is key. Here’s how to help your student navigate college fairs and make lasting impressions.

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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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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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college guidance, college planning, college prep, parenting, Wednesdays parent

What Juniors Should Be Doing This Spring to Prepare for Senior Year

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 Spring is a critical time for high school juniors to start thinking ahead, and as a parent, your support and guidance can make a huge difference. The more your student does now, the smoother their senior year and college application process will be. Here are key steps juniors should be taking this spring—with detailed actions and how you can help them prepare for what’s ahead.

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college planning, college safety

BunkTrunk: Keep College Valuables Safe

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Before you know it, college move-in day will be here. Students will be deciding which items to take to college and which should be left behind. Knowing the nature of a college dorm room, students are hesitant to  take anything valuable with them to college. Even with supposed secure dorm entrances and locks on doors, most students do not take advantage of these safeguards.

Students allow other students to enter dorms without a key card and often leave their doors open or unlocked when going to class or other campus activities. No matter how conscientious your student is, they can’t count on a roommate to follow the same guidelines. Laptops, expensive textbooks, iPhones and other electronics are easily stolen in an instant if left unattended or secured. BunkTrunk, a genius invention from a parent who met their student’s need is a must-have for any college student. It’s easily assembled by the student and it’s affordable–worth every penny you will spend.

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

Rolling Admission: A Stress-Free Path to College Acceptance

rolling admission
Image by u_7csqbq4k4j from Pixabay

The college application process can be overwhelming, especially for students who are still undecided, have faced rejection, or simply want to reduce stress. Fortunately, rolling admission provides a flexible and less nerve-wracking way to gain acceptance into college. If you or your student are feeling the pressure of deadlines and decision-making, rolling admission might be the perfect solution.

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college planning, college prep, parenting

The Building Blocks of a Good Education

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education
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Every parent wants their child to receive the best education possible, however, academic success is not just about choosing the right school. A child’s education is shaped by their home environment and learning habits.

Parents play a crucial role in fostering a love for learning. This is going to ensure your child reaches their full potential. By being actively involved and encouraging curiosity, you are going to help set the foundation for knowledge.

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admissions, college planning, financial aid

Students Express Angst on Reddit About College Decisions

college decisions

If you’ve been scrolling through Reddit lately as I have or talking to high school seniors, you know that waiting for college decisions can feel like absolute torture. The uncertainty, the constant “where are you going to college?” questions, and the fear of rejection make this one of the most emotionally exhausting times of your life. You’re not alone in feeling this way.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of College Decisions

Some students are feeling hopeless. Others have stopped sleeping entirely. Some have even joked about “ways to torture yourself after not getting in.” The reality is that this waiting period is filled with anxiety, self-doubt, and sometimes even despair. But here’s the truth: No matter what happens, this moment does not define your future.

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