Category Archives: college planning

career planning, careers, college guidance, college majors, college planning

How to Guide Your Teen in Choosing a College Major

college major

Helping your teen decide on a college major can feel like walking a fine line between offering advice and allowing independence. Many parents worry about whether their child’s choice will lead to a stable career or personal fulfillment.

Parents often feel pressure to help their teens make the “right” choice, especially when the decision can shape future opportunities. However, this stage is as much about personal growth as it is about academics.

Teens are learning to connect their interests with a sense of purpose, and this process takes time. A thoughtful approach encourages curiosity, self-awareness, and confidence, qualities that matter far more than settling on a perfect major from the start. The goal is to create space for exploration while offering the kind of guidance that helps them make thoughtful decisions.

This article explores how parents can help their children choose a meaningful major in college.

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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?

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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.

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

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

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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.”

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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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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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college costs, college planning, financial aid, financial planning, student loans

How America Pays for College

how america pays for college

Families reported spending an average of $30,837 on college during the 2024–25 academic year—up 9% from $28,409 last year and a return to pre-pandemic spending levels, according to “How America Pays for College 2025,” the annual study by Sallie Mae and Ipsos. Family income and savings covered nearly half of costs (48%), followed by scholarships and grants (27%), borrowing (23%), and contributions from family or friends (2%).

For more detailed information beyond the graphic above, you can download the full report here.

back to school, college planning, parenting, Uncategorized

Back-to-School Tips for Parents of High School Students

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS

The new school year is here, and high school students face the challenge of balancing academics, extracurriculars, and social life. As a parent, your support can make a huge difference. These practical back-to-school tips can help your teen thrive this year.

1. Set a Consistent Routine

A predictable daily schedule keeps teens on track. Encourage regular sleep, meal, and study times, along with planned breaks. A consistent routine reduces stress and improves focus.

2. Create an Organized Study Space

A quiet, clutter-free study area helps your teen concentrate. Make sure they have good lighting, necessary supplies, and minimal distractions. Personalize the space to suit their learning style.

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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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