Category Archives: college prep

admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep, extracurricular activities

Colleges Value Students With International Experience

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international experience

College admissions have become increasingly competitive, and strong grades alone are no longer enough to help students stand out. The truth is that colleges are also looking for a range of qualities, including adaptability, independence, and communication skills. They want students who can actively contribute to campus life and succeed in a diverse environment. 

So, students need to prove their worth to be admitted. This is one reason international experience has become more valuable in the admissions process. Indeed, students who attend an international boarding school are more likely to be exposed to new perspectives and responsibilities, which can translate into individuals who are more likely to adjust, grow, and succeed in a college environment. 

While international schools can be tough to finance, more and more institutions offer merit-based scholarships for their academics, sports, and music students, ensuring they can access opportunities that support their personal growth and long-term goals. Here are the top reasons why you want to ensure your child can get access to an international school. 

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college planning, college prep, technology

Why AI Tools Are Reshaping Your Teen’s College Choices

The college search process is changing, and many parents don’t even realize it’s happening.

A recent article from Inside Higher Ed confirms that today’s students aren’t just using Google to research colleges. Increasingly, they’re asking AI tools questions like:

  • “What are affordable colleges with strong biology programs?”
  • “Which schools have the best job placement after graduation?”
  • “Where can I get merit aid with a 3.7 GPA?”

Instead of sorting through websites, rankings, and brochures, students are getting:

  • school recommendations
  • program comparisons
  • cost/value insights
  • career outcome data

All from a single AI-generated response.

And colleges are already adjusting their marketing strategies to make sure their schools appear in those answers.

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college prep, independence, MamaBear, parenting

How to Scan, Store, and Access Your Teen’s Power of Attorney Before College Move-In

Your senior is heading to college next year, and your to-do list feels never-ending.

Once they have received their offers of admission and financial aid awards, the next big step is deciding which college to attend.

You should be thinking ahead as well, and if you’re smart, you have already purchased Mama Bear Legal Forms and completed them for your student.

Here’s what surprises most families—once your child becomes a legal adult, you no longer automatically have the right to:

  • Speak with doctors about their medical care
  • Access health information
  • Handle financial matters
  • Step in during an emergency

Even if you’re paying tuition. Even if they’re still on your insurance. Even if they call you first.

Without the proper documents in place, privacy laws can prevent you from helping when it matters most.

Now the practical question becomes:

Where should you store it—and how will you access it quickly if your student needs you once they’re on campus?

These are common questions parents ask after completing documents with Mama Bear Legal Forms. The good news? There’s an easy solution.

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college prep, independence, summer programs

How Summer Programs Help Teens Prepare for College

summer programs

For parents of college-bound teens, summer break can feel like a balancing act: you want your student to recharge, but you also don’t want three months to pass without growth or direction. That’s where summer programs come in.

Today’s summer opportunities go far beyond traditional camps. Teens can explore academic interests, career paths, leadership skills, and independence, all while strengthening qualities colleges value. When chosen thoughtfully, a summer program can become one of the most meaningful parts of a teen’s high school journey.

Let’s explore what these programs offer and why they’re worth considering.

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admissions, college planning, college prep

How to Improve Your Teen’s Chances of Admission to College

chances of admission

Getting into college today feels very different than it did even a decade ago. Acceptance rates are lower, applications are up, and many students are applying to 10, 15, or even 20 schools. For parents of college-bound teens, the process can feel overwhelming and high stakes.

The good news is that college admissions is not a mystery. There are concrete steps parents can take to help their teens build a strong, competitive application over time. This guide breaks down what colleges look for and how families can support students in improving their chances of admission without burning out or losing perspective.

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admissions, college guidance, college news, college planning, college prep, education

Is Early Decision on Its Way Out?

early decison

If you’re the parent of a college-bound teen, you’ve probably heard about Early Decision (ED), the “binding” admissions plan that can sometimes boost your student’s chances of getting into a dream school. But as more families question the fairness of college admissions, some wonder: Is Early Decision on its way out?

The short answer: not yet, but the pressure is building.

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admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

Why Are College Admissions So Competitive Today?

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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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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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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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