Category Archives: college prep

The Crucial Semester of Junior Year

junior year

As high school students journey through their academic careers, the junior year stands out as a pivotal time, especially as they approach the final semester. This critical period holds immense significance for those aspiring to pursue higher education.

With college applications looming on the horizon, the final semester of junior year serves as a crucial window of opportunity for students to showcase their academic prowess, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth.

Let’s delve into why this phase is so pivotal in shaping students’ future academic endeavors.

Continue reading The Crucial Semester of Junior Year

Questions to Ask on a College Tour

college tour

When your student is touring a college for the first time, they will have many opportunities to ask questions. They must not squander the opportunity and take advantage of the chance to get more acquainted with the college and campus life during the college tour.

Before you visit, your student should brainstorm and prepare. Don’t ask questions like “what’s the student/faculty ratio” or “how many people apply every year.”  The answers to basic questions like these are usually readily available in the school’s online and offline publications.

Continue reading Questions to Ask on a College Tour

2024 College Admissions Trends for Parents

college admissions trends

Parents have so many questions about college admissions. It’s a maze and can be frustrating.

Understanding how college admissions works can help you navigate the college application journey. Knowledge is power and knowing the new trends in college admissions gives you power during the college prep process.

Here are five college admissions trends from College Data that give insight into the admissions landscape this year.

Continue reading 2024 College Admissions Trends for Parents

Exploring Colleges Near and Far

exploring colleges

Choosing the right college is a pivotal decision in a student’s life, and college visits play a crucial role in this process. A recent study found that 82% of students visit a college before attending.

Whether you’re exploring colleges close to home or considering options that are farther away, each experience contributes to shaping your academic journey.

Let’s explore the significance of college visits, sharing insights on both local and distant exploration.

Continue reading Exploring Colleges Near and Far

Tips for Becoming a Teenage Entrepreneur

One of the things your student can do to set themselves apart in the admissions process is to start and maintain their own business. This guest post from a successful teenage entrepreneur should give you and your student some tips that can help in the process.


teenage entrepreneur

Venturing into entrepreneurship as a teenager opens up a world of opportunities to shape your future, hone critical skills, and potentially make a significant impact. For those young visionaries eager to step into the business arena, grasping the essential steps to success is crucial. This journey promises not only personal growth but the chance to bring innovative ideas to life. In this article, I will explore foundational strategies to assist budding entrepreneurs in establishing a robust base for their ventures and effectively steering through the intricacies of the entrepreneurial world.

Continue reading Tips for Becoming a Teenage Entrepreneur

10 Things Parents Should Not Do on the College Application

college application

College application season is a stressful time for the students, but a stressful time for parents as well. It’s hard to step back after 18 years of holding their hands and let go of the reigns while they complete the application.

If you don’t let go, however, you could be hurting your student more than helping them. College admissions officers look for students who rule the process and can spot those applications where parents take control. Know this, here are 10 things parents should not do on their kid’s college application.

Continue reading 10 Things Parents Should Not Do on the College Application

Communicating With Your College-Bound Teenager

communicating

During the college prep process, communication is key. You and your teen will need to discuss all sorts of topics from school choice, to finances, to college majors, and other college-related topics. Communicating with teenagers can be both rewarding and challenging. You know, as a parent of a teenager, there are times when both of you struggle to communicate.

Here are some tips to help you connect with your teenager:

Continue reading Communicating With Your College-Bound Teenager

Motivating an Unmotivated Student Toward the Future

unmotivated student


My son was an unmotivated student. He skated through high school with average grades and didn’t begin to think about college until the spring of his senior year. He decided he wanted to go to a military academy, and of course, it was too late to meet the requirements for application. Panicking about his future, he made the decision to join the Marines; and believe me, I was not a happy parent. In the end, however, it was a good choice for him.

Entering the realm of college preparation can be an overwhelming journey for many students. Some may find themselves unmotivated, dragging their feet, and questioning whether they are even college material. As parents, it’s essential to recognize this struggle and provide the necessary support and encouragement to help your student unlock their full potential.

Continue reading Motivating an Unmotivated Student Toward the Future

Navigating the College Prep Journey with your Teen

navigating the college prep journey

Navigating the college prep journey with your teen is a transformative and sometimes challenging experience. As your teenager embarks on the journey towards higher education, parents need to provide guidance, support, and a nurturing environment. This article aims to offer practical tips and insights on how to navigate this crucial period in your teenager’s life.

Open communication is essential.

Establishing open and honest communication is the foundation for successful parenting during college prep. Encourage your teenager to share their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations. Actively listen and provide a non-judgmental space for them to express themselves. This will foster a strong parent-teenager relationship built on trust.

Continue reading Navigating the College Prep Journey with your Teen