college planning, parenting

Parenting Teens Headed to College

parenting teens

The journey of parenting takes on new dimensions as your teenager prepares to embark on the exciting adventure of college life. As college approaches, the emotions and challenges can be overwhelming for both parents and teens alike. This transitional period requires a delicate balance of support, communication, and empowerment.

Here are some effective strategies for parenting teens who are about to enter college.

  1. Foster Open Communication

Establishing and maintaining open lines of communication is crucial during this transitional period. Encourage your teenager to share their thoughts, concerns, and expectations about college life. Create a safe space for them to express themselves without judgment. Engage in active listening and be genuinely interested in their experiences, anxieties, and aspirations. By fostering open communication, you’ll strengthen your relationship and provide the emotional support they need.

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college prep, entreprenuership, teen jobs

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.

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admissions, college prep, parenting

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.

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FAFSA, financial aid, financial planning

Another Delay for the FAFSA

FAFSA

Another FAFSA delay, yet again.

The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that colleges and universities won’t receive students’ FAFSA information until at least early March. The delay, they said, is the result of the department’s decision to fix an error in how a student’s eligibility is calculated.

In its statement announcing the latest delay, the department also acknowledged that students can’t currently make corrections to their forms and wouldn’t be able to do so until the first half of March.

“With this last-minute news, our nation’s colleges are once again left scrambling as they determine how best to work within these new timelines to issue aid offers as soon as possible,” Justin Draeger, president of the National Association of Student Aid Administrators, said. “Financially vulnerable students shouldn’t be the ones to pay the price for these missteps.”

An Education Department website lists a host of other issues on the new form that are affecting applicants, echoing parents’ frustrations over the last month.

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college planning, college prep, parenting, Uncategorized

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:

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Alternatives to College, college planning, college prep, parenting

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.

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financial aid, financial planning, Student debt, student loans

Exploring the Various Types of Government Student Loans

government student loans

Government student loans play a significant role in providing financial assistance to students who aspire to achieve their academic goals.

Education is a key investment in one’s future, and for many students, financing their education becomes a crucial aspect of pursuing higher studies. With so much confusion these days over which government loans are best and what the difference is, I felt it was time to simplify it for you and create a list along with the specifics on each.

Following are the various types of government student loans available to students in the United States.

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college guidance, college planning, college prep, parenting

Navigating the College Prep Journey with your Teen

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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.

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admissions, college guidance, college majors, college planning, college prep

Choosing a College

choosing a college

Choosing a college is a significant decision that can shape your student’s future, so it’s crucial to approach it with careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when making this important choice:

1. Financial Considerations

This is #1 because it comes before your student even starts their college list. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of your budget and how to manage your finances during college. Evaluate the cost of attending each college, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Research scholarship opportunities, financial aid options, and work-study programs.

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Helping parents navigate the college maze