What High School Seniors Should Do This Summer Before Applying to College

Rising high school senior reviews the Common App while outlining her interests, strengths, goals, and college plan before application season.

Most families spend the summer before senior year perfecting the Common App. They work on the essay, compile the activity list, research schools, and build the strongest possible application before the August and September deadlines arrive. Working on the essay. Compiling the activity list. Researching schools. Building the strongest possible application before the August and […]

Why Your Teen Needs a LinkedIn Profile Sooner Than You Think

Teen sitting across from two professionals at a meeting table with laptops, representing networking and college or career readiness.

What if your teen’s next college acceptance or career opportunity came from something they posted online? Nearly every teen is online—97% of U.S. teens use the internet daily (Pew Research)—yet few use that time strategically to build their future career and college readiness. While most scroll social media, a small group is doing something different: creating LinkedIn profiles […]

SAT vs ACT Differences: What Parents Need to Know in 2025

A row of SAT and ACT prep books on a shelf, representing college entrance exam preparation.

If you’re a parent navigating today’s college admissions process, you’ve probably wondered: Should my teen take the SAT, ACT, or skip testing altogether? With many schools now test-optional—and some highly selective colleges reinstating requirements—it can feel overwhelming to know what’s best. Understanding the differences between the SAT and ACT, and how schools are handling them, will help you […]

The Senior Year College Checklist for Parents Who Feel Behind

Mother and teenage daughter smiling while looking at a laptop together, planning senior year college applications at home.

The Senior Year College Checklist for Parents Who Feel Behind Feeling like you’re falling behind in your teen’s college planning? You’re not alone. Over the past few weeks, I’ve heard from countless parents of seniors stressed about deadlines, essays, and campus visits. If that sounds familiar, take a deep breath—there’s still time to get organized […]

“I Wish We Had Started Sooner” – The Biggest College Planning Regrets Parents Have

Family together laughing

Avoid These Costly Mistakes by Taking Action Now Every year, I hear the exact words from parents: “I wish I had known this sooner.” The college planning process can feel overwhelming, and many families believe they have plenty of time—until deadlines pass, scholarship opportunities disappear, and stress takes over. If your teen is in high […]

Unlocking Your Teen’s Strengths: The First Step to Their Future Success

Teen girl laying on bed thinking

As parents, we want our teens to feel confident about their future. But if your teen often says, “I have no idea what I’m good at!” or struggles with self-doubt, you’re not alone. Many teens don’t recognize their strengths because they haven’t had the right tools to uncover them. The good news? Your teen does […]

The Secret to a Smooth College Application Process

Portrait of happy asian male in bright yellow hoodie making having video call sitting at desk at home office and talking with colleagues or family, waving hand to webcam.

Is Hiring a College Essay and Application Coach Worth It? Absolutely! As your teen progresses through high school, the pressure of college applications can become overwhelming. You might wonder if hiring a college essay and application coach is worthwhile.  The answer is a resounding yes! Here’s why: Expert Guidance: College application coaches are seasoned professionals […]

The Power of Summer Internships in College Planning: A Guide for Parents of High Schoolers

High school girls sitting at a desk working on a laptop computer.

Did you know that 70% of colleges consider internships during application review? As the parent of a high schooler navigating the college application maze, you know every step counts. Summer internships offer a powerful edge, fostering career exploration, building valuable skills, and strengthening college applications. Internships aren’t just about reading job descriptions. They propel your […]

Unlock Your Teen’s Future: Summer Strategies for SAT/ACT Success!

ACT vs SAT text.

Summer presents a prime opportunity for high schoolers to focus on college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT without the usual schoolwork distractions. As parents, you play a crucial role in guiding your teen through this process while ensuring they still enjoy their summer break. Here’s your strategic guide to help your teen excel […]