The Best Thing Your Teen Can Do This Summer for College (It’s Not Another Internship)
Every parent is signing their teen up for something this summer. A camp. A course. A research program that looks impressive on an application. A volunteer trip. A summer job that teaches responsibility. All of it was well-intentioned. Most of it is genuinely valuable. But the most important thing your teen could do this summer […]
Is Your Teen Really Prepared for College? What the Standard Checklist Misses
You’ve done everything right. The tutor. The SAT prep. The AP classes. The sport. The volunteer hours on weekends. You’ve read the guides, followed the advice, and shown up for your teen in every way the college planning world told you to. And yet — ask your teen what they want to do with their […]
If You’re More Worried About College Than Your Teen Is, Read This
Can I be honest with you for a minute? I talk to a lot of parents, and there’s something I hear over and over—usually said quietly, almost like a confession: “I think I’m more stressed about college than my kid is.” Sometimes it comes with a nervous laugh. Sometimes with frustration. Sometimes with tears. If […]
How to Motivate Your High School Teen: 5 Strategies for the Mid-Semester Slump (Without Nagging)
Stop Guessing: How to Help Your Teen Find Their Best-Fit Path Before It Gets Expensive
Every year, I meet families who say, “We thought our teen would figure it out in college.” By the time that happens, it often costs thousands of dollars and results in lost time. Nearly 80% of college students change their major at least once, sometimes multiple times, which can add tens of thousands in extra tuition and […]
SAT vs ACT Differences: What Parents Need to Know in 2025
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 […]
Junior Year College Prep: The Secret to Senior Year Success
Junior year can feel like a “safe” zone—no big deadlines yet, and senior year still seems far away. But here’s the truth: the choices your teen makes now directly impact their success next year. The right prep during junior year prevents last-minute stress, rushed applications, and missed scholarship opportunities—setting them up for senior year clarity […]
The Senior Year College Checklist for Parents Who Feel Behind
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 […]
Is Your Teen on Track for Life After High School? Here’s How to Know—And What to Do If They’re Not
Worried Your Teen Might Be Off Track? Start with this free, quick quiz: “10 Signs Your Teen Might Be Off Track” to find out—then read on for the steps you can take to help them move forward with clarity and confidence. Download the Quiz Now It creeps up fast. One day, you’re reminding your teen […]
The Real Price Tag: Hidden College Costs Every Parent Needs to Know
You’ve budgeted for tuition, room, and board—but what about everything else? College Is Expensive—But Not Just in the Ways You Think Most parents expect the big numbers: tuition, housing, meal plans. But those are just the tip of the iceberg. One of the most common surprises I hear when working with families is how much wasn’t in […]