All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

college prep, mom approved tips, parenting

What’s a Mother Worth?

mother

Mother – noun – a person who does the work of twenty. For free. (see also superhero, warrior, saint).

Sunday is Mother’s Day. No amount of pay can adequately communicate how much a mother is really worth. Her value is priceless. They say you can’t put a price on love, but can you put a price on what a mother is worth?

Salary.com thinks you can and their annual Mom Salary Wizard lets you calculate just how much all your mom work is worth based on real salary data.

From a survey of over 6,000 moms, they found that these super-human women perform a huge range of jobs all rolled into one: from CEO to Psychologist, a mom’s work is never done.

Continue reading What’s a Mother Worth? →
college guidance, graduation, parenting, surviving college

Parenting a Soon-to-be College Student

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college student

Sending your child off to college can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent, drawing on memories of our own transitions. Yet amidst our own apprehensions, it’s essential not to overlook the need to provide unwavering support and encouragement to your soon-to-be college student as they embark on this significant journey.

Continue reading Parenting a Soon-to-be College Student →
admissions, college news, college planning

Colleges Still Accepting Applications

applications

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, timing can often be crucial. For many students, the college application process can be a whirlwind of deadlines, essays, and decisions. But what happens if you miss those deadlines or simply need more time to decide on your future path?

Fear not, as there are still opportunities available. Several colleges and universities understand that life doesn’t always adhere to strict deadlines, and they’re extending their application windows to accommodate prospective students. Let’s explore some of these institutions and the opportunities they offer.

Continue reading Colleges Still Accepting Applications →
college fairs, college guidance, college planning, college prep

Why You Should Attend College Fairs

college fairs

College fairs are often bustling events, filled with eager students, university representatives, and stacks of brochures. While the thought of navigating through a sea of booths might seem daunting, attending a college fair can be an invaluable experience for anyone considering higher education. If your student is a high school junior just beginning their college search, here’s why they should make it a point to attend college fairs.

Continue reading Why You Should Attend College Fairs →
college costs, financial aid, financial planning

Navigating Net Price Calculators

Net price calculators


Before your student applies to any college, it’s important to understand the cost of attendance as it applies to your family’s financial situation. Many disappointments can be avoided if this is the first step before applying to any college. We made that mistake with my daughter and although she got into her first-choice college, we simply could not afford it. If we had been realistic about the cost, we would have discouraged her from applying and steered her toward more affordable options.

With the rising costs of higher education, understanding the true financial implications of attending college has become increasingly crucial for students and their families. Net price calculators, often available on college websites, offer valuable insights into the actual cost of attending a particular institution after factoring in financial aid and scholarships. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to utilize these calculators effectively:

Continue reading Navigating Net Price Calculators →
admissions, college guidance, college planning, college visits

Choosing the Right Path Amidst Multiple College Offers

college offers


The college decision deadline is approaching for those seniors who have been accepted to colleges and have multiple college offers. Even though some have extended their decision deadlines beyond May 1 due to the FAFSA issues, parents and students are evaluating colleges and comparing offers.

Deciding which college to attend can be one of the most significant decisions in a young person’s life. With multiple offers on the table, the choice can feel overwhelming. However, with careful consideration and a structured approach, you can navigate this maze and choose the college that aligns best with your goals, preferences, and aspiration.

Continue reading Choosing the Right Path Amidst Multiple College Offers →
college planning, college prep, GPA, high school

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 →
college guidance, college prep, college visits

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.

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in the news, parenting

For All the Moms Raising College-Bound Teens

moms

Mommyhood can be awesome, but it’s also super tough. Between keeping humans alive, managing the house, and being everyone’s emotional cheerleader, it’s no wonder a new study from Cricut found that 85% of moms say they just want more time for self-care practices.

Although taking care of yourself is essential, Cricut’s study found a stark reality that an alarming 60% of women feel overwhelmed with their various roles and daily responsibilities and 65% of women admitted they don’t prioritize self-care as much as they’d like.  

Self-care for moms isn’t just about individual well-being; it’s about healthy families and thriving communities. When mothers are empowered, they can create nurturing environments for their children, fostering positive cycles that benefit everyone.  

Continue reading For All the Moms Raising College-Bound Teens →
FAFSA, financial aid, financial planning

When Your Financial Aid Award Isn’t What You Expected

financial aid award

As parents, we often have high hopes and expectations for our children’s education, and financial aid plays a crucial role in making those aspirations a reality. However, what should you do when your student’s financial aid award isn’t what you anticipated?

In this guide, we’ll explore steps you can take to address the situation and ensure your child receives the support they need for their academic journey.

Continue reading When Your Financial Aid Award Isn’t What You Expected →