Category Archives: college guidance

Choosing the Right School

school

Picking a new school or college can be a long and arduous experience. Not only does it seem like there are so many schools to choose from, but it can also be tricky to determine what’s best for your child. Although many schools offer something unique, it can be hard to find one that ticks all the boxes. So, how can you know if a school is right for your child no matter how old they are? Here are four vital factors to consider. 

Continue reading Choosing the Right School

Making the Most of Your College Experience

college

Going to college is about much more than just learning an academic subject. In today’s society, it’s just about the closest thing we have to a rite of passage. Young people attend universities to become adults and survive in the real world. It’s a sort of half-way house between school and the world of work. 

As such, college isn’t just for learning. And while remote courses might be convenient, they’re not as fulfilling. Students need a university experience to set them on the right track in life and get them to where they want to be. 

Studying hard for college courses during the week is okay. But students should really focus on dedicating time to other things on campus. It can’t all just be about work. 

Continue reading Making the Most of Your College Experience

There’s More to Extracurriculars Than Sports

extracurriculars

Any parent who is looking at college applications knows how important getting involved in extracurriculars can be. Your teen might not have the involvement in school activities that are going to impress the kinds of colleges they are looking for, but it’s not too late. However, there’s no denying that children who aren’t sporty can find it tougher to find the activities that they like. Here are some of the options you might want to nudge them towards instead.

Continue reading There’s More to Extracurriculars Than Sports

Jobs for College Students

Many college students will need to work in order to help pay their way through college. As their parents, this is something you should definitely encourage as it will teach them the value of hard work and the importance of paying for one’s way through life.

There are lots of jobs that college students can take on from working fast food to helping out in the college library, and you and your kids have probably already considered them, but there are also some lesser-known options that might be more rewarding in terms of job satisfaction and financial remuneration, so let’s take a look at a few of them right now.

Continue reading Jobs for College Students

Should Your Student Apply to 40 Colleges?

colleges

I read a post from a parent on one of the Facebook groups I follow. Her son was applying to 40 colleges and she asked how he was going to do it using the Common App since there is a maximum of 20 allowed in the application.

Parents chimed in with suggestions on how to supplement the Common App by applying via college websites and choosing alternate college applications. I read all the suggestions, which were logical and helpful. I kept wondering if anyone would respond by encouraging her to help her son narrow down his list.

Finally, someone spoke up with that suggestion. I’m hoping the mother took their advice because it was the most logical of all.

Continue reading Should Your Student Apply to 40 Colleges?

5 Ways to Handle Difficult Situations in College

college

No one ever said that college would be easy. In fact, for many students, it can be downright difficult. From balancing classes and work to dealing with personal problems, there are a lot of situations that can arise during your time in school. If you’re not prepared for them, they can easily throw you off track. That’s why we’ve gathered some tips from the pros on how to handle difficult situations at college.

Continue reading 5 Ways to Handle Difficult Situations in College

How to Pay Less for College

pay less for college

If you’re a parent of a college-bound teen, you know the stress this adds to your family. If you are like most parents, the money you saved for college has not kept up with the increase in tuition. If your son or daughter isn’t one of the ones who snag a full ride, you are going to be looking for ways to cut those college costs.

Here are just a few tips that might help you pay less for college:

Continue reading How to Pay Less for College

5 Things to Make Time for Before College in the Fall

college

The days and weeks before your child heads off to college can be manic. You have so many things to arrange to ensure that they are prepared for flying the nest and starting classes that you rarely get a moment to sit down and think. 

However, there are a few things you should absolutely make time for before they head off to college and out of your home, including the following:

Continue reading 5 Things to Make Time for Before College in the Fall

When Parent and Student College Choices Differ

college choices

The teenage years are all about the battles. The nature of the relationship between teens and their parents lends itself to conflict. The wise parent uses these conflicts as teaching lessons. The wiser parent learns when to recognize their teen’s desire for independence and let go and when to stand firm.

The college process often brings conflict between parent and student college choices. The following is a list of do’s and don’ts for parents when the conflict arises:

Continue reading When Parent and Student College Choices Differ

Helping Teens Build Positive Relationships

Every parent wants their child to build strong relationships and friendships that have a positive impact on their health and well-being. It’s not always easy to make friends, and this can be a source of worry and anxiety for parents as their kids prepare to start high school or college. In this guide, we’ll outline some top tips to help teens forge positive relationships. 

Continue reading Helping Teens Build Positive Relationships