Parents & Guardians

Supporting a student’s future? You’re in the right place. Ask questions, share experiences, and connect with others guiding students toward college and career success.

Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter💰: Grants, Scholarships, Loans, & Work-Study
Deciphering financial aid award letters can feel like unraveling a complex puzzle🧩, but it's a vital step in the college planning process.💯 Let's break it down into manageable components. The first step is understanding the different types of aid and how to evaluate them, which is crucial for minimizing your family's…
Trade School vs. College: Your Guide to Vocational Education
As we discussed in a previous post, college is not the only path to success. More families and students are exploring vocational schools as an option. So, what are trade or vocational schools anyway? Vocational schools, also known as trade schools or career colleges, give you the exact skills and know-how you need for a…
Understanding Graduation Requirements🎓
Senior year goes by so quickly, and it can be hard to stay on top of all the graduation requirements. Usually, that’s not something we think of until school has started, but being aware of what your rising senior needs before day one will set you up for success (and less stress!) If you’re not sure where to start, check…
Are You Actively Searching for and Applying for Scholarships?
Searching for college scholarships can feel daunting, especially when you keep hearing “there are so many scholarships out there,” but you’re not sure where to begin your search. If that’s you, check out College Board's scholarship searching tool here! If you’re in the process of scholarship hunting or have already gone…
High School Skills that Prep You For The Workforce
As a former hiring manager who often interviewed high schoolers and graduates, I've seen how intimidating it can be for high schoolers to apply or interview with “no experience." But did you know that many of the skills your high schooler currently possesses or is learning in high school directly translate to the…
Now What? What to Expect After You Submit College Applications
The college application journey is a marathon, and hitting that "submit" button feels like crossing the finish line. 🏁 But for many high schoolers, the period that follows can feel like an endless waiting game filled with anxiety. The truth is, the race isn't quite over. As parents and guardians, this is a crucial time to…

Latest Parents & Guardians Community Discussions

Dive into all the discussions as you support your student on their journey.

🎉 Welcome to the Parents and Guardians Community! 🎉
👋 Hey there, fellow parents and guardians of high schoolers! Is the journey to college feeling like a rollercoaster ride? 🎢 You're not alone! This community is your one-stop shop for all things college-bound. We're here to help you navigate the exciting, and sometimes challenginging, path to higher education. What awaits…
Let's Break The Ice!🧊
We're so happy you found us!🎉 This community is for parents and guardians seeking trusted advice and direction on getting their child to college. It’s a safe space to connect and share with others on the same journey, with access to top experts on the path to college. Let’s kick things off with an icebreaker! In the…
💌 College Decision Letters Are Here: Advice From Parents Who’ve Been Through It
This is one of those big moments for many Seniors….it's college decision time! Some families are celebrating big wins. Some are quietly holding broken hearts. Some are staring at a waitlist and living in the most exhausting kind of limbo. If you’re a parent or guardian right now, you’re probably juggling your own emotions…
Now What? What to Expect After You Submit College Applications
The college application journey is a marathon, and hitting that "submit" button feels like crossing the finish line. 🏁 But for many high schoolers, the period that follows can feel like an endless waiting game filled with anxiety. The truth is, the race isn't quite over. As parents and guardians, this is a crucial time to…
The Tech Career Crash Course: From Gamer to Coder
Your love for video games is a huge advantage for a career in coding. You already have a great eye for what makes games work. Here’s how to turn that passion into a profession, with two main paths to choose from. The Trade School Route (Hands-On & Focused) This path is perfect if you want to get into the workforce quickly…
Application Deadlines!
Though some schools have earlier application deadlines, the bulk of colleges have deadlines just around the corner. Here's a checklist to help you catch up and finish strong: Whether you're finishing up a last-minute application or just need to confirm you've done everything, this checklist is designed to help you and your…
Tech is Everywhere: The Careers You Didn't Know Existed 🌍 - Military Edition
When you think of a career in tech, you probably picture someone writing code in a bright office or designing the next big app. But what if I told you that some of the most advanced and mission-critical tech jobs are found in a place you might not expect: the U.S. military? That's right! The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines,…
Start Early, Stand Out: Why Your "Brag Sheet" is Your Secret Weapon
When you think about getting into a great college or landing that first big opportunity, your grades are just one piece of the puzzle. What you do outside of the classroom—your extracurriculars—are just as important. They tell a story about who you are, what you're passionate about, and what you're capable of. The best way…
What is the ASVAB?
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is the test you must take to join the U.S. military. It measures your strengths in different subjects like math, reading, science, mechanical knowledge, and word skills. What It Tests The ASVAB is broken into sections that look at things like: Math skills (arithmetic,…
Start Early, Stand Out: Why Your "Brag Sheet" is Your Secret Weapon
When you think about getting into a great college or landing that first big opportunity, your grades are just one piece of the puzzle. What you do outside of the classroom—your extracurriculars—are just as important. They tell a story about who you are, what you're passionate about, and what you're capable of. The best way…
Managing Finals, Tests, and Apps!
November brings finals, standardized tests, and application deadlines, which can feel overwhelming. But you’ve got this! Here’s a quick guide to help you stay organized: 1. Conquering Finals Create a Study Schedule: Avoid cramming by scheduling specific times to review each subject, focusing first on your most challenging…
How taking a language in high school can improve your hireability!
Learning a foreign language in high school is a powerful way to boost your career prospects and earning potential. The ability to speak a second language gives you a significant advantage in the job market. Key Benefits Higher Earning Potential: Bilingual employees in the U.S. can earn 5% to 20% more on average than…