High School & Beyond

This is for the Kaplan Career Community.

Welcome to our Parents & Guardians Community!🎉
✨Welcome to our new and growing Parents And Guardians Community! ✨We are thrilled to have you as a member of our forum. We built our Parents Community to provide you with insights from our more than 80 years of experience and give you access to discussions from our team of Pre-College Experts and other parents, guardians,…
SAT® vs ACT®: Which test should your child take?
Both the SAT and the ACT are nationally administered, standardized tests that help schools evaluate your child's application and see how prepared they are for college courses. Most colleges accept scores from either test, so your child can take the test that’s right for them. Have you and your child decided on which test…
Advanced Placement (AP),International Baccalaureate (IB), & Dual Enrollment (DE)
Let's talk about AP, IB, & Dual Enrollment! AP (Advanced Placement) - The AP program is built out by College Board (administrators of the SAT). They define their program as one that enables students to take college level courses while in highschool. Most schools offer this program and in some cases, taking the AP exam at…
High School Test Timeline
High School Test Timeline: Your Guide to Staying Ahead of the Game (For more help with planning for your child's high school success, check out Kaplan College Advantage as well as Kaplan's Unlimited Prep) High school is a whirlwind of academics, extracurriculars, and social life. As parents and guardians, we want our teens…
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…
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…
Advice needed: What in the world do college students need today?
Hey Community- I am not a parent but a cool aunt (self appointed title but can defend it 😏). My niece is getting ready to go to college in the fall and she is struggling a bit since her parents did not go to college. They are super proud and so are we but you don't know what you don't know. My wife and I are stepping in to…
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…
What’s your advice for college freshmen going to college in the fall?
What's your best campus survival tip?

Parents & Guardians
This community is here to help parents with children going through college admissions connect, collaborate and spread knowledge.

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…
📝PROs & CONs Of Taking A Gap Year Before Deciding If You Want To Go To College
Is It OK to Take a Gap Year? Pros and Cons Yes, I think taking a gap year can be a great choice if it’s structured and intentional. Many students benefit from a year away from the classroom to gain real-world experience, travel, work, or focus on personal growth. That said, it’s not the right move for everyone. Pros of a…
What’s your advice for college freshmen going to college in the fall?
What's your best campus survival tip?
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…
Post-Graduation Uncertainty? It's Okay Not to Know!💜✨
Graduation is a huge milestone. However, oftentimes it comes with immense pressure to have your entire future mapped out. If you or your student is feeling uncertain about post-graduation plans, please know that you are definitely not alone! It might surprise you to learn that a recent survey report from Jobs for the…
✍️Planning Ahead: Key Dates for Rising Seniors - Class of 2026
Being aware of key dates and timelines is essential for effective planning in your senior year. Here's a comprehensive month-by-month guide that includes important test dates, college application deadlines, and financial aid timelines to keep in mind. August: Standardized Testing: SAT: August 23, 2025 (Registration…
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…
📝5 Tips For a Successful Summer College Visit☀️
☀️Summer's here—it’s a great time to visit college campuses with your student! Without classes, your child can experience the campus vibe and imagine thriving there. Here are 5 tips for successful summer visits! PRO TIP❗️: Don't just show up! A little planning on your part can make all the difference in getting the most…
"College is the ONLY Path to Success" - Busting the Myth‼️💣
Let me start by saying that college isn't the only road to success❗️ For a long time, the message was pretty clear: go to college, get a degree, and then you'd be successful. (I’m sure I’m not the only one who grew up hearing this message.) And while a four-year university is a great path for many, it's high time we bust…
📢Post Q&A Event Discussion: Cultivating Curiosity💫
Today at 6PM ET, we’ll be hosting a LIVE college admission Q&A with expert College Admissions Consultant, Sasha F. If you haven't registered yet, you can do so here. Unable to attend live? Be sure to register anyway to access the recording, which will be available 24 hours after the session Let's continue the conversation!…