Parents & Guardians

This is for the Kaplan Career Community.

Dual Enrollment and College Admissions
Now that we know what Dual Enrollment is, let's learn about some of the benefits and impacts on college admissions. Benefits: According to the official Department of Education blog, "On average, dual enrollment has a positive impact on high school academics, high school graduation rates, college enrollment, college…
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…
Ask An Advisor! Can you shed light on how selective colleges go from 50k applicants to 1.3k accepted
Hi Parents & Guardians! One of our community members asked a great question in one of our AMA sessions with Admissions Consultant @Sara_AdmissionsConsultant -"Can you shed light on how selective colleges go from 50k applicants to 1.3k accepted?" Check out her expert answer below and let us know if you have any other…
"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…
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?
📝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…
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…
What advice do you have for parents of high school seniors? 🎓
It’s a big year…full of pressure, milestones, and a whole lot of emotions (for students and parents). Whether you’ve been through it before or are in the thick of it now, what tips, encouragement, or “I wish I had known…” advice would you share?
What Is A Youth Apprenticeship?👀
Deciding what to do after high school can feel overwhelming, but a youth apprenticeship is a powerful, "earn while you learn" option that offers the best of both worlds. A youth apprenticeship is a structured, paid program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. It's designed for high school students…

College Application timeline: 12th grade
Senior year is KEY! Whether you will soon be a senior or you're currently in your senior year, here's a detailed breakdown of what to keep in mind throughout this time to stay on top of things during the application process. Summer before Senior Year: This is when you’ll really start to get going on the nitty-gritty of…
Real Estate as a career after high school 🏡
It's never too early to start thinking about your career, and for motivated high school students, a career in real estate can be an excellent option. Unlike many other professions that require a four-year degree, becoming a real estate agent is a fast track to a professional career with a high earning potential. With the…
Ask an Expert: 5 Reasons You Should Attend A College Fair
There’s a good chance that over the next few months, there will be college fairs happening near you. They may seem like they could be overwhelming, but I promise you, they are incredibly valuable to attend! Here are five reasons why you should consider going: You’ll learn about new colleges and universities: There are…
What Is A Youth Apprenticeship?👀
Deciding what to do after high school can feel overwhelming, but a youth apprenticeship is a powerful, "earn while you learn" option that offers the best of both worlds. A youth apprenticeship is a structured, paid program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. It's designed for high school students…
Ask an Expert: 5 Reasons to Have the College Budget Talk Now
Talking about money and college can feel uncomfortable, so a lot of families put it off. But having the budget conversation early is so much better than trying to fix things later. Here are five solid reasons to sit down and have that talk now. 1. Avoid heartbreak later When students get their heart set on a college that…
My child hates college...what to do???
One of my friends just messaged me this! When I read this, my heart sank. We are 3-4 weeks into them being on campus. They are hours away at the school they dreamed of attending. They don't like the dorms, the food, or some of their classes. They didn't hit it off with their roommate and aren't making friends like they…
Top 5 Paths in the Beauty & Personal Care Services Industry! ✨
The beauty and personal care industry is thriving, offering creative and rewarding careers for those with a passion for helping people look and feel their best. If you've ever considered a profession in this field, here are 5 of the top careers you can pursue: Hairstylist / Cosmetologist: The ultimate hair expert! This…
What advice do you have for parents of high school seniors? 🎓
It’s a big year…full of pressure, milestones, and a whole lot of emotions (for students and parents). Whether you’ve been through it before or are in the thick of it now, what tips, encouragement, or “I wish I had known…” advice would you share?
Parents: Worried about the Empty Nest?
Just saw this post on Instagram…with various celebs discussing this transition. Have you experienced this yet? What advice would you add?
Explore Your Dream Career: A Guide to Job Shadowing
Curious about a specific career? Job shadowing is one of the best ways to get a real-world look. What is it? It's when you follow a professional through their workday to observe their daily tasks, responsibilities, and the work environment. It's a low-commitment way to explore a career firsthand. Why is it beneficial? It…