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…
College Application Follow-Up: What to Do After You've Applied
You've hit 'submit'—a significant milestone achieved! However, the journey doesn't end there. Now it's time for diligent follow-up to ensure your student's application receives the attention it deserves. Begin by tracking their applications online, monitoring their status for any updates or requests. Promptly submit any…
"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…

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…
What Makes An Essay SPARKLE?📝✨
The most impactful essays are authentic, reflective, and deeply personal. They: Tell a Story: Instead of listing achievements, encourage a specific experience that shaped them. What did they learn? How did they change? How will they carry it forward? Show, Don't Just Tell: Use vivid details to bring their story to life.…
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…
High School Junior Year: The Most Pivotal Year - A Timeline for Success!
Junior year is often considered the most pivotal year in high school because it's how colleges get the clearest, most complete picture of your academic ability before you apply. It plays a key role in admissions decisions, scholarships, and setting yourself up for a strong senior year. But don't worry, staying on track is…
Waitlisted? Look at these University of California stats!
Saw this interesting article in the San Francisco Chronicle about the University of California admissions and their wait lists. I knew that students could only accept one offer of admission to college, but I didn't realize they could also accept spots on multiple waiting lists. Looking at the chart below from the article…I…
Military Service as a Powerful Post-High School Career Option
Military service is a powerful career option right out of high school, offering structure, training, and direction during a pivotal stage of life. For young adults who may be unsure of their next steps, the military provides a clear pathway to personal development and professional achievement. From day one, recruits gain…
Navigating College Athletic Recruiting: A Strategic Guide
College athletic recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint! Effectively preparing for the recruiting process requires careful planning and execution. Each sport has unique nuances, from recruitment timelines to the specific methods, events, and social media platforms coaches use to identify prospects. Understanding how to…
Understanding AP: What it is and why students should take it!
Hi everyone, I’m Angela Tartaro, Director of Barron’s Educational Series, where I lead the development of AP resources used by thousands of students and schools across the country. My team works directly with AP teachers and experts to ensure students are prepared—not just to earn top scores, but to build the confidence…