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…

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…
From Campus to Cast Member: How Our Daughter Found Confidence Through the Disney College Program
When our daughter Addison started college, we never imagined her journey would take her all the way to Walt Disney World—but thanks to the Disney College Program (DCP), it did. Addison discovered the program early in her freshman year and took full initiative—researching, applying, interviewing, and getting accepted…
🚧Top 5 In-Demand Construction Trades🛠️
The construction field is a dynamic and evolving industry. As infrastructure and urban areas grow, demand for skilled tradespeople remains high. Here are five of the most in-demand trades with promising job prospects and competitive wages: 1. Electricians are vital for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical…
Common App 25-26 updates - is your HS counselor in the loop?
If you’ve been through the Common App process before or you’re feeling unsure whether your high school counselor is fully in the loop, you might be interested in this video! 🎥 The Common App just released their official webinar for the 2025–2026 application season, and it’s packed with important updates. [Note…the webinar…
High School Transcripts: Thinking Ahead!
Pro Tip 🚀 Avoid last-minute transcript panic! As soon as your high school’s registration office opens once school starts, order a copy of your student’s transcript. That early head-start gives you time to spot and fix any errors well before college-application deadlines. Drop a 🎓 if you’re powering through application…
5 Practical Things Seniors Can Do To Prep For Success In The Workforce!
College isn’t the only way, it’s not for everyone, and that’s totally ok! If you or your child is a senior and already knows college isn’t in the plans, senior year can be the perfect time to get ready for what's next. Here are 5 practical things seniors who won’t be going to college can focus on to set them up for…
Common App: a quick video on how to get started 🎥
Have you started applying yet? The whole process is a bit intimidating! Wanted to share this quick video from the Common App YouTube channel that shows how to get started!
Common App is open - Share your tips to survive
A couple of things come to mind for what worked for our family… 1. Don't wait until the last minute to start. Dive in now so you have plenty of time to see how the app works. You also need to identify where you want to apply and see if the Common App works or if you must do a separate direct application. 2. Don't overapply…
🔓Unlock Their Future: Why the College Essay is a Game-Changer💯
The college admissions journey can feel like a labyrinth, with grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and recommendations all vying for attention. But there's one piece of the puzzle that often holds unexpected power, particularly for highly selective schools: the college admissions essay. The Essay: Your Student's Story,…
VOTE NOW! 🗳️ How much do you think Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers make?
Click here for the answer and more details about this trade, then return to the comments and let us know if you got it right and if it's a trade your student would consider!