Course selection isn't just about picking classes that look interesting or fit neatly into your teen’s schedule. It’s a strategic decision that can directly impact their college admissions outcomes. The classes your teen takes in their junior and senior years carry the most weight—colleges want to see students who challenge themselves while maintaining strong grades.

If your teen is heading into their senior year, their course choices are even more critical. Admissions officers start by reviewing senior year courses first, then junior year grades, and work their way backward. That means your teen’s upcoming schedule needs to reflect both academic rigor and balance.

1. Take Appropriately Rigorous Co...

Your teen’s school counselor is one of the most important people in their college admissions journey. But let’s be honest—how well do you actually understand their role? Many parents assume counselors will handle everything from building a college list to reviewing essays to crafting a strategy for admissions success. But the reality? That’s not always the case.

School counselors are hardworking professionals with the best intentions, but they’re often stretched thin. In many schools, each counselor is responsible for hundreds of students, making it nearly impossible to provide the individualized attention your teen needs to stand out in the competitive college admissions process.

Every year, I spe...

For many families, the college admissions process is overwhelming. Between finding the right fit, figuring out financial aid, and ensuring academic and social success, there’s a lot to consider. Unfortunately, many students never get the full picture when it comes to one of the most powerful options available—Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

If you’re a parent of a high school student, Black History Month is the perfect time to explore why HBCUs are more than just a cultural choice—they’re a strategic, valuable, and often overlooked option in higher education. Let’s dive into why your teen should have at least one HBCU on their college list.

1. The Rich History of HBCUs

HBCUs ...

Parents, let’s talk about summer. While it’s a time for your teen to relax and recharge, it’s also an incredible opportunity to build a college application that stands out. But not all summer activities are created equal. Some can significantly enhance their profile, while others might do little to move the needle.

Here’s what you need to know about making the most of the summer months.

Why Summer Matters for College Applications

Colleges are looking for students who use their time intentionally. Summer provides a chance to:

1. Showcase Passions and Interests: Whether it’s through a summer job, internship, or specialized academic program, the activities your teen chooses should align with their in...

The world of college admissions has seen monumental changes over the past few years, and test-optional policies are at the center of this evolution. If you’re the parent of a high school student, chances are you’ve heard about test-optional policies and wondered: What does it really mean? Is it truly optional? And could it hurt my teen if they don’t take the ACT or SAT?

Let’s break it all down so you can feel confident in your decisions about standardized testing—and ultimately set your teen up for success.

First, let’s clarify: Test optional doesn’t mean test blind. Colleges that are test-optional allow students to choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. How...

Why Visiting Colleges Matters

Campus visits provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience a school firsthand. Brochures and online tours are helpful, but nothing compares to walking the campus, interacting with current students, and getting a feel for the culture and environment.

These visits allow your teen to envision themselves at the school and assess whether it aligns with their academic, social, and personal goals. Visiting also gives you a chance to assess logistics, like travel distance, nearby amenities, and cost of living.

But visiting colleges without a plan can lead to stress, frustration, and wasted time. Let’s talk about how to make this process work for you and your family.

Ste...

As we enter the final stretch of college application season, many high school seniors and their families are focused on getting every detail right. If you're a parent of a senior, you're likely feeling the pressure, too, as each aspect of the application—essays, recommendation letters, college lists—comes together in what feels like the blink of an eye. But here’s an important question: Are you truly confident that your teen’s application reflects their best potential?

I know from years of guiding families just like yours that college application review sessions provide an essential opportunity to make sure every component of the application is complete, accurate, and impactful. A review session is ...

If you’ve ever felt the warm, nostalgic glow of homecoming season, reminiscing about your college days and dreaming of your child walking those same halls, you’re not alone. We know this season well — schools buzzing with alumni and families reconnecting with college memories. But let me get real with you: as much as these alma mater connections feel powerful, they’re undergoing a huge shift in college admissions, and it’s time to address what that means for your child’s future.

 Do you know what legacy admissions used to mean vs what it means now? Legacy admissions — the practice of giving preference to applicants with family ties to a college — have been around for generations, helping to cultivat...

As parents of high school students, I know you're starting to hear the buzz about colleges in the South. More and more families are shifting their focus away from the Northeast's Ivy League tradition and considering Southern schools for their teens. Maybe your child has already expressed interest in attending a big Southern university, and you're wondering, “why is everyone suddenly so excited about these schools?"

Well, it's not just about the weather or college football—though I’ll admit, both are compelling reasons for any teenager! It’s about a shift in what students and families seek in higher education and understanding that will help you guide your child in making the right decision. In this ...