After years of structured schedules, deadlines, and pressure, it's not surprising that many students arrive at the end of high school feeling burnt out. A gap year gives students the chance to reset, gain real-world experience, and build the independence they'll need to succeed in college. That can look very different depending on the student. Some stay close to home and work, save money, or take a class, while others pursue internships, volunteer, or explore interests that w

Applied mathematics is the study of mathematical methods and how they're used to address problems in science, engineering, business, and other fields. It sits between pure mathematics and the applied disciplines that use math as a tool. Students build skills in calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability, and computational methods, then learn to apply those to real-world problems. Most programs encourage students to develop depth in a second subject. This gi

As college application season approaches, a familiar pattern often emerges: parents want to help their teenagers succeed, so they begin stepping in to manage parts of the process. The motivation is understandable. Applying to college can feel overwhelming, and parents naturally want to reduce stress for their child. But there is an important difference between supporting a teenager and taking over the process. Researchers have begun studying what is often called “overparentin

A is for the checking account you’ll want to open. If possible, choose a bank with locations near both home and campus, and make sure parents can easily transfer money when needed. This makes day-to-day spending much easier to manage. B is for budget. Create a realistic one that includes everyday spending and a cushion for unexpected expenses. C stands for credit rating. Be careful about carrying balances that are hard to repay. Ideally, pay off your credit card in full each

It’s college-decision season. You open your email or log into your college portal to check your admissions status. But if the message you opened begins with “We regret to inform you…,” it can feel like the air just got sucked out of the room, especially if this was your “first choice” college. First, take a deep breath. The volume of applications keeps rising. This year, more than 1.2 million students submitted over 7.6 million applications through the Common App, an increase

The joys of opening offers of admission from colleges are sometimes tempered by the challenges of reading financial aid packages that fall short of your hopes for support. Many families read aid packages and are dismayed to see their Student Aid Index (expected family contribution) number to be more than they had anticipated or budgeted for. If this describes your situation, know that there is one more step you can pursue: an appeal. When you appeal your financial aid package

Most students hear the words crop and soil science and picture farms and tractors. But the field is far broader and more interesting than many people realize. It connects to professional sports, environmental sustainability, space exploration, and even the foods and drinks people enjoy every day. Take professional sports. When millions of people watch the World Cup, the focus is on the athletes and the goals scored. Few viewers think about the field itself. Yet the playing s

In a time when college admissions can feel like a competition, it’s easy to think every activity needs to “look good” on your applications. Community service often falls into that trap, reduced to logging hours or checking a requirement. The truth is, most colleges don’t require community service. The true value of service is the impact on your community and on yourself. During adolescence, your ability to understand other people’s perspectives is growing, along with your des

During early May, high school students across the country sit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams. For students carrying a heavy AP load, that can mean four or five exams in two weeks, an intense stretch at the end of an already demanding year. The AP program, run by the College Board, provides curriculum frameworks so teachers can align their courses with exam expectations. At some schools, students in AP classes are required to take the exam. Even when it’s optional, it usual

If you're the parent of a high school senior navigating college costs, welcome to an expensive reality. Today's world of college financing breaks down into two categories: "great or free money" and "not-so-great money." Free Money - Free money includes grants and scholarships that never need repayment. Two types exist: need-based aid and merit-based aid. Need-based aid amounts are determined by the FAFSA and, in some cases, the CSS Profile . Merit-aid tuition reductions, gr

Think about your grandparents for a minute. Or an older neighbor. Or even the people you see volunteering, working, traveling, and staying active well into their seventies and eighties. In fact, one in five Americans will soon be over 65. That shift is creating new careers, new challenges, and real opportunities for students who want to make a difference. In today’s rapidly aging society, careers that focus on older adults are essential. That shift is changing everything from

Most students add a few "likely" colleges to their list almost as an afterthought. They focus their energy on "reach" schools and assume the likely colleges will simply be there if needed. But that mindset misses the point. A well-chosen likely school should never feel like a backup plan. It should feel like a place you would be genuinely excited to attend. Start by identifying the characteristics you are seeking in your college experience. Are you looking for strong academic

Over the past several years, hundreds of colleges have adopted test-optional , test-flexible, and test-blind admissions policies. For many students, that shift has brought relief. For others, it has created confusion. If colleges don’t require test scores, why take the SAT or ACT at all? The reality is more nuanced. Test-optional does not mean test-blind, and for some students, submitting scores can still be an advantage. For others, skipping the test is the smarter choice. T

College decisions are being made in a very different environment than they were a generation ago. Costs have increased significantly, outcomes vary widely by major and institution, and families now have access to more data than ever before. As a result, return on investment, or ROI, has become a more common part of the college conversation. ROI is not a single number in education, and it is not a verdict on whether college is “worth it.” It is a framework for understanding pa

If you care about climate change, clean water, protecting wildlife, or creating healthier communities, environmental majors offer real ways to turn that concern into a career. Students interested in preserving natural resources and addressing environmental challenges often find themselves choosing between two closely related majors: environmental science and environmental studies. While the names sound similar, the focus of each program is different, and the best fit depends

Course registration can feel exciting, overwhelming, or somewhere in between. You’re being asked to make decisions that seem like they matter a lot, and in some ways, they do. The good news is that you don’t need a “perfect” schedule. You need a thoughtful one that fits you. Start by understanding your graduation requirements. Every high school has specific courses students must complete to earn a diploma and be eligible for college admission. Checking in with your school cou

High school seniors sometimes believe that because they have worked so hard throughout high school, they have earned the right to slack off in their senior year, especially in the last few months. By now, mid-year grades are on their way to colleges, and students may have already been accepted at their favorite school. Why not kick back and enjoy life? We refer to this syndrome as “senioritis.” However, an offer of admission is conditional, and students are expected to mainta

You’ve opened the email, logged into the portal, and there it is: your student has been admitted and offered a financial aid package. Relief and excitement last about thirty seconds. Then you start scrolling. Numbers appear. Some seem promising. Others are confusing. Loans and grants blur together, unfamiliar acronyms pop up, and suddenly you’re wondering whether this school is truly affordable or whether you’re missing something important. You’re not alone. Financial aid awa

When most people hear "film major," they picture a student holding a camera or directing a scene. But today's film and media programs cover far more than that. Colleges now offer majors in creative producing, film and media studies, digital arts, screenwriting, entertainment marketing, and even the business side of Hollywood. If you're interested in storytelling, whether through movies, TV, animation, social media, or something new, there's likely a program designed for your

When families think about college applications, they focus on essays, test scores, activities, and transcripts. But there's another document that plays a major role in how colleges understand a student's accomplishments, and most students never even see it. It's called the School Profile, and it accompanies every transcript your high school sends to colleges. This one to two-page document provides an overview of your high school and is created and updated each year by the cou