Taking the SAT or ACT in a Test-Optional World
Test-optional doesn’t mean test-irrelevant.
As more colleges adopt test-optional admissions, students and families are left wondering whether the SAT or ACT still matter. The answer depends on the student. For some, strong scores can reinforce academic readiness and support scholarship opportunities. For others, skipping tests may be the smarter move. This overview explains how test-optional policies actually work, when submitting scores can add value, and how to make a strategic, school-by-school decision based on a student’s strengths.
Financial Matters: Understanding College ROI
College ROI isn’t about finding a single “right” answer — it’s about asking better questions.
With rising college costs and widely varying outcomes, return on investment has become a bigger part of how families think about higher education. ROI looks beyond tuition alone to consider long-term earnings, major choice, student experiences, and personal development over time. When used thoughtfully, it helps families compare options, understand tradeoffs, and make informed decisions — while recognizing that college outcomes are shaped by far more than a price tag or a first job after graduation.
Focus on Majors: Environmental Studies
Environmental majors turn passion into impact.
If you care about climate change, conservation, clean water, or environmental justice, majors like environmental science and environmental studies offer meaningful career paths. While the two fields sound similar, they differ in focus — environmental science centers on the technical, data-driven study of natural systems, while environmental studies blends science with policy, economics, and social change. This overview helps students understand the differences, explore career options, and decide which path best aligns with their strengths and goals.
Course Registration: Making Smart Choices
Course registration doesn’t require a perfect schedule — it requires a thoughtful one.
High school scheduling is about balance, growth, and choosing courses that challenge you without burning you out. From understanding graduation requirements to selecting the right level of rigor each year, this guide walks students through smart, intentional planning from freshman to senior year. The goal isn’t doing the most — it’s building a schedule that supports success, well-being, and long-term goals.
Avoiding Senioritis
Senioritis can feel tempting once college acceptances arrive, but letting grades or behavior slip can put an offer at risk. This post explains why admissions are conditional, how rescinded offers happen, and why staying engaged through senior year still matters.
Financial Matters: Understanding Your Financial Aid Letter
Financial aid award letters can look generous at first glance, but they often hide loans, underestimate true costs, and use confusing language. This guide explains how to read an award letter, spot common pitfalls, and understand what your family will actually pay.
Focus on Majors: Film & Media
Film majors today aren’t just about holding a camera. From production and screenwriting to media studies, digital content, and entertainment marketing, colleges offer a wide range of paths for creative storytellers. This guide breaks down how film programs differ and how students can find the right fit.
The School Profile
Most students never see the School Profile, but colleges rely on it heavily when reviewing applications. This behind-the-scenes document explains your high school’s curriculum, grading system, and opportunities so admissions officers can evaluate your achievements in context. Here’s why it matters more than you think.
Honors Colleges
Honors programs offer the best of both worlds: the resources of a large university with the close-knit feel of a small college. Students get priority registration, smaller classes, enhanced advising, and enrichment opportunities that can shape their entire college experience. With options ranging from honors colleges at big public universities to competitive programs at private schools, honors pathways can give motivated students a strong academic edge.
Financial Matters: Tuition Reciprocity
Tuition reciprocity programs can make out-of-state colleges far more affordable, but each program — and each college within it — plays by its own rules. From WUE to the Academic Common Market, students must check which majors qualify, what academic standards apply, and whether discounts are limited. With the right research and early planning, reciprocity can open doors to out-of-state options that once felt financially out of reach.
Focus on Majors: Psychology
A psychology major is ideal for students curious about how people think, feel, and behave. Rooted in scientific research, psychology programs explore everything from brain function and decision-making to relationships, development, and mental health. With dozens of concentrations and career paths — from business and HR to clinical therapy and neuroscience — psychology offers one of the most flexible and rewarding academic foundations for students who want to understand and help people.
Rethinking Failure and Resilience
Many teens see failure as a personal flaw instead of a normal part of growth. But research shows the opposite — setbacks build resilience, confidence, and long-term success. From Carol Dweck’s “not yet” mindset to Bandura’s work on self-efficacy, this post explores why struggle strengthens students and how parents can help their teens reframe failure as an opportunity rather than a verdict.
Ace Your College Interview
College interviews come in several formats: 'informational', 'recommended', and 'evaluative.' Colleges offer interviews because they want to enroll students who will enhance their campus community and bring new ideas.
Financial Matters: How to Find Colleges That Offer Merit Aid
Understanding how merit aid works, how it differs from need-based aid, and how to find generous colleges can make a difference.
Focus on Majors: Considering a Major in Genetics
Genetics majors begin with a strong foundation in math and science. Most programs require coursework in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, calculus, and statistics. High school students interested in this path should take four years of math and science, especially biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus, to prepare for college-level rigor.
Helping Your Teen Choose A College Major
One of the most significant decisions your child will face in college is choosing a major. As a parent, your role isn’t to decide for them, but to guide, support, and help them explore options with confidence.
College Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When preparing and submitting college applications, proper planning and preparation can streamline the entire process. Start by carefully reading all instructions before beginning any application. Avoid waiting until the last day before deadlines, as this increases the likelihood of rushing and making careless errors.
Financial Matters: It’s Time to Complete the FAFSA and CCS Profile
As your high school student prepares for college, understanding the financial aid process can make the difference between affordability and overwhelming debt. The good news? October 1st marks the opening of financial aid applications for the upcoming academic year, giving you a clear starting point for this important journey.
Focus on Majors: Construction Management
Construction is one of the largest industries, shaping skylines and communities. From skyscrapers to renewable energy facilities, every project relies on professionals to coordinate budgets, timelines, safety, and people. That’s where Construction Management (CM) comes in.
The Truth About High School Grades
If you're a high school student with college aspirations or a parent supporting one, there's a fundamental truth you need to understand: straight A's don't carry the weight they once did.