Too many American teenagers have experienced extreme stress and anxiety in the college admissions process. The pressure to excel in multiple areas is oppressive, and the lack of transparency in the process only makes it tougher. But now more than ever, meaningful changes must be made to de-escalate this mounting teen mental health crisis. In this post, we're exploring 5 specific modifications that would help ease teens' worries - from providing resources to increasing accessibility - so that families can look ahead with hope, rather than dreading what's ahead. It's time for positive action: let's make these changes happen!

May 1st is a big day for high school seniors all across the United States. This is the deadline for them to make their final decision and choose the college they will attend. For many students, it's a time of excitement and anticipation, full of opportunities and possibilities. But what about students who are hoping for a spot off a college's waitlist? Is it worth it to wait and see? The answer to that question is not a simple one. A college waitlist is a group of students who have not yet been accepted or denied admission to a college. Colleges use waitlists for various reasons, such as ensuring a properly-sized incoming class, or to address other institutional needs and priorities. For students who have accepted a spot on the waitlist, it's important to keep in mind that the final decision won't be announced until after May 1st, and sometimes as late as June, July, or even August. Furthermore, waitlists can vary greatly from year to year, and there's no surefire way to predict whether a student will be offered a spot in the incoming class. However, if a student is genuinely interested in attending a school, it doesn't hurt to stay on the waitlist. We recommend that students carefully read their waitlist offer, as it often includes information on what steps to take next. Students on the waitlist might also consider writing a Letter of Continued Interest , summarizing any new updates or accomplishments since they applied, and highlighting the reasons they would be a good fit for the school. It's important to remember, though, that students should also accept their offer from the college they have decided to attend and stop thinking about the waitlist. We encourage students and families to approach the waitlist with a positive mindset: give it your best shot, hope for the best, and prepare to thrive at the college you do end up attending.  So, is it worth it to wait and see if you'll be offered a spot off a college's waitlist? It depends on the student's individual situation and priorities. For some students, the chance to attend their top-choice school is worth the wait and uncertainty. For others, it may be more important to have a definite plan in place and move forward with the college they have already chosen. Ultimately, the decision is up to the student and their family, but staying positive and proactive can help make the waitlist process less stressful and more manageable.

What’s missing from the conversation about college admissions?

The liberal arts are a mainstay of what the college and university systems were initially built upon. But due to a change in times and demands of the workforce, post-secondary education has had to shift to meet these needs. This shift is predominately in the business and STEM arenas, causing many to think that these are the only fields that can provide stable and well-paying jobs.

The college admissions process can be tough and stressful, but it's important to remember that not getting accepted to a specific college or university is not a personal rejection. Using the term "rejected" can be hurtful and misleading, so let's explore why it's important to use more supportive language.

When anticipating your teen's launch into college life, academic preparedness often dominates concerns about readiness. But many capable students falter not because of intellectual capacity but rather an inability to regulate and execute basic adult tasks.

It's March, and that means it's time for the mad rush of college planning. For high school seniors across the country, this is a mix of both feelings of excitement and anxiety. With admissions decisions coming in during this time, it is an important month for soon to be graduates. High school juniors are eager to get their final list finalized so that they can launch into applications for next year. Even younger students like 9th and 10th graders are making plans on how to make the most out of their summer.

As the warmer weather signals the start of summertime, it can be hard to stay focused on school and keep academics as a priority. However, with college admissions becoming increasingly more competitive, keeping up good grades is essential for getting into your desired university.

In addition to classes hosted by colleges, there are several online platforms that deliver course material for independent learners to work at their own pace. Each platform addresses different niches and levels of expertise. Below we have provided a sampling of courses from five learning platforms -- Coursera, edX, Udemy, Udacity, and Khan Academy -- and have organized them by area of interest. Keep in mind that some courses are school-sponsored, such as courses available from Harvard on edX, while others are not, such as those available on Udemy. You will want to explore each platform to see the breadth of offerings.