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Nursing is one of the most in-demand and rewarding career paths, but finding the right college program can feel overwhelming. From competitive BSN programs to flexible ADN pathways, the options vary widely. Our latest guide breaks down top nursing programs, admissions requirements, and key factors to consider when choosing a school. Whether you're aiming for a reach school or looking for the best fit, we've got you covered. Explore the full guide and take the next step toward your nursing career.
The college admissions landscape often feels like it's built for students with sky-high GPAs and perfect test scores, but the truth is, there are fantastic schools out there for students with a "C" average. These institutions provide strong academics, robust student support, and opportunities for career preparation while offering a welcoming environment for students who may not have a 4.0 GPA. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite hidden gem universities—both public and private—that offer impressive academic programs, strong student resources, and an environment where students can truly thrive.
The summer before 9th grade is the perfect time for students to start exploring their interests and taking their extracurricular pursuits to the next level. By thoughtfully planning summer activities that balance exploration, productivity, and downtime, you can help your child transition confidently into high school. Encourage them to try new things, take on challenges, and enjoy the adventure of personal growth. With the right mix of support and independence, your teen will be ready to start 9th grade with excitement and confidence.
As your 8th grader begins thinking about their transition to 9th grade, they’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The jump from middle school to high school brings new opportunities and responsibilities, and the classes they choose now will set the tone for their high school experience. Sitting down to discuss their options can help ease their nerves and give them the confidence to make thoughtful decisions. Balancing core academic subjects, electives that spark curiosity, and a manageable workload is key to creating a schedule that supports both growth and well-being. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind as you guide your teen through this process and help them build a foundation for success in high school.
College admissions are competitive, and many factors can influence your student’s chances of getting accepted. One factor that often goes unnoticed is gender. Recent data for the Class of 2028 shows that gender disparities exist at some of the nation’s top colleges, with acceptance rates sometimes varying widely between men and women. As a parent, understanding these trends can help you better guide your student through the college application process.
When it comes to the highly competitive world of college admissions, every detail of a student’s high school experience matters—especially their academic choices. One of the biggest mistakes students make is skipping or dropping a core subject too early in high school. While it might seem harmless to forgo a fourth year of foreign language or to replace senior-year science with a free period, these decisions can send the wrong message to admissions officers and hurt your teen’s chances of getting into their dream college. Here’s why taking all five core subjects—English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language—for all four years of high school is essential and how skipping one can cost your teen their spot at a selective institution.
Securing the right academic assistance for a learning-different student means understanding a spectrum of offerings. From light support to full immersion support, multiple tiers of college support exist (though prices increase as the support gets more intense). Matching the right amount of support with your teen's current needs will help create a smoother transition to college, resulting in early "wins" for your student that build confidence and momentum.
While visiting state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and lab spaces certainly provides valuable insights during college visit admission tours, the true pulse of a campus lies in its culture outside the classroom. Getting a feel for the overall energy and student life environment on tour is crucial for assessing fit.
Many teens are excited about campus tours which make them easy to plan and complete. Some students are more tricky to travel with. Anxiety and fear about the future can lead to irritability and lack of engagement. Navigating campus tours with a grumpy teenager can be frustrating, but there are some strategies to make the experience more positive.
As families explore highly selective colleges where total costs often exceed $80,000 a year, financial aid packages determine whether such prestigious degrees become accessible or remain pipe dreams. Unlike public universities offering substantial merit scholarships, elite private colleges provide almost exclusively need-based aid. However, with few exceptions, these schools promise to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. Here’s what families should understand.
Business continues to be an extremely popular college major, especially in Texas, which hosts some of the fastest-growing metro economies in the country. However, flagship state programs like the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M have seen soaring numbers of applicants making admissions more competitive. Many motivated high schoolers interested in studying business in Texas, whether that involves supply chain, marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship, may not realize there are other more accessible in-state options beyond UT and A&M that still deliver high-quality education and robust alumni networks.
Preparing for college admissions exams poses unique challenges for neurodiverse learners. But with accommodations, proper planning, access to coaching, and practice, these tests can set up your teen to shine. If your teen is motivated to invest time into preparing for standardized tests to broaden their potential college list or to increase their chances of receiving merit scholarships, here are key steps for managing the testing process.
Many students thrive when they are doing rather than sitting and listening. Whether through projects, internships, work, or research, active learning helps students closely connect with what they're doing, often cementing knowledge and skills.
As parents of teenagers, we all want our children to feel fulfilled, connected, and brimming with a sense of purpose. A recent study by Prof. Rick Weissbourd, a leading expert on adolescent development, paints a concerning picture: nearly 60% of young adults report feeling a lack of purpose in their lives. This can manifest as anxiety, low motivation, and a general feeling of being adrift.
Staying on top of a demanding high school course load is definitely challenging. Between heavy reading assignments, tests in multiple subjects looming at once, and hours of homework every night, you’ll want to build effective organization and time management skills to help you succeed while balancing the rest of your activities and social life.
Pursuing two areas of study can expand career options after graduation with expertise spanning multiple disciplines. Double majors signal versatility on resumes and critical thinking skills from synthesizing complex information across subjects. Research shows double majors achieve higher lifetime earnings with interdisciplinary skills that provide more career flexibility. Intentional complementary major selections can make the process feasible by reducing demanding course loads. Rather than silo yourself, broadening your studies through strategic double majoring can lead to tremendous career upside in our fast-changing economy.
Get SEC-Ready: How to Strategically Choose High School Classes When Aiming for Top Southern Colleges
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is the strongest athletic conference in the country, home to 14 members including powerhouses University of Alabama, University of Georgia, and Texas A&M University. It's not just SEC football that's competitive—getting accepted into these schools can also be a challenge. If your goal is to attend one of the universities in the SEC, the classes you choose in high school matter.
With college application season wrapping up, many high school seniors and their parents feel anxious awaiting admissions decisions. This waiting period is prime time for teens to experience worry, impatience, even sadness if rejections occur. As a parent, actively listen and validate their feelings without judgment while keeping sights set on future opportunities. And model resilience by sharing stories of how you positively coped with career setbacks, helping build mental muscle to handle college transitions.
Your high school transcript is more than just a record of grades—it’s a window into your academic journey and potential. Admissions officers use it to evaluate your course selections, academic rigor, and growth over time, all within the context of your school’s offerings. Understanding how your transcript is assessed can help you make strategic choices that showcase your strengths and align with your goals. Whether you’re navigating AP courses, considering GPA trends, or reviewing your school’s profile, every detail on your transcript contributes to your story as a student. Let’s explore how colleges analyze transcripts and what steps you can take to make yours stand out.
Most high school students have no idea what career path or college major they might pursue. However, many colleges ask students to indicate their major on their application and some (like state flagships such as the University of Texas at Austin) actually evaluate their application based on their fit to that major. That means that students need to explore potential careers and majors in high school to be able to demonstrate their fit to major on their resume.
Before you even start thinking about building your list, you’ll want to take time to reflect on what you truly want in a college experience. Important factors to consider include location, size, campus culture, academics, financial fit, and special opportunities like research, study abroad, sports, or creative programs that connect to your interests. Check out our post 5 Criteria to Consider When Building a College List for more guidance.
When planning for college, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice about choosing a major, preparing for a career, or even understanding the job market. Many families base their decisions on assumptions that no longer reflect the realities of today’s economy. Let’s tackle five common myths about preparing for future careers when building a college list—and share actionable strategies to help your student thrive.
Choosing the right high school classes is an important step in preparing for UT Austin. By focusing on rigor in your strongest areas, exploring classes related to your intended major, meeting core requirements, and balancing your workload, you’ll be well-positioned to showcase your strengths to the UT admissions team. Remember, your transcript tells the story of your academic journey—make it one that highlights your readiness to thrive as a Longhorn.
Parenting a teenager often feels like walking a tightrope—you want to support them while also encouraging independence. When it comes to school, the stakes can feel even higher, especially when only 25% of 10th graders say they enjoy school, compared to 75% in third grade. This disconnection can leave teens feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated. The good news is that small, intentional changes can make a big difference. One simple strategy is shifting from nagging to nudging—for example, asking, “What’s your plan for tackling your assignments tonight?” instead of “Why haven’t you done your homework?” This approach fosters independence and problem-solving while helping your teen feel respected and empowered. With patience and consistent support, you can help them move from feeling stuck to thriving in their learning journey.
With 90,000+ applications for Fall 2025—a 24% increase, including a 48% surge in out-of-state applicants—early strategic planning is more crucial than ever. Success, especially in competitive majors like Business, Engineering, and Computer Science, requires a thoughtful approach starting in 9th or 10th grade. Students should align coursework, activities, and leadership roles with their intended major to build a compelling application. The good news? Every year, students outside the top 5% earn admission by crafting compelling applications. With the right plan, you can showcase your strengths, stand out, and thrive in UT’s most competitive applicant pool yet.
Texas A&M has seen explosive growth in applications, jumping from 42,000 in 2019 to nearly 75,000 for Fall 2025—a 79% increase in just six years! This incredible surge highlights the university's growing appeal and the increasingly competitive admissions landscape. For aspiring Aggies, early and strategic preparation is now more critical than ever, especially for competitive majors like Engineering and Business. Success starts with aligning academics, extracurriculars, and essays to showcase authentic passions and leadership.
Selecting the right high school courses is a critical step in helping your teen achieve their college aspirations. With admissions becoming increasingly competitive, a thoughtful course strategy can make a significant difference. By focusing on academic rigor, balance, and alignment with future goals, you can set your teen up for success.
It’s not uncommon for teens to go through phases where they seem uninterested in participating in activities, especially during the summer. Whether it’s due to burnout, uncertainty about their interests, or simple resistance, the key is to help them take small, manageable steps forward. Here are three tips to help your teen re-engage and discover meaningful activities: 1. Start a Conversation The first step is understanding your teen’s perspective. Ask open-ended questions about what excites them, what they’re worried about, or why they’re hesitant to try something new. Why It Matters : Teens are more likely to engage in activities when they feel their opinions and concerns are heard. How to Do It : Avoid pushing or lecturing. Instead, try, “If you could spend the whole day doing something you enjoy, what would it be?” Outcome : This approach helps uncover hidden interests or fears, giving you insight into how to support them. 2. Begin with Small, Fun Steps Jumping into a big commitment can feel overwhelming for a teen who’s reluctant to participate. Start with low-pressure activities that are easy to try. Ideas to Start : Bake a family recipe together, volunteer at a local animal shelter for an afternoon, or take a short hike at a nearby park. Why It Works : These activities require little preparation or commitment, making them approachable. Example : A teen who resists social settings might enjoy walking dogs for a neighbor—a solitary activity that still feels productive. 3. Connect to Their Interests Finding activities that align with what your teen already enjoys is one of the most effective ways to spark engagement. How to Connect : Relate hobbies or pastimes to potential activities. For instance, if your teen enjoys gaming, they might explore a coding class. An artist could try a local workshop, or a social teen might thrive in a group volunteer project. Why It Works : When teens see a direct link between their passions and a new activity, they’re more motivated to participate. Final Thoughts Re-engaging a reluctant teen takes patience and creativity, but starting small and aligning activities with their interests can make a big difference. By listening to their perspective and offering low-pressure opportunities, you can help your teen find purpose and joy in their summer.
Finding the right summer program for a teen with a learning difference can feel challenging, but with a thoughtful approach, you can identify opportunities that support their strengths, build confidence, and encourage personal growth. The key is to focus on their unique abilities and choose environments that cater to their needs. Here are some tips and strategies for ensuring your teen has a summer experience that helps them thrive: Seek Individualized Support Look for programs specifically designed to accommodate learning differences, with staff trained to provide tailored support. Example : Camp Encourage is an excellent option for neurodiverse students, offering a structured, inclusive environment where they can learn and grow. Programs with small class sizes or specialized resources help ensure your teen feels comfortable and supported. Prioritize Flexibility Choose programs that offer adaptable schedules and smaller group settings, which are ideal for teens who benefit from a structured yet personalized approach. Flexibility allows for adjustments based on your teen’s needs, helping them navigate challenges without feeling overwhelmed. Focus on Social Skills Engaging in group activities can help your teen develop confidence and build meaningful relationships in a supportive environment. Examples : Peer mentorship programs or collaborative projects encourage connection and teamwork while promoting communication skills. With the right summer program, teens with learning differences can gain confidence, develop new skills, and create meaningful memories. Focus on their strengths, seek programs with individualized support, and encourage reflection to make the most of their summer.
Summer is a valuable time for high school students to explore their interests and build skills that will set them apart in the college admissions process. For teens interested in business, summer provides an excellent opportunity to develop entrepreneurial, leadership, and strategic thinking abilities. Here are three impactful ways your teen can make the most of their summer as a future business major: 1. Launch a Small Venture Encourage your teen to start a small business that aligns with their interests and teaches essential business skills like budgeting, marketing, and customer service. Hands-On Learning : Starting a neighborhood car wash or tutoring service teaches real-world skills like pricing, communication, and time management. Creative Ventures : If your teen is artistic, they can sell handmade products online through platforms like Etsy, gaining exposure to e-commerce and branding. Problem-Solving : Running their own business challenges them to think critically, manage resources, and adapt to customer feedback. 2. Explore Pre-College Business Programs Specialized summer programs offer teens exposure to business concepts in a structured environment with access to industry professionals. Example Program : The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy provides hands-on experience through team projects and mentorship, helping students understand core business principles. Build Confidence : These programs allow students to network with peers and professionals while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Learn Beyond the Classroom : Topics like marketing strategy, financial modeling, and leadership are covered in ways that connect theory to practice. 3. Take Initiative with Community Projects Leadership and strategic thinking are key traits for future business leaders, and organizing a community project is a great way to showcase them. Fundraisers : Suggest your teen plan and execute a local food drive, raising donations for a charity while learning event management skills. Awareness Campaigns : Organizing a campaign for a cause they care about demonstrates passion, initiative, and organizational ability. Team Leadership : Leading a group of volunteers or friends fosters collaboration and accountability, essential skills for business success. Final Thoughts By engaging in these summer activities, your teen can develop critical business skills, gain confidence, and build a standout resume for college applications. Whether they’re launching a small venture, joining a pre-college program, or leading a community project, the key is finding activities that align with their passions and goals.
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