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.

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. 

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.

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.

After months—or even years—of dreaming of, planning for, and applying to college, the most difficult step in the entire process can be picking which college to attend. Many students rely on rankings to compare schools, but the information relied upon in rankings is sometimes misleading or even inaccurate. It’s one of the biggest decisions a student will ever make, so how do you ensure they make a great choice on what college to go to.  Of course, there’s no magical algorithm to how to choose a college that feels like a great fit, but students can take a look at what other students are basing their decisions on. A recent survey revealed the biggest factors behind eventual college enrollment choice for high school students. The survey covers college search and enrollment data from over 21,866 American high school students who graduated in 2022 looking back on their decisions, and the results showed that there were definitely some common driving factors. Here are a few key findings for students and families when it comes to picking colleges: The majority of students (62%) say a college’s brand and name recognition influenced their decision; only 5% said that it didn’t matter to them at all. Size and location mattered to students, with urban and suburban campuses climbing in appeal compared to rural campuses.

When it comes to picking a college major, we encourage students to pursue their interests and passions. If your student has always been a tinkerer, a problem-solver, and a creative thinker, we encourage a second look at these majors that might suit their abilities.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the number of AP classes a high school junior should take depends on a variety of factors. If a students is focused on competitive colleges, it's a good idea to considering taking as many AP classes as they can excel. Here are our guidelines to help you make the best decision for your child.

If you're a high school student considering college, you may be wondering what services are available to help you succeed. Many colleges offer learning support centers, which provide academic support and accommodations for students. When touring a college, be sure to ask about the learning support center. Here are three questions to get you started.