Suzanne Shaffer-Parenting for College

Need some reading over the holidays? Check out these book suggestions from Grown and Flown https://grownandflown.com/best-college-admissions-books/

The 14 Best Books for College Admissions and How to Pay for College (2024) Here are our 14 favorite books about college admissions and how to pay for college, with new releases and updated editions of annual guides.

After weeks of testing the online form, the U.S. Department of Education released the official application on Thursday. (The paper form is also now available.) The online FAFSA may not look new, but it's certainly improved compared to last year's version.

"It's a piece of cake, honestly," says Christina Martinez, a financial aid advisor at California State University, Los Angeles. She has been helping students fill out the form during the testing period, and says, "It's been going very smoothly."

Let's hope (and pray) this year's rollout is better than last year. Fingers crossed!

This year's FAFSA is officially open. Early review says it's 'a piece of cake' The FAFSA form is now open to students hoping to get help paying for college in the 2025-26 academic year. Students can expect a much smoother process compared to the last cycle.

5 Things High School Parents Can Be Thankful for This Month 🍂

As we navigate the busy high school years, there’s so much to appreciate—even amidst the chaos. Here are five reasons to feel grateful this November:

1️⃣ Teen Growth: Watching your student discover their passions and take steps toward independence is a gift, even if it’s bittersweet. ❤️

2️⃣ Family Traditions: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a favorite fall outing, these moments remind us what matters most. 🦃

3️⃣ Support Networks: From other parents to dedicated teachers and counselors, it’s great to know you’re not in this alone. 🤝

4️⃣ Small Victories: From acing a tough test to managing their own schedules, every step is progress worth celebrating. 🎉

5️⃣ Opportunities Ahead: The future is bright for your teen, and you’re playing a vital role in helping them get there. 🌟

What are YOU most thankful for as a high school parent this season? Share in the comments below! 💬

Between juggling lectures, assignments, and exams, staying organized can feel like a full-time job for students. While pen-and-paper methods still have their charm, today’s technology offers tools that make note-taking more efficient and effective. From hardware to apps, these note-taking tools can transform how students learn and succeed academically.

These digital tools should help your student during high school and later during college. Check them out!

Mastering Note-Taking in the Digital Age Image by Pexels from Pixabay Between juggling lectures, assignments, and exams, staying organized can feel like a full-time job for students. While pen-and-paper methods still have their charm, tod…

The holiday season is fast approaching—a chance to catch your breath, spend time with family, and recharge. But if you’re a parent of a high school junior or senior, you probably feel a familiar tug of responsibility, wondering how are you going to find the time for those college tasks.

While it’s important to enjoy the festivities, this season can also be a great time to help your teen finalize their college list and start applying for scholarships. With a little planning, you can work on these college tasks together, even during the holiday hustle.

Using the Holidays to Complete College Tasks The holiday season is fast approaching—a chance to catch your breath, spend time with family, and recharge. But if you’re a parent of a high school junior or senior, you probably feel a familiar tu…

In honor of Veterans Day...

P.S. Veterans--Thank you for your service!

Is a Military Focused Education Right for Your Student? There are three types of military focused educations: a military college, a service academy and an ROTC program at a college or university. Some students desire the rigors of an education with a mi…

The scholarship search engines are rated. Check it out.

Top 15 Scholarship Websites Ranked ➡️ Read before you apply

Advice. Everyone gives it. Most of us don’t ask for it. Sometimes we need it.

The nature of the college beast is that we all need advice. Advice from other parents. Advice from college experts. Advice from the colleges. Advice from the high school counselor. For some it’s freely given, for others it’s withheld until asked. But there’s one underlying truth—everyone needs help and direction now and then, especially when navigating the college maze. But before you set out on this adventure to find the best college advice, beware-it’s a jungle out there!

Follow this link for 100+ college resources:
https://www.parentingforcollege.com/2023/02/06/100-college-prep-resources/

The landscape of politics can be complex and, at times, overwhelming—especially for our teens, who are trying to make sense of the world around them while dealing with their own personal and academic stresses. Election seasons often bring heightened emotions, and the outcomes can spark concerns or fears that are hard for young minds to process.

As a parent, you can play a vital role in helping your teen understand the impact of election results and navigate the emotional landscape that often follows.

Read today's post for tips on how to start these conversations with empathy and insight.

Helping Your Teen Deal with Election Trauma The landscape of politics can be complex and, at times, overwhelming—especially for our teens, who are trying to make sense of the world around them while dealing with their own personal and academ…

Starting the college application journey? Read our blog on how to make college visits a family affair! 🚗📚

Making College Visits a Family Affair College visits have become more important today than they ever were in the past. Competition for that coveted admission spot and the competitiveness of the colleges vying for students makes the col…

🍂✨ Kick Off November Right! ✨🍂

Choosing the perfect college isn’t just about the biggest dorm rooms or a picturesque campus (although those are nice perks!). It’s about what really matters to your teen. 💭📚

Start a list together of top must-haves to guide their research. Think about academic programs, campus culture, location, extracurriculars, and support services. What’s on your family’s non-negotiable list?

✔️ Small class sizes?
✔️ Internship opportunities?
✔️ A strong support network for first-gen students?

Share your teen's priorities in the comments below—let’s inspire each other! 📝✨ And if you need more tips, head over to our blog for in-depth advice on navigating the college selection process.

👉 Click here to learn more: https://www.parentingforcollege.com/2023/10/18/how-i-helped-my-daughter-with-her-college-list/

👻 Things That Scare Parents About College Prep 👻

It’s almost that time—when “let’s think about college” becomes “it’s really happening!” And along with all the excitement come the spooky thoughts that can give any parent chills! Here are some of the top fears we hear:

🎃 Cost of Tuition: Financial aid, scholarships, student loans—it’s overwhelming! How can we make sure we’re covering everything without getting buried in debt?

👻 Leaving the Nest: For 18 years, they’ve been right here! Thinking about an empty room and a quieter house? That’s a whole new world!

🎒 Are They Really Ready? The thought of them managing classes, laundry, and everything in between is a lot! Are they prepared to juggle all that independence?

💻 College Applications & Essays: Knowing how to help, when to step back, and what admissions are looking for can feel like trying to solve a mystery!

😱 The “What Ifs”: We all worry—will they make friends? Will they thrive? Will they find their way?

If this sounds like you, take a deep breath! We’re here to help with all things college prep, from financial aid tips to packing lists and navigating the application process. You’re not alone in this journey! 🙌

FAFSA 2025-2026 Update The 2025-2026 FAFSA will be available on or after Dec. 1, 2025. Learn more about the new FAFSA schedule on CollegeData.

Positive parenting is about guiding, not doing. The old adage that implies “teaching is more profitable than doing” holds true with your teenagers as well.