It's tempting to let a number define where your student should go to college. Rankings are everywhere, and they promise something reassuring: a simple, objective way to measure quality. But here's the truth that often gets lost in the noise: the "best" college for your student isn't necessarily the one at the top of a list. It's the one where they'll thrive, grow, and find their path forward. When building a college list, think about it this way: student success has far more

If you care about climate change, clean water, protecting wildlife, or creating healthier communities, environmental majors offer real ways to turn that concern into a career. Students interested in preserving natural resources and addressing environmental challenges often find themselves choosing between two closely related majors: environmental science and environmental studies. While the names sound similar, the focus of each program is different, and the best fit depends

College decisions are being made in a very different environment than they were a generation ago. Costs have increased significantly, outcomes vary widely by major and institution, and families now have access to more data than ever before. As a result, return on investment, or ROI, has become a more common part of the college conversation. ROI is not a single number in education, and it is not a verdict on whether college is "worth it." It is a framework for understanding pa

Over the past several years, hundreds of colleges have adopted test-optional , test-flexible, and test-blind admissions policies. For many students, that shift has brought relief. For others, it has created confusion. If colleges don't require test scores, why take the SAT or ACT at all? The reality is more nuanced. Test-optional does not mean test-blind, and for some students, submitting scores can still be an advantage. For others, skipping the test is the smarter choice. T

A Year-by-Year Guide to Supporting Independence and Sanity Through High School and College Applications (As Seen in Scoop Charlotte) If you're reading this, you probably care deeply about your child's future. You want them to have opportunities, to thrive, to be happy and successful. And somewhere along the way, the path to all of that started to feel like it runs through a very specific set of high school achievements and college admissions outcomes. Here's something that mi

Of course! Here's the reformatted version, keeping all the original words intact: Course registration can feel exciting, overwhelming, or somewhere in between. You're being asked to make decisions that seem like they matter a lot, and in some ways, they do. The good news is that you don't need a "perfect" schedule. You need a thoughtful one that fits you. Start by understanding your graduation requirements. Every high school has specific courses students must complete to earn

You’ve opened the email, logged into the portal, and there it is: your student has been admitted and offered a financial aid package. Relief and excitement last about thirty seconds. Then you start scrolling. Numbers appear. Some seem promising. Others are confusing. Loans and grants blur together, unfamiliar acronyms pop up, and suddenly you’re wondering whether this school is truly affordable or whether you’re missing something important. You’re not alone. Financial aid awa

When most people hear "film major,"  they picture a student holding a camera or directing a scene. But today's film and media programs cover far more than that. Colleges now offer majors in creative producing, film and media studies, digital arts, screenwriting, entertainment marketing, and even the business side of Hollywood. If you're interested in storytelling—whether through movies, TV, animation, social media, or something new—there's likely a program designed for your v

High school seniors sometimes believe that because they have worked so hard throughout high school, they’ve earned the right to slack off in their senior year—especially in the last few months. By now, mid-year grades are on their way to colleges, and students may have already been accepted at their favorite school. Why not kick back and enjoy life? We refer to this syndrome as “senioritis.” However, an offer of admission is conditional , and students are expected to maintain