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

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

When families think about college applications, they focus on essays, test scores, activities, and transcripts. But there's another document that plays a major role in how colleges understand a student's accomplishments—and most students never even see it. It’s called the School Profile , and it accompanies every transcript your high school sends to colleges. This one- to two-page document is created and updated each year by the counseling office. Its purpose is simple: to gi

Picture a student who dreams of studying oceanography but lives in a landlocked state—or one living in California, Texas, or Florida, competing for limited seats at their state’s public universities. Both want to explore out-of-state college options. Both are concerned about cost. And both are great examples of students who could benefit from tuition reciprocity programs  that make certain public colleges more affordable. What Are Tuition Reciprocity Programs? Tuition recipro

If your student is fascinated by why  people think, feel, and act the way they do, psychology might be a major worth considering. Psychology is the scientific study of the connections between the mind, behavior, and environment. Students explore how decisions are made, how relationships form, and how internal and external factors shape behavior over a lifetime. What Do Psychology Majors Study? Because psychology is grounded in research and data, most programs begin with found

One way to gain the benefits of a small college while attending a large university is through an honors program . Many public and some private universities offer honors programs that provide valuable perks such as: • Preferential class registration • Special honors courses • Enhanced academic advising • Enrichment opportunities and community-building events Honors classes attract top professors who enjoy teaching bright, motivated students. Most programs don’t require student

Somewhere along the way, many students began treating failure as a personal label rather than a temporary setback. The New York Times  once observed that failure has shifted from an action— I failed —to an identity— I am a failure . Any parent who has watched their teen meltdown after a disappointing grade or feedback knows exactly how quickly young people make this leap. Yet every major body of research tells us something very different: failure is not the opposite of succes

Perhaps you’ve realized that you won’t qualify for need-based aid after running net price calculator tools or an SAI tool. That can be discouraging. The good news is that many colleges award merit aid, which is money given for achievement rather than financial need. Understanding how merit aid works, how it differs from need-based aid, and how to find generous colleges can make a difference. Merit Aid vs. Need-Based Aid • Need-based aid  depends on your financial situation, a

Fascinated by heredity and the mysteries of DNA? A major in genetics might be the perfect fit. Genetics is the study of inheritance and variation in all living organisms—from humans to plants and even viruses. It blends biology, chemistry, and computer science and is central to understanding everything from disease prevention to agricultural innovation. Genetics majors begin with a strong foundation in math and science. Most programs require coursework in biology, chemistry,

College interviews come in several formats: informational , recommended , and evaluative . Colleges offer interviews because they want to enroll students who will enhance their campus community and bring new ideas. Interviews are also wonderful opportunities for you to ask questions. Think of the interview as a two-way conversation; it's not just the college wanting to learn about you, but also about you finding out as much as you can to make an informed decision. Information

As Seen in ScoopCharlotte For high school students looking to broaden their horizons before college, studying away from their home school can offer an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth, language immersion, and global citizenship. Whether your student dreams of perfecting their French in Paris, exploring marine biology in the Bahamas, or attending high school in Spain, numerous programs make this type of experiential education accessible during the summer months, ov

One of the most significant decisions your child will face in college is choosing a major. As a parent, your role isn’t to decide for them, but to guide, support, and help them explore options with confidence. Choosing a major isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a process of exploration. By combining honest self-assessment, real conversations with professionals, and ongoing curiosity, your student can make thoughtful choices that lead to both fulfillment and opportunity. Keep in

As your high school student prepares for college, understanding the financial aid process can make the difference between affordability and overwhelming debt. The good news? October 1st marks the opening of financial aid applications for the upcoming academic year, giving you a clear starting point for this important journey. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  is required by every U.S. college and university if your student is applying for need-based financ

Construction is one of the largest industries , shaping skylines and communities. From skyscrapers to renewable energy facilities, every project relies on professionals to coordinate budgets, timelines, safety, and people. That’s where Construction Management (CM)  comes in. CM is the business side of building. Architects design structures. Engineers handle technical systems. Construction managers ensure projects are completed efficiently, safely, and on budget. They bridge o

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When you tell someone you want to be a doctor, the path ahead can seem pretty clear: major in biology, go to college, spend your weekends...