The high school parent’s year-by-year guide to the SAT and ACT
Your college-bound teen will likely take one or both of these college entrance exams at least once. Here’s what you need to know.
Community colleges can open the door to selective universities
A recent study shows that transferring from a community college is a promising way for minority, low-income, and underprepared high school students to get into highly selective colleges and universities.
Meet 5 of the 1,722 College Success Award-winning high schools helping low-income students thrive
GreatSchools.org uses data to give College Success Awards to high schools that are helping all students prepare for, and succeed in, college.
How to make a college list
7 tips to help teens and parents create, revise, and finalize the list of colleges your child will apply to.
Scholarships for first-generation college students
There's scholarship money available specifically for students whose parents didn’t go to college. Here are a few great sources to check out.
College Success Award winner: Marshall High School
In this small, tight-knit Ozarks community, school leaders do whatever it takes to help kids get to college. Last year, they raised $1.8M in scholarships and financial aid for seniors.
College Success Award: Denver School of Science and Technology Stapleton
High expectations, intensive college counseling, and teachers who go the extra mile make college success possible for all students — even if it takes extra time.
College Success Award winner: Young Women's Preparatory Academy
Intensive advanced classes starting in the sixth grade plus robust leadership experiences make this Miami-based magnet a shining example of a college-for-all culture.
Like a Sponge podcast: Sky's the Limit?
Nine out of 10 parents expect their kids to go to college. Four in 10 kids get there. Tune in to find out how parents from all backgrounds are moving heaven and earth to keep their kids college-bound.
A bridge to success for high-achieving low-income teens
The nonprofit QuestBridge helps high-achieving teens from low-income families get into top colleges — many with a full scholarship.
Kids with character: Grit
“Grit is having the courage to do your impossible or to do what you think is hard and to do it anyway,” says Nasina, who has incredible grit. Her story will awe and inspire you.
What parents and students need to know about federal vs. private student loans
Here are four big reasons to choose federal student loans over private loans (when you can).
Cool careers spotlight: photography director
Lights! Camera! Action! Working in the film industry is a dream job for many teenagers. It’s creative, complex, and emotionally expressive — and it's in high demand.
Cool careers spotlight: web developer
Being self-motivated and staying abreast of the latest programming languages are crucial for this in-demand career that's projected to grow 27 percent between 2014 and 2024.
A high school parent’s guide to saving for college
It's never too late to start a college savings plan. Here are 13 steps you can take — starting now.
Cool careers spotlight: radiology technologist
As a child, did your teen want x-ray vision as their superpower? They may be interested in this growing field helping to diagnose and treat diseases.
4 things that make kids more likely to succeed
Research shows students are more likely to go to college when these factors are in play.
Cool careers spotlight: dental hygienist
Promote health and beauty in a career that's projected to grow steadily through 2024.
Taking the ACT and SAT on a budget
College admissions fees — for tests, test prep, and college applications — add up fast. Here’s a way to cut costs.
Why your teen should retake the SAT or ACT
Taking the SAT or ACT a second time is a good idea for pretty much all teens because it’s likely to help — and it definitely won’t hurt.
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