Student Success

Taking a gap year is becoming increasingly popular. Many students decide to pause their academic life to volunteer, travel, gain professional skills, or explore career options. While a gap year can certainly be beneficial – when properly managed – it also comes with risks. Here’s a look at what a gap year is, what it…

Before your high schooler goes to college, it’s crucial that they have particular life skills that will help them thrive. But some of these core competencies are accidentally neglected, especially if they are activities that parents normally manage. Without certain life skills, your student isn’t only going to be faced with the new challenge of…

Smartphones are a staple for many teens and young adults, so finding some of the best apps for students can help make sure their next school year is easier to manage. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing apps for college students and high schoolers, including options that can make learning or staying organized easier. Since…

Internships for college students are one of the best mechanisms for gaining valuable experience your student can use in the future. Getting a job after graduating can be easier if your student has a summer internship under their belt as it shows they can use their knowledge and skills in a real-world environment. Plus, an…

In the name of “fairness,” some schools are ditching the traditional class rankings system, eliminating the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian from their lexicon. Starting next year, Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana will join the ranks of schools forgoing these titles. The hope is it will help students focus on bettering themselves and not…

If you have a high schooler in your household, you’ve likely heard about AP courses. Many high school students and their families wonder, “Are AP classes worth it?” After all, they are more challenging than the regular version of the course and aren’t a graduation requirement. But, just because they are optional, doesn’t mean you…

If college is in your student’s future, but they aren’t moving in the right direction, figuring out how to motivate a teenager for college can be a challenge. Luckily there are ways you can help as a parent, but determining the reason behind your student’s procrastination is critical. Here is how to get started. How…

Let’s face it; most teenagers aren’t thrilled at the prospect of working, particularly if they are striving to be exceptional students and maintain a social life. That’s why finding the best jobs for college students and teens can make such a difference. When a job comes with valuable perks and great experiences, along with a…

For many students, trying to figure out where they want to apply to college is a daunting task. After all, there is a lot of information to consider beyond whether their major is available. If your student is like most, they need to take a hard look at everything the school has to offer, what…

Scholarship application essays often carry a TON of weight when deciding who will receive the scholarship but it’s not always easy to stand out in crowd of applications. Even if your student fits the scholarship criteria exactly, they’re still likely to be one of a number of applicants with similar grades, accomplishments, community involvements, and…