The months before college are chaotic enough—don’t let dorm shopping add to the stress. Everyone enjoys shopping for the dorm room essentials, like bedding and décor items that will help your home away from home be a cozy, welcoming nest. It’s best to wait until you know what college you will be attending, dorm room configuration, and your roommate to make most of those purchases. BUT Black Friday and pre-holiday sales are the perfect time for parents to grab smart, practical gifts their rising

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions in our students’ academic and professional journey. While many students focus on campus life, location, or reputation, there is an often-overlooked resource that can make a big difference: a college’s strategic plan.

Junior year marks a major turning point in high school, when academic demands increase, conversations about college become more serious, and hopefully, your student is taking on more personal responsibilities for their success. It is both an exciting and scary time, so this is Essential College Coach’s best advice to help your family maximize your students’ outcomes and minimize the stress and uncertainty.