College Readiness Blog for Parents

College debt is becoming more of an issue as college grads across the country find themselves unemployed and swimming in student loan payments. Promote student loan awareness and enjoy this week’s cleverest news headlines on college debt.

Test prep is a booming business, but are standardized tests the only determining factor of success? Read this week’s top educational news headlines to find out for yourself.

Need some financial aid help? Share this advice from financial expert Jeff Sheely with your teens.

As the United States comes out of recession, newly available jobs will require a more skilled workforce. Watch this eye-opening video from the Lumina Foundation to find out how much of a necessity a post-secondary education will be for the class of 2015.

A pregnant Beyonce might not have to penny pinch to send her teens to college, but not everyone can go platinum. With the rising cost of college tuition these days, parents need to start saving as soon before the baby bump even starts to show.

A know-it-all child, fundamentally means one thing: Your child wants to learn and understand things, and that’s an incredible gift. Exploit that. Figure out how to help your know-it-all teen really know it all.

Say your teen feels burnt out after four years of high school, or wants to explore the world, work or volunteer before diving into more formal education. Gone are the days when teens who take a break are automatically labeled as slackers. Your teen might be the perfect candidate for a gap year.

If your teens need volunteer opportunities, we have a few suggestions! Check out a few of our favorite volunteer organizations and try to find an activity that your teen would love.

Interior design careers might sound like all fun and games, but they require serious preparation, too! Find out how you can help your teen prepare for an interior design career without destroying all your furniture.

Meet the Alleyoop Student Mentors. We’ve searched far and wide and found six standout college students who can share their experiences and help guide your teens to reach their goals.