Road2College Blog

College List Building
UC Berkeley Common Data Set

Sifting through a college’s Common Data Set can take a lot of time. Instead, we’ve gathered the most important information from UC Berkeley’s most recent Common Data Set to provide you with the information you need at a quick glance. This guide contains key information from UC Berkeley Common Data Set 2025-2026. Berkeley Common Data…

September 13, 2026

Advice
October 13, 2023

Teaching a Teen To Drive? 11 Essential Tips That Will Your Life Way Easier

Teaching your teenager to drive is a significant milestone that requires patience, communication, and a focus on safety. It can also really stress you out. Here are some valuable tips that may help you stay calm and your teen learn better — which is a win-win for everyone. Teaching your teenager to drive is a…
Advice
October 13, 2023

12 Tips to Help a Struggling Teen Land on Their Feet

Supporting a struggling teen and helping them land on their feet can be a challenging task, but it’s worth it. It’s our job as parents to do what we can to guide them in good times and bad, but sometimes knowing what to do is the problem. Our instincts aren’t always right, and it’s easy…
Advice
October 13, 2023

11 Pieces of Advice For My College-Bound Student

Unique advice that a parent can share with their college-bound child can be both inspiring and practical. Here are some unique pieces of advice: Embrace Failure The way I see it, failure is a stepping stone to success. No one ever made it to the top of anything without a few setbacks. Failure is a…
Applications
October 10, 2023

Understanding the FERPA Waiver on the Common App

While filling out college applications — especially if the school uses the Common Application — you’re likely to come across a question asking you to waive your right to see your letters of recommendation for college. Basically, when you apply, schools are asking you to waive your FERPA right to see these letters related to…
Advice
October 7, 2023

What To Say When You Can’t Afford Your Student’s Dream School

Your child got into their dream school, but you can’t afford it. You’re not alone! So many parents find themselves having a difficult conversation with their children about affordability, and it’s never easy. You probably feel guilty that you can’t afford their dream school, but it’s not your fault. College tuition has skyrocketed in recent…
Advice
October 6, 2023

The 5 People Who Can Help Your Child Get Into College

All diligent high school students with dreams of going to college eventually realize that getting accepted requires some valuable assistance from several key people. I’m a planner and a natural researcher, so luckily, my son and I came to this realization early, and now that we’re already receiving acceptance letters, it’s clear that there are…
Advice
October 5, 2023

Here’s Why You May Want to Keep Your College List to Yourself

Let’s talk about a valuable lesson in the world of college admissions—one that you might find incredibly helpful. It’s the idea of keeping your college list and your ultimate decision to yourself. You see, there’s a compelling reason behind this notion, and it boils down to the fact that making decisions can be much easier…
Advice
October 3, 2023

The Homesick Hotline: How to Handle the Call from a Freshman Who Misses You

Picture this: You’re binging your favorite TV show in your cozy living room when the phone rings. It’s your college freshman, and they sound a little down. “Hey, Mom, Dad,” they say, their voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. “I miss home.” Your heart does a somersault, and you realize it’s the dreaded homesickness call.…
College Financial Planning
September 30, 2023

Understanding the Cost of Attendance (COA): A Vital Tool for College Financial Planning

Navigating college finances can be daunting. The “Cost of Attendance” (COA) is an essential tool, offering a comprehensive yet simplified view of yearly student expenses. Discover how this federally regulated metric can shape your plan to pay for college. What Is the Cost of Attendance? The “Cost of Attendance” (COA) is a comprehensive estimate of…
Paying Off Loans
September 30, 2023

What Majors Make the Most Money? Your Guide to the Top 50

A student’s choice of college major holds the power to shape their future career and financial opportunities. While following your passions is undeniably important, it’s equally vital to weigh the earning potential of the majors you’re considering. In this article, we’ll delve into the factors that should inform your decision and shed light on the…
Advice
September 29, 2023

Cracking the College Application Code: A Parent’s Guide to Kickstarting the Process

Raise your hand if you’re the parent of a procrastinating high school senior. 🙋🏻 It’s that time of year when college applications seem to linger on the to-do list, untouched, unloved, and definitely undone. If the elephant in the room is driving you nuts — those untouched college applications — we have solutions for you.…
Standardized tests
September 27, 2023

What’s a Good Act Score? How to Navigate the Numbers

The ACT plays a pivotal role in the college admissions journey of countless high school students. As the academic world continues to evolve, the value and significance of standardized tests like the ACT and SAT have come under scrutiny. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many educational institutions to adopt test-optional policies, allowing students…
Advice
September 26, 2023

The 7 Awkward (Yet Essential) Talks to Have Before Your College-Bound Kid Flies the Nest

So, your baby bird is all set to leave the nest for college, huh? Congratulations! 🎉 Now, let’s get real: Some conversations might make you and your soon-to-be college student cringe. But hey, you’re in this together! It’s time to tackle those awkward but absolutely necessary talks before they fly off because if not now,…
12th Graders
September 25, 2023

Senior Year Bucket List: 12 Things To Do With Your Senior During Their Last Year of High School

Hey there, parent of a high school senior! Your kid’s senior year is upon you, and before you know it, they’ll be trading textbooks for cap and gown. It’s time for you to create your very own bucket list to make the most of this milestone year with your student. Grab your sense of adventure…
Financial aid
September 24, 2023

What Happens If You Miss the FAFSA Deadline?

If you miss the FAFSA deadlines, you lose out on federal aid and government student loans. Once the date passes, there’s not much you can do. The deadline for the 2025-26 school year is June 30, 2026. Here’s your guide to NOT miss FAFSA deadlines. What Happens if You Miss the FAFSA Deadline? A missed…
Season
September 22, 2023

From Mixtapes to Malls: Why High School in the ’80s Was Just As Cool As Today — Or Better

Being a student in the 1980s had its own unique charm and advantages. Our kids may think we sound old and outdated when we talk about that decade — and perhaps we do — but there were a whole lot of things about going to high school in the 1980s that were pretty darn cool.…
Advice
September 22, 2023

5 Times When Teens Are Hard To Love — But You Should Love Them Anyway

Ah, the teenage years — a rollercoaster ride where emotions fluctuate faster than the latest TikTok trends, and communication can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. It’s a phase that’s notorious for being challenging, but as parents, we’ve got to love ’em anyway, right? Let’s explore the sometimes mind-numbing, sometimes hilarious journey through the teenage tornado!…
Applications
September 21, 2023

What Is a College Major? All About Your Options and How to Select One

In your journey to a college degree, selecting a major is a pivotal step. It not only shapes your academic path but potentially influences your future career. This guide will help you understand what a major in college entails, popular choices, requirements, and how to select one that aligns with your goals and interests. What…