Questions About Your Child's Future?

Look for signs like persistent unhappiness, social struggles, or academic performance that doesn't match their actual abilities. We recommend having conversations with your child, talking to their current teachers, and then evaluating what's actually needed—whether that's a different learning environment, better academic support, or just time to adjust. Most transitions make sense when your child's needs clearly don't align with their current school's strengths.

A good school has strong academics and resources. A good fit school does that AND matches how your kid actually learns and what they need socially and emotionally. Your straight-A kid might thrive at a competitive school or absolutely hate the pressure there—it depends on them, not just the school's reputation.

There's no magic number, but more isn't better. We typically recommend 2-3 activities during the school year for middle schoolers and high schoolers, chosen because your child actually enjoys them, not because they look good on applications. One activity done deeply—where they take on leadership or real responsibility—matters far more to colleges than a resume padded with activities they're lukewarm about. Quality always beats quantity.

Honestly? Start in middle school, but not with test prep or college lists. Start by helping your child understand their learning style, explore interests through activities and classes, and develop good study habits. By 9th grade, they should have a sense of what matters to them academically and personally. Then in 10th grade, you can start actual college conversations and planning. It's never too early to think about fit, but standardized testing prep can wait until junior year.

Most kids at 14 or 15 shouldn't have it figured out—that's totally normal. Instead of pushing them toward a specific path, help them notice what they're naturally drawn to: Do they love solving problems? Working with people? Creating things? Building things? From there, explore careers and college programs that use those strengths, not the other way around. Internships, informational interviews with professionals, and project-based learning in school all help them see what's actually out there.

It helps, but it's not required—especially if travel or budget is an issue. Virtual tours, alumni conversations, and connecting with current students online can give you real insight. If you do visit, go during the school year (not summer) so you see campus life as it actually is. And skip the tour if your kid isn't interested yet; forced college visits when they're not ready just create resentment.