Resources from 51łÔąĎÍř Live

Check out recaps and resources from previous 51łÔąĎÍř Live events just for parents. Get more resources to help your teen navigate their journey on the 51łÔąĎÍř Parent Community.

Is My Teen Ready for College? Time Management, Organization, and Confidence for College (April 16, 2026)

Is My Teen Ready for College? Time Management, Organization, and Confidence for College (April 16, 2026)

Key Takeaways: 

  1. Consistency Matters More Than Perfection. 
    “Start with that one system that works for them… that consistency is really, really helpful.” â€“ Angie Strong, Spring Valley High School 
  2. Support Independence Gradually. 
    “We’re developing humans… starting small where you’re providing that support but then scaffold it back.” – Dr. Cynthia Martinez, San Antonio ISD 
  3. Start Small to Build Lasting Habits. 
    “It can be just 10 to 15 minutes once a week to look ahead.” â€“ Beth Oesterman, Lodi High School 
  4. Organization Goes Beyond Planners. 
    “Organizing your thoughts and taking notes… will help and go a long way in college and in life.” â€“ Nancy Nauman, Visalia USD 

Parent’s Guide to College Visits: How to Plan, What to Ask, and What to Look For (March 19, 2026)

Parent’s Guide to College Visits: How to Plan, What to Ask, and What to Look For (March 19, 2026)

Key Takeways:

  • Your job isn’t really to sell the school or say no… you’re teasing out of your student what excited them.” – Patricia Peek, Fordham University 
  • “Think of this not just as a tour, but as field research… you want to be a journalist… observe, verify, and collect your data.” – Dr. Cynthia ColĂłn, Destination YOUniversity 
  • “Go back to your notes and start to look at the things that these schools have in common or don’t have in common.” – Emma Adebayo, University of Wisconsin–Madison
  •  â€śYou won’t only be on that campus… spend some time around that town.” – Rebecca Donovan, University of Kentucky 

AP Planning for Next Year: How AP Can Support Your Teen’s Path (March 12, 2026)

AP Planning for Next Year: How AP Can Support Your Teen’s Path (March 12, 2026)

  • “Strong AP plans are intentional. They aren't built around numbers; they’re built around alignment.” - Claire Lorenz, College Board 

  • “We want them to surge forward in those areas where they really do have a passion… and provide balance across the full scope of their curriculum.” - Carrie Poehlein, Park Tudor School 

  • “Encourage your student to look at courses they’re interested in… You may find a course that you didn’t think you would be good at, but after you took the course, you realized because of that interest you succeeded.” - Chandra Webb, KIPP Antioch Global High School 

  • “Go for the challenge as long as you are interested and ready to commit to trying... what that shows is a willingness to learn.” - Laurie McDonald, Atlantic Coast High School  

Demystifying the Cost of College: A Parent’s Guide (Feb. 26, 2026)

Demystifying the Cost of College: A Parent’s Guide (Feb. 26, 2026)

Key Takeways:

  • The vast majority of families do not pay the sticker price." Focus on the net price after grants and scholarship before ruling a school out. - Jill Glaze, Bunker Hill Community College 

  • "Don’t guess.” Use each ł¦´Ç±ô±ô±đ˛µ±đ’s calculator early to estimate what your family might actually pay. - Kelly Nehring, University of San Diego 

  • Missing FAFSA or CSS Profile deadlines “can definitely reduce your eligibility,” Staying organized matters.- Kelly Nehring, University of San Diego 

  • "Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.” Review grants vs. loans and evaluate each cost line by line before making a decision. - Lisa Berian, Spelman College