The senior year of high school is a whirlwind for students applying to college. Between managing applications, writing essays, visiting campuses, and keeping up with academics and extracurriculars, high school seniors often feel like they’re being pulled in many directions at once. As a parent, you can help them navigate this process, ensuring that they have the best senior year possible.

In an age dominated by rapid technological change and specialization, the liberal arts are sometimes dismissed as impractical or outdated. However, they have never been more relevant. Far from being a luxury, a liberal arts education provides an intellectual foundation and the adaptive skills necessary for long-term success — in professional and personal lives.

For many families, paying for college can feel overwhelming, but there is an important tool available to make higher education more affordable. It’s called the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The form is currently used by the Department of Education to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. Understanding how it works and when to submit it can unlock significant financial aid opportunities.

It’s hard to dispute the fact that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a concrete force in reshaping real-world systems. This includes the way students apply to college. From streamlining application processes to providing personalized guidance, AI has begun to play a big role in one of the most important transitions in a young person’s life. But like any technology, it brings both opportunities and challenges.

Over the past several decades, universities in the Southern United States have experienced extraordinary growth. Once viewed primarily as regional institutions serving local populations, many are now nationally recognized for their research, rising enrollment, and economic impact. Driven by population growth, competitive tuition costs, and major investments in research infrastructure, Southern universities are reshaping the landscape of higher education in America.