The Better Letter

Hazing, drugs and alcohol are common concerns parents have when their child decides to join a fraternity or sorority.

In August, you sent your son or daughter off to college.

By now, most high school seniors have decided what college they will attend next year.

If you’re worried you don’t have enough money to pay for your kid’s college education, Gail MarksJarvis, who visits the Wilmette Theatre on Feb. 23, can help.

Choosing a college isn't an unexpected decision when you're a parent, but it's a daunting one–especially if your child doesn't fit a four-year college mold.

It's arguably the most competitive sport on the North Shore: college admissions. And the season is upon us. Once your kid has taken the SAT and as many honors classes as possible, it’s finally time for him or her to fill out the application and knock the socks off admissions officers.

You packed your kids in the car and hit the road for the family summer vacation of a lifetime. Then to the side of the highway you see a sign that reads: "University of Michigan: This Exit."

It’s becoming increasingly popular for students to take a year off between high school and college. But is a gap year right for your child?

When I told my Mom I was writing an article about efficient college packing, she laughed at me. I'm not surprised or hurt by my mother's skepticism. After all, I was the college freshman whose parents had to rent a Ford Excursion in order to attempt to bring all my stuff to school.

“Did you cry?” friends asked about the college graduation of my oldest child, Nick.

Was that SAT or ACT prep course a life-saver, or a total waste of time? If the latter was your child's experience, then a recent study by the National Association of College Admissions Counselors seems to say: "I told you so."