Hi, Reader!

I don't know about you, but it's been a busy spring.

From spring break to my husband retiring to my family starting to make summer plans, the days are just flying by. But one thing's for certain: We don't get anything done without a plan. Whether I’m using my paper to-do list, my calendar items, or a task list in ClickUp, when I have a clear plan, I'm more strategic about (and effective with) my time.

One of the things in my to-do list is a section for saving links I think you might find interesting, like these:

• ​The Pell Grant could be facing a $11.5B shortfall, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Here's what that could mean for you.
• Sarah Harberson explains why "Your GPA isn't as straightforward as you think" (and psssst: did you know that many schools will recalculate your GPA anyway?).
• It's never too early to start networking — whether it's to learn more about a major, a career, or a possible work/internship opportunity. In this video, Encourage shares more about what networking is, where to start, and how to develop your networking skills.
• A college’s sticker price rarely represents the actual cost. Niche True Cost gives an in-depth estimate of how much you’ll pay — and where those dollars will go — for every college on your list.

Dual Enrollment Grows In Popularity Among High School Students

Part of making a plan this spring will likely be planning out next year’s courses.

As you look through the course catalog, it might be helpful to remember that one of the smartest ways families can lower college costs is by helping students earn credits before they ever step on campus through dual credit, AP, IB, or community college courses. That strategy is gaining momentum: The Washington Post reports that dual enrollment reached 2.8 million participants in the 2023–24 academic year, a 12.7% increase over the prior year, as schools expand access and advising. My own two kids benefited from dual credit courses: My daughter saved a full year of college through dual credit, and my son saved a semester. Those early credits obviously reduced costs, but more importantly, they gave us flexibility and options as they were choosing schools.

The Text You Hate to Get

My daughter is traveling for work this week, and I got the dreaded text that started "Don't freak out." So of course, I freaked out. Turns out, she suspected she had a kidney stone and wanted to find the closest ER that would take our insurance. My husband and I jumped into action and found one. She got in, got treated, and got back to the hotel in record time. It's not the first time she's had to seek medical treatment while away from home, but it definitely doesn't get easier.

If you have a student heading off to college or a young adult child making their mark in the world, making sure they have a power of attorney in place can definitely bring some peace of mind to parents. Knowing you can help your child with medical decisions in an emergency is priceless. If this is something you're thinking about, consider using Mama Bear Legal Forms. You can get 20% off with my affiliate link, and it's a super quick and easy process.

Applying to College This Summer? Consider a 60-Minute Power Hour!

Need clarity, strategy, or expert feedback — fast? While my comprehensive essay coaching spots are full for this summer, I’m opening spots for 10 to get a focused 60-minute strategy session for $150 (regularly $195). In one productive hour, we can tackle whatever will help most: brainstorming essays, reviewing drafts, refining an Activities List or resume, building a supplemental essay plan, or giving a final polish before submission. It’s a great fit for self-starter students and families who want expert guidance without committing to a larger package. Grab your session here — discount code POWERUP will automatically be applied.

What's on your to-do list this spring? I'd love to hear!

Happy Writing!

Julia

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