Lisa Endlich's Blog, page 2

FAFSA Opens on October 1: How to Get Ready

Worried about paying for college? You’re not alone. College expenses continue to rise and the process of finding affordable colleges and applying for financial aid is complex. Families need clear answers about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) merit aid, scholarships, and how to get the most money for college.

The Upper Quad Gate at the University of Pennsylvania. (Bryan Y.W. Shin)

In this comprehensive video, Elaine Varas, Senior University Director of Financial Aid, Universit...

Landing the Helicopter: 10 Ways I’ve Let My College Daughter ‘Adult’

The transition from battlefield mom to wave-and-smile-from-the-sidelines mom is not easy. I was all up in my kid’s business when they were in high school. I checked schoolwork, proofed papers, kept track of deadlines, and nagged as needed. I coordinated activities and advised them on their extracurriculars.

When my youngest left for college, I finally stepped back. (Twenty 20 @TimmProductions)

I kept a short leash and monitored and tracked my kids when needed. And for better or worse, I helped ma...

38 Thoughtful Gifts for Women in Their 20s That They Actually Want (2025)

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Shopping for the best gifts for women in their 20s shouldn’t be as difficult as it feels sometimes. Ideally, you’ll be able to put a well-deserved smile on her face while diving deep into all the trendiest brands and buzziest gear in fashion, fitness wellness, home goods, self-care, and more. 

Because the roaring 20s is a transitional time in any ...

28 Advent Calendars for Teens and College Students (2025)

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Bring back the magic of the holidays with these fun Advent calendars for your teen or college student. They’re exciting because your teen will get a little surprise each day leading up to Christmas. Based on previous years, many of these sell out so don’t wait if you see something you think they would LOVE.

Popular Advent calendars for teensSkin c...

25 Advent Calendars for Teens and College Students (2025)

We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through these links. See more about our Privacy and Affiliate policies here.

Bring back the magic of the holidays with these fun Advent calendars for your teen or college student. They’re exciting because your teen will get a little surprise each day leading up to Christmas. Based on previous years, many of these sell out so don’t wait if you see something you think they would LOVE.

Popular Advent calendars for teensSkin c...

24 Advent Calendars for Teens and College Students (2025)

We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through these links. See more about our Privacy and Affiliate policies here.

Bring back the magic of the holidays with these fun Advent calendars for your teen or college student. They’re exciting because your teen will get a little surprise each day leading up to Christmas. Based on previous years, many of these sell out so don’t wait if you see something you think they would LOVE.

Popular Advent calendars for teensSkin c...

23 Advent Calendars for Teens and College Students (2025)

We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through these links. See more about our Privacy and Affiliate policies here.

UPDATED: 9/7/2025

Bring back the magic of the holidays with these fun Advent calendars for your teen or college student. They’re exciting because your teen will get a little surprise each day leading up to Christmas. Based on previous years, many of these sell out so don’t wait if you see something you think they would LOVE.

Popular Advent calendar...

27 Best Halloween College Care Package Ideas (2025)

We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through these links. See more about our Privacy and Affiliate policies here

Halloween’s a holiday that college students love to celebrate. Parents can help add to the festive atmosphere by sending a Halloween themed college care package with costumes, decor, or lots of treats to share.

Halloween is a perfect time to send a college care package. (Shutterstock: JeniFoto)Halloween college care package ideas1. Microwavable Si...

42 Pieces of Advice This College Professor Gave His Own Sons

When our eldest son went to college, I shared thoughts about how to thrive in his first year and beyond. I struggled through college. Sure, it was a challenge academically, but more than that, I didn’t have a good sense of how to approach college in a way that would help me take full advantage of the amazing opportunity to grow and, quite simply, to be happy (and we are way more likely to be productive when we are happy — it’s a nice example of a “virtuous cycle”). 

This is the advice I gave my ...

Our Family’s Last Stop Before College Drop-Off Was the One Place I Swore I’d Never Go: A Giant Roller Coaster Park

Years ago, when our daughter went to sleep-away camp for the first time, I was wildly overwhelmed by the packing list. Ordering the regulation t-shirts, following the luggage requirements, tracking down the requisite water bottles and shin guards, counting out precise numbers of socks and underwear, suffering the torment of what three sets of “casual clothes” even meant. That Spring was a flurry of checking and rewriting lists and making trips to Target and staying up into the wee hours of sever...