Joanna Nesbit, Freelance Writer

Your Teen magazine

• How Does Taking a Gap Year Affect College Admissions?June 2019

  Gap years are growing ever more popular, but many parents worry about how they affect their kid's college plans. Gap years don't hurt them, but it's worth understanding how the college application process and the gap year plans should be handled.

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• What is a Gap Year: What to Know Before They GoJune 2019

  Here's what to know about your child taking a gap year by the numbers. Also, why you shouldn't worry about the gap and how your teen can make the most of the year.

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• Teaching Money Skills: Why Teenagers Should Help Pay for CollegeJanuary 2017

  We don't do our teens any favors by paying for everything. NYT Money expert Ron Lieber tells us why it's important to get them involved in their college future.

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• Everything You Need to Know about College Testing before 10th GradeSeptember 2016

  College and all the required testing can feel high stakes. Here's what to know about the PSAT, the SAT, and the ACT.

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• How to Get Merit Scholarships for CollegeJuly 2016

  Two types of financial aid are available for college students -- need based aid and "merit" aid. If your family won't qualify for need aid, here's how you can find merit aid to bring down the cost of college.

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• The Lowdown on the New SATMarch 2016

  The new-format SAT is looming. Some experts say students should skip it this year and not be guinea pigs. Here's what is different from the old format and things to consider about taking it.

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• Surprise! Video Games Offer Real BenefitsDecember 2015

  Video games get a bad rap, and played excessively they can indeed be problematic. But gaming offers benefits too. Read on for what your kid is gaining, and what to do about limits.

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