Here for Families
BigFuture Parent Community
Powered by College Board research and our expert community. Equipping you to help your teen navigate their journey with confidence.
Upcoming Events
BigFuture Live is your go-to resource for the most important moments on the path to college and career. Register for our live, expert-led virtual events for answers to your real questions and tips you can put into action.
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2026
Help Your Teen Make the Most of their PSAT/NMSQT
If your teen is taking the PSAT/NMSQT® this fall, join us to learn how to use the results as a helpful planning tool and a window into your teen’s academic strengths.
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2026
Help Your Teen Build Skills That Matter Most
When your teen understands their skills, interests, and strengths, they’re able to set goals and uncover relevant college and career options.
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2026
Help Your Teen Access More Money for College
Paying for college can feel overwhelming. There’s so much information out there and so many steps that sometimes it’s hard to understand what college will actually cost for your family.
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2026
Help Your Teen Stay Confident and Healthy Through College Planning
College and career planning can bring uncertainty and stress for both teens and parents.
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2026
Help Your Teen Envision Their Future
Many teens are still figuring out who they are, what they care about, and what they want their future to look like—and that’s okay.
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2026
Help Your Rural Teen Find a Path That Fits Their Community and Goals
Students from rural areas and small-town communities bring unique strengths, goals, and experiences to college and career planning, but they may not always see the full range of options available to them.
The Disengaged Teen: Expert Strategies for Parents
Co-authors Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop help parents understand what’s really going on with their teen and how to support them in finding their unique spark. Get practical advice on what to say and do, whether your teen is coasting or feeling stressed. Learn about the four modes of engagement: Passenger, Achiever, Resister, and Explorer, to better understand how to support your teen.
New Content for Parents
Our expert community is addressing your top concerns.
What to Know About College Loans (3:06)
Financial Aid: What to Do When (3:00)
How to Make Great College Visits (3:06)
Understanding AP Potential (3:32)
✦ In Case You Missed It ✦
Rewatch the BigFuture Live Parent Series
Catch up on parent-focused events with expert advice on college and career planning.
PSAT/NMSQT Parent Night: Demystifying the Test (57:03)
FAFSA Night: Funding Your Teen’s Future (1:02:41)
CSS Profile Night: Unlock Aid for Your Teen (59:05)
Parent Support Night: Keeping Your Teen Inspired in High School (1:01:54)
Your Teen Could Win $40,000
Motivate your teen to complete small, meaningful steps to plan for college, and they'll earn chances to win $40,000 and $500 scholarships from BigFuture each month.
Parent Action Plans by Grade
All About: Paying for College
Financial Aid Terms 101 (2:52)
Net Price: What Is It, and How Much Will I Really Pay? (3:11)
How Much Does College Really Cost? (2:52)
Paying for College 101 (3:00)
College Savings Accounts Explained (2:37)
CSS Profile Explained: Why, What, and How for Parents (2:21)
All About: Preparing in High School
AP to Prepare for College in High School (3:39)
What Matters in 9th Grade (3:02)
Your Role in Your Teen’s College Exploration (2:35)
Exploring Careers with Your Teen (2:56)
Cómo planificar la universidad (2:13)
Guiding Your Teen Through Diverse Pathways (2:52)
Top 6 BigFuture Reads
Explore what our users visit most for college and career planning.
Article
How to Convert (Calculate) Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale
Colleges report GPA (grade point average) on a 4.0 scale. Learn how to calculate your GPA and convert your grades to the 4.0 scale.