If you’re wondering what your kid’s transition to college will look like, College Countdown is for you.

Welcome!

You’re visiting colleges. You’re sorting through acceptance letters. You’re saving for your kid’s education.

For all these reasons, College Countdown is a great resource. Of course, we can’t help you plan a graduation party, but we can address the issues you encounter as your teen prepares for college.

College Countdown is maintained by ScholarShare 529, California’s official college savings plan. They help families like yours save for higher education. That means you’re in good hands.

College Countdown has insights about admissions, student life, academic success, affording college, and parenting. We’ve been around a long time so we know a lot of pros with insight to share.

Welcome to College Countdown.

Let’s get started! To explore articles and videos relevant to your student’s transition to college, follow the links below. You’re going to love this site.

Patricia Roberts, J.D., College Savings Advocate

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Recent Articles

ParentingDebunking the Headlines: A Closer Look at the Importance of College
February 24, 2026

Debunking the Headlines: A Closer Look at the Importance of College

Recent Gallup polling reported a sharp decline in how Americans view the importance of a college education: those saying an undergraduate degree is “very important” fell from 75% in 2010…
ParentingCollege Pays. Especially in California.
February 23, 2026

College Pays. Especially in California.

Strata Education Foundation is a nonprofit, founded in 2010, dedicated to strengthening the connection between education and career opportunities. They publish an annual report on the return on investment of…
ParentingSenior StudentThe Skills That Get You the Job—and Why College Still Matters
February 22, 2026

The Skills That Get You the Job—and Why College Still Matters

But the question is, which skills? The basic technical skills needed to do most jobs are the price of entry. You don’t get an interview or get past HR unless…

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