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

ParentingA Parent’s Go-To Bag for College Move-In Day
August 4, 2026

A Parent’s Go-To Bag for College Move-In Day

In addition to carefully mapping out the trip, knowing you’ve put together a thoughtfully curated "parent go-to bag" to soothe and nurture yourself during what can be an emotionally and…
Affording CollegeWorried About College Costs? Read This First.
July 26, 2026

Worried About College Costs? Read This First.

If you're like most families visiting College Countdown, you've been saving for years. Now, you're approaching a moment of truth— that point when a voice in the back of your…
ParentingDon’t Forget the Pets: Five Four-Legged Considerations Before Your Child Leaves for College
July 21, 2026

Don’t Forget the Pets: Five Four-Legged Considerations Before Your Child Leaves for College

Whether it’s the much-loved dog that faithfully waited by the front door after school or the precious cat that curled up next to your child for comfort through the years,…

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