A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your Teen’s College Journey
“Actionable tips, real-life stories, and the tools you need to help your teen thrive—without the overwhelm.”
About Me
Who Am I
I’m Ellis Torvald, and I’m on a mission to help parents navigate one of the most overwhelming but rewarding journeys: preparing their kids for college and beyond.
As a former college professor with 20 years of experience, I’ve worked with countless students as they transitioned from wide-eyed freshmen to capable seniors. I’ve seen what helps them thrive—and what holds them back. But none of that fully prepared me for the challenge of helping my own daughter through the process of choosing a career and finding the right college.
Now, I’m sharing what I’ve learned in real-time as my family and I navigate this journey together. My wife, Mei Lin, and I have two daughters: Liz, who’s currently in high school and balancing SAT prep, learning to drive, and exploring her interests, and Emma, who’s watching her sister and already forming ideas about her own future.
I’m not just here to offer advice—I’m here to show you what works (and what doesn’t) from the trenches. Through research, technology, and candid storytelling, I aim to make this process a little less daunting for families like yours.
Why I’m Doing This
Over the years, I’ve learned a simple truth: education is about more than just grades or getting into the “right” school. It’s about helping our kids develop the confidence and tools they need to thrive in whatever path they choose—whether that’s college, trade school, or something else entirely.
When my wife asked me to help Liz start her college search, I realized I wasn’t just doing this for her—I was doing it for our family, and for every parent who’s staring at a pile of college brochures and wondering where to start.
What You'll Find Here
This site is a resource for parents navigating the college preparation process. Whether you’re just starting or deep in the weeds, I’ll share:
- Practical tools, like how to use AI to research colleges and careers.
- Stories about our family’s journey—the successes, the missteps, and everything in between.
- Insights on how to make this process less stressful and more empowering for your child.
And as we grow, I’ll be adding more resources to help you, from checklists to courses and beyond.