Being in NY does have it's advantages I guess. Still can find RT air for ~$325 sometimes. Your best best is like Yetta said. Keep looking often, esp. midweek, try multiple combinations (I use flexible dates option in the search engine) and you will get a feel for the flow of it. Try signing up for an airfare alert service like Airfare Watchdog. http://www.airfarewatchdog.com You put in the parameters and they notify you when a good deal comes along.

Good luck with the search. Congrats to you and your daughter.