When I started providing college counseling fifteen years ago, I would sometimes suggest “gap years.” Most of my Connecticut suburban clients in the land of steady habits nixed any further discussion. There was a middle uptick in interest in the late 2010s and then a significant increase in interest during the Covid years. Gap year […]

Most Connecticut teens are growing up in an environment of material abundance. They have little idea that your investments have been flat and that you are struggling to save enough for college. They remain rich in their world of videogames, I-phones, and social media. Much of your children’s “stuff” seemed to magically appear.  The best […]

Spring is approaching.  For most, this is great news. For parents of Connecticut juniors who have been urging their children to “start looking at colleges” and begin SAT (or ACT) prep, the time is NOW.  I am fully aware of the battles that parents have to make – and choose – with their teens. But […]

Imagine that your new job required you to become fluent in a new foreign language in 6 months. Someone might suggest: use DuoLingo. Have you ever used DuoLingo?  It’s great. Have you become fluent in a foreign language through DuoLingo?  Become proficient? Conversational? Or have you just learned a few words and perhaps enough to […]

“Is this really a big deal?” I answer this somewhat rhetorical question in our SAT-ACT Mastery Seminar when addressing the significance of the college process.  Yes. I explain and then relay that I was one of those semi-rebellious teens who did not automatically follow my parent’s directives. I needed to know “why”. “College” is a […]

“What happens when an entire generation does not grow up?”  This was the hyperbolic title of a recent article in the Wall Street Journal.  But there is some – perhaps a lot of truth – to the notion that failing to launch has become commonplace. “It’s up to Max.” So said two nice parents from […]

“My son is struggling…” Donna noted in almost hushed tones as if she was conveying a secret. I assured her that I hear variations of her story every day. My first book was on the subject. I might write a follow-up. Our work is focused on elevating students both psychologically (Motivation) and technically (study skills) […]

Since starting The Learning Consultants in 2002, I have preached that our work is not simply about helping students ace exams and get into college. We are helping our students develop work character. This crucial, often overlooked, aspect of education shapes a student’s future success far beyond the classroom, influencing their career trajectory and overall […]

Penny-wise and pound foolish. This goes through my mind a lot when providing college counseling or when discussing college counseling with parents in general. This is the “life-fork” in the road for their children. This is a “big-deal.” The transition to adulthood might be the most distinct predictor of young adulthood success beyond any measure. […]