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. […]

Every year, I work with seniors who are scrambling either in the summer or the fall to raise their SAT scores. At that point, they know where they want to apply.  They realize that whatever nonsense they were told regarding the SAT’s lack of importance… was nonsense, at least for colleges that are of interest […]