Connecticut high school juniors just started school. If you are a parent of one, you will likely deal with their lethargy from having to go from not studying to studying a great deal, particularly if they are juniors. So, to hear that the PSAT is in early October and that it will be one of […]
Read MoreI used to be highly self-conscious about the obviously self-serving advice to prepare vigorously for the SAT. I would also worry about blow-back from those criticizing the test. Now, at the risk of not being liked as much as my people pleasing nature would prefer, I realize that my worries are not serving my clients. […]
Read MoreOur SAT-ACT Mastery Seminar will be the kick-off to college for many of our students. I clarify that the process is not so much about maximizing scores to attend maximum ranked colleges. Our mission is to help young adults reach their potential. To me, this has always meant “human potential” but so that we don’t […]
Read MoreAs I work with dozens of students on their college essays, I note that many lament their uninteresting lives. I emphasize that they are very fortunate they did not grow up in areas where overcoming crime, poverty, and bad schools were part of their struggle. They were fortunate to be born in Connecticut’s lush suburbs […]
Read MoreAs parents of high school seniors across Connecticut undoubtedly understand, the college process is much different than it was back in our days. I hung out with a mixed pack of students. Most were athletes who did not prioritize academics. I was one of the only ones who took the college process seriously. And even […]
Read More“I want to write an essay about the college application process.” So said a generally thoughtful senior from Guilford High School. “I’m going to write about how stressful the process is…” I politely let her finish and then, as tactfully as possible, let her know that such a topic is both unoriginal (every year, there […]
Read More“Do you plan on becoming a concert violinist in the next few weeks?” “Will you raise your cumulative GPA?” “Can you start a charity?” I half-kiddingly ask these questions to during college counseling meetings with seniors who urgently inquire about what they can do to increase their college admissions chances. They usually get the point: […]
Read MoreEarly action-early decision programs can lead to wonderful senior years for those admitted. Each year, as parents and students call with news about their Early Action-Early Decision acceptances, deferrals, and rejections, it has become abundantly clear that the single distinguishing factor among those who were accepted into competitive colleges is SAT (or ACT) test scores. […]
Read More“I’m terrible on the SATs.” said Kerry, a junior at Choate. As has become routine, I reviewed Kerry’s scores and explained that she had scored in the top 10% of the country. Far from terrible. Or -as she laughed when I said it – we would have to redefine terrible to include the bottom 90%! Kerry’s […]
Read MoreSAT or ACT? While I generally have a great deal of respect for the college and guidance counselors that I know in Connecticut, I get bothered when some provide advice about standardized tests. Most haven’t even looked at the tests in years and since most are a bit older most do not know much about […]
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