Many thanks to all the moms of South Placer County National Charity League (NCL) for hosting Jill of Creative Marbles at their recent meeting. I wanted to add more details to questions asked during our lively discussion: ❓ Should my student take the SAT or ACT if many colleges are test-optional? ❓ What if my…
In recent years, more students seek any advantage in the competitive college admissions process, thus more are applying in early admissions programs like Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA). ED, a binding admissions agreement, requires students to commit to that college, if accepted, rescinding all other applications. EA, however, is non-binding, so students apply…
“Summer” and “break”, two words that parents and students can disagree about the meaning. Parents worry their teens will sleep through the day, binge video games or streaming services, and procrastinate on completing summer homework. Students, eager for a break, yet also concerned about their “competitiveness” for college admissions compromise—participating in camps or other immersions…
Why taking tests can be more complicated then just answering the questions… Why doing homework takes longer than many parents anticipate… Why writing autobiographical college essays is a complex process… For more information about how to both plan for and navigate the complex college admissions process in order to minimize the risk of educational malinvestment,…
In December, students who applied early admissions—whether Early Action or Early Decision—will receive one of three responses: Admitted, Denied, or Deferred to the Regular Decision pool. Yet, for teenagers, the responses often translate emotionally as: Validated (or Vindicated), Rejected, and In-Between (not quite a rejection, but not an acceptance either). For both students and parents,…
“Brevity is the soul of wit.” Polonius, Hamlet, William Shakespeare Being concise, we can communicate with intelligence and clarity. When writing, especially without the chance to explain our meaning as is possible in conversation, brevity ensures readers can more likely grasp our ideas effectively. Since most college essays are limited in word count, then students …
At the halfway mark in the semester or changeover in quarter, students are receiving their first progress reports. For some, grades may fall below expectations, sparking concerns about academic performance. Before hiring tutors to remediate a perceived lack of understanding, I’d recommend reflecting and analyzing the course to more effectively pinpoint the issue and determine…
As many English teachers are assigning the college essay as a classwork grade, students can maintain two separate drafts: one for their class assignment and another for their college application. Writing for a grade can constrain a teenager from writing with the candor characteristic of a personal narrative. While class assignments are a valuable opportunity…
First, students try and organize their thoughts, often encountering writer’s blocks: After bailing out their thoughts, finally underway with drafting then students encounter: And, then in frustration, this results: Much to the consternation of their parents. Creative Marbles was founded by teachers who appreciate helping students craft insightful essays, first in the academic classroom, now…
Many parents of rising high school juniors and seniors are often concerned their teens seem less concerned about selecting colleges, than they do. Inexperienced and given the complexity of considering life’s big (and philosophical) questions, such as, “What’s my life’s purpose?”, many teens simply avoid or grunt monosyllabic answers about college choices. Thus, parents can…
Parents of rising high school seniors typically are proud, excited, and anxious in the summer before submitting college applications. Commonly, parents worry about quality of their teen’s college essays, as their teens do everything else BUT work on the college essay. Some tips to frame any fears and support teens through this important transition: Quality…
The published college tuition is not often the amount the average family will pay, thanks to increasing discounts in the form of merit scholarships. Therefore, parents and students should not dismiss a college solely on sticker price. In the recent school year, 2023-24, the average US private university discount on tuition for first year students…
As we previously discussed here and here and here, as well as contrary to popular belief, studying computer science is not necessarily a guarantee of a high paying job upon college graduation. Yet, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article, Computer-Science Majors Graduate Into a World of Fewer Opportunities: Computer and information science is…
BRANDED from Surya Sundararajan on Vimeo. From the beginnings of a promising film career, Surya consistently honors and hones his talents as a storyteller, cultural commentarist, filmmaker, director, producer, writer, cinematographer. He embodies the prosperity of living one’s life purposefully—only gaining strength with each challenge. Creative Marbles was founded by teachers who appreciate helping students…
Searching for “The Ideal College”, students often seek the most elite admissions possible. Many believe a seemingly “prestigious” or “ranked” college equates to greater professional opportunities after graduation, as well as seek the “reward” for a lifetime of effort to best the academic meritocracy. But I want all this work that I’ve done in high…
