Highlights in Educational and College Admissions Happenings for March 31-April 6: In College Admissions: The last of the college admissions acceptances and denials were returned to anxiously awaiting Seniors and their parents. Creative Marbles Consultancy’s Commentary: For students denied admissions, speculation about why s/he was denied has ranged from “only the Asian kids in my…
Tag: Academics
Life in College: A Glimpse of Smaller Class Sizes in Action
Many universities publicize the small class sizes as a benefit for student’s learning. Wanting to understand more about what small class sizes looked in practice , I talked with a Creative Marbles Consultancy client and a current freshman at the University of San Diego (USD), Jarett. He graciously agreed to let me summarize his experience…
To Seek Tutoring or Not
From the middle to the end of any semester, I start receiving calls from worried parents for tutor referrals. What I’ve learned in my decade of experience is that families hire tutors for a variety of reasons. Being clear on the specific reasons for engaging a tutor can make the the tutoring relationship the most…
The Many Definitions of Smart
Memorizing a large number facts may not mean smart. You gotta know how to use the facts, too. Photo Credit: Science is Awesome
Not Every College Awards Advanced Placement Credits
One benefit of Advanced Placement (AP) classes and exams has been the ability to earn college credits, while still in high school, for an exam score of 3-5 on a 5 point scale. However, before assuming EVERY college will provide the college credits and the college credits for the SUBJECT in which the test was…
Learn HOW to Learn: The Legacy of Mr. Coombs
At this time of the school year–after first semester grades and well-into the next semester–I receive increased requests for tutor referrals. Parents and students naturally assume that a less than expected grade in a class is due to content deficit–that somehow the student just “isn’t getting it”; “it” being the ideas and concepts presented in…
“Talk With Your Teacher”: Not Always a Simple Task
“Talk with your teacher” is usually advice that parents give to their high school aged student when an academic issue arises. Teens can typically have the following reactions to their parents’ suggestion: they silently agree, then don’t actually talk with the teacher or they protest, with reasons about the teacher not liking them or being…
The Wisdom of Our Parents
Do any of the following concerns sound familiar? “Is my student motivated enough?” “I don’t want to be a nag. How much do I remind my high school student to get her/his homework done?” “When do teenagers normally start taking greater responsibility for their homework and academic achievement?” I don’t want my daughter/son to lose…
How to Reduce the “Yuck” in Preparing for the SAT & ACT
The SAT and ACT are unlike tests students see in high school. First, teenagers will need to be awake at 7:45 am on a Saturday morning, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, knowing the score will play a role (although how large is unknown) in determining their competitiveness for admissions to colleges of their choice. Second, teenagers…
Education is a Delicate Balance
I have never met a parent who didn’t want the absolute best for their children. The idea of helping one’s offspring become more independent often is part of that “wanting what’s best.” When toddlers can’t immediately get up after a non-injuring fall, parents will often be mindful not to rush in and swoop up the…
Academic Cheating: No Simple Explanations
Harvard recently required 60 students to withdraw for up to two years, after being found responsible for cheating on a take-home final essay exam last spring. (The students will be eligible to re-enroll after the forced withdrawal period is over.) Is it surprising that Harvard students cheat? Or surprising that 125 students, about half the…
On Being Educated
Supposedly, the older you get, the less you know, which can be a sign of wisdom. For me, the Harvard educated, lifelong ‘A’ student, however, the idea of knowing less is deflating. I was the nerdy kid, the one in the corner, even at extended family gatherings (which my cousins kindly remind me every chance…
New Year’s Resolutions: Willpower is Not Enough
Many of us, myself included, make New Year’s resolutions, then promptly forget them – only to find myself at the end of the year, shocked again that I hadn’t accomplished my goal. After decades of this annual ritual, I decided to investigate why the hopes from the beginning of the year often go unfulfilled.
The Many Meanings of “I Don’t Know”
“I don’t know” is a common answer to a variety of questions, when I talk with teenagers and their families about college and education. What I’ve come to learn is that “I don’t know” has a different meaning, depending on the question.
The Inventors Dilemma
A fun excerpt: dedicated to all the curious and hands-on students who tend to create certain “stress” for their parents, and generally, the adult population around them. Did you know? As a child, [Thomas] Edison’s home laboratory often produced explosions that shook the house and upset his father. The hard work it took to make…