Many high school students believe the persistent myth that taking more Advanced Placement (AP) classes means a stronger college application. However, while AP courses represent “academic rigor”, simply collecting AP’s without reflection, students may not demonstrate what admissions officers actually value: curiosity and depth. The Problem with “Collecting” Credits Many students add AP’s as markers…
Many experts predict that AI will soon (if not already is) automate many entry-level white-collar jobs, traditionally the realm of new college grads. Thus, for current high school students, I recommend shifting strategy for career development from mastering tasks (or competencies) to mastering judgment. Emerging college grads future value lies in an ability to critique,…
One of the most common mistakes students make when writing summer program autobiographical essays is trying to brainstorm, write, and edit at the same time. Students often focus on the word limit too early in the drafting process, and in doing so, they shrink their thinking before a real story has a chance to form.…
For some students, especially those who have only ever earned A’s, the first “B” can seem like a crisis. Families often wonder if this single grade will damage college admissions chances. The truth: it won’t. Admissions officers use a holistic evaluation process. That means they look at much more than a GPA snapshot: In fact,…
Thanks to the Sacramento Rebels Class of 2028 families and players for welcoming me and asking thoughtful questions about college planning. I wanted to share a few additional insights to expand on some of the conversation: Q: For FAFSA, which tax years matter, and what else do families need to know? For the Class of…
Most parents simply seek to connect with their children about their daily lives, or understand if their teen needs support, or some combination of both. However, some teens, seeking to assert independence, may rebuff their parents’ conversation starters, resent parents’ checking online grading portals, or some combination of both. As both teen and parent are…
During the freshman and sophomore years, students often shift, sometimes, quitting multi-year extracurricular activities. For parents, such moments can seem like red flags, worried about the views of admissions officers of their teenager who’s simply maturing. But with a shift in perspective, such life changes can become opportunities for choice and self-discovery. When a teens…
A student’s college list isn’t carved in stone. It’s more like a proposal or hypothesis, which will be confirmed as seniors draft their autobiographical college essays. Early in the process, many students pick colleges based on name recognition, geography, or what their friends are choosing. But as each student reflects more about their goals, values,…
If you’re a parent watching your teenager scroll, nap, or wander aimlessly this summer, it’s easy to worry. Is all this “downtime” a missed opportunity? Will it put them behind in college admissions? Here’s a counterintuitive truth: boredom, when approached mindfully, can actually be a productive part of your teen’s maturing—and even strengthen their college…
When parents first read the price tag of college, many are typically anxious. But beyond the sticker shock is a deeper consideration: What is being paid for? Although seemingly a trick question, consider the invitation to reflect, individually, between parents, or as a family to define value for a student’s future. Families make a significant…
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,…