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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The Summer Squeeze: Balancing Fun and Future Most students are planning to unwind during summer break. But with college applications looming in the fall, reminded by seemingly every adult, many sense pressure to be “productive.” Yet, truthfully, a strategic retreat to reflect on your abilities and aspirations creates a foundation for the nitty-gritty work of…
Families often simplify the college selection process when categorizing campuses as “Reach,” “Target,” and “Backup” based on perceived chances of admission. Appliants and their families overlook the complex matchmaking between what a student needs and the unique opportunities of a particular college: However, separating colleges by admissions chances, students fail to understand that college admissions…
As students prepare for the May 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) exams, knowing what college credits may be awarded for a particular score can be useful. The College Board has created a tool, which can be sorted by college, state, city and AP course. When awarded college units, students can benefit in the following ways: Creative…
In spring of junior year, families can discuss college with more urgency and anxiety, now that what was once a distant goal is suddenly taking shape on the horizon. SATs, ACTs, campus tours, assessing one’s qualifications especially in light of the latest Fall 2024 admissions decisions—parents and students find themselves immersed in the whirlwind of…
With over 50% of all recent college graduates underemployed, working in jobs not requiring their college degree, high school students seeking to attend college should reconsider the expectation that a college diploma alone guarantees lifetime wealth and prosperity. Starting careers underemployed, individuals often earn less over their lifetimes. The Burning Glass Institute study showed, that…
