Your first high school final exams are coming up and they’re an important opportunity to boost your grades for the year. As you start to prepare, check out the “Better Grades in Less Time” workshop on April 22 at the Hill Center. Smith Rivas can...
Your school counselor’s midyear report has gone out by now, so check the portal of each of your colleges to make sure nothing is missing as admission committees make their final decisions. You should get notifications from all your schools by the beginning of April...
For all the DCPS and charter school students who took the SAT this week, I hope it went well. To those of you taking it tomorrow, be sure to get a good night’s sleep and review the test-day checklist in advance so you’ll be ready...
As you choose your junior year classes, remember that colleges consider the rigor of your curriculum in addition to your grades and test scores. I always recommend a course load that is challenging but not overwhelming. In other words, take the most challenging classes you...
Now that you’ve settled in, gotten some grades and joined some clubs, it’s time to start keeping a record of your high school experience. This will help you track your accomplishments and reflect on the growth you have over time in your academics and activities. ...
If you’re a Washington, DC senior and have applied to public colleges or universities, DC-area schools or HBCUs, the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG) application is now available. Be sure to complete and submit this, as well as the FAFSA, as soon as possible...
Many students who are taking the March SAT and April ACT are working hard on test prep. There are so many options available now, including online videos and practice questions, interactive online courses and tutoring, in-person courses and tutoring, and of course old-school study guides. ...
A 10th grader recently asked me about the importance of standardized tests vs. grades. The emphasis on testing varies among colleges, but generally grades matter most. Your grades in core academic subjects (English, math, social studies, science and foreign language) will have the most impact...
As first semester grades come in, take stock. Are you pleased with your academic performance so far? If there's room for improvement, create a strategy for yourself. Start by figuring out where your strengths and weaknesses are. For example, are you good at planning for...
With many college application deadlines in January and February, you may be wrapping up the last of your submissions or may even be done. As you finish this phase of the process, make sure that all your admission and financial aid files are complete. Note...