December is a natural checkpoint in the college planning process for juniors now that PSAT scores are in, and standardized testing is starting to feel real. If you haven’t taken a diagnostic ACT yet, I recommend doing so soon, and comparing the score with your...

Juniors are getting some information around this time that's important for college planning. In addition to a first report card of the year, PSAT scores are coming in, so students who have not finalized their testing plan have a couple of to-do items. First, take...

I hope your junior year is off to a strong start! This is an exciting and busy time, with challenging classes, leadership roles, and new opportunities to explore. Remember that your top priority continues to be your academic performance—more than any other piece of your...

Welcome to your junior year! As you adjust to a new schedule, give yourself some space to settle into a routine. This year will bring academic challenges, extracurricular commitments, and a bigger focus on college planning, but with thoughtful organization, you can keep everything manageable. Your...

The Common App has officially launched for the new application cycle! Whether you’ve already been working on your materials or are just getting started, now is the time to dig in and make meaningful progress before school ramps back up. The more you complete now,...

With school out and your schedule a little lighter, summer is the perfect time to get a start on your college applications—and trust me, your fall self will thank you for it!  This is especially true for the writing you'll be doing. A head start...

You’ve just about made it through what’s often the most intense year of high school, and you deserve a chance to relax and recharge. At the same time, summer is a key opportunity to get a head start on college applications before senior year begins. First...

Whether you’re finishing AP exams this week, preparing for finals, or getting ready for the SAT or ACT, I know this is a high-pressure time. Keep doing your best to finish strong—your performance now helps set the stage for a successful college application process. As your...

A year from now you’ll be finalizing your college decision, and to get to that point with confidence, now is the time to start preparing. Your first priority should continue to be your academics--get the best grades you can in your current classes, and on...

Spring is here, and for juniors that means standardized testing. Some of my students have already taken the SAT or ACT at least once, but even if you’re just getting started, you have plenty of time to meet my recommended goal of completing testing before...