October brings cooler weather, pumpkin spice treats, Halloween fun . . . and the PSAT. Good luck this week (when most 11th graders will take it.) I don’t normally recommend prep for the PSAT; most students should just use it as a diagnostic opportunity, but...
Welcome to your new school year! I know many of you are back in-person for the first time or on a full schedule for the first time since the pandemic started. Even for students who prefer attending school in-person, it’s an adjustment. Give yourself some...
Well, Class of '23, you’re about to start your third year of high school that will be shaped in some way by COVID. While I've been hopeful that things would finally be back to normal this year, the emergence of the Delta variant means there’s...
We are finally into our long-awaited summer break and I hope you’re having some fun and some rest. This is also a good time to take stock of your high school experience so far and start thinking about what you want the second half to...
The homestretch is here! I hope you're acing your AP exams and finals, and looking forward to some activities this summer that will help you relax and recharge. One last thing to do before school is out is get your letters of recommendation lined up. I...
We are approaching the homestretch of this tough school year and I hope you're looking forward to the next one as much as I am. If you haven't made final decisions on next year's course selection, keep in mind that colleges like to see rigor...
This time of year my priorities for juniors usually include doing well in your classes, prepping for standardized tests, college visits and summer plans. Doing well in your classes is still at the top, and this year I’m prioritizing college research. Right now this consists...
One of the most important things you can do this year is to make a special effort to get to know your teachers. Generally 11th grade teachers are the best choices for letters of recommendation, but the opportunities to develop relationships are more limited with...
If you've been following my advice on standardized testing and are interested in more detail, on December 14 I'll have Jen Dillon from AdeptPrep tutoring joining me for Standardized Testing for the Class of 2022 and Beyond. We'll talk about the SAT and ACT, how...
If your high school didn't offer the PSAT or you chose to sit it out, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation just announced this year's alternate entry requirements. The College Board has also added a January option that your school may choose to participate in. I...