Despite all the changes we've been through this year, my to-do list for 10th graders hasn't changed much. Your grades are always the priority in college planning, and in that respect this year is no different. In this final stretch of this long year, it...
If you're enjoying nice spring weather you may also be dreaming about summer. I'm finding that my students have gotten a later start this year than usual on their summer plans since the choices have been a moving target. Fortunately, many camps and programs have...
By this time your mid-year report has probably been sent to your colleges and unless you have new information to share with admissions reps, the rest is a waiting game. Offers of admission are continuing to come in and I'm delighted to hear from students...
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...
As I noted last month, we’re in a cold dark stretch of a long hard year. This time of year is always challenging for my students and with unique COVID challenges piled on top, I hope you’re taking care of yourself, managing your workload, and...
I hope your freshman year is going well academically and that you’re able to find some non-academic activities to enjoy. The limits on our options are discouraging but still life somehow goes on. If you haven’t explored any extracurricular opportunities this year such as clubs,...
Seniors are at the tail end of the application cycle and there's a steady trickle of admission offers coming in, which will be followed shortly by invitations for admitted student events. Last year, those events were moved online and I expect every college will offer...
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...
Even without all the unique challenges of this year, January can put students in a rut when the weather is cold and the days are short. Yet this is actually a great time to start planning your summer. I'm optimistic that we'll see a lot...
For the past few months I've shared my thoughts on making the most of your 9th grade year: settling into high school, setting goals, assessing your progress and exploring new opportunities. However, there's not really that much to actually do in 9th grade with respect...