We’re past the midpoint of the school year, and many students are choosing courses for next year. As you review your options, aim for a thoughtful balance. Colleges want to see that you challenge yourself, but not that you overwhelm yourself. My rule of thumb:...
As the new year gets underway, which activities are energizing you, and which ones feel less meaningful? If you’ve found clubs, teams, or projects you truly enjoy, look for ways to get more involved—taking on a larger role or committing more deeply can be both...
As we move toward the end of the year, this is a great moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead. What went well for you this year, either academically or personally? What challenges did you face, and how did you work through them? Understanding what...
Many of you have recently received your first report card of the year—I hope your year is off to a strong start! This is a great moment to pause and reflect. Remember that academics remain the most important factor in college admission, and as your...
I hope your sophomore year is going well and that you’re enjoying the fall season. As we approach the end of the first grading period, reflect on what’s been going well. Are there classes or activities you especially enjoy—and ways to explore them further? This...
Welcome back to school—I hope it's off to a great start! Even with a year of high school under your belt, it still may feel like a time of transition—adjusting to new classes, getting to know your teachers, and figuring out where you want to...
You’re already halfway through high school—and the second half can go by even faster. Junior year is often described as the most demanding, so make the most of the time you have left this summer. A few smart moves before school starts can make the...
Summer is the perfect time to pause and take stock of your high school journey so far, and start planning for what’s ahead. One of the best ways to do this is to create or update your résumé. Include everything you spend time on outside...
You’re at the halfway point of your high school experience—congrats! Before you dive into summer fun, take some time to reflect on the goals you set this year. What went well? What would you do differently? Use those insights to set a few goals for the months ahead.
If you’re traveling this summer, consider visiting colleges near your destination, especially if you've got a trip planned for mid- to late-August when colleges may be back in session and you can see a typical day on campus. Visiting a variety of campuses—big and small, urban and rural—will help you get a feel for what might be the right fit. Then you can make your junior year visits more focused and productive.
This is also the perfect time to plan for standardized testing. In fact, it's one of the best ways to make your junior year less stressful. Most juniors will take their first SAT or ACT between February and April next year, but planning now can give you more options and perhaps use some open time this summer to get ahead. To get started, take a diagnostic of each test, choose the one that suits you best, and consider starting prep this summer. If you need help developing your plan, or guidance on other college-related topics, I’d love to hear from you.
For those of you taking AP exams, I hope they've been going well. Next step: preparing for finals. This is a critical time to focus—your efforts now can boost both your exam scores and final grades. Create a study schedule you can stick to, and...