Your focus for the back-to-school season: get off to a strong start for the year. On the academic side, connect with your teachers to make sure you are clear on their expectations, and check in with your school counselor. Students in the Class of 2021...
I hope you're having a wonderful summer break. Now that you've had some time to reflect on your school year, what went well in 9th grade, and what would you like to change in 10th grade? As you think about goals for 2018-19, make them...
With the school year wrapping up, take some time to reflect on how your year went and what you accomplished. This is the perfect time to update your file on yourself while your classes and activities are fresh in your mind. Whether you choose to...
Believe it or not, you’re almost halfway through high school. These next few weeks offer an opportunity to boost your academic record at this mid-way point. If you did well in 9th grade and are taking more challenging classes this year, a strong finish can help you...
I'm pleased to announce two sessions I'm offering on college planning. On May 10 I'll be hosting College Admissions: A Road Map for 9th and 10th Grade Students at the Hill Center, followed by A Road Map for the Class of 2019 on May 16. Both sessions will cover what...
Final exams are approaching, and now is the time to create a study plan. Need some help? Smith Rivas is offering an excellent study skills session on April 22 at the Hill Center. After all, who wouldn’t want “Better Grades in Less Time?” To register,...
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...
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...
Did you get some R & R over winter break? I hope you had an opportunity to reflect on 2017 and think about what you want out of 2018. There are things you can do this year to lay the groundwork for a successful and...
If you took the PSAT, your scores are available now. While most 10th graders don't need to start test prep yet, the scores offer useful information about your strengths and weaknesses and what you might want to work on for the rest of this year....