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....
If you took the PSAT, scores will be ready in a few weeks and will provide useful information for future planning. They'll help you identify strengths and weaknesses so you can give attention to areas that might need some work. Keep in mind, however, that...
This year of high school can be a fun one; you're past the new-kid phase of freshman year, but the pressures of college admission are not front and center yet. Still, you may be taking more challenging classes than you did last year and teachers'...
Have you been able to check off most of your summer to-do list? You have some time left if you still have things you want to accomplish or enjoy. Make a plan for these last few weeks, because they'll go by quickly! As you get ready...