Jan
24
A high school student’s ideal summer vacation should involve growth, learning, relaxation and fun. Summer is a time for exploration and skill building. It is an opportunity to extend learning beyond the confines of the classroom. Though it’s January and summer seems eons away, students and parents should begin discussing and researching summer options sooner …
Nov
22
A roof over your head. Food on the table. Clothes on your body. Access to education. The ability to participate in endless athletics, community service, clubs and organizations. A mind to learn. A body healthy enough to accomplish your goals. Family and friends who nurture and support you. At this time of year it’s easy …
Nov
14
Thank you Tom Petty for providing this week’s blog title. Indeed, if you’ve submitted an early decision application, “the waiting is the hardest part.” So what is a student to do during this roughly one month of waiting? If you think the answer is nothing, you’re wrong. Let me share some tips on what to …
Nov
01
I’ve been committing a big yoga no-no lately. As I’ve been so busy helping students with essay brainstorming and editing, Common Application reviews, and the impending doom of looming deadlines, I’ve been neglecting my focus in yoga. Over the last couple of weeks, as my mind has wandered from downward facing dog, eagle pose and …
Oct
17
Many of you seniors will begin to be contacted over the next few weeks and months about admissions interviews. Here are some no nonsense Dos and Donts to prepare you for your interview. And please allow me the liberty of just one cliche– the best advice of all is to be your wonderful, amazing, fascinating …
Oct
04
In years past, there were just a few types of admission plans, and just a few deadlines to watch. Things have really changed! Now there are many variations of the main types of admission plans, and the deadlines vary greatly. Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a comfortable number of reach (a little bit …
Sep
26
More than ten years later I can still rattle off the names of my favorite applicants to Washington University where I worked as an admission counselor for three years. Even those students who ultimately decided to attend another college are still marked in my memory. I can recall how we first met– on campus, at …
Sep
19
Hey high schoolers it’s that time of year when admission counselors pack their bags and hit the road, visiting high schools throughout the country. If you are fortunate to attend a high school frequented by these visitors, here are some tips to keep in mind so that you can make a great first impression. Travel …
Sep
07
And now September is upon us. Let’s check in to see how things are going. Juniors, how are your classes? Are you challenging yourself in your courses and working hard to achieve strong grades? Are you becoming more active in your extracurricular commitments? Hey seniors, how’s it going for you? Not having the time of …
Aug
29
I’m moving on from teen fantasy romance literature, i.e. the Twilight Saga. I’ve discovered a new passion– college admissions lit. Just like a good high schooler I’m moving on from vampires and werewolves to real life stories about the admissions process. And I’m totally hooked. College admissions lit has it all: heartfelt tales, revelation of …
