12 Things You Can’t Forget to Pack for College

12 Things You Can’t Forget to Pack for College 1. Shower Shoes. If you can only choose one thing to pack for college, it should be this: do not go in the bathroom without shower shoes. Just – ew. 2. LOTS of undies. Your days of Mom’s laundry service are sadly over. You can do the […]

Why We’re Loving the New ApplyTexas Essay Prompts

Why We’re Loving the New ApplyTexas Essay Prompts The new ApplyTexas essay prompts were released a few months ago, and we’ve finally had a chance to start working with our students on them. We have to say – we love the new prompts! The topics give students enough freedom to really set themselves apart from other […]

The Phone: A Socially Acceptable Addiction

The Phone: A Socially Acceptable Addiction Recently, I’ve been recovering from a miserable illness that goes by the name of “morning sickness” – a reprehensible misnomer, given the fact that I was bed-ridden morning, afternoon, evening, and night. I don’t wish to perpetuate this “morning” lie, so, I’ll start again… Recently I’ve been suffering from […]

When Standardized Test Prep Courses Don’t Work

When Standardized Test Prep Courses Don’t Work Standardized test prep courses can be extremely valuable. For students with limited experience taking standardized tests, standardized test prep courses are often necessary. As colleges weigh one straight-A student’s ACT score against another straight-A student’s ACT score, standardized test prep courses can often be the deciding factor. Why […]

3 Surefire Ways to Impress Your Internship Supervisor

3 Surefire Ways to Impress Your Internship Supervisor The best advice I can give student interns is to treat your internship like a job audition. This is the chance for you to show your boss what you’re capable of. Give them a taste of your work, and leave them wanting more. Follow the following three tips and […]

Kids Should Have Work Life Balance Too

Kids Should Have Work Life Balance Too In the adult world, Work Life Balance is a real thing that people strive for. But what about our kids? Do they not deserve that same luxury?     I am all about encouraging my students to explore their interests and passions, but at some point we have to […]

How to Request Extended Time on the ACT

How to Request Extended Time on the ACT   *Please note that this post applies to requesting extended time on the ACT only and not the SAT!   STEP 1: Request extended time or special testing for the ACT online through their website when you register for the ACT test.   The ACT is in the process of […]

What to Wear to an Interview: Honest Trailers

What to Wear to an Interview: Honest Trailers 1. Your big girl (or big boy) panties. If you’re going for an interview, leave the childish attitude at the door. This includes all of the following (and more): obsessively checking your phone, “like” and “um”, the Hunchback of Notre Dame posture (the hunchback does not get the girl… […]

When Every Kid Gets a Trophy

When Every Kid Gets a Trophy   When every kid gets a trophy, nobody wins. Worse, we’ve robbed them of one of life’s best teachers: failure. Failure stings. It burns, like the morning after a workout, like your shoulders if you forget sunscreen at the beach, like the frigid air if you forget your jacket. […]

The Truth About Automatic Admission

The Truth About Automatic Admission As with several other states, Texas’ state-funded universities have mandatory automatic admission policies. Policies vary by school (and can sometimes require a certain ACT or SAT score), but the general idea is the same: if you’re in the top 10% of your class, you’re guaranteed automatic admission. House Bill 588 Otherwise known as the […]