The Lowdown on College Interviews
The Lowdown on College Interviews In the college application process, college interviews can be an important component. While grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and essays are the backbone of your application, some schools also provide interview opportunities. These interviews are your chance to highlight the things you can’t convey on paper, like your unique and endearing traits, as well […]
Cluttered Locker, Cluttered Mind: Get Your Life Together!
Cluttered Locker, Cluttered Mind: Get Your Life Together! I realized I had an issue when I begged my friend to let me organize her backpack during some free time during journalism class. She had thrown her overflowing bag on a table and I cringed. There were papers shoved into every pocket, pens and pencils scattered […]
Early Decision & Early Action
Early Decision & Early Action Figuring out where you want to spend the next four years of your life is a monumental decision. Deciding if you want to apply Early Decision or Early Action to one of your top picks can add an additional level of stress. If you’re unsure of your options– and trust […]
Back to School STUDY HACKS
Back to School STUDY HACKS As the first day of school approaches, it means it’s time to switch gears. Whether you spent your summer lying by the pool, traveling, waiting tables, or playing sports, it’s safe to assume you didn’t spend much time studying for exams. Since you’re going to be a little bit out […]
The 10 Best Things About Studying Abroad in College
I studied abroad at the University of Sydney in Australia during the spring semester of 2012. Four years later, I’m still talking about it like it was yesterday. It was, without a doubt, the most wonderful, life-changing experience of my life. Looking back, I can’t believe how unbelievably fortunate and lucky I was to have […]
Why We Can’t Concentrate Anymore
Why We Can’t Concentrate Anymore (Hint: It’s Not Our Fault) I’ve always been fascinated by the development of the human brain. It’s a phenomenon we don’t fully understand yet (and one we might never comprehend), but what we do know is the brain has a unique and impressive ability to adapt – especially during development. In today’s […]
College Essays We’re Tired Of Reading
College Essays We’re Tired Of Reading We know you’ve done some pretty awesome stuff over the past four years. Please get creative when you’re writing about those things. Honestly, when you start tackling the college essays, you should spend most of your time planning out what you’re going to write about. Here’s a list of […]
Teaching Independence on Independence Day
Teaching Independence on Independence Day Working with older kids, I have noticed two different kinds: the ones who can do things for themselves… and the ones who can’t. Teaching independence, starting at a young age, helps kids succeed in the future. Teaching independence does not mean you’re a bad parent, who leaves their kids home alone with matches and […]
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 […]
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 […]