Articles

Inspired by: Justin Reich’s LinkedIn commentary on AI literacy (May 2026) and his essay “What Schools Still Don’t Know About...

Inspired by: “Why birds don’t crash (and what humans can learn from them),” a short video circulating this spring Thousands...

An executive function coach helps students develop practical systems for planning, organization, time management, task initiation, prioritization, and follow-through. Rather...

Executive function coaching and tutoring can both help students succeed academically, but they address different challenges. Tutoring focuses primarily on...

AI and future careers A 22-year-old drops out of computer science to become an electrician. A 28-year-old walks away from...

The twelve executive functioning skills are self-restraint, working memory, emotion control, focus, task initiation, planning/prioritization, organization, time management, defining and...

Every parent has witnessed the scene: a child melting down when the tablet gets taken away, begging for "just five...

The Night That Changed Everything — and Nothing March 26 at 7 PM Eastern, all eight Ivy League schools released...

A recent National Geographic feature challenged a number that many of us have treated as gospel for decades: eight hours...

A recent Bloomberg Businessweek feature highlighted a striking new norm: anxious parents paying tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes more...

The Atlantic recently published a thoughtful defense of so-called “difficult” kids — the children who push back, ask hard questions,...

The New Yorker recently asked the question many parents whisper at the dinner table: will AI make college obsolete? The...

NPR reported on May 4 that more college applicants are choosing to submit SAT or ACT scores this cycle, even...

Why Executive Functioning Skills May Be the Most Important Educational Investment the Country Is Not Making Written by William Canty...

Students with learning differences can build compelling college applications by framing their differences as central to their identity and strengths...

By William Canty Modern Parenting Has Become an Investment Strategy — But Is It Working? A recent Bloomberg article argued...

New Jersey and Connecticut host exceptional colleges offering strong academics and community, and proximity to home combined with institutional fit...

The most effective parental role in college admissions is supportive structure and coaching—helping your student develop skills and autonomy—rather than...

The most effective study strategies—spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and interleaved practice—often feel less intuitive than cramming but deliver dramatically superior...

The SAT and ACT assess similar skills in different formats, and choosing the right test depends on understanding your thinking...

Admissions officers value sustained depth and meaningful contribution over extensive activity lists, and the most compelling extracurricular profiles for college...

Effective college prep programs combine personalized guidance, understanding of individual student needs, and genuine mentorship rather than one-size-fits-all coaching or...

Early Decision is a binding commitment appropriate only when you've identified a genuine first-choice school, while Early Action allows you...

While AI is beginning to influence college admissions through application screening and essay analysis, the most significant shift is toward...

Ninth-grade success depends less on loading your schedule with AP classes than on developing the executive function skills, academic engagement,...

The rise of test-optional policies means your decision to submit should depend on whether your scores strengthen your application relative...

Strategic college planning should begin in ninth grade with course selection and executive function skill development, with each year building...

Ivy League admissions has shifted decisively toward holistic review and evidence of intellectual engagement, meaning test scores alone have never...

The most compelling college essays emerge from rigorous self-reflection combined with authentic storytelling that reveals genuine growth, not a polished...

Executive Functioning: More Than a Buzzword A recent PureWow article exploring the intersection of executive functioning and the “mental load”...

Why Failure is Essential to Raising Resilient Children Raising resilient children begins with an uncomfortable truth: failure is not something...

Understanding New York K–12 Education Trends New York State’s K–12 education landscape has undergone a quiet but consequential transformation. Data...

The Research Behind Physical Activity and Academic Success Parents searching for ways to boost their child’s academic performance often focus...

Opinion: The Future of Work Depends on Choices Made in Childhood Written by William Canty Public debate often treats the...

As we witness a fundamental shift in the American economy, the question facing parents and educators is no longer simply...

At Novella Prep, we often say the best time to begin planning for college is as soon as possible. Early...

Every student has a dream school, whether it’s a nationally ranked university, a competitive liberal arts college, or a program...

Summary The next generation workforce will face rapidly evolving careers requiring both deep expertise and broad adaptability. Federal initiatives like...

The latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) have generated predictable headlines about "failing schools" and "crisis...

This video perfectly captures the moment in which we are living. The technology divide has closed significantly. AI has broadened...

By William Canty and F. Tony Di Giacomo, Ph.D. Modern neuroscience shows that your perception of the world is not...

By William Canty A $2.8 billion settlement and a shifting policy landscape have pushed American college athletics into a new...

By William Canty In the wake of a $2.8 billion NCAA settlement and the rapid evolution of NIL (Name, Image,...

We have all been there: you try to connect with your teenager, asking about their day, hoping for a meaningful...

Surprising Benefits of Chores for Child Development When parents watch their children struggle with a messy room or resist helping...

By William Canty & Tony Di Giacomo, Ph.D. The world of college athletics is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. With the NCAA’s...

The Hidden Crisis on Campus Isn't Grades: It's Executive Functioning Executive functioning plays a major role in college success because...

Knowing what colleges are looking for can make the admissions process less stressful for students and help them prepare a...

A college advisor who aligns with your individual needs and aspirations will make or break your college planning process. Finding...

Finding balance in school and sport can significantly boost your chances of landing a spot at that dream college. But...

Why we’re committed to helping all students thrive A recent Wall Street Journal article, “The New Must-Have for Overwhelmed Kids:...

In a recent article written by Catherine Kola-Balogun and published in The Oxford Blue, titled “The Invisible War: Does Oxford...

According to research from Strada Education Foundation, a nonprofit that analyzed federal education and earnings data, students graduating from public...

The NCAA and five major athletic conferences agreed to a $2.77 billion settlement in a class-action lawsuit, marking a significant...

A New Graduate in the Job Market As cited in a recent article published in the Wall Street Journal, “Companies...

Pursuing a college education is one of the most significant investments students and their families will make. With the cost...

With so much at stake when preparing for college application season, take caution to avoid falling victim to test prep...

These quick college planning facts will help you make the most of your child’s college planning path. Did you know...

As 9th graders, it is important to begin to lay solid groundwork that will pave the way for your future...

Executive dysfunction hampers a person’s ability to manage tasks, maintain focus, and control emotions. It is an extremely difficult issue...

Why College Planning is Essential College is a significant milestone in any student's life, marking the transition from adolescence to...

As 10th graders, the primary focus of college planning should be building upon the groundwork laid in the freshman year....

Transitioning from middle school to high school marks an important phase in a student's academic journey. As they embark on...

Introduction This article aims to help you understand the impact of the historic decision regarding Affirmative Action in college admissions....

The college application process is a significant milestone in a student's academic journey. Alongside academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal...

The college application process can be a daunting experience for many high school students. One of the key components of...

The college application process is an exciting but challenging journey for many students. One of the most significant components of...

Assessing Academic and Career Goals The first step in starting a college plan is for students to assess their academic...

Importance of College Planning The decision to attend college is one of the most important decisions a student can make....

The Importance of Early College Planning The decision to attend college is a significant milestone in any student's life, and...

Manifesting the future that students and parents want, while navigating the competitive nature of the world, can seem formidable. Balancing...

At Novella Prep, our goal is to contribute to developing a healthy child who finds balance and preparedness for higher...

A Quick Review Executive functioning is known as “the management system of the brain” and includes mental abilities such as...

The Short Answer A crucial step in our process is a one-on-one with a trained educator who is facile with...

As online education continues to expand in the United States and worldwide, studies have been conducted to see if online...

What is The Essential Eight™? At Novella Prep, we have found that The Essential Eight™, a term we coined in 2022 to...

How to be Icarus but Avoid the Sun: College Planning for the Ambitious but Balanced As one admissions cycle comes...

This article by Tony Di Giacomo Ph.D. originally appeared on River Journal Online Acceptance to a top-choice, best-fitting school is...

This article by Tony Di Giacomo Ph.D. originally appeared on River Journal Online The college planning process is no longer...

Where To Apply for College Scholarships  Life is busy already with school and college applications so why take the time...

What Are The First Steps in Deciding How Many Colleges to Apply To? Your college list is made. You have...

This article by Tony Di Giacomo Ph.D. originally appeared on River Journal Online While admissions decisions for seniors continue to...

New York City-based not-for-profit College Board recently announced that the SAT Suite of Assessments (SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9)...

This article by Tony Di Giacomo Ph.D. originally appeared on River Journal Online As temperatures drop and the snow continues...

Online Learning: Growth, Benefits, and Supporting Our Students Online learning and the implementation of digital resources in education is continuing...

Written by Novella Teacher, Dawn Ruiz, M.S As we gradually move toward a new reality of education, we come to...

The abrupt transition to online schooling left many students feeling stressed, anxious, and in distress as they were forced to...

Originally published by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series  On the road to college, organization is paramount. Throughout a student’s...

Today’s students are so often focused on the “what.” What classes will they take next year? What experiences will they...

Originally published by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series  The 2020-2021 college admissions cycle was certainly the most disruptive of...

When setting goals, it is important to have a clear vision for achieving objectives.  The acronym S.M.A.R.T was adopted in...

Originally published by the author in NYMetroParents Many parents wonder whether an A in a Regents or College Prep class is better...

Originally published in NYMetroParents Should your student still prepare for and take standardized exams? How might new changes impact test...

Originally published by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series & in NYMetroParents Choosing a college is the culmination of...

Originally published by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series The road to college is a path primarily defined by...

Originally posted by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series. For many of us, this March marks almost a full...

The fundamental components of student achievement remain the same for online learning. No matter your student’s current level of performance,...

Originally posted by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series. On the road to college, being proactive is crucial for...

Originally posted by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series. Whether it’s universities reversing their original instruction plans,...

Throughout any school year, it’s common for both educators and students to become overly stressed, overwhelmed with projects, tests, and...

The typical journey of narrowing application lists through a lineup of information sessions and campus tours will no longer be...

Families have started to consider moves beyond the big city and into more spacious, suburban homes in less populated areas....

Originally posted by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series. As the school year comes to a close...

Originally posted by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series. The road to college remains an ever-changing journey,...

As schools and universities, along with places of work, close for short or longer term durations, online communication and learning...

This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal Online. On the road to college, we use...

This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal. On the Road to College, one significant waypoint...

This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal. On the Road to College, one of the...

This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal. On the Road to College, we have opportunities...

This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal. On the Road to College, summer is a...

This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal. On the Road to College, standardized tests occupy...

Will Study Skills Help My Child With School? Study Skills are a proven way to help students improve their grades,...

The Most Important Factors When Narrowing Down Your College List Making a college list is an exciting part of the...

The college list is a core part of the application process for sophomores and juniors, and it is also one...

How Do I Find the Best Tutor? For many parents, finding a good tutor is a key component of the...

As the school year winds down, we are approaching an important time of year to visit colleges. Because finalizing the...

On the road to college, parents and students have much to consider. One question I’m asked quite often is, “When...

The road to college is an enduring theme that helps parents and students conceive of the steps toward college (and...

There are two core truths when writing a common application essay as it relates to increasing one’s chances of admission:...

All of us were outraged by the college cheating scandal, and for many reasons. I recently wrote about this and...

The college cheating scandal that broke on March 12 offended many people, me among them. While some tried to cast...

Please join Novella Prep founder and CEO Dr. Tony Di Giacomo at the Hilton Westchester on March 20th for an...

So much of being a successful student requires thinking about time. Where you need to be, and for how long,...

The college essay has become almost mythological, taking on such attention in the college planning process that students get stressed...

 Of all the parts of high school that cause confusion, testing easily ranks among the highest. Most countries have...

In the previous blog series, the focus has been on optimizing student success; leading toward less stress; better grades; deeper...

 All students should have an expectation of what grade they hope to achieve in any given class — before...

 Course sequencing? What does this mean? Imagine you are about to choose courses for your junior or senior year...

Plan the year, plan the quarter, plan the week, and live the day. A simple mantra, but one that has...

One of the most challenging things that happens on a student’s journey from middle school to high school is based...

A simple ethos can help you reimagine student success by following the 3 R’s: Retention, Relationships, and Responsibility. Presuming you...

So much in your life as a student is scheduled out for you, whether your school calendar, your sports, volunteering,...

As students, you juggle so many tasks and expectations, whether school assignments, clubs, activities, friends, family, chores,  or volunteering. Whether...

With all of the information we have at our fingertips, why is being a successful student so challenging? As parents,...

With the shining star of many college applications being the Common Application essay or main college essay, many students are...

In a word: holistic. Said differently: thorough. Think about the difference between traditional vs. preventative care in health, and you...

Plan the year, plan the quarter, plan the week, and live the day. A simple mantra we at Novella Prep...

Senior year is here – a milestone moment filled with excitement, anticipation, and, yes, some stress. For many families, 12th...

For families of juniors, 11th grade is one of the most important years in the college planning journey. It is...

Featured in NYMetroParents, the following article provides insight into college planning for 10th graders by Novella Prep's founder. These tips...

Many parents, students, and educators have questions about the SAT or ACT in terms of how they are similar, how...

What are the differences between practice tests and diagnostic tests for standardized test prep? First, a diagnostic test should provide...

How does a college major relate to future employment? What should students do in each grade to prepare for college?...

Course sequencing? What does this mean? Imagine your son or daughter is a junior about to choose courses for his...

All students should have an expectation of what grade they hope to achieve in any given class -- before the...

Goal setting: work with your daughter or son to set expectations in terms of grades by each subject. Do not...

An oft-written question, but still, many parents wonder whether an A in a Regents or College Prep class is better...

By William Canty A $2.8 billion settlement and a shifting policy landscape have pushed American college athletics into a new...

By William Canty In the wake of a $2.8 billion NCAA settlement and the rapid evolution of NIL (Name, Image,...

By William Canty & Tony Di Giacomo, Ph.D. The world of college athletics is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. With the NCAA’s...

Finding balance in school and sport can significantly boost your chances of landing a spot at that dream college. But...

The NCAA and five major athletic conferences agreed to a $2.77 billion settlement in a class-action lawsuit, marking a significant...

The Research Behind Physical Activity and Academic Success Parents searching for ways to boost their child’s academic performance often focus...

By William Canty A $2.8 billion settlement and a shifting policy landscape have pushed American college athletics into a new...

By William Canty In the wake of a $2.8 billion NCAA settlement and the rapid evolution of NIL (Name, Image,...

By William Canty & Tony Di Giacomo, Ph.D. The world of college athletics is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. With the NCAA’s...

Finding balance in school and sport can significantly boost your chances of landing a spot at that dream college. But...

The NCAA and five major athletic conferences agreed to a $2.77 billion settlement in a class-action lawsuit, marking a significant...

AI and future careers A 22-year-old drops out of computer science to become an electrician. A 28-year-old walks away from...

A recent Bloomberg Businessweek feature highlighted a striking new norm: anxious parents paying tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes more...

Opinion: The Future of Work Depends on Choices Made in Childhood Written by William Canty Public debate often treats the...

A New Graduate in the Job Market As cited in a recent article published in the Wall Street Journal, “Companies...

An executive function coach helps students develop practical systems for planning, organization, time management, task initiation, prioritization, and follow-through. Rather...

Executive function coaching and tutoring can both help students succeed academically, but they address different challenges. Tutoring focuses primarily on...

The twelve executive functioning skills are self-restraint, working memory, emotion control, focus, task initiation, planning/prioritization, organization, time management, defining and...

Every parent has witnessed the scene: a child melting down when the tablet gets taken away, begging for "just five...

Why Executive Functioning Skills May Be the Most Important Educational Investment the Country Is Not Making Written by William Canty...

By William Canty Modern Parenting Has Become an Investment Strategy — But Is It Working? A recent Bloomberg article argued...

Every parent has witnessed the scene: a child melting down when the tablet gets taken away, begging for "just five...

Summary The next generation workforce will face rapidly evolving careers requiring both deep expertise and broad adaptability. Federal initiatives like...

The latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) have generated predictable headlines about "failing schools" and "crisis...

This video perfectly captures the moment in which we are living. The technology divide has closed significantly. AI has broadened...

By William Canty A $2.8 billion settlement and a shifting policy landscape have pushed American college athletics into a new...

We have all been there: you try to connect with your teenager, asking about their day, hoping for a meaningful...

Understanding New York K–12 Education Trends New York State’s K–12 education landscape has undergone a quiet but consequential transformation. Data...

With so much at stake when preparing for college application season, take caution to avoid falling victim to test prep...

Introduction This article aims to help you understand the impact of the historic decision regarding Affirmative Action in college admissions....

New York City-based not-for-profit College Board recently announced that the SAT Suite of Assessments (SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9)...

All of us were outraged by the college cheating scandal, and for many reasons. I recently wrote about this and...

The college cheating scandal that broke on March 12 offended many people, me among them. While some tried to cast...

The most effective study strategies—spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and interleaved practice—often feel less intuitive than cramming but deliver dramatically superior...

Ninth-grade success depends less on loading your schedule with AP classes than on developing the executive function skills, academic engagement,...

Why we’re committed to helping all students thrive A recent Wall Street Journal article, “The New Must-Have for Overwhelmed Kids:...

Executive dysfunction hampers a person’s ability to manage tasks, maintain focus, and control emotions. It is an extremely difficult issue...

Online Learning: Growth, Benefits, and Supporting Our Students Online learning and the implementation of digital resources in education is continuing...

Written by Novella Teacher, Dawn Ruiz, M.S As we gradually move toward a new reality of education, we come to...

Inspired by: Justin Reich’s LinkedIn commentary on AI literacy (May 2026) and his essay “What Schools Still Don’t Know About...

Inspired by: “Why birds don’t crash (and what humans can learn from them),” a short video circulating this spring Thousands...

An executive function coach helps students develop practical systems for planning, organization, time management, task initiation, prioritization, and follow-through. Rather...

Executive function coaching and tutoring can both help students succeed academically, but they address different challenges. Tutoring focuses primarily on...

Every parent has witnessed the scene: a child melting down when the tablet gets taken away, begging for "just five...

A recent National Geographic feature challenged a number that many of us have treated as gospel for decades: eight hours...

Inspired by: Justin Reich’s LinkedIn commentary on AI literacy (May 2026) and his essay “What Schools Still Don’t Know About...

By William Canty and F. Tony Di Giacomo, Ph.D. Modern neuroscience shows that your perception of the world is not...

With so much at stake when preparing for college application season, take caution to avoid falling victim to test prep...

Transitioning from middle school to high school marks an important phase in a student's academic journey. As they embark on...

Introduction This article aims to help you understand the impact of the historic decision regarding Affirmative Action in college admissions....

The college application process is a significant milestone in a student's academic journey. Alongside academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal...

The Night That Changed Everything — and Nothing March 26 at 7 PM Eastern, all eight Ivy League schools released...

The New Yorker recently asked the question many parents whisper at the dinner table: will AI make college obsolete? The...

NPR reported on May 4 that more college applicants are choosing to submit SAT or ACT scores this cycle, even...

Students with learning differences can build compelling college applications by framing their differences as central to their identity and strengths...

New Jersey and Connecticut host exceptional colleges offering strong academics and community, and proximity to home combined with institutional fit...

The most effective parental role in college admissions is supportive structure and coaching—helping your student develop skills and autonomy—rather than...

Executive function coaching and tutoring can both help students succeed academically, but they address different challenges. Tutoring focuses primarily on...

AI and future careers A 22-year-old drops out of computer science to become an electrician. A 28-year-old walks away from...

Every parent has witnessed the scene: a child melting down when the tablet gets taken away, begging for "just five...

A recent National Geographic feature challenged a number that many of us have treated as gospel for decades: eight hours...

The most effective study strategies—spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and interleaved practice—often feel less intuitive than cramming but deliver dramatically superior...

Strategic college planning should begin in ninth grade with course selection and executive function skill development, with each year building...

NPR reported on May 4 that more college applicants are choosing to submit SAT or ACT scores this cycle, even...

The SAT and ACT assess similar skills in different formats, and choosing the right test depends on understanding your thinking...

The rise of test-optional policies means your decision to submit should depend on whether your scores strengthen your application relative...

New York City-based not-for-profit College Board recently announced that the SAT Suite of Assessments (SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9)...

Originally published by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series  The 2020-2021 college admissions cycle was certainly the most disruptive of...

Originally published by the author in NYMetroParents Many parents wonder whether an A in a Regents or College Prep class is better...