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College Planning

What Factors Go Into College Admission Decisions?

April 1, 2025
Knowing what colleges are looking for can make the admissions process less stressful for students and help them prepare a...
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How to Choose a College Advisor

March 25, 2025
A college advisor who aligns with your individual needs and aspirations will make or break your college planning process. Finding...
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Supporting Neurodivergent Learners

June 3, 2024
In a recent article written by Catherine Kola-Balogun and published in The Oxford Blue, titled “The Invisible War: Does Oxford...
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Public Universities Prove to be a Wise Investment

May 30, 2024
According to research from Strada Education Foundation, a nonprofit that analyzed federal education and earnings data, students graduating from public...
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Making Informed Choices: The Value of Public vs. Private Colleges

May 7, 2024
Pursuing a college education is one of the most significant investments students and their families will make. With the cost...
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Quick College Planning Facts

March 6, 2024
These quick college planning facts will help you make the most of your child’s college planning path. Did you know...
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High School Milestones: 9th Grade

February 21, 2024
As 9th graders, it is important to begin to lay solid groundwork that will pave the way for your future...
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Why is College Planning Essential?

November 15, 2023
Why College Planning is Essential College is a significant milestone in any student's life, marking the transition from adolescence to...
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High School Milestones: 10th Grade

August 24, 2023
As 10th graders, the primary focus of college planning should be building upon the groundwork laid in the freshman year....
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College Planning Checklist for 9th Graders

July 10, 2023
Transitioning from middle school to high school marks an important phase in a student's academic journey. As they embark on...
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Affirmative Action in College Admissions: The Rationale, Historical Context, and Controversy

June 28, 2023
Introduction This article aims to help you understand the impact of the historic decision regarding Affirmative Action in college admissions....
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Who Should You Ask for College Recommendations?

June 21, 2023
The college application process is a significant milestone in a student's academic journey. Alongside academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal...
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What Grades Do Colleges Look At?

May 22, 2023
The college application process can be a daunting experience for many high school students. One of the key components of...
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What Are The Best College Essay Topics?

May 22, 2023
The college application process is an exciting but challenging journey for many students. One of the most significant components of...
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How To Start A College Plan

May 17, 2023
Assessing Academic and Career Goals The first step in starting a college plan is for students to assess their academic...
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The Importance of College Planning

May 9, 2023
Importance of College Planning The decision to attend college is one of the most important decisions a student can make....
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When Should I Start Planning for College?

May 9, 2023
The Importance of Early College Planning The decision to attend college is a significant milestone in any student's life, and...
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College Planning for the Ambitious But Balanced

September 8, 2022
How to be Icarus but Avoid the Sun: College Planning for the Ambitious but Balanced As one admissions cycle comes...
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Road to College: A Parent’s Role in the College Process – Finding Balance

August 25, 2022
This article by Tony Di Giacomo Ph.D. originally appeared on River Journal Online Acceptance to a top-choice, best-fitting school is...
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Road to College: Taking the Long-Term View

April 28, 2022
This article by Tony Di Giacomo Ph.D. originally appeared on River Journal Online The college planning process is no longer...
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How to Apply for Scholarships for College

April 14, 2022
Where To Apply for College Scholarships  Life is busy already with school and college applications so why take the time...
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How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?

April 14, 2022
What Are The First Steps in Deciding How Many Colleges to Apply To? Your college list is made. You have...
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Road to College: Emerging Trends & What Still Counts in College Admissions

April 10, 2022
This article by Tony Di Giacomo Ph.D. originally appeared on River Journal Online While admissions decisions for seniors continue to...
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Road to College: Preparing for Summer Enrichment

January 27, 2022
This article by Tony Di Giacomo Ph.D. originally appeared on River Journal Online As temperatures drop and the snow continues...
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Road to College: Executive Functioning Skills for All

September 9, 2021
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...
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How Purpose & Motivation Facilitate Student Success: Start with “Why?”

July 27, 2021
Today’s students are so often focused on the “what.” What classes will they take next year? What experiences will they...
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Road to College: The 2021 Admissions Cycle Trends: Key Takeaways

June 11, 2021
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...
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The Pros and Cons of AP Classes

May 10, 2021
Originally published by the author in NYMetroParents Many parents wonder whether an A in a Regents or College Prep class is better...
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How To Approach Test-Optional Admissions

May 4, 2021
Originally published in NYMetroParents Widespread changes across the admissions process certainly show the continuing impact of COVID-19 on the world...
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Road to College: What to Consider When Making a College Decision

April 29, 2021
Originally published by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series & in NYMetroParents Choosing a college is the culmination of...
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Road to College: Selecting a College Major – Where Interests & Skills Intersect

April 15, 2021
Originally published by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series The road to college is a path primarily defined by...
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Road to College: Optimizing the Online Learning Mindset

February 28, 2021
Originally posted by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series. For many of us, this March marks almost a full...
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Road to College: ‘Fall’ing in Line with College Planning

December 2, 2020
Originally posted by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series. On the road to college, being proactive is crucial for...
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Road to College: Building an Adaptable Student

October 13, 2020
Originally posted by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series. Whether it’s universities reversing their original instruction plans,...
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Making the Most of a College Visit (Virtual Edition)

September 5, 2020
The typical journey of narrowing application lists through a lineup of information sessions and campus tours will no longer be...
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Reopening Campus, Instruction Plans & International Students: How the Fall 2020 Semester Will Look Unlike Any Other

July 25, 2020
While COVID-19 cases surge across the nation, the question remains of how colleges and universities will ultimately be able to...
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The Road to College: Anticipating Learning Loss and Cultivating Meaningful Summer Experiences

May 29, 2020
Originally posted by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series. As the school year comes to a close...
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Road to College: Emerging Issues in Education & How Your Student Can Adapt

May 2, 2020
Originally posted by the author in the riverjournalonline.com Road to College series. The road to college remains an ever-changing journey,...
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The Road to College: Guide to 2020

February 14, 2020
This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal Online. On the road to college, we use...
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The Road to College: Application Deadline Tips

January 16, 2020
This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal. On the Road to College, one significant waypoint...
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The Road to College: Managing Stress for Parents and Students

December 28, 2019
This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal. On the Road to College, one of the...
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The Road to College: Back-to-School Toolkit

December 5, 2019
This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal. On the Road to College, we have opportunities...
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The Road to College: Making the Most of the Summer

November 25, 2019
This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal. On the Road to College, summer is a...
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The Road to College: The “Dashboard”

November 18, 2019
This article by Dr. Tony Di Giacomo originally appeared on River Journal. On the Road to College, standardized tests occupy...
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3 Factors to Consider When Making Your College List

September 3, 2019
The Most Important Factors When Narrowing Down Your College List Making a college list is an exciting part of the...
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How to Build Your College List

July 22, 2019
The College list is an integral part of the college application process and then you sophomores and juniors. The college...
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How To Make The Most of a College Visit

May 29, 2019
As the school year winds down, we are approaching an important time of year to visit colleges. Because finalizing the...
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Wondering When To Start College Planning?

May 14, 2019
On the road to college, parents and students have much to consider. One question I’m asked quite often is, “When...
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The Road To College: Essential Steps

May 10, 2019
The road to college is an enduring theme that helps parents and students conceive of the steps toward college (and...
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How to be Uncommon in a World of Common Application Essays

May 7, 2019
There are two core truths when writing a common application essay as it relates to increasing one’s chances of admission:...
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College Cheating Scandal: Expectations of the Admissions Process

March 18, 2019
All of us were outraged by the college cheating scandal, and for many reasons. I recently wrote about this and...
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College Cheating Scandal: An Issue of Morals, Not Money

March 13, 2019
The college cheating scandal that broke on March 12 offended many people, me among them. While some tried to cast...
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Join Us: The Road to College: Essential Steps for Juniors on March 20, 2019

February 21, 2019
Please join Novella Prep founder and CEO Dr. Tony Di Giacomo at the Hilton Westchester on March 20th for an...
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Reimagining Student Success Series Chapter #12: The College Planning Timeline

January 15, 2019
So much of being a successful student requires thinking about time. Where you need to be, and for how long,...
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Reimagining Student Success Series Chapter #11: The College Essay and Your Narrative

January 15, 2019
The college essay has become almost mythological, taking on such attention in the college planning process that students get stressed...
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Reimagining Student Success Series Chapter #9: College Planning 101

January 15, 2019
In the previous blog series, the focus has been on optimizing student success; leading toward less stress; better grades; deeper...
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5 Tips for College Application Supplemental Essays

October 10, 2018
With the shining star of many college applications being the Common Application essay or main college essay, many students are...
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College Planning for Parents of 12th Grade Students

August 27, 2018
As seen in NYMetroParents, below is helpful insight for parents of 12th grade students by the founder of Novella Prep....
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College Planning for Parents of 11th Grade Students

August 27, 2018
As seen in NYMetroParents, below are some great suggestions for parents of 11th graders who are beginning, or in the...
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College Planning for Parents of 10th Grade Students

August 27, 2018
Featured in NYMetroParents, the following article provides insight into college planning for 10th graders by Novella Prep's founder. These tips...
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Charting the Right Course

November 30, 2017
Course sequencing? What does this mean? Imagine your son or daughter is a junior about to choose courses for his...
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Grade Expectations: The Key to Schooling Success

November 30, 2017
All students should have an expectation of what grade they hope to achieve in any given class -- before the...
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About Us

Novella Prep motivates and teaches students how to achieve their academic potential with improved grades, increased test scores, and helps them prepare to be considered for admission into the best-fitting colleges through proven holistic methods. We deep dive into helping students perform at their academic best by starting from the inside — before investing time and resources into academic or test prep tutoring. Our proven holistic method (Retention, Relationships, and Responsibility) empowers students to be the author of their own plan, incorporating smart tutoring in ways that are far more effective and efficient.

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