When it comes to how many colleges you should apply to, there isn't an easy answer, as it can depend on a number of different factors. We recommend juniors begin building a college list of about 15-20 schools. Over the year, students should narrow this list down through campus visits, personal exploration of majors, evaluation of school size, location, and numerous other factors. Ultimately a student should end up with a list of approximately 10-12 schools, well-balanced between reach, target, and likely schools. A reach school is a college that is very challenging for the student to get into based Continue Reading

College planning is important because it empowers students in navigating an important decision for their future. The sooner a student is more prepared and informed, the better able they are to identify and apply to the best-fitting colleges. A holistic approach to planning can help students connect interests, talents, and skills to consideration of career paths as a way of identifying the right major and college list, thereby increasing the potential for graduating in four years. With thousands of colleges and multitudes more applicants, smart planning is becoming increasingly essential. It helps students and their families navigate through the convoluted Continue Reading

We advocate starting the college planning process early due to the many advantages students gain. After the PSAT in sophomore year, we start discussing more directly a student's interests to help identify opportunities that best position them for college applications through their resume-building to form a cohesive narrative. On May 1 of Junior year, we begin active and rigorous formal college application work.

You can start a college plan by envisioning your academic or career goals and using them as your guideposts. That said, the world of college applications and higher education has become far more competitive and obtuse, meaning that carefully planning out your moves is just as important as making them. Navigating this stressful and increasingly convoluted environment is no easy task, especially with what's at stake. By using our college planning program, we can guide students and parents through these processes, eliminating some of the stress and anxiety that often comes with it. By starting early, students and parents gain Continue Reading

You should start applying for college during your Junior year.  The summer of 11th grade is typically the optimal time to launch the formal application process, with the month of May being a great starting point. However, early college planning can begin well beforehand with campus visits, list and portfolio development, resume audits, and more. Starting to complete application materials before and during the summer before 12th grade will, in turn, lower stress and raise the likelihood of producing your best possible application. This goal requires that parents are on board with helping motivate and support student focus as well! Continue Reading

Yes, colleges see senior year grades. Though uncommon, colleges can even rescind an offer of enrollment if a student's grades suffer unnecessarily during senior year. Colleges evaluate grades to assess a student's academic abilities, commitment, and readiness for college-level work; a strong performance senior year can have a positive impact on admissions, as it demonstrates continued academic engagement and can give applicants an edge over others, especially when a waitlist is involved. On the other hand, a noticeable decline in grades during the senior year can be a red flag for admissions officers. It might suggest a lack of persistence Continue Reading

Typically speaking, colleges look over the grades for all four years of high school. That said, it is important to understand that grades are only one part of the college application process. While essential, they are far from the only factor that colleges consider when making admission decisions. Other considerations that may be taken into account include standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews. In general, colleges evaluate a student’s academic performance by looking at their high school transcript, which includes grades from all four years of high school. This transcript typically includes information about the Continue Reading

The best essay btopics are those in which a student shares a compelling story, idea, or experience they wish to highlight, or something that inspires them and gives them a strong point of focus. Look for topics that show dimension while being authentic, and communicate what makes the student unique as an applicant. And remember, students must also demonstrate that they can write well and clearly.

We recommend students aim to narrow their final lists as much as possible to create an optimal blend of around 10 - 12 reach, likely, and target schools. There is often little advantage or need for applying to additional schools beyond this threshold if the final list is well-cultivated to fit the needs and performance levels of the student. Too many schools may lead to increased stress as well as distraction.

Students should ask teachers, a guidance counselor, and a coach (if applicable) who know them well as a student and individual. Typically, a teacher who can attest to the student's academic proficiencies and growth is a good option. An educator or coach who also knows the student well through extra-curricular activities may speak best to their leadership qualities or particular talents. We do not encourage more recommenders than is required as colleges do not want more than they have requested.

If students have applied to a school through a binding application type (namely, Early Decision or Restrictive Early Action) are not able to accept another offer, once accepted. However, students applying Early Action or Regular Decision, in most cases, are able to review their offers before submitting their deposit. In the case of a waitlist, students must often submit a deposit and rescind their acceptance to that school if they come off a waitlist at another college after the deadline. But, we encourage never having two deposits submitted concurrently.

Executive functioning skills are known as “the management system of the brain.” They are a set of mental skills including flexible thinking, self control, and working memory. Issues with executive functioning can make it difficult for students to focus and follow directions, resulting in their learning process being affected. Students of all performance levels benefit from instruction around executive functioning, but for different reasons.

The twelve executive functioning skills are self-restraint, working memory, emotion control, focus, task initiation, planning/prioritization, organization, time management, defining and achieving goals, flexibility, observation, and stress tolerance. Research consistently shows that these skills not only help academically but also significantly reduce stress and help students adapt to life changes more fluidly. As students near the end of high school and face the complex college application process, gaps in executive functioning skills can become apparent.  To truly thrive in college and beyond, students need to develop and hone their executive functioning skills. Issues with executive function, called "executive dysfunction," can affect Continue Reading

Signs of poor executive functioning include difficulty paying attention, difficulty organizing, challenges with planning and prioritizing, inability to stay focused and engaged in tasks, and being unable to regulate emotions, self-monitor, and understanding other points of view.

We work directly with students by teaching them tools and strategies to enhance their executive functioning skills. These include time management, planning and organization skills, proactive communication, task prioritization, problem-solving, reasoning, and analysis. We take a step-by-step approach to completing tasks, and work with students to organize their time, plan tasks more effectively, and encourage them to ask questions when they need clarification.

An executive functioning disorder can impair a person's ability to stay focused, remain organized, complete tasks, and to engage with other people with appropriate interactions and self-control. Teaching these skills while young helps address matters that will need to be resolved before entering the workforce, anyway!

Students with ADHD often experience a few symptoms related to executive functioning. These may include having trouble starting or completing tasks, organizing thoughts and prioritizing tasks. Time management and following directions can also be difficult. Forgetting what was just read and following directions are additional symptoms that are related to executive functioning. But, we observe differences between focus and discipline, a nuance that must be understood and addressed.

The following are notable areas of executive function that cause individuals with ADHD difficulties with: Starting or completing tasks Remembering what was just read or discussed in class Adjusting when rules change Organizing thoughts Prioritizing tasks Keeping track of belongings Managing time Following directions

Yes. While some people with ADHD experience symptoms of executive functioning, not everyone with an executive function disorder has ADHD.

Executive functioning starts to develop during childhood around the ages of 3-5 and continues to progress well into a student’s mid 20’s.

Reading and comprehension require focus and recall, skills that can be lacking in students with executive function disorder. We encourage building these skills to enhance academic success and, more broadly, life skills.

Many people with autism experience executive dysfunction, though not everyone. Not all people with ASD have issues with all the aspects of executive function.

Online learning can provide easy access to a myriad instructional resources and collaborative tools in an engaging learning environment. In addition, online learning provides flexibility with scheduling and reinforces 21st century skills such as technology and learning through doing.

Online learning can be effective with the right mindset. Retention, relationships and responsibility are key components to online learning success. Utilize free tools to bolster retention, cultivate relationships with teachers and advisors, and accept personal responsibility for time management and learning outcomes.

Some advantages of online learning are the personal responsibility and adaptability that students gain. These transferable skills will be impactful on one's college and professional career. In addition, online learning is accessible and flexible, providing students with a variety of options to achieve their learning goals. One disadvantage of online learning is that it can be easy to procrastinate; therefore, good time management skills are required — and that can be a challenge!

There are many skills one can learn from learning online, time management for starters! Online learning fosters independent learning which creates an environment for active learning. In addition, online learning promotes collaboration and can help to build strong communication skills.

Each school has its own policy on academic probation. Generally speaking, academic probation can last from one term to one year.

Each school has its own academic probation policy. Generally speaking, when a student is placed on academic probation, they must address the academic deficiency in order to continue with their education at the school they are attending. Usually, a student has a plan that has been developed with an academic advisor to remediate the deficiency. Proactive communication is key to all relevant parties!

No, academic probation and suspension are generally not the same. Each school has its own probation, suspension, and dismissal policy. Generally, academic probation lasts from one term to a year. Although students on academic probation may continue with enrolling in classes, they must follow their academic probation plan. Generally, students who are suspended are not allowed to enroll in class and must miss at least one semester.

Each school defines its academic probation policy. Generally, students end up on academic probation by not meeting the minimum requirements, such as a minimum GPA, as defined by the school.

Each school has its own academic policy; however, generally a student is placed on academic probation when their GPA falls below 2.0 (or as defined by the school).

Yes, students can be dismissed from college for academic or disciplinary reasons. Each school has its own policy regarding academic dismissal.

If a student flunks out of college and wants to return to school, the student must follow the college's admissions process and policy to gain admittance.

Generally, if a student's GPA falls below 2.0 (or as defined by the school), the student is placed on academic probation. Each school has its own academic probation policy which outlines the consequences of being placed on academic probation. Usually, an academic plan is developed and the student must adhere to the plan to remain as an active student enrolled in the college.

Generally, if a student fails two consecutive semesters, the student is dismissed from the college. In other words, a college student can be kicked out for failing. Be aware that each school has its own dismissal policy, so the specific criteria may vary.

When you want to know how to help a failing student, you might be surprised to know the answer isn't as straightforward as it seems. It's important to holistically evaluate and teach each student to optimize his or her approach to in-school and at-home studying, ensuring students of all levels perform at their best. A plan must be developed, and goals need to be set to ensure students are guided on a path that leads to success. It's also crucial to look at what's going on with the student outside of their studies. A student's social life, mental health, and Continue Reading

In most cases, it is better to proactively withdraw from a class within the stated deadlines. This way, students can avoid receiving an undesirable grade and will be able to retake the course at a later point in which they may be more academically prepared for success.

If your child fails out of college, we suggest asking your academic advisor what options are available, whether it be reapplying later after taking outside coursework to demonstrate improvement or simply having to begin again elsewhere. Then, working with an advisor, the student will need to address two factors: forming a plan to re-enter a new school and identifying + mitigating core executive functioning and content-based challenges that led to the outcome.

No, you should not let your child fail school. While we do not recommend enabling habits or routines that are not earning the privilege of ongoing investment through tuition payments, we have found students often lack the foresight to appreciate the challenges of life without formal training or credentials. Moreover, we have found quite consistently that underperformance is largely due to executive functioning skills, including how to navigate college when faced with challenges, more so than a simple factor of motivation, like a train without more track. Building out the infrastructure to address and resolve challenges will serve them better, Continue Reading

When it comes to how many colleges you should apply to, there isn't an easy answer, as it can depend on a number of different factors. We recommend juniors begin building a college list of about 15-20 schools. Over the year, students should narrow this list down through campus visits, personal exploration of majors, evaluation of school size, location, and numerous other factors. Ultimately a student should end up with a list of approximately 10-12 schools, well-balanced between reach, target, and likely schools. A reach school is a college that is very challenging for the student to get into based Continue Reading

College planning is important because it empowers students in navigating an important decision for their future. The sooner a student is more prepared and informed, the better able they are to identify and apply to the best-fitting colleges. A holistic approach to planning can help students connect interests, talents, and skills to consideration of career paths as a way of identifying the right major and college list, thereby increasing the potential for graduating in four years. With thousands of colleges and multitudes more applicants, smart planning is becoming increasingly essential. It helps students and their families navigate through the convoluted Continue Reading

We advocate starting the college planning process early due to the many advantages students gain. After the PSAT in sophomore year, we start discussing more directly a student's interests to help identify opportunities that best position them for college applications through their resume-building to form a cohesive narrative. On May 1 of Junior year, we begin active and rigorous formal college application work.

You can start a college plan by envisioning your academic or career goals and using them as your guideposts. That said, the world of college applications and higher education has become far more competitive and obtuse, meaning that carefully planning out your moves is just as important as making them. Navigating this stressful and increasingly convoluted environment is no easy task, especially with what's at stake. By using our college planning program, we can guide students and parents through these processes, eliminating some of the stress and anxiety that often comes with it. By starting early, students and parents gain Continue Reading

You should start applying for college during your Junior year.  The summer of 11th grade is typically the optimal time to launch the formal application process, with the month of May being a great starting point. However, early college planning can begin well beforehand with campus visits, list and portfolio development, resume audits, and more. Starting to complete application materials before and during the summer before 12th grade will, in turn, lower stress and raise the likelihood of producing your best possible application. This goal requires that parents are on board with helping motivate and support student focus as well! Continue Reading

Yes, colleges see senior year grades. Though uncommon, colleges can even rescind an offer of enrollment if a student's grades suffer unnecessarily during senior year. Colleges evaluate grades to assess a student's academic abilities, commitment, and readiness for college-level work; a strong performance senior year can have a positive impact on admissions, as it demonstrates continued academic engagement and can give applicants an edge over others, especially when a waitlist is involved. On the other hand, a noticeable decline in grades during the senior year can be a red flag for admissions officers. It might suggest a lack of persistence Continue Reading

Typically speaking, colleges look over the grades for all four years of high school. That said, it is important to understand that grades are only one part of the college application process. While essential, they are far from the only factor that colleges consider when making admission decisions. Other considerations that may be taken into account include standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews. In general, colleges evaluate a student’s academic performance by looking at their high school transcript, which includes grades from all four years of high school. This transcript typically includes information about the Continue Reading

The best essay btopics are those in which a student shares a compelling story, idea, or experience they wish to highlight, or something that inspires them and gives them a strong point of focus. Look for topics that show dimension while being authentic, and communicate what makes the student unique as an applicant. And remember, students must also demonstrate that they can write well and clearly.

We recommend students aim to narrow their final lists as much as possible to create an optimal blend of around 10 - 12 reach, likely, and target schools. There is often little advantage or need for applying to additional schools beyond this threshold if the final list is well-cultivated to fit the needs and performance levels of the student. Too many schools may lead to increased stress as well as distraction.

Students should ask teachers, a guidance counselor, and a coach (if applicable) who know them well as a student and individual. Typically, a teacher who can attest to the student's academic proficiencies and growth is a good option. An educator or coach who also knows the student well through extra-curricular activities may speak best to their leadership qualities or particular talents. We do not encourage more recommenders than is required as colleges do not want more than they have requested.

If students have applied to a school through a binding application type (namely, Early Decision or Restrictive Early Action) are not able to accept another offer, once accepted. However, students applying Early Action or Regular Decision, in most cases, are able to review their offers before submitting their deposit. In the case of a waitlist, students must often submit a deposit and rescind their acceptance to that school if they come off a waitlist at another college after the deadline. But, we encourage never having two deposits submitted concurrently.

Each school has its own policy on academic probation. Generally speaking, academic probation can last from one term to one year.

Each school has its own academic probation policy. Generally speaking, when a student is placed on academic probation, they must address the academic deficiency in order to continue with their education at the school they are attending. Usually, a student has a plan that has been developed with an academic advisor to remediate the deficiency. Proactive communication is key to all relevant parties!

No, academic probation and suspension are generally not the same. Each school has its own probation, suspension, and dismissal policy. Generally, academic probation lasts from one term to a year. Although students on academic probation may continue with enrolling in classes, they must follow their academic probation plan. Generally, students who are suspended are not allowed to enroll in class and must miss at least one semester.

Each school defines its academic probation policy. Generally, students end up on academic probation by not meeting the minimum requirements, such as a minimum GPA, as defined by the school.

Each school has its own academic policy; however, generally a student is placed on academic probation when their GPA falls below 2.0 (or as defined by the school).

Yes, students can be dismissed from college for academic or disciplinary reasons. Each school has its own policy regarding academic dismissal.

If a student flunks out of college and wants to return to school, the student must follow the college's admissions process and policy to gain admittance.

Generally, if a student's GPA falls below 2.0 (or as defined by the school), the student is placed on academic probation. Each school has its own academic probation policy which outlines the consequences of being placed on academic probation. Usually, an academic plan is developed and the student must adhere to the plan to remain as an active student enrolled in the college.

Generally, if a student fails two consecutive semesters, the student is dismissed from the college. In other words, a college student can be kicked out for failing. Be aware that each school has its own dismissal policy, so the specific criteria may vary.

When you want to know how to help a failing student, you might be surprised to know the answer isn't as straightforward as it seems. It's important to holistically evaluate and teach each student to optimize his or her approach to in-school and at-home studying, ensuring students of all levels perform at their best. A plan must be developed, and goals need to be set to ensure students are guided on a path that leads to success. It's also crucial to look at what's going on with the student outside of their studies. A student's social life, mental health, and Continue Reading

In most cases, it is better to proactively withdraw from a class within the stated deadlines. This way, students can avoid receiving an undesirable grade and will be able to retake the course at a later point in which they may be more academically prepared for success.

If your child fails out of college, we suggest asking your academic advisor what options are available, whether it be reapplying later after taking outside coursework to demonstrate improvement or simply having to begin again elsewhere. Then, working with an advisor, the student will need to address two factors: forming a plan to re-enter a new school and identifying + mitigating core executive functioning and content-based challenges that led to the outcome.

No, you should not let your child fail school. While we do not recommend enabling habits or routines that are not earning the privilege of ongoing investment through tuition payments, we have found students often lack the foresight to appreciate the challenges of life without formal training or credentials. Moreover, we have found quite consistently that underperformance is largely due to executive functioning skills, including how to navigate college when faced with challenges, more so than a simple factor of motivation, like a train without more track. Building out the infrastructure to address and resolve challenges will serve them better, Continue Reading

Executive functioning skills are known as “the management system of the brain.” They are a set of mental skills including flexible thinking, self control, and working memory. Issues with executive functioning can make it difficult for students to focus and follow directions, resulting in their learning process being affected. Students of all performance levels benefit from instruction around executive functioning, but for different reasons.

The twelve executive functioning skills are self-restraint, working memory, emotion control, focus, task initiation, planning/prioritization, organization, time management, defining and achieving goals, flexibility, observation, and stress tolerance. Research consistently shows that these skills not only help academically but also significantly reduce stress and help students adapt to life changes more fluidly. As students near the end of high school and face the complex college application process, gaps in executive functioning skills can become apparent.  To truly thrive in college and beyond, students need to develop and hone their executive functioning skills. Issues with executive function, called "executive dysfunction," can affect Continue Reading

Signs of poor executive functioning include difficulty paying attention, difficulty organizing, challenges with planning and prioritizing, inability to stay focused and engaged in tasks, and being unable to regulate emotions, self-monitor, and understanding other points of view.

We work directly with students by teaching them tools and strategies to enhance their executive functioning skills. These include time management, planning and organization skills, proactive communication, task prioritization, problem-solving, reasoning, and analysis. We take a step-by-step approach to completing tasks, and work with students to organize their time, plan tasks more effectively, and encourage them to ask questions when they need clarification.

An executive functioning disorder can impair a person's ability to stay focused, remain organized, complete tasks, and to engage with other people with appropriate interactions and self-control. Teaching these skills while young helps address matters that will need to be resolved before entering the workforce, anyway!

Students with ADHD often experience a few symptoms related to executive functioning. These may include having trouble starting or completing tasks, organizing thoughts and prioritizing tasks. Time management and following directions can also be difficult. Forgetting what was just read and following directions are additional symptoms that are related to executive functioning. But, we observe differences between focus and discipline, a nuance that must be understood and addressed.

The following are notable areas of executive function that cause individuals with ADHD difficulties with: Starting or completing tasks Remembering what was just read or discussed in class Adjusting when rules change Organizing thoughts Prioritizing tasks Keeping track of belongings Managing time Following directions

Yes. While some people with ADHD experience symptoms of executive functioning, not everyone with an executive function disorder has ADHD.

Executive functioning starts to develop during childhood around the ages of 3-5 and continues to progress well into a student’s mid 20’s.

Reading and comprehension require focus and recall, skills that can be lacking in students with executive function disorder. We encourage building these skills to enhance academic success and, more broadly, life skills.

Many people with autism experience executive dysfunction, though not everyone. Not all people with ASD have issues with all the aspects of executive function.

Online learning can provide easy access to a myriad instructional resources and collaborative tools in an engaging learning environment. In addition, online learning provides flexibility with scheduling and reinforces 21st century skills such as technology and learning through doing.

Online learning can be effective with the right mindset. Retention, relationships and responsibility are key components to online learning success. Utilize free tools to bolster retention, cultivate relationships with teachers and advisors, and accept personal responsibility for time management and learning outcomes.

Some advantages of online learning are the personal responsibility and adaptability that students gain. These transferable skills will be impactful on one's college and professional career. In addition, online learning is accessible and flexible, providing students with a variety of options to achieve their learning goals. One disadvantage of online learning is that it can be easy to procrastinate; therefore, good time management skills are required — and that can be a challenge!

There are many skills one can learn from learning online, time management for starters! Online learning fosters independent learning which creates an environment for active learning. In addition, online learning promotes collaboration and can help to build strong communication skills.