With so much at stake when preparing for college application season, take caution to avoid falling victim to test prep company scams, including the one Novella Prep Founder and CEO Dr. Tony Di Giacomo talked with NBC New York about earlier this week. There’s a lot at stake – college is wildly expensive, the competitiveness is complicated, nuanced, and very hard to navigate. So parents are in a state of stress and they are vulnerable to inbound phone calls about their child.” – Dr. Tony Di Giacomo Watch the interview and follow the tips discussed to keep you and your children protected t ..read more

These quick college planning facts will help you make the most of your child’s college planning path. Did you know that… 8th grade courses impact your 12th grade college list? Surprising, but true. The math and English courses your child chooses in 8th grade puts them on a track that shapes courses they will take in 11th and 12th grade — and therefore the colleges for which they are competitive. Does this mean college planning begins in 8th grade? No, but this phenomenon suggests that being a parent of a student means, 1-2 times per year, factoring in longer-term thinking. But, just because yo ..read more

As 9th graders, it is important to begin to lay solid groundwork that will pave the way for your future academic success. This starts with a commitment to achieving strong grades, as these early marks in high school are often the first indicators of academic potential that colleges will review. Simultaneously, it’s essential to develop fundamental skills, such as critical thinking, time management, and effective study habits. Identifying key high school milestones for 9th grade, such as potential AP classes to take or leadership roles to aspire to, can help guide a student’s high school journe ..read more

Executive dysfunction hampers a person’s ability to manage tasks, maintain focus, and control emotions. It is an extremely difficult issue to tackle effectively, and it can affect both daily and academic life. Recognizing its symptoms and causes is key to seeking appropriate strategies to boost organizational and planning skills. What is Executive Dysfunction? Executive Dysfunction refers to difficulties in managing self-regulatory processes that govern our ability to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. It’s often associated with various neurol ..read more

Why College Planning is Essential College is a significant milestone in any student’s life, marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood and shaping one’s future career and personal growth. However, the path to college is filled with decisions, each as crucial as the next. Proper planning can make this journey smoother and more rewarding: Choosing a Major The decision to select a major goes beyond merely picking a subject—it’s a reflection of a student’s aspirations, strengths, and passions. As individuals evolve, understanding one’s core interests and aligning them with a major become ..read more

As 10th graders, the primary focus of college planning should be building upon the groundwork laid in the freshman year. This means not only maintaining strong grades but also seeking out ways to challenge yourself academically. Advanced classes or electives in areas of interest can deepen your understanding and demonstrate your commitment to learning. Furthermore, you should continue to refine crucial skills, such as critical thinking, time management, and effective study habits. These will be key in the more challenging coursework and standardized tests you’ll encounter. Reviewing the milest ..read more

Introduction The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for understanding a historical decision regarding Affirmative Action in college admissions and therefore the educational systems in the United States. College admissions policies shape younger student and family decisions and actions, and extra care must be taken when we decide who gets “in” and why. This article provides an analysis of this policy for informational purposes. Our position is therefore as an advocate for all students to maintain mental health and wellbeing while striving to manifest a future they desire and dese ..read more

The college application process is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. Alongside academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal essays, letters of recommendation play an important role in presenting a comprehensive picture of a college applicant. Choosing the right individuals to write these recommendations can influence the outcome of a student’s application. This article explores who students should ask for college recommendations and discusses various factors to consider when making this critical decision. Understanding the Purpose of College Recommenda ..read more

The college application process can be a daunting experience for many high school students. One of the key components of this process is academic performance, which is often measured through grades. In this article, we will explore what grades colleges look at in the college application process and how they factor into admission decisions. Importance of Grades in College Applications First and foremost, it is important to understand that grades are one part of the college application process. While they are certainly essential, they are not the only factor that colleges consider when making ad ..read more

The college application process is an exciting but challenging journey for many students. One of the most significant components of this process is the college essay. The essay is an opportunity for students to showcase their personality, accomplishments, and goals to the admissions committee. Choosing the right topic for the essay is important, as it is a key factor in the application process. So, what are the best essay topics for college applications? In this article, we will explore some of the most effective and popular essay topics that can help students create a memorable and compelling ..read more