Tag: Psychology

How Taking a Standardized Test Is Like Cooking Breakfast

Posted by: admin on March 5th, 2019

On Saturdays, our family does breakfast for dinner. The kids love to help mix the waffle batter, make blueberry faces on the pancakes, and watch the bacon wiggle in the pan. This week’s menu was French toast—my wife’s favorite—so I was sure to have everything in order: I bought the French baguette a day earlier […]

How Do I Set up a College Interview?

Posted by: admin on March 5th, 2019

The importance of demonstrated interest – actions you take that help a college gauge how likely it is that you will enroll – is on the rise. More colleges are systematically tracking and assigning value to how much love you show them. As a prospective student, you can show love in a number of ways, […]

Keep Calm and March On…

Posted by: admin on March 5th, 2019

You are well on your way to National Decision Day.  It has been a very busy year, and truly, you have demonstrated Herculean strength in balancing your life of standardized tests, athletic events, activities, jobs, family, friends, and, of course, your last year of high school. With a keen focus, kinetic flexibility, and social dexterity […]

How Do I Choose My College Major?

Posted by: admin on March 5th, 2019

Some students worry about whether their decision about their undergraduate major will have future consequences and affect opportunities for graduate school or job and career. Put more specifically (for those looking ahead to grad school), the question is whether a particular major will make you more – or less – competitive when applying to graduate […]

College Admissions: Not Always the Timeline We Imagine

Posted by: admin on March 1st, 2019

College plans are set for most high school graduates, but you might be surprised to know that some July and August admits are still possible. Of course, December and April are the two months in the college admissions cycle best known for notifications. If you apply early action or early decision to a college, you’ll […]

Breaking the Beat

Posted by: admin on March 1st, 2019

I awoke with the sun on Monday morning, refreshed and aligned with the world. I was exultant to learn that three Americans had won the 2017 The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2017 . Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young won the prize for “for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling […]

ACT Time Changes

Posted by: admin on March 1st, 2019

In a move that makes the ACT somewhat less accommodating to students with accommodations, ACT has changed its extra time policy . Through June 2017, students taking the ACT with writing had six hours to complete the four sections that comprise the composite score (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and the essay. Students will now […]

ACT or SAT? Pick One, Don’t Take Both

Posted by: admin on March 1st, 2019

 ACT or SAT…or both? More and more students in the DC area are no longer taking just the SAT for college admissions. The ACT is on the rise. The number of ACT test-takers area-wide has doubled in the last three years.   Many students find that the ACT is simply a better test for them, and […]

5 Healthy Sleep Tips for Students and Parents

Posted by: admin on February 27th, 2019

A  recent blog  of mine focused on the Nobel Prize award in Physiology or Medicine 2017 to Hall, Rosbash, and Young “for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm.” I thought I’d take the opportunity to drill down a bit into what stands in our way of a good night’s sleep. Sleep experts […]

3 Things That Help Parents Raise Successful Learners

Posted by: admin on February 27th, 2019

As the new school year approaches, it’s a good time for goal setting. Many parents spend time thinking of ways to help their children have better academic success and higher test scores. Here are three things to help us as parents raise successful learners.  1. Optimal success? Foster optimal brains.  When kids are trying to […]