Conclusions can be the hardest part of an essay to write. Your conclusion should sum up the most important pieces of your essay without simply repeating what you’ve already said. While you generally don’t want to introduce new information in your conclusion, the best conclusions will also put your arguments into a larger context and […]
One of the most common pieces of feedback that my students get from their teachers is that they need to add more analysis to their papers. But how can you tell if your paper is analytical enough? In this post, we’ll look at how you can revise your paper to add more analysis to your […]
There has been a great deal of loss during these recent weeks, and we are all looking for silver linings. As I contemplate possible silver linings for PrepMatters students, I look for opportunities that could offer greater strength and insight regarding learning. I see, even in the midst of these difficult days, that there is […]
Katy Dunn and Jeff Knox have served hundreds of students as independent educational consultants in the Washington, DC area and thousands more in other capacities. Their combined experience in education includes high school administration, classroom teaching, college admissions, and college access. In just the last three weeks, the two of us have interacted with nearly […]
Keeping up with the changes to your student’s education right now isn’t easy. As I’m writing this and as you’re reading this, school districts and states are extending school cancellations, the College Board and the ACT are delaying more tests, and colleges are announcing temporary test-optional policies. It’s a fast-moving train that’s set my head […]
Winter, such as it was, is ending. We have leapt forward and are staring at the prospect of a new spring. Along with the budding flowers and the inconsistent weather, school admissions decisions have also arrived. Hopefully, several schools have extended a letter of acceptance. You probably also received at least one notice that you […]
UPDATE! All SAT Subject Tests are now a thing of the past. See more info here. Ah, spring! You’re finally creeping out from under winter’s midterms and semester projects, ready to embrace the growing season of a new year. As such, you’ll want to turn your attention to some of the excitement spring has to […]
It might now seem like a long way off, but in just a couple of years, you’re going to start thinking about applying to college. Part of that, of course, is taking the SAT or ACT, and you’re undoubtedly going to be doing focused test-prep to get ready. The breakdown of each test is pretty […]
Originally published March 11, 2020 When developing your list of potential colleges, there is a particular back-and-forth that can guide you to finding the very best fit for you. Whether you hit college campuses on foot during spring break or begin your investigation online, keep in mind that this motion involves two strokes: research and […]
Originally published January 27, 2020 (Slight spoilers ahead) Fifteen minutes into Netflix’s new sports documentary, Cheer, and I was lost in admiration for the athleticism of the young people on the screen. Four or five hours in, I realized it was so much more. If you haven’t seen this latest cultural phenomenon, what you need […]