Sometimes they look a little sheepish when they ask. “Katy, do you have any advice for us about the parent questions?” The private school admissions process is often one that seems to throw unexpected curveballs every step along the way. And right when it feels like you are rounding third base, you notice that the […]
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 […]
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 […]
So, What Should I Do With My Last Summer Before High School? Here you are. You’ve almost made it. Middle school will very shortly be in your rearview mirror. Just beyond the end of the school year lies another summer, then, at last, high school. Of course, it is not just another summer. This summer, […]
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 […]
“Did you do your homework yet?” “Mom! I’ll do it. Stop bugging me about it!” …. “Is it done yet?” “AAAAAAARRGGGHH!” Sound familiar to you? I hope it doesn’t, but it just might. Fights over homework are all too common but avoidable. So why are they happening? Read on to learn some reasons they might […]
It is true that junior year grades are paramount, but colleges do consider senior year transcripts. Work hard and continue to prepare, because this fall will be the busiest yet. Colleges want to admit individuals who are committed, engaged, and exuberant participants in life. Balancing standardized tests, athletic events, activities, jobs, family and friends is […]
Congratulations, seniors! You are well on your way to National Decision Day. It has been a very busy year, and you have demonstrated truly 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 […]
Yay, spring! Hey, juniors! How are you doing? I understand that this question from a college counselor can immediately prompt feelings of stress, strife, and perhaps a strong desire to run, scream, or just take a nap. You could go all consumer on us and order the t-shirt popular on Amazon, “Don’t Ask Me About […]
My colleague Jeff takes care of a plant in his office. Well, “takes care of” might more accurately mean, “mostly ignores.” Fortunately, Jeff’s plant is kind enough to let him know by wilting in the most dramatic of fashions. Now imagine if that were your brain. “Please,” you may be thinking, “I would never be […]