When the PSAT scores arrive, they initiate a series of emotional and logical responses. Often when PSAT scores don’t meet expectations, emotional responses can be robust and create stress for students and parents. Many households erupt in tears, frustration, slammed doors, and disbelief, which leaves little room for logical responses to emerge. Accordingly, parents can […]
A chill may blow through your home next week, sending shivers down the spine of your high schooler and possibly yours. The winds carry news of PSAT scores to be released on December 5 and 6. Are you ready for the results, reactions, and conversations? In the 20 years of counseling students and families we […]
You might have noticed that the PSAT that usually happens in the fall didn’t happen this year. As of now, the rescheduled date is January 26, though actually hosting the test remains at the discretion of your school. If you’ve already been notified about the test happening, that’s great! If not, PrepMatters is hosting a […]
Summer is officially over, and the leaves have begun to fall. That means that one of the great fall traditions, the PSAT, is almost upon us. This year, the PSAT is being offered on several dates: Wednesday, October 13; Saturday, October 16; or the alternate date of Tuesday, October 26. Check with your school’s guidance […]
At this point, junior year is in full swing, and you now understand what all your upperclassmen friends have been warning you about. You’ve likely got a test or paper under your belt in each of your classes and are in the process of finding the balance of managing a heavier workload and more responsibility […]
You’ve likely pushed hard to get the most out of your PSAT results, to get those high numbers you’ve dreamed of seeing on your score report. The numbers at the top do tell a lot, but they aren’t the whole story. As you look over your PSAT scores, try not to focus too much on […]
Congratulations! It’s officially fall and the PSAT is behind you. What do you do now? Forget it and walk away? Bide your time until the holidays? Even though you’re not a junior, for whom the test has marginally more significance, there is still value in revisiting the test you just took. Results are scheduled to […]
The Common App has yet again changed its application essay prompts – just in time for the 2017-18 application season. Last year we saw no changes whatsoever and in 2015-16 saw only minor tweaks with the introduction of a new prompt. This year brings more tweaks in the form of brand new wording in addition […]
Brains develop through use, and repeated experiences create distinct circuits. How then do we exercise our brains and build healthy pathways? We all know the benefits of hard work: it makes us stronger physically, mentally and emotionally. We would all love our brains to work hard so that we could reap these benefits. So, how […]
Even if you’re not particularly inclined to check the history of each school, you will want to seek, and be impressed by, these early dates. The University of Edinburgh goes back to 1583 , impressive enough, but the University of St. Andrews marks its official start date in 1413 – the year this teaching institution […]