One of the most useful skills to have is to be able to direct our curiosity. To many of us, curiosity often appears as some kind of spontaneous miracle: a spark just happens, seemingly from far beyond our control, and we find ourselves swept up by it. Perhaps someone with knowledge and charisma can ignite […]
When does adulthood start? Right on your 18th birthday? A little before, or maybe even years after? Where is the line? And why does that line have to be so dreadful? Other generations, Gen Z especially, have taken to making fun of millennials and our seemingly incessant need to “kidify” things. Even the term “adulting” […]
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 […]
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 […]
There are those who have a natural inclination towards music. Some can stay on perfect pitch, while others command their instruments, effortlessly producing beautiful, precise notes. We also know those natural athletes who are able to coordinate their limbs to master sports with great strength, dexterity, and grace. Still others seem naturally good at developing […]
Let’s not mess around: we’ve all had writer’s block and sometimes need help. It doesn’t mean that we’re special or broken or misunderstood geniuses or fools. Our muses are not at the bottom of a Netflix binge or a pot of coffee or a box of crackers. Working with our writer’s block is a learnable […]
“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 […]