Blog
Student Perspective on Freshman Year of College Realities
Freshman Year of College Realities: The Unedited, Gritty Truth Starting college this fall? Here’s a firsthand perspective from our son Jack, who just finished his freshman year at the University of Memphis. This is Part 1 of a two-part blog. Next week, you’ll get...
College Planning Priorities and What You Need To Do Now Grade-By-Grade
Another school year is winding down. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors, here’s what you need to do this summer and next school year to put your best foot forward for college. In this article, we’ll use the term “rising” to indicate the year of school you’ll be going...
Does the Rise of Test-Optional Schools Mean the Decline of the ACT?
I won’t keep you in suspense. The answer is no. The truth is, the ACT and SAT aren’t going anywhere. They will continue to be critical metrics for colleges when evaluating prospective students. If all you wanted was the short answer to a yes-no question, there you...
College in America versus College in Europe
In many ways the European college experience is miles away from college in America. And frankly, we could stand to learn a few things from how they do things across the pond. Tom recently had the privilege of visiting with Lucas Fatoussi, a former student from when he...
When should my high school junior take their first ACT Exam?
Timing for taking your first ACT exam is a common topic of concern among high school students and parents. In Wisconsin, there is a state-mandated ACT Exam for all public high school juniors typically late-February of their junior year. For 2018, this date is February...
Note to self. Don’t forget to be awesome.
College move-in day is fast approaching for our firstborn. I am experiencing a veritable casserole of emotions that change from one hour to the next. In two weeks, a minivan loaded with Kleese’s and college provisions will head to Memphis, Tennessee. Less than 48...
You are not out of your mind if you are thinking out of state college
Photo by John-Mark Kuznietsov US News & World Report reported earlier this week that more students are choosing an in-state college, with the driving factor being tuition cost. A mom quoted in the article said, “We are avidly looking at in-state colleges...
5 Qualities of Successful Students That Have Nothing to do with Intelligence
I spend most of my waking hours sitting across the table from a high school student. Typically, they have big dreams. And most of them have the determination and pure grit to do what it takes to achieve them. What distinguishes the students I see succeed is less about...
Only you are in charge of your character
You are responsible for and in control of your character. You can work your tail off throughout high school, earn stellar grades and boost your ACT test scores. You can create the ideal balance of Reach, Target and Safety schools and craft a slam-dunk college essay...