by Gretchen | Jan 8, 2020 | blog
Ugh! Teenagers and email just don’t get along. Am I right? Recently I discovered that a student’s email inbox had over 1000 unread email in it. Just *looking* at her inbox stressed ME out, so I can’t imagine what it is like for her on a regular...
by Gretchen | Jan 6, 2020 | podcast
A downside of being a student is that you’re the subject of constant comparison to other students — whether it’s related to smartness, grades, SAT scores, or what college you got into. There are some simple ways adults can shift they way they talk to teens to avoid...
by Gretchen | Dec 30, 2019 | podcast
Can it be that we are still podcasting as we start our 7th year?! We’ve outlasted many of our “competitors” who were also doing college prep podcasting back in 2014 when we began. Join Megan and Gretchen as we reflect about the last 7 years. Specifically we’ll share:...
by Gretchen | Dec 23, 2019 | podcast
The advice has changed! Although we used to suggest that students should always write the “optional” essay on the ACT/SAT, now it really depends. Tune in to hear the updates on this key college admissions topic. Specifically, Megan walks you through: What the written...
by Gretchen | Dec 18, 2019 | blog
Recently I was searching my name inside YouTube, and I came across an interview that my friend and colleague Lisette Sutherland did with me and my client at the time, a high school student. She wanted to interview him about what it’s like having a coach who...
by Gretchen | Dec 16, 2019 | podcast
Junior year is supposed to be “the most important year” of high school! Megan breaks down why that is, and gives you a 5-part checklist for how to tell if you’re on track with making the most of the year. Specifically, she shares: Why junior year grades are the first...
by Gretchen | Dec 10, 2019 | blog
?Do you sometimes struggle to get work done when you’re alone? Does it help to work with friends, but is it hard to find the time to meet up in person? Today’s video tip is super special. You get to meet my good friend Katherine, who ALSO happens to be a...
by Gretchen | Dec 9, 2019 | podcast
University learning centers are a lesser-known gem on college learning centers. Guest expert Lauren Hensley from the Ohio State University explains about how their learning center helps students learn how to learn, and provides tips for parents and students about how...
by Gretchen | Dec 3, 2019 | blog
Today’s tips is more for parents and educators than for students… though as always, teens, I invite you to listen in! Grown ups: Have you noticed that the language we use when talking to teens (or or anyone really!) about their habits and behaviors can...
by Gretchen | Dec 2, 2019 | podcast
There are 7 different types of students, in Gretchen’s experience, who have 7 different approaches to school and studying. As final exams approach, it’s a great opportunity to explore each type of student’s weaknesses in regards to studying, and what students,...
by Gretchen | Nov 27, 2019 | blog
Do you love taking personality quizzes? Recently I told one of my clients (a 9th grader) that if we had extra time in my session, we’d do something “fun.” When I told her we were going to take a personality quiz, she totally perked up! I’m not...
by Gretchen | Nov 25, 2019 | podcast
Study Smorgasbord! Gretchen lists more than 15 anti-boring strategies students can choose from as they prepare for final exams, to make sure that they’re practicing retrieval and encoding in new ways. Tune in to learn: The 3 most important steps any student needs to...
by Gretchen | Nov 19, 2019 | blog
Do you get bored by flashcards? Are they too repetitive, dull, and unmotivating? Not the way I teach students to play with flashcards! Recently I taught a student my special approach, and we reflected on how well she was able to “retrieve” the information...
by Gretchen | Nov 18, 2019 | podcast
For students open to spending a few years in military service after college graduation, the ROTC offers generous scholarships. Join us for an interview with Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kirkland, as he explains how families might take advantage of this opportunity....
by Gretchen | Nov 14, 2019 | podcast
In today’s episode, Megan responds to a mom’s question about how to choose what schools her son has a chance of getting into based on his high SAT but average GPA scores. Here’s Sandra’s question: Any tips on how to be honest about chances of a senior with very high...
by Gretchen | Nov 14, 2019 | podcast
We love it when families reach out with questions! Today Megan and Gretchen tackle topics related to college admissions, the Duke TIP program for 7th graders, homeschooling, and more! Switching to ACT. My son thought the SAT would be his test, but turns out he...
by Gretchen | Nov 14, 2019 | podcast
Getting students to persist through college is as — or more! — important than getting in. But families often put so much effort into the first part of the process that they forget to pay attention to the second. Gretchen and Megan chronicle six challenges that...
by Gretchen | Nov 12, 2019 | blog
Do you forget to check your grades online?! I’ve noticed that there’s a certain kind of forgetful student who probably should check their grades on a daily (or every-other-day) basis, but can’t seem to remember. In this video, I share a story about...
by Gretchen | Nov 5, 2019 | blog
Do you have the (faulty) idea that colleges are more interested in students who do a lot of different activities? Recently on my podcast my cohost and I were talking about things juniors in high school need to do to make sure they’re “on track” for...
by Gretchen | Oct 21, 2019 | podcast
Does college still work? Is the system designed just to protect the privileged and leave everyone else behind? Or can a college education today provide real opportunity to young Americas. Join us for an interview with journalist and author Paul Tough, who has just...
