Podcast: Tag team: Holly and Sheila discuss applying to graduate school
In today’s episode, Holly and I dive deep into the world of applying to graduate school. Whether you’re contemplating a Ph.D. or an academic-focused master’s program, these essential insights will empower you to craft a compelling application and embark on an enriching academic journey. How to Get Into College (Circle Community): https://how-to-get-into-college.circle.so/home Access free resources and […]
Podcast: Sharon Genicoff: Personal Branding in College Admissions
In this episode, I sit down with high school college counselor Sharon Genicoff to explore the art of crafting an authentic personal brand for your college applications. Our conversation empowers students to present their unique qualities in a meaningful way, ensuring their college applications stand out and reflect their genuine selves. Tune in for invaluable […]
Podcast: Alberto Naviera: STEM tutoring
In today’s episode, I speak with one of Signet’s Principal Tutors, Alberto Naviera. We discuss Alberto’s unique approach to STEM tutoring, his empathetic connections with students, and how he empowers them to conquer the challenges of learning science. Tune in to learn more about how we meet students where they are at Signet! TRANSCRIPT Sheila […]
Procrastination? Or Fear in Disguise?
Here’s a look into the future: It’s Spring of 2024. The school year is rolling on. Homework and activities have piled up. And you realize you’re behind—again. You thought this time would be different, but the days slipped away, “have to’s” piled up, and your hope of being purposeful and intentional got swallowed by […]
Podcast: Bob Schaeffer: Fairtest.org
Today I sit down with longtime friend, Bob Schaeffer. Bob is an incredible source of knowledge around how the testing landscape has changed in the last several decades and the work that he and his team at FairTest do is invaluable. Tune in to hear about the test optional movement in college admissions and more! TRANSCRIPT […]
Signet Admissions Results
Since we started helping students in 2005 get into their dream schools, our team of former admissions officers, writing coaches, and research analysts have helped students with hundreds of personal statements, supplemental essays, activity lists, and resumes. On top of that, we’ve given our students advice on which schools to target, how best to frame […]
Podcast: Urvashi Bhatnagar: Why Cross-Functional Learning is Essential for Success
This week, I sit down with scholar, author, leader, and mom Urvashi Bhatnagar to talk about her educational journey and the importance of learning skills and knowledge from outside your career silo. TRANSCRIPT Urvashi Bhatnagar: 0:00 I think we need to recognize that careers are a journey. And they will most likely not retire in the […]
Podcast: Marie Bigham: Equity and Access in College Admissions
Marie Bigham, Founder & Executive Director of ACCEPT, joins to talk with us about issues of equity and access in college admissions, and the work that her non-profit has undertaken to make the system work better for everyone. TRANSCRIPT Marie Bigham: 0:00 So we’ve built this entire mythology, including put up these false barriers that create […]
Podcast: Panel: Do Asians face a higher bar in College admissions?
As their children approach the college process, some families face a uniquely challenging question: does the model minority myth help or hurt their students in college applications? Given the cases before the Supreme Court, the lack of transparency in the admissions process, and differing values around education, this discussion is overshadowed by strong opinions, confusion, and […]
Capturing Your Story
The school year is coming to a close, and you’re getting excited about summer and all its possibilities. But nagging there in the back of your mind is this little thought that won’t leave you alone. Your college essay. You can put it off or pretend it’s not there, but eventually, you’ll have to face […]
Podcast: Ellen Braaten: Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less
“He’s so smart, but he’s no longer interested in school—or any ‘offline’ activities.” “She used to love sports, but now she just mopes around.” “My kid has turned into such a slacker!” If this sounds like your child, you need to listen to this episode! This week, my friend @Dr. Ellen Braaten shares insights from […]
Podcast Bonus Episode: Tools for Academic Skill-Building and Accountability
Towards the end of my conversation with Jay, our CEO, last week, we started getting really tactical around various tools that can help build students’ awareness of their challenges and move them towards solutions. In this episode, we talk through calendars, digital distractions, time management, and a tool for examining how non-academic factors impact academic […]
Podcast: How to Navigate the Waitlist
With all the college decisions that came out in the last week of March, I’m getting so many questions about how to navigate the waitlist. In this episode, I talk about what the waitlist is used for, how waitlist use has increased recently, and what students who are waitlisted should do to both move forward […]
Podcast: How to Achieve an Academic Turnaround
Meet Liz – one of Signet’s rockstar academic coaches. In today’s episode, Liz shares her approach to coaching, what kinds of challenges coaching can help with, and how to tell if your child is ready for coaching or not. Learn about how a coach puts students at the center of identifying and solving their own […]
[Podcast Trailer] Don’t Force It: How to Get Into College Without Losing Yourself In The Process
For all the stressed-out parents trying to help their teenagers navigate the complicated world of college admissions. Each episode offers insightful and in-depth conversations with admissions experts and professional educators with practical advice for getting through the process without losing sight of yourself, your kid, or your sanity. From building a strong academic and extracurricular […]
How Healthy Executive Functions Set Students Up for Success
Strong executive function skills are a key indicator of academic success. Discover how students can improve their executive functions in this article.
Students With Good Grades Need Help, Too
One of the most common misconceptions parents have about academic coaching is that it’s only necessary for students who have poor grades. Discover why, sometimes, students with good grades need help, too.
Ready, Prep, Go! 2021 — Reignite Your Student’s Academic Spark
Does your student need a little push to get back into a rigorous academic mindset before the fall? Join us for “Ready, Prep, Go!” an online summer course for ambitious prep schoolers.
How to Help Your High School Student Manage Their Time
Learn how to help your high school student stay focused, reduce stress, and be more efficient as they make their way back to the classroom.
Is Your Student Ready for the 2021 AP exams? Start Test Prep
Is your student ready for AP exams? These subject-specific tests won’t be administered until May and June, but the time to start studying is now! Here’s how.
What’s a Principal Tutor and What Makes Them Special?
Signet has something most other tutoring companies don’t have: a group of principal tutors who work with students full-time.
Five Tips to Becoming a Better STEM Student
STEM learning is different from other subjects in a traditional high school curriculum. So STEM classes can create unique challenges for students. You can help.
Is Your Student in for an October Surprise?
Midterms are on the horizon, but there’s still time to make sure your student’s semester stays on course.
6 Ways to Sharpen Your Student’s Algebra Skills
Help your student master algebra and build a foundation for mathematic success.
Guiding Principles in College Admissions
College admissions officers consider students holistically, and your student needs to know that to ensure that their best self comes through in their application materials.
4 Simple Routines to Support Your Student
Try adding these 4 simple routines to your day to bring structure back into your student’s life.
Reframe School with the Top 10 List
The Top 10 List is a simple tool you can use as a conversation starter with your student to explore what other activities and pursuits they might feel are meaningful during this time.
Tune Back in to Curiosity
Our educational system hasn’t just been disrupted by the pandemic. It’s been shaken to its core. Despite the hard work put in by teachers, students, and parents, many kids have found it harder to engage through online learning. Diminished social interaction has left students feeling lonely (and parents feeling overwhelmed). Many students started to ask […]
Does My Student Need to Take the SAT or ACT This Year?
With so many colleges making tests optional, do students need to worry about standardized testing this year? Let’s explore the possibilities.
What’s the Coronavirus Slide?
How is COVID-19 affecting your student’s development and learning?
What to Do if this School Year is a Bust
If the COVID-19 pandemic has caused your student’s schoolwork to slip, there’s still time to get them back on track.
How to Have the College Major Conversation
Parents often ask how they can counsel students to pursue something they’re interested in, but also keep an eye on where that’s leading them in their post-college life. Learn how to have this conversation, from a college counselor’s perspective.
8-Week SAT or ACT Study Plan
Waited until the last minute (or the last 2 months), and now you’re stressing? Here’s a plan to help you conquer the SAT or ACT with just 8 weeks of prep.
Testing Accommodations, Part 4
A functional limitation can impact an individual’s performance on a standardized test.
Update on the New SAT: Math
The SAT is changing in 2016—what does this mean for you? In Part 3 of this series, learn about how Math will be tested.
Update on the New SAT: Evidence-based Writing
The SAT is changing in 2016—what does this mean? In Part 2 of this series, learn about how Evidence-based Writing will be tested.
Update on the New SAT: Evidence-based Reading
The SAT is changing in 2016—are you ready? In Part 1 of this series, learn about how Evidence-based Reading will be tested.
Update on the New SAT
The College Board just released more details on the upcoming changes to the SAT. Here’s what you need to know about the test’s format.
“My Teacher Doesn’t Like Me”
Many students complain that their poor academic performance is a result of their teacher disliking them. We investigated.
Testing Accommodations, Part 3
Types of testing and accommodations used for AD(H)D and learning differences.
Q&A with a Math Tutor
It’s cliche, but practice does make perfect (according to this math tutor).
Rejected From Your Dream School? It’s Okay.
It might be hard to believe right now, but being rejected from your “dream school” does not mean you are destined to fail. These Signet tutors are proof.
How to Incorporate Test Prep into Math Classes
Ways to minimize the differences between standardized test math and regular high school math classes.
How to Integrate Test Prep into English Classes
A typical English class won’t teach the skills needed to achieve a top score on the writing or grammar section of a standardized test, but test-taking strategies can be incorporated with a little effort.
Do Colleges Google Applicants?
Surprising information about what admissions officers look for (or don’t look for)—straight from the admissions office.
How to Teach to the Test (in a Good Way)
Part one of a three-part series on incorporating test preparation into the classroom.
The MATCH School Project
A message about giving thanks from our CEO.
Where to Find SAT Diagnostic Tests
Are you looking for SAT practice tests? You can find them in books and all over the web, but be warned: not all practice tests are created equal.
Study Tips for History
Quick tips for successfully studying history, from one of the biggest history buffs we know.
How to Manage Test Anxiety
Proven strategies for conquering your academic fears.
