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: Talia Kovacs: Building Resilience in Our Kids
More and more, our kids are anxious, afraid to make mistakes, and deeply shame-filled when they do. Our kids are refusing to try, and shutting down when things feel hard. What’s a parent to do? I’m pleased to host fellow Chief and resiliency specialist Talia Kovacs to the podcast to discuss her work and her […]
Riding the Winds of Change: How to Sail Through Transition
Riding the Winds of Change How to Sail Through Transition It’s summer. Your kid is a teenager. That means you’re facing a whole lot of change. We don’t even need to know what age or year your child is currently in to know they’re facing some whopping transitions in the year ahead. All you […]
Podcast: Andrea West: The Power of Reflection in College Admissions
Today, I talk with Signet’s Director of Operations and senior academic coach, Andrea West about the benefits of combining traditional college admissions consulting with coaching. Coaching can not only improve a student’s academic performance, but it can also shift them into more of a growth mindset and self-knowledge, two things which are vitally important in […]
Podcast: Let’s get Tactical: Standardized Testing for the class of 2024 and beyond
Does standardized testing help or hurt your college admission chances? When it comes to standardized tests for college applications, your high school Freshman or Sophomore has choices looming in front of them you never had to face, and you’re not sure how to help them make the right decision. Should they take the SAT or […]
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 […]
Planning a Summer that Serves
Summer is on its way, and if you’re the parent of a high schooler, you’re probably starting to think about what they’re going to be spending all that free time doing. How do you give them the freedom they need to refresh and avoid burnout, but also keep them challenged, mentally engaged and building a […]
The Weight of the Waitlist
If your child has been put on the waitlist for their college of choice, you know the ache of watching them struggle under the weight of it. The feeling of being in limbo can be hard to bear, and it’s difficult to know what to do next. Although the waitlist isn’t a closed door, it […]
To Test or Not To Test?
One of the less visible changes that the 2020 pandemic brought us was the shift to “test optional” policies at many schools across the US. Nearly 2,000 schools have now instituted this policy based not only on the lack of ability to test during lockdown, but on research showing standardized test scores do not offer […]
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 […]
Making the Most of Your College Visits
College visits can be daunting and stressful, but with the right approach and preparation, they can offer the building blocks for deep connection and foundational memories for you and your family. Here are a few tips to keep your college visits fun and intentional: 1. LIST WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW. Have you ever […]
How to Build a College List
If your student is a sophomore or junior, it’s time to create a list that is robust enough to give you options, but tight enough that you can execute fantastic applications to all of them. Learn how to build a stellar college list.
Coaching: How to achieve an academic turnaround
In this complex day and age for high schoolers, even adept and highly intelligent students struggle with time management, organization, and keeping track of homework and tasks.
Teach Students, Not Subjects
One of Signet’s core values is “teach students, not subjects.” Discover what this value means to us—and to the students and families who seek our services.
Personal Statement Essay Prompts
The Common Application provides five prompts for your personal essay.
Make Your College Application Stand Out
Who are college admissions officers? And how can students ensure their applications stand out? Discover three helpful guidelines for making a good impression.
How Should Your Teen Spend Their Summer?
It’s not too early for high school students to begin planning their summers! Discover four strategies for planning activities that are engaging and fulfilling.
Common SAT and ACT Mistakes to Avoid
What mistakes should students avoid when studying for the SAT or ACT? Here are three common mistakes we see time and again at Signet and our proven solutions.
Timeline for SAT and ACT Test Prep
Is your student on track with their SAT or ACT test prep? If you aren’t quite sure what constitutes “on track,” this blog is for you. Read on to learn more about the proper timeline for SAT or ACT test prep. When Should Students Take the SAT or ACT? While it’s important for […]
Support Your Student’s Mental Health
How can parents best support their students’ mental health this winter? Start by using Signet’s Mental Health Checklist. Learn more about this valuable tool.
Preparing to Write the College Essay
Preparing to write your college essay? Learn what makes a great college essay, how to write one from brainstorming to final draft, and helpful quick tips.
How Students Can Accomplish 2023 Goals
New year, new resolutions! Learn how to help your teenager achieve reasonable goals by supporting them in establishing small habits that add up to BIG results.
8 Inspiring Quotes about Academic Success
Sometimes, the best sources of motivation are other people who have been in your shoes. These quotes about academic success will inspire students everywhere!
How Teens Can Improve Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving is a critical skill that high school students must master to be successful in life. Learn how to help your teen become a better problem-solver.
Standardized Test Taking Strategies
Discover helpful test taking strategies for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams that can build students’ confidence and boost their overall performance.
Need an Executive Functioning Coach?
Is your student struggling with organization and time management? Learn how an executive functioning coach can help them be successful in all areas of life.
Write Your Perfect College Essay
The college essay (or personal statement) is an important component of a college application. Discover Signet’s 8-step approach to writing the perfect essay.
The Essential ACT Prep Guide
In this essential ACT prep guide, we provide crucial information about the ACT, including how to go about studying and preparing for this test. Check it out.
10 Tips to Ace the SAT and ACT
Is it standardized testing time for your student? Here are ten tips for getting students on the road to acing the SAT or ACT.
How Long Do College Admissions Decisions Take?
The waiting is the hardest part! But just how long do college admissions decisions take? Keep reading to find the answer.
8 Tips on How to Study for Calculus
Calculus is among the most daunting subjects that many high school and college students will ever face. Students who take this class typically struggle with it at one point or another, whether due to the hard-to-grasp concepts, the intimidating notation, or the difficult problems.
Academic Coaching vs. Teaching: What’s the Difference?
When students struggle with school, they often don’t know who to turn to for support. Can their teachers put them back on track, or might they benefit from a service like academic coaching? What are the differences between academic coaching and teaching in the context of getting students the help they need? You’ve got […]
Academic Coaching: Wheel of Life Exercise
Are you familiar with the Wheel of Life exercise? Get a closer look at how this exercise works and the immense value it provides for students who need support.
Find a Tutor Who Specializes in Physics and Math
If your student needs a tutor for physics or math, why not hire one who specializes in both of these subjects? Get to know Signet’s physics and math tutors.
Standardized Testing
Standardized Testing Standardized testing can be stressful and confusing for students. There are no specific classes designed to prepare students for these tests (with the exception of AP exams), so in many cases, students don’t know what to expect. Should they take the SAT or ACT? Does it matter which test they submit to colleges? […]
College Admissions
College admissions is one of the most important parts of the high school experience. It can also be a significant source of stress for students and their parents—especially as they try to keep up with the many other demands of high school. First things first: take a deep breath. The journey you’re about to take […]
When to Seek Tutoring, Therapy, or Academic Coaching
Would your student benefit most from academic support, emotional support, or perhaps a holistic combination of both? Learn the differences between tutoring, therapy, and academic coaching.
High School Road Map for Sophomores and Juniors
The most successful high school students have a road map that takes them from the beginning of freshman year through high school graduation. Learn how sophomores and juniors can plan their road maps.
Support for Executive Function Disorder
If your student is showing signs of struggling with their executive functions, it’s always best to act early. Find out how to support your student.
