Signet's Education Blog
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November 19, 2018
School Reports: What They Are and Why They MatterLearn about the school report, its role in the college application process, and how admissions officers use the school report in college admissions. Read More
August 13, 2018
Your Pre-College ChecklistBeing prepared to thrive in college is about more than just academics. That’s why we’ve created a list of the most important life skills you should have before entering college. Read More
July 23, 2018
The Signet Way How Holistic Learning Makes You HappierIt’s easy for parents and students alike to focus on academic results (grades, test scores, etc.) as evidence of successful learning. But we’d like to present a different way of thinking. Read more
May 29, 2018
Parents Interview With a Neuropsychologist: Should my Child Take a Neuropsych Test?Parents often ask us about neuropsych assessments, so we’ve gotten an expert opinion! Read on to learn about the details of the testing process and to see if testing might be appropriate for your student. Read more
May 21, 2018
Parents A Parent Coach’s Point of View: Deepen the Parent-Child ConnectionMost of our blog posts are about helping students develop into healthy adults living meaningful lives, but parents’ personal growth and evolution is important as well. Read our interview with a parenting coach to learn more about how parental behavior impacts students. Read more
May 7, 2018
Summer Summer Dos and Don’ts for ParentsFor parents, the end of the school year often comes as a relief. Considering the intensity of the end-of-year rush—final projects, exams, AP tests—it makes sense that we believe our kids deserve a break. And they do. But how much of a break is healthy? Read more
April 30, 2018
Personal Statement The College Application EssayOur series of interviews with admissions consultants and admissions officers about different parts of the college application is designed to illuminate how each component fits into the whole. This post is an in-depth discussion about what makes a good essay, how it’s evaluated by admissions officers, and much more. Read more
April 23, 2018
Admissions Consulting What You Should Know About Counselor and Teacher RecommendationsThis installment of our series of interviews with admissions officers is all about recommendations. Read more
April 16, 2018
Parents What to do about Academic BurnoutA psychiatrist a shares his perspective on how to improve mental health among students. Read more
April 5, 2018
Parents Mental Health Check-InWhen is the last time you had a discussion with your peers and family about mental health? Read more
February 26, 2018
Admissions Consulting Do You Need a Private College Counselor?A common rumor that starts circulating in high school is that students need to work with a private counselor to get into the college of their choice. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the differences between school counselors and private counselors in order to dispel a few myths and clear up a few facts along the way. Read more
February 20, 2018
Admissions Consulting "Fit" from an Admissions Officer's Perspective“Fit” is a buzzword that we hear a lot from college admissions officers and counselors, but sometimes it’s given lip service rather than the actual attention it deserves. In this blog post, a former admissions officer and college counselor shares her perspective. Read more
February 13, 2018
Parents What are Executive Function Skills?What are executive function skills, and how do they influence the learning process? Read on to learn more about the five key executive function skills. Read more
February 5, 2018
Admissions Consulting How to Have the College Major ConversationParents 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. Read more
January 30, 2018
Admissions Consulting How to Start the College Visit ProcessHere at Signet, we believe that a little planning and foresight can make the mysteries of the college admissions process much less, well, mysterious. In this blog post, we’re going to demystify one piece of this process: the college visit. Read more
January 22, 2018
Admissions Consulting Interview with a College Counselor: The Admissions ProcessRead our interview with Signet consultant and director of college counseling, Blair Munhofen, to learn the best ways to approach the college admissions process. Read more
January 9, 2018
Admissions Consulting College Visits: How Early is Too Early?For some students, college visits may be valuable earlier in their high school careers. However, we don’t recommend this for every student. Read on to learn what types of students can benefit from early college visits. Read more
December 18, 2017
The Signet Way Tips and Tools to Avoid the High School WhirlpoolThe high school whirlpool is one of the biggest dangers high schooler face. What do we mean by that? Briefly, the whirlpool means getting sucked into pursuing a high school education that’s focused on the expectations of others rather than what is best for you and your family. Read on to learn more about what it means and how to avoid getting sucked in. Read more
December 13, 2017
SAT 8-Week SAT or ACT Study PlanWaited 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. Read more
December 4, 2017
Parents When is the Pressure Too High?As educators, we can help students and families work through issues about student stress and anxiety. But it’s our colleagues in psychology who have the best perspective on and tools to address these challenges. Read our interview between Jay Bacrania, Signet’s CEO, and Dr. Angela Currie, a psychologist at NESCA. Read more
November 20, 2017
Admissions Consulting Interview with an Admissions Officer: Why Fit Matters So MuchBy now, you’ve probably heard the term “fit” in reference to applying to college. Parents often see it as a euphemism for “going to a school that no one has ever heard of.” Many parents agree to finding a “best fit” college when we discuss it, but they end up with a list of all Ivy League colleges and one state school. That’s not usually a sign of understanding what we mean by “fit.” In this blog post, we interview a former college admissions officer to discuss what “fit” really means, and its value and place in the college admissions process. Read more
August 18, 2017
Parents 10 Tips for Student Well-beingSummer break is almost over. Read our tips to start the school year off right! Read more
June 12, 2017
Learning Differences How the Right Space Can Optimize LearningWhat is an optimal learning space for studying? Read more
June 5, 2017
Time Management Four Solutions to Common Homework IssuesHere are a few ways to try to resolve conflict around homework into something more productive. Read more
May 22, 2017
Parents Your Essential Pre-College Reading ListThe holiday weekend is approaching. Here's a reading list to help with the transition to college! Read more
May 15, 2017
Learning Differences Mental Health in High SchoolA brief guide to some of the most common mental health challenges your student might be facing. Read more
May 12, 2017
Parents Doing the College Transition RightIf your child is heading off to college, read on to learn how to make the transition easier for the both of you. Read more
April 20, 2017
Learning Differences Is it ADHD, or is it something else?How to tell if your child needs professional support instead of another lecture? Read more
May 2, 2016
Parents A Brief Guide to Building Strong Student-Teacher RelationshipsA few of these simple suggestions will help you develop better relationships with your teachers. Read more
April 25, 2016
Parents What If Your Child Doesn't Fit In?Some advice on helping your child develop positive, social experiences. Read more
March 4, 2016
Study Tips Should I ask my Teacher for Extra Help?Use this quick guide to determine if you should approach your teacher for extra help. Read more
March 1, 2016
High Schoolers The Right Way to Discuss GradesDiscussing a bad grade with your teacher can be tricky. Learn about the right way and time to approach the subject. Read more
February 9, 2016
Admissions Consulting A Simple Guide to the FAFSADon't worry! The FAFSA is not as scary as you think. We'll walk you through it. Read more
November 23, 2015
Admissions Deciding Between Early Action and Regular Decision When Looking at Elite SchoolsHow to determine if applying early to an elite school is right for your student. Read more
August 13, 2015
Parents 10 Tips for Parents Sending Their Child off to CollegeSending your child to college can be a tough transition. Here are 10 tips for making it successful. Read more
May 26, 2015
Test Prep How to Prepare for the ISEE & SSATTips to help your student prepare for private school entrance exams Read more
December 15, 2014
Test Prep PSAT Scores Have Been Released! Now What?What’s the PSAT good for anyway? Read more
November 20, 2014
Admissions C Students and the College ProcessYes, C students can get into their dream colleges! But not all C students are the same. Here’s how to navigate the application process with a late bloomer, underachiever, or other kind of C student. Read more
June 23, 2014
Test Prep Testing Accommodations, Part 4A functional limitation can impact an individual’s performance on a standardized test. Read more
June 6, 2014
Parents How to Improve Executive Functioning SkillsAn experienced learning consultant shares strategies for addressing challenges with executive functioning. Read more
May 23, 2014
Parents VoluntourismHow to benefit from your experience as a volunteer tourist. Read more
May 19, 2014
Parents The Right Way to Ask Your Teachers for HelpWe're passing on some golden advice on how to ask for help from your teachers. Read more
May 12, 2014
Admissions Consulting How to Plan a College VisitCollege visits are important! Here's how you can make them affordable and productive. Read more
May 9, 2014
Parents This Is Your Brain on SummerYou need to keep your brain sharp this summer—here's how. Read more
May 5, 2014
GRE Is One-on-One Test Prep Better Than a Class?One-on-one test prep is worth it. Read on for why. Read more
April 22, 2014
SAT Update on the New SAT: MathThe SAT is changing in 2016—what does this mean for you? In Part 3 of this series, learn about how Math will be tested. Read more
April 22, 2014
SAT Update on the New SAT: Evidence-based ReadingThe SAT is changing in 2016—are you ready? In Part 1 of this series, learn about how Evidence-based Reading will be tested. Read more
April 7, 2014
Admissions Consulting What to Do After You ApplyWhat high school seniors should do after college apps have been submitted. Read more
March 28, 2014
Admissions Consulting How to Differentiate Yourself from Other Top ApplicantsBeyond academics, how can you set yourself apart in competitive college admissions? Read more
March 6, 2014
SAT Changes to the SATA guideline to the changes to the SAT that were released March 5, 2014. Read more
February 27, 2014
Test Prep Testing Accommodations, Part 3Types of testing and accommodations used for AD(H)D and learning differences. Read more
February 26, 2014
Admissions Consulting What to Expect at Your Harvard InterviewAn alumni interviewer recalls her own Harvard interview and specifies what she looks for now in applicants. Read more
February 24, 2014
Admissions Consulting What To Wear To A College InterviewHow to dress for success (from an interviewer who has seen it all). Read more
February 20, 2014
Parents Summer at Brown UniversityOne student's experience with Brown's pre-college summer program. Read more
January 28, 2014
Subject Tutoring Q&A with a Math TutorIt's cliche, but practice does make perfect (according to this math tutor). Read more
January 13, 2014
Admissions Consulting Basic Guide to the FAFSAFirst time filling out the FAFSA? Here's the information you need to have before getting started, as well as common rookie mistakes (and how to avoid them). Read more
January 8, 2014
Admissions Consulting 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. Read more
December 13, 2013
Admissions Consulting Q&A with a Boston Latin School GraduateFind out what it's like to attend the exclusive Boston Latin School from a former student. Read more
December 11, 2013
Subject Tutoring How to Integrate Test Prep into English ClassesA 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. Read more
December 5, 2013
Admissions Consulting Do Colleges Google Applicants?Surprising information about what admissions officers look for (or don't look for)—straight from the admissions office. Read more
November 6, 2013
Parents How to Manage Test AnxietyProven strategies for conquering your academic fears. Read more
October 24, 2013
Parents How We Pair Clients and TutorsWhat is it that makes Signet unlike any other tutoring company? Read more
October 18, 2013
SAT Quick Tips: SAT WritingA basic guideline to the structure of the SAT I Writing Section and what you need to know to study efficiently. Read more
October 16, 2013
Parents How to Talk to a Teacher about a GradeThe best way to approach a teacher about an unfair grade. Read more
September 27, 2013
Admissions Consulting Q&A with a Harvard GraduateWant to know what it's like to be a Harvard student? We spoke with a 2005 Harvard grad, our own CEO, to get his first-hand account. Read more
September 24, 2013
Graduate School How to Use Online Educational ToolsFree online classes are a hot topic in education. Here's how to use them to your advantage! Read more
September 24, 2013
Parents How to Challenge Your StudentHelpful hints for turning an interest into a useful talent and a passion. Read more
September 12, 2013
Subject Tutoring Study Tips for AlgebraWe know algebra can be difficult, so we want to share some advice on how to make it easier! From learning fundamentals to being more efficient, there are lots of steps you can take to bring up your algebra game. Read more
September 9, 2013
Admissions Consulting How to Talk to ProfessorsIn the final installment of this three-part series on adjusting to college, Olivia advises future and current students on how to get the most out of relationships with professors. Read more
September 9, 2013
Admissions Consulting How to Make Friends in CollegeOlivia's second post in this three-part series on adjusting to college as a freshman details how she learned to adapt socially in the new college environment. Read more
September 9, 2013
Admissions Consulting Time Management in CollegeOne former Signet student's three-part series on beginning college, including time management, extracurriculars and working with esteemed professors. Read more
September 6, 2013
Admissions Consulting Should You Apply Early?In this post, I sit down with a former admissions officer from Stanford University to cover the basics of early applications. Read on to learn what they are and whether you should submit one. Read more
August 26, 2013
Admissions Consulting Q&A with a Northeastern GraduateEver wondered what it's like to be a student at Northeastern University in Boston, MA? We spoke with Katie, a 2011 graduate, to learn more. Read more
August 23, 2013
Admissions Consulting When to Begin College ApplicationsWhen should you start working on your college applications? Short answer: NOW! No matter what grade you're currently in, it’s never too early to begin preparing your applications. Read more
August 22, 2013
SAT When to Start SAT or ACT PreparationHow to avoid cramming for important exams and take tests with confidence. Read more
August 12, 2013
Parents How to Choose a Tutoring CompanyOnce you’ve decided that you need a tutor, coach, or admissions consultant, you'll have many options to choose from. Here are some things to consider as you’re shopping around. Read more
August 9, 2013
Learning Differences What Is Academic Coaching?How to cure the constant procrastinator, the student performing below their potential, or the bored student - and more! Read more
August 7, 2013
Admissions Consulting How to Visit a College CampusA successful college visit will leave you with a much better sense of whether the school is a good fit for you. Some general guidelines will help you make the most of your visit. Read more
August 1, 2013
Parents Summer Fun with PhysicsHow to teach kids basic physics with a bubble pool. Read more
August 1, 2013
Test Prep Testing Accommodations, Part 2The importance of an aptitude test and how it can help in obtaining test accommodations. Read more
July 25, 2013
Admissions Consulting 4 Misconceptions in College AdmissionsFrom test score percentiles to celebrity recommendations, we're here to guide you. Read more
July 23, 2013
Admissions Consulting Volunteering for StudentsWhy volunteering matters and how to go about it. Read more
July 23, 2013
Parents 5 Apps to Boost Your ProductivityOnline study and time management tools to help students. Read more
July 12, 2013
Admissions Consulting What Is the New Common ApplicationThe common app is changing! Find out everything you need to know here. Read more
July 10, 2013
Admissions Consulting The Gap Year ArgumentExploring the value of taking a year off between high school and college. Read more
July 10, 2013
Subject Tutoring How to Use a Semi-ColonOften underused, misused, or simply feared, the semi-colon is a versatile punctuation mark that may be employed in two distinct ways. Read more
July 7, 2013
Subject Tutoring How to Get the Most out of TutoringTips on what to do during your tutoring sessions to help you maximize your tutor’s impact. Read more
July 6, 2013
SAT Differences between the SAT and ACTEven though the SAT and ACT are interchangeable as college entrance exams, the tests are very different in important ways. Here’s what you should know. Read more
July 5, 2013
Subject Tutoring How to Prepare for a Tutoring Session: Before Your SessionWhen it comes to subject tutoring, there’s a lot you can do before, during, and after your tutoring sessions to help you make the absolute most of your engagement. Read more
July 1, 2013
Subject Tutoring What to Do after a Tutoring SessionThere’s a lot you can do before, during, and after your tutoring sessions to help you extract the most possible value from your engagement with a Signet tutor. Read more
June 28, 2013
Admissions Consulting College Admissions: What Really MattersOur former admissions officers agree that your college application should always reflect these three pointers. Read more
June 1, 2013
Admissions Consulting Case Study: Personal StatementHow a Signet student crafted a successful personal statement with the help of an admissions consultant. Read more
May 31, 2013
Parents How to Concentrate EffectivelyA guide to creating the study skills you need to focus. Read more
May 28, 2013
Subject Tutoring Case Study: Gaps in LearningA student's story of overcoming her lack of confidence and reaching a deeper level of academic understanding. Read more
May 27, 2013
Case Study Case Study: Overwhelmed StudentOur experience working with a student who, after years of gliding through school, began struggling. Read more
May 24, 2013
Case Study Case Study: Incomplete HomeworkThe Signet strategy for getting a smart student to hand his homework in, completed and on time. Read more
May 20, 2013
Admissions Consulting Where Have Signet Students Been Accepted?A master list of the schools where Signet students have earned acceptance. Read more
May 19, 2013
Subject Tutoring Case Study: Learning Style DifferencesA Signet student's story where a change in teaching style made all of the difference. Read more
May 16, 2013
SAT Should I Take the SAT or ACT?A guide to deciding which exam will best represent your skills. Read more
May 14, 2013
Admissions Consulting What Is a Strong Extracurricular?A guide to choosing strong extracurriculars for college admissions. Read more
May 10, 2013
Admissions Consulting Case Study: International AdmissionsInternational applicants face unique challenges in college admissions. Read more
May 6, 2013
Admissions Consulting Case Study: Med-Scholars ProgramHow one talented student set himself apart. Read more
May 3, 2013
Test Prep Case Study: ISEE preparationHow a Signet tutor coached a sixth grader to admission at a selective private school near Boston. Read more
April 28, 2013
Subject Tutoring How to Choose a TutorFive key questions you should ask every potential tutor. Read more
April 25, 2013
Admissions Consulting How Do You Choose a College?A comprehensive overview of the essential questions to ask yourself when creating a college list. Read more
April 16, 2013
Test Prep Case Study: SAT PreparationA Signet student improves her SAT score by over 100 points. Read more
April 10, 2013
Subject Tutoring 4 Signs That You Need a TutorIf you can identify with any of these situations, it might be time to call a tutor. Read more
June 16, 0017
Admissions Consulting Signet Undergraduate Admissions ResultsA master list of colleges and universities that have sent Signet students acceptance letters. Read more
June 16, 0017
Admissions Consulting Signet Graduate Admissions ResultsA comprehensive list of the graduate schools and programs where Signet students have gained acceptance. Read more