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: Dr. Arundhati Ghosh: Medicine as a Career Path
Dr. Arundhati Ghosh currently works at the Cambridge Health Alliance, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, and is the surgery curriculum director for the Harvard Medical School Cambridge Integrated Clerkship. She does innovative work in curriculum development and teaching methods. Her most recent publication is ‘Structuring Medical Education for Workforce Transformation: Continuity, Symbiosis, and Longitudinal […]
Podcast: Let’s Get Tactical: Affirmative Action & How to Write a “Diversity” Essay
In today’s episode, I recap the SCOTUS decision on affirmative action and break down what it means for students and families, particularly when it comes to writing essays on “diversity” and related topics. Tune in to learn how colleges are reacting to the decision, what we expect they will do as we move forward, and […]
Podcast: Holly Schrieber: Relating to Teens with ADHD as an Educator
Welcome back everyone! Today, I kick off back to school season with an interview with my dear friend and colleague, Holly Schrieber. Holly is one of the few people at Signet who does “all the things” – and this makes her an incredible insightful advisor and supporter for parents and students alike. Tune in to […]
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 […]
From Victories to Vision: Turning Last Semester’s Wins into Next Semester’s Goals
As the school year comes to a close, it’s an excellent time for high school students and parents to reflect on the past semester’s achievements and set goals for the future. By acknowledging the wins, evaluating areas for improvement, setting goals, and assembling a support team, students can pave the way for a smooth and […]
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: 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 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 […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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 […]
