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 […]
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 […]
Podcast: Mai Moore and Yumi Ndhlovu: Navigating College Admissions as a Woman of Color
Today’s episode is a special one: I get to talk to a mom and her daughter about their experience with the college process. Navigating college admissions is hard for anyone, and for people with minority backgrounds, there are additional factors to consider. Tune in to learn how one family listened to their values and found […]
The Anatomy of a Good College Essay
If you’ve been following Signet for any period of time or reading through their provided resources, you’ve probably already heard a lot of talk about the college admissions essay. It’s not just a big checkbox on the admissions to-do list. It offers a chance to encapsulate your journey in life thus far. The opportunity for […]
Artificial vs. Authentic: Four reasons why using AI to write your college essay is a bad idea.
As we slip further into summer, many high school students are starting to prepare for August 1st—the day when many colleges release the supplemental essay prompts for their school’s applications. These summer months are the perfect time to start working on your college application essays. This crucial step in the admissions process provides an opportunity […]
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 […]
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 […]
Celebrating our 2023 College Admissions
We have the privilege of working with the most amazing and talented students and talented staff, and we’re just so proud, we have to shout it from the rooftops! In the past year alone, our students have received acceptance letters from over 90 of our nation’s top-rated colleges and universities. This is an incredible achievement, […]
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: 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
Your Student’s Guide to College Planning
If your rising senior is struggling to find the motivation to work on their college application this summer, these tips can help get them on the right track.
Alison: Our Newest Admissions Consultant
Signet Education is thrilled to welcome Alison Malbrough, a college admissions consultant and the newest principal tutor to join our incredible team! Get to know Alison.
How Summer Activities Boost College Application Narratives
When creating a college application, a student’s main goal is to tell a story about who they are. Discover how to transform summer activities into application-worthy narratives.
How to Navigate the Transition to College
How can families ensure a smooth transition to a safe and productive freshman year? Discover helpful tips on the college transition.
College Admissions for Complex Students
Complex teens deserve a customized method for making crucial decisions about their future. Learn more about Signet’s secret-sauce framework.
Summer: The Time for College Applications
Summer is right around the corner and it’s the perfect time for students to get on track with college applications. Get Signet’s college application checklist.
6 Tips for Transforming a College Essay
The revising and editing stage of writing a college essay evolves a decent essay into a great one. Discover six guidelines to follow.
How Does the College Waitlist Work?
Being waitlisted puts students in a liminal space that can be excruciating to navigate—but there is hope. Discover what to do next.
Dos and Don’ts of College Recommendations
College recommendations can carry a tremendous amount of weight in a student’s application. Discover the dos and don’ts of recommendations in our latest blog
How to Stand Out in the College Admissions Crowd
How can students stand out in a highly competitive college admissions landscape? Discover our #1 secret to getting into college.
How to Get the Most Out of Financial Aid for College
Want to know how to get the most out of aid for college—regardless of income? You have to know the rules to win the game. Learn the rules in today’s blog.
How the World of College Admissions Has Changed
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of higher education. Ask anyone who took the SAT or applied to colleges last year about their experience, and they’ll tell you just how stressful it was.
How to Study for the SAT or ACT in Just Eight Weeks
Learn how your student can prepare for their standardized tests in two months or less.
The Current Reality of College Visits
With the end of the pandemic in sight, learn what the “new normal” of college visits will look like.
Considering a COVID-19 Gap Year Before College?
Discover why students are taking a COVID-19 gap year and whether a gap year may be the right choice for your student.
How Much Does Course Rigor Matter for College Admissions?
Learn why not every “A” is created equal. A student’s GPA counts, but the difficulty or strength of their curriculum matters just as much.
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 Kinds of College Interviews Are There?
Do you remember your first job interview? Multiply the anxiety you felt then by ten, and you’ve got a sense of how your student is probably feeling about the prospect of their first college interview.
5 Tips for Successful College Applications
Learn what your junior can do to start the college application process off right.
College Admissions Advice for Sophomores
When it comes to college admissions, sophomore year is really about establishing the kind of student—and person—your child wants to become.
Junior College Admissions Jumpstart
Is it too early for juniors to start thinking about college admissions?
Is Your Junior’s Test Prep On Track?
Test prep takes some effort, but it could give your student a leg up at their dream school. And that’s worth a little extra studying.
Need to Finish College Applications Quickly?
A turkey hangover is nothing compared to the headache of finishing last-minute college applications.
Write Your Perfect College Essay: A Video Guide
Any student can learn how to write a great college essay. In this video we share Signet’s tips for a stress-free essay process. Watch and learn.
Signet’s Guide to College Visits
College is a time of huge growth, and it’s important that students seek out a school that provides the right opportunities and support for their individual development
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.
Are You College-Ready?
The most important skills that students need to develop before the college transition.
How to Talk About Financial Aid for College
It’s important for both students and parents to understand how financial considerations, including financial aid fit into the equation.
COVID-19: Effects on High School, Summer, and College Admissions
The coronavirus will continue to have a major impact on many aspects of high school. To help you feel a bit less overwhelmed, we’ve compiled resources and advice we’ve published related to COVID-19 so far.
Considering a New College Major?
Thinking about changing college majors? Make sure you are prepared before making the switch!
