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: 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
An Intentional Approach to College Admissions
Signet is proud to be a one-stop solution for academic support. Discover how our unique Pathfinder approach empowers students to pursue their own version of success.
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.
Reflecting on the School Year
The end of the school year is an excellent time for students to engage in healthy self-reflection. Learn how to facilitate this process with your teen.
Activities for Teens to Enjoy this Summer
What should your teen read, watch, and listen to this summer? Hint: Signet’s recommendations are based more on pure enjoyment than academic value. See our list.
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.
Does My Student Need a Life Coach?
Does a freshman really have enough life experience to necessitate a life coach? Yes! Learn more about academic coaching—life coaching for teens.
Is My Student Ready for Academic Coaching?
Today, we’ll debunk misconceptions about academic coaching and provide our expert opinions on what makes a student ready (or not) for this type of support.
Semester Reflection and a Reset for Future Success
Reflection is essential for growth. We’re reflecting and growing all the time, whether we realize it or not.
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.
Reflecting on This Academic Year – and the Current Moment
Reflecting on where we’ve been and who we want to become.
Make Mindfulness Your Superpower
Mindfulness is an incredible practice for reducing stress, staying focused, and even improving academic performance!
How Our Technology Helps Kids Be Better Virtual Learners
Remote learning is a viable alternative to the live classroom–if you know how to approach it the right way.
COVID-19 Update
An update on Signet’s new protocols in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Signet’s Tutor Requirements: Values & Personality Are Key!
What does Signet look for when adding new tutors to our team? Values and personality are crucial.
How Do You Know if You Need a Tutor?
Learn whether support from a tutor can improve your high school performance and experience.
How Does Signet Find the Perfect Tutor for You?
Learn about Signet’s proven system for matching tutors and students.
Study Like a Valedictorian
What is the best approach to studying effectively? Read on to learn best practices from our very own top-notch tutors!
Is “find your passion” good advice?
Today’s culture urges students to “find their passion” and then make a career out of it. Is it sound advice?
The Skills You Need for High School Success
In order to succeed, students need to develop some key “soft skills” during their high school years.
Is Perfectionism Getting in Your Way?
Watch Thomas Curran’s TEDTalk on the dangers of perfectionism.
Managing Screen Time for a Better Real World Experience
A TED Talk from Adam Alter offers advice on how students can set healthy boundaries around screen time.
Signet Education CEO: Insight Into Operation Varsity Blues
How the Varsity Blues Scandal fits into the college prep industry
What is College for, Anyway?
Explore different perspectives on the purpose of a college education and how it relates to career choice.
All About Academic Coaching
Learn what academic coaching is and how it can benefit students beyond improving test scores or GPA.
The Happy B Student
Students struggling with perfectionism and the need to get Straight As will benefit from these tips on learning to be a “Happy B Student.”
What Are Executive Functions? Q&A With An Expert
From managing executive functions and dysfunctions, to mindful communication and personal responsibility, Rebecca Shafir shares life lessons for students.
The Benefits of Taking Breaks
This post is for the students who don’t stop working or experience guilt anytime they close their books. Read on to learn why taking breaks can help high-achieving students reach their fullest potential.
What If I Don’t Know What Field to Pursue in College?
The choices of what to study in college and what subsequent career path to pursue are big decisions, and not to be taken lightly. This blog post is for students who aren’t quite sure of the next step in their journey. Not knowing what you want to do is actually a beautiful thing.
Your Brain’s Secret Weapon
Reflection is transformative—a single skill so powerful that it could transform your life. Read on for how and why.
How Holistic Learning Makes You Happier
It’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.
Want to Be a Strong Student? Build a Strong Routine.
Humans are capable of extraordinary feats. Here’s how to establish routines to be successful in school and in life.
The Signet Method for Studying for Finals
The Signet Method for Studying for Finals
Tips and Tools to Avoid the High School Whirlpool
The 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.
How to Manage Your Homework Deadlines
At Signet, we use a couple of mantras that we’ve found to be really powerful for students at all levels and stages of the academic process. One of our favorites is “plan your work, work your plan.” It sounds simple, but applied well, it helps with focus, time management, and productivity. Read on to learn more.
Career Exploration Tools for High Schoolers
In the latter half of senior year and over the summer, students are under less academic pressure but still have access to a lot of people and resources. It’s a perfect time for career exploration that maintains a sense of freedom and ease, and a great way to gain some clarity before you become a freshman all over again!
