High Performance Academics Blog

If your teen has a learning difference or a chronic health condition, you already know how much thought and advocacy goes into helping them succeed. Choosing a college should be no different. The good news? There are schools out there ready to support your student. The key is knowing what to look for—and what to ask. Start With the Academic Support Structure Not all disability services are the same. Ask: Is there a dedicated learning center, and what’s the level of support (basic accommodations vs. comprehensive coaching)? Are there fees for extended services? What documentation is required to access support? For Students With Health Needs (e.g., Crohn’s, diabetes, POTS, etc.) Is there a health center on campus? What services do they offer? Are professors trained or expected to offer flexibility when health issues interfere? Can students request specific housing accommodations (e.g., private bathrooms, proximity to medical support)? How Accessible Is the Campus Culture? Support isn’t j...

If you have a student in the Class of 2027, you might be wondering when and how to begin the college process. The answer? This summer. Not in a high-pressure, over-scheduled kind of way, but in a thoughtful, low-stress way that sets your teen up for success. Junior year is widely known as the most academically demanding year of high school. It also carries the most weight in the college admissions process. That makes the summer before it a key window for reflection, planning, and setting the tone for what’s to come. Why Start Now? Summer is low-distraction time. Without school, homework, or extracurriculars competing for attention, your teen is more likely to think clearly and engage meaningfully in conversations about their goals. They don’t need to know their major or dream school. They just need to begin thinking about what kind of environment helps them thrive. By starting now, you avoid the panic and pile-up that can hit in the spring of junior year when testing, APs, and deadline...

If you've spent even five minutes researching college admissions, you've seen the phrase “holistic admissions.” It sounds positive, flexible, even reassuring. But what does it actually  mean —and how does it impact how your teen should approach the application process? Here’s a breakdown of what “holistic admissions” really involves, what colleges are looking for, and how your student can put together an application that rises to the top. What Is Holistic Admissions, Exactly? In a holistic admissions process, colleges don’t rely on any single factor—like GPA, test scores, or extracurriculars—to decide who gets in. Instead, they look at  the whole applicant : Academic performance Personal background Extracurricular involvement Essays and writing ability Letters of recommendation Character, values, and leadership Life experiences, hardships, and context The goal of holistic admissions is to build a well-rounded, dynamic incoming class—not just to admit students with the highest ...

In high school, students often have a built-in support system: teachers reminding them about deadlines, parents helping manage schedules, counselors checking grades. But once your teen steps onto a college campus, everything changes. Executive functioning skills —the mental processes that manage planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation—are critical for college success. And students who struggle with executive function, including those with ADHD, learning differences, or slower processing speeds, can face real challenges when those outside supports fall away. The good news? With planning, practice, and the right college environment, these challenges can be managed—and your teen can thrive. What Are Executive Function Challenges? Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that include: Organizing tasks and materials Managing time and meeting deadlines Prioritizing assignments Starting and finishing projects Controlling impulses and emotions Adapting to new si...

When your teen has ADHD, a learning difference, or is on the autism spectrum, finding the right college fit is about more than academics and rankings. It’s about ensuring they have access to the support they need to thrive once they get there. While many colleges offer disability accommodations, the services, responsiveness, and overall campus culture can vary widely. That’s why it’s essential for parents and students to connect with Disability Services Offices  before  submitting applications. Here’s what you need to know—and the questions you should ask—to make sure you’re choosing a college that truly supports your teen’s success. Why Contact Disability Services Before Applying? Choosing a college for a student with learning differences isn’t just about finding a good psychology department or a strong STEM program. It’s about evaluating the full environment. In college,  students must self-advocate  to receive accommodations. Disability Services Offices are the ga...

They may not say much. Or anything. But if you’re the parent of a high school junior or senior, odds are your teen is  feeling  a lot—and keeping most of it to themselves. Here’s what they  wish  they could tell you about college, applications, and everything in between (with a little translation along the way): 1. “I’m overwhelmed—even when I don’t act like it.” They may seem indifferent, distracted, or “fine,” but that doesn’t mean they aren’t feeling the pressure. Between school, testing, and the constant talk of college, many teens are running on quiet stress. 2. “I have no idea where to start.” Most students don’t know how to begin a college search, write a personal statement, or figure out a testing timeline. But they won’t always ask for help—because they don’t want to look behind. 3. “Everyone around me seems like they’ve got it figured out.” Even the kids who look confident are comparing themselves to someone else. Your teen might feel like they’re the ...