High Performance Academics Blog

When it comes to the college admissions process, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of well-known schools with big names. Many families focus their efforts on applying to prestigious, highly ranked universities, thinking those schools offer the best opportunities for success. But there’s something you might not have considered:  some of the best opportunities are hidden in colleges you’ve never heard of . While these lesser-known schools may not have the instant name recognition of Ivy Leagues or large state universities, they offer incredible advantages that can have a lasting impact on your child’s education and future. Here’s why exploring these hidden gems can lead to unexpected benefits and why they might just be the perfect fit for your child. 1.  Small Schools, Big Impact One of the greatest advantages of lesser-known schools is the  personalized attention  students receive. These colleges often have smaller class sizes and a more intimate campus environ...

 The college admissions process can feel like a whirlwind of deadlines, decisions, and details, but amidst all the hustle, it’s important to remember one key thing: your child’s uniqueness is their greatest asset. Admissions officers want to see the individual behind the application—the person with passions, talents, and a story to tell. As a parent, you play a critical role in helping your child identify and showcase these strengths in a way that makes them stand out from the crowd. Here’s how you can help your child shine in the college admissions process by highlighting what makes them truly special. 1.  Identifying Your Child’s Strengths Every child has a unique set of strengths that make them who they are. For some, it’s academic prowess in a particular subject. For others, it might be leadership skills, artistic talent, or dedication to a community cause.  The key is to help your child recognize what sets them apart. How to Help: Reflect on their interests and achie...

If you’re the parent of a high school junior or senior, you’ve probably already felt the pressure of the college admissions process. Between standardized tests, schoolwork, and extracurricular activities, there’s a lot to manage. It’s easy to think that you have plenty of time to tackle college applications during senior year—but  waiting until then could be the biggest mistake your family makes . Here’s why starting the college application process early, ideally in junior year or even earlier, can make all the difference in reducing stress, improving outcomes, and giving your child the best possible chance of getting into the right school. The Problem with Waiting Until Senior Year Many parents and students think of senior year as the time to focus on college applications. While it’s true that applications are submitted during this year,  waiting until senior year to start the process creates unnecessary stress and puts students at a disadvantage . Here’s why: Last-Minute Rus...