High Performance Academics Blog

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 ...

If your child is a junior in high school, you’ve officially entered the most important phase of the college admissions process. And yes—it’s normal to feel like you’re behind. You’re not. But now is the time to get organized. Junior year is where the real groundwork happens: the grades that matter most, the decisions that shape your college list, and the pressure that starts creeping into everyday conversations at home. Here’s what really matters—and what you can stop worrying about. ✅ What  Does  Matter Right Now: 1. A Smart Academic Plan for Senior Year Colleges want to see strong, consistent coursework—and that students continue to challenge themselves. Now’s the time to make sure senior year will reflect that. 2. A Testing Strategy That Makes Sense SAT, ACT, or neither? When to test? How to prep? These are decisions that deserve a strategy, not a last-minute cram session. 3. An Early, Thoughtful College List Don’t build it based on rankings. Build it based on fit: academic...