High Performance Academics Blog

 As a college counselor and a parent myself, I’ve sat in both seats. I know what it’s like to want the best for your child and still feel overwhelmed by all the options, deadlines, opinions, and unspoken pressure. Over the years, I’ve worked with families from all types of schools and all types of students—high achievers, late bloomers, neurodivergent learners, first-gen students, and kids still figuring it out. Here’s what I wish every parent knew, no matter where their child stands: 1.  Starting early doesn’t mean adding pressure. It means easing it. The idea isn’t to pile on college stress in 10th or 11th grade. It’s to break the process into smaller, manageable steps so that senior year doesn’t feel like a sprint with no training. Early planning gives students the chance to explore, reflect, and revise without the clock running out. 2.  You don’t need to do what everyone else is doing. Every student has their own timeline. Their own voice. Their own story. The student...

It starts so quietly. A classmate mentions their ACT score. A neighbor’s kid visits five colleges over spring break. A well-meaning friend shares where their child “got in early.” And just like that, the college admissions process starts to feel like a race. A race you didn’t ask to be in—and one where the finish line keeps moving. But here’s what I tell families again and again: This is not a competition. It’s not a contest of who applies to the most schools. It’s not about who gets into the most “impressive” one. And it’s definitely not about who posts the flashiest Decision Day photo. When we reframe this process as  personal , not competitive, everything shifts. 💡 So what  is  college admissions—really? It’s a chance for your teen to: ✔ Reflect on who they are and where they want to go ✔ Explore environments where they’ll be challenged and supported ✔ Learn to organize, communicate, and take ownership of their story ✔ Discover what success looks like  for them —...

 Here’s a secret no one talks about: building a smart college list is part strategy, part self-awareness, and part detective work. Most families focus on: Reputation Location Major But what they miss can lead to frustration, missed opportunities, or worse—ending up at a school that just doesn’t work out. What to Dig Into (That’s Not on the Homepage): Retention rate : Are students staying after freshman year? Support programs : Are there dedicated programs for first-gen students, students with learning differences, or those navigating mental health challenges? Merit aid strategy : Does the school reward academic effort—or only need-based aid? Advising & career planning : Is there a clear path from major to job/internship? I guide students through this deeper research in Phase I so that they’re not just applying to the “usual” schools—but to schools that actually  fit . ➡️  Not sure how to dig deeper or where to start? That’s where I come in. Reach out to schedule a con...

 If your teen has ADHD, the college process can be extra overwhelming. So many moving parts, so many deadlines, so much pressure. But here’s the good news: with the right support system in place early, it doesn’t have to be chaos. Why Early Structure Matters: Breaking the process into small, manageable steps prevents procrastination Visual trackers help teens stay focused on what’s  next , not just what’s due Knowing which schools offer learning support ensures the list is both smart and realistic Drafting essays early means they’re not writing under last-minute pressure I’ve worked with many neurodivergent students, and what makes the biggest difference is not just  what  we do—but  when we start. Give your teen time, structure, and the chance to feel confident before the intensity of senior year begins. ➡️  Want support that meets your teen where they are? Reach out to learn more about Phase I for Class of 2027 students who need a calm, structured start. ...

 I’ve read a lot of college essays—hundreds, maybe thousands. And here’s what I’ve learned: The best ones aren’t perfect. They’re personal. They sound like the student—not like a polished adult voice, not like ChatGPT, and definitely not like someone trying to impress an imaginary admissions officer. The Most Common Mistakes: Writing a resume in paragraph form Trying to guess what the reader wants to hear Using a thesaurus on every word Telling someone else’s story (parent, grandparent, coach) The Essays That Stand Out: Start with a moment, not a lesson Show vulnerability and voice Reflect instead of rehash Sound like no one else could have written them Colleges read thousands of essays. Most blur together. The few that stick are the ones that feel honest, specific, and grounded in real experience. ➡️  Want your teen to get started on the right track? We’ll brainstorm, structure, and write together in Phase II—or during one of my small-group Essay Bootcamps. Reach out now to l...

It’s easy to get caught up in rankings. Top 10. Top 50. Best value. Most selective. But here’s the truth: none of those matter if the school isn’t a good fit for  your  teen. Fit is personal. It’s about how your student learns, socializes, and sees their future. It’s about whether they’ll feel supported and challenged—and whether they’ll have the resources they need to thrive, not just survive. What to Consider Beyond Prestige: 1. Academic Culture Are classes competitive or collaborative? Are students expected to be independent from day one, or is there built-in support for first-years? 2. Learning & Wellness Support Does the school have strong disability services, mental health care, or academic coaching? These can be non-negotiables for students with learning differences or chronic health conditions. 3. Major Flexibility Can your teen change majors easily? Double major? Explore before committing? This matters more than many families realize. 4. Campus Vibe Are students m...

Every student has a different path. That’s why I believe deeply in personalizing every step of the college process—from how we build the list to how we tackle the writing. But here’s the truth: even personalized guidance needs the right timeline to be effective. And  junior year is where it all begins . Waiting until senior year often means you're making major decisions under pressure. Students end up rushing to finish applications, struggling to write meaningful essays, and scrambling to meet deadlines they didn’t even know existed. What we can do in junior year: Identify what kind of colleges are a  fit  for your teen—academically, socially, and financially Uncover what  actually matters  to them in a campus (and what doesn’t) Strategically plan visits, summer programs, and activities that align with their goals Build a resume and Common App account early, with no stress Begin essay brainstorming with time to reflect, revise, and grow Families come to me becau...

If you're the parent of a rising junior, you're probably hearing whispers (or panicked shouts) about the college process. And if you're not sure whether it's time to start... the short answer is: yes—but the good news is, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here’s the thing: I work with students across every stage of the journey, and I see the difference starting in junior year makes. It’s not about applying earlier. It’s about preparing smarter. Here's what early planning gives your student: A realistic, personalized college list  that reflects their strengths, goals, and learning style Time to visit campuses  with purpose—before application season gets chaotic Clarity about what matters : majors, size, vibe, support systems, merit aid, and more A strong, polished resume  they’ll use for applications, scholarships, and internships A head start on essay brainstorming , so the writing feels meaningful—not rushed Most importantly, it turns what feels like a giant, a...