High Performance Academics Blog

 If you’re the parent of a high school junior, you’ve probably already heard some version of this: “Junior year is  the  most important year.” While that’s true—it doesn’t mean it has to be panic-inducing. There are a few  simple, strategic steps  your teen can take this year that will make senior year smoother and  college admissions much more manageable . Here’s what really matters this year—and how to help your teen tackle it with confidence. ✅ 1. Build a Thoughtful College List The list is the  foundation . A good one reflects your teen’s interests, academic profile, and personal needs—not just rankings or family expectations. ✅ 2. Create a Résumé A great résumé not only helps for applications, but also summer programs, internships, and recommendation letters. I help students craft one that makes their story shine. ✅ 3. Explore Majors + Interests Even undecided students can start to identify what they like and don’t like. Whether it’s journalism, e...

 Let’s be honest: the college process brings  a lot  of noise. Everyone’s talking about rankings. Group chats are buzzing with “must-apply” schools. And somehow, the pressure starts feeling like a race—even when your teen has no idea where they want to go yet. Here’s the thing:  your teen’s college list should reflect  them —not their friends, not their cousins, and definitely not TikTok. Why List Building Matters Now Junior year is the time to start building a smart, balanced college list. That doesn’t mean finalizing everything. It means starting the  right way —with reflection and strategy, not comparison. Key questions to guide the process: Does my teen want a big school or small campus feel? Are we considering merit aid or financial fit? What support systems will they need (academic, social, LD)? Do they want to be close to home or try somewhere new? Are they undecided, or do they have a potential major in mind? Avoid the Trap of “Apply Everywhere” It’...

If you're the parent of a junior, you're in the perfect window. Not too late. Not too early. Just the right time to make college planning feel empowering—not overwhelming. It’s easy to think that “college stuff” happens senior year. The truth? Most of the meaningful groundwork—the pieces that reduce stress, open more opportunities, and lead to better decisions—are laid  junior year . Here’s what happens when families wait: College visits get rushed. Applications become a summer scramble. Choices get made in panic instead of peace. And here's what happens when they start now: ✅ Stronger essays ✅ Better-organized application plans ✅ A thoughtful, balanced list ✅ A less frazzled home in senior fall What Junior Year Is  Really  For: Building the list.  Start exploring colleges that  fit your teen,  not someone else’s idea of prestige. Organizing academics and extracurriculars.  Helping students frame what they’ve done—and what still matters to highlight. S...