If you’ve read any of my previous posts, then you know I have an extreme distaste for platitudes, misinformation, and things taken out of context. At the top of that list is everyone’s favorite piece of advice for doing anything: Be yourself. It’s frustrating for me to even acknowledge that some folks still say this […]
Motivation is not enough. I’ve heard it so many times. Motivation is the supposed well-spring from which all wonderful things come to be. Did well on a test? He was SO motivated! Didn’t get the grade you want? Wasn’t motivated enough to study for it. That second part actually highlights the issue with motivation, and […]
If you live in NYC, and you’re a parent of an 8th or 9th grade student, the next two weeks will be a stressful time for you as the SHSAT is upon us. For those who do not know, the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test is an exam that resident middle school children can take […]
Before I go ahead and answer this question, it’s important to know what exactly standardized testing aims to achieve. It is essentially a benchmark exam which allows college admissions officers to compare your performance to that of the kid across the country who wants the same seat in school that you covet. A ‘scaled’ score […]
Our ability to read and react properly to a situation plays a crucial role in our survival. That much is undeniable. Hunting for food, planning an assault during wartime, navigating office politics: these are all high stakes situations that require us to respond in real time and the consequences of a poor decision can be […]
I get a lot of questions every year about how seriously a student should take the PSAT. Subsequently, I hear all sorts of gossip about how it might be the harbinger to future success or that it doesn’t matter at all because colleges don’t look at the scores. Well, here’s the real answer: it matters […]
Hi everyone! This summer turned out to be busier than I thought. As I was preparing my students for the next steps in their academic careers, this blog fell by the wayside. So, to my loyal readers, I send my deepest apologies. The good news is that I plan on incorporating this blog into many […]
