I planned to write about grad school, but this subject is in the air. It began two or three years ago. Why would the student with a weighted 3.7 GPA and a 25 ACT be admitted to a competitive college while one from the same high school with a GPA of 4.2 and ACT score of 32 be denied? This year, students with 4.5 GPAs and 1500 SAT scores are being deferred by many colleges. What’s driving this trend? When I text a top student about decisions and don’t hear back, I know what tha

“The primary obligation of LCS is the welfare of the student” is the most important line in my contract. But what is the welfare of the student? It’s simply caring. I show my students and families that I care by providing perspective and taking the intensity down. When families and students consider college, every moment can be stress-filled. What does a parent truly want? As much as we believe that it’s admission to a highly-rejective college, it’s really for our kids to be

Some students prepare a list by sophomore year, while others wait until they get test scores and a final GPA in June of junior year. The right time is after smart research. Academic fit? Evaluate your academic record, starting with rigor before moving on to GPA and test scores if applicable. Two or three reaches are ok, but too many “unlikelies” may not be. Competitive major? Expect certain majors to be tougher admits at some colleges. Tempted by prestige and reputation? This

Want to interview more comfortably and effectively? Give stronger oral presentations? Up to 77% of people have a public speaking phobia. It’s unlikely to get better. Research shows that Gen Z is particularly at risk since so many in this age group communicate more frequently through texting than written and spoken language. They may be more comfortable speaking on screen than in person. While some seem to communicate well enough within their friend group (both onscreen and of

It's the most common question, and the real answers are not found in rankings. Colleges, like just about anything else, can't be lumped into "good" and "bad" piles. High school students and families: why not approach this question in a way that will serve you best? After reviewing your personal profile (rigor, GPA, test scores if applicable, and extracurricular activities--check with me about requirements to more competitive majors at specific schools) to see if you are a ma