Finding the Right Books for Your Child

Here’s a great app to help you find books that are the appropriate reading level for your kids: Book Wizard. And it’s free! Scan the bar code on the back of a book and instantly find out what reading level the book is on. The app will show the grade level as well as the A-Z reading level. […]

Giving the Gift of Music…One Instrument at a Time.

When I think back to the house that I grew up in, not only was it filled with the chaos that 4 children and their friends bring to a home; it was also always filled with music. We had a small upright piano that my mother later upgraded to a baby grand. Starting at age 7, […]

Around Town With Jill: Celebrating Veteran’s Day

Around Town With Jill: Celebrating Veteran's Day this Wednesday, November 11th

The Common App: Get Those Words on That Page

Amy Jin Johnson, an Essay Coach and Consultant with College Transitions, shares a few strategies for brainstorming and mapping your admission essay. Tell a compelling story. Rather than writing an analytical essay like you would for a class assignment, focus on telling a story. Most successful Common App essays provide the reader with a “slice […]

The ACT or New SAT?

If you're graduating in the class of 2017, you may be wondering whether you should study for the newly redesigned SAT or the ACT. In general, the two tests have become more similar, but there are still a few differences that may sway you towards one or the other.

Does Being a ‘Legacy’ Increase Your Admissions Chances?

Colleges like to state publicly that legacy status is nothing more than a tiebreaker between equally strong applicants. Is that true?

Middle Grade Books that You’ll Enjoy Too

Summer's almost here and it's time to compile a great reading list for your middle schooler.

Dealing with a Deferral: a few tips for applicants (and their parents)

Unfortunately, the early action/decision process in college admissions frequently results in the ultimate act of indecision—the deferral. Here are 5 things that you can and should do upon being handed the admissions equivalent of a 1-1 tie.