Writing is an important academic skill for students to develop even if they aren’t destined to be English majors. Throughout their coursework, they will encounter term papers, paragraph answers, timed responses, and all kinds of opportunities to express their ideas as well as their mastery of the subject. Being able to do so skillfully will not only keep their grades up, but also deepen their understanding of the topic.

Writing is also a very practical, applicable skill. High schoolers have college application essays, the reading section of standardized tests, and other high…

It is easy for students to overcommit early in their high school career. Understandably, your child may have enthusiastically signed up for a number of activities at the clubs fare or accumulated them over the course of their freshman year. In the beginning, it’s relatively easy to continue showing up for these activities without questioning their purpose. However as the semesters ware on, it’s important to stop and evaluate. Encourage your student to take time and determine which of their groups are of value and which they want to focus on as high school progresses. 

This may…

For a high schooler, a resume may represent one of the first thresholds into adulthood. While they are professionally-minded documents, resumes are not nearly as self-serious and rigid as they may appear. A student should view a resume as an opportunity to highlight their achievements and express enthusiasm about what they’d like to do next. 

What is a Resume and Why Do You Need One? 

A resume is a structured document that summarizes a person’s qualifications. This usually includes a history of employment and involvements as well as skills and abilities. 

Driven students in the math and science fields may want to pursue research opportunities as early as high school. Experience in a lab or in the field is a learning experience unlike what your child has with textbooks and teachers. These opportunities are excellent ways for students to further explore their academic interests and even develop a specialty in a certain field. A research position is also a great way for talented students to prove their passions and set themselves apart during college admissions. Securing a competitive position as a research assistant shows real dedication,…

Splash is back, and the number of participating Universities have increased to over 30 from 20 when we first introduced this phenomenal program to the Versed Community a year ago.  Splash, run by Learning Unlimited, is “a weekend extravaganza of classes at a local college or university, where pre-college students are invited to learn about everything and anything from passionate university students.” For a nominal fee of $0-50, middle and high school students can sign up for 1 or 2 full days of weekend classes on college campuses. Splash currently runs at MIT, Stanford University,…

Enrichment courses are an excellent way to assure that your child has the math skills necessary to continue to succeed in school. However with a variety of tutorial programs and online classes available, it can be hard to choose the right option for your student. 

Before enrolling anywhere, it is important for you and your child to understand what their strengths and weaknesses are. This will give you a better idea of the type of enrichment they may benefit from. Keep in mind that not every student masters concepts at the same rate. If your child needs to refresh, review, or…

While a transcript is a key element of any college application, interests outside the classroom can be as important as the grades themselves. A well-rounded schedule with commitments both inside as well as outside the classroom shows that an applicant has developed both as an individual and as a student. 

Participation in a sports team or club is also an excellent opportunity for your child to enrich themselves and explore areas, creative or otherwise, that they may not be exposed to within their current course load. These experiences can be illuminating, character-building,…

By Zoe Marquedant

Gifted and Talented programs are opportunities for your child to explore their potential beyond the classroom. Participation may have been suggested by a perceptive teacher, a trusted academic advisor, or perhaps by yourself after careful research. 

What are gifted/talented programs and how can your child benefit from participating in one? 

These programs are often a mix of testing opportunities, online courses, weekend enrichment programs, academic-year programs, service-based trips, summer residential programs, and other events geared towards…

Summer is one of the best times that students can focus on activities in a meaningful way without the pressure of school and extracurricular commitments.  While it is also a good time to schedule test prep and college visits, students applying to selective colleges use this time to explore and further their academic and other interests to a level that would not be possible during the school year.  Selective colleges are looking for students that have shown sustained and committed interest in academic and extracurricular endeavors beyond what is typically offered at schools.  Summer is the…

By Silvia Terzian

With the increasing demands of high school and extracurricular activities, many parents wonder, should my teen get a job? There are many reasons why high school students work. Some work to contribute to their family’s finances. Others work to save up for college or to fund other personal expenses. Many get jobs to gain valuable work experience. However, given all of the activities that vie for a busy high school student’s time, is work the best option?

According to an article in the Atlantic Magazine, “Teenagers Have Stopped Getting Summer Jobs—Why?” teen…