By: Jojo Herzig

As Covid-19 swallowed up normalcy across the United States, the “new” normal has challenged our teenagers to maintain their social relationships. What can we do as parents to help them re-connect with their friends, particularly now that many summer camps and pre-college programs have been cancelled?

When schools closed and online learning commenced, suddenly, our kids were sitting for hours in front of their laptops, racking up more screen time than ever before. High school students miss the high-five, the pat on the back after making a three pointer in a…

We often see students that show interest and aptitude in STEM, also show significant talent in music. This week, we sat down with Belinda, from New York City, whose son is pursuing a Biological Sciences major and Astrophysics minor at the University of Chicago, about this very topic.  She talked to us about nurturing a child’s interest in science, and about helping her children discover music. Her insights will resonate with many parents that have children with strong interests in STEM and music.

Versed: When did you start thinking about college for your kids?

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This week, we sat down to speak with our Advisor Amy about her daughter's wide-ranging interests in the arts, computer science and math, and how she knew that MIT was the right school for her.  Taking cues from her daughter’s interests and needs, Amy provides insights on supporting a child with an unconventional academic path that included an international school, online classes and a gap year during high school.

Versed: When did you start thinking about college for your daughter?

Amy: We’ve always lived in urban areas and near many famous universities. I’d point out the…

This week, our featured Advisor, Robin talks about her son's interest in engineering and his path to Olin, a unique engineering college focused on hands on learning and entrepreneurship.

Versed: When did you start thinking about college for your son?

Robin: When my son was in 8th grade, he started to think about wanting to be placed in honors classes in High School. This gave him an immediate incentive to be cooperative and hard-working in 8th grade. We started having talks about college at that time to create an understanding of the bigger picture of his current…

Education continues to be a way of life for Silvia, who has successfully helped many families navigate the college admissions process as well as private and boarding school admissions both in the US and abroad.  With children at Swarthmore and Penn Medical School, Silvia has navigated many academic pathways, and her children attended many different kinds of schools: public gifted and talented programs, magnet schools and top private high schools in New York City.  

Versed: When did you start thinking about college for your kids?

Silvia: I’m from a family that deeply values…

Our spotlight is on Virginia, a mother of three: two daughters and a son. She hails from San Francisco, California and is passionate about youth education, having nurtured her own for the past 18 years (and counting). 

Versed: When did you start thinking about college for your kids?

Virg: (laughs) Truthfully, we started talking about college when they were in grade school. I just wanted them to get the big picture, that their education is from Kindergarten through college. It was important to me that they get at least an undergraduate degree. 

Versed: Wow! That’s…