Technology is an integral part of our everyday life —we use it for work, entertainment, communication, information, and so much more. The use of technology has only increased with the pandemic, and this trend will not likely reverse. Hence it is essential that students begin practicing healthy technology usage starting at a young age.

Here is a framework for how you can help your child navigate technology usage at any age by separating out three distinct categories of technology use: time online for entertainment and personal use, time online for academic purposes, and…

By: Valerie Erde

GRADE INFLATION AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS 

While it’s true that colleges want to create a well-rounded class that brings together a mix of artists, athletes, and leaders in a range of areas, they also want students who, when they arrive on campus, are able to do the work and who will graduate in four years — not six or eight. 

It may be good for colleges’ wallets to have students attend for more than four years, but it’s not good for their rankings nor their reputation.  This is due in large part to the way the college rankings work. One of…

By: Larry Liu, The Spike Lab

We all know how it feels to be motivated. It’s a state characterized by clarity, focus, and boundless energy. We’re willing to run through brick walls to achieve our goals. Yet for many high schoolers, it can be hard to tap into this feeling. And many parents who want to help operate under false beliefs about motivation. These beliefs can lead to actions that are counterproductive and ultimately de-motivating. And yet, self-motivation for students is important.

During my work at The Spike Lab, I’ve seen firsthand the huge benefits available to…

Rejections hurt. As the last of the colleges release their regular decision acceptances this week, there will be a lot of disappointments felt by students and parents alike. There will be many heartbreaks from dream school rejections, but also many surprises, disappointments, and even anger from rejections that come from schools that we thought were “high likelys.” Students that have worked incredibly hard for the last 4 years may feel that this is the end of the world. But it is important to note that this is a setback, one of many setbacks that are thrown their way in life, that they…

By: Mark Salisbury

“Wait, what?!  People negotiate college prices???”

Yep.  All the time.

In fact, most colleges wish that more accepted applicants would ask for a lower price.

Now pick yourself up off the floor and keep reading.  Because knowing this simple college cost hack may well save you thousands of dollars.

You Say Negotiate, They Say Appeal (let ’em have this one)

Before we get started – a quick tip about word choice.  Colleges care a lot about keeping up appearances, especially when…

By: Kate Sonnenberg

As college admissions becomes more competitive, students frequently look for ways to “distinguish” themselves from their peers. One increasingly common choice: research. Research has become so popular in recent years that many companies have sprung up offering to match high school students with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty who will supervise a research project.

But do colleges really value high school research when deciding whom to admit?

The answer, like so much in college admissions, is “it depends.”…

Volunteer work is a rite of passage for many high school students. Some schools require a certain number of volunteer hours, and many honors societies, religious organizations and families either require or highly encourage it. It is certainly a worthwhile endeavor students should consider spending time on, but it is also viewed as something students must do to make an impression on college. Is it necessary? If so, what kind of volunteer work matters?

Volunteer work is not a requirement to apply to college. Colleges are looking for students with integrity and empathy,…

For those students interested in science research, this is an event not to be missed. From March 14th to March 31st, the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation's most prestigious pre-college science and mathematics competition, will host a virtual exhibition of the research projects that the finalists conducted. 

This is a great opportunity to learn about cutting edge research being conducted by students from all over the world, and gain inspiration for a next research project.

Meet the Finalists

Receive inside…

There are special scholarships meant solely for students with learning disabilities that you can explore for your child. Below is a list of some popular scholarships for students with disabilities for 2022. For families of Juniors, Sophomore and Freshman, keep the dates in mind for the student’s graduation year.

1. American Association on Health and Disability Frederick J. Krause Scholarship 

This scholarship is open to students with any documented disability pursuing either an undergraduate/graduate program. The applicant should be a sophomore at college as of…

Don't miss this weekend extravaganza of classes for middle school students at MIT that is almost free ($40 for the entire weekend).

Spark is a one-weekend program designed to give students the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects. MIT students and community members from the student-run Educational Studies Program teach a variety of classes, from urban orienteering to mathematics to Chinese brush painting and everything in between!

Spark 2022 is a virtual for 7th-8th graders on the weekend of March 12-13. 

Register for classes by March 1st at <https://…