 Writing the College Admission Essay: Practical Tips for a Standout Essay
Writing the college admission essay can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase who you are beyond grades, test scores, and activities. This is your chance to share your voice, values, and vision for the future with an admissions committee eager to get to know you. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to help you write an essay that stands out and captures who you truly are. 1. Find Your Story: Embrace Your Unique PerspectiveBefore you start writing, think about what sets you apart. Colleges want to know what makes you you. Reflect on significant experiences, challenges, achievements, or even small moments that have had a big impact on your life. Maybe you learned resilience through balancing family responsibilities and school or discovered a passion for social justice while volunteering. Whatever it is, focus on something that genuinely matters to you. Inspiration: Don’t be afraid to choose a topic that might seem ordinary. Ashley wrote her essay about her love for gardening, connecting it to her appreciation for patience, growth, and nurturing relationships. This unique angle helped her stand out, as she shared her story with sincerity and depth. 2. Start with a Compelling HookAdmissions officers read thousands of essays, so start with a sentence or two that grabs their attention. A good hook might be a surprising fact, a vivid description, or a short, reflective statement. Example: Instead of starting with “I am passionate about science,” try something like, “I still remember the thrill of seeing cells divide under the microscope in seventh grade—it felt like discovering a secret world hidden within our own.” By using a specific moment, you immediately bring the reader into your experience. 3. Show, Don’t Just TellOne of the best ways to make your essay memorable is to paint a picture rather than just stating facts. Describe emotions, scenes, or moments that highlight your story. Example: Rather than saying, “I am determined,” consider sharing a story that demonstrates it: “During my sophomore year, I spent six months studying for a chemistry competition, waking up at 5 AM to review formulas and practice problems before school. The day I placed in the top three, all those early mornings felt worth it.” 4. Focus on Growth and Self-ReflectionAdmissions committees are interested in your journey and growth. They want to see how you respond to challenges and learn from experiences. If you’re discussing a hardship, focus on what you learned from it rather than just the difficulty itself. Example: Ryan wrote about struggling with shyness and his goal to speak up more in group settings. His essay didn’t dwell on how hard it was but instead highlighted moments when he found his voice and discovered his own leadership abilities. 5. Keep Your Voice AuthenticYour essay should sound like you. Avoid overloading it with big words or complex sentences just to impress. Admissions readers want to hear from you, in your voice, about what matters to you. Inspiration: Lucy wrote her essay in a warm, conversational tone that reflected her personality perfectly. She even included some light humor, which gave the admissions officers a sense of her cheerful spirit. Her authentic voice made her essay memorable. 6. Be Concise and IntentionalMost college essays have word limits (often 500-650 words), so every sentence counts. After you write your draft, review it for any unnecessary words, sentences, or ideas. Make sure each sentence adds value to your story. A concise essay is often more powerful than one filled with filler words. Example: Instead of saying, “I was incredibly nervous and scared about giving my first public speech,” simplify to “My first speech left me shaking.” This keeps your writing focused and impactful. 7. End with a Lasting ImpressionThe conclusion of your essay is your last chance to leave an impact. Summarize your growth, your aspirations, or even pose a thoughtful question or reflection. Example: Maya ended her essay about her passion for environmental science with a hopeful line: “I look forward to a future where my research can play a role in preserving the ecosystems that inspired me.” This kind of closing creates a sense of direction and purpose that stays with the reader. 8. Edit and Seek Feedback—But Keep Your Voice IntactOnce you’ve finished your draft, give yourself some distance before editing. Then, read it again with fresh eyes, checking for flow, grammar, and clarity. It’s also helpful to get feedback from someone you trust, such as a teacher, counselor, or parent. Just remember: while suggestions are valuable, the essay should still sound like you. Be open to changes but make sure your voice shines through. Practical Tips for Staying InspiredWriting an essay like this is a journey. Here are a few tips to keep the inspiration flowing as you write:
Ready to Start?The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Let yourself write freely, and remember that revising is where the magic happens. In every word you choose, you are building a portrait of yourself that your dream college can’t wait to see.
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 When a child receives a diagnosis like ADHD, autism, Asperger’s, dyslexia, or anxiety, parents often wonder what this will mean for their child’s learning and future. Diagnoses can be challenging to accept, but they also open doors to understanding, support, and specialized strategies that empower children to succeed. This article will explore how these common disorders affect learning and provide examples of how targeted support can make a difference.
1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in children and affects areas like attention, impulse control, and organization. Children with ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks, follow instructions, or stay organized, which can impact their academic performance. Example: Ben, a third-grader with ADHD, often fidgets during lessons and daydreams during instructions, leading to missed assignments and incomplete work. To support Ben, his teacher breaks tasks into smaller steps and provides frequent check-ins to help him stay on track. By using short, clear instructions and allowing for brief breaks, Ben finds it easier to complete his tasks and stay engaged. 2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Autism affects communication, social skills, and behavior, with symptoms varying widely in severity. Children with autism may struggle with social cues, making eye contact, or engaging in conversations, which can affect how they interact with teachers and classmates. Many children on the autism spectrum also experience sensory sensitivities, which can impact focus in noisy or busy classrooms. Example: Sophie, a fifth-grader with autism, finds it difficult to focus in a noisy classroom because sounds can be overwhelming. She is more engaged in a quieter setting, so her teacher provides a quiet corner where she can work with noise-canceling headphones during independent study time. This accommodation helps Sophie concentrate and feel more comfortable at school. 3. Asperger’s SyndromeAsperger’s Syndrome, a part of the autism spectrum, is characterized by challenges in social interaction and restricted interests but often includes strong verbal and cognitive skills. Students with Asperger’s may struggle with group work or understanding social nuances, though they often excel in specific subjects that interest them. Example: Michael, an eighth-grader with Asperger’s, is passionate about math but struggles with group assignments in language arts, where reading social cues is critical. To help him succeed, his teacher pairs him with a peer mentor during group activities to provide guidance on social interactions. In math, where Michael thrives, his teacher encourages him to lead study sessions to boost his confidence. 4. DyslexiaDyslexia affects reading skills, often causing difficulties with phonemic awareness, decoding words, and spelling. This can make reading-intensive subjects particularly challenging and lead to feelings of frustration and low self-esteem in children who compare themselves to peers. Example: Lily, a fourth-grader with dyslexia, struggles to read at the same pace as her classmates. Her teacher uses specialized reading programs that incorporate multisensory learning, like tracing letters in sand or using audiobooks. With these tools, Lily feels more confident in her reading abilities and makes steady progress. 5. Anxiety DisordersChildren with anxiety may experience intense worry about social situations, performance, or changes in routine. This can lead to difficulty participating in class, completing assignments, or taking tests. Anxiety often manifests physically, causing headaches or stomachaches, which can lead to absenteeism. Example: Emma, a sixth-grader with social anxiety, becomes overwhelmed when she has to present in front of the class. To support her, her teacher allows her to give presentations one-on-one or in smaller groups. Emma also practices calming strategies, like deep breathing, to manage her anxiety before high-stress tasks. With these adjustments, Emma is more comfortable participating in class. How Diagnoses Affect LearningEach diagnosis impacts a child’s ability to engage in learning in unique ways:
In Conclusion: Embrace the Support a Diagnosis Brings Understanding your child’s diagnosis enables you, as a parent, to advocate for the right resources, support, and learning strategies tailored to their needs. This understanding encourages empathy, patience, and a focus on each child’s unique abilities rather than limitations, helping them thrive academically and socially.  Parenting a preteen or teen with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) can be exhausting and emotionally draining. Middle school can be a challenging time for any adolescent, but it is particularly difficult for those with ODD, as defiance, frequent arguments, and anger are common traits. In this article, we'll outline practical strategies, backed by research, for parents to create a positive home environment, encourage cooperation, and reduce conflicts. These strategies are paired with examples to help make them easy to implement.
Understanding Oppositional Defiant DisorderOppositional Defiant Disorder is characterized by a frequent and ongoing pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance, or vindictiveness toward authority figures. According to a study by Burke, Loeber, & Birmaher (2002), consistent, supportive parenting can play a significant role in managing the symptoms of ODD. The approaches below are rooted in behavioral psychology and emphasize structure, empathy, and patience. 1. Establish Clear, Consistent BoundariesChildren with ODD often push boundaries, but clearly defined, reasonable rules and consequences can help provide structure. Example: Ryan, a 12-year-old with ODD, had a pattern of refusing to do his homework each night. His parents sat down with him and together established a daily routine with specific rules for when homework should be completed. They explained that failing to complete homework would lead to a loss of screen time. Research shows that children with ODD respond well to predictable environments (Kazdin, 2008). Make rules simple and clear, and consistently enforce them without adding emotional responses, which can escalate defiance. 2. Use Positive ReinforcementPositive reinforcement can encourage compliance and reduce negative behavior. Research by Barkley (2013) shows that positive reinforcement is often more effective than punishment for children with ODD, as it reduces their need to react defensively. Example: When Maria, a 13-year-old with ODD, completes her chores without argument, her parents praise her specifically for what she did well: “Thank you, Maria, for getting your chores done right away. That was really helpful.” Small rewards, such as extra free time or a family movie night, can also be incentives. 3. Avoid Power StrugglesPower struggles often escalate defiant behavior. By refusing to engage in arguments, parents can prevent conflicts from intensifying. A 2012 study by Greene and Doyle emphasized the value of keeping interactions calm and avoiding emotionally charged exchanges. Example: When Tommy, a preteen, argues about his curfew, his mother calmly states, “The rule is 8:00 PM. We can discuss changing it tomorrow, but for tonight, it stays the same.” By deferring the discussion to a later time, she avoids a power struggle and minimizes Tommy’s defiance. 4. Model Emotional ControlChildren with ODD often have difficulty managing emotions. Modeling calm behavior teaches your teen that even when situations are frustrating, they can be handled without aggression. In their 2010 study, Frick and Viding found that children learn self-control from parental modeling. Example: If your teen yells, try taking a deep breath, maintaining a calm tone, and responding with, “I understand you’re upset. Let’s take a moment to calm down, and then we can talk about this.” Your example of staying calm will serve as a guide for managing intense emotions. 5. Practice Active Listening and EmpathyODD often masks underlying frustrations. Listen actively, ask questions, and validate your child’s feelings to build trust. According to research by Nock and Kazdin (2002), listening and empathy can reduce the frequency of oppositional behaviors over time, as teens feel understood and valued. Example: If Lily, a preteen, refuses to do her schoolwork and says, “I hate school!” try responding with empathy: “I can see that school is really frustrating for you. What is the hardest part right now?” This opens communication and can lead to problem-solving instead of confrontation. 6. Provide Choices to Increase CooperationOffering choices helps ODD children feel more in control, reducing the likelihood of defiance. A 2014 study by Sukhodolsky and colleagues supports this strategy, highlighting that giving children limited control over their choices can lead to greater compliance. Example: When it’s time for chores, try saying, “Would you rather start with the dishes or take out the trash?” By framing the request as a choice, you shift the focus from “I have to do this” to “I can choose what to do first.” 7. Incorporate Regular Physical ActivityExercise can significantly reduce symptoms of ODD by helping manage stress and frustration. Research conducted by Berger and Motl (2001) demonstrated that regular physical activity can improve mood, increase focus, and decrease aggressive behaviors in children with behavioral challenges. Example: Encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy, such as swimming, biking, or martial arts. Many parents find that letting their child use this time to blow off steam can reduce defiance and improve behavior. 8. Establish Predictable RoutinesPredictability helps reduce anxiety, which is often underlying in children with ODD. A daily schedule creates structure and can help your teen understand what’s expected each day. Example: For Jack, a 14-year-old who struggled with frequent outbursts, his parents created a morning and evening routine. They set times for homework, chores, and screen time, and kept it the same each day. Over time, Jack became less resistant to daily tasks because he knew what to expect. 9. Take Breaks During ConflictsWhen an argument begins to escalate, it’s helpful to take a break to let both you and your child cool down. Research from the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research (2005) found that de-escalation strategies, such as taking breaks, can reduce overall aggression in ODD children. Example: When an argument with Olivia, a middle schooler, became heated, her father said, “Let’s both take five minutes to cool off, and then we’ll come back and talk.” This helped avoid a full-blown confrontation, allowing Olivia to approach the conversation more calmly. 10. Seek Professional Support When NeededIn some cases, managing ODD may require the help of a mental health professional. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), and family therapy have shown success in managing ODD symptoms. Studies, such as those by Eyberg et al. (2008), show that these therapeutic interventions can help children and parents navigate ODD more effectively. Practical SummaryEach of these strategies provides a practical, research-backed way to manage ODD behavior at home. Consistency, empathy, structure, and patience are vital. Remember, your child’s defiance is often a mask for frustration, anxiety, or a need for control. By setting clear boundaries, modeling calm behavior, and offering choices, you can help your preteen or teen learn to manage their emotions in healthier ways. Bibliography for Further Reading
Parenting a child with ODD is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right strategies, you can create a home environment that promotes respect, cooperation, and emotional growth. Remember, these approaches take time—don’t hesitate to seek support if you need it. Prof. Carter helps families navigate learning when your child has a disability.  Supporting a middle or high schooler with ADHD through homework can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain. Between the distractions, organization hurdles, and frustrations, it’s easy to feel like the daily homework session could use a bit of magic. But with practical strategies grounded in research and tailored to their unique needs, you can help your child approach homework with more confidence, focus, and even pride. Here are some effective, evidence-based ways to make this journey smoother.
1. Establish a Consistent Routine That Fits Your ChildRoutine can be a game-changer for ADHD students. Dr. Russell Barkley, an expert in ADHD, explains that routines act like a “scaffold,” creating structure and predictability. For example, let’s say your child is most focused after a snack and some downtime. Aim for homework to start at the same time every day, right after their snack, at the kitchen table where you can be nearby. You might break down the routine into a few simple parts: 5 minutes of organizing materials, 15 minutes on one subject, a 5-minute movement break, then a new subject. This predictability can reduce their homework anxiety and help them focus. Even if it’s as simple as “math first, then a short break, then English,” the routine helps ease transitions. 2. Encourage Movement Breaks to Keep Them FocusedMany children with ADHD need to move. Studies, such as those published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, show that physical activity can actually improve focus for these students. During homework time, allow quick breaks for jumping jacks, stretching, or a walk around the house. For instance, after finishing a math worksheet, your child could take a “dance break” with their favorite song for 2 minutes. This brief movement not only refreshes them but also channels some of that ADHD energy in a positive way. 3. Use Visual Aids and Digital Tools for OrganizationVisual tools, like checklists and calendars, provide structure for kids with ADHD. Picture your child trying to tackle a science project—long-term assignments can feel overwhelming. Help them break it down using a digital tool like Google Calendar. Together, you could map out the steps: “Research the topic by Tuesday, outline the project on Thursday, gather materials by Friday.” Digital reminders can keep them on track, and seeing each step on a calendar can make a big project feel more manageable. Or, try a simple to-do checklist. As they check off each item, they see their progress, which builds a sense of accomplishment. Cognitive Development studies show that visual aids reduce anxiety by helping kids anticipate and plan their next steps. 4. Set Small, Achievable Goals to Build ConfidenceSetting small, realistic goals can help ADHD students feel more successful and motivated. Dr. Thomas Brown, another ADHD expert, emphasizes the importance of building confidence through smaller tasks. For example, instead of expecting your child to “finish all the homework tonight,” start with “Let’s get through three questions on your math worksheet.” When they complete the goal, celebrate with a high-five or a quick snack. Once they feel successful, they’re more likely to keep going. A clear goal might also be specific to time: “Let’s work on history for 15 minutes and see how far you get.” If they know a break is coming up, they’re often more willing to stick with it. 5. Limit Distractions, but Be Close for SupportThe right environment can make a huge difference. Imagine trying to focus with notifications pinging from a phone or TV sounds drifting in. For a child with ADHD, these distractions are even harder to ignore. Try creating a quiet, calm space for homework with minimal visual clutter and easy access to supplies. For example, put phones in another room and clear any non-homework items off the table. Then, stay nearby to help if questions arise. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy research shows that children are more engaged and less likely to feel overwhelmed when they know a parent is close by for support. You don’t have to hover—just being available makes a difference. 6. Encourage Positive Reinforcement and RewardsPositive reinforcement—like a favorite activity or extra screen time—can be an effective motivator. When your child focuses and completes a homework task, reward that effort. Rather than focusing only on finished assignments, acknowledge their hard work and persistence. For example, you might say, “I’m proud of you for sticking with that worksheet. How about 10 minutes of your game as a reward?” This reinforces the connection between effort and reward, which is particularly motivating for ADHD students. A study by Kazdin (2017) shows that rewards build resilience, reinforcing their willingness to keep going, even when tasks feel tough. 7. Teach Self-Monitoring Techniques for IndependenceSelf-monitoring can be tough for ADHD students, but it’s an invaluable skill for academic and personal success. Consider having your child keep a “homework journal” to record their progress and track time spent on each subject. This practice helps them become more aware of how much time they’re devoting to homework. For example, after a session, they might note, “I spent 15 minutes on math and finished three questions.” Research in Educational Psychology shows that when students track their progress, they’re more engaged and begin to see homework as something they can manage rather than something that’s happening to them. 8. Incorporate Mindfulness Techniques to Calm and FocusMindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises, help ADHD students calm down and focus, especially during tough tasks. Studies in the Journal of Attention Disorders suggest that mindfulness can reduce impulsivity and improve attention span in children with ADHD. Consider trying a simple deep-breathing exercise before homework. For example, you can breathe in together for four seconds, hold for four, then exhale for four. This technique helps them feel more relaxed and ready to concentrate. Some parents find it helpful to start each homework session with a few moments of quiet breathing to “reset” their child’s mind and reduce any stress they might be bringing home from school. Final ThoughtsEach of these strategies can be customized to fit your child’s personality and needs, and remember, the goal isn’t perfection but progress. ADHD students can sometimes struggle with consistency, so patience and positive reinforcement are key. Implementing a few of these strategies and adjusting them to fit your child’s individual needs can transform the homework routine from a struggle into a time for growth and connection. Remember, the small wins add up, and with a bit of persistence and creativity, you’re building a foundation for their long-term success. Prof. Carter helps families with special needs children do well in school.  Helping High School Students Improve Spelling: Strategies, Stories, and Encouragement
Parents of high schoolers know that spelling can remain an issue even into the teenage years. By the time students reach high school, many have tried various methods without long-term success, and it can feel like spelling rules are simply not sticking. But don’t worry—there are still effective strategies to support your teen. Here’s a guide with practical approaches and stories from students who faced similar challenges, so both you and your teen feel less alone. Step 1: Reviewing Phonics Sounds—Yes, Even in High SchoolThough phonics is often taught in early grades, revisiting it can reinforce the foundation many high school students need. For example, blends, diphthongs, and silent letters are still crucial for students who struggle. Emily, a tenth-grader, constantly misspelled words like thorough and through. She had a habit of confusing "th" sounds and silent letters, which impacted her confidence. Her mom went back to the basics with phonics flashcards and focused weekly practice. Gradually, Emily began to remember where silent letters belonged, and her spelling improved. Here are essential phonics elements to review with your teen:
Step 2: Make High-Frequency Misspelled Words PersonalOnce your teen has revisited phonics, it’s time to focus on frequently misspelled words. Some words are just tricky—think necessary, definitely, or embarrass. Michael, a ninth-grader, was notorious for adding extra letters to words or guessing at spelling when writing fast. His mother introduced him to the 100 most commonly misspelled words and encouraged him to create his own mnemonic devices. For example, Michael learned to remember “separate” by saying, “There’s a rat in separate.” Here’s a list to get started:
Step 3: Practice with Contextual WritingOne of the best ways to improve spelling is through frequent, contextual writing. Teens often see spelling practice as dry or tedious, but making it relevant to their interests can help. Jessica, an eleventh-grader with an eye for creative writing, found it easier to remember spellings when she wrote short stories or poetry. Her English teacher recommended a weekly practice where she highlighted the words she struggled with and corrected them, which she found helpful. Encourage your teen to use spelling words in sentences or paragraphs related to topics they enjoy. They could write a summary of a favorite movie scene or create a journal entry about their day, focusing on challenging words. Step 4: Use Visual and Kinesthetic ToolsFor students who struggle with traditional memorization techniques, try visual aids and kinesthetic learning strategies. Visualizing words in color or typing them repeatedly can reinforce correct spelling in a more active way. Jackson, a twelfth-grader, was a visual learner who struggled with homophones like they’re, their, and there. He used a color-coding system in his notebook—green for they’re (because it meant people), blue for their (because it indicated ownership), and yellow for there (showing place). After a month, he found that he could remember the differences. Some kinesthetic activities include:
Step 6: Use Technology as a Support Tool, Not a CrutchWhile spell-check is helpful, it shouldn’t be the only solution. Tools like Grammarly and the Hemingway App can identify common spelling errors, but remind your teen to review corrections instead of passively accepting them. They’ll learn much more if they understand why each error was marked. In Summary:Improving high school spelling takes patience, strategies, and a little creativity. By revisiting phonics, personalizing high-frequency words, using contextual writing, and leveraging visual tools, your teen can make noticeable progress. And with consistent encouragement, they’ll gain confidence not just in spelling but in all areas of writing. This approach worked for students like Emily, Michael, Jessica, Jackson, and Ethan, and it can work for your child too. Spelling improvement is within reach with the right methods and a supportive environment. Prof. Carter helps students and parents overcome their learning challenges.  Colleges request letters of recommendation as part of the application package to understand what contributions a student may bring and to gain another perspective on the applicant. Below are essential tips for ensuring students secure strong letters of recommendation.
How to Choose a RecommenderFor students in public, charter, or private schools, the ideal recommenders are those who know them well and can provide specific examples of their character and achievements. Due to high turnover in some schools, students may have limited relationships with teachers, especially in public and charter schools. In these cases, consider mentors outside the classroom, such as counselors, club advisors, or volunteer coordinators. Letters on letterhead that identify the recommender’s affiliation add credibility to the letter. Homeschool students, too, can find excellent recommenders in homeschool co-ops, community organizations, church groups, online classes, or extracurricular instructors like those for AP, CLEP, or dual-enrollment courses. For homeschoolers, a varied recommendation set demonstrates their commitment and adaptability across different environments. When to Ask for Your LetterIn busy public and charter school settings, teachers and staff are often stretched thin. Students should ask for their letter at least three weeks before the college deadline to give recommenders adequate time. For schools with high turnover, starting early can be particularly beneficial, as students may need to reach out to mentors or past teachers. Following up with a thank-you note shows gratitude and reinforces the student's professionalism, a quality colleges value. What to Give Your RecommenderA “student brag sheet” or resume helps recommenders focus on the highlights of a student’s journey, particularly if the recommender is a teacher in a high-turnover school who may not know the student well. Including specific achievements, strengths, and skills allows the recommender to paint a fuller picture without the need for extensive familiarity. Avoid writing the recommendation for them; instead, provide enough information to make it easy for them to compose a meaningful, supportive letter. Making Your Request Stand OutWhen reaching out to potential recommenders, it’s essential to show appreciation for their time and effort. A thoughtful email or in-person conversation where students express why they value the recommender's support can make the request feel more genuine. Emphasizing specific reasons why you chose them—whether it’s their mentorship in a club, encouragement in class, or guidance on a project—also gives the recommender insight into how they’ve impacted you, which can help them write a more compelling letter. Following Up (Without Pressure)After requesting a letter, follow-up reminders are helpful, especially if your teacher or mentor is balancing multiple requests. A polite reminder one week before the deadline can ensure they haven't forgotten and gives them time to wrap up the letter without feeling rushed. But remember, recommenders are juggling commitments, so keep these reminders gentle. Express your understanding if they’re delayed and offer assistance if they need any additional information about you. Double-Checking RequirementsSome colleges have specific requirements for letters of recommendation. Some want to hear only from core subject teachers, while others encourage recommendations from various perspectives, like coaches or employers. Always check each college’s guidelines to ensure you’re meeting their criteria. For instance, a student interested in an arts program may want a letter from a visual arts teacher or mentor who can speak to their creativity and discipline in that field. Preparing a Thank-You GiftWhile a thank-you note is always appreciated, a small gesture like a handwritten card or a small gift (such as a coffee shop gift card) can show additional gratitude for their time. Teachers and mentors often take on recommendation letters without any expectation of reward, so this extra step can brighten their day and leave a lasting impression. Handling Multiple RecommendationsIf multiple colleges require recommendations, students should clarify with recommenders if they’re comfortable writing a general letter that can be used across several applications. This flexibility can reduce stress for recommenders and is often acceptable for many colleges. Some colleges may even allow students to use a recommendation platform where the teacher uploads one letter, which students can then send to multiple schools. Avoiding Last-Minute RushIn high-turnover schools or when working with online or community-based mentors, it’s wise to secure backup recommenders early on. That way, if one recommender becomes unavailable, students won’t find themselves scrambling for a replacement close to the deadline. Plan ahead to prevent unnecessary stress. Cheryl Carter has guided numerous students through successful college applications, offering strategic, practical advice to give parents "the homeschool advantage" in college admissions.  I was meeting with a mom this week discussing what her daughter was going to be doing for high school. Her child is homeschooled and she wanted to make sure her daughter was adequately prepared for college. More importantly, she wanted to make sure her daughter could get into the college of her choice, in her case a very competitive college.
I sat down with her and shared my top 3 pieces of advice I give to parents of homeschooled children to prepare them for college. Today I’m sharing my tips with you! Tip 1: Find out for yourself what courses are necessary for admittance to competitive colleges. Do not just speak to other parents, although other homeschool parents can be a great resource. Instead, go directly to the college’s website, open house, table at a college fair, or a homeschool college admissions officer. For some reason, rumors abound in the homeschool community when it comes to college admission. I think because the process of moving our students on to college seems a bit mysterious, we rely on other parents, who mean well, but they may not fully understand the process themselves. For instance, I once spoke to a mom, who insisted her son was going to get a scholarship. Further, she insisted he did not need to adhere to college deadlines because he was a stellar student. In fact, she went around openly sharing her advice using her son’s acceptance. The fact of the matter was the family was in dire financial straits due to her husband’s health crisis and resulting unemployment. As a result of these factors, her son got a lot of need-based aid—not scholarships! She erroneously related to other homeschool parents that he had scholarships. Further, he was admitted to a local university that had rolling admission. The college did not have a solid deadline. Hence, there was no deadline to miss. Truly, she was blessed that he was admitted to the college so late and provided financial aid. However, her situation was not the norm. Tip 2: Ensure your student has completed all the required classes for college admission. This sometimes means going beyond the standard homeschool regulations at times. For instance, in New York home educated students are not required to take a foreign language, and while there are some schools that don’t require a foreign language, many competitive schools do. Tip 3: Get familiar with the application process. Some schools require supplementary essays, besides the standard application questions. It is important that you know exactly what is required. You can also help your student gain what I call “the homeschool advantage” by knowing what your student needs to do to become a standout candidate on their admission application. These tips may seem simple, but they work. All homeschool parents can give their students the homeschool advantage in college admissions if they approach the college admission process with just a bit of planning. ––––––––––––––––––––––– Cheryl Carter has helped many students get into the college of their choice. Her advice is always practical and strategic. She prides herself on giving parents “the homeschool advantage” college admission advice.  So you’re only a few semesters away from sending your student off on a new adventure. Exciting, but undoubtedly scary. Don't let panic set in! Here are a few practical steps rising seniors should take to prepare themselves for college admission, this summer:
1: Start or keep preparing for the SAT or the ACT. The July ACT and August SAT provide an excellent opportunity for students to do well because they can dedicate substantial time to studying without the added pressure of schoolwork. Ideally, students should practice every day practicing for this all-important exam. The more time you prepare for these exams, like any other test, you will do well. 2: Spend time writing the first drafts of their college admission essays. Don’t wait for the fall to get started. By completing the essays before the school year, students will have time to revise and reconsider their approach to college essay prompts. Students should familiarize themselves with the main essays and the supplemental essays. You can also read have your start student read admission essay books or sign them up for college admission essay courses during the summer. 3: Devise your strategy for getting into college. Unfortunately, many students don't think of strategy when it comes to getting into college or wait until they are midway through the fall semester to get started. Most young people assume they have the grades and test scores to get into a good college. As students assess their college candidacy, the summer is the perfect time to consider summer jobs, apprenticeships, and possible involvement in activities that would give one the edge in the admissions process. Strategy is important because, on the one hand, students should be a good match for the college, yet at the same time students must also stand out from all the other applicants. Standing out may mean that students have to do something extraordinary. The summer gives students time to start a new project or do something unique that will help them become more desirable as a candidate. 4: Start searching for scholarships. Typically, parents and students do not think of scholarships, until after they've gotten into college, by then it is often too late. Scholarships should not be a last-minute concern. While it's true that most scholarships will be gained from the institution that you are going to, it's equally true that you can work to build a portfolio of smaller scholarships that will help you pay for your tuition, books, or housing. Researching and applying for legitimate scholarships takes time and effort. Since many deadlines will be in the fall, the summer is the best time to plan for these scholarships. 5: Enroll in a pre-college enrichment program. While it may be too late to enroll in a pre-college program formally, many community colleges and online schools have dual course schedules for prospective students. There is also an array of online colleges and ancillary college credit programs. 6: Make a plan to visit colleges you’re interested in. You will experience the campus when it is beautiful and quiet. You will also have time to speak one-on-one with students you may encounter, and, in general, professors are not stressed about meeting deadlines. 7: Summer is the best time to figure out who's on your college admissions team. Like many of the tips I’ve listed, time is of the essence. Don’t wait until the school year starts, and deal with the stress of classes, exams, and applications also to build your college admissions team. Now, if you're in a traditional school, the guidance counselor, or college advisor should be on your team. But, whether your student is attending a traditional school or is homeschooled, your team can and should consist of people who know your student well and can speak to their strengths and unique qualities. Start identifying who is helping you, who is going to guide you, and who you will go to for a recommendation. If you haven’t done this, now is the time! ______________________ Cheryl Carter has helped many students get into the college of their choice. Her advice is always practical and strategic. She prides herself on giving parents “the homeschool advantage” college admission advice.  Let’s talk about the dreaded gaps we all fear. I have been homeschooling so long I sometimes forget the fears I battled at the beginning of my homeschool journey. However, somehow, like many of you, as I approached the college preparation process, those fears resurfaced. They gnaw at our confidence and have the ability to unsteady even our best homeschool achievements. Ruthlessly, we open the door of our hearts for these diseased perceptions to poison our perspective when we spend our time thinking about gaps. Our fear of gaps blind us from the reality of any real progress we have made.
I still recall the day we had my son’s graduation party. He was my first homeschool graduate. Frankly, while I was very proud of him. I was a bit nervous. I was nervous because in the back of my mind, although I had worked hard not to be like one of those parents. I wondered would he succeed in college? Sure, he was bright, inquisitive and intelligent beyond his years. More importantly, he knew how to engage different strata of society, in a way that I admired. Yet, I was concerned because he had never written what I considered a viable college research paper. Now, I am a writer. I've shared my knowledge with him, and at that time, he had actually written substantial materials himself. Still, I was worried. Over a medium raw burger with friends, I announced my summer plans for him to write a college research paper. I reasoned this was my last shot to exert some parental influence over his academic life. Looking back, that regret was the formation of my college research writing class because I did not want other parents to fear this gap. But I digress. He flatly refused to do a paper citing his blog work, generous scholarship, which had required, if I recall correctly ten major essays. Moreover, he had served on the editorial board of our homeschool yearbook and a few other publications. Notably, in a role as homeschool leader in our support group, he had composed emails, updated website material, researched material, communicated with a wide variety of people and even taught a coop class. He was right! He knew how to communicate and wrangle with ideas. Likely, because he had been exposed to a wide variety of literature, different types of people and leadership responsibilities, he had learned to form his own opinions. These opinions had grown into his convictions, which he clearly knew how to express, and I might add continues to do so until this day. Further, he knew how to develop ideas, organize his thoughts and argue his points--he had all the skills and given the motivation, such as a paper deadline, he would deliver. Today, he is completing his PhD while working in a very demanding job. Did he have gaps? I am sure he did. I am a flawed individual. I often had grandiose ideas for my homeschool that never quite materialized. I try not to mourn over the dollars spent on unopened curriculum, half-used textbooks and workbooks with just as few scribblings on the beginning pages. I will not mention the homeschool trips not taken, projects not completed and failed science experiments. The reality is, even as I write this, I have to be careful not to invite the dreaded gap parasite to destroy my self-confidence as I share my thoughts with you. How I wished someone would have told me there are no such things as gaps. Any informed person will tell you; you don’t know what you don’t know. All of us have gaps. Our thirst to fill those gaps probably accounts for our overcrowded self-help bookstore sections, online clickbait to encourage web surfing and the bustling adult back-to-school market. In this era of specialization, and homeschool choices, I’d like to see the gap lie finally obliterated. Do we expect a lung specialist to know the intricacies of a high-risk pregnancy? Do we expect the plumber to know how to wire our home alarm system? Do we expect a mathematician to conjugate verbs like a linguist? While we should all have general knowledge of many different area expecting specialty of all educated persons is just not reasonable. Yes, we all should understand concepts and ideas. However, it is unfair to burden ourselves with the near impossible task of pouring knowledge into the heads of our children such that they will never need to seek more knowledge. Knowledge is expansive; it continues to increase. When God formed the universe, He made it to be expansive. Every day, as I walk closely with Him, I discover a new grace. I have learned, although I think I always knew it intellectually, that God delights in helping me overcome my gaps. He is always renewing my knowledge of Him—and letting me know He loves me. I relish in the fact that while I would have given my kids a perfect mother, one who was more consistent and who followed through on every good homeschooling idea she had, but He chose me. He knew my faults—my gaps. Still, He continues to love me and to daily pursue my heart to serve Him. He takes my gaps, the ones I know about, and definitely the one I do not know about and creates a beautiful redemptive mosaic of my life. My love for Him compels me to continually lay my gaps on the altar so He can transform me. More importantly, being aware of my gaps keeps me on my proverbial knees. Knowing my own gaps keeps me humble. While I may have mistakenly endeavored to teach my kids everything, I have. Likewise. encouraged my children to become independent thinkers and learners. To balance this thought, this is not to say we should abandon seeking excellence in our homeschools. Quick the contrary, but we should pursue excellence knowing that God, and God alone, will help us to address the gaps in our kids’ academic lives—and it may not always occur the way we think it will. Our walk with Christ is, after all, not a perfect one because we are not perfect beings. We fall but we get right back up. His love for us is steady, although we may fail Him. He does not look at our gaps. He looks at our successes. We should too! ––––––––––––––––––– Cheryl Carter, when she isn’t over-analyzing her homeschooling missteps, continues to pursue the LORD, who relentlessly pursues her despite her gaps, type A personality and unrealistic expectations of herself. When she is not at His feet, she spends her time homeschooling her middle school sons, lamenting about her homeschool mishaps with her three adult children, all ‘successful’ homeschool graduates, and deliriously loving her husband who still, after 39 years of marriage, amazingly believes she has ‘no’ gaps.  One of the best qualities of homeschooling is that any time is a good time for a new start. Whenever something is not working, you can take a moment and reassess what you are doing. Not only do you have the ability to change, but you can also help prevent the matter from occurring again.
But you do not have to wait until something goes awry before taking action. One of the ways I have found most helpful for me is to spend time thinking ahead of what could possibly go wrong. I know that sounds negative, but what I mean is sometimes as conscientious parents we walk that delicate line between optimism, or hoping for the best, yet, knowing the worst can happen, especially if your child is unpredictable. I work with a wide variety of learners and these suggestions are particularly applicable for some parents of neurodivergent learners. For me, thinking ahead helps me to anticipate problems and seek solutions before I am stressed about a situation. I used to feel guilty about anticipating the worst, but I have learned I can plan more positive days with my child when I gain a strategy for dealing with negative behaviors. Each positive day goes a long way in building wonderful memories for my children and me. As I ready myself for whatever may occur because I want to have peaceful days, I can get thrown into hyper-planning mode. But there are a few steps that must be followed first. First, while we must accomplish our academic goals, it is equally important that we have a neat and organized home. Therefore, I am marrying my academic goals to my household objectives. For instance, I am adding chores, or rather direct supervision thereof, to my homeschool schedule. The ability to follow directions and perform some simple household chores will help them (and ultimately me) to function better. We all perform better in an organized environment. We use a chart so that they remember to do their chores. I also integrate chores in-between schoolwork rather than always before or after schoolwork. For instance, after doing a math worksheet, they take turns sorting the laundry or cleaning their room. Over the years I have found leaving all the chores to before/ after schooling makes jobs more grievous, but if they are done in short bursts, they are less likely to be dreaded by my kids. Second, to foster calm responses, especially from my very-active boys, I have created a space for calm. I am redesigning the calm down corner in my house where a child can go if he feels he is on the verge of becoming dysregulated. The place will have objects that foster calming down, such as stress balls to be squeezed. I also add plastic globes. I use Christmas scene winter globes because they are easiest to find. You may use putty or almost anything a child can use in their hands. The calm down corner is also a place where anyone can go for quiet contemplation. As my kids are now preteens, they prefer making their own playlists of Christian songs and designing their own calm space. They also choose their own fidgets, Third, distractions can happen a lot when your mom is a homeschool leader and work- at-home homeschool parent, so I anticipate attention being diverted during the day, at times. I provide privacy boards for my sons. You can purchase these at your local dollar store or make them yourself. Some of you make have used boards like this for science project boards. Although, I use the wide boards because these boards tend to stand up better on their own. These boards are also especially helpful for children with attention issues. These are simple I personalize the boards with letters, words and bible verses, math facts, etc. for each of the boys. Sometimes the boys like the idea of not seeing one another even though they may be only ten inches apart from one another. Conflict is diminished when each child has what they perceive to be their own space. For a child that is easily stimulated, you may want to use Velcro and black and white lettering. The lettering should be bold though, so it stands out to the child. Fourth, waking my guys up in the morning, as they knock on the door of their teenage years can be frustrating. I used to find myself going upstairs a few times begging my guys to get up and start school. One of my sons always seemed to need a bit of prodding to get up while the other would wake up and then go back to sleep. Finally, I got an alarm clock with a bed vibrator and a large bright number display alarm. The bed vibrator is placed under the mattress (or you could place it under the child’s pillow) of our heavy sleeper who seems to need physical motivation to get up, while the other responds to the alarm sound. The large visual of the alarm clock is reinforcing to both of them. The movement, sound, and bright visual of the alarm gets the attention of my learners who feel empowered because they are waking up on their own. Finally, I am anticipating my homeschool schedule changing, sometimes without notice. I have learned if my kids complete an assignment early, they deserve free time. I do not have to pile more work on them. Sometimes we can discourage our kids with endless assignments once they complete an assignment early. Schools do this when they give kids busy work. We, as homeschool moms and dads, do the same thing when we pile work on our learners just simply because they master a concept or complete a lesson quickly. ––––––––––––––––––––– Cheryl Carter is a former special education teacher, parent, and work-at-home homeschooling mom. She enjoys sharing some of her home management strategies with other parents.  ol advantage” college admission advice.
So you’ve been admitted to the college of your choice, but now you considering the cost. And you realize you need some grants or scholarships. Here are some last-minute places to look: Local scholarships usually have late deadlines; some localities have rotary clubs, lion clubs, women clubs, fraternities and sorority scholarships, and even grants. A lot of high schools have scholarship pages on their websites that you can access even if you do not attend the school. Are you or your spouse a part of a trade union or professional organization? Electricians, laborers, teachers, lawyers, accountants, project managers, travel agents, etc. all have scholarships for their members and dependents. Leverage any and all resources you have available to you! Investigate vocational and professional organizations that sponsor students interest in journalism, computer science, accounting, engineers, etc. A quick Internet search will help you. Visit credible scholarship websites. Here are a few of my favorties:Read “The Ultimate Scholarship Book." It's updated twice a year. It has several thousand scholarship listings. Lots of good advice in the beginning. There are 13 indexes in the back so you can search by race, major and disability status separately. Inquire if your college financial aid office has a scholarship division. Some colleges, especially he bigger ones, have internal and external listings. ______________________ Cheryl Carter has helped many students get into the college of their choice. Her advice is always practical and strategic. She prides herself on giving parents “the homeschool advantage".  College admission season is right around the corner! As your students excitedly sort through their favorite colleges and build their acceptance game plan, they'll need to know about college admission decisions. Each college sets its own application deadline, and the deadline can be different depending on the type of decision a student request. Today I'm sharing what you need to know about the four main types: Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Decision.
Early DecisionEarly Decision is an option for students who have a clear sense of their first-choice school and are ready to apply to a college or university early in the fall application cycle. A benefit of early decision is that students will find out much earlier whether they have been accepted. For this type of admission, schools typically open the application as early as mid-October, and students find out if they have been accepted in mid-December. However, applying early decision should only be done if the individual has done extensive research on the particular school and is certain they can afford the tuition if they are accepted, because early decision is binding. Students accepted through early decision usually must withdraw their applications from all other schools. Early ActionEarly Action is a different option for individuals who have done extensive research on the college or university they are looking to apply to. Unlike early decision, early action is not binding, and a student is still able to apply to other schools and make a final decision by the traditional May 1st deadline; still, they’ll receive the decision earlier in the application cycle. Regular DecisionRegular Decision is a beneficial option for students who want to wait and hear from all the colleges they applied to before deciding. This might also be a good option if a student is weighing multiple financial aid awards. Rolling DecisionRolling Decision is open until all of the slots are filled. This option is helpful for students who take admission exams late or want to wait to apply; however, the student runs the risk that all admission spots will be taken. ––––––––––––––––––––––– Cheryl Carter has helped many students get into the college of their choice. Her advice is always practical and strategic. She prides herself on giving parents “the homeschool advantage” college admission advice.  So it all started last week when I complained on social media about the way my first-year college students used AI to write their papers. Most friends, especially those concerned about education, literacy and standards lamented along with me. I was challenged by some, not surprisingly, concerned and committed homeschool parents who wanted to ensure their children did not fall prey to the clutches of AI dependency, and more importantly the to contribute to the downfall of literacy, to do more than just vent about the issue.
For a bit of perspective, many college students, and from my conversations with other teachers, general education students as well, are adept at using AI to compose essays, research papers, and, dare I say it, even creative writing pieces. Some graduate students even utilize AI. Universities are struggling to catch up with this new technology, and I predict it is just a matter of time before the issue is addressed head-on, much like the technology of Turnitin has deterred college students copying and pasting web articles, books and reports. While we await the implementation of AI detection technology and even after instructors are using it, there are some ways AI can be used to enhance, rather than detract from the writing abilities of students. Here are some ways AI can be a help not a hindrance for students. I will direct my suggestions to homeschool students, as I am. 1- AI can be used to help students brainstorm. Brainstorming is hard for some students especially when students are overwhelmed or underwhelmed with a topic. Brainstorming helps students who do not know what to write, and students who might “think” they do not know what to write. Utilizing an outline feature can jumpstart the writing process for reluctant writers, as well as perfectionist writers who find it hard to begin. I will explain more about how to ethically do this in a future post. 2- AI can be used to quickly familiarize students with topics they know very little about but need to learn about easily. For instance, students might quickly find out about computer programming, and then rewrite the material in their own words. This would require you, the parent-teacher, to have the student turn in the original as well as their original revision. Some AI apps/ software, unfortunately, provide a false statement of the facts so you will have to have some background knowledge of your topic to utilize it effectively. 3- AI can be used to teach students to use scholarly sources in their essays and research papers. Most AI sources are phantom, or nonexistent. Students can learn to utilize Google Scholar and other reputable websites to get genuine sources. 4- AI can be used to help students deliver readability in their writing by taking AI drafts and rewriting them to be understandable by removing unnecessary adverbs and adjectives. AI tends to be overly populated with adjectives adverbs and repetitive sentences. Once students are taught the principles of readability they can revise AI essays. 5- AI can help build vocabulary by having student replace selected words in drafts with vocabulary chosen by you, the parent-teacher. Creating papers and stories using subject words helps to develop vocabulary. 6- AI grammar programs can check for accuracy and identify the kinds of mistakes a student makes. Some AI grammar programs allow students to identify why they made mistakes in grammar. I prefer some programs over others because they systematically address grammar and usage weaknesses. Some of you may already be using Grammarly. 7- AI can help students improve their first drafts and compose final drafts. Once students write their own drafts, they can experiment with various AI writing apps. Rather than running from the AI technology, I am embracing it and you can too, I have integrated some of these tools in my class in my College Prep Writing class because all students should know the ethical way to use AI before college. Mastering AI is easier than you think. Cheryl Carter is a writing coach, professor and concerned parent who wants everyone to tap into the genius of their writing abilities. Her college prep and creative writing classes help students master the writing process. Visit her classes on Cheryl Carter Creative Classroom - Profile and Classes | Outschool https://outschool.com/teachers/CherylCarter  Colleges request letters of recommendation as part of the application package to understand what contributions a student may bring and to gain another perspective on the applicant. Below are essential tips for ensuring students secure strong letters of recommendation. How to Choose a Recommender: For students in public, charter, or private schools, the ideal recommenders are those who know them well and can provide specific examples of their character and achievements. Due to high turnover in some schools, students may have limited relationships with teachers, especially in public and charter schools. In these cases, consider mentors outside the classroom, such as counselors, club advisors, or volunteer coordinators. Letters on letterhead that identify the recommender’s affiliation add credibility to the letter. Homeschool students, too, can find excellent recommenders in homeschool co-ops, community organizations, church groups, online classes, or extracurricular instructors like those for AP, CLEP, or dual-enrollment courses. For homeschoolers, a varied recommendation set demonstrates their commitment and adaptability across different environments. When to Ask for Your LetterIn busy public and charter school settings, teachers and staff are often stretched thin. Students should ask for their letter at least three weeks before the college deadline to give recommenders adequate time. For schools with high turnover, starting early can be particularly beneficial, as students may need to reach out to mentors or past teachers. Following up with a thank-you note shows gratitude and reinforces the student's professionalism, a quality colleges value. What to Give Your Recommender: A “student brag sheet” or resume helps recommenders focus on the highlights of a student’s journey, particularly if the recommender is a teacher in a high-turnover school who may not know the student well. Including specific achievements, strengths, and skills allows the recommender to paint a fuller picture without the need for extensive familiarity. Avoid writing the recommendation for them; instead, provide enough information to make it easy for them to compose a meaningful, supportive letter. Cheryl Carter has guided numerous students through successful college applications, offering strategic, practical advice to give parents "the homeschool advantage" in college admissions.  Overwhelmingly, time and time again, research has shown the ability to write well is key to overall college success. This is no surprise. After all, writing at its core is thinking on paper, and the ability to think and reason is what separates great learners from mediocre performers. Still not convinced? Here are 5 reasons why your student will need to learn how to write before they go to college.
1) High school students write papers that are informative whereas college papers are explorative. College students are expected to be embrace new concepts and expand upon those ideas in their papers. Most high school papers are generally informative. A high school teacher generally assigns learners papers to check for their understanding. For instance, a high school teacher might ask a student to write a paper on the Civil War. The student is expected to regurgitate facts and ideologies discussed in class. A history professor, on the other hand, wants the student to discover new ideologies about the Civil War that were not discussed or explored in class. Furthermore, the student may be asked to research another war and note political, economic or other similarities to the Civil War. 2) High school students write general thesis statements, whereas college students are expected to form solid argumentative thesis statements. In high school students wrote very general thesis statements, if they wrote them at all. Students might write I am going to discuss the way Romeo and Juliet interacted with their families. However, a college thesis is much more specific and directive and really drives the paper. For instance, a college thesis might be: It will be proven that the friar's lack of religious influence caused the death of Romeo. The college thesis should be opinionated and it should be written in such a way that it could be challenged by someone with an opposing view. 3) High school students may surf the web and find sources to use in their paper whereas college professors will only accept scholarly research sources. In high school students googled and used popular sources like magazines, websites and books in their papers. For the most part, if learners did not plagiarize, these sources were accepted as authoritative. College writing, on the other hand, requires the use of scholarly sources. Scholarly sources are research references that are peer-reviewed or an articles or books from an academic publisher. A website has to meet certain criteria to be scholarly. 4) High school students were taught to write in a simple form, whereas college writing requires more invention. In high school most students were taught to write the typical five paragraph essay. This essay generally included an introduction, conclusion and three body paragraphs and each body paragraph elaborated on each point. This was the way most learners prepared for the writing portion of the SAT. In College writing students are expected to write expansively and decipher each point, and the five-paragraph essay just does not meet the standard. 5) High school students write papers using a loose form of MLA or generally no form at all, whereas college professors require strict adherence to form. Students should know how to cite in Modern Language Association (MLA), Association of Psychological (APA), Chicago, etc. The font should always be 12 point. The research within the paper should be cited a specific way. These five areas, if addressed will help learners to write well in college and beyond. Adult learners, especially those returning to school and those taking online classes, often struggle repeatedly with some of these issues. However, once learners master these skills, they quickly transform into strong learners. ______________________ Cheryl Carter has helped many students get into the college of their choice. Her advice is always practical and strategic. She prides herself on giving parents “the homeschool advantage” college admission advice.  With all the buzzwords and new teaching styles floating around these days, you may be wondering what the Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) approach really is and why you should care. Here's the TL;DR: Defining Writing Across the Curriculum WAC is a proven research-based method that develops critical thinking and writing skills. Meaningful Writing communicates a message to readers that compels them to think, feel or act. Unlike other writing programs, this curriculum is both traditional and evidence-based. Implementation is rather simple and is based on the Writing across the Curriculum approach. This writing approach not only produces superior writers, but eclectic thinkers; students who think beyond the obvious, and make connections in literature, learning and life. Many competitive colleges use this model. The Benefits of the WAC Approach Statistically we know, and research confirms this fact, that the one of the greatest measures of a student's success in college is related to his/her ability to write well. In this book students will master the writing process. The goal of this book is to make students master communicators in college and beyond. Quite foundational in nature, this book will help students learn how to approach the writing process on a wide variety of typical college assignments. Reluctant writers and/or disabled writers are encouraged to follow this writing method due to the simplicity of instruction, balanced nicely with the depth of information.  Making a college list can be an emotional time for college-bound families. There are many variables When your student sits down to compose a viable college list. Here's how to get started.
When students choose colleges, they should choose colleges in the following categories:
Including safety schools among a student’s list of institutions enables the student to take chances on also applying to more selective colleges. While these institutions are selective and may provide a great education, students should apply to schools where they feel the fit is right, which will improve chances of admission. Students shouldn’t be afraid to aim for top schools because they feel they may not get accepted; however, keep in mind the costs, including tuition and fees, for each institution, as well as the amount of aid for which students from a similar family income receive on average. Including safety schools among a student’s list of institutions enables the student to take chances on also applying to more selective colleges. While these institutions are selective and may provide a great education, students should apply to schools where they feel the fit is right, which will improve chances of being successful. After building and narrowing the list of colleges and universities, students should turn their attention to the process of applying. The key to a successful application cycle is to stay organized, keep track of deadlines, and seek help or advice when needed. Collegiate Learning enjoys helping young people make college lists that target their academic, leadership and extracurricular achievements so that they can build a strong college list. |
The AuthorA fierce advocate for education empowerment, Professor Cheryl is also the CEO of Collegiate Learning, an academic company that prepares learners for scholastic college success. She has a line of educational books that address ADHD and ELA areas, including writing, vocabulary, critical thinking, reading and writing. Additionally, Professor Cheryl, a personal historian created the innovative personal history initiative, Family-as-Biographers under her Meaningful Moments books and journals. ArchivesCategories |
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