While the hybrid model of learning in these days of the pandemic is intended to maximize safety and educational effectiveness, we've had a number of parents speak with us about technology challenges -- while nothing is ever without wrinkles, even with robust planning schools are having significant tech troubles. Everything from systems shutting down, to audio/video issues, to user error (either teacher-side or student-side) - at no fault of anyone's and we are all in this same new boat together - is causing increasing levels of stress and anxiety from parents. Is my student progressing properly? Is my student engaged? Is this to be a pandemic-slide (much like a 'summer slide')?

The domino effect that then occurs is two-fold:
(1) teachers have an increased workload in troubleshooting technical difficulties, planning for both in-person and online lessons, as well as communicating more often with families.
(2) parents - whether working remotely at home, or now once again commuting - have that cloud of confusion and frustration hang over them in their working hours: Is my child on the correct pace for this academic year?

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to the LAC team! Experts in the remote learning world, we are readily available to provide guidance, troubleshooting, and academic support!

The SSAT/SAO organization itself actually doesn't allow for super scoring -- via their platform students and families can only send complete score reports.

Super scoring is reviewed and allowed on a school by school basis. Schools - though not all - will do a 'super score-esqe' task, utilizing the high scoring sections from multiple tests. Especially given the pandemic, we would want to contact each school's admissions office separately to inquire as to if they will be super scoring this year.

That said, we always work with our students to show tests (ie. two or three attempts) regardless.  Showing the work enables a truer 'snapshot' of the student's work...and allows the schools to super score if able. Showing the effort, and improvement (fingers crossed), is always valuable for schools to see!

Questions on the SSAT? On boarding school admissions? Do not hesitate to contact us!

As a high school student (or as a college student) you may find yourself having to create a resume but then wondering: What should go on it? But what if I have limited work experience? How do I organize it?

With potentially little work or 'real life' experience, it can be difficult to know how to organize your resume or even what to include.  Be sure to focus on your education first and foremost, as well as any volunteer, part-time and extracurricular experience -- from there you'll be able to develop a great resume that will stand out to an employer.

The overall employment rate for high school graduates is expected to grow by 5% from 2016 to 2026, so you'll have to have something generated for yourself. The best part? Once you have a great resume started, you'll always be able to add onto it as you gain valuable connections and experience!

For more detailed tips and guidance on writing a high school resume, check out our friends at ResumeBuilder.com! This site is the premier resource for job seekers. Their goal is to help you beat the other candidates by providing you with the information, machine learning tools, and guides you need to build the best resume possible. The Resume Builder team believes that landing a job and building the perfect resume should be simple. and that a poorly written resume should be the last reason for not getting the job that you want. 

Get started by checking out their 'High School Resume Examples' by clicking here.

Adding your experience and knowledge to your college application? Need guidance? Don't hesitate to contact the LAC team today by clicking here.

On October 1st, current and prospective college students and their families can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), for their share of federal student aid (including grants, loans and work-study) for the 2021-2022 school year.

Keep in mind that colleges and universities often distribute student aid funds on a first-come, first-serve basis in order of when students complete the financial aid applications.

To that end, we anticipate that this year it will be more important than ever that students complete the FAFSA sooner rather than later as the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to lead to an increased need for financial aide.

Questions on the FAFSA? The LAC team is here to help! Contact us by clicking here.

(1) Take quality notes! Be thoughtful, write in your voice own words, read and review the text.
(2) Ask questions! It's your grade, your class -- don't hesitate to ask when you don't know something!
(3) Be an active participant! Listen, engage, and speak up. You will remember things when you immerse yourself.
(4) Don't fall behind in assignments! Procrastination is the enemy of success. Build good habits, be timely, and act with purpose.

Questions? Don't hesitate to contact us to see how we can best help you on your educational journey!

We've had a number of families reach out to us wanting a set of questions for upcoming boarding and prep school virtual open houses.  For open houses, information sessions, or with any school communications and correspondences, aim to ask questions like:

• How has the school's vision (or mission statement) changed or been altered in light of the pandemic?
• How - if at all - has the community of the school been changed or altered? 
  • ...for both, as a follow-up: What positive steps have been taken? Forward progressions? Silver linings?
• What does your model student look like?
• How do you determine if a student is a good match for the school and community?

• What are your curriculum standards? Teaching style? (And consider in light of how your child learns best)

• What is the student-teacher ratio of typical classes? Do your teachers have a focus on individualized learning?
• What tutoring, academic supports, etc. are available? (This should include writing centers and guided study halls)
• Can you explain advisory roles and advisory groups? (if applicable)

• What is student like like at the school? Do students have community-building exercises/activities?
• Can you describe the artistic/athletic experience? How are students encouraged, challenged, and guided to being their best in that setting?

These inquiries, along with the other questions you may have already considered, should help to paint to further paint the picture of your son or daughter's fit with a particular school!

Have additional questions, comments, or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us!