two young boys reading books

Read This Not That: Why Boys Don’t Read

It’s true: Most boys don’t read. Study after study supports the claim that boys are far less likely to read for pleasure than girls. In fact, the 2010 Scholastic Kid and Family Reading Report found that, regardless of race, geography,…
us flag waving against a blue sky

So You Think You Know: The Star Spangled Banner

Many people have forgotten the story of our national anthem – a true shame because it is a uniquely interesting tale. Common Misconceptions About “The Star Spangled Banner”: The song was written during the Revolutionary War. …
tax form 1040 pen calculator

Tax Season

It’s tax season. Accountants are losing sleep and the IRS is gearing up. Tax season isn’t exactly a joyful time for most people, but as the saying goes, there are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. Taxation is not merely…
statue of Paul revere on his horse with a lantern

So You Think You Know: Paul Revere

Listen my children and you shall hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere… We are all familiar with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem recounting the exploits of one of our most renowned patriots, Paul Revere. As such, we all know…
grades on a report card

Skepticism and Education: Why Grade Inflation Places Your Child at Risk

At first, grade inflation was positively received by critics. But now the truth is coming out... The rich always strive to get richer, and the NFL lockout is another perfect example of this: The super-wealthy team owners have opted to end their…
high school students studying math and science

Summer Programs: Building a Stronger Resume in Math and Science (Part 1)

With college admissions processes growing more competitive each year, students and parents are often left wondering: What can I do to create the strongest possible college application? While good grades and test scores were once the primary…
early bird gets the worm

The SAT: Early Preparation is Vital

Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report have unanimously declared Thomas Jefferson High School for Science Technology in Virginia to be America’s best high school. At Thomas Jefferson, the average student scores in the 98th percentile on the…
feet on pavement with three arrows showing three different paths to take

Personalizing the Common Application: Declaring a Major

Last week, we discussed the differences between choosing a major and choosing a school. This week, we will give guidance on whether and how to choose a major on the Common Application. To Declare or Not to Declare? How many seventeen- and…
road sign with the future at the next exit

Personalizing the Common Application: Future Plans

The Common Application (Common App) is an undergraduate college application which allows students to apply to any of 415 participating schools without having to complete numerous lengthy school applications. However, even with the Common App,…