Many students struggle to create their Common App personal statement. Crafting a compelling Common App personal statement is an art form that goes beyond simply recounting achievements or listing accolades. By embracing authentic storytelling, high school students can open a window into their personal growth narratives, capturing the attention of college admissions officers with genuine and relatable experiences. These days, the most compelling essays we see talk about the student's experience with vulnerability. Dive into this guide for practical tips for writing personal statements that resonate with authenticity and passion, ultimately enhancing your chance of admission to your dream school like Jackson, one of our NYC students last year. Connecticut College used his essay on their admissions site  as an example of "essays that worked"! The Power of Authentic Storytelling Authentic storytelling is the cornerstone of a compelling Common App personal statement. It's not just about recounting events: it's about weaving a narrative that reveals your unique perspective and experiences. Crafting a Compelling Narrative Crafting a compelling narrative for your Common App personal statement is an art that requires introspection and creativity. Your story should be more than a chronological account of events, and should reveal your character, values, and aspirations. We always encourage our students to get specific on the value(s) they want to showcase. To help them, we ask questions like: What's the happiest you've ever been? Who was there and what were you doing? What do you get angry about? Why is it so important to you? If you could teach everyone in the world something, what would it be? What do you hope the outcome of this lesson would be? What's the most important trait in a friend? Why is it important? Here are some steps to take when Identify your values. Do you believe that treating everyone with kindness and empathy would solve a lot of problems? Do you want to combat injustice? Is family a key part of your life? Write it in one sentence: "I value patience" or "I value collaboration". Create a narrative around your values by identifying pivotal moments in your life that have shaped who you are. These could be challenges you've overcome, moments of realization, or experiences that changed your perspective. Next, structure your narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use vivid details and sensory language to bring your story to life, allowing the reader to experience your journey alongside you. Remember, authenticity is key. Don't try to write what you think admissions officers want to hear. Instead, focus on telling your unique story  in your own voice. Showcasing Unique Experiences Your unique experiences are what set you apart from other applicants. It's not about having the most extraordinary adventures; it's about finding meaning in your personal journey. Consider experiences that have challenged your assumptions, sparked your curiosity, or inspired personal growth. These could range from everyday occurrences to significant life events. No idea is too small, and remember: every idea you have is useful, either for the personal statement or as a potential supplemental essay topic. Reflect on how these experiences have influenced your goals, values, or worldview. What did you learn? How did you change? When writing about your experiences, be specific and descriptive. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points and avoid generalizations. This approach helps admissions officers connect with your story on a personal level. Student writing a personal statement Key Themes in Personal Statements Successful personal statements often revolve around certain key themes that resonate with admissions officers. These themes provide a framework for showcasing your personal growth and character. Overcoming Adversity Overcoming adversity is a powerful theme that demonstrates resilience, determination, and personal growth. When writing about challenges you've faced, focus on how you responded and what you learned from the experience. Start by briefly describing the adversity you encountered. This could be a personal setback, a family struggle, or a societal challenge. Be honest about the difficulties you faced. Next, detail the steps you took to overcome this adversity. What strategies did you employ? What resources did you utilize? How did you adapt or grow in the process? Most importantly, reflect on the lessons learned and how this experience has shaped you. Admissions officers   are interested in your growth and how you've applied these lessons to other areas of your life. Transformation is key, and these essays need to show a clear "before" and "after". Personal Growth Narratives Personal growth narratives showcase your capacity for self-reflection and continuous improvement. These stories demonstrate your ability to learn from experiences and apply those lessons to future challenges. Begin by identifying a significant moment of personal growth. This could be a realization, a change in perspective, or a gradual development over time. Describe the circumstances that led to this growth. What triggered your transformation? Was it a specific event, a series of experiences, or a gradual realization? Explain how this growth has manifested in your life. How has it changed your behavior, outlook, or goals? Provide concrete examples to illustrate these changes. Tips for Writing Common App Personal Statements Writing a compelling personal statement requires a combination of self-reflection, storytelling skills, and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you craft an essay that stands out. Finding Your Authentic Voice Finding your authentic voice is crucial for creating a personal statement that resonates with admissions officers. Your voice should reflect your true personality and perspective. Start by writing as you speak. Imagine you're telling your story to a friend or mentor. This approach can help you maintain a natural, conversational tone. Avoid using overly formal language or big words just to impress. Instead, focus on clarity and sincerity. Your goal is to communicate your ideas effectively, not to showcase your vocabulary. Read your essay aloud to check if it sounds like you. If certain phrases or sentences feel unnatural, revise them to better reflect your speaking style. Remember, authenticity is key . Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, not a polished version you think they want to see. Practical Techniques for Success Implementing practical techniques can significantly improve the quality of your personal statement. These strategies can help you organize your thoughts, refine your writing, and create a more impactful essay. Start with brainstorming: Write down all your ideas, experiences, and potential topics without judgment. Even the smallest or "worst" ideas can create amazing essays. Create an outline: Organize your thoughts into a clear structure. This will help ensure your essay flows logically and covers all key points. Use specific examples: Instead of making general statements, provide concrete examples that illustrate your points. This makes your essay more vivid and memorable. Show, don't tell: Use descriptive language to bring your experiences to life. Instead of saying you're passionate about something, describe how that passion manifests in your actions. Revise and edit: Write multiple drafts  and refine your essay over time. Pay attention to grammar, sentence structure, and word choice. If you'd like help implementing these ideas into your own writing, email us at info@kingfisherprep.com and we'd be happy to talk to you!

Columbia University Navigating Tuition Models and Financial Aid Higher education policy changes are reshaping the landscape of college admissions and financial aid, presenting both challenges and opportunities for prospective students and their families. With the current administration's reforms, understanding the nuances of tuition models and financial aid allocations is more critical than ever, and over the next year you (and we!) will need to keep careful track of these changes to make the most informed possible college application decisions. These policy shifts not only impact domestic students but also pose unique challenges for international students, who are navigating an evolving federal funding environment. As families strive to make informed decisions about college access, staying abreast of these developments is key to ensuring a smooth transition into higher education. By exploring the implications of these changes, we can better equip students to seize new opportunities and overcome education funding challenges in this dynamic environment. For more information on recent trends in higher education policy, see this comprehensive report from the National Conference of State Legislatures . Navigating Higher Education Policy Changes The landscape of higher education is undergoing significant transformations due to recent policy changes. This section will explore the evolving tuition models and financial aid opportunities that students and families need to understand. Understanding New Tuition Models Tuition models are evolving rapidly in response to policy shifts. Traditional fixed-rate tuition is giving way to more dynamic approaches, reflecting the changing economic landscape and educational priorities. Differential pricing  has become more prevalent, with universities charging varied rates based on factors such as major, course level, and even time of day. This model aims to balance institutional costs with student demand. As university funding sources change, this is a practice that may become more common. Some institutions are experimenting with income-share agreements , where students pay a percentage of their future earnings instead of upfront tuition. This approach aligns the interests of schools and students but requires careful consideration of long-term implications. While this may be a good fit for some students and families, we discourage our students from applying to programs that use this model. Deloitte's recent report  suggests that performance-based funding models  are gaining traction, tying institutional funding to metrics like graduation rates and post-graduation employment outcomes. Decoding Financial Aid Opportunities Financial aid opportunities are expanding and diversifying, offering students more options but also requiring greater savvy to navigate effectively. Need-based aid  remains a cornerstone, but the criteria for determining need are becoming more nuanced. Factors beyond family income, such as geographic location and specific life circumstances, are increasingly considered. Merit-based scholarships  are evolving to recognize a broader range of talents and achievements. Schools are looking beyond academic performance to value community involvement, leadership potential, and unique skills. We highly recommend that our students search out and apply for these scholarships. The rise of micro-scholarships  allows students to accumulate smaller awards for various accomplishments throughout their high school careers. This approach encourages ongoing engagement and achievement. Some of our students have made a big impact on their college tuition bill by cobbling together several of these smaller scholarships. As reported by Nature , STEM-focused aid  is among the most imperiled forms of aid as the current administration continues to cut grants that fund scientific research in universities across the country. Impact on College Admissions The shifting landscape of higher education policy is reshaping college admissions processes. This section examines how federal funding changes and challenges for international students are influencing admissions decisions and strategies. The Role of Federal Funding Changes Federal funding changes are significantly impacting college admissions, altering the landscape for both institutions and prospective students. Shifts in research funding priorities  are influencing which programs universities emphasize in their admissions processes. STEM fields will see changes this year as schools adapt to scientific funding cuts. Changes to federal student loan programs  are affecting how universities approach need-blind admissions. Some institutions are reassessing their ability to meet full demonstrated need for all admitted students. The reallocation of funds  to support vocational and technical education is creating new pathways for students and changing the traditional college admissions narrative. Universities are increasingly changing or eliminating their diversity initiatives  in response to federal policy, as chronicled by The Chronicle of Higher Education , impacting admissions criteria and outreach efforts. Challenges for International Students International students face unique challenges in the current admissions landscape, navigating a complex web of policy changes and global dynamics. Visa restrictions  and changing immigration policies have created uncertainty for international applicants. Universities are adapting their admissions processes to accommodate longer processing times and potential travel limitations. Financial considerations  have become more complex for international students. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates and changes in work authorization policies are influencing students' ability to fund their education. Some institutions are developing innovative support systems  for international students, including virtual orientation programs and expanded cultural integration initiatives. The New York Times reports  that top universities are actively working to maintain their global appeal despite policy challenges, recognizing the value of international diversity on campus. Preparing for Educational Futures As the higher education landscape evolves, students and families must adapt their strategies for college access and funding. This section provides guidance on navigating reforms and overcoming financial challenges. Strategies for College Access Reforms Adapting to college access reforms requires a proactive and informed approach from prospective students and their families. Start by staying informed  about policy changes through reliable sources such as educational associations, government websites, and reputable news outlets. Knowledge is power in navigating the evolving landscape. Diversify your college list  to include a range of institutions with different funding models and admissions criteria. This approach can help mitigate risks associated with policy changes at specific schools. Consider alternative pathways  to higher education, such as community college transfers or gap year programs that align with new policy priorities. Engage with college counselors and admissions officers  early and often. They can provide valuable insights into how specific institutions are adapting to policy changes. Overcoming Education Funding Challenges Overcoming funding challenges in the current environment requires creativity, planning, and persistence. Start early by researching and applying for scholarships well before senior year of high school. Explore work-study programs  and part-time employment opportunities  that align with your field of study. Consider community college  for general education credits before transferring to a four-year institution. Financial literacy  is crucial. Take advantage of workshops and online resources to understand the long-term implications of different funding options. Investigate state-specific programs  and public service loan forgiveness options  that may align with your career goals. Don't overlook smaller, local scholarships  which often have less competition. Consider cooperative education programs  that alternate academic studies with paid work experience in your field. Because the landscape of higher education funding is extra dynamic this year, stay adaptable and be prepared to reassess your strategy as new opportunities and challenges emerge.

Last year, one of our students wrote her entire Common App personal statement about her summer job's drama therapist. She got in early to her first choice, U Penn, and we are SO proud of her. As you gear up for college applications, consider how a summer job can be your secret weapon in standing out from the crowd. Not only does student employment offer a chance to earn extra cash for your education or hobbies, but it also opens doors to valuable work experience for students  that build your resume and boost your college admissions prospects. Imagine spending your summer developing crucial skills like teamwork and time management while exploring potential career paths that ignite your passion. These experiences do more than fill your pocket—they enhance your resume, showcasing a work ethic and commitment to growth that admissions officers and future employers highly value. Let's dive into how summer job benefits can shape your future, offering both immediate rewards and long-term advantages. Unlocking Summer Job Benefits Summer jobs offer more than just a paycheck. They're a gateway to personal growth, skill development, and future opportunities. Plus, they look great on a college application (we always ask our students to include jobs they've had in their Activities section). Let's explore how you can maximize the benefits of your summer employment. Essential Skills Development Summer jobs are a crucible for developing essential skills that will serve you well in college and beyond. These experiences foster practical competencies  that textbooks alone can't teach. Communication skills  blossom as you interact with customers, colleagues, and supervisors. You'll learn to articulate ideas clearly and listen actively, crucial abilities in any field. Time management  becomes second nature as you juggle work responsibilities with personal life. This skill is invaluable when tackling college coursework and extracurricular activities. Problem-solving abilities sharpen as you face real-world challenges. Whether it's resolving a customer complaint or streamlining a work process, you'll develop critical thinking skills that college admissions officers value . Exploring Career Paths Summer employment provides a unique opportunity to test-drive potential career paths. It's like a low-stakes internship where you can explore various industries and roles. By immersing yourself in different work environments, you gain firsthand experience  of what different careers entail. This exposure can help confirm your interests or reveal new passions you hadn't considered. Diverse work experiences  also demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to learn – traits that colleges and future employers prize. Each job, no matter how seemingly unrelated to your intended major, contributes to your overall professional development. Remember, it's not just about finding your dream job right away. It's about discovering what you enjoy, what challenges you, and what type of work environment suits you best. Summer Jobs for Students Boosting College Applications Summer jobs can significantly enhance your college applications, setting you apart from other candidates. Let's explore how to leverage your work experience effectively. Resume Enhancement Techniques Your summer job experiences can transform your resume from ordinary to outstanding. The key is to highlight the skills and achievements that align with your academic and career goals. Use specific language . Instead of "led camp activities for kids," succintly give a detailed description like "led hospitalized kids through improv activities." In fact, that was the subject of the U Penn application we mentioned! Emphasize transferable skills  that apply to your intended field of study. Leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving are valuable in any academic pursuit. Remember to include any awards, recognition, or special projects from your summer jobs in the Awards section. These achievements set you apart and show your ability to excel in a professional setting. Impressing College Admissions College admissions officers look for candidates who demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and real-world experience. Your summer job can be a powerful testament to these qualities. In your application essays, reflect on the lessons learned  from your work experiences. Discuss how these experiences have shaped your goals and prepared you for college life. Highlight instances where you took on leadership roles  or solved complex problems. These stories provide concrete examples of your capabilities and potential. Use your summer job experiences to demonstrate your time management skills. Balancing work with academic preparation shows maturity and readiness for college rigors. Don't forget to mention any community impact your job may have had. Colleges value students who contribute positively to their surroundings. Building a Professional Network A summer job is more than just work; it's an opportunity to start building your professional network. These connections can open doors to future opportunities and provide valuable insights into different career paths. Networking for Future Opportunities Networking is a crucial skill that can significantly impact your future career prospects. Your summer job provides a perfect platform to start building these professional relationships. Start by making meaningful connections  with your colleagues and supervisors. Show genuine interest in their work and career paths. These interactions can lead to valuable mentorship opportunities. Attend company events or industry gatherings  when possible. These settings allow you to meet professionals from various departments or even other companies in the field. Leverage social media platforms  like LinkedIn to maintain these connections. Follow up with contacts, share relevant content, and engage in professional discussions online. Remember, networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships. Offer help or support when you can, and don't be afraid to ask for advice or guidance when needed. Leveraging Connections for Success The network you build during your summer job can be a powerful asset in your college and career journey. Here's how to make the most of these connections: Request recommendations or referrals  from supervisors or colleagues who can speak to your skills and work ethic. These testimonials can strengthen your college applications and future job prospects. Seek informational interviews  with professionals in fields you're interested in. Your summer job contacts may be able to introduce you to experts in various industries. Use your network for career exploration . Ask your contacts about their career paths, challenges they've faced, and advice they'd give to someone starting out. This firsthand information can be invaluable in shaping your own career decisions. Don't underestimate the power of alumni networks . If any of your colleagues attended colleges you're interested in, they might provide insights or even put in a good word for you. Summer Jobs for Students

Reliable Scholarship Sources Last week we talked about scholarship scams; this week we're talking about scholarship success! As we plunge into college application season, we wanted to make sure you had a list of reputable, reliable scholarship sites that can help you find additional sources of funding for your college education, whether you're just getting started or already a few years in. 1. Federal Student Aid ( studentaid.gov ) This is the U.S. Department of Education’s official site. Though many people feel their process is flawed, it's still one of the best sources for aid. While primarily for federal grants and loans, they provide links to trusted scholarship search tools and advice on avoiding scams. Why it’s reliable : It’s government-run and free from commercial bias. Link: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships 2. College Board’s BigFuture The College Board (makers of the SAT) runs BigFuture’s scholarship search tool. They also offer scholarships of their own! The site contains over 2,200 programs offering scholarships, internships, and grants. Remember: high SAT or ACT scores can also help students qualify for scholarships granted by their specific college. For example, CU Boulder uses SAT scores to calculate additional aid packages. Why it’s reliable : Nonprofit organization with a long history in college admissions. Link: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search 3. Fastweb One of the largest and most established scholarship search engines. Fastweb offers custom-matched scholarships based on your profile. We've had students cobble together thousands of dollars in additional funding from the scholarships they applied to here. Why it’s reliable : Used by millions of students; partners directly with legitimate scholarship providers. Link: https://www.fastweb.com 4. Scholarships.com Extensive database with millions of dollars in awards. Allows students to search by criteria like GPA, major, and minority status. Again, we've had students cobble together thousands of dollars in additional funding from the scholarships they applied to here. Why it’s reliable : Well-established, and listings are regularly updated for accuracy. Link: https://www.scholarships.com 5. Each College’s Financial Aid Office / Official College Websites Many scholarships are offered directly through colleges — merit-based, need-based, or department-specific. Why it’s reliable : Directly from the institution offering you admission; no middlemen. Tip : ALWAYS check the financial aid and scholarship page of each college where you apply. As we mentioned last week, be sure to avoid common traps: Never pay a fee to access scholarship information. Be wary of “guaranteed scholarship” offers. Verify sponsors of any scholarship you apply to — cross-check on official sites. If you ever have questions about a scholarship program (especially if it's legit or not), email us at info@kingfisherprep.com and we'll help you research.

Spot and Avoid Scholarship Scams Many of our clients have recently asked us about scholarship scams, so here's a quick primer on common scams and how to avoid them. When in doubt, ask us and we can help you determine if it's legit! 1. They require a "processing fee" or "application fee" Red flag: A scholarship application that requires a payment to apply. Truth: Legitimate scholarships SOMETIMES require application fees, but they should be under $100.  How to Avoid: Only apply to scholarships through trusted sources (e.g., Fastweb, College Board). 2. You "win" a scholarship you didn't apply for Red flag: A surprise email, call, or letter saying you won money, but you don’t remember applying. Truth: These are phishing scams or traps to steal personal data. Avoid: Never give out SSNs, bank info, or pay “release” fees. 3. Fake government aid sites Red flag: Sites that look official but charge to file FAFSA or promise extra aid. Emails that look like they may be from the federal government but seem a little off. Truth: FAFSA is free at fafsa.gov . No legit site charges for it. Fill out and submit your FAFSA ONLY on fafsa.gov . Avoid: Only use official .gov or .edu sites. 4. Essay contests that steal your work Red flag: An “essay competition” with vague details and no listed judges or sponsors. Truth: These can be a front to collect essays for content resale or fraud. Avoid: Stick to well-known contests and check for real terms/conditions. 5. Loan forgiveness scams Red flag: A company says they can "fast-track" your student loan forgiveness—for a fee. Truth: Loan forgiveness is done through official government programs, not private firms. Avoid: Visit studentaid.gov for real info. 6. "Too Good to Be True" Offers Red flag: Huge scholarships with no eligibility requirements, application steps, or deadlines. Truth: These are bait-and-switch or phishing scams, and they can look VERY tempting. Avoid: Look for transparency, deadlines, and requirements. Large scholarships often have a challenging application in order to "weed out" students who don't want to do the work of applying. Again, if you ever have a question about a potential scam, PLEASE let us know so that we can help you research and alert other clients. Email us at info@kingfisherprep.com with any questions!

College Decisions 2025 We’ve got data to share with you! After one of the most brutal application processes we’ve seen (every year it seems to get tougher and more competitive), here’s what we’ve gleaned from analyzing our students’ data, including their test scores, activities, and geographic location. Some students are now thrilled about their safety schools.  They’re usually cheaper, offer more aid, have a “big school” feel, and offer a wide variety of programs. We always recommend that students take their safety schools seriously, and they’re delighted when they get their acceptances back. Our students were also invited into prestigious programs within those schools: one of the reasons we ask both students and parents not to dismiss a school just because they have a high acceptance rate. Wisco was competitive this year.  Very few of our students got in there, even though many considered it a safety school. These same students got into Ivy Leagues, the UCs, and many competitive private schools. All of our students on the Brown waitlist got in. These students were waitlisted in the Regular Decision round, wrote Letters of Continue Interest in early February, then wrote additional Waitlist Letters as soon as they discovered that they were on the waitlist. And it worked in every case! SAT and ACT scores matter.  Overall, our students who submit SAT or ACT scores get into a higher percentage of the schools they apply to. They are also granted much more merit aid (we’ve known this for a few years) and automatically qualify for scholarships at schools like CU Boulder. Personal, anecdotal essays work better than “bragging” essays. An admissions officer at UPenn told one of our students that her personal statement showed not only what she’s capable of, but who is as a person. Her supplemental essays were laser-specific about which programs at Penn she wants to participate in, which convinced the admissions officers to let her in early.  Schools are offering alternative majors or programs. This isn’t new, but it was more common this year: if schools want a particular student but the program they’ve applied for isn’t available, they may offer them a spot in a different major or program. Some students are thrilled; others aren’t. Either way, now they have the information they need to make a decision. We are so proud of the work our students have done.  In this world of ultra-competitive college admissions, we know that the work our students do resonates with admissions officers because our students always get into at least one of their three top-choice schools. While we all know that college admissions are a black box and that luck plays a huge factor, our students  We’re about to make our rounds at graduations in NYC and LA to celebrate with our students, so if you’re in those cities, please let us know! We are so grateful for our students, as well as their parents and families who have supported them throughout this difficult and loooooooong process. There’s so much success to celebrate! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives, and if you ever have any questions (we coach college kids as well!), please email Nathaniel at nathaniel@kingfisherprep.com . "College Decisions 2025: A Recap", written by Nathaniel Dolquist, CEO at Kingfisher Prep

Kingfisher Prep is Sponsoring Runners for RunDisney through Starlight Children's Foundation We have exciting news! Kingfisher Prep is sponsoring runners for this year’s RunDisney events through Starlight Children’s Foundation , and we would love your help to bring happiness to kids in hospitals.  Kingfisher Prep tutors have been volunteering for Starlight for almost a year, and we love their mission. Starlight provides soft Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar-themed gowns so that hospitalized kids can dress up as their favorite characters. They also bring games, child life specialists, and toys to kids all over the country. Because they work directly with Disney, Nintendo, the Ghostbusters, and many other large companies, sometimes they even organize character visits to hospitals! Many of our students have spent time in the hospital, and we know how scary and stressful it can be. It’s our mission to take the stress out of kids’ and parents’ lives, and this is one of the ways we fulfill it. We are helping our runners fundraise money for this year’s Halloween Half Marathon at Disneyland. If you’d like to donate, click here ! We’re trying to raise $800 by the end of June, and don’t forget that donations count as a tax deduction. If you choose to donate or share with friends, our most sincere thanks. You are helping make a difference to kids going through one of the scariest experiences of their lives. Here’s Starlight’s website: https://www.starlight.org/ And the RunDisney website: https://www.rundisney.com/   Thank you so much and we hope you’re having a beautiful spring! Nathaniel and the Kingfisher Prep Team

What Should 10th and 11th Graders Do During the Summer? What should 10th (going into 11th) and 11th (going into 12th) graders do during the summer? Nathaniel Dolquist, our CEO and Head Coach, answers here. 10th Graders It's great to have at least one fun/interesting activity over the summer. Many kids just want to play video games or hang out with friends all summer, but if they can do any type of camp, fun experience, travel, or anything active, I highly recommend it. I'm a big fan of summer camp. I'm an Eagle Scout and went to Boy Scout camp for a decade, then was a counselor there for two years. While many people write their college application essays about some aspect of camp, if it's meaningful to you and you have a personal story from it, it can be one of the most effective experiences to write about! 10th graders can start studying for the SAT/ACT over the summer, but I don't usually recommend they start until about October/November of sophomore year. "Summer brain" is VERY difficult to overcome, and I want kids to have a vacation. There's also math on the tests that many of them won't learn in class until the first semester of junior year! (Algebra II and some precalc) If possible, I recommend that kids DON'T take academic classes over the summer unless they really want to or need to. Summer is such a great time to do other things than school! 11th Graders I beg and plead with my 11th graders (going into senior year) that they try to finish their Common App personal statement before August 1st . It's the most difficult part of the application and takes the longest to finesse, and after August 1st the supplemental essays come out. Then they need to be the priority in order to get as much done as possible before school starts! Most of my 11th graders have several weeks of summer camp, college visits, AND a family vacation planned over the summer. This is great, BUT the more college app work can get done during the summer, the better. I work with every family I talk to to create a specific plan for them so that the student can understand when the deadlines are and why it's beneficial to get stuff done "early." I work hard to prepare my 11th graders to crush the May or June SAT or ACT. While they can study for tests over the summer, "summer brain" will always, always  get to them. I do NOT recommend taking the SAT or ACT during the fall of senior year if it can be avoided. The last chance for seniors to take it is in October. The reason why I ask juniors to work so hard during the summer (with some vacation, of course) is that applying to college is basically a full-time job, and their school teachers are not going to show them mercy in September and October. Most colleges require at least 1-3 supplemental essays, usually 100-250 words. If a student applies to ten schools (about average, though most of mine apply to 12-15 in the end), that's 10-30 additional pieces of writing. Last year one of my students, a high achiever in New York City, was so busy with summer programs that she didn't really get a chance to start on anything until early September. She wanted to apply to a ton of Ivies and worked with me multiple times a week from September until the beginning of January. She panicked in October and had a really hard time writing her personal statement. In the end, she turned in 64 supplemental essays. She just got into Cornell and will likely attend! In contrast, two years ago one of my students finished the personal statement in June. We got to work on the supplementals the moment they were published, and she was done with everything by mid-September. Her mother assured me there was no way she had done the required work. I assured her she had. She got into her first choice school Early Decision and, if she hadn't, would have had another 12-15 applications ready to turn in. DO NOT have your student fill out the Common App itself until early August. It resets every year when it updates and they will lose all their work! While you don’t HAVE to start college applications during the summer, your life will certainly be less stressful if you can. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation to make a summer plan for yourself, email Nathaniel at nathaniel@kingfisherprep.com and we’ll set up a time! #10thGradeStudents #11thGradeStudents #SummerStudentActivities #AdviceForHighSchoolStudents #CollegeApplications #SummerCamp #SAT #ACT #CommonApp #SupplementalEssays #PersonalStatement #CollegeApplicationTutoring #EarlyAction #CollegeAppEarlyDecision #KingfisherPrep "What Should 10th and 11th Graders Do During the Summertime?" - Written by Nathaniel Dolquist, Head Mentor and CEO, Kingfisher Prep.

Ah, the end of the school year: seniors are totally checked out, juniors are (momentarily) regretting their decision to take so many AP classes, and freshmen and sophomores are wheedling teachers about extra credit opportunities. This is the time of the year when we see the most burnout among students. If you’re a parent whose kid is on their last legs, here are some strategies we use in lessons to help them. Helping Kids Through Burnout Seniors: To be honest, this is often a losing battle (few can take up arms against senioritis and emerge victorious), but if a student really needs to keep grades up or finish strong, this is how we help them: Break down any remaining assignments into smaller pieces.  When seniors lose focus, sometimes the only way to get them back is to give them tiny tasks to complete one at a time.  Compartmentalize upcoming tests. It’s hard to study for several tests at once, so we often encourage seniors to dedicate a day to each subject. For example: Monday, study for math and take that final on Tuesday; Tuesday night, study for history and take that final on Wednesday; and so on.  Plan a big reward.  I’ve seen parents use graduation parties, dinner with friends, or even gifts as effective rewards for completing the school year. For reluctant seniors, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel can often help them stagger through the final weeks of high school.  Juniors: Because juniors are staring down the barrel of senior year and often their first AP exams, this can be a time of high stress. Here’s what we have found often works with them: A time of “reduced work” as soon as AP and IB exams are done. Most AP and IB classes take their foot off the gas once the exams are over, and that’s a huge help for struggling juniors. If they’re already committed to taking the SAT or ACT in June that’s fine, but we don’t recommend piling on college application work in May if the student really needs a break. Some type of wellness treatment. 16-year-olds are spry, but they often don’t know their bodies well enough to relieve their own tension after a period of high stress. A massage, spa day, or even just a few walks in the park can help juniors detox their cortisol. This also works well as a reward for getting through a tough season! Sophomores: While sophomore year is generally easier than junior year, sophomores are not immune to end-of-year stress. If they’re not doing well, here are some ideas: If they have any “zeros” in the gradebook, talk to the teacher immediately. Zeros absolutely sink grades, and even getting a 50% on a missing assignment or test can help rescue that grade. Schedule homework or studying before “fun” activities. While many students are aching to go hang out with their friends, if they can finish an assignment before their fun hang-out, they’ll be able to enjoy their “fun time” more and not have to worry about the assignment they have to do when they get home. Our tutors will often help students schedule their homework time for the hour or two immediately after they get home. That way they’re free for the rest of the night. Freshmen: Many freshmen are still reeling from adjustment to high school, even at the end of freshman year. If they’re stressed out, here are some ideas. Same as sophomores: if they have any “zeros” in the gradebook, talk to the teacher immediately. Freshmen often don’t realize how badly zeros hurt their grade, and they may be unaware that the one assignment they forgot to turn in is turning their B into a C. Break down finals and assignments into smaller pieces. Freshmen may not be used to a heavier high school workload, and the number of assignments and tests at the end of the year can feel overwhelming. We’ve found it effective to set specific assignments or tasks each day: finish this math homework on Monday night and turn it in, then work on the English outline after it’s turned in. This can help them focus on one task at a time and start checking assignments off the list. Do you have any tools or strategies that you’ve found effective for helping kids suffering from burnout? If you do, please email us at info@kingfisherprep.com  and let us know; we always want to help as many students as we can! Helping Kids Through Burnout - Written by Nathaniel Dolquist, Head Mentor & CEO, Kingfisher Prep.

If you’re taking the SAT or ACT in April, May, or June, we’ve got some tips for you! This is game time: take practice tests as if they’re the real test. If possible, take them in one sitting so that you can emulate the testing environment. Endurance is a real part of these tests, and you need to train it so that you don’t run out of time and know how to bring yourself back if you lose focus. Any practice is better than none, of course, but recreating the game-day testing environment as closely as possible is, in our experience, the best way to prepare. However, don’t take practice tests blindly. Identify the types of questions you’re still missing (semicolons? Quadratic formula? Author’s main purpose? Graph analysis?) and drill those questions with whatever tools you can find (though we recommend using College Board’s materials if possible, since they wrote the test). Often, students at this point are only missing a few types of questions consistently, and if you can master those, it’s likely that you’ll score higher on the test. We know you love to shoot for a superscore, but please take every section seriously. “Throwing” a section that you already got a good score on is NOT a strategy we recommend. Please take every section of the test seriously. Wouldn’t it be a delight if you scored even higher on a section you already got a great score on? As always, make sure you’re registered and that you’ve got the accommodations you qualify for.  Nothing is worse than discovering the only testing center with slots still open is two hours away. This happens all the time, and we don’t want it to happen to you! We highly recommend that students who train for the SAT or ACT in the spring plan to take their final test in May or June. You CAN take it again in the fall, but for seniors with college application work to do, that’s a lot of extra stress. Try to knock it out now so that you never have to worry about it again! If you need help on the test, email us at info@kingfisherprep.com  and we’ll set you up with a coach who can identify the areas you’re struggling in and teach how to conquer them. "Standardized Testing Tips: Taking the SAT or ACT in April, May, or June" - Written by Nathaniel Dolquist, Head Mentor & CEO, Kingfisher Prep .

It’s April! It creeps up every year, and it’s the month when we start meeting with our college application students in earnest. We’ve had students finish their entire personal statement in April before, though it’s more common that they finish it in June or July. Here are five important points we’re telling our students and parents to keep in mind over the next few months. College Application To-Do List Get started on the personal statement.  The personal statement prompts are usually released in February each year, so you can start working on it as soon as they’re official! Most of our students start working on the personal statement in April, with the caveat that prepping for the SAT/ACT and AP/IB exams is more important at this stage. Remember: any brainstorming you do will help you generate ideas not just for the personal statement, but for all the supplemental essays! Develop a plan for the summer.  If you’ve got internships, a job, a program, or vacations planned, that’s great! Just be sure to set yourself some realistic goals about how much college app work you’ll be able to do during that time. We recommend that you try to have your personal statement and Activities section done by the end of July so that you can focus on the supplemental essays once they come out on August 1st. Keep that in mind so that you’re not working on everything in August if possible! Do NOT fill out the Common App yet.  The Common App resets around August 1st every year (though sometimes earlier) to incorporate updates and post colleges’ new supplemental essay prompts. You can work on the personal statement and Activities section outside the Common App, but don’t fill out any boxes on the actual site until this update takes place or you’ll lose your work! Make plans for college visits.  If you’re visiting colleges over the summer, make sure your travel plans are set (flights and hotels will only get more expensive!) and that you have a strategy for what you want to see at each college. If you want to audit classes, remember that it’s the summer term so those classes won’t be fully representative of what classes there look like. If you want to see something specific, like the Architecture majors’ workspaces, the theater, the sports facilities, the labs, or the libraries, reach out to the admissions office to make sure they’re available. Many colleges perform renovations or maintenance during the summer so some spaces might be closed. Be honest about your commitments between now and October, when the ED/EA applications are due. Where some of our students get in trouble is that they say they’re going to do work over the summer but then… they don’t. Often this is because they think they’ll be able to work on vacation or during one of their summer programs, but most of the time that’s not realistic and we want you to genuinely and deeply enjoy those experiences. With a little planning, you can get yourself ahead and take a TON of stress out of this process. The more you do now, the less you have to do later! In April, we recommend that students focus primarily on prepping for exams and earning the highest grades they can in class, but if they have the bandwidth, it is indeed time to start this process. If you have any questions about this list or want to set up a consultation, email us at info@kingfisherprep.com . We hope you have a marvelous spring! #CollegeApplications #CollegeVisits #Education #CommonApp #CollegeAppPersonalStatement #IvyLeagueSchools #StateCollege #CommunityCollege #HighSchoolSenior #TipsForStudents #KingfisherPrep "College Applications: April To-Do List" - Written by Nathaniel Dolquist, Kingfisher Prep Head Mentor and CEO

Parent Questions Answered: Demonstrated Interest This week I got an excellent question from a parent as her junior preps to visit colleges over spring break. “Should we be emailing professors or trying to get people at the admissions office to learn [my student’s] name while we’re visiting schools over the next few months? How much research should she do before visiting each school? She’s been so busy that she hasn’t had any time.” What I tell my families about this part of the process (school visits and reaching out to professors) is that it's better to reach out only if the student is very prepared and has a specific question to ask. The vast majority of the time professors don't have any say in admissions: the reason for reaching out should really be to clarify specific opportunities at the school/has a specific question. "Demonstrated interest" is better shown through going to talks/info sessions sponsored by the college! This past year one of my students had a massive panic attack (not exaggerating here) because, as she was applying to UPenn, another girl from her school reached out to a professor and the professor liked her so much that he wrote a letter to the admissions committee for her. And she still didn't get in, while my student did! It's totally understandable to want to give a student every possible advantage during the process,  but this actually isn't the best way to leverage that: better to visit the school in a happy, relaxed state of mind, dreaming of going to school there and auditing a class or two, than to try to craft a perfect question for a professor before the application is in. If a student applies to a school but gets deferred, or gets into several and is trying to decide between them, then consider reaching out to professors, but again, only with specific questions. Because then we have leverage and something to talk about! As far as researching schools goes, not a single one of my juniors has had the brain space to dive into that process yet: everybody's sick or studying for the SAT and AP exams right now. If you haven’t done this yet, you’re not behind! What I would recommend is, if you’re taking a trip to visit schools, at least try and get a sense of each school from their website before you go. And take lots of notes when you’re there: they all blend together after several visits! Some students do book sessions with me in spring of junior year to help research schools, which helps the process go much faster and allows me to show them how to dig into college websites, but it’s not strictly necessary. Just take good notes on the schools for me so that you have something to write about for the “why our school” supplementals! "Parent Questions Answered: Demonstrated Interest"