Testing Stress: The importance of keeping perspective at home
High stakes testing can generate a top of anxiety in students - keeping perspective at home is essential.
top of page
Stress Free Scholar Blog
Search
Dr. Thom
Sep 18, 20207 min read
The Admissions Factory: How political marketing changed college admissions forever
The reason college admissions has changed so much in the last several decades has more to do with politics than you ever knew.
91 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Sep 11, 20204 min read
Fall 2020 And COVID-19: Reports from campus and how to plan for college in a new era
We are nearly one month in since move-in at most colleges and universities across the United States. Here is what we have learned so far.
17 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Sep 4, 20203 min read
How to Extracurricular: Common App Activities Charts Explained
Trust us when we say that colleges DO NOT expect you to have a huge list of activities, but they do want you to be clear about what you do.
847 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Aug 28, 20204 min read
Better Questions to Ask on a Campus Tour
A good college campus visit comes down to asking thoughtful and good questions - even if those questions are spoken through a 2-ply mask.
129 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Aug 21, 20203 min read
The Rise of the Luxury Residence Hall
Remember what your first dorm room looked like? Things have changed as universities compete with private companies to out-luxury each other.
57 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Aug 14, 20203 min read
Finding the Best Fit College: The power of “must/can’t”
Figuring out which colleges (or restaurants for that matter) to investigate without all the stress requires an unexpected first step.
433 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Aug 7, 20204 min read
What the Heck is Test Optional Anyway?
We’ve been getting a ton of questions about what test optional means if you have a high school student approaching the college search.
41 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Jul 31, 20202 min read
What NOT to Submit to an Admissions Office
What is the craziest object that anyone ever submitted to an admissions office in support of their application? We'll tell you.
103 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Jul 24, 20202 min read
Ten Tips on Getting Great Letters of Recommendation
As more schools move to test optional in this next admissions cycle, letters of recommendation are likely to increase in importance.
99 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Jul 10, 20203 min read
The Gifts of Eighteen Summers and the Importance of Senior Year
Eighteen summers. That’s how many most of us get with our kids. How we choose to spend that time is way more important than any college.
72 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Jun 26, 20203 min read
What Does it Really Mean to Stand Out in Your Application?
What would make your application stand out and really connect, given the pile of files into which your application will sit?
54 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Jun 19, 20203 min read
Why Students Should Stop Asking What Colleges Want
One of the most common questions we are asked is: "What would College X think of [insert decision]? Here's why that is the wrong question.
32 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Jun 12, 20202 min read
Application Fear: Do it anyway
Really putting yourself out there in your application is scary - it always is. Do it anyway.
19 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
Jun 5, 20202 min read
A message to our community: We stand for equality
We want to be a part of the solution, a resource, and a safe place for conversation and reflection. We invite you to join us.
17 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
May 29, 20202 min read
How to Get Your Student to Take the Lead in their College Search
Recently, my 14 year old son asked me for advice on college. But he added something that stopped me in my tracks.
42 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
May 22, 20203 min read
An Open Letter to the Class of 2020
This was supposed to be your year, and in a way, it still was. You found ways move forward and because of that, you're ready for big things.
25 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
May 15, 20205 min read
Couch Surfing College Search: What Happens in the Fall
There is a ton of uncertainty in the college admissions process right now. Here's how you can stay positive and sane through it all.
15 views0 comments
Dr. Thom
May 8, 20202 min read
How to Really Help Your Student Apply to College
It's tempting to want to help your student with all of the minutiae of the college search, but you have to know the boundaries first.
8 views0 comments
Bridget Williams Golden
May 1, 20205 min read
Guide to Dual Enrollment: Buy One, Get One Free?
Dual enrollment is like a "buy one get one free" offer to high school students. Here's our guide to everything dual enrollment.
24 views0 comments
bottom of page