Tagged: Summer

Make summer break count!

June 11th, 2019

Summer is finally here! Go ahead, relax. Daydream. Enjoy some downtime, which you deserve after all your hard work this school year.

There is such a thing as too much downtime, though, so how can you find the right combination of constructive activities and relaxation? Balance is the key during summer months.

Students still looking for summer ideas can find many valuable experiences that can shape good workers, learners and people. Summer break is the perfect time to delve deeper into your passions, things you don’t necessarily have time to explore deeply during the school year.

Today, we share an article written by Lee Shulman Bierer, a fellow educational consultant. Her article may help you find wonderful ways to fill summer break openings with meaningful activities that can benefit you in the long run.

Article written by Lee Shulman Bierer for College Admissions Strategies

Perhaps you’re not one of those super-organized, type-A people who firmed up their summer plans last January. And, right about now you’re finding yourself with more than a little free time this summer. Don’t worry, you’re not alone and the best news is that there are still some good options out there.

What’s the best way for high school students to spend their summer?

You might be surprised when I tell you that relaxing and having some fun is near the top of my list. But, let’s be clear, it isn’t the only thing on my list. Students should dabble in some type of career experience; it could be job-shadowing at an orthodontist office, interning with a physical therapist, volunteering on a local political campaign or at an animal rescue shelter or tutoring neighborhood children in reading or math. Don’t wait until the summer before senior year to do this, this is great advice for rising sophomores and juniors too. One of the objectives of the summer break should be to test the waters and try to figure out what career fields or college majors might be of interest.

Tagged: Boarding school, College, High school, Opportunity, Summer

Words of wisdom to all graduates

May 28th, 2019

Graduation season is in full swing! The sacred tradition of the graduation ceremony is an opportunity to honor each graduate and share one last bit of advice through a commencement speech. Colleges and universities with big name celebrities often garner the most attention for their commencement speeches, and this year is no different.

Time’s list of best commencement speeches in 2019 is full of inspiring and powerful commentary by notable celebrities. These speeches provide a valuable message to each person, not just the college graduate but also high school graduates, younger high school students and working professionals, too. We hope you’ll take a moment to read and get inspired, and we congratulate all of our graduates on reaching this significant milestone. What a pleasure it has been to see so much growth and accomplishment!

Article linked below from TIME, published on May 21, 2019 by Mahita Gajanan

Graduates at universities and colleges around the United States are wrapping up the academic year, preparing to face a new era of life. As part of that tradition, celebrities, politicians, athletes, CEOs and artists are offering a range of life advice in commencement addresses.

Here are some of the best moments and words of wisdom from commencement speeches in 2019.

Robert F. Smith: ‘We’re going to put a little fuel in your bus’

Ready, Set, Go: finishing the year strong

April 30th, 2019

Warm weather is bringing about much excitement in the Bluegrass. As flowers bloom and Derby Day nears, we know that summer will soon be here.

With celebrations and year-end activities being planned, it can be challenging to maintain plenty of energy for the final weeks of the school year. Don’t let that end-of-the-year fatigue set in! Consider the school year a marathon, not a sprint – do you really want to slow down and walk across the finish line? Or would you rather push yourself to finish strong? Remember your long-term goals and how important your academic success is to achieving them.

Students at all grade levels can still make the most of the remainder of the school year. Yes, even seniors who have college plans secured should strive for their strongest finish yet. With the right effort, you can keep it all together through this home stretch. Summer will be your near-term reward.

When thinking of ways to encourage all of you to finish the year with a flourish, an email surfaced in my inbox. Jim Siverts, a retired business owner, sent a link to his exceptional website built to help college students manage their time effectively. His site helps students create a solid study plan, which can increase success dramatically. We think it may also be a great tool for high school and middle school students, and hope you’ll give it a try. The best part is, the web version is free and there could soon be a mobile app version. If you’d like to learn more, visit Siverts’s website: www.howtostudyincollege.com.

Tagged: Boarding school, College, Graduation, High school, Summer

Make the most of your summer

February 5th, 2019

The recent warm-up after a bitter cold spell has me thinking that now is the perfect time for students to think about summer plans!

The long break from school provides a perfect opportunity to explore your interests more thoroughly. Nothing matters more than a student’s growth during the high school years and by making great choices with curriculum, extracurricular activities and summer engagement, you can become a stronger and more compelling individual. A great bonus: you’ll also become a stronger and more compelling college applicant.

I want to share an article from The Princeton Review titled, 14 Summer Activities to Boost Your College Application. Now, while I can’t promise that each of the items listed will “boost” your college application, I do know that having fun while also working on self-growth is a win-win.

Article referenced below from The Princeton Review

Did you know summer activities can push your college application to the “yes” pile?

Colleges want to see that you are committed to extracurriculars throughout the school year, but they also love it when you are making the effort to expand and stretch yourself over summer vacation. What you do with your time can help you stand out from other applicants who have similar test scores and GPAs.

What Should High Schoolers Do Over the Summer?

Your summer vacation is the perfect time for college prep and to explore potential careers. All summers in high school are important, especially the summers after sophomore and junior year. Check out these summer activity ideas that are fun, creative, and will make admissions officers take notice.