For most kids, a messy desk or a missed deadline is not an uncommon occurrence. Usually, it’s not enough to warrant worry. But as tutors, we’ve realized over the years that starting smart study habits when you’re young and there’s …
We’ve all heard the standard advice: ask early, ask nicely, and provide a resume. But in a landscape where great students are everywhere, a standard “Student A got an A in my class” letter doesn’t move the needle anymore. If …
If you’re a middle schooler preparing for the ISEE or ERB tests, you’ve probably noticed something: the vocabulary is… intense. We’re talking about words like gregarious and pugnacious – words that most 6th graders aren’t dropping on the daily. The …
Big middle school standardized tests like the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) and CTP (aka the ERBs) put a student’s vocabulary skills under the microscope. Some questions require knowledge of absolute vocabulary, like Synonyms and Antonyms, while other questions offer …
Junior year has a reputation for being the pressure cooker of high school, and for good reason. At Mulholland Prep, we often hear the same panicked question from students and parents: “Is it true that junior year grades are the …
Winter can feel like an odd limbo for seniors. The applications are submitted, the essays are done, recommendations are in, and yet the process isn’t finished. Instead, students are left waiting, often with more questions than answers. This post is …
For many parents, “SAT prep” brings up PTSD memories of flashcards. The SAT and ACT test vocabulary very differently than they used to, but a strong vocabulary is still a major advantage on both exams. On the SAT, vocabulary isn’t …
Being waitlisted can feel like the most confusing decision of all.You weren’t admitted. You weren’t denied. You’re… paused. For many students and families, the waitlist brings more questions than clarity:Is this a good sign? A polite no? Should we be …
What are the ERBs? The ERB-CTP (Comprehensive Testing Program), or more commonly referred in schools “ERBs”, are standardized assessments created by the Educational Records Bureau, an organization that works with independent and private schools, as well as some public schools. …
Summer programs can play an important role in a student’s college application, but many of the most impactful opportunities have early deadlines, often between January and March. Below is a curated list of well-regarded summer programs, with brief summaries, deadlines …