By Justin T.
17 Tips for Starting Your College Essay This Summer!
At last, it’s Summer! The summer before senior year is the perfect time to brainstorm your college essay. These 17 practical tips will help you discover authentic stories, develop your voice, and start writing with less stress and more creativity.
By John Morganelli
AP Precalculus vs. AP Calculus AB: How Colleges Evaluate Your Choice
Understand how colleges evaluate AP Precalculus vs AP Calculus AB, including STEM vs humanities expectations, admissions signaling, and how to choose the right math course.
By Katie Miller
NYC High School Admissions: Your Ultimate Summer Prep Guide for Success
By Lisa Speransky
AP Precalculus: What Students and Parents Need to Know Before Choosing This Course
A clear, expert guide to AP Precalculus covering course content, exam structure, difficulty, study strategies, and whether it’s the right choice for your academic goals.
By Raphael L.
How to Prepare for the SHSAT This Summer (7th Grade Study Plan)
When it comes to preparing for the SHSAT, there’s a lot more than reviewing reading comprehension and math skills.
By John Morganelli
The Major Mistake Seniors Make: How Your Intended Major Shapes Your College Admissions Odds
Choosing your intended major isn’t just about academics, it determines your admissions competition. Learn how to strategically select majors in college and improve your chances of acceptance.
By John Morganelli
How to Get Into the Most Competitive Colleges: A Proven 11th Grade Strategy
A clear, strategic guide for 11th graders and families on how to get into the most competitive colleges, covering what admissions officers really look for and how to stand out.
By Katya Seberson
8 Ways You're Wasting Time Studying for the SAT (And What Toyota Can Teach You About Test Prep)
Most students don’t struggle with effort, they struggle with inefficient SAT study habits. In this article, we break down 8 common ways students waste time preparing for the SAT and how to fix each one using smarter, more effective strategies inspired by lean thinking.
By Lisa Speransky
The “No-Studying” SHSAT Reading List That Actually Works
Looking for a smarter way to prepare for the SHSAT? This expert-curated SHSAT reading list helps students build reading, vocabulary, and critical-thinking skills without the stress of studying. Perfect for middle schoolers aiming to improve naturally and effectively.
By Lisa Speransky
Specialized High Schools in NYC
New York City has 9 specialized public high schools designed to serve students who excel in academics and/or the arts. Due to their specialized nature, these high schools have selective admissions processes that involve either an admissions test, an artistic portfolio, or audition. If you’re currently in middle school and live in NYC, it’s a great time to start thinking ahead about your high school plans, and whether applying to one of these specialized high schools makes sense for you.
By Katya Seberson
March 14, 2026 SAT: Difficulty, Curve, and Full Breakdown
The March 14, 2026 SAT was on the easier side overall, with Math slightly easier and Reading/Writing more time-pressured. Early estimates suggest an average to slightly harsh curve. Get the full question breakdown, hardest problems, and student reactions here.
By Lisa Speransky
How to Get into the High School of American Studies at Lehman College
The High School of American Studies (HSAS), founded in 2002, is one of the newer specialized high schools, all of which require the SHSAT (Specialized High School Admissions Test) for admission. HSAS has a special emphasis on history, and with only 400 students, is also smaller than most of the specialized high schools. HSAS provides an amazing opportunity for students to attend a small, completely free high school with a unique curriculum focus. Here’s what you need to know to apply!