Logical Fallacies: The Uses and Abuses of Straw Men

I have a friend who likes to tell me about disagreements he has with others. When he tells me about his arguments with his friends, family, or coworkers, he likes to discredit the other side by ventriloquizing his opponents in a baritone and belligerent voice, his mouth drooping, his eyes wide so as to really make it clear: this person who disagreed with me is a dope…

Read More
Social Media and College Admissions

Yep, colleges admissions officers are potentially looking you up on Google, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn and any other online platforms where you may have a presence. Surprised? Don’t be. The internet is thoroughly woven into the fabric of modern society, allowing immediate access to infinite information. Why wouldn’t admissions incorporate that access into their work? A quick search can yield potentially valuable information, so let’s explore ways in which you can ensure your social media presence helps instead of hurts your admissions candidacy.

Read More
How to Develop Positive Relationships with Your Teachers

Sometimes being a student can feel a little more like being an audience member in a show you’d probably rather get a refund for, except that you can’t because you’re mandated by law (and probably your parents) to be in class five days a week where you are expected to pay attention, complete assignments, and pass tests. It sure can feel like you don’t have a lot of freedom. But actually, you do. 

Read More
Study Strategies for Final Exams

The end of the school year is rapidly approaching, and exams are on the horizon. Final exams. AP exams. SAT and ACT exams. With so many impending tests, it is important to prepare yourself for success. Remember, your GPA is one of the most significant factors in college admissions, so take control in these last weeks of school. Here are some study strategies and techniques to ensure you can perform to the best of your ability.

Read More
How to Approach the Fiction/Literature Passage on the SAT & ACT

The first passage on both the ACT and the SAT Reading tests is the fiction/literature passage. For some students, the fiction passage is the most interesting one on the test because it offers a change of pace from the others, which tend to be fact-based and straightforward. However, when teaching these passages, I often hear collective groans from my students because many of them fail to grasp what actually happens within these stories. To reduce confusion, here are some suggestions on how to approach fiction and literature passages on the ACT and SAT:

Read More
Making Summer Count for College Applications

Now that spring is officially underway, it’s time to start thinking about and planning for the summer. While summer can offer a nice reprieve from school, it also offers boundless opportunities to bolster your college applications. Ideally, you want to use the summer months to pursue and deepen your passions and potential career interests. When it comes time to fill out your college applications, these experiences can demonstrate initiative, dedication, and responsibility. Here are some potential avenues to explore for the summer…

Read More