How many volunteer hours do high school students need for applications?

There’s no top-secret admissions formula that says, “Hit…

Does volunteering actually help with college admissions?

Totally. Taking a gap year won’t send your college dreams up…

How early should I start preparing my art or music portfolio?

Don’t wait until the night before the deadline to grab a paintbrush…

Should I submit extra work beyond the required portfolio pieces?

Extra pieces? Hmm, unless you’re auditioning for a role as…

What makes a good recorded audition for music schools?

A good recorded audition is like a first date: it needs to be…

How many pieces should I include in my art portfolio?

Ah, the classic “how much is too much?” dilemma. Here’s…

What questions should I ask to evaluate a school’s culture?

Skip the “what’s your average test score?” interrogation…

How do I know if a school is the right cultural fit for my child?

Finding the right school is kind of like dating—you’re looking…

How can school culture impact a student’s academic success?

Spoiler alert: Success isn’t just about smarts—it’s about…

What is school culture, and why is it important for students?

Think of school culture as the school's personality. It’s the…

How does the HSPT differ from the SSAT or ISEE?

While all three—the HSPT, SSAT, and ISEE—are standardized…

What is a good HSPT score?

A "good" HSPT score is often relative to the competitiveness…