If I am studying for an ACT, SAT, AP, GRE, GMAT, ISEE, or LSAT test, what can I do to maximize my score?
First of all, you have to study for whatever test you are going to take. It’s not usually a good idea to go and take a test if you have not studied first, for many reasons. It’s important that you understand the nature of the questions and the various strategies that work on different types of questions. Always remember that there may be 25 ways to solve a problem, but you want to find the fastest route to the answer for YOUR BRAIN. Solving a problem one way might be faster for another test taker, but not for you.
If you need some help navigating the world of standardized tests, feel free to reach out and schedule a meeting with me.
What’s the best way to figure out if a school or degree program is right for me or my child?
There’s no one answer to this question. My best advice is to consider as many factors as possible, to include but not limited to: class size, campus, programs of study, community, events, preferences of faith, teaching styles, study-abroad opportunities, student learning resources, lifestyle, location, weather, living arrangements… you get the idea. Also, you might want to plan a trip to visit a school before you respond to offers of admission. Because no matter how much you read about a school online, experiencing it in person can really help you grasp the real-life environment.
Let me know if you need help examining the schools and programs that are right for you!
How do I get started working on my academic goals with Carolyn?
You can call or email me directly or complete the contact form and I will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
PHONE: (760)704-9226
What does ‘Holistic Academic Development’ mean?
This phrase refers directly to my approach in helping people identify the appropriate academic path for them. For example, when evaluating a prospective school or degree program, I examine factors that go beyond indicators such as a student’s GPA or test scores. I help students find the right fit for them by examining their situations holistically, to include factors such as preferred learning styles, life experiences, personality, past learning histories, personal interests, hobbies, learning differences, favorite subjects, professional intentions, and identity, just to name a few.
If this approach resonates with you, feel free to reach out and contact me to start working on your academic goals.
To which schools have your clients been offered admission?
You can find a comprehensive list of schools my students have been accepted to here.
Let me know if you need some help assembling a list of prospective schools and programs!
How do I know which teachers/professors to ask for letters of rec?
Of course you want to ask teachers who like you, but what if all your teachers like you? The answer is this: it could be beneficial to have letters of rec from teachers who have taught you curriculum that aligns with your chosen areas of study. For example, if you are applying to a STEM program, you might want to start by asking your STEM teachers for letters of rec. If you are applying to a visual arts program, you might want to start by asking any of your art teachers.
Let me know if you need some help strategizing your letters of rec!
My GPA and test scores are lower than the average GPA’s and test scores at my top choice schools. Should I still apply to them?
Keep in mind, the average GPA’s and test scores at a college or university are just that: the average. That means there are plenty of people whose GPA’s and test scores are both lower and higher than the average. You still might want to apply, but making sure to apply to various schools and programs is critical. You never know which school is going to offer you admission, so it’s best not to focus all your expectations on just one or two schools. If you need help putting together your list of prospective schools and programs, let me know!
What should I write about in my personal statement and college essays?
There is no right or wrong topic when it comes to a college essay. Of course, 1) You need to make sure you actually answer the prompt— if there is one. 2) you need to make sure whatever you write about showcases your skills, academic plans, personality, priorities, professional intentions, or whatever you want to share!
If you’re feeling lost or simply don’t know where to start, I’m more than happy to help you with this!
How do I find the right part-time job or internship while I’m in school?
First, we need to evaluate what kinds of skills you want to learn that will align with your chosen directions of study. Then we can take it from there! Let me know if you need some help with this process!
Should I take the ACT or SAT?
You can take either one, no matter where you want to apply to college. These tests can be taken (and are accepted) in the United States, Canada, México, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia. It is important to understand that the ACT and SAT tests are different, and it is possible that you might naturally be better at one or the other. Need help figuring out whether you are better suited to the ACT or SAT? Contact me, and I can help explain the differences between the two tests and provide insight as to which might be best for you.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
I have only taken a few AP courses. Can I still gain admission to a competitive college program?
Of course, you can! Keep in mind, the idea is to be well-rounded in order to deepen your understanding of the directions you want to take your studies. If you’re spending all your time taking every single AP class that your school offers, you might not have time to focus on anything else! It’s important to pursue things that actually interest you, such as part-time jobs, internships, extracurricular activities, sports, volunteer opportunities, travel, whatever you want! Also, it’s important for you to know that there are plenty of high schools out there that don’t even have AP courses. AP courses alone will not define your ability to gain admission to the colleges of your dreams.
If you need some help choosing your high school or undergraduate coursework, or maybe you want to find some activities or internships that speak to your interests, just reach out, and I’ll be happy to help you.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
I have a 2.0 GPA, and I’m worried I’m not going to get into college at all. What should I do? Should I still submit my applications?
Absolutely, yes! The reality is, there is a college or university program out there for everybody. There are even colleges and universities that admit students who did not graduate from high school and have alternate education credentials, such as a GED or community college coursework. If you need some help finding colleges and degree programs that might be right for you, feel free to contact me.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.