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!
As an undergraduate student, when should I start thinking about where I want to go to graduate school?
It’s never too early to start thinking about where you might want to go to school after you finish your undergraduate degree. Researching prospective graduate programs while you are completing your undergraduate degree might also help guide your undergraduate course choices. It’s always a great idea to meet with your professors and inquire about their graduate study choices and academic paths. This can help you understand more about the options for your chosen areas of study. Also, if you need some help with this, we can do some graduate program exploratory work together! Just reach out and contact me to set up a meeting.
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.
How do I know if a graduate program is right for me?
There are many ways to do this. However, one very useful way to find out if a graduate program is right for you is to email professors and program directors. Introduce yourself and share your preferred areas of study. See what they have to say. Ask them any questions you may have. Perhaps they are engaged in research projects that align with your preferred areas of study, or maybe there is a professor who specializes in your preferred areas of study.
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.