An ancient game can help teens prepare for college What if there were a board game that could help teens develop their cognitive skills, build their confidence, and hone their social skills? Good news! There is, and it’s not chess. It’s Backgammon, a game as old as time that is still relevant in an age Read More
Longing for the comforts of home when everything is new and different isn’t surprising, but the depth of homesickness among students on college campuses appears to be rising. According to Christopher Thurber, a psychologist at Phillips Exeter Academy, a boarding school in Exeter, New Hampshire, “about 20 percent of students entering college say they’re bothered Read More
Three!!! Swoooosh!” The crowd roared. The game was on the line, and all those hours practicing three-pointers finally paid off. That moment wasn’t just about scoring points. It was about the confidence, discipline, and determination that basketball gave me. Basketball has always been more than a game for me. It was a pathway to education, Read More
Have you ever thought about pursuing college counseling on a private basis, either as a side hustle, working for a company, or starting your own company? Do you wonder about the pros, cons, practical challenges, and great rewards of this work? If so, please join a candid (and unrecorded) conversation with four IECs who were Read More
Calling 5-12 STEM Educators, CTE Instructors & Current Pre-Service Teachers – Applications are now OPEN for the 2026 LiftOff Summer Institute! The theme of this year’s LiftOff Educator Institute is Moon to Mars: A New Era of Discovery. The program will focus on how NASA, commercial space companies, and research institutions are working together to Read More
Some of your students who may not plan to attend College can boost their wages by getting certified. Recent LiveCareer analysis identifies the top professional certifications that boost wages without the cost of a four-year degree. The full report (including top jobs for each credential) is available here. These seven certifications stood out for offering Read More
Four-year university, community college, gap year or another path? For autistic students, a summer program can provide real-world clues about which direction makes the most sense after high school graduation. A well-run program lets teens practice independence, build social confidence and discover whether they’re prepared for the next step. As a high school counselor, you’ve Read More
Check out this new blog for practical college counseling support. This blog was started by Jeremy Kasten with one simple goal in mind: to make college counseling feel a little more manageable and a lot less lonely. Each post is short, practical, and always includes a free downloadable tool (checklists, templates, meeting guides, etc.). It’s Read More
A strong letter of recommendation can definitely bolster a college application. Unfortunately, too few students understand the importance of this pivotal piece of the college admissions puzzle. The norm seems to be that students wait until the last minute to ask the most popular teacher. What’s wrong with that picture? Just about everything. Teachers, coaches, Read More
Letters of recommendation carry varying weight, depending on the perspective of the college or university and who writes them. Many colleges have limited the number of recommendations they will read. The more selective colleges may ask for one – three teacher recommendation letters and 0 – 3 non-teacher letters. Some colleges specify that they don’t Read More
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