Setting Goals

Back to Basics: Our Organizational Workshop

loading… How It All Started  It seems straightforward for anyone who has worked with middle school or high school students. Perhaps you’ve seen a backpack full of crumpled papers, or a student so overwhelmed with different short- and long-term assignments and expectations that they shut down. Put simply, students who aren’t able to organize, prioritize, … Read more

Advising 101: Getting a Jump Start on Your Common App Activities List

loading… Sharing interests, hobbies and extracurricular activities can be nerve-wracking, especially since the Common Application’s ‘Activities’ section offers ten spots with very short descriptions. In our office, we suggest students create a log beforehand so they can work through their descriptions. For those students also applying to the University of California schools, a thoughtful activities … Read more

Advising 101: What Are Admissions Officers Looking for in College Essays?

loading… When working with students on the college application process, we see personal statements and supplement questions as an *incredible opportunity* for students to showcase their unique background, perspective, and interests. Over the years, we’ve had so many students become excited about their essay topics, and craft compelling statements on why they want to attend … Read more

The Underlying Stress of Passion + Purpose for Students

loading… Last week, I had a high school senior in my office for a college advising appointment. A few minutes into the meeting, she blurted out, “I am so stressed! I don’t know what my passion is!!!” Please note: I had not asked her to identify her passion, her sense of purpose, or anything related. … Read more

Advising 101: How to Start Generating Ideas for Your College Essays

loading… Depending on the time of year, it might seem too early to start writing college application essays, but it can always be a great time to start generating ideas by jotting down experiences that have resonated or have been meaningful. At Green Ivy, we focus on finding ways to support students in their overall … Read more