high school

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

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 list … Read more

Conversations and Resources for Horrific Tragedy

There were 346 school shootings in 2023, which is the highest total on record since at least 1966. This senseless violence can be impossible to comprehend, and it can feel impossible to put feelings into words. Gun violence, while immense,  is just one of the many fears students may carry with them when entering school. … Read more

The Underlying Stress of Passion + Purpose for Students

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. I … Read more

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

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 writing … Read more

A Letter To Recent High School Graduates: Tips To Support A Smooth Transition To College

Hello hello! Congratulations on finishing high school! Graduation can be bittersweet, and you’ve worked hard to reach this milestone, so take some time to celebrate. As you head into summer, it’s important to take care of a few tasks to prepare for your next chapter. We want to share five tips to help you set … Read more

How to Study for Tests

Test. The word itself is heavy enough to make your eyes roll, and your shoulders slump. After months of learning new content across five or more classes, it can feel overwhelming to stay on top of quizzes, tests, and approaching finals. At Green Ivy, we understand the dread. But we also know that with careful … Read more