“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.” —Melody Beattie For many of us, this time of year offers an opportunity to give thanks and express gratitude for the people and things we appreciate and value in our lives. Taking stock and being grateful during the holidays is a good place to start, but studies have shown … Read more
Each year, the topic of teenage stress garners increasing amounts of attention. In fact, a simple Google search for “teens and stress” yields an abundance of articles with key phrases along the lines of “severe anxiety” and “growing epidemic.” The attention is not unwarranted; in 2014, the American Psychological Association conducted a survey that revealed … Read more
As many of us know, admissions to the University of California system has become increasingly selective over the years, particularly in the past decade. For instance, freshman applications at UC Berkeley have doubled in that time, and all UC campuses have now crossed the threshold of 100,000 for freshman and transfer applications each cycle. Given this … Read more
Recent studies show that between 35 and 50 percent of admissions officers are viewing students’ social media profiles. This doesn’t mean they are looking for anything embarrassing or inappropriate, but it does mean they are using it as one way of gathering more information about applicants. When we talk about a student’s online presence, much … Read more
In our Green Ivy offices, we have witnessed firsthand how valuable it is when students write down all their assignments, activities, and appointments in a paper planner. For many students, this simple habit not only helps them stay organized, but also relieves stress, as they can better problem solve around managing their time. For instance, … Read more
It’s spring, and all the admissions decisions are finally rolling in! For most seniors, this is a time full of mixed emotions. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking to sort through your acceptances and rejections, not to mention what happens in one of the most vexing admissions situations: a spot on the waitlist. If you’re no longer … Read more