Metric Conversions
Converting between metric units is a requirement of many math and science courses. For American students especially, processing metric conversions can be confusing. Use [...]
Translating Math Word Problems
Even the most common terms used in math can be confusing. As such, we've created a simple breakdown of some of the most common [...]
The Apostrophe… How And When To Use It
Social media often jokes about people who use words like "there," "their," and "they’re" incorrectly. In order to avoid being the butt of their [...]
The Definitive Guide to Comma Usage
There are many rules about correct comma usage. A misplaced or missing comma can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Many of us [...]
Recommended Reading for Students
Parents often ask me what their kids can be working on to prepare for standardized tests, to become better writers, to improve their vocabulary [...]
Nine Awesome Strategies to Improve Organization
Oftentimes low scores, poor grades, and lack of motivation stem from disorganization. With some simple organizational techniques, many students become more engaged in their [...]
Writing Strategies (outlining, structure, word choice, etc.)
Writing is an inevitable part of life. We write essays and research papers in school. We write emails and reports for work. There are written [...]
The Real Deal with High School Placement Exams
For admission to Chicago’s top high schools, a high school placement exam must be completed. Selective Enrollment High Schools (SEHS), such as Walter Payton [...]
College Entrance Exams: ACT versus SAT
With some exceptions, nearly every college accepts either the ACT or the SAT. Be that as it may, most students do much better on [...]
College Application Essays
Generally speaking, most colleges consider GPA, extracurricular involvements, letters of recommendation, essay responses, and ACT/SAT scores equally important, each contributing roughly 20% to the [...]