Scoops by Guest Editors

The end of the school year is in sight and teachers and students are starting to wind down. Teachers’ Facebook posts are beginning to feature margarita close ups, and your teenager may have developed a case of  “I’m done caring”.

When thinking about going to college, there are many things that you’re likely considering -such as the size of the school, location, housing choices, and of course, academic options.  In fact, SO much emphasis in the college application and decision-making process is put on academics – does the college or university offer the major I want? 

Kids go to college to continue their education. Sure, that’s true. But the actual reality of going to college involves so much more than academics. As students engage in college research and begin to formulate an idea of what they are looking for in a school, they should also check in with themselves to ensure that they are ready – beyond academic preparation – for this enormous transition.

My son has played squash for years, and has always expected to play in college. But now he’s entering his junior year, and other parents are telling me that getting a squash coach’s attention is even more competitive than the game itself.

The sports recruiting process seems so confusing. What do my wife and I need to do to boost our son’s desirability?

Baffled in Boston

College-bound students in the U.S. have learned a few things about classroom transitions. For most of them, the move from elementary school to middle school meant more classes, new challenging academic content, and harder homework. In turn, the move from middle school to high school brought a similar transition: additional classes, more complex academic material, and even harder homework.