From the Archives – Click links below to download the slides from previous Virtual Coffee Chat Sessions.
6/27/20: Whose Essay is It Anyway? Embracing the Admissions Essay as an Exercise in Teen Independence, Self-Actualization, and Self-Efficacy. Students have begun (or should begin!) the deeply self-reflective process of depicting themselves in 650 words (or less) for their college applications. Many parents view the upcoming admissions process, and specifically the personal narrative, as an opportunity to bond with their student and collaborate in painting a positive picture of their student. After all, who knows your child better than you? In this coffee chat, we’ll discuss how to distinguish between supportive parenting in the essay-writing process, which will help your student strengthen their independence and sense of competence, and intrusive parenting, which may disempower your student and disconnect them from their very own admissions process.
5/2/20: What Now? Bringing Certainty to the Uncertain Role of Standardized Testing During Covid-19. With each day, more questions about academics, standardized testing, and the college admissions process arise. While there will also be time for an open Q&A, I will aim to address questions such as: Will I ever be able to take the SAT/ACT again? What should I do this summer? What does “test-optional” really mean? If I don’t submit scores, how will I be able to differentiate myself from other applicants?
4/18/20: Culture Shock: Helping Your Student Adjust to the Online Classroom and Develop Lifelong Skills in the Process. Many students were already struggling to balance expectations, while others were just getting the hang of junior year or were ready to finish the year in stride. Now, they are all adjusting to the sudden switch to online school. My colleague Erika Hardaway, educational consultant at Teaching the Hardaway (@teachingthehardaway), will join us in a discussion on the online learning landscape and how you (and I!) can best support your students. We will also discuss how we can re-frame online school as an opportunity for kids to develop valuable skills such as self-advocacy and self-care.
Udelson Tutoring 