Marie Guarnieri

College freshman mid-semester check-in conversations are crucial. This point in the first semester represents both a milestone worth celebrating and sometimes a reality check. Your student has successfully navigated the first weeks of college life, and that alone deserves recognition! But as midterm grades arrive, some students discover they're struggling more than they realized. The encouraging news? There's still half a semester ahead, often containing more than half of the semester's work....

Learn how to write a standout “Why Us?” college essay that shows real fit, not just flattery. This guide explains how to connect your interests and goals to specific programs, values, and opportunities on campus. Discover how to show mutual fit, use micro-details, and write with a forward-looking voice so colleges can picture you learning, belonging, and contributing from day one.

Only 40% of students with learning differences graduate college successfully. The key? Starting college readiness development in 9th grade, not waiting until junior year panic sets in. Research from 50+ college program directors reveals five critical skills that determine success: genuine motivation, independent living capabilities, executive function, self-advocacy, and social connections. Students who develop these college success skills early have years to practice and refine their approach.