Marie Guarnieri

Summer can be a low-pressure launchpad for neurodivergent and learning-different teens. The right program offers structure, peer connection, and a first taste of independence, whether through academics, adventure, internships, or autism-focused communities. By centering a student’s strengths, interests, and sensory needs, families can turn summer into a meaningful step toward college readiness and greater confidence.

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.