Balance Fun & Learning This Summer

Are you looking for ways to keep your children's minds sharp while still having fun this summer? As a responsible parent, you value balancing learning and leisure.

To help you make the most of your child's summer experiences and avoid the dreaded academic slide, below are some useful tips on intertwining learning with everyday experiences, regardless of your child’s age or the activity.

Embark on Exciting Volunteering Adventures

Encouraging your children to volunteer is an excellent way to teach them about empathy, community, and the impact of their actions. You can plan a family outing to a nearby food shelter where they can lend a helping hand and experience the joy of assisting others. This kind of activity will help them understand the value of giving back while building their teamwork and communication abilities. Moreover, it's an opportunity to create unforgettable memories as a family.

Acquire Essential Life Skills with a Job 

Encouraging your teenager to get a summer job can have multiple benefits. It can help them recognize their strengths and weaknesses and improve vital communication, organization, and time management skills. A seasonal job also allows teens to experience the concept of teamwork and make new friends. And by earning and managing their own money, they will learn about financial responsibility. 

Unleash Your Child's Inner Explorer at Summer Camp

Summer camp offers many opportunities for kids to have a blast while learning new skills. Whether it's a sport, art, or science camp, children can engage in hands-on activities that foster their interests and boost creativity. Encourage them to share their experiences with you, allowing them to reflect on what they've learned and develop storytelling abilities.

Discover the Thrills of Backyard Escapades

Transform your backyard into a treasure trove of learning adventures! Create a mini-garden to teach your children about plants, insects, and the marvels of nature. Motivate them to maintain a nature journal depicting and detailing findings. With activities ranging from observing birds and butterflies to planting seeds and monitoring their growth, the backyard offers limitless opportunities for scientific exploration.

Unlock their Inner Chef with Kitchen Creations

The kitchen is a haven for learning disguised as fun. You can involve your child in baking or cooking activities where they can practice math skills by measuring ingredients or following recipes. Encourage them to be creative with flavors and textures. Not only will they develop a taste for culinary arts, but they'll also learn about nutrition, teamwork, and problem-solving!

Foster the Joy of Beach Reading

A day at the beach is the perfect opportunity to indulge in reading adventures, so why not suggest they pack their favorite books? Create cozy reading spots with blankets and beach chairs, and let their imaginations soar as they dive into captivating stories. Discussing the books they read will enhance comprehension skills and expand vocabulary.

Create Lasting Memories with Grandma

Spending time with grandparents or extended family is a source of joy and a treasure trove of wisdom and shared experiences. Plan sleepovers at Grandma's, where children can learn about their family’s past, participate in storytelling, and even try their hand at an old family recipe. Encourage them to ask questions and actively listen to the stories shared by grandparents or loved ones. These cherished moments create strong connections while building an appreciation of family heritage.

In Conclusion: Find a Happy Balance

As parents, it is essential to balance fun and learning for children over the summer months. By intertwining education with everyday experiences, parents can ensure that children continue to grow intellectually while making unforgettable memories. From volunteering and summer camp adventures to backyard explorations, kitchen creations, beach reading, and family sleepovers, the opportunities for fun-filled learning experiences are endless. 

For more ideas on avoiding the summer slide, check out our blog called Want to avoid the summer slide? Here's How. 

Here’s to a happy summer full of adventures that combines excitement, growth, and the joy of learning!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

10 tips to maximize college visits

Summer is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time for all you high school rising juniors and seniors to get out and explore college campuses. This is a right of passage for many students and their parents - and an essential part of college admissions.

So, to help you make the most of your visits, we advise you to start planning now. We've put together tips on how to fully immerse yourself in each campus and gather all the information you will need to make an informed decision about your future college.

1. Research

Before hitting the road, prioritize your interests, academic programs, preferred location, and other essential factors. Then, dive into college websites and gather information about campus life, majors, extracurricular activities, and admission requirements.

2. Schedule

Contact the admissions office or visit the college's website to schedule your visit. With convenient online booking systems and special visitation days for prospective students, you'll quickly find a date that fits your timeline.

3. Prepare questions in advance 

Make a list of questions you want to ask during your visit. These should include inquiries about academics, campus life, housing, internship opportunities, career services, and anything that is important to you. Asking questions will also demonstrate your interest and help you gather valuable insights.

4. Dress appropriately

Dress comfortably yet presentably. Opt for business casual or smart casual attire, as this will give you a professional appearance while still being comfortable for walking around campus.

5. Pack wisely

Always have a notebook or phone handy to jot down notes during information sessions. You can also take videos or photos to capture essential details as you wander around. And remember, it gets hot on the college campus trail, so pack your water bottle!

6. Attend Info Sessions & Tours

Participate in guided campus tours and information sessions. These will allow you to explore campus, visit key facilities, and soak up the atmosphere. They will also help you gain valuable insights into the admissions process, financial aid, academic programs, and student support services.

7. Connect with students & faculty

Meet with current students and faculty members in your area of academic interest. Their perspectives can fill in the gaps of your college visit and help you make an informed decision.

8. Explore the surrounding Area

It is also important to allow time to explore the surrounding area beyond campus. With that in mind, check out nearby neighborhoods, coffee shops, restaurants, local attractions, and amenities to get a sense of what it would be like to live in the area. Four years is a long time after all!

9. Reflect & debrief

Take time to reflect on your experience after each campus visit. Write down your impressions, pros and cons, and other relevant observations. Trust us, colleges start to look and feel the same after a while, so this exercise will help you keep track of your thoughts.

10. Don’t forget to have fun!

Visiting college campuses is an excellent way to imagine yourself as a student and evaluate if a particular college is right for you. These experiences are also a right of passage, so savor the process and create special memories along the way. With this in mind, start compiling those road trip playlists, and get ready to hit the open road!

11. Bonus Tip: Save your child from cringeworthy moments!

If you are a parent gearing up for college visits with your high schooler this summer, click here for a sidesplitting and must-read checklist that will save you from becoming a walking embarrassment to your child while on campus. Thanks to The New Yorker Magazine for this hilarious gem!

And lastly, A few useful resources…

• To help you prepare for your upcoming roadtrips, we have created a Campus Visit Research Tool & Checklist. Just click on the link below, and we'll send it straight out to you.

• If your rising senior is planning to tackle their college essay over the summer months, check out our recent blog post, It’s College Essay Season: Let’s Get It Done!, for advice on how to pen an effective piece.

• And for tips on how your student can maximize their time this summer, read Rising Seniors: Get Ahead this Summer!

Contact KQ: An Expert guiding Voice

Working with an educational consultant can streamline the college admissions process and alleviate stress. Keating Quigley is here to help if you'd like to learn more about how to prepare for campus visits - or any other aspect of the college search. We're always just a phone call or email away!

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Founding Partners | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

Rising seniors: Get Ahead This Summer!

As the academic year draws to a close, rising seniors are contemplating ways to make the most of their downtime, delve deeper into their college search, and simultaneously savor the carefree days of summer.

Every student's journey is unique, but it's important to have a strong and structured plan in place, no matter what their individual focus may be. As summer approaches and the planning begins, here are some helpful tips to help rising seniors get the most out of their summer and guide them toward success:

Volunteer or intern: Engaging in volunteer work or an internship within a desired field is an advantageous way to acquire valuable experience and cultivate new skill sets.

Get a job: A summer job not only provides valuable work experience that looks good on a resume, but it also helps to broaden horizons.

Prepare for standardized tests: If your child plans to take the SAT or ACT in the fall, they should use the summer to prepare and take practice tests.

Work on a resume: To save time in the fall, rising seniors should make the most of the summer months by dedicating time to refining their resumes to include work experience, leadership roles, community service commitments, accolades, etc.

Explore extracurricular activities: The summer provides an excellent opportunity to explore new extracurricular pursuits, such as joining a sports team or taking up a new hobby.

Start tracking activities and achievements: The activities log is an important but time-consuming part of the Common Application. The summer provides the perfect opportunity for students to reflect on their activities and accomplishments since freshman year and organize them in a spreadsheet. This will save time when submitting applications in the fall.

Visit colleges: If your child is still unsure about which schools to apply to, visiting college campuses during the summer is a helpful way to narrow down options and start finalizing the school list. It’s also fun to spend one-on-one time with your child, so get those playlists and snacks ready for the open road!

Get a head start on the Common App essay: One of the most important pieces of advice we give our students is to begin working on the Common App essay before the demanding workload of senior year begins. Check out our recent blog, It's College Essay Season: Let's Get It Done!, for detailed information. In the meantime, here are some suggestions for crafting a solid first draft:

• Break the piece down into manageable chunks

• Generate ideas through brainstorming

• Take it step-by-step to make it less overwhelming

• Write rough drafts

• Take breaks to refresh the mind

• Seek out constructive feedback and encouragement

• Reach out for additional assistance if necessary

KQ: a Helping Hand

If your rising senior is in need of help with their Personal Statement this summer - or any aspect of the college admissions process - KQ is here to lend a hand. Please contact us via email or phone to schedule a consultation. 

Written By Verona Keating & Jacquie Quigley | Co-founders | Keating Quigley Educational Consultants

Conquer Those End of Year To Do Lists!

There's no disputing it: time flies! And now that May is closing in, the last day of school will be here in the blink of an eye. With all the art shows, dance recitals, graduations, award ceremonies, field trips, team banquets, and recognition dinners, the final weeks of the school year can be a whirlwind. To help you stay an top of the craziness of it all, we’ve put together our top tips. Check it out…There’s something for everyone whether big or small!

What you can do At school…

1. Avoid ‘springitis’: Make sure your child puts in maximum effort right up to the last minute to ensure a strong end to the academic year. Consistency and accountability are crucial, so make sure they maintain their routine and stay on top of year-end projects, assignments, and finals.

2. Consider teacher options: If you think your child would react more favorably to a specific teacher’s personality and teaching style next year, now is the time to submit a request to the Division Head or Head of School. These discussions take place in early summer, so get to it!

3. Discuss class placement: Similarly, if you believe your child's classroom experience is being negatively impacted by a classmate or your child is too socially reliant on a friend, talk to their teacher and ask them to be placed in separate homerooms next year. Every child deserves the chance to grow into their own space at their own pace.

4. Crunch standardized test scores: And lastly, if you need guidance to decipher your child's recent standardized test scores and how they impact class placement, eligibility to advanced classes, or basic skills programs, contact your child's counselor, advisor, or teacher. They will help you make sense of the complicated percentile, stanine, and composite score data on the report.

What you can do At home…

1. Help your high schooler find a summer job:  Encourage your teen (assuming they’re old enough) to research summer employment or volunteering opportunities. Work experience is an excellent way to stay active over the long summer months and also teaches high schoolers the power of earning pocket money and helping others. And on another note: although the college application process might be a few years into your child's future, be aware that colleges prefer to see seasonal jobs listed in the Student Activity Log section of the Common App!

2. Sign your rising senior up for essay support: Summer is the ideal time for your child to work on the Common App essay before the demanding workload of senior year begins. Check out our recent blog, It's College Essay Season: Let's Get It Done!, for more info.

3. Show gratitude: There are most likely some staff members who made a positive impact on your child this year. Whoever they may be (a homeroom teacher, someone in the Main Office, the Head of School, or a member of the custodial staff), take time to thank them for their hard work and dedication personally. It may be a small gesture, but trust us, it goes a long way. 

4. Return & pick up ‘stuff’: Remember to trawl through closets and bedrooms at home and drop off IT equipment, library books, school supplies, or general classroom items on loan during the school year. Similarly, don't forget to pick up your child's yearbook, awards, art projects, etc., from the classroom before the last day of school.

5. Donate gently worn items: As the year winds down, this is the perfect opportunity to give your child's closet a once-over to determine what gently used uniforms and clothes to keep, donate, or toss. We promise you'll feel satisfied - not to mention lighter!

KQ: The Voice of Gentle Guidance & Reason

If you are looking for an educational consultant to advise you on any aspect of your child’s educational journey, email or call us. We’re always here to help...

Happy (almost) summer!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

Rolling Admissions: There’s still time

Each year, right about now we receive calls from concerned parents. The most common refrain is, 'My child started the school year on a positive note, BUT….' 

Lurking behind the BUT lies explanations of how their child is not feeling challenged at school, they have lost their love of learning, their grades have dropped precipitously, they feel invisible, they have fallen between the cracks, or they are experiencing social-emotional challenges.

Other times, we hear from parents who recently learned they are relocating and as a result, are scrambling to figure out their child's educational options for the coming school year.

No matter the circumstances, parents ask if a move to a private day or boarding school is even feasible at this late stage in the academic calendar. Our answer to this question is invariably a resounding maybe. To move this maybe to the yes column, we encourage parents to ask themselves these probing questions:

• What factors are in play?

• What is their child's learning style?

• Is this the right move for their child right now? And in the longer term? 

• Are the schools on their list in sync with their personal philosophy of education?

• Should they wait until next year in order to have more options?

So, if you are considering submitting a late application to an independent day or boarding school, read on for an overview of the rolling admissions landscape to get you on your way. 

First off, what are rolling admissions?

Rolling admissions is a process certain independent day and boarding schools use to enroll students after the initial round of acceptances is complete, allowing them to fill any remaining spots quickly and efficiently.

Schools typically review rolling admissions applications on a first-come, first-served basis and expedite applications accordingly. This practice can be beneficial to families who fall into the categories above. 

Each school may approach rolling admissions differently, so we impress on parents the importance of researching the specific policies of each school under consideration. Furthermore, we point out that while the rolling admissions timeline can be shorter, candidates are still required to complete the same components as first-round applicants (i.e., inquiry, application, interview, student visit day, testing, student essays) before a file can be reviewed. To this end, the Admissions Committee still needs to convene to assess each candidate before making a decision. 

The pros & cons

Like any admissions process, there are benefits and pitfalls involved in rolling admissions. Below are some of the most common:

Pros:

• Flexibility: Rolling admissions allows families to apply to schools even after the first-round deadline has lapsed.

• Shorter decision lead times: Rolling admissions can result in quicker admissions decisions.

• Reduced stress: Families often enjoy a more personal, streamlined admissions experience.

Cons:

• Available spots: Some schools may have already met enrollment goals for the coming year, making it less predictable that spots will be available in their child's grade.

• Competition: Students compete for limited spots, which can be challenging if the school is particularly selective.

• Limited possibilities: Not all schools offer rolling admissions, which can ultimately limit enrollment options and impact the educational 'fit.' 

What about financial aid?

Private schools with rolling admissions may offer financial aid to eligible families. Here are some factors to bear in mind:

• Available FA funds: Financial aid budgets may already have been allocated during the first round of acceptances. We, therefore, encourage parents to be transparent about their need for support from the get-go. 

• Apply early: We recommend applying for financial aid as early as possible to give the school more time to review the application and determine aid eligibility.

• Understand the process: Each school may have a specific process for awarding financial aid, so we urge parents to read the school's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure the application is complete.

• Be realistic: Not all families will qualify for financial aid, and the amount of aid awarded may vary depending on income, assets, and family size. 

So how do i move forward?

While it is definitely not too late to consider an independent day or boarding school application for this fall, we encourage parents to consider the following before committing to the rolling admissions process:

• Be able to articulate the reasons behind the decision to apply. 

• Understand the child's needs.

• Does the school offer the right fit for the child and family?

• Check with each school to understand specific policies and availability. 

• Is it best to apply now for the fall or wait until next year?

• Does the school still have financial aid dollars available?

If you answer all of these questions and still want to move forward with the process, please email or call Keating Quigley. With years of expertise behind us, we are always happy to listen, advise and guide you!

Written By Keating Quigley | Educational Consultants

College Chronicles by Charlotte G - The Final Installment

Thanks to Charlotte for the third installment of her blog highlighting academics, dorm life, and the joys (and challenges) of being a college student!

Hello again everyone! The last time we talked we were just settling in to the school year, and now look at us… our college year is rapidly coming to an end!!!

I am so proud of you!! You have grown and accomplished so much. However, the semester isn’t over yet! Some of us still have to get through finals and truck through the next few weeks. 

To me at least, spring semester is the most challenging. I am not sure if you agree, but when it starts to get nice outside and flowers start budding, my motivation wears thin. So as your mind drifts outside, I’m going to share some strategies on how to keep your stamina up, when all you truly want to do is enjoy the beautiful weather and be on a beach somewhere! So, here we go: 

1. Make a schedule and give yourself free time… cramming only makes your motivation low and stress levels high. 

2. Stressed or anxious? Go for a walk. Especially in the spring, it is so relaxing and grounding to breathe fresh air and let yourself connect with nature. 

3. Stay healthy. Most importantly make sure you are getting enough sleep. Without sleep, you will wear your body down which will only do more harm than good, especially for your grades.

4. Call your parents. Let them know you're hanging in there during finals week… they will cheer you on! 

5. Plan a post-finals trip or a fun activity with friends. With something exciting in the works, you will be able to push yourself to finish strong.

6. Remember, the end of the year doesn’t have to be a dreaded time, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Not only are your parents and friends there for you always, but so is your school.

one More piece of advice

When it comes to packing up and moving out, many universities, including my own, have storage services that will keep students' belongings safe until the next school year. Parents, this is something I couldn’t recommend enough. It saves a lot of trouble and stress as it can be hard to lug a TV or dorm bed headboard all the way home and all the way back for the next year. I know my mother thanked her lucky stars she didn’t have to drive down to my school and pack up the car with all my stuff!

And lastly…

You will be okay, actually, more than okay! You should be so proud of yourself for finishing the school year. So enjoy your last days on campus and ace those finals: I just know you are more than capable. Happy summer!

Written by Charlotte G. | Blogging Intern | Keating Quigley