Ahead of the Curve: December 13, 2013

From the News:

From Clients:

  • End of the Semester: “studying” for finals is a relative term.  Often, kids mean reviewing information presented through the past four months, while parents can define studying as sitting in one place for an extended period, with textbooks and notebooks opened and the computer and phone off.  In either case, what information a student is reviewing or re-memorizing before the final exam can make a difference in the end score.  Talking with teachers about what information to review can help focus efforts in the last weekend before finals.
  • On early admissions notices: “Will I get in? Or, won’t I get in?” thoughts can circle and re-circle over and over in college applicants’ brains, until the moment the online notices for early applications return.  Parents, too, eagerly await the early holiday gift of an acceptance and simultaneously dread the alternative, a rejection, that can cast a pallor over holiday festivities.  Regardless of the outcome, the real WIN is in having taken the risk to submit an application.  As J.K. Rowling told Harvard students, “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”
  • About Scholarships: searching for scholarships is only the first step to reducing out-of-pocket costs of college.  The work of applying and writing scholarship essays can be an additional challenge for already busy-scheduled teens.  Being frank about family finances can help teenagers understand the meaning of each dollar they earn through scholarships, and help combat the temptation to skip the applications.
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About Jill Yoshikawa, Ed M, Partner of Creative Marbles Consultancy

Jill Yoshikawa, EdM, Harvard ’99, a seasoned, 25 year educator and consultant, is meticulous in helping clients navigate all aspects of the educational experience, no matter the level of complexity. She combines educational theory with experience to advise families, schools and educators. A UCSD and Harvard graduate, as well as a former high school teacher, Jill works tirelessly to help her clients succeed.
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