In this video, Success Koach mentors Tosca and Tessa break down everything you need to know about the National Merit Scholarship! From how the PSAT/NMSQT is scored to state-specific qualification criteria, we cover it all. Whether you're aiming to qualify for the scholarship or just curious about the benefits offered by different universities, this video will help you navigate the process. 💡 What you'll learn: - How the PSAT/NMSQT scoring works - State-by-state qualification differences - Scholarship benefits and perks at various universities - Tips for maximizing your chances of becoming a National Merit Scholar - How to decide whether studying for the PSAT/NMSQT is right for you Subscribe to our YouTube and stay updated on our blog for more key insights that can make a huge impact on your college applications and future scholarship opportunities! As always, our most tailored support comes not from our general resources, but from one-on-one advising with our dedicated team of mentors, tutors, and college counseling professionals. Interested? Read more about our services or book a call with us today!

As a high school student, it's important to do more than just attend classes and complete homework assignments. One of the best ways to enhance your high school experience and build your college application is to get involved in extracurricular activities. But with so many different clubs, sports teams, and organizations to choose from, how do you know which ones are the right fit for you? Here are some tips for finding your passions and getting involved in extracurricular activities. Explore your interests: Start by making a list of your interests and hobbies. Think about what you enjoy doing outside of school and what you might be interested in learning more about. This could include sports, music, art, volunteering, or any other activity that you find engaging. Attend club fairs: Many schools hold club fairs at the beginning of the school year, where you can learn more about the different clubs and organizations available. This is a great opportunity to talk to current members and learn more about the activities and events that each club offers. Talk to your guidance counselor: Your guidance counselor can be a valuable resource when it comes to finding extracurricular activities that align with your interests and goals. They can help you navigate the school's offerings and connect you with other students who share your interests. Consider leadership roles: If you're interested in developing leadership skills, consider joining a club or organization where you can take on a leadership role. This could include serving as an officer or captain of a sports team or leading a community service project. Try something new: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Joining a new club or trying a new activity can be a great way to discover new interests and meet new people. Prioritize your time: While it's important to get involved in extracurricular activities, it's also important to prioritize your time and avoid overcommitting. Choose activities that you are truly interested in and passionate about, and be mindful of how much time each activity requires. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is a great way to enhance your high school experience, build your college application, and explore your passions. By exploring your interests, attending club fairs, talking to your guidance counselor, considering leadership roles, trying something new, and prioritizing your time, you can find the activities that are the right fit for you.

Entering high school can be an exciting and overwhelming experience for many students. With increased academic rigor and new social environments, it can be challenging to balance it all. However, building a strong academic foundation early on is crucial to achieving long-term success in high school and beyond. Here are some tips and strategies to help you build a strong academic foundation: Set clear goals: Set academic goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). These goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the school year. Write down your goals and review them regularly to track your progress. Develop good study habits: Developing good study habits is essential for academic success. Create a study schedule that works for you and stick to it. Avoid distractions such as social media, television, and video games while studying. Take breaks between study sessions to refresh your mind. Attend class regularly: Attending class regularly is critical to understanding the material and staying on track with assignments. Being present in class allows you to participate in class discussions, ask questions, and clarify any doubts you may have. Participate in extracurricular activities: Extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and community service are an excellent way to develop skills outside the classroom. They also provide opportunities for leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. Build relationships with teachers: Building relationships with your teachers can help you better understand the material and receive support when needed. Teachers can also provide valuable feedback on your assignments and offer guidance on academic and career goals. Use available resources: Your school offers many resources to help you succeed academically, such as tutoring, counseling, and academic advising. Take advantage of these resources to improve your understanding of the material and enhance your study skills. Maintain a positive attitude: Maintaining a positive attitude towards learning can help you overcome challenges and persevere through difficult times. Believe in yourself, stay motivated, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Building a strong academic foundation takes time and effort. However, the benefits are significant and long-lasting. By following these tips and strategies, you can set yourself up for success in high school and beyond.

To prepare for college as a high school sophomore, start thinking about your plans early to reduce stress and set yourself up for success. Here are some tips to help you: Start thinking about your college goals: Begin by considering your academic and personal goals. What kind of college environment do you want? What are your career aspirations? What are your academic strengths and weaknesses? By thinking about these questions early on, you can start researching colleges and majors that align with your interests and goals. Build strong study habits: College admissions officers look for students who have a strong work ethic and academic achievements. Sophomore year is a great time to start building strong study habits that will set you up for success in high school and beyond. This can include developing a consistent study schedule, taking challenging courses, and seeking out extra help when needed. Get involved in extracurricular activities: Extracurricular activities can help you explore your interests, develop new skills, and demonstrate leadership potential. Start exploring different clubs, sports teams, and community service opportunities that align with your interests. This can help you build a strong extracurricular resume and demonstrate your passions and commitment to college admissions officers. Start researching colleges: Use your sophomore year to begin researching colleges that interest you. Look at college websites, attend college fairs, and talk to current college students or alumni to gain a better understanding of different colleges and their offerings. Attend college information sessions: Many colleges offer information sessions for prospective students. These can be a great way to learn more about colleges and their admissions processes. Attend as many sessions as you can, and come prepared with questions to help you make informed decisions about your college choices. Focus on your grades: Grades are an important factor in college admissions. Sophomore year is a great time to focus on your grades and strive for academic excellence. Take advantage of any extra help or tutoring opportunities offered by your school, and communicate with your teachers if you need extra support. Meet with your school counselor: Your school counselor can be a valuable resource in your college search process. Schedule a meeting with them to discuss your goals and any questions you have about the college admissions process. They can offer guidance on course selection, college research, and other aspects of the application process. By taking these steps, you can set yourself up for success in the college application process. Remember, it's never too early to start thinking about your future and taking steps towards achieving your goals. Good luck!

As a high school student, it can be overwhelming to think about what career you want to pursue and which college major will help you achieve your goals. But don't worry - you don't have to have it all figured out yet! There are many resources available to help you explore your interests, skills, and values to find a career path and college major that's right for you. Here are some tips and resources to help you in your exploration: Take career assessments: There are many free career assessments available online that can help you identify your interests, skills, and values. Some popular assessments include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Strong Interest Inventory, and the Holland Code. These assessments can provide insight into what careers might be a good fit for you based on your personality and interests. Talk to people in the field: If you're interested in a particular career, reach out to people who are already working in that field. You can ask them about their job responsibilities, what they like and dislike about their job, and how they got started in the field. This can give you a better idea of what the day-to-day work is like in that career and whether it might be a good fit for you. Research college majors: Once you have an idea of what careers you're interested in, research the college majors that can help you get there. You don't necessarily have to major in a field that directly aligns with your desired career - for example, you can major in English and still pursue a career in marketing. But it's helpful to know what majors might be relevant to your career goals. Use career and college resources: Your school's guidance office and career center can be valuable resources for exploring career paths and college majors. They may have information about internships, job shadowing opportunities, and college fairs. You can also look for online resources, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook or CollegeBoard's Big Future website. Consider your values: It's important to think about what's important to you when considering a career and college major. Do you want a career that allows you to help others? Are you interested in a field that has the potential for high earnings? Do you want to work in a creative or collaborative environment? Considering your values can help you narrow down your career options and find a major that aligns with your goals. Remember, it's okay if you don't have everything figured out yet. Your interests and goals may change as you gain more experience and knowledge. The important thing is to explore your options and take steps toward finding a career path and college major that's right for you.

High school can be challenging. Having a strong support system of friends, mentors, and trusted adults is crucial for success. Learn how to build this support network. Why a Strong Support System is Important Having a strong support system can make a significant difference in your high school experience. Here are just a few reasons why: Emotional Support: High school can be a stressful time, and having someone to talk to can help you manage your emotions and cope with difficult situations. Academic Support: Your support system can include teachers, counselors, and other adults who can help you with academic challenges, such as study strategies, course selection, and college preparation. Social Support: Friends and mentors can offer a sense of belonging and help you feel connected to your school and community. Tips for Finding Friends and Mentors Now that we've established why a support system is important, let's look at some tips for finding friends and mentors who can help you succeed in high school. Get Involved: Joining clubs and organizations is a great way to meet new people who share your interests. Look for clubs and organizations that align with your passions and goals. You'll be more likely to find like-minded people who can offer support and encouragement. Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while also meeting new people. Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and passions. You may even meet mentors in the field you're interested in. Talk to Your Teachers: Your teachers can be a great source of support and guidance. They can offer advice on academic challenges and help you explore your interests and passions. Seek Out Mentors: Mentors can be anyone who has experience in your field of interest or who can offer guidance and advice. Look for mentors in your community, such as coaches, local business owners, or alumni from your school. Join a Peer Support Group: Some schools offer peer support groups for students who are struggling with emotional or academic challenges. These groups can provide a safe space for students to talk about their experiences and offer support to one another. Be Open: Sometimes, the best friendships and mentor relationships come from unexpected places. Be open to meeting new people and building relationships with those who may have different backgrounds and experiences than you. In conclusion, building a strong support system is crucial to success in high school. By finding friends and mentors who can offer emotional, academic, and social support, you can navigate the challenges of high school with confidence and resilience. So get involved, seek out mentors, and be open to building relationships with new people. You never know who may become an important part of your support system.

Tailor Your Resume to Fit the Position When creating your resume, make sure you tailor it to fit the specific position or college you're applying for. You can achieve this by researching the college or company's values, mission statement, and core requirements. By customizing your resume, you demonstrate your interest in the college or organization, which can increase your chances of getting accepted. Highlight Your Achievements and Accomplishments Your resume should reflect your accomplishments and experiences. Start by listing all of your relevant experiences, including volunteering, internships, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs. Then, highlight your achievements and accomplishments in these positions. For instance, if you participated in a school project, highlight your role, accomplishments, and contributions. Use Action Verbs to Describe Your Skills and Accomplishments Use action verbs like "led," "coordinated," "designed," and "created" to describe your skills and accomplishments. This helps to make your resume more powerful and persuasive. Action verbs highlight your role and impact in various positions and demonstrate your ability to take initiative and achieve results. Keep it Clear and Concise Your resume should be clear and concise, highlighting your most significant experiences and skills. Avoid using complex language and jargon that may be hard to understand. Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text, and keep your formatting consistent throughout the document. This makes it easier for admissions officers or recruiters to read and understand your accomplishments. Proofread Your Resume Finally, it's essential to proofread your resume before submitting it. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your contact information is up to date. A well-written, error-free resume demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism, and can help you make a great impression on college admissions officers or potential employers. In conclusion, building a strong resume is essential when applying for college or seeking part-time jobs. By tailoring your resume to fit the position, highlighting your accomplishments, using action verbs, keeping it clear and concise, and proofreading it, you can increase your chances of standing out and getting accepted. Use these strategies to create a resume that showcases your skills, achievements, and experiences, and demonstrates your potential for future success.

High school can be a challenging time for many students, but building strong relationships with teachers and counselors can make the journey much easier. These professionals can provide guidance, support, and advice on a wide range of academic and personal issues. In this article, we will discuss some tips for building strong relationships with teachers and counselors. Attend Office Hours: Most teachers and counselors have designated office hours when students can drop in to ask questions or discuss any concerns they may have. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet with your teachers and counselors outside of class time. This is a great way to get to know them on a more personal level and to get individualized support. Participate in Class: Participating in class not only helps you to learn the material better, but it also shows your teachers that you are engaged and interested in the subject. When you actively participate in class, you demonstrate to your teacher that you are invested in your education, and this can help to build a stronger relationship . Be Respectful and Professional: When interacting with your teachers and counselors, it's important to be respectful and professional. Use appropriate language, dress appropriately, and be punctual for appointments. These small actions show that you value their time and expertise, and can help to build a positive relationship. Seek Their Advice: Teachers and counselors are there to help you, so don't be afraid to seek their advice. If you are struggling with a particular subject or need help with your college applications, reach out to your teacher or counselor for guidance. They have a wealth of experience and knowledge that they can share with you. Show Gratitude: Finally, it's important to show gratitude to your teachers and counselors for the support and guidance they provide. A simple thank you note or verbal expression of appreciation can go a long way in building a strong relationship. In conclusion, building strong relationships with teachers and counselors can be a key factor in your success in high school and beyond. By attending office hours, participating in class, being respectful and professional, seeking their advice, and showing gratitude, you can build strong, positive relationships that will benefit you throughout your academic career.

As a high school sophomore, you may be thinking about what classes to take to prepare for college. Advanced Placement (AP) and honors classes are great options, but choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you plan for AP and honors classes and make the most of your high school education. Start with your interests and goals: Think about what subjects you enjoy and what you want to study in college. Consider taking AP or honors classes in those subjects to challenge yourself and demonstrate your academic strengths. However, don't overload yourself with too many advanced classes. Choose a balance of classes that challenge you while still allowing time for extracurricular activities and other commitments. Talk to your teachers and counselors: Your teachers and counselors can provide valuable advice on which AP and honors classes to take based on your academic performance and goals. They can also provide information on the workload and rigor of each class and help you create a balanced schedule. Research college requirements: Check the admissions requirements of the colleges you're interested in to see which AP and honors classes they prefer or require. Keep in mind that each college may have different requirements, so it's important to research a variety of schools. Consider your schedule and workload: AP and honors classes can be more challenging and time-consuming than regular classes, so it's important to consider your schedule and workload. Make sure you have enough time to study and complete assignments for each class. Also, keep in mind that some classes may have prerequisites or require teacher recommendations. Stay organized: When planning for AP and honors classes, create a schedule that includes important dates, such as registration deadlines and exam dates. Keep track of your assignments and due dates to stay on top of your workload. Stay in communication with your teachers and counselors and ask for help when needed. Choosing the right courses can be a daunting task, but with some planning and research, you can make informed decisions that will benefit you in the long run. Remember to stay focused, stay organized, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself.

Harpal and Tosca from Success Koach introduced the SK mentorship program, highlighting its three-pronged mission: Developing essential skills Helping students find their path Building resilience. The program addresses issues like late goal-setting, lack of unique qualities, and stress among students. It offers customized guidance, self-reflection exercises, and career planning. Examples include helping students identify career paths based on interests and developing skills like interviewing and networking. The program also includes resources for self-reflection, extracurricular evaluation, and summer program selection. Parents are kept informed through AI transcriptions, dashboards, and quarterly check-ins. Identified and addressed Issues and Risks Goal setting happening too late for students. Students being unprepared to be competitive college applicants. Students lacking soft skills (essential skills). Students feeling stressed and directionless about their future. There are a three ways that the SK student progress is measured in the mentorship program: The mentors will have quarterly check-in meetings with the students and parents to discuss the student's progress and how they feel they have progressed since starting the program. The mentors will maintain a dashboard to track the student's progress, the action items they have agreed to, and their overall development. The mentors will have access to recordings and transcripts of the mentorship sessions through the SK created AI tool, which the parents can also review to stay up-to-date on what was discussed. The key seems to be the personalized, customized approach where the mentors work closely with each student to help them develop essential skills and find their own unique path, rather than a one-size-fits-all metric.

Standardized tests like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT are an important part of the college admissions process. They can be stressful and intimidating, but with proper preparation and planning, you can increase your chances of doing well and achieving your academic goals. Here are some tips and strategies to help you prepare for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT: Understand the format of the test: The PSAT, SAT, and ACT are all different tests with their own unique formats. Take some time to understand the sections of each test, the types of questions asked, and the time limits for each section. Take practice tests: One of the best ways to prepare for these tests is to take practice tests. There are many online resources and books available that offer practice tests and questions that mimic the actual test. This will help you become familiar with the test format and build your confidence. Analyze your performance: After taking practice tests, analyze your performance and identify areas where you need improvement. This will help you focus your study efforts on specific areas that need more attention. Create a study plan: Create a study plan that includes a schedule for studying and taking practice tests. Set realistic goals for each study session and stick to your plan. Utilize study resources: Take advantage of study resources like textbooks, online courses, and tutoring programs. These resources can help you improve your test-taking skills and build your knowledge in specific subject areas. Stay motivated: Standardized test preparation can be long and tiring. Stay motivated by setting short-term goals, taking breaks when needed, and reminding yourself of your ultimate goal. Manage your time effectively: The PSAT, SAT, and ACT are timed tests. Learn how to manage your time effectively by practicing pacing during practice tests and focusing on answering easier questions first. Take care of yourself: Finally, don't forget to take care of yourself during the test preparation process. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. A healthy body and mind will help you perform your best on test day. Preparing for standardized tests can be challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can achieve your academic goals and set yourself up for success in college and beyond.

As a sophomore in high school, you may be wondering how you can start building leadership skills. Leadership skills are not only important for your personal growth, but they also play a crucial role in college admissions and future job opportunities. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for sophomores to develop their leadership skills. Here are some ideas to get you started: Join a Club or Organization: Joining a club or organization is a great way to develop leadership skills. Many clubs have leadership positions available, such as president, vice-president, and treasurer. Take on a leadership role and work with your team to plan events, fundraisers, and other activities. Participate in Sports: Sports are another great way to develop leadership skills. As a member of a sports team, you will learn how to work with others, communicate effectively, and make quick decisions under pressure. You may also have the opportunity to take on leadership roles such as team captain or assistant coach. Volunteer in Your Community: Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and develop leadership skills. Look for volunteer opportunities in your area and take on leadership roles, such as organizing events or leading a group of volunteers. Attend a Leadership Program: Many organizations offer leadership programs for high school students. These programs provide training and guidance on developing leadership skills. Consider attending a program like the National Student Leadership Conference or the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program. Start Your Own Initiative: If you have an idea for a project or initiative, consider starting it yourself. This could be anything from starting a recycling program at your school to organizing a charity event. Taking on a leadership role in your own project will help you develop important skills like organization, communication, and problem-solving. Remember, building leadership skills takes time and effort. Start small and take advantage of the opportunities available to you. With dedication and hard work, you can become a strong leader and make a positive impact on your community.