Posts by Dr. Steven Mercer
Zen and the Art of College Visits
In my experience, students and families often overthink specific aspects of the college admission process. Visiting colleges is one of these areas.
Many clients believe they need a “strategy,” along with “tactics,” that define “measurable outcomes” for the perfect college visit that will help them get into their “dream school.”… Read more Read More
Replacing Prestige
“The benefits and predictors of a good education are knowable yet virtually impossible to measure.”
“Colleges can be assessed, but not ranked. Students can be evaluated, but not measured.”
― The Education Conservancy – www.educationconservancy.org (PDF: “WE ADMIT…GUIDANCE FROM THOSE WHO DO”)
If prestige is an illusion when it comes… Read more Read More
Rethinking Prestige
Rethinking Prestige
Origin of “prestige”:
From French prestige – “illusion, fascination, enchantment.”
From Latin praestigium – “a delusion, an illusion.”
In the wake of the recent admission scandal, a reporter from a newspaper asked me why this sort of thing even happens.
To tell you the truth, I do not… Read more Read More
How to Find the Worst College for You
I have worked with a lot of students over the years. And at the end of the admission process—as they look back through the ups and downs, the exciting times and the disappointments—most of them do not have a lot of regrets.
Generally, these students have authentically gone through the… Read more Read More
Can You Game the Admission System?
You may have seen recent news about a vast college admission scandal in the United States. Charges included such things as bribery, conspiracy, cheating, fraud, etc. and involved a wide range of people at several colleges, but also parents.
I could not help but think about how these kinds of… Read more Read More
“I Do Not Care Which College You Get Into”
Does It Really Take a Village?
As an Independent Educational Consultant in private practice, I work with distinct types of clients.
Some, after signing up to work together, proudly announce: “We are so happy to welcome you to our team! We already have an SAT tutor and tutors for all three AP classes. Also, we found… Read more Read More
Advice to Parents: Helping Your Student If You Notice Signs of Application Stress
In my last post, “Advice to Parents: Keeping an Eye on the Emotional Well-Being of Your Student,” I talked about the symptoms of college application stress on students. I also noted that, while some symptoms are fairly normal, other symptoms are more serious. Thus, a parent may want to consider… Read more Read More
Advice to Parents: Keeping an Eye on the Emotional Well-Being of Your Student
Applying to college can be a very stressful process.
Stress, in general—but especially consistent high levels of stress—can have an impact on a student’s brain functions, emotional well-being, and physical health.
However, the outward signs that your student’s health may be negatively impacted by stress are not always easy to… Read more Read More
