Academic burnout before college is more common than many students realize, especially during the high-pressure years of college preparation. Feeling constantly exhausted, unmotivated, or overwhelmed is not a sign of failure. It is a signal that your mind and body need support. By recognizing the signs of burnout early and building healthy habits around rest, balance, and support, students can restore motivation, improve focus, and enter college with greater confidence and resilience.

High school tutoring plays a vital role in preparing students for college by strengthening academic foundations, building confidence, and developing essential study skills. Through personalized support, tutoring helps students master core subjects, improve time management, and approach learning with greater independence. By addressing learning gaps early and fostering critical thinking, high school tutoring equips students with the tools they need to thrive in the fast paced and demanding college environment.

Do you still need the SAT or ACT to get into college? With more schools adopting test-optional policies, students and families must rethink how applications are evaluated. This guide explains what test-optional really means, when test scores still matter, and how to decide the best strategy for your college admissions journey.

An academic counselor helps students navigate college life, from choosing a major and planning courses to finding scholarships and career opportunities. With expert guidance and personalized support, advisors make it easier to stay on track, explore interests, and achieve academic goals. Discover how Growing Minds can help you succeed throughout your college journey.

Writing a college essay can feel overwhelming, but it’s your chance to show who you really are beyond grades and test scores. Discover expert college essay writing tips from Growing Minds to help you craft an authentic, standout essay that impresses admissions officers.

The college application process can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can stand out. From personal essays to recommendation letters, avoiding common mistakes is key. In this blog, Growing Minds shares expert tips to help you strengthen your application, highlight your unique strengths, and increase your chances of admission.

Struggling with procrastination and time management? Discover practical strategies like the Pomodoro Technique, the Eisenhower Matrix, and the Two-Minute Rule to boost focus and productivity. Learn how Growing Minds helps students build strong study habits and achieve academic success.

Preparing for a big exam doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right test-taking strategies—before, during, and after your exam—you can reduce stress, stay focused, and improve your scores. From creating a study plan and practicing mindfulness to using smart in-test techniques, these tips will help you perform at your best on test day.

ACT test anxiety affects up to 40% of students. Discover expert tips to reduce stress, feel prepared, and walk into test day with confidence.

Preparing for the SAT Reading section doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This part of the test measures your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and reasoning skills through passage-based multiple-choice questions. With the right study strategies—like rephrasing questions, using process of elimination, and practicing with full-length tests—you can build confidence and improve your score.

Preparing for the SAT math section can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can boost your confidence and score. The test’s two math modules focus heavily on algebra, with additional questions on geometry, trigonometry, data analysis, and problem-solving. Success comes from knowing what to expect, practicing under timed conditions, brushing up on key formulas, and identifying your weak areas. With focused preparation and smart test-taking strategies, you can approach exam day ready to excel.

College can be exciting—but also overwhelming. If you're feeling anxious, drained, or unmotivated, you're not alone. Stress and burnout are common among students, but they don’t have to take over your life. In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between stress and burnout, share common symptoms, and offer 10 proven strategies to help you feel more in control.

As you step into your junior year, one major milestone looms ahead: the ACT test. It’s more than just another exam—it’s a key part of your college journey, measuring everything you’ve learned and helping colleges gauge your readiness for the next big step. If the thought of it feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—but the good news is, you don’t have to tackle it unprepared. From full-length practice tests to study strategies and tutoring resources, this ACT prep guide breaks down everything you need to build confidence, boost your score, and walk into test day ready to succeed.

Whether you're moving from a community college to a four-year university or simply searching for a better academic and social fit, your college transfer essay is a key part of the admissions process. It's more than just a writing requirement—it's your opportunity to tell your story, reflect on your growth, and show the admissions committee why you’re ready for the next step. In this guide, we break down what makes a standout transfer essay, what to include, and how to structure it. You’ll also learn what admissions officers are really looking for and how to write with confidence and purpose. Ready to make your transfer application count? Let’s get started.

Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions you'll make as you start your journey into adulthood. This article guides you through evaluating academics, campus life, cost, location, extracurriculars, and career resources, helping you build a balanced college list and navigate the admissions process with confidence. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant campus, strong academic programs, or the best financial aid options, discover how to find the perfect fit for your goals and future success

Writing your college essay doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, it’s one of the few parts of the application where you get to speak directly to admissions officers in your own voice. Whether you're stuck on how to begin or wondering what to write about, this guide offers real, practical tips to help you craft a personal story that stands out. From brainstorming ideas to perfecting your final draft, learn how to write an essay that reflects who you are—and why you belong at your dream school.

If you’re applying to a test-optional college, this guide is for you. We’ll break down exactly what “test-optional” means, the different types of test policies schools use, and how to make your application shine—even without standardized test scores.

Whether you’ve aced your exams or haven’t taken them at all, understanding how test-optional admissions work can give you a real advantage. Read on to learn how to make the right choice for your college goals—and how to stand out in a process that’s more holistic than ever.

Feeling anxious about the SAT is totally normal—but letting that anxiety take over can hurt your performance. The good news? With the right stress management techniques, you can calm your nerves, stay focused, and feel confident on test day. From creating a realistic study schedule to using mindfulness and deep breathing exercises, there are proven ways to manage test anxiety and improve your performance. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tools to help you stay mentally sharp, physically relaxed, and fully prepared for the SAT—so you can walk into the exam room ready to do your best.

Getting ready for college and unsure whether to take the SAT or ACT? You’re not alone—and the choice doesn’t have to be stressful. While both tests are accepted by colleges, they differ in format, timing, and focus.

This guide will break down the key differences, from sections and scoring to which test best fits your strengths. With clear comparisons and helpful tips, you’ll be ready to choose the test that sets you up for success.

If you're aiming for an Ivy League education, your SAT score plays a crucial role in the admissions process. Each Ivy League school has a competitive SAT range, typically falling between the 25th and 75th percentiles of admitted students. Knowing these score ranges can help you set realistic goals and tailor your test prep strategy. Use the table below to see where your target schools fall—and what it takes to stand out.