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How to Ace Your Midterms: Study Tips That Actually Work
It’s midterm season — those big, nerve-wracking exams are coming fast. Feeling unprepared is stressful, but don’t panic. With a solid study strategy, you can tackle your midterms with confidence and get the results you want.

Kate Hackett
a few seconds ago2 min read


How to Support a Child with Test Anxiety at Home and School
The night before a big test, our child sits at the table, books open, eyes glazed. They studied, but the closer test day gets, the more their body feels shaky and their mind goes blank. That tight, stuck feeling has a name. Test anxiety is worry that gets so strong it blocks what our child already knows. It is very common, and we are far from alone in this. In this guide, we will walk through simple ways to spot test anxiety, build calmer habits at home, talk in a way that l

Kate Hackett
2 days ago3 min read


Parent Gift Guide: How to Support Your Student This Holiday Season (Without Nagging)
The holidays are a time for giving—hot cocoa, laughter, and maybe a pair of fuzzy socks. But as parents, the most meaningful gift we can offer our kids might just be how we support them through school break. Support isn’t about hovering or pressing for perfect grades; it’s about encouragement, gentle guidance, and knowing when to let them recharge. Let’s explore practical, thoughtful ways to help our students thrive over the holidays—without stress, overstepping, or nagging.

Kate Hackett
Dec 16, 20254 min read


Student Winter Break Learning: Smart Winter & Summer Break Ideas 2025
Breaks are supposed to feel good. Sleeping in, no bus to catch, no late-night homework panic. We all need that reset. But when a whole winter or summer break turns into one long nap-and-scroll cycle, kids miss easy chances to grow without much effort. With a bit of planning, student winter break learning (and summer learning) can feel low-stress, flexible, and even fun. In this post, we will walk through simple ideas that mix learning, rest, and real life. Nothing extreme, n

Kate Hackett
Dec 12, 20256 min read


Academic Gift Guide: Best Supplies & Tools for High School and College Students
A fresh semester comes with a clean slate and, let's face it, the need to refuel on supplies. The right gear doesn't just add color to our backpacks—it keeps us organized, cuts down on stress and helps us focus on learning instead of scrambling for a lost pen. No matter the season, it’s always a good time to refresh or restock, whether we’re hitting the books in high school or managing a full class schedule in college.

Kate Hackett
Dec 9, 20253 min read


“Ask a Tutor” Q&A: Holiday Edition
The holidays bring bright lights, family traditions, and excitement around every corner—but they also land smack in the middle of school! For students, it’s easy to get distracted, fall behind, or stress about juggling everything at once. Many parents wonder how to keep learning on track when schoolwork seems to clash with the fun.

Kate Hackett
Dec 2, 20254 min read


College Essay Crunch Time: Writing Strategies That Work
The last month before college applications can feel like a wild sprint. It’s normal to feel like time is running out, but getting your essay done well—even at the last minute—is possible. With a little focus and a few proven strategies, we can turn that blank page into a standout story that reflects our best selves. The key is not to panic. Instead, let's get down to business and tackle this essay together.

Kate Hackett
Nov 18, 20254 min read


Mid-Semester Check-In: Is It Time to Call a Tutor?
Mid-semester often feels like running a race that never slows down. Deadlines pile up, quizzes arrive back-to-back, and homework can take over our evenings. If school suddenly seems tougher, we're not alone. Many students and parents start to worry when grades slip or motivation disappears. But how do we know if it's time for extra help? Let's explore when a tutor can step in and make a difference.

Kate Hackett
Nov 4, 20254 min read


Personal Finance for Teens & Young Adults: Budgeting, Saving, Credit Basics, and Simple Expense Tracking
We break down personal finance for teens and young adults with easy tips on budgeting, saving, credit basics, and tracking expenses step by step.

Kate Hackett
Oct 28, 20253 min read


Does Your Teen Do This Before Every Test? Here’s How We Fix It
Help your teen beat test anxiety with simple fixes. Spot signs like pacing or cramming, build steady study habits, and add rest for calmer prep. Parents, guide them to better grades.

Kate Hackett
Oct 16, 20255 min read


Private School Entrance Exams: Let's Talk ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT!
Private school entrance exams like the ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT are notoriously tricky — not because they’re impossible, but because they test speed, reasoning, and strategy as much as content. Learn how each exam works, why so many strong students struggle, and how Kate’s Tutoring helps students master the tactics, pacing, and mindset needed to raise scores and stand out in competitive admissions.

Kate Hackett
Oct 14, 20257 min read


Growth Mindset in Learning: Real Steps to Build Resilience, Overcome Setbacks, and Embrace Challenges
We all know learning can feel like a roller coaster—a steady climb, a sudden drop, a feeling of flying, then the tough grind up again. What if we could teach ourselves to enjoy the ride, no matter what twists or turns pop up? That’s the promise of a growth mindset. It’s the idea that our brains, skills, and abilities can improve with effort and smart strategies, no matter our starting point.

Kate Hackett
Oct 14, 20254 min read


Using 529 Funds for Private Tutoring
Federal laws have changed around the use of 529 funds for tutoring + new in person hours -- what that means for you!

Kate Hackett
Oct 8, 20253 min read


Practical Tips for Keeping Your Kids Engaged and Excited About Learning
Nurture your child's love of learning with tips like daily reading, hands-on activities, and fostering curiosity. Explore more with Kate's T
Kathleen Carter
Sep 30, 20253 min read


Top 3 Organizational Tips for the Fall Semester
Struggling to stay organized this semester? Kate's Tutoring shares three simple strategies to help students excel academically this fall.

Kate Hackett
Sep 16, 20252 min read


Why Every Student (Yes, Every Student!) Needs a Writing Tutor
Writing is an essential skill that transcends the classroom. Whether your child is working on crafting a strong college application...

Kate Hackett
Sep 2, 20253 min read


What On Earth Is An Executive Functioning Coach and Does My Child Need One?
Help your child succeed this school year with an Executive Functioning Coach from Kate’s Tutoring. Learn how coaching builds essential skill

Kate Hackett
Aug 19, 20253 min read


The Secret to Starting the School Year Right: Seek Support Early
Proactively seeking tutoring can set students up for a successful school year. Discover how early support from Kate’s Tutoring helps student

Kate Hackett
Aug 5, 20253 min read


ACT vs. Digital SAT in 2025: What’s Changing—and Which Test Is Right for You?
We compare the ACT and Digital SAT in 2025, breaking down the latest updates, major differences, and tips to help students pick the best test for them.

Kate Hackett
Jul 31, 20253 min read


SAT/ACT Test Prep: Why You Shouldn't Wait Until Fall
Don’t wait until fall to start prepping for the SAT or ACT! Learn why summer prep is essential for improving your score and reducing stress.

Kate Hackett
Jun 24, 20253 min read
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