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The B Student's Guide to Getting Into Competitive Colleges
Your B student wants to apply to competitive colleges, and you're worried they're not being realistic. Here's the truth: B students absolutely get into schools like Boston University, USC, and University of Michigan. Holistic admissions changed everything. With strategic course selection, deep extracurricular involvement, compelling essays, and strong test scores, a 3.4 GPA student can compete with 3.9 students. This guide shows you exactly how—from choosing rigor over easy A

Kate Hackett
Apr 215 min read


How to Spot If Your Teen’s Homework Struggles Are Skill or Motivation
A teen struggling with homework isn’t always “not trying hard enough.”Sometimes it’s a lack of skill, sometimes it’s a motivation problem — and the solution depends entirely on knowing which is which. Misreading the problem leads to wasted effort, frustration, and worse: fighting over homework instead of solving the real issue.

Kate Hackett
Mar 244 min read


Is Virtual Tutoring "Screen Time"? Not the Kind You Need to Worry About.
Parents trying to limit screen time often wonder: does virtual tutoring count? The research says no — not in any way that should concern you. Here's what pediatricians and education researchers actually say about screens that help vs. screens that harm.

Kate Hackett
Mar 233 min read


Finding the Right Balance: How Long Does Tutoring Take To See Results?
When parents decide to invest in tutoring, one of the most common questions is: how long does tutoring take before I see real improvement? Understanding the ideal timeframe and setting realistic expectations can make a big difference in how tutoring supports your child’s learning. This post explores how tutoring works over time, what research says about its effectiveness, and how you can make the most of tutoring sessions for your child.

Kate Hackett
Mar 103 min read


Your Teen Isn't Lazy. They Have Executive Function Gaps
"He's just not trying." "She's so smart—if she'd only apply herself." Sound familiar? What looks like laziness is often executive function gaps your teen can't control without support. After 15 years working with "lazy" students, I can tell you: most aren't lazy at all. They're struggling with invisible cognitive skills no one taught them. Learn how to tell the difference between laziness and executive dysfunction, what's really happening in your teen's brain, and most import

Kate Hackett
Mar 37 min read


How to Identify Your Child's Unique Tutoring Needs and Get Expert Guidance
Finding the right tutoring support for your child can feel overwhelming. Every child learns differently, and understanding their specific needs is the first step to helping them succeed. Let's walk through key factors to consider when determining if your child needs tutoring, how to identify the right type of help, and where to find expert advice tailored to your child’s learning style. Child focused on homework with study materials Signs Your Child May Benefit from Tutoring

Kate Hackett
Feb 103 min read


Creating a Realistic Study Routine for Middle and High School Students
Getting middle and high school students to stick to a study routine can feel like an impossible task. Many online routines promise perfect schedules packed with hours of study, breaks, and extracurriculars, but these often set unrealistic expectations. Parents and students need a practical, balanced approach that fits real life, supports learning, and avoids burnout. Together, let's go through this clear, manageable guide to building a study routine that works for busy studen

Kate Hackett
Jan 274 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 lo

Kate Hackett
Jan 133 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, no

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


Transitioning from Finals to Summer: How to Retain Knowledge Over the Break
Don’t let the summer slide set your student back! Discover fun, practical ways to retain knowledge over summer break.

Kate Hackett
May 27, 20252 min read


Master Your Finals: Proven Study Strategies to Ace Your Exams
Prepare for finals like a pro! Learn study strategies, time management tips, and self-care techniques to ace your exams.

Kate Hackett
May 13, 20252 min read


🌱 5 Spring Study Habits to Boost Grades Before the End of the School Year
Spring is the perfect time to refocus and refresh your study habits. Discover five strategies to improve grades and prepare for finals, from

Kate Hackett
Mar 18, 20252 min read


When to Start Your Study Plan for AP Tests: A Guide to Success
Wondering when to start studying for AP exams? This guide breaks down the ideal timeline, from February prep to May success. Learn how to cr

Kate Hackett
Feb 4, 20252 min read


The Power of Mindful Study Habits: Boosting Productivity and Retention
It's almost time for your midterms and we're here to help! In addition to getting top-tier one on one study assistance , we've put together a how-to guide for boosting your productivity during this time crunch. In the fast-paced world of academia, the ability to focus, retain information, and enhance productivity is crucial for academic success. At Kate's Tutoring , we understand the importance of mindful study habits in achieving these goals. In this blog post, we'll explore

Kate Hackett
Nov 6, 20243 min read


Uncovering the Mystery: Why Your Child May Be Struggling in Math, Science, or Reading Despite Study Efforts
In the realm of education, one of the most perplexing challenges for parents is witnessing their child dedicate countless hours to studying math, science, or reading only to find that they are still struggling to grasp these subjects fully. This dilemma often leaves parents questioning what more they can do to support their child's academic journey. Let's delve into the possible reasons why your child may be facing difficulties despite their diligent study efforts. Consider C

Kate Hackett
Oct 15, 20243 min read


Ace Your Finals With These Study Tips
Final exams can be a source of stress for many students, but with Kate's Tutoring on your side, get ready to feel confident!

Kate Hackett
May 8, 20243 min read


Study Skills for Life: Teaching Time Management and Organizational Techniques
One of the biggest gaps I notice in student education is creating an effective time management solution and organizational techniques. Countless academic problems can be solved by working on these two skills. We at Kate's Tutoring believe that mastering these abilities will not only boost performance and foster discipline, but create a well rounded person. In this blog post, we've broken down how our tutors can help your students create a better study plan this term. Time Ma

Kate Hackett
Nov 30, 20232 min read


10 Proven Study Tips for Academic Success: A Guide for Students and Parents
Are you tired of grappling with low grades and late-night cram sessions? Do you wish there was a secret recipe for academic success? While there will always be hard work involved, we're happy to share ten proven study tips that will help set you up for academic success. From effective time management to powerful memory hacks, this guide will equip you with the tools you need to ace those exams and make learning an enjoyable adventure. 1. Create a Study Sanctuary: Having a de

Kate Hackett
Aug 15, 20232 min read
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