"The Scholar"

In some cultures, education systems heavily emphasize homework as the key to strong learning efficiency. Except-- the research doesn't support that idea. More homework, ironically, tends to make students want to learn less.

Back to School: What Successful Parents Do Differently

Micah

Back-to-school season is overwhelming. But here's the truth: the most important thing you can do for your child isn't on any supply list.

Summer Reading: the Why, the How, and the When (Part Two)

Parents, now that we’ve reviewed the reasons behind the assignment, let's address the "how" and "when" of summer reading.

Summer Reading: the Why, the How, and the When (Part One)

Learn about why instructors assign summer reading assignments and how to help your student have a helpful perspective on them.

What Creative Writing Contest Judges Actually Look For

What actually makes a piece of creative writing stand out to a contest judge? A longtime writing tutor and contest judge shares what the rubric can't teach you.

What the Neurodiversity Model Means for Your Child

Evelyn Kim

When a child is labeled with a learning disability, the words parents hear most often come from the medical model. Here's why Jamie The Scholar takes a different approach, and what the neurodiversity model means for your child.

Energy Accounting Framework

Some tasks cost more than others, and recovery isn't optional. Energy accounting is a practical framework that helps neurodiverse students, and the families supporting them, plan their days around what energy actually demands.

Springtime and End of the School Year Success

Springtime energy, final exams, and end-of-year celebrations all land at once. Here's how parents can help their student close out the school year with less stress and more confidence.

What Makes a Successful Admissions Essay?

Admissions officers are regular people doing a busy job. They're not searching for perfection. They're looking for essays that capture their interest and help them remember a student among many.

Engaging the Adolescent Reader

The incentive structure around reading quietly disappears in middle school — and most teenagers notice. Here's what parents can do about it.

Can Tutoring Help with the John Locke Essay Competition?

With over 63,000 entries in the latest cycle, the John Locke Essay Competition is a major undertaking for any student. But is it worth the effort? Beyond the prizes, the process of drafting a 2,000-word response to complex philosophical questions offers a massive head start for college.

Your Student’s SAT or ACT Isn’t the Same Test You Remember

Both the SAT and ACT have undergone major changes. If your student is preparing now, here's what's actually different, why the timing matters, and what to explore together before test day.

The Gift of Knowledge and Preparedness: Setting Young Adults Up for Life Success

Jamie

We often hear that Gen Z is the most digitally fluent generation in history—but there is a growing "knowledge gap" when it comes to the physical world. rom car maintenance to basic household chores, many young adults feel they are navigating adulthood without a map. In Part 2 of our...

Exam Week Preparation & Study Tips

Sophia Crisomia

Exam week can feel overwhelming fast. This guide helps families start with clarity, build a realistic study plan, use active study strategies, and support healthier routines so students feel prepared instead of panicked.

parent and child working together at table

Signs Your Child Needs a Tutor

Grades can look steady while everything underneath feels shaky. If homework is taking too long, stress is rising, or your child is getting stuck working independently, these are signs worth noticing. This post breaks down a few common patterns parents see at home and simple ways to respond with clarity.

Parents and their child standing at a kitchen island, smiling as they look at a laptop and teach their teen about money and college plans.

The Gift of Knowledge and Preparedness: Setting Young Adults Up for Life Success

Jamie

Your teen is college-bound. Now it’s time to teach the money skills they’ll need to stand on their own.

High School to College: A Parent’s Guide to Readiness

The high school to college transition is one of the biggest milestones in your student’s life. Here’s how parents can help.

Learning Through Struggle: Lessons from The Self-Driven Child

Eric Gil

Help your child grow through challenges. Insights from The Self-Driven Child on building independence, confidence, and resilience

Support Your Teen Without Taking Over

Support your high schooler without taking over. Practical tips on goals, self-advocacy, and balance. Plus, tools to help teens develop confidence and independence.

What to Do If You’re Not Happy with Your SAT or ACT Score (and When to Submit It)

Disappointed with an SAT or ACT score? You’re not alone. This article breaks down why scores don’t define your student’s future and how to build a smart plan forward.

Transitioning from Middle School to High School: What Parents Need to Know

The jump to high school can feel overwhelming for teens. But, with the right support, they’ll thrive. This guide helps parents foster independence, build strong habits, and stay emotionally connected during this critical transition.

Test Prep in the Real World

Evelyn Kim

Test prep isn’t just about scoring high. It’s about gaining real-world thinking skills. At Jamie The Scholar, we help students see how ACT and SAT prep builds confidence, critical thinking, and college-readiness that lasts well beyond test day.

Test preparation books for the SAT and ACT

How Your SAT/ACT Score Really Affects College Admissions (and Scholarships!)