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(a small division of Acumen Test Prep)

Parenting semi-accurately, mostly accidentally, and always acutely aware of all the missteps, gifts and humor along the way...acumommin'

And mommin' ain't easy

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Unveiling the Secret: Mastering the Craft of Unforgettable College Essays

Writing an outstanding college essay is both an art and a science. It gives students a unique chance to express who they are by sharing...

doug8415

Oct 11, 20244 min read

If You Send a Kid a Care Package, Chances Are...

If you send a kid a care package, chances are they’ll want one every holiday day. And if you’re like me and didn’t quite get one ordered...

Nov 6, 20196 min read

Firefly, Fired and Flew

We made it to three Firefly Music Festivals starting when my daughter was 15. That sounds ridiculously young now, but somehow seemed...

Nov 6, 201910 min read

Summer Jobs -- the Next Generation

“Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.” ~Al Bernstein June equals freedom, amiright? There is something so deliciously...

Jul 10, 20196 min read

Summer Jobs

Sometimes they’re lemons, bitter and hard, and sometimes they’re cool, sweet refreshing lemonade. I hope your kids have some of both.

Jun 11, 20196 min read

When all you Want is a Burrito

“You’re gorgeous. Wanna go out sometime?” Not offensive right? Would you go so far as to say it’s a compliment? Me too. But what if your...

May 11, 20194 min read

#What'sMyName

*Updated to include the website created by Samantha Josephson’s parents. Please support their mission. Click the link below to learn how...

Apr 30, 20198 min read

The Biggest Test You Should Prep For Isn't the SAT

We talk a lot about tests at Acumen, and as a mom I’ve been living tests for y-e-a-r-s: entrance exams, achievement tests, mid-terms,...

sheila clancy

Mar 12, 20196 min read

The One Question You Should Always Ask Your Teen Before They Head Out the Door

“Do I have everything?" My college roommates and I used to ask that every time we walked out the door to go somewhere. None of us carried...

sheila clancy

Feb 13, 20196 min read

Welcome to Fool's Spring, SATs, and Genius Ideas to Combat Dreaduary

February. Dreaduary. Am I right? And no, I’m not a Valentine’s Day hater. We’re holiday people around here, so we’re all about heart...

sheila clancy

Feb 8, 20194 min read

Who to Call When You Lose Your Car and How to Avoid Trouble that Might Lead to 17 Phone Calls to Mom

I made a New Year’s Resolution to try new things/experiences in 2019, and I’m soon to have 2 kids in college, so the things on the list...

sheila clancy

Jan 29, 20197 min read

15 Things I miss About the Boy Man When He’s Away at School

“If I were him, I’d be offended.” That’s what my daughter said when she read my last blog. Whoops. Definitely not my intent. So, in the...

sheila clancy

Jan 23, 20193 min read

On the 12th Day of Christmas, My College Kid Gave to Me (aka Why Winter Break Should be SHORT)

You know the tune, sing it with me…On the twelfth day of Christmas, my college kid gave to me… Twelve dirty dishes (in the sink. Every...

sheila clancy

Jan 11, 20194 min read

Do. Donate. Demonstrate. How to Crush a Dampened Holiday Mood and the College Essays.

Pretend this was written 3 weeks ago when that quote was still funny. That was my intent. But then, you know, life happened. And now...

sheila clancy

Jan 9, 20195 min read

College Essay Advice: “Don’t Worry About Being Smart, Just Be Yourself” ~Monica Geller/Friends

📷 Let’s talk essays. Say that out loud to your teen and I bet the conversation stops faster than a Waze driver hearing “police ahead.”...

sheila clancy

Dec 8, 20184 min read

“Who Says I’m Going to College?”

📷 “WHAT ARE THE SATs??” That’s what my brother yelled into the phone at me in 1988. He was a high school senior and I was a college...

sheila clancy

Nov 26, 20184 min read

What Not To Ask a High School Senior (trust me)

📷 “So where are you going to school next year?” You’ll want to ask every high school senior that starting in about November. Don’t....

sheila clancy

Nov 18, 20183 min read