Aralia’s “Helpful Information” blog is an excellent resource for students, parents, and teachers who want to stay informed on the latest trends and best practices in education. We provide guidance, tips, and strategies that can help students achieve their goals and prepare for their future. Join our community and stay updated with our regularly posted blog content.
If you are considering enrolling in a private middle school or high school, you may have stumbled across the term ISEE, or the Independent School Entrance Exam. Let’s look in detail at what the exam entails and why you should take it.
Complete Guide to ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) Read More »
Leadership skills are an absolute must for college admissions and any type of personal and professional development you may pursue in the future. From student council members, to captains of sports teams, to club officers – there are a wide range of opportunities for you to build your skill set and become a leader among your peers. Consider working with mentors or joining organizations that focus on developing leadership qualities, and make sure to take advantage of any opportunities where you can step up and take on more responsibility outside of formal leadership positions, as these can help shape you into the best leader possible.
For high school students, learning a new language can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. While classroom instruction is crucial, speaking, listening, and comprehension skills can be enhanced by practicing a new language outside the classroom. This blog article will introduce five fun ways for high school students to practice their language abilities independently! We will provide you with all the resources you need to advance your language learning– from watching TV series and movies, to participating in language exchange activities. So, let’s dive in and discover some exciting ways to practice your language skills outside of the classroom!
6 Fun Ways to Practice a New Language Outside the Classroom Read More »
As senior year draws closer, many students ask us whether their grades, performance, and involvement during their final year of high school really matter, since Early Admissions college applications are due before the end of the first semester, and all applications are due before the end of the year. Their thought process is that colleges will have made their decisions before any formal reports about their academic performance are released by their high school. So, does your performance during senior year still affect your admissions chances? Should you take it easy before college? Read this article to learn more about the true importance of the last year.
Writing a formal college-level essay can be an intimidating task. Between coming up with a topic, gathering and organizing research, and ensuring that your work adheres to the proper formatting and structure, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the process. But, with a little planning and preparation, you can craft an exceptional essay. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to format and structure your essay in order to make sure it stands out from the rest. We’ll provide tips on everything from brainstorming ideas to proofreading your final draft so that you can ensure your essay is top-notch.
How to Format and Structure a College-Level Essay Read More »
In preparing for their first internship or job in high school, students may be required to submit resumes and cover letters. Students may use them to further express their interest and show the employers how they can be a great fit. So, what if you have little or no prior work experience? This article will explain the ins and outs of a cover letter and provide examples for both students who have work experience and those who don’t.
Are you looking to pursue a career in psychology? Then preparing early on in high school is essential in order to ensure that you are adequately prepared and ready to excel when it comes time to look into colleges and universities. Developing an interest in psychology early on can open up many opportunities, such as internships or scholarships. In this blog, we’ll discuss ways that students can begin their preparation for a psychology major before attending college.
Whether you are a high school student or a seasoned writer, writer’s block can strike at anytime, causing you to freeze at the worst moments. However, there are several effective strategies you can utilize to overcome writer’s block and stay motivated during the writing process. By incorporating these strategies into your writing routine, you can improve your chances of creating a winning entry for your next writing competition. So, let us explore some helpful tips to help you overcome writer’s block and create your best work!
How to Overcome Writer’s Block in High School Writing Competitions Read More »
High school students have a wide variety of options for extracurricular activities. Some students participate in the leadership positions in different student organizations; others compete in academic competitions, all for the purpose of enriching their high school experience and engaging with their passions. However, not every student is interested in traditional extracurricular activities. Some students may gain more from the self-reflection and expression of their talents provided by the written word. For those students, blogging can be a great way to channel their energy through words, while also benefiting them in the college application process. Keep reading to learn how to create a blog for college admission!
A great portfolio showcases your best works, reflects your unique style, and highlights your interest in art. If you want to focus on Art during high school, and wish to pursue an Art Major in college, chances are you will be required to submit an Art Portfolio for college admission. Your portfolio is in many ways the most important part of your application as it both helps you stand out from competition, and gives proof of your dedication and skills.
Mentorship programs can be a valuable asset for high school students who are looking to gain guidance and wisdom from those with more experience. From honing career goals to developing strong interpersonal relationships, mentoring programs provide an opportunity for young people to benefit from the advice and support of seasoned professionals. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular high school mentoring programs available and examine how they can help teenagers reach their full potential.
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is a prestigious program that recognizes the creative achievements of young artists and writers across the United States. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the Scholastic Awards, including how to apply, eligibility criteria, and tips for crafting a winning submission. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or parent, this guide will help you navigate the Scholastic Awards and make the most of this exciting opportunity for young artists and writers
Complete Guide to The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards 2026-2027 Read More »
Upon entering high school, students have a variety of options for extracurricular and academic activities to enrich their experience, make their college application stand out, and develop mature and responsible qualities. Students interested in the sciences can take part in science-related activities like clubs or academic competitions. Among these activities, engaging in scientific research is a new yet challenging opportunity students will have to learn more about particular fields and scientific disciplines. So, what are the best ways to go about scientific research in high school? Let’s explore how to conduct research projects during your high school years!
During high school, students have a great opportunity to publish their original research work in well-known research journals. If you’re interested in participating in research during college, submitting to journal research sites will show your level of knowledge in research, and stand out to college admission officers as an example that you’re capable of doing advanced research in college. Research isn’t limited to science, as it can be in a wide array of different disciplines. Now, let’s dive into exploring potential research journals you can consider submitting your work to.
17 Research Journals for High School Students in 2026 Read More »
Transitioning from high school to college can be a complicated process for students. With such a large population of students at every college, you can sometimes feel overwhelmed in the massive sea of new faces. For example, you can go from being the only class president in high school to meeting hundreds of other class presidents from other high schools. You will meet excellent people from across the country and receive valuable experience. To make the best out of the college experience, we’ve made a list with seven suggestions to help you prepare for freshman year during your senior year of high school!
7 Things to Prepare for Freshman Year in College Read More »
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future, and if you’re a high school student who plans on going to college, summer is a perfect time for you to jump-start or further advance your passions and interests to boost your college applications. While grades and standardized test scores are important factors, colleges also want to see that you’re well-rounded and have interests outside of academics. With that in mind, here are 16 summer activities to impress college!
Extracurricular activities, especially community service, are an essential part of a student’s application process because it demonstrates their involvement and contributions to their community. Community service can complement your interests and passions while also demonstrating your growth over the years. Where can you find community service opportunities? Read on to find out!
Community Service Options for High School Students Read More »
One of the most prestigious math competitions in the world is the American Mathematics Competitions AMC, which is widely used for university applications in many countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.), and is the most effective proof of a student’s strong mathematical ability. The AMC exam is divided into AMC8, AMC10 and AMC12
Economics is an essential and exciting field for students to study because it influences every aspect of our lives. At its heart, economics is the study of people, as it deals with human behavior, reactions, and decisions when exchanging products and services. From managing a budget to understanding which investments are right for a company, economics provides insight into the decisions we make every day. Scroll down to learn more about economics, and why you should study Economics from a young age!
High school GPA is extremely important for students because of its long-term impacts on their college applications, scholarship opportunities, and professional opportunities. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to create an improvement plan with deadlines and clear goals, how to take advantage of summer classes or school resources that can help improve your GPA. So, if you’re looking for ways to get ahead academically, read on!
Having the capability to interpret scientific research papers is a must-have skill for college students. But unfortunately, many universities don’t offer instruction on how to do this. As a result, considerable time and energy are squandered while attempting to comprehend and apply knowledge from these documents. Learning how to read scientific research papers is challenging and requires much practice. High school students can get a head start and gain experience immediately by starting to read one today!
How to Read Scientific Research Papers – High School Edition Read More »
In this article, we explore why public speaking is important for high school students. From building self-confidence to improving critical thinking skills, we delve into the various advantages of learning how to communicate effectively in front of an audience. Additionally, we also look into types of public speaking to familiarize students.
Why Public Speaking is Important for High School Students Read More »
Are you thinking about pursuing a medical career in high school but not sure how to prepare for it and enhance your chances of gaining college admission? In this article, we will provide some strategies to help you prepare for a medical career in high school because for a career like medicine, it’s beneficial to know and start as early as possible so that you can take critical steps towards achieving your goals.
How to Prepare for a Medical Career as a High School Student Read More »
College visits are an exciting and essential part of the college application process since students will gain an understanding of the school’s culture and evaluate the campus living environment. Students may apply to more than 20 colleges during application season, so how can they make their college visits as effective and efficient as possible? Below are 9 tips for effective college visits!
While in high school, students are responsible for multiple financial decisions that can impact their lives in the long run. Therefore, it’s crucial for students to be financially knowledgeable to be able to make the decisions for their future. In this article, we will discuss the basics of investing and tips on what to invest for high school students.
Asians have been a historically underrepresented group in the English-language literary world. Over the past few decades, a new group Asian and Asian American authors have written books to share their unique experiences and thoughts. Today, we recommend 15 books written by talented modern Asian authors. Let’s get started!
15 Books by Modern Asian Authors for High School Students Read More »
High school students have various options for high school courses, from regular classes following either state standards or the Common Core Standard to specialized and advanced courses ranging from Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), AICE, and A-Level. Let’s dive deeper into understanding the International A Level and AS Level and how students can take advantage of the program to advance their academics and future college life.
All About Cambridge International A Level and AS Level Read More »
Studying abroad in the US is a challenging yet rewarding experience for international students, since they have the opportunity to learn and live in a partially or entirely different culture. While preparing for this journey, we would like to introduce 10 unique aspects of US culture to international students. After understanding these aspects, you will be more confident opening a new door of opportunity in the US.
10 Unique Aspects of US Culture for International Students Read More »
Talents of the future live in such a vibrant world full of colors and richness. Besides experiencing diversity and inclusion in their daily lives, students are encouraged to seek and reflect human diversity, from race and ethnicity to socioeconomic status, sexual diversity, and other areas. Today, we will present you with perfect books by women of color discussing various aspects of human diversity through their unique lens and viewpoint. Let’s get started!
11 Books by Women of Color for High School Students Read More »
In addition to academic performance, participation in extracurricular activities will significantly benefit your college application profile and enrich your high school experience. One of the popular soft skills that students aim to learn and improve is leadership. This article will introduce high school leadership programs for high school students from all backgrounds and cities.
Summer is here and if you’re looking for inspiration on what to do during the summer, keep reading! Summer is a time for relaxation, but students should also take advantage of this much-needed break to be productive and build up their college application profile. Below is the master list of 20 unique summer activities for high school students!
From middle school, high school to college, students need to write numerous essays for different purposes: telling a story, telling a narrative, making an argument, etc. For those purposes, students can use different types of points of view. Read more to see how you can master point of view in your writing.
Keep reading to learn more about the difference between AP Biology and AP Environmental Science, and why you might want to choose one over the other.
Should You Take AP Biology or AP Environmental Science Read More »
Class signups at the beginning of the semester are always challenging for students and require detailed planning from previous years. When it comes to class registration, students often hear the term Dual Enrollment or Dual Credit. These two terms can sometimes be confusing because they depend on the program structure as well as state regulations. We will cover everything about dual enrollment, from what it is, how to sign up, and its pros and cons.
(AP and IB) Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate scores and course credits have long been considered as part of college applications along with other requirements. However, AP and IB scores do not have to be the only demonstration of academic ability and college readiness. If your school doesn’t offer IB or AP classes, don’t be too worried. This article will discuss 6 high school alternatives to AP and IB, so you can have various options to consider.
AP Capstone is a relatively new program first launched by the College Board in 2014. For students who are unsure of what AP Capstone is, keep reading to learn more.
Advanced Placement testing season is coming up soon this May! For students approaching the testing season or just beginning to choose which subjects to take, keep reading to learn more! Today, we will discuss AP Calculus and AP Statistics, and their differences and guide you through choosing either one.
Which AP Test to Take: AP Calculus or AP Statistics? Read More »
The AP Exams in 2025 are approaching with many changes and updates since the beginning of the pandemic. The College Board recently announced its AP examination plan for 2025. Let’s take a look at what those changes are and what they mean to test takers.
The Advanced Placement examination period is getting closer, and students have another semester to finish preparing for the examination. AP Calculus, amongst other AP exams, attracts a large number of students, with almost 400,000 students worldwide taking either the digital or paper AP exam before June of 2021. As students prepare for the exam, what should they keep in mind, and how should they put their best foot forward? Let’s read the article to learn about the guide to AP Calculus AB and BC.
Aralia has gathered and compiled the Ultimate AP English Literature Exam Reading List for students, including the most frequently listed literary works in Question 3 of the exam! This article is perfect for students who are taking the exam starting May 5 or are interested in taking the exam in the future.
The Ultimate AP English Literature Exam Reading List Read More »
