High School Stress & Race to Nowhere

admissions, Applications, high school, university

I had a great conversation with a very down-to-earth mother of a client this morning. She was communicating her frustration that her high school aged children were stressed out, worried, and feeling over-programmed.
She also recommended looking at a film called ““Race to Nowhere”. I looked at the trailer, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the film or to schedule a screening.
As a parent and as a college counselor, I can tell you that these trends highlighted in the film are very real.
Have a look a the trailer and let me know what you think. I especially want to hear from students!
Mark Montgomery
Educational Consultant

Jared Hobson

Jared serves as President of Great College Advice, where he sets strategic direction for the firm as well as being involved in sales & marketing and college consulting. Jared has an MBA from Cornell University, where he served on its Student Admissions Committee. His consulting philosophy emphasizes personalized attention to help identify the right college fit for each student.

Read Jared Hobson's Full Bio →

Related Posts

A person stands on a rocky cliff with arms outstretched, holding trekking poles, facing the sun—like the triumphant moment described in a Coalition App essay. Below stretch mountains, trees, and a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

Colorado Free Application Days

The ninth annual Colorado Free Application Days will be held on Tuesday, October 20 through Thursday, October 22.

choose a major

Pros & Cons of Choosing a Major Based on Pay

How do you choose a major? The economy is always shifting, and industries come and go. Perhaps it is best to choose a major that will build skills and knowledge and habits of mind that will serve you throughout your life.

need blind admission vs need aware admission and how to win a scholarship

Financial Aid, Admissions, and “Need-Blind” Policies

Here’s how to identify ‘need-blind’ and ‘need-aware’ colleges when building your college list.

A cozy living room scene featuring two women sitting on a plush, light gray couch adorned with vibrant red-patterned cushions. The older woman, dressed in a soft cream cardigan, and the younger woman, in a burgundy hoodie, share a moment of joy as they engage with a silver laptop, sunlight illuminating the inviting space.

What Senior Year Courses Should You Take?

Use this guide to design your ideal senior-year course schedule and make informed decisions.

A person holds a clipboard displaying a college application form, the crisp white paper contrasting with the dark, navy-blue border. Their hands, one gripping a pen, rest on a rustic wooden table. A clear glass of water glimmers nearby, evoking a calm, studious atmosphere.

How to Make Changes to Your College Application

The good news: most errors are fixable, and the ones that aren’t are rarely as damaging as students fear. Learn more.

A street sign that says " College Just Ahead"

What to Expect at a College Reception

A college reception is an organized event hosted by one or more colleges. Learn more.

a boy writting on a application for with pen

Preview the Common App

Familiarize yourself with the Common App over the next few months so you are ready to get started when it goes live August 1.

A woman sits at a counter by a window, writing in a notebook with a pen. She is wearing a striped sweater and appears focused. The setting is a modern, well-lit indoor space, possibly a café. The image is in black and white.

Essays That Worked–Examples of Successful Applications

Sometimes looking at examples of successful college essays can help you get the creative juices flowing.

Study at University of St. Andrews in Scotland as an American

How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?

If you’ve found the perfect match, applying to only one college might work. But if you haven’t, you should try applying to a well-selected list of schools.