Published: September 12, 2025
On August 12, 2025, Vanessa O’Friel, Director of Prep Academy Tutors of Westchester, Fairfield, and the Hamptons, joined Robin Pastore on her award-winning radio show Happy and Healthy at Any Age, on 1490 WGCH. Vanessa guest-hosted the show and answered questions from listeners about important academic and back-to-school topics.
Good morning to our listeners in Fairfield and Westchester. My name is Vanessa O’Friel, and along with my partner, Sarah Loader, we operate Prep Academy Tutors, a local academic tutoring company that provides customized support for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Our certified teachers work in your home on your schedule to support your student in math, reading, executive functioning, foreign languages, standardized test preparation, and college admissions counseling.
One of the first questions I received from a parent was, “What if my student is struggling and getting low grades, but resists getting support from a tutor?”
This question comes up all the time. Kids can be embarrassed and feel like they’re the only one who doesn’t ‘get it’. We often recommend that these students work in a small group with a friend and a tutor. We also invest time in matching students like this with private tutoring from a great teacher who is both academically and personally suited. This teacher will establish a trusting and consistent working relationship. Once students see that they can complete the work with the extra support, they enjoy working with their tutors and look forward to meeting with them every week. A good relationship can lead to better grades and increased confidence.
Moving over to high school students, parents say the pressure of the college admissions process is the most stressful period of their lives, for students and parents. What tips can you offer for decreasing the anxiety that accompanies this process?
This is a topic that comes up all the time. To manage the admissions process effectively, students should have a clear action plan. Ideally, students and families work with a college admissions counselor throughout high school to create a long-term strategic plan that includes a cohesive list of extracurricular activities, internships, leadership positions, and summer programs. A great college counselor can help compile a balanced list of schools that combines reach, target, and likely schools, and effectively manage expectations. Parents should be involved in the process, and it’s essential to be open about geographic decisions, school size, financial considerations, and areas of study. The best way to reduce anxiety is to be prepared for what’s to come.
“Where is the best place for my child to study? Is it their bedroom, the library with other students, or by themselves with a tutor?”
The best place is where your student feels comfortable, has all the supplies they need, a good comfy chair, good lighting, and where they can work without being interrupted. A busy den or family room isn’t the best place. Plus, cell phones and devices should be silenced or turned off. Checking in on your student at regular intervals allows them to complete their work while letting them know that you are there to help. Our tutors can work with students in your home or meet at the library, an office space, or our study center in Bronxville.
Another parent asked, “How can I help my student be more organized? My kid’s backpack is a disaster!”
This is a great back-to-school question. Organization can be challenging since students need to toggle between computer work and written work, organize both physical and digital materials, and balance sports and activities. We have tutors who support students in one subject while also reviewing material and making a study schedule for the other subjects. These executive functioning teachers help create study guides, practice quizzes, and notes that make studying more efficient. They teach students to backwards plan for long-term projects and tests, and set up a system of binders, folders, and files to store work for review during exams later in the year. Additionally, they can teach students to record assignments and tasks in an online or paper calendar.
“Can you please share some tips on how rising seniors should approach writing their college essays?”
Yes. Prep Academy Tutors has numerous college essay writing coaches who can help students avoid common pitfalls and offer guidance on crafting a successful college essay. The essay is now more significant than ever, and it’s essential for students to seize this opportunity to make themselves stand out. You want to avoid common pitfalls, such as highly personal matters, overly controversial topics, or accounts of your academic and extracurricular activities. Additionally, some essays fall into categories that are often considered clichés, such as the confessional, the hero justification, or the lookback. With the assistance of a college essay writing coach, students will end up with a carefully revised essay that speaks to who they are and showcases their strengths.
Contact Vanessa O’Friel and Sarah Loader of Prep Academy Tutors with your back-to-school questions! (914) 303-7661 or visit www.prepacademytutors.com