The Paratum Scholars Blog
A trusted source of college guidance written from real admissions experience. Our articles help families cut through the noise with clear timelines, reflections from campus visits, insight into aptitudes and the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB), and majors that focus on solving real-world challenges.
Discover Your Entrepreneurial Mindset: The Ice House Program
Watch an overview of the Ice House Program and learn how an entrepreneurial mindset helps students notice opportunities, take initiative, and apply these skills to school and college planning.
Using AI Wisely in Your College Search
AI tools can help families research colleges, brainstorm essay ideas, and stay organized—but only if they’re used wisely. Here are practical ways to let AI support (not replace) thoughtful decision-making.
Helping Quiet or Introverted Students Shine in College Admissions
Not every student is a loud leader or natural self-promoter. Here are ways quiet, thoughtful students can tell a powerful story in college applications—without pretending to be someone they’re not.
Is My Student on Track? A Simple Semester Check-In for Families
Instead of asking “Are we behind?” every few weeks, use this simple semester check-in to see what’s going well, what needs attention, and how your student is growing—without turning home into a pressure cooker.
Three Questions to Ask After Every College Visit
Campus tours can feel like a blur. These three simple questions help students and families capture what really matters after each college visit—so decisions are based on fit, not just brochures.
What Is The Paratum Scholars Community?
The Paratum Scholars Community is a guided space where students and families get clear timelines, real admissions insight, and tools like the Challenge Mindset.
From “What Do You Want to Be?” to “What Challenges Do You Want to Solve?”
The Paratum Scholars helps students move from “What do you want to be?” to “What challenges do you want to solve?” using the Challenge Mindset, SparkPath cards, and personalized college counseling that connects interests, majors, and real-world careers.
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Chuck Liddiard
Founder & Lead College Counselor, The Paratum Scholars
Chuck leads The Paratum Scholars Community and TPS College Consulting, partnering with students and families to design thoughtful, values-driven college journeys. His work focuses on connecting each student’s strengths and interests with the real-world challenges they want to help solve.