Patrick O’Connor

Government When my class (I teach American Government) studies political parties, I tell them parties are founded around the answer to one fundamental question: What is the purpose of government?  If we belie…

I try not to talk much about government, but here’s the exception. If nothing else, read the poem at the end.

sixoclocksky.com/2025/07/30/g...

First Client, Last Client by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. My first client didn’t mean to, but she taught me everything I needed to know about being a college counselo...

What college counseling is really all about.

hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2025/05/firs...?

A Day in Their Life by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. It was arguably one of the best moments in the history of school counseling, and, while I cannot remember wh...

If you’re a school counselor, read on to participate in the best professional development experience of your life. I promise.

hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2025/04/a-da...

Decision Time is Nigh by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. This is a time of great excitement for all of you, but before you go any further, it’s important to know thr...

What every high school senior college bound needs to hear today. Make sure you share.

hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2025/03/deci...

A Primer on the US Department of Education by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. The US Department of Education (known as ED) has been in the media spotlight the last two weeks with an inte...

A quick overview of what’s really going on in the US Department of Education.

hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2025/02/a-pr...

Real College Counseling by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. “In your book, you seem to suggest students should think about college as early as eighth grade. Doesn’t tha...

this is a piece you will want all students and parents to read.

“get to the second half of junior year and say ‘Here’s where I am, here’s what I’ve learned about myself and life, and here’s where I think things should be headed next’.”

hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2025/01/real...

Predictions for 2025 by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. It’s always dangerous to put your January 1 ideas down in writing. If I had done so last year, I would have ...

My fearless (and typically wrong) predictions for college admission in 2025– except for the last prediction, which salutes the accomplishments of an exceptional colleague, on the verge of retirement.

hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2025/01/pred...

SiriusXM Streaming: Music, Sports, News, Podcasts & Talk Bring music & entertainment wherever you go with SiriusXM. Listen to music, live sports play-by-play, talk & entertainment radio & favorite podcasts.

Your senior has been admitted to college— what do you do over holiday break? (Careful— the answer isn’t obvious).

Your senior is still applying to college— what do you do over holiday break?

Friday at 9 on Dr. Radio, Sirius XM— let’s discuss!

can.siriusxm.com/player/show/...

An Introduction to Junior Interviews by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. It’s hard to believe counselors will be talking with juniors about college right after we get back from Dece...

Can you really get to know all of a junior’s college plans in 20 minutes? No— but you can get a good start doing this…

hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2024/12/intr...

Watch Your State Legislature. Seriously. by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. In case you’re thinking the only two groups in gift giving mode this time of year are college admissions off...

What can elected officials with time on their hands to do change your work with students? Don’t ask, but do pay attention.

hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2024/12/watc...

About Community Service by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. High school students, especially those of you applying to college, it's time to have a heart-to-heart about ...

Community service has taken a beating at the hands of college admissions. What it really is, and why that still matters.

hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2024/12/abou...

Recipe video folks. You’re too slow:

If the recipe calls for six eggs, break one on tape.

Sprinkling sugar on 12 cookies? Show us one.

Smoothing batter? Five seconds is plenty.

Cutting strawberries to make two cups? Cut two on tape.

Really. We get it.

Collegeholidays Completing college applications can be hard work, work that often runs through the holiday season. Since everyone else is taking some time off, this would seem to be the perfect opportunity to hang…

Tips for college applicants on making it through the holidays. Share widely!

sixoclocksky.com/2024/11/21/c...

Making It Through the Holidays without Being Broken by Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D. Completing college applications can be hard work, work that often runs through the holiday season. Since eve...

The holidays can offer special challenges to high school seniors applying to college. Here’s how to thrive, not just survive.

hscw-counselorscorner.blogspot.com/2024/11/maki...

Service I really thought this would be easy.  It was 5:45, dinner had to be on the table, and I had a package of Trader Joe’s Hash Browns.  Trade Joe’s is a wonderful place, but they generally ha…

The customer may not always be right, but they’re always the customer. Why recipes, social media articles, and restaurants should remember this.

sixoclocksky.com/2024/11/17/s...