College Students
The requirements for success in college are the same as they are for high school. Even when an exceptional student is accepted into his or her college of choice, there are adjustments - and the learning curve can be shortened with assistance.
Sometimes, the problems are academic. Sometimes, the transition brings hidden disabilities and disorders to light. And sometimes, emotional and behavioral disorders emerge as a result of the change and pressure.
Dr. Shumsky offers a set of services to help young people adjust to the demands placed on them as a result of their new environments. The goal is to build up both learning skills and confidence to help them succeed.
- Tutoring
- LD / ADHD Counseling
- Neurological Disorder Counseling
- Substance / Psychiatric Center Placement
- Graduate School Admissions
- Career Counseling
Study Skills Seminar
Unlike high school, where teachers provide a specific body of knowledge to be understood and memorized by students, college professors provide more information than is humanly possible to absorb and integrate.
For students, the art is learning what they do not need to know, so they can focus on what is essential for exams.
Dr. Shumsky has designed a seminar for college academic success developed during his years teaching at the University of Virginia and Northwestern University. Trained tutors provide instruction to individuals or groups of 3-6. A take-away notebook reinforces the learning of:
- A methodology to decipher exam questions from lectures
- A model for reading, studying, and note-taking in biology, psychology and history
- A "how to" for efficiently reading, comprehending and taking notes from a novel in a single read
- A "how to" for writing different kinds of research papers - social science and English
Individual Tutoring
In some cases, undergraduates need special help in one or two subject areas. Tutorial needs are determined following an initial assessment of learning style and cognitive development. Sessions are conducted by tutors trained in Dr. Shumsky's methods.
Individual tutoring is available in most subject areas, including:
| English | U.S. History | Physics |
| Literature | World History | College Algebra |
| Foreign Languages | Government | Calculus |
| Biology | Chemistry |
ADHD & LD Testing
Dr. Shumsky's expertise developed from many years of experience working with students who have Learning Disabilities, or LD and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. Cases have ranged from mild to extreme.
Using qualified consultants, Dr. Shumsky's office conducts both psychoeducational and neuropsychological testing for Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder. These tests help to identify functional impairments, including language, memory, attention, executive function and psychological dimensions.
Learning Disability / ADHD Counseling
Because of his thorough understanding of specific learning disorders and the options available, Dr. Shumsky works with students and their families trying to decide on a course of treatment for LD or ADHD. He can help by:
- Recommending initial or further testing, if necessary
- Advising on the results of previous evaluations
- Developing a plan of action to benefit the student with minimal disruption
- Acting as a third-party case manager, monitoring results and recommending adjustments
Neurological Disorder Counseling
Neurological disorders which have previously gone undetected sometimes emerge as the result of being in a new and stressful situation.
When neurological disorders are suspected or diagnosed, Dr. Shumsky can help evaluate a student's specific condition and design a course of action to help a student manage both his academic and emotional life. Constant research into programs and treatments keeps Dr. Shumsky on the forefront of new alternatives in treating:
- Autism
- Developmental Delays
- Asperger Syndrome
Psychiatric & Substance Abuse Center Placement
The trauma of moving and working in a completely new environment can trigger emotional and behavioral conditions. When a student's emotional problems become severe, residential treatment programs can offer a viable solution.
Dr. Shumsky maintains a thorough knowledge of clinical treatment centers, hospitals, and wilderness programs across the country. He works with parents on making informed decisions, helps the entire family through the transition, and monitors the child's progress as a resident.
- Eating Disorders
- Discipline Problems
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Bipolar Disorders
- Attention Deficit Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- Autism
- Anger Management Problems
- Borderline Personality Disorders
- Tourette Syndrome
- Suicide Ideation
Graduate School Admissions
The process of selecting and applying to graduate schools is an intense and important as the college application. Dr. Shumsky's familiarity with the higher education landscape and the selection process can help students find a good fit for post-graduate work.
Following the same process as his highly effective college admissions program, Dr. Shumsky helps students with:
- Graduate School Surveys and Evaluations
- Optimizing Test Scores
- Preparing Applications
- Personal Statements
- Managing Submissions
- Making Decisions
Career Counseling
Dr. Shumsky has advised many students on their "what's next?" decisions - acting as a resource on career options, graduate school possibilities, international study programs and more.
His knowledge and objectivity can point students in the right direction. He also works with professionals who provide long-term career coaching and therapy.