College essays need to do a lot of heavy lifting in the fast-paced world of essay reviews. Opening the essay with a “hook” as a strategy was devised to draw the immediate attention of the reader in order to pull them right in. However, what was once a great idea has morphed into a very cliched and poorly used technique. The need to have the essay open with a “hook” overshadows the quality and depth so needed for the narrative essay.

Considering the four years of high school, Sophomore year is the quietest. However, it plays a pivotal role in setting the stage for future growth and maturity. Colleges consider this during the admissions process.

Summer is for college planning and in order for that to go smoothly, there are a few things High School Juniors (aka Rising Seniors) should take care of before they ‘check out’ of school. A resume in this case, is essentially a track record of all school activities you’ve been involved with, any awards you’ve received, and other extracurricular activities you’ve participated in during high school.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) conducts the National Merit Scholarship Program, an annual nationwide academic competition for high school students. The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) is the route of entry into the National Merit Scholarship Program. If you did not take the 2020 PSAT/NMSQT (offered in October 2020 and January 2021) due to illness, emergency, or other extenuating circumstance (including school closures) and you meet all other program entry requirements (given on the next page), you must follow the instructions specified below to enter the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Who is eligible for accommodations on the SAT/ACT? When should you begin the process? What are the different types of accommodations? How do colleges view SAT-ACT tests taken with accommodations?

A question students ask when preparing for the SAT and ACT is: “Should I take the test with or without writing?” The answer has evolved since the new SAT was introduced in March 2016.

The Essay was always optional on the ACT. Prior to the launch of the new SAT, the Essay was required. Scores from the Essay were combined with the scores on the SAT Writing section. Since the Essay was a required section on the Old SAT, students taking the ACT needed to take the ACT with Essay as well.

Why is it our habit to dwell on what we don’t have or don’t know rather than what we do have and what we know to be true. We feed off the shoulda, coulda, woulda’s and bait our kids into feeling defeated before they even begin the process. Then the media drives the college admissions hype calling attention to all the factors that we can’t control like how a college ranks in selectivity, demographic needs, legacy, and so forth. Herein lies the very reason why this process becomes overwhelming and exhausting. So...I think the phrase someone used is “Stop the Madness! Let’s try a different approach or the preferred approach.

College essays are different than other essays your student has produced during their high school experience.

Collegeboard’s recent announcement regarding shelving SAT Subject Test and Essay on the SAT test has generated a lot of concern. These tests have long served a niche role in admissions as a way for students to amass extra credentials to show their prowess for ultracompetitive schools. For many years, Ivy League schools and others, including Georgetown University, have recommended, encouraged or accepted subject test scores in addition to the required scores from the main SAT or ACT.

Students getting ready to take the SAT, should be ready for a surprise section on the test day. Instead of a typical three hour 4-section test, they may be asked to take close to four hour test with the 5th section in there.

SAT, ACT test day checklist is created to make sure our students are ready to battle the tests. These are difficult tests, not only for what is on them but also for how long they are. From start to finish, students will end up spending close to 5hours at their test center. To stay mentally and physically focused for such a long day does require extra attention. Hence, what you do on the final day before the test and on the test day itself is extremely important, so please print out and read through the practical “checklist” below.

While SAT/ACT scores are by no means the determining factor in college admissions, they play a significant role. Most colleges strive to receive more applicants than their admitting batch of freshmen, so they begin by looking at course rigor, GPA and standardized test scores.

During these unprecedented times, we are using our core strength and expertise of delivering excellent individualized tutoring and extending it by creating instructor directed virtual classrooms.

January 2020 marks 10 years of being in business for us. At the time there was a vision: of a place that would provide highly individualized tutoring with the best educators we could find. A place where students could be nurtured, motivated and given the academic skills needed to be successful. In fulfilling that vision with all the goals, challenges and transitions, time has flown.

SAT Subject Tests are one hour long tests, used for college admissions purposes. There are about 24 different subject specific tests that are offered by Collegeboard. So how you decide ‘which ones are needed?’

ACT recently announced significant changes that will go in affect September 2020. These changes are in administering, super scoring recommendation and retesting that will impact those students taking ACT test Class of 2021 and beyond.

Sometimes when we are looking at the world through the lens of a camera, we capture an image that resonates on a deeper level.

Many seniors believe or are led to believe that getting their college application in first presents significant advantages, as this allows colleges to have more time to review their application.

The thought of meeting and sitting down to talk to an admissions office or school alumni about why you are interested in and believe you are a good fit for a particular school is daunting. How you respond and conduct yourself can be the determinant in whether or not you will be accepted. It can also be a factor in the school’s awarding you scholarship money.

When registering for the SAT/ACT, you should consider whether to choose the optional Essay or not. It’s a good idea to check the policies of the institutions you’re interested in to see if they require it for admission.