Blog
Learning Styles & Preferences
Have you ever paid close attention in class only to realize at the sound of the bell that you have no idea what your teacher has been talking about? If this happens often with the same teacher, he or she may not be teaching to your learning style. A learning style is...
Test Optional Admissions
It may seem like SAT testing is just another obstacle in the college admissions process. However, these test scores are often used to compare applicants living in different geographic locations. Not only do coursework and graduation requirements vary by state, and...
What is FAFSA?
College is expensive, there's no doubt about it. The cost of a bachelor's degree at a state, public university could be upwards of $80,000. Since college is a big investment, the federal and state governments as well as individual colleges and career schools offer...
The Dreaded Return to School
Find a quiet spot in your house and listen carefully. If you pay attention, you may be able to hear the collective groan of students across the country upset about having to return to school. The end of summer vacation can be a relief for parents. But for students, it...
Back to School
It's getting to be back to school time, and that means some preparation is in order. Going back to school isn't a simple matter of packing a kid's lunch and sending him or her off. Some additional thought is required. This website has some interesting advice for these...
Transitioning to High School
New teachers, new classmates, a new building, and new routine; there are plenty of changes when starting high school. Knowing what to expect is half the battle, and understanding the differences between middle and high school can decrease anxiety and ease the...
Effective Study Habits
A study habit is a repeated behavior or practice used when learning educational material. Positive study habits enable you to study smarter, not harder. Beyond the classroom, they enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills that benefit you throughout life....
The College Application Essay: How To Write One That Works
College Applications. There are few things that cause more anxiety for high school seniors and their parents. Navigating this process can be daunting between gathering transcripts, getting letters of recommendation, taking last minute SATs, and trying to recall four...
College 101: Class Basics
The freedom and independence of college life might be enticing enough to pursue a college degree, but it’s the degree that opens the door to greater career opportunities, higher pay, and increased job satisfaction. The classes required to earn a degree are much...
Choosing the Right College
College can be fun, exciting, and adventurous… or challenging, lonely, and overwhelming. The difference between an amazing college experience and a less-than-stellar experience has a lot to do with the college you choose. You’ll know your college is a good fit if you...
SAT Score Choice
If you decide to take the SAT more than once, you're in good company. The majority of high school students take the test two or three times with the intent to improve their score each time. After taking the test twice (or more!), students often ask if they should...
Writer’s Block? 11 Journal Topics to Brainstorm the College Essay
I have never considered myself much of a creative writer. The “right” words just never seemed to come to me. However, I’ve always loved the visual arts—drawing and painting in particular. In every art class, the most challenging assignment was always the...
Scoring Policies for the SAT and ACT
Blog updated as of March 13, 2023. SAT and ACT test scores are often used by schools as a predictor of college academic success. Scores also provide a common academic measure that can be used to compare all applicants. But how are these tests scored and how do...
Last Minute AP Exam Tips
Students are taking their AP and IB exams over the next two weeks. In order to be eligible for college credit, students typically need to score a 3 or higher on the AP exam, which is scaled out of 5, and a 4 or higher for their IB exam, which is scaled out of 7. Here...
What is a “Rigorous” High School Course Load?
You hear it from guidance counselors, parents, and college reps: "If you want to get into your first-choice college, you have to take challenging classes." It's true, your academic strengths and abilities as a student are best illustrated through your high school...
Is that a Good AP Exam Score?
Wouldn't it be great to earn college credit for completing an AP class? After all, you learned college-level material at a rigorous pace before graduating high school. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Colleges only offer credit for AP classes if exam score...
SAT Curves: What every student and parent needs to know about SAT Curves
The SAT can be overwhelming for some students and their parents. Many students and their parents are surprised to learn that there isn't a set number of questions you need to get right to get a perfect score on the SAT. In fact, the number of questions you need for a...
5 Study Resources for the AP Exam
Advanced placement (AP) courses offer college-level learning content to high school students. Over 30 AP classes ranging from AP Microeconomics to AP Chinese Language and Culture provide college bound high school students with the opportunity to challenge themselves...
How Long Will I Have to Prep for the SAT or ACT?
One of the first questions parents and students ask is, “How long is it really going to take to raise my SAT or ACT score?” This question does not have one simple answer as there are a lot of factors. One universal truth is that the SAT and ACT are not tests that you...
There’s an App for That: SAT/ACT Study Apps
Although there is no substitute for taking full length timed practice tests as we mentioned in our last blog post on the best SAT prep books, it isn't always feasible to carry around a five pound study guide. With the ease and convenience of mobile applications, you...