Add new tag

Colleges Invite Parents to Summer Orientations

Empty Nest 101 Maybe its the helicopter parent phenomenon, or maybe its that parents are more savvy consumers. Or perhaps it's because the price tag on a college education is soaring and parents want to know what their child is getting for their tuition dollars. But whatever the reason, college orientation programs designed for the parents of incoming freshman are gaining in popularity.

Practice makes perfect

Many test prep centers are offering free SAT and ACT practice test sessions throughout the summer and there are many reasons why students should take advantage of this opportunity. Like a dress rehearsal, these sessions replicate the real testing environment as students sit in a room with other students and take the test following the standard protocol. Through exposure to real test questions, when the time comes for the official test, students should feel more confident going into their SAT or ACT. Each student will receive a detailed score report and analysis that breaks down performance and identifies strengths and areas for improvement which will help them be more focused in their SAT/ACT prep. Finally, for students contemplating whether to take the SAT or the ACT the practice tests will give thema chance to compare their scores to determine whether they have a natural strength/preference for one or the other.

Practice makes perfect - summer is the perfect time to take advantage of this opportunity.

Getting a Great Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are an important piece of your college application and can shed light on your potential as a student and as a member of their community that no other parts of your application can. By choosing your writers carefully, providing them with the information they need to write about you, and giving them plenty of time to craft their letters, you stand the best chance of receiving a personal, insightful and positive recommendation.

SAT Score-Use Practices

Beginning with the March administration of the SAT, juniors are now able to choose which scores they will send to selected colleges.   Score Choice allows students greater control over the information about them that is recieved by colleges.  However, schools vary on how they use scores for admission purposes - while some schools will take the highest scores from each section (math, critical reading and writing) across test dates, other colleges will only consider the SAT scores from your single highest test date.  For a listing of the SAT Score-Use Practices for most schools, click on blog title.