Author: admin

8 Things to Know About the SAT

What Students Can Expect on the Test

Posted on by admin

By now, students have settled into the digital SAT. But, there are some aspects of the test worth understanding before embarking on a test prep journey. So what should you know about the SAT? Read on for info from our test prep experts.

1. The current SAT is shorter than previous forms. 

Students tend to prefer this shorter test form. The SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes of working time, about an hour less than the former paper version.

2. Section difficulty is adaptive.

There are four modules on the test: two for Reading & Writing and two for Math. Students will take a medium-difficulty first module, and their performance on it will determine whether they get a lower or higher-difficulty second module. To reach a top score, students need to get to the higher-difficulty module two. 

3. The SAT may not feel difficult on the first try, but it isn’t necessarily easy to score well on.

The shorter passages and overall time mean students often walk out feeling pretty well about their performance. But, because it’s both short and adaptive, on average, the SAT is just as difficult to score well on as any other standardized test. It takes high accuracy to do well.

4. Reading and grammar are combined.

On tests like the ACT, grammar and reading are separate sections. On the SAT, reading comprehension and grammar are combined in the Reading & Writing section. 

5. Math allows a calculator.

In many math classes, students are required to work without a calculator. Not so on the SAT. Both Math modules on the test allow a calculator, and the test platform even includes a (very powerful!) built-in graphing calculator. 

6. Scoring is complicated.

The scoring algorithm on the SAT is complicated. Questions have varying point values, and two per module are unscored experimental questions that won’t count towards the score. Different combinations of incorrect questions can also lead to differing subtracted point values. The most important thing? Students should focus on accuracy and getting as many questions correct as possible! 

7. Reading & writing passages are short and sweet.

Compared to the ACT or English class readings, the SAT passages tend to be fairly short–just three to five sentences. They vary in difficulty, with some tricky ones testing topics like poetry and data interpretation. 

8. Math is heavy on Algebra.

Students will see geometry, data analysis, and trigonometry, but the heaviest emphasis will be on topics from Algebra I and Algebra II. 

For more specific questions or to learn more about our services, contact us.

Who to Turn to for Support on Campus 

A guide to finding the right person to support you on campus.

Posted on by admin

Colleges make a concerted effort to give students the support they need to succeed.  We’ve compiled a list of the most helpful people on campus and our top 1 or 2 tips for benefiting from their expertise. 

Academic Advisors

Academic Advisors are campus experts; they know everything there is to know about course selection, how to withdraw from courses, how to change courses, etc. Additionally, they should have an in-depth knowledge of tutoring resources and extracurricular resources available to you.

  • Meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester, ideally a few weeks before course registration. 
  • Turn to your academic advisor if you are having academic trouble and want some advice, are looking for other extracurricular opportunities, or need some help in a particular class.  

Professors’ Office Hours 

Resource number one is always your professors! They are the ones standing in front of the classroom teaching you things – we know they might seem scary, but just remember that they are individuals who have devoted their entire lives to teaching students like you. They love it!

  • Show up prepared. Have some specific questions in mind; you can ask about course content, how best to review for a test, your ideas for an upcoming essay (you don’t need to even have anything written yet, but you can bring in an outline or thesis or just an idea), the syllabus, or anything else you think would be appropriate! 
  • Meet with a professor to boost your grade. If a professor knows who you are and has noticed that you have made the extra effort to meet with them, they are more likely to give your grade a little bump!  

On-Campus Tutoring Services

Almost all college campuses have free tutorial services for a wide range of subjects! There are usually writing tutorials and subject tutorials for almost every course content area.

  • Ask for help early.  Don’t wait for crisis mode to get the clarification and tips you need to excel.
  • Writing tutorials are an especially useful service offered on college campuses. They can help you with your paper outline, thesis, rough draft, or final draft.  

Mental Health Resources

Most universities have a mental health system designed to help students who are going through a difficult time. Some schools even have free mental health counseling.

  • Save the emergency phone number of the mental health center at your school in your phone, so you can call it if you need it or if a friend of yours needs it. Please put it in your phone now. 

Librarian 

Librarians are trained to help you find items that can help you with your research, cite sources on your papers correctly, and navigate the library system of resources on campus. 

  • Ask a librarian to help you find sources for your research papers or identify the best keywords to help you get started on your own. 

Career Advisor

Most campuses have at least one hired career advisor to help students transition into careers after college, to prepare for this transition during the time you are in college, and to help you gear your academic material towards your desired career. 

  • If you haven’t yet discovered your passion, let the career advisor help  — most of them have many resources that can help you with this process of self-discovery.
  • Work with a career advisor to write your resume and consider extracurriculars that will help you find your first job post-graduation. 

Ultimately, all of these means of support on campus are there to help your college student learn to help themselves. If you want more assistance in understanding how to make the most effective use of these resources,  contact us to learn more about how an executive functioning coach can guide them through taking advantage of all the support that your college has to offer!

 

EF Skills: Working Memory

Strategies to Boost Working Memory

Posted on by admin

 

At a Glance: Strategies to Boost Working Memory and Executive Functioning in Children

What is working memory? It’s the mental whiteboard where we jot down details, multi-step instructions, and new information. For some, however, this mental whiteboard feels limited, leading to missed steps, forgotten assignments, and frustration. The good news is that there are practical strategies to enhance working memory and overall executive functioning. In this article, we’ll explore what working memory is and delve into effective methods to support and improve it.

Understanding Working Memory: Working memory is akin to a mental bucket, holding a finite amount of information. It’s crucial for tasks like following multi-step instructions, grasping complex concepts, and solving problems. Yet, for some people, this mental space can feel cramped, leading to forgetfulness and errors.

Recognizing the Signs: It’s essential for parents and teachers to recognize signs of a struggling working memory. Here’s what it might look like:

  • Missed steps on more complex homework assignments
  • Feedback that work has “careless errors”
  • Genuinely forgetting about assignments or chores
  • Pausing in the middle of a task and need to be redirected
  • Forgotten classroom procedures or struggles to establish routines
  • Complete homework, but then not turn it in
  • Lost or misplaced frequently used belongings

Recognizing the need to put some effort into working is the first step toward improvement.

Strategies to Enhance Working Memory:

  1. Externalize Information:
  • Planners and Lists: Encourage the use of planners or to-do lists. Writing down tasks and assignments externalizes information, relieving the mental burden.
  • Voice Memos and Brain Dumps: Utilize technology like voice memos for quick reminders. Brain dumps before tests can help organize key information.
  1. Reduce the Load:
  • Mindfulness Practices: Introduce mindfulness techniques like meditation or breathwork to enhance focus and reduce distractions.
  • Simplify the Environment: Create a quiet, distraction-free workspace. Keep phones away and maintain an organized study area.
  1. Establish Routines:
  • Visual Checklists: Visual aids, such as checklists, help establish routines. Sequential lists can guide tasks, ensuring steps are not missed.
  • Consistent Task Order: Encourage completing tasks in the same order daily, reinforcing routines and minimizing the mental load.
  1. Activate Visual Processing:
  • Visual Cues: Incorporate visual cues into routines. Simple reminders, like a post-it note on a backpack, engage visual memory.
  • Imagery and Body Language: Encourage imagination, associating information with specific mental locations. Body language and gestures can reinforce instructions effectively.

Crossover Skills: The strategies to support working memory overlap with enhancing organization, task initiation, and information retention. Skills like making lists, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and creating routines are foundational not only for working memory but also for overall executive functioning.  

Notable Changes to the Revamped FAFSA

Posted on by admin

Financial Aid College

What to know: The FAFSA was revamped in 2023. Some of the most notable changes likely to impact Private Prep families:

  • Siblings: Families with two children in college will no longer receive a “break” for this; under the old FAFSA structure, for example, if the Estimated Family Contribution was $20,000, but there were two kids in college at once, that $20,000 would generally be split between the two students. Now, however, if the Student Aid Index (the new term for EFC) is $20,000, families will have to pay that for both siblings. 
  • Colleges can still use “professional judgment”: It’s important to remember that the FAFSA is just one piece of the financial puzzle. Colleges with significant resources will still use their own institutional calculations. However, by law, they may not create policies that are designed to circumvent the FAFSA rules, such as offering a special scholarship for any student who has a sibling in college. 
  • Reach out to the financial aid offices! These people are nice, we promise. They want to help you. In many cases, they are glad to speak with you before you apply so you can understand what kind of aid you might receive—and after admission, they are also important partners and advocates in appealing for more if you need it. 

Families can watch a webinar with a full overview of the FAFSA changes here. 

Transparency Regarding Admission Data – What is Meaningful?

“At a place that is as selective as Penn, the decisions will never make sense.”— Whitney Soule, Dean at the University of Pennsylvania

Posted on by admin

Admissions University of Pennsylvania

What to know: Soule’s quote above was made in the context of a 2023 conversation about admissions data and transparency. As college access professionals advocated for sharing more information, Soule pushed back, wondering how much data was enough and whether it would be truly meaningful. Perhaps most notably, she shared an anecdote in which her decision not to disclose acceptance rates in a press release spiraled completely out of control. Very quickly, she saw her words celebrating the fact that one-third of the incoming Penn class conducted research twisted into statements that Penn requires research. Soon, a new cottage industry of pay-to-play high school research programs was leveraging this sound bite into profits. Soule was, understandably, rattled by this—and clarified that, no, Penn does not require research. That’s not a thing. (Really.)

During the 2023 conversation, Soule also gave an important reminder to families: even when you have all the data, it cannot tell the whole story of a holistic, human process. This, unfortunately, makes it easier for misinformation about the process to spread. For example, in a local community, when one student with a certain number of AP courses gets into Penn, rumors can very quickly spread to create the perception that students must take that many APs or they cannot get into Penn. Soule stated, “We have tens of thousands of students who meet the criteria. We’re never saying, ‘Thank god we found a kid with 8 APs!’” 

The moral of the story: holistic admissions is messy. It is confusing. Perhaps more often than not, to an outsider, the decisions do not make any sense. This is why it’s important to approach every piece of admissions advice you receive—especially if the source is not the college itself—with a hefty dose of skepticism.

Oh My STARS: Is Your College Application Complete?

Used by many colleges, STARS is a record system that asks students to report their entire high school transcripts themselves in a specific format

Posted on by admin

Around this time of year, many students excitedly hit “submit” on their applications (hooray!), only to log in to their college-specific admissions portals a few days later to see those dreaded words: application incomplete. They submitted their application, their essays, their scores and teacher recommendations, so what’s the deal? Upon closer inspection, they see the item that’s missing: the STARS. What is that, anyway?

Fear not, students, and read on!

What is this STARS thing?

STARS stands for Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System, formerly known as the SRAR. Essentially, it asks students to report their entire high school transcripts themselves in a specific format. There also used to be the SSAR, used by the Florida university system, but these have merged—so these days there is (blessedly) only one self-reported system outside of the Common App. And once a student has filled it out once, they don’t need to do so again, even if other colleges to which they are applying require it.

Why do colleges use this?

In general, using the STARS allows colleges to review applications more quickly, because they do not have to wait for their systems to process students’ transcripts as they come in. We tend to see colleges with very large applicant pools (think big state schools) as well as colleges with rolling admissions policies use the STARS.

But they have my transcript! Do I really have to do it?

Alas, you really do. Colleges that require the STARS will not consider your file complete until you fill it out. This is why checking your admissions portals is so important—you do not want to overlook a requirement like this and, say, miss out on being considered in the early pool.

Is that different from the Courses & Grades section on the Common App?

Unfortunately, yes. This means some lucky students will have to share their whole transcripts not once, but twice. If this is you, we are sorry and we agree that it’s a huge pain.

How do I use STARS?

Check out the instructions on each college’s website for how you should share your transcript. Virginia Tech, for example, provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for using STARS. Some colleges use STARS EasyImport, a new AI feature that uses Optical Character Recognition so that you can simply upload transcripts and grade reports rather than hand-entering information. If you’re applying to a college that uses STARS EasyImport, be sure to verify that the AI tool has correctly imported your data before you submit.

What if I make a mistake on my STARS?

Contact the school! They can unlock it for you so that you can make a change. It’s important to make corrections if you find an error; if you matriculate to a college, they will compare your transcript on file to your STARS to ensure the information is correct.

Which colleges use STARS?

Here is the current list, per STARS’ website:

What if I have questions about filling it out?

Your first stop for STARS-related questions should be your school counselor, who can advise you on sometimes confusing questions about credits, 8th grade coursework, and dual enrollment. There is also a fairly extensive help guide on the STARS website. 

Still have questions? Reach out to our team!

The Role of AP Exams in College Admissions

Posted on by admin

ap exams

While we don’t yet know exactly which schools will continue with their test optional policies into next year, we know that the test optional movement and the testing landscape shakeup isn’t going anywhere soon. This has led to a lot of new questions about AP exams. Our team answers below!

Are APs actually important in the college admissions process?

They can be, yes! If we take a step back, let’s remember that standardized testing in general is there to support the story a student’s transcript tells. Ultimately, admissions officers are using a student’s grades, course selection (i.e. level of rigor), and, if available, testing to make the determination whether that student can thrive at their institution. AP exams can be helpful in providing more information to help make that determination. A student who takes AP exams and gets 4s or 5s is sending a strong message about their readiness for college-level coursework.

Colleges may especially note this in subjects that relate to a student’s area of interest—for example, a great score on AP Bio or AP Chemistry might benefit a pre-med applicant, or AP Physics or AP Calc could be important for a future engineer. A student interested in politics and government who rocks the AP US exam is emphasizing their interest and engagement; a student who loves language and gets a 5 on AP Spanish is providing insight into their level of fluency. All of these are small data points that can help a student tell their story.

But I’m probably applying test optional, so what happens to my AP scores?

When a college is test optional or test free, that refers to the SAT or ACT. They will typically be happy to accept other scores, such as AP exams, and indeed strong AP scores can provide valuable data points to support students’ academic profiles in the absence of other testing. We are finding that many of our successful test optional applicants do have AP scores to share.

My school doesn’t have APs / only has 2 APs / everyone fails AP Chem!

Don’t worry! Remember: you are always evaluated in context. Your admissions officer will know, from information provided by your high school, which courses are available to you. They are also often provided a scale that shows AP exam score distribution at your school; so if you have a teacher who famously refuses to teach to the test, and everyone gets a 2, they will have that information. On the flipside, if you’re that one student who gets a 4 or 5 on that exam, you may help yourself stand out further.

Eek! I didn’t do well on an AP. Are colleges automatically going to see my scores?

AP scores are self-reported, meaning that in most cases you tell colleges about the scores you want them to know about. You do not have to send your official score report with every AP score listed on it, so you have lot of control over your AP scores and can share only the scores that add positively to your academic profile. Be aware, though, that there are exceptions: Stanford recently updated its AP submission policies and now requires students to submit all AP scores. Always check with the schools to which you’re applying and make sure you understand their AP policies.

Note: some high schools put students’ AP scores on their transcripts as a standard practice, and students may have to request to have them removed. Make sure to check with your guidance counselor about this!

Can I actually get credit for them in college?

Yes! It’s important to remember that AP scores are not only part of the college admissions process; they can also be valuable once you get to college. Policies vary quite widely in terms of which colleges grant credit for which tests. Many colleges and universities will allow a student to accumulate credits from their AP exams—we’ve had students be eligible for sophomore standing as a result of their AP scores, which means they could save a full year of tuition—while others will give acceleration credits, allowing students to move to more advanced coursework faster. Doing well on APs, particularly earning 4s and 5s, can give students more flexibility and options in college!

Want to make sure to foot your best foot forward on your AP exams? Take a look at our AP classes to see if they’re a good fit for you. Or, as always, you can contact us.

4 Impactful Women University Presidents

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Posted on by admin

March is Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating by recognizing trailblazing women who serve as presidents of universities around the U.S. Their impactful accomplishments in higher education have served as major catalysts for positive change within the academic world in terms of inclusivity, scientific research, university enrollment, and innovation. While there are many other current and former women university presidents, we hope this blog inspires you to learn more about the incredible contributions that women have made in education. 

CHRISTINA PAXSON – President of Brown University
2012–Present

Christina Paxson

Christina Paxson, an American economist and public health expert, serves as the 19th president of Brown University. Prior to her work at Brown University, Paxson was the Hughes Rogers Professor of Economics & Public Affairs at Princeton University as well as the Dean of Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. During Paxson’s Brown presidency, she has established and spearheaded the growth of institutes that connect top researchers and scholars to face a variety of topics including neuroscience, environmental and climate studies, economics, international and public policy, humanistic studies, and translating science and technology to find treatments and cures for disease.

Image credit

REBECCA CHOPP – Chancellor of University of Denver
2014–present

Rebecca Chopp

Rebecca Chopp serves as the 18th chancellor of the University of Denver and the first female chancellor in the institution’s history. Chopp is an academic administrator and professor and the previous president of Swarthmore College and Colgate University. Her work at the University of Denver includes a community-wide effort called Imagine DU. Chopp has consulted with thousands of community members to transform student experiences outside the classroom to form a greater community. Chopp values community between students, faculty, alumni, and neighbors by focusing on inclusivity at the campus so that community members from all backgrounds can thrive.

Image credit 

NEELI BENDAPUDI – President-Elect of Pennsylvania State University
2021 president-elect

Beeli Bendapudi

Neeli Bendapudi is the president-elect of Pennsylvania State University, beginning her appointment in spring 2022. She is a leader in academic administration and business. Previously, she served as the 18th president of the University of Louisville, where, under her leadership, the university recruited its largest and most diverse freshman class, reached record enrollment levels, improved four-year graduation rates, and increased annual sponsored research by nearly 80%. Bendapudi is committed to advancing student success & the student experience, diversity & inclusion, and access & affordability. In her new appointment, Bendapudi will make history as the first woman and person of color to serve as president of Penn State.

Image credit

DENISE TRAUTH – President of Texas State University
2022–present

Denise Trauth

Denise Trauth is the ninth president of Texas State University. Prior to serving as Texas State’s president, Trauth was the vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During her time as president, the university was designated a Texas Emerging Research University, has been reclassified as an “R2: Doctoral University – Higher Research Activity,” became a federal Hispanic-Serving Institution, and has experienced its largest construction program since its founding in 1899. Trauth was awarded the 2021 Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership to Texas State University through integrity, compassion, resiliency, and innovation by The Texas State Alumni Association.

Image credit

These four powerful faces are just a fraction of the many women leaders and change-makers that have impacted higher education over the years. Their inspiring contributions continue to make education a more inclusive and uplifting experience, and their stories are undeniably bound to empower future women leaders.

 

Our Top Executive Functioning Resources for 2026

Your one-stop shop for the skills your child needs to succeed

Posted on by admin

executive functioning resources

When it comes to helping students develop essential executive functioning skills like planning, prioritization, organization, time management, and more, there are a lot of resources out there. But how will parents know which to choose, what’s important, and who to trust? That’s where our team of highly trained EF coaches come in. 

We get to know students on an individual level, assess strengths and weaknesses, understand their goals, propose tailored plans to meet their needs, and work with them one-on-one until those objectives are met. Our specialized coaches utilize the latest research and teaching methods to bring out the best in students and share tips and techniques with parents to use at home. To make things even easier for families, we’ve collected some of our recent executive functioning resources here, in one spot. But if you don’t see the help you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized support from our EF team. 

Time Management

Planning and Prioritization

Motivation and Task Initiation

Building Independence and Self-Advocacy Skills

Study Tips and Tools

Calculator Tips for Standardized Tests

If you’re feeling confused about which tests allow students to use calculators, you’re not alone.

Posted on by admin

Calculator Tips for the ACT and SAT

Need calculator tips for standardized tests? Here are the facts.

The ACT

The ACT Calculator Policy is designed to ensure fairness, avoid disturbances in the testing room, and protect the security of the test materials. 

  • A permitted calculator may be used on the ACT mathematics test only.
  • Students may bring a graphing, 4-function, or scientific calculator. The TI-84 is a popular option.
  • Students cannot use calculators with built-in or downloaded computer algebra system functionality. Prohibited calculators in this category include:
      • Texas Instruments —model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92
      • TI-Nspire CAS [Note: The TI-Nspire (non-CAS) is permitted
      • Hewlett-Packard —HP Prime, HP 48GII, all model numbers that begin with HP40G, HP49G, or HP50G
  • Accessible calculators such as audio/“talking” or Braille calculators may be allowed under the accessibility policies for the ACT test.
  • Using the TI-89 is the most common reason students are dismissed from the ACT for prohibited calculator use.
  • Students taking the digital version of the exam will have access to an onscreen Desmos graphing and scientific calculator. We also recommended bringing the graphing calculator you’re comfortable with.
  • Sharing calculators during the test is not permitted, and the test proctor will not provide a calculator.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that their calculator works properly. If the calculator uses batteries, the batteries should be strong enough to last throughout the testing session. Students may bring a spare calculator and extra batteries.

The SAT

The SAT Calculator Policy states that students can only use a calculator for the Math section. It cannot be used on the Reading & Writing section.

  • The SAT platform has a built-in Desmos graphing and scientific calculator that we highly recommend. Students can also bring and use their own calculator if they would like.
  • Students will be dismissed and scores will be canceled if a student uses a calculator to share information during the test or to remove test questions or answers from the test room.
  • Testing centers will not have batteries or extra calculators. If a student’s calculator fails during testing and he/she does not have a backup, the student will need to complete the test without it.
  • Permitted calculators include most graphing calculators, all scientific calculators, and all four-function calculators. We recommend a graphing calculator. A list of calculators allowed in the test room can be found on the SAT Calculator Policy page.  
  • There are some graphing calculators that are not allowed on the SAT. Prohibited calculators include:
    • Texas Instruments — model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 or that have “CAS” in the model name.
    • Hewlett-Packard —HP Prime, HP 48GII, all model numbers that begin with HP40G, HP49G, or HP50G
    • Casio — ClassPad 300, 330, or 400; ClassPad II (fx-CP400); ClassPad fx-CG 500 or fx-CG500; Algebra fx 2.0; all model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G

High School Admissions Tests

SHSAT: Students may not use calculators and/or mathematics tables on the Mathematics section.

SSAT: No calculator is allowed on this exam. Students will be required to complete simple calculations, not complex math problems.

ISEE: No calculator is allowed on this exam.

AP Exams

AP Exam calculator policies differ depending on the subject. See a common list of subjects below, or you can find the full policy on the College Board website.

AP Calculus AB & BC

  • The use of a graphing calculator is considered an integral part of the AP Calculus course, and is required for all sections of the AP Calculus Exams.
  • A built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available through the Bluebook testing application.

AP Biology

  • Four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators are allowed on all sections of the exam.
  • A built-in Desmos scientific calculator is available through the Bluebook testing application.

Chemistry

  • A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended for all parts of the exam.
  • A built-in Desmos scientific and graphing calculator is available through the Bluebook testing application.

Physics 1 | Physics 2 | Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism | Physics C: Mechanics

  • Students are allowed to use a calculator on the entire AP Physics 1, 2, and C Exams – including both the multiple-choice and free response sections.
  • A built-in Desmos scientific and graphing calculator is available through the Bluebook testing application.
  • Personal scientific, graphing, or four-function calculators may be used, provided that they don’t have any unapproved features or capabilities.

Statistics: Each student is expected to bring a graphing calculator with statistical capabilities.

  • The computational capabilities should include standard statistical univariate and bivariate summaries, through linear regression. The graphical capabilities should include common univariate and bivariate displays such as histograms, boxplots, and scatterplots. You can bring two calculators to the exam.
  • A built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available through the Bluebook testing application.

Need more personalized guidance on your STEM test prep? Our tutors and coaches are here to help.