Top 5 Tips for High School Success 1. GPA-Above everything else (including SATs) GPA matters the most. Do not over-prioritize any single class since all subjects factor equally in your GPA. 2. Balance your interests-pick a few extra curriculars and stick with those. Try to attain a leadership position in one or more clubs/teams in[…]
ISEE Test-What can your child study?1. Start with vocabulary. We offer middle-high school level vocab lists to start with. Alternatively, use the list in a Kaplan, Princeton Review, or Barron’s book. Even if your child studies Wordly Wise in School, that is not enough.2. Math Achievement. Here is a checklist of major topics that your[…]
The SAT is changing again! Why? 1. It is time for a change. Most major standardized tests change about every 10 years. The last change was in 2005. 2. Some universities did not widely adopt the SAT Writing Section on the current test. The New Redesigned SAT will revert back to a 1600 scale and[…]
The New Redesigned SAT-What you need to know 1. The New Redesigned SAT will affect students who are currently in or below 10th grade. The test will be launched in Spring 2015 2. The test will revert back to a grading scale out of 1600. There will also be an essay based on textual analysis.[…]
How can you pick the best homework helper/tutor for your child? 1. Go with an expert-As children get older, the coursework becomes harder and harder. By 8th grade, parents may struggle to assist their children with daily homework. We recommend that parents use tutors who have undergraduate degrees in substantive fields like English, the sciences,[…]
5 Things to Know about the ISEE test: Is your child entering high school next year? Most private high schools require students to take the ISEE test 1. Students can only take the test once per year. I recommend that most students take the December test.2. All 8th graders take the upper level ISEE test,[…]
Back to School-How to Balance Standardized Tests with Schoolwork School is back in swing, and many standardized tests (SATs, ACTs, SSATs, ISEEs) are around the corner. Check out these 5 tips to keep your family sane as your child prepares for the tests. 1. Scheduling-I oftentimes tell students to use the weeknights for schoolwork and[…]
Study these words to get ahead in the reading and writing sections of the SAT! Imprimatur– Approval Meted– Rhythm/division of words in a poem Bailiwick– Sphere of authority Feted– Celebrated Demurral-Rejection/Objection Capacious– Roomy Retinue– Group of advisors Megalomania– Being obsessed with yourself Approbation– Approval Epigram– A short poem (sometimes sarcastic) Floe– A sheet of floating[…]
5 Habits of the Best Test Takers 1. Absolute Focus. No distracting thoughts, No ticks or movements. Being physically focused helps your mental concentration. 2. Practiced Methods. Stick to your tricks. If you have learned to do a reading section in a certain way, then stick to that on the real test. 3. No[…]
5 Tips for Back to School Success 1. Start early. Make sure all summer reading is complete so your child does not start the year behind.2. Make a plan. Talk with your child and together make a nightly schedule for homework, sports, and family time.3. Integration. Reach out to your child’s teachers, advisers, and administrative[…]