One-To-One Help With AP Homework And Exams

Key Academics tutors use their expertise to build prep plans that factor in students' individual study habits and goals to make sure each gets the most out of an AP class and test. 

AP courses are among the most rigorous a high school has to offer. They can lift a GPA above a 4.0, thanks to transcript weighting. And if you take the exam (usually right after taking the class) the course may be  exchangeable for college credit. The exam fee is $94, significantly cheaper than taking the equivalent class in college. Another potential advantage is that many students thrive on the courses' high expectations. 

Nearly three million students at 22,000 high schools will take Advanced Placement exams in May 2018, twice the rate of 10 years ago.

Key Differences Between The SAT And ACT

Have questions regarding which college admissions test is right for your student? A chart that outlines the key facts and differences between the SAT and the ACT is available as a free download from Key Academics. 

However, a better way would be to contact us about taking free, in-home complete diagnostic tests for one or both exams. Upon completion, our expert Program Director will discuss with you the results of a computerized test analysis. 

Download the SAT versus ACT chart here.

What Colleges Want in an Applicant (Everything)

"The admissions process is a maddening mishmash of competing objectives, and an attempt to measure the unmeasurable: you. No, it isn’t fair, and likely never will be," notes the N.Y. Times. "Generally, nothing carries more weight in admissions than grades (plus strength of the high school curriculum) and ACT/SAT scores," the Nov. 1 article noted. Read more at
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/01/education/edlife/what-college-admissions-wants.html

5 Tips For Scoring College Scholarships

The National Scholarship Providers Association designates November as National Scholarship Month. For high school seniors and college students looking for #scholarships to help fund the cost of school next year, now is the time to begin the search.

Local private scholarship deadlines tend to be in the spring, but applications for some of the biggest national scholarships are due in the next few months. These scholarships are based on merit, not financial need, although family income can be a factor in some cases.

Click here for five ways to maximize your chances of getting money that can help with your college bills.

5 Steps To Improved Reading Comprehension

Students who readily grasp information found in textbooks earn better grades and experience less stress. Follow these five steps to improve comprehension of complicated concepts.  

1. Read the introduction.
First, look over the introduction, table of contents, section and chapter headings, and any highlighted text. Home in on general information rather than specifics. If focus questions and study guides are provided, look those over, as well.

2. Define your purpose.
Many texts contain details that are unrelated to the most important concepts and ideas. Defining your objective ahead of time can help weed out information that is irrelevant to the main concepts.   
     
3. Read the text.
Now it's time to read the text. Consider reading parts out loud if you have difficulty concentrating or are an auditory learner, someone who depends on hearing and speaking as a main way of learning.

4. Take notes or highlight important concepts.
As you come across key concepts, facts and ideas, use a highlighter, write them down on a piece of paper, or make notes in the margin. This will help you remember what you've read and quickly access important sections for future reference.

5. Identify the takeaways.
After reading the text, identify what you've learned and the important takeaways. This will help you internalize the material for future reference and identify for further review concepts you don't fully understand. 

Key Academics tutors utilize study techniques that help students achieve their learning goals. For more information, call 610-940-1625 or email info@keyacademics.com. 

Superscoring Versus Score Choice

One of the biggest sources of confusion regarding college admissions tests concerns which scores schools actually consider. There are three general SAT and ACT options colleges use, based on their admissions policies:

Superscoring: These schools use the highest scores from different test sections, even if the tests were taken on different dates. For example, you can use a math score from one SAT test sitting and a reading and writing score from another test session. The vast majority of colleges superscore the SAT and an increasing number are superscoring the ACT. 

Score Choice: These schools take the highest score from one test date, but do not combine sections from different dates. Usually, you are only required to send one set of scores regardless of how many times you take the SAT or ACT. Penn State is an example of a school that does not combine the best scores from different test dates. 

Schools that require all test scores: A small number of colleges require students to report all scores so they can see their entire testing history. All SAT scores are automatically sent unless you select the Choose Scores option. The ACT asks you to specify which test dates you want reported to each school.

Please keep in mind that Score Choice, superscoring, and other testing policies vary from school to school. It is your responsibility to ensure that the colleges to which you apply receive the appropriate test results in a timely manner. Contact individual college admissions offices or your high school guidance counselor for more information. 

College SAT Essay Policies

The SAT Essay is a lot like writing assignments you’ll see in college. It asks you to read a passage and analyze how the author constructs a persuasive argument. You’ll have 50 minutes to complete your response.You aren’t required to take the SAT Essay—it’s optional—but many colleges require or recommend it. Click here and scroll down for a list that includes essay policy information for U.S. and international colleges, as well as scholarship providers. If you don’t see a college you’re looking for, or if you want to make sure a college’s essay policy hasn’t changed, contact them directly.

Private School Applications: A Timeline

Registration Reminder: SSAT and ISEE registration for the Fall 2017-2018 season opened this week.

The independent school admissions process can seem overwhelming, but having the right plan in place can make the entire process run more smoothly. Key Academics' ISEE/SSAT Timeline shows how a sensible testing plan fits into a timeframe for independent school applications.

Key Academics tutoring begins with a diagnostic test and a detailed score report to identify strengths and weaknesses. Our SSAT and ISEE course books feature engaging and challenging lesson modules that allow students to work through difficult material with a tutor while practicing more general concepts on their own. Additional ISEE or SSAT tests provide valuable information regarding progress. 

 

Please call 610-940-1625 to learn how in-home tutoring can bolster independent school applications by developing the skills required to do well on the admissions test.

Write A Great College Admissions Essay

The application essay is an important part of the college admittance process. Students often need help in crafting a compelling essay that will catch the attention of an admissions committee. 

An experienced Key Academics admissions essay writing coach can help with brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising an essay that showcases a student's character, aspirations and talents. One opportunity is to complete the essay over the summer. Alternatively, rising seniors should work on it early in the fall semester.  

Philly.com Readers' Choice: Key Academics

For the second year in a row, Key Academics has been named best tutoring service by both Philly.com and the Montco Happening List.

We're celebrating with a 15 percent discount for new students who mention either award. Just register by Aug. 1, 2017, and begin tutoring by July 31, 2018. (This discount cannot be combined with other offers.) Thank you to everyone who has supported our efforts to help more students.

Save $200 On Summer SAT/ACT Tutoring

A new summer SAT, debuting Aug. 26, provides an opportunity for rising juniors to get admissions tests out of the way early. Rising seniors can retake the test and have more time to concentrate on their grades in the fall. 

Summer is always a great time to prepare for the ACT or SAT. And with a $200 summer discount, Key Academics' program of 13 90-minute, in-home lessons is more affordable than ever. Students can start by taking an official SAT and/or ACT diagnostic test at home and receiving a detailed analysis. 

Summer can also provide an opportunity for students to prepare for fall classes by reinforcing content from the previous year and previewing the academic work ahead. A special 10% summer discount is available for subject tutoring for all grades. As always, our expert tutors provide one-to-one instruction in the convenience of your home, with no minimum number of sessions required. 

For more information, please call 610-940-1625, email info@keyacademics.com, or visit keyacademics.com.

SAT Subject Tests In Limbo

When will the SAT Subject Tests be redesigned and aligned with the new SAT? The short answer -- nothing new is expected for Subject Tests for at least five years. 

In a survey of higher education institutions, College Board representatives were told that colleges and universities don't want to handle more changes all at once. The College Board has also been learning some important lessons while redesigning AP courses. It wants to apply some of this research to Subject Tests, but that will take planning and time.

Subject Tests are written to test at the high school level, which is why they are considered in admissions but do not often result in college credit. AP classes emulate college-level content and rigor, so those test results are more often used for actual college credit and placement.

For A Limited Time, Receive More For Referrals

For a limited time, receive more than ever when you refer a friend or family member to Key Academics! A  $75 Amazon gift card will be sent to you when an SAT or ACT student begins tutoring. Referrers of academic or study skills receive $50 gift cards. There's no limit to how much you can earn!

Step 1:

Tell your family and friends about Key Academics. 

Step 2: Ask them to call 610-940-1625 or email ceo@keyacademics.com by May 15 and provide your name at initial inquiry. 

Step 3: Receive a $75 or $50 Amazon gift card when the student begins tutoring. 

High-Schoolers Should Build Strong Teacher Relationships

Getting to know their high school teachers can benefit students in the college admissions process.

Even if you are a strong student, your teachers may not know you well. After all, they are responsible for dozens of students. Building strong relationships with your teachers can help you:
  
Get help with college letters of recommendation. Securing a great letter of recommendation hinges on your personal rapport with teachers. One way to achieve this goal is to stay after class and ask questions. 

Develop professional and networking connections. Teachers who have professional networks outside the classroom may be able to offer advice about searching for scholarships, internships, and volunteering opportunities. 

Benefit from a mentor. High school can be difficult for any student. It can be helpful to ask an adult for advice.

SAT Eases Accommodation Process

The College Board recently made it easier for students to obtain #SAT accommodations. Approvals will now be almost automatic for students who already receive and use accommodations at their school under an official plan and who submit the request through their school’s SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) coordinator. 

The school coordinator only needs to answer yes to two questions: One: “Is the requested accommodation in the student’s plan?” And two: “Has the student used the accommodation for school testing?”  

Students with a documented learning difference are eligible for extra time and other accommodations from both the College Board and the ACT. Approval from one organization does not guarantee approval from the other, however. Families should meet with their school’s accommodation coordinator to ensure that the required documentation is submitted in a timely manner.

Best Of Montgomery County And Philly.Com

“The tutors were knowledgeable and cared about my child and his success.  In addition to imparting valuable test-taking tips, they also ensured he knew and understood the material so he felt confident and ready.” – Karen G., Lafayette Hill 

“Excellent tutor- expert in subject, but also wonderful teaching skills! Made sessions very worthwhile and instilled confidence in our student. Great improvement on ACT!” – Julie P., West Chester

In the past two years, clients like these have voted Key Academics as Best of Montgomery County and the Philly.Com Readers' Choice for in-home SAT, ACT, and K To College Subject Tutoring throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area. 

For more information, please call 610-940-1625 or visit us on the web at keyacademics.com.