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.

Acknowledge A Job Well Done

Is your child  struggling to put effort into school? Some praise regarding the completion of a task could help.

For example, acing a math test could elicit this comment: "I'm really proud that you practiced your multiplication tables for an extra 20 minutes last night. That really paid off." 

For a student who was struggling on a project that received rave reviews from the teacher, an appropriate reward might be a trip to the movies, or extra time on the computer or with a favorite toy. Experts recommend that parents use rewards sparingly, though, and never utilize money, food, or expensive incentives to bolster performance.

SAT Score-Use Practices by Participating Institution

Many colleges and universities allow you to use Score Choice to pick and choose which #SAT scores you want to send as part of your application. The College Board website explains: "With Score Choice, you can put your best foot forward by choosing which scores you send to colleges. Choose by test date for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests — but keep in mind that some colleges and scholarship programs require you to send all your scores." On the other hand, some schools will take your best scores by section. Here's a complete list of policies. https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/professionals/sat-score-use-practices-participating-institutions.pdf. Please also note that the University of Pennsylvania recently changed its position on Score Choice, giving prospective students the option of sharing or hiding their standardized test scores. 

The College Essay Matters

A college admissions essay that truly stands out says something special about a student's intellect, personality and interests. It gives admission officers a sense of who you are, while also showcasing your writing skills. 

Our experienced college essay writing coaches can assist in brainstorming, drafting and revising this important part of the application process. Please call 610-940-1625 or email ceo@keyacademics.com for more information.

In the meantime, here are eight tips for crafting your best college admissions essay.

• Get started by brainstorming

• Let your first draft flow

• Structure your essay's introduction, body and conclusion 

• Be specific

• Find a creative angle

• Be honest

• Get feedback

• Proofread and make corrections

Key Academics Is Philly.Com Readers' Choice

To celebrate our selection as the Philly.com Readers' Choice for best tutoring services, Key Academics is offering a $200 discount for students who enroll in a full course of tutoring by July 15. Tutoring can begin any time in the coming year.

A total of eight tutoring providers were nominated in the second annual awards sponsored by Philly.com, the Inquirer and the Daily News. More than 63,000 votes were cast to determine 202 winners in seven major categories: Entertainment & Leisure, Food & Restaurants, Health & Fitness, School Spirit,  Shopping & Beauty, Weddings, and Services. 

We enjoyed meeting other winners at a rooftop party at the Philadelphia Free Library on June 22. Thank you to all the parents, students, and friends who voted for us.

Philly.Com 2016 Readers' Choice Tutoring Service: Key Academics

Key Academics is Philadelphia's favorite Tutoring service, as voted by readers of The Inquirer, Daily News and Philly.com. In April, we sent a link to parents, students, and friends and asked for your votes. Thank you to the many who found time to support us in our efforts to help more students achieve their academic goals. We look forward to getting to know many more wonderful families!

The second annual Readers' Choice Awards nominations included eight tutoring providers. All told, more than  50,000 people voted for their favorites in seven categories: Entertainment & Leisure, Food & Restaurants, Health & Fitness, School Spirit,  Shopping & Beauty, Weddings, and Services.


We’re looking forward to meeting other winners at a rooftop party at the Philadelphia Free Library on June 22. Winners will also be acknowledged in the Philadelphia Inquirer on June 23. Thank you again for your support!