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.