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.