Posts Tagged ‘SAT’
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
1. You get one point for each multiple-choice correct answer.
2. Answer as many multiple-choice questions as you can because only a quarter-point is deducted for incorrect answers.
3. No points are subtracted for incorrect answers in the math student-produced response section so long as you provide an answer.
4. Answers left blank are not counted in the scoring at all and you will not be penalized. However, your total will be less than 800 (per section). If you can eliminate one answer choice, statistics show it is better to take an educated guess.
5. The questions in each section usually go from easiest to hardest. So, most likely, the obvious answer in the beginning of the section is correct whereas the obvious answer towards the end of the section a “trick-answer.”
Try a FREE SAT test to determine your baseline score. Take practice SAT tests online to improve your score.
Tags: college application, SAT, SAT online tutor, SAT review class, SAT score, SAT test prep
Posted in Math Skills, Parents' Guides, Reading Skills, Test Prep | No Comments »
Friday, April 30th, 2010
Back in the day, students primarily looked at colleges’ academic reputation, location and tuition in deciding where to go. Students today choose colleges based on their eco-friendly practices, policies and academic courses as well.
Colleges and universities around the country are taking their own “Go Green” initiative to attract these students. Colleges are adding major and minor courses focusing on environment-related areas such as green architecture, alternative energy sources, and environmental journalism. In an effort to create a “green work force,” for example, a consortium of colleges in Ohio is partnering to produce expertise on solar panels, algae based fuels and climate changes. Colleges are adopting “green” tech such as moving desktops into cloud. Some campuses are reducing their carbon-footprints by using alternative hydro-power energy, running clean-fuel buses, commissioning environmentally-friendly construction, and buying food products from sustainable sources.
The importance of issues of sustainability in students’ decision-making process is highlighted by the availability of many publications and surveys ranking not only “Best Colleges,” “Party Schools,” “Top College Town,” but also “Green Colleges.” As more and more students are becoming environmentally conscious, the college or university of students’ choice must align with their commitment to the Earth.
Tags: best green colleges, college admissions, eco-friendly schools, green colleges, green tech, how to choose a college, practice SAT questions, SAT
Posted in Adult Learners, Parents' Guides, Test Prep | 1 Comment »
Friday, April 23rd, 2010
If you are planning to attend college this Fall then you know that May 1st is the big day in the college admissions process. Students must decide within the next few days whether to accept or reject an offer of admission and what college they will be attending. Maybe you got into your first-choice college and have no decision to make at all and already have started packing your bags. But, maybe your college choice is a little tougher than that. You could have been wait listed, received more than one acceptance letter or didn’t get the scholarship you had hoped for to help pay for the private university tuition. Or maybe, like so many others, you just don’t know what school you should choose.
This decision is a difficult one for many. The next four years are an investment in your future and how do you know if you are making the right choice. Should you go where you feel most comfortable? Should you choose the school where your friends are going? Should you choose your parents alma mater? Below are some factors you should consider when deciding if a school is a good fit for you. Take a look at these characteristics in order of importance to you and see how well each college matches up to each other:
• Academic
o Take a look at the professors at the school, their research, awards and backgrounds
o Review the course catalog online to get an idea of the types of courses and major programs offered and if they match your academic pursuits
o Sit in on classes - how big or small are they and do they teachers know the students on a first name basis?
o Talk to alumni regarding life after graduation - did they feel prepared in their chosen careers?
• Social
o Go visit the school in-person if you have not done so already - some schools will even let you stay overnight or for the weekend with another student. Can you picture yourself there - do you and the school click?
o Meet the current students to get a real sense of the school - where are they from and what are their backgrounds?
o Look at the extracurricular activities, sports, Greek life - does this school offer everything you are interested in?
o Look at the school’s Facebook or twitter pages, read the college newspaper online - see what the admissions counselors aren’t telling you
•Financial
o Can you, or your parents, really afford this school?
o Review not only the tuition, but the costs for housing, meal plans and transportation. Will you need to fly, take the train/bus or drive home on breaks?
o Compare the financial aid packages, scholarships, loans, gifts, grants and any work-study opportunities
This week you’ll make one of the biggest decisions of your life. If you still have questions, talk to your guidance counselor, a favorite teacher or your parents who know you both academically and personally. They might be able to help you evaluate the pros and cons. This decision is a personal one and the final choice should be made yours, but it never hurts to ask for advice from people who know you well and care about your future.
Tags: attend college, best colleges, college admissions, college application, college decisions due, college life, online test prep, SAT
Posted in Parents' Guides, Test Prep | No Comments »
Monday, April 19th, 2010
Whether you are applying to college, grad school or law school, in the next few months you will be taking an entrance exam of some sort.
Here are some important dates to keep in mind. The next test dates for the following standardized tests:
SAT - May 1, 2010 and June 5, 2010
LSAT - June 7, 2010
GRE - The GRE General Test is given year-round at computer-based test centers in the United States, Canada and many other countries. Find out how to register at www.ets.org.
(Paper-based administrations are offered only in areas of the world where computer-based testing is not available.)
GMAT - To take the GMAT exam, you must select a test center. Each test center has its own schedule and can accommodate varying numbers of test takers throughout the day.
Check the official website of the Graduate Management Admission Council for information about test centers and registration.
Tags: GMAT, GRE, GRE math, GRE verbal, LSAT, online classes, online test prep, SAT
Posted in Adult Learners, Parents' Guides, Site Features, Test Prep | No Comments »
Friday, March 26th, 2010
Students today do pretty much everything online: watch movies, talk with friends, read books, purchase music. With the aid of experienced teachers and tutors, now they can get help with their schoolwork too. Online tutoring is fast becoming a trend among students from high school to college and through graduate school.
A click away, students can experience a new way of learning that is not only effective but fun. Though the student and the online tutor may be in different locations, education is made effective through the use of tools such as videos and whiteboards, which are used to make the whole process of online learning more convenient and in real-time. Teachers and tutors interact with students through audio-video, chat, share presentations, and documents. For the most part, a set of speakers, a microphone and an internet connection is all that a student needs to start experiencing online tutoring in the virtual classroom.
What can online tutoring help me with?
• Homework
• Standardized tests including the SAT, GRE, LSAT or GMAT
• Specific subjects such as Math, Science, English
What are the benefits of online tutoring?
• Can compare pricing and find a tutor for a reasonable cost
• Get personal attention unlike in a crowded classroom
• You don’t have to follow a strict schedule, as you can get tutored at your convenience
• You have the freedom to get tutored at anytime, from anywhere - save time and money
• Can share information virtually – go green
By bringing the power of a private tutor directly to an individual, students and parents can increase their test scores at an affordable cost.
-Lara Cohn, Examville Blog Contributor
Tags: college, education, GMAT, Graduate School, GRE, high school, LSAT, online learning, SAT, students, teachers, test scores, tutor, tutoring
Posted in Parents' Guides, Site Features, Test Prep | 2 Comments »
Friday, March 19th, 2010
Are you currently studying for the SATs and looking to increase your writing and critical reading scores? The key to success in the SAT Critical Reading and Writing sections is to build your vocabulary. Having a broad and varied vocabulary is critical to succeeding in this area and unfortunately not something you can or should cram for.
Read a book
Read, Read, Read. The best way to prepare for the SATs, or other standardized tests including the GRE, GMAT or LSAT, is to do plenty of reading. This seems like a no-brainer, but with so many distractions from the internet and television, students today are not reading enough and their vocabulary isn’t as strong as it could be. Get your hands on higher level reading material such as novels or academic journals as you’ll be able to see what proper writing looks and sounds like. As you read, remind yourself to truly absorb the material and not just skim through it. Develop a habit of jotting down words you don’t know when reading, look them up and then start incorporating them into your own daily vocabulary.
This is the time to read all those great books outside of your assigned classroom reading and it doesn’t have to cost you a penny. Take out a book from the library or download digital classic books like Treasure Island, The Scarlett Letter, Frankenstein or Pride and Prejudice for free on sites like Google Books.
Word of the Day Calendars
Wake up and learn a new word every day. Calendar pages usually include a definition, pronunciation, sample sentence, and detailed word history. Discover words that are fun to use and test your family at breakfast to see how many words they know. Many sites are also available to download “word of the day” applications to your computer, receive free in your email or on your smart phones. Slip a sheet into your lunch bag every day and have some fun with your friends.
Play Word Games
Some other fun ideas of ways to develop your sense of comprehension when you read and expand your vocabulary skills are playing word games like word jumbles, brainteasers, crossword puzzles or board games like Scrabble.
Social network internet versions of many original board games are a great way to learn new words and let you play live against your friends, anywhere around the world. Additionally, playing some online educational and vocabulary games makes you feel good about learning new words as they donate to charities and causes to end world hunger or poverty.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with making learning fun and if a student can learn something from playing a game, then why not take advantage of it? Other convenient ways students can study for the SATs are with online practice tests and study guides, interactive virtual classes and from affordable online educational tutors.
-Lara Cohn, Examville Blog Contributor
Tags: improve score, increase SAT score, online test prep, reading comprehension, Reading Skills, SAT, standardized test, Test Prep, vocabulary
Posted in Parents' Guides, Reading Skills, Site Features, Test Prep | 8 Comments »
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
High school students applying to college today are more prepared than ever before, making the already stressful process even more competitive. One of the best ways to prepare for college is to get a taste of college life and academics. Many prominent colleges and universities from the East to West Coast including Northwestern, Yale, Stanford, UCLA, Georgetown, Tufts, and Columbia offer college preparation summer programs designed for rising high school seniors who want new academic challenges and the experience of real college life. College bound students will live and learn on campus prior to deciding where to apply or attend.
These unique programs are an opportunity for students to explore different subjects or get a head start on the major of their dreams. They will gain access to the very best instructors and study alongside not only other high school seniors from across the nation and around the world, but with current undergraduate students.
• Prepare for the college admissions process
• Learn at the university level
• Discover ways to balance time and study effectively
• Experience living in the diverse community of a college dorm
• Students gain maturity, motivation and confidence
For six weeks or so a student will take one or two college-level courses for academic credit, which could be transferred to the college they attend at a later time. Many of the schools also offer SAT prep workshops designed to help students boost SAT scores, admissions essay writing classes, tutoring and study skills seminars.
The programs are costly though and the application process is competitive. If dorm life and dining-hall food does not seem appealing, there are online learning opportunities to consider. Students can study for the SAT and other standardized exams in their own home, at their own pace, from many online practice tests, reviews, study guides and work with affordable tutors.
-Lara Cohn, Examville Blog Contributor
Tags: college, education, improve score, online education, SAT, standardized exams, student achievement, Test Prep, Tests
Posted in Parents' Guides, Reading Skills, Test Prep | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Deciding which undergraduate college or university to attend is one of the biggest decisions of a high school students’ life. Should I stay close to home or go far away? What do I want to study? Do I want to be in an urban, city setting or on a park-like campus? What entrance exams and standardized tests do I need to take? Does the school require a high SAT test score or will they accept the ACT? Do they look for AP courses or a high GPA with more extracurricular activities? How do I choose between attending a private or public college? Including a mix of public and private colleges in the initial college admissions application list usually makes sense. There are certainly many differences to consider:
- Public
One of the biggest differences between public and private colleges is cost. Public state schools are largely supported by state taxes and are more affordable than a private university. For many state residents, public colleges are a good option as tuition is usually at a reduced rate and students might also be eligible for a variety of state funded scholarships to offset expenses, especially those with good grades and high SAT scores. Students can increase their scores by taking an SAT prep course or working with an affordable online tutor. If you choose to go to a state school nearby your home, another way to save on room and board costs is to be a commuter student.
- Private
While private colleges and universities are often more expensive than a public college, students don’t necessarily have to put their dreams of ivy on the back-burner. Financial aid is one option to consider as are scholarships and grants that significantly cut your actual cost. Some believe that private universities offer many advantages over public colleges such as small class size and offer more personal attention than public colleges. Students looking for a wide range of majors and lots of school spirit may assume a public university is the best option. Post college, private school alumni are usually very active and can be of great support in networking and job searching.
Whether a student chooses a public or private school, if they limit their search to only public or only private colleges they can be missing out on a great experience. It’s important to look carefully at each individual college, don’t rush to judgment and visit the school if at all possible to see and feel its energy. One might be surprised where they eventually choose to be happy spending the next four years.
–Lara Cohn, Examville Blog Contributor
Tags: admissions, AP, college, Entrance Exams, online classes, online tutor, prep course, SAT, Test Prep, Undergraduate
Posted in Parents' Guides, Test Prep, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Friday, March 5th, 2010
In this difficult economy, many qualified and highly respected teachers across the country are finding themselves without jobs that they love due to budget cuts. With more and more students going online for homework and test help, one option for out of work teachers looking to earn extra money is to become an online tutor. In this “work from your home office” position, educators can put their experience and knowledge to good use. This portal can provide a temporary, part-time, or even a full-time income for teachers who aren’t able to find jobs elsewhere. The internet has quickly changed our world to telecommuters and global communities, making this a great time for teachers to pursue this new career of virtual education.
As an online tutor, you can connect over the internet in real time and engage in profitable imparting of knowledge. Teachers are needed at all age groups and levels — from homework help, to high school and college level subjects, to standardized test prep review. You will find that some students need teachers for a particular subject such as Calculus, European History, Biology or English Literature or even a particular standardized test they are studying for, such as AP exams, SAT, GRE, LSAT or GMAT.
Advantages of Tutoring Online:
• Earn Extra Money
• Share Your Expert Knowledge
• Connect With Millions Around the World
• Flexible Work Hours
• No Commuting
• Be Your Own Boss
Another option for teacher to earn extra money is to sell your educational documents such as lecture notes, study guides, outlines, and review materials. Students and learners worldwide are always looking for additional help in order to improve their grades or understand a subject better.
You do not need to be technically savvy to be an online tutor. To get started, all you need is a computer with a high-speed internet connection, a headset with a microphone and a webcam. This experience can strengthen a resume and portfolio while giving teachers a rewarding opportunity they cannot find locally.
-Lara Cohn, Examville Blog Contributor
Tags: AP Tests, earn money, education, GMAT, GRE LSAT, homework help, online tutoring, SAT, standardized test, teach online, teachers, Test Prep, tutors
Posted in Site Features, Test Prep, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
According to FRONTLINE (a registered trademark of WGBH Educational Foundation), the College Board’s first college entrance examinations were held in 1901. The examinations’ format was essays in English, French, German, Latin, Greek, History, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. The tests were graded by experts in each subject, on a scale of Excellent, Good, Doubtful, Poor, and Very Poor.
Things have certainly changed in hundred years! Now, to get into most four-year colleges and universities, students take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (a registered trademark of the College Board). The SAT includes critical reading, math section and writing section. Scores range from 200 to 800 per section. The SAT is offered seven times per year in the United States and six times at international sites. The test takes 3 hours and 45 minutes and includes three types of questions: (1) multiple choice questions; (2) student produced responses (math only); and (3) essay questions.
Get familiarized with today’s college entrance exam — try a FREE test by clicking the SATs.
Additionally, the hour-long SAT Subject Tests are available in five general topics: literature, history, math, science and foreign languages. The SAT Subject Tests are offered six times a year in the United States and at international sites. The Subject Tests are generally multiple-choice questions, but some have unique formats.
Tags: College entrace exam, critical reasoning, essay, four year colleges and universities, get into college, multiple choice, SAT, SAT math, Test Prep, verbal, writing
Posted in Parents' Guides, Test Prep | No Comments »
