Graduate Admissions Tests
“By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination.” This quote, unironically attributed to Christopher Columbus, says as much about education as it does exploration. The path of learning entails all kinds of challenges, particularly if you want a piece of paper that proudly proclaims what you learned and where you learned it. This is to say, the more prestigious a degree from a particular school, the more obstacles and distractions an applicant will need to prevail over simply for admissions. This fundamental truth applies to both undergraduate and graduate studies alike. Obviously, we talk a LOT about the SAT & ACT around here. These two standardized entrance exams may be taken more than any others in the U.S. but they hardly stand alone as necessary steps to specific academic programs. Most graduate programs–particularly those at the most prestigious schools–require entrance exams…
August College Sprint for Seniors
Prepare in just one week to cross the college application finish line… Sign up now for your Summer College Sprint! Work with Rochester’s leaders in college admissions and test preparation to dramatically improve your college applications in one fun, educational, action-packed week. Chariot Learning, College Assistance Plus, and Jodi Rosenshein Atkin have joined forces to ensure that each College Sprint packs everything a rising junior or senior needs to maximize college choice, competitiveness, and potential scholarships. Best of all, each Sprint is entirely online. **The August College Sprint for Seniors meets August 17-22 from 11:30am-1pm Eastern.** Senior College Sprint Rising seniors focus on essay writing, interviews, and application strategies: Learn the essential elements to a powerful college essay Determine their optimal college essay prompts Write multiple Common Application essay drafts–including the new COVID-19 prompt Receive personal guidance on essay revisions and polish Explore various application platforms and processes Discover…
August College Sprint for Juniors
Prepare in just one week to cross the college application finish line… Sign up now for your Summer College Sprint! Work with Rochester’s leaders in college admissions and test preparation to dramatically improve your college applications in one fun, educational, action-packed week. Chariot Learning, College Assistance Plus, and Jodi Rosenshein Atkin have joined forces to ensure that each College Sprint packs everything a rising junior or senior needs to maximize college choice, competitiveness, and potential scholarships. Best of all, each Sprint is entirely online. **The August College Sprint for Juniors meets August 17-22 from 10-11:30am Eastern.** Junior College Sprint Rising juniors focus on college choice, career and major exploration, and long-term admissions success strategies: Review all the different dimensions of college choice and fit Find out the “wrong” reasons to pursue a school Define and refine your ideal personalized college list Explore college major options and how to find…
College Admissions Testing for the HS Classes of 2021 and 2022 Q&A
Earlier this week, I had the privilege to speak to a large group of families from the Pittsford and Fairport school districts. In this College Admissions Testing for the HS Classes of 2021 and 2022 Seminar, I explained what the tests are, why they matter, and what you can and should do about them during this singular moment in recent history. Attendees submitted questions ahead of time, so we made sure to address the following points: Does it make sense for me to take the SAT/ACT if I have a strong GPA and colleges are making it optional? What does test optional really mean? Will the SAT/ACT be required for the class of 2022? When should students in the class of 2021 or 2022 try to take the tests? How has COVID changed the role of testing? What is the best preparation for the PSAT? What habits should students cultivate…
Thinking About an ROTC Scholarship or Military College?
Choosing a school is already a difficult decision, making the choice with the ROTC scholarship in mind could make the decision easier… or that much harder. Here are some things to keep in mind that have the potential to make the decision-making process less of a headache. One important first step is to help your son or daughter to decide on a major, if they have not done so already. This can narrow down the search for the right school. Military vs. non-military college is another topic to think about. A traditional college is going to offer your son or daughter a traditional college experience for the most part. He or she will still be required to fulfill their ROTC obligations. A military service academy is not going to reflect the traditional college experience, but it will help you son or daughter learn the military culture and help them to…
Do Colleges Still Want the SAT, and Should We Take It In Fall?
If you thought the academic year that just ended was crazy, you might not want to look ahead. Anything having to do with college admissions and testing exists in a state of perpetual, exasperating flux. But in the absence of clarity, we can always rely on common sense, right? With so many questions about test optional application policies and uncertain test dates swirling about, my friend Allison Dillard–math professor and author of Crush Math Now and Raise Your Math Grade–has been hosting a series of Facebook Live sessions to provide answers. I first met Allison as a guest on my podcast to discuss high impact strategies to help students succeed in math, and this time she was the host as we tackled a topic on the minds of students and parents everywhere: Do Colleges Still Want the SAT, and Should We Take It In Fall? And, yes, I really do…