We were talking before about revolution in higher learning. I’d like to be able to come back in 50 years to see what the collegiate landscape in America looks like then. There’s a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on these days and some colleges and universities are having a hard time holding on. That’s as it should be, in my view, because in our capitalistic society market forces determine who wins, who loses, and who has staying power.

As for higher education’s mantra, we need to look no further than the inscription at the base of Emil Faber’s statue on the campus of Faber College: “Knowledge is good.” That just about says it all. Great! Who can argue about the goodness of knowledge? But, how that knowledge is delivered is at the core of the impending revolution. Accordingly, have you heard about Kahn Academy?

Kahn Academy’s mantra is “Learn almost anything for free.” Gotta love that word free. When you click on Kahn’s “About” button, this is what you’ll find:

Terrific. What makes this site even more friendly is the fact that it’s a dot-org. No crass dot-com intentions. In fact, there’s even a “Donate” button that takes you to a page that allows you to help the Kahn cause. No fee schedules. Plus, there’s more. Much more. Read the rest of this entry »

Are you familiar with Subject Tests? Some college-bound high school students and/or their parents misunderstand the SAT Subject Tests. Some think they are Advanced Placement tests. Others think they are just another version of the SAT.  Some high schoolers have never even heard of them. You may want to learn about them, particularly if you will be playing the elite (aka “competitive”) college admissions game or applying to other selective schools.

Long ago, the Subject Tests used to be called “Achievement Tests.” Eventually they were dubbed the SAT II, a name that is no longer official but which still lingers among students, parents, and even educators. Over the years the College Board has changed the names of their tests for various reasons. Thus, some of the confusion I mentioned above.

So, what does all of this mean to you? Well, if you are going to be applying to a college or university that is fairly competitive in its admissions, chances are good that they require all applicants to submit scores from two (and occasionally three) Subject Test examinations.The College Board notes:

“Subject Tests are hour-long, content-based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas where you excel. These are the only national admission tests where you choose the tests that best showcase your achievements and interests.

SAT Subject Tests allow you to differentiate yourself in the college admission process or send a strong message regarding your readiness to study specific majors or programs in college. In conjunction with your other admission credentials (your high school record, SAT scores, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a more complete picture of your academic background and interests.

Some colleges also use Subject Tests to place students into the appropriate courses. Based on your performance on the test(s), you could potentially fulfill basic requirements or receive credit for introductory-level courses.

There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science.”

The Subject Tests are standardized, mostly multiple-choice tests, keyed to specific course content. There are Subject Tests in Chemistry, Writing, Math, German, Biology, Physics, Music, and other areas. While most colleges that require Subject Test scores allow students to choose the tests they take, some do have specific requirements. Most commonly, the required tests–if any–include math and one or more sciences. (You’ll usually find such requirements at technically-oriented institutions like MIT, but be sure to read application instructions carefully, because you may find that other colleges have specific demands as well.) Read the rest of this entry »

Why is it that some high schools and colleges choose to hang the Sword of Damocles over students’ heads during the holidays? I’m talking about tests. Finals, and in some cases even mid-terms, looming right after year-end holiday break can cause the acid to churn in students’ stomachs. Things have gotten better recently for some colleges (Harvard, for example now tests before holiday break), but others (Princeton, for example) still set The Sword over their students’ heads. High schools get in on the act, too, causing indigestion during those delicious Christmas dinners.

So, what can you do to optimize your test-taking skills (and attitudes) in the face of this kind of pressure? In fact, to rephrase, what can you do to optimize your test-taking attitudes, period?

Our friends at Campus Grotto sent out an outstanding list of test-taking suggestions that I’m going to excerpt here, with their permission. Even if your college or high school exams fall before the holiday break, you’ll find some good tips here to maximize your performance. Read the rest of this entry »

The SAT has ruled the roost for as long as most of us can remember. You either love it or hate it. Most hate it. Count me among that demographic.

I used to do SAT prep. I started with my daughter and son and then branched out, including it as part of my comprehensive independent admissions counseling work. I was amazed at some of the improvements I saw in my students’ scores. I said “some” because not all of them experienced a dramatic increase in their numbers. However, the simple fact that some did experience a remarkable increase answers the question posed in the title of this post. Yes, Virginia, the SAT is coachable.

So how should you think about your ability to possibly increase your SAT score? I received a thoughtful statement the other day from Mark Greenstein, founder of Ivy Bound Test Prep. I’ve cited Mark’s words of wisdom here before. I like his approach to sharing insights about the SAT because his purpose is to educate rather than market his test prep service. Too many PR blurbs that I receive have not-so-subtle promotional agendas, so they end up on my slag pile.

Anyway, along the lines of the coachable SAT and with his permission, I’d like to share Mark’s thoughts with you. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s that time of year again: SAT time. All over America (and even the world), high school seniors are hoping for another shot at improving their scores. For those who are considering Early Action or Early Decision, the October administration (and even November, for some colleges) is a last chance to improve their numerical profiles before applications go in.

Diligent “rising” seniors used the summer months to do their test prep. Others, who may have been traveling or working, may have decided (or needed) to wait until the fall to get in some last-minute strategy refreshing. Some students who are sensitive to their learning styles, may have deliberately waited until the eleventh hour to prepare. In my case, looking back across the decades to my high school career (back when the earth’s tectonic plates were still jostling for position), I recall that I did best when I crammed, just before the test. Long-term studying seemed to evaporate in my brain like the fog on a cool, sunny, summer morning.

Regardless of your preferred studying style, you may be one of those who will be retaking the SAT this fall. In fact, you may be one of those taking the SAT for the first time. Either way, you may be interested in some quick tips to get your mind right for attacking the task of sharpening your skills.

Our friends at Veritas Prep have offered a fast, sensible five-point plan to do just that. It’s worth a look. See what you think. Read the rest of this entry »

Parents, how much are you involved in your child’s college process? There are many ways you can lend support. First of all, you can communicate openly about finances. This will keep expectations realistic. Why allow your son or daughter to go to the trouble of applying to a school that cannot meet your family’s financial need without piling on loan debt? You can also facilitate college visits. As I have said many times to students considering certain schools, “You’ve got to trod the sod!”

Perhaps one of the more important services you can offer is lending a hand with their efforts to prepare for standardized testing, mainly the SAT, especially around the time that summer is coming to a close and school is back in session.  This is when many high school juniors and seniors – and their parents – should be turning their attention to the college admissions process. A student’s SAT score is one of the most critical components and is often the first filter colleges and universities use to determine eligibility.

While the exam is unlike most a student has ever taken, it doesn’t have to be an unknown. To help parents better support their students as they prepare for the SAT, the folks at VeritasPrep.com have outlined some actions parents can take now. Read the rest of this entry »

Parents, there are many milestones during the college admissions process. One of the more important ones is the high school junior year, or “11th grade,” as we used to call it back in my day. Although some sophomores (“10th graders”) take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test), the majority of high schoolers take it in the fall of their junior year, mainly in October.

Of course there are other standardized tests to consider prepping for: the SAT, Subject Tests, and the ACT. As the test prepper Mark Greenstein of Ivy Bound Test Prep explains, “Why winter of Junior year is often TOO LATE to start SAT Prep!” That may run counter to the popular conventional wisdom out there about gearing up for your son’s or daughter’s best shot at some of these critical admission qualifiers.

Let’s see what else Mark has to say to Moms and Dads about this important period for high school juniors. Read the rest of this entry »