Campus Visits: Everything You Need to Know

Campus visits can be a fantastic way to learn more about both a college and the general area that it is in (websites and brochures, after all, can only do so much). Here are some general things to keep in mind when planning and visiting colleges:

1. Research: Before visiting a college, make sure it is one you are seriously interested in and would genuinely consider attending. College visits require both time and money, so it would be an unwelcome surprise to travel all the way to a campus only to discover that the college does not offer your intended major. Create a list of colleges you would like to visit and research any others in the area to ensure you maximize your time wherever you are

2. Timelines: The summer before and fall of senior year are when many students visit colleges, but make sure you keep all your application deadlines and the college's academic calendar in mind. If you see many schools in a short time, taking notes or photos is a good idea to keep one college straight from the next and remember everything you'd like to.

3. What to see: It can be overwhelming trying to see and experience everything you want to at a college in just a day, but above all, try and get a general "feel" of the place to see whether or not it is somewhere you could see yourself spending the next four years. That could involve taking a campus tour, speaking with admissions representatives, attending classes, watching sports teams practice, speaking with students, eating at the dining hall, visiting dorms, or even reading the student newspaper. Try to check out the surrounding area off-campus, especially if on-campus housing isn't guaranteed for four years. How is the public transportation? Are there restaurants nearby? Are there attractions you want to visit, such as museums or parks?

4. Admitted Students Days: Remember that there are options to visit colleges in the spring of your senior year after you've been accepted. Admitted Students Days can be very helpful when deciding between schools or whether one is a good fit for you. Geared towards students who have already been accepted, so they happen later and can provide students with a more personalized and in-depth experience. Students can usually attend information sessions, explore campus in greater detail, and speak to other students who have been accepted.

5. Pesky siblings in tow?: If you have younger siblings forced to come along, they have the advantage of getting an early look at what college is all about, especially if they're in high school. Also, siblings know you well, after all, and could even be a resource in helping you to decide whether a school is right for you or not.

Featured Apt Tutor: Kelley

Kelley

In college, I completed a dual degree program and majored in both chemical engineering and music (plus a minor in computer science!). My favorite class was probably my senior chemical engineering lab, where we got to work with miniature distillation columns, heat exchangers, batch reactors, and more. It was exactly what I had pictured being a scientist would look like, right down to the lab coats, goggles, and practical shoes. I'm currently pursuing a career in classical music, but I really missed using the STEM side of my brain and tutoring has been a great way for me to exercise those skills. I've worked with kids in a variety of roles in the past, but I've found that high school is a really special time because each student grows so much both in their studies and as a person in the span of just one school year. I'm currently tutoring students in math, physics, and chemistry, but calculus is always my favorite subject to tutor because it opens up so many possibilities of what math can do.

In my free time, I love to take the dog for long walks at Turkey Hill or Wompatuck, try out new coffee shops, or go out for a bike ride. I recently got the opportunity to travel to South Africa for two weeks on an orchestra tour, where we got to play 7 concerts in 5 cities as well as play with local young musicians in every city we visited. With all that traveling done this summer, I am ready to settle into the new school year this fall and am really looking forward to meeting my new students and working with previous ones again.

Featured Apt Tutor: Alana

Alana

Alana joined our team in 2016. She specializes in tutoring high school math, including AP Calculus and Statistics, SAT & ACT Prep, and college math.

What do you like most about tutoring? 

I like seeing students overcome their fear of math. I usually get students coming in saying that they hate math, and my goal is to get them to at least be neutral on the subject. I never expect students to love math by the end of our time together, but many do!

What subjects do you enjoy tutoring the most?

The subject I enjoy tutoring the most is calculus. There is beauty in every math course, but calculus is where students get to see all the pieces come together for the first time.

Why do you like working at Apt Tutoring?

I love being able to work with students for multiple years. I've had students from 7th grade to Sophomore year in college. No other job would let me develop that type of relationship with students.

What did you major in at college, and what was your favorite class?

I majored in mathematics with a specialty in statistics. My favorite math course was Discrete Mathematics. However, I was in the Kilachand Honors College at BU, so I got to take some really interesting classes outside of my discipline. My all-time favorite course was Serious Comics, which studied the use of graphic novels to cover serious topics such as war, genocide, and natural disasters. We read novels such as Maus and Persepolis. It was a great introduction to visual storytelling. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to go hiking with my husband, my daughter, and our dog! I also enjoy reading and cooking.

What’s your favorite book, song (or band), snack food?

Book - Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Band - Modest Mouse

Snack food - Reeses

Tell us about a favorite vacation.

My favorite vacation was my honeymoon in Washington State, where I got to hike in Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Hoh Rain Forest.

Tell us more fun facts about yourself.

I do the NYT crossword every day. I currently have a 457-day streak!

Living Away From Home: The Essentials

The first year of college is often the first time students have lived away from home for an extended period–which can definitely be a learning curve. 

Here are some tips on smoothly navigating the adjustment:

1. Be Aware of Your Resources: Immediately familiarize yourself with on-campus resources and support systems and know where they're located. These resources may include the health center, the counseling center, financial services, or even peer tutoring, and you will probably want or need to use them at one point or another during your four years.

2. Know the Basics: In college, you may have to be more responsible for yourself than you were in high school, whether that be through scheduling your own appointments, keeping your space tidy, or doing the laundry. 

3. Learn to Budget: College may also mark financial independence, so living within your means and keeping track of your weekly spending is essential.

4. Wander Around Campus: If everything feels a bit too new and scary, exploring campus will help familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Having a place that's special to you or a spot to call your "own" on campus can go a long way.

5. Form Connections: Try to meet new people and build new relationships by joining new clubs and sports. Having a support system is important, especially if you're living somewhere completely new and may not know anybody on campus.

6. Stay in Touch: Schedule weekly calls or FaceTime with parents or friends from home if you're ever homesick. Remember, no matter how lonely you feel, you're never alone, and many others on campus likely feel the same.

Living away from home takes practice and patience, the same as anything else. Don't be frustrated or too hard on yourself if you make mistakes at first or struggle with homesickness–it's a natural part of the freshmen experience.

The SSAT, ISEE and HSPT Admissions Exams Explained

The SAT isn’t the only standardized test out there. For some, standardized admissions tests begin even earlier. There are a few different kinds of high school and middle school admissions tests that students planning to attend private school should know about.

The SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test):

The SSAT is the admissions exam for elite private middle and high schools. There are three different levels to the exam: the elementary level (for 3rd and 4th graders), the middle level (for 5th, 6th, and 7th graders), and the upper level (for 8th graders and above). All forms of the exam are composed of three sections, which are quantitative, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning. There is also an unscored writing sample, which schools use to evaluate writing skills, and a short unscored experimental section. The middle and upper-level exams have two quantitative sections, whereas the elementary-level exam only has one.

The SSAT is administered monthly from October to April, along with another June date (flex dates, which are additional testing days outside of the standard Saturdays offered, are also an option). The middle and upper-level test is 3 hours and 5 minutes long. Middle and upper-level students have the option of taking either the paper-based SSAT, the computer-based SSAT at a testing center, or the computer-based SSAT at home. Middle and upper-level students can take at most 6 standard tests and two flex tests that are paper-based. For the computer-based option, they are permitted up to three total combined SSAT tests either at home or a testing center per year (the testing year is from August 1st to July 31st). 

The elementary level exam is shorter, at just 1 hour and 50 minutes. Elementary-level students can take at most two standard tests or one standard and one flex exam. They do not have a computer-based option.

The SSAT is a norm-referenced test, meaning that students are scored in relation to the performance of others. It is a highly competitive exam, as students are seeking admission to some of the country’s top private schools. Students can register and choose which SSAT option they would like to take using this link.

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam): 

The ISEE is another admissions exam for private middle and high schools, and many will accept either the ISEE or the SSAT. The ISEE is composed of a quantitative reasoning section, a reading comprehension section, a verbal reasoning section, a mathematics achievement section, and an essay portion. It has four levels and starts even younger than the SSAT: the primary level (for those applying to grade 2, 3, and 4), the lower level (for those applying to grade 5 or 6), the middle level (for grade 7 or 8 applicants), and the upper level (for grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 applicants). The primary level is further divided into three different exams depending upon grade level, all of which are approximately an hour. The lower-level exam is 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the middle and upper-level exams are each 2 hours and 40 minutes. At-home, at-school, and at-office testing options are offered.

Although the two exams are very similar, there are some subtle differences that may influence the exam students choose to take. In the verbal section, the SSAT makes use of synonyms and analogies to test students, whereas the ISEE uses synonyms and sentence completion. The ISEE also has slightly longer reading passages, but the SSAT has a wider variety of genres (such as poetry). The scoring is also slightly different between the two exams: students will get a different score report for each of the four sections on the ISEE, but the SSAT combines the two math sections into just one number. In the writing sample, SSAT students can choose between creative prompts at the middle level and creative and expository prompts at the upper level, but ISEE students only have an expository section. The SSAT, unlike the ISEE, also has a guessing penalty, and students are deduced ¼ of a point for every incorrect answer. Lastly, the ISEE allows students to take it only three times annually (once per “testing season”), whereas the SSAT is offered at least monthly. The ISEE’s testing seasons are August-November, December-March, and April-July. Students can register here.

The HSPT (High School Placement Exam):

The HSPT is another form of admissions exam and one that is usually taken by 8th graders seeking admission to Catholic high schools. It’s composed of five different sections: verbal skills, quantitative skills, reading, mathematics, and language. The exam has 298 questions and is 2 hours and 23 minutes long. There is no written portion and no penalty for incorrect answers. Students are only able to take the exam one time. Like the SSAT and the ISEE, it is a norm-referenced exam. Students can register through the school to which they are applying.

Lisa in the Press: Boston Globe and AP Wire

Check out these recent articles in the Boston Globe and AP wire that feature Lisa’s professional knowledge and hear about her students’ successful college admissions journeys.

Whether you have concerns about how the pandemic will affect the college application process this year or if you want to explore how a gap year works, Lisa, a Certified Educational Planner and professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, is here to help you.  

She is experienced in all aspects of the college admissions process from crafting a college list unique to your child to ensuring they write essays that make them stand out.  She has personally visited over 150 colleges and universities, helping you discover the best fit for your child. 

https://apnews.com/e8614da688ea8e50a3624b2054ed3c9a

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/25/metro/college-wait-lists-used-be-where-dreams-died-pandemic-changed-that

GPA Better than Test Scores at Predicting College Completion

A good ACT or SAT score currently factors into who will get into colleges, but research now finds that high school GPA is a more consistent predictor of who will complete college.  

There’s long been an assumption that getting high standardized test scores on the ACT or SAT is the best way to predict college success.  

The argument goes something like this: With so much variety in high school quality and conditions, grade inflation, and other factors, we can’t rely on GPA as a signal of a student’s promise. It could too easily be inflated.  Therefore, we must rely on standardized tests, which are the same for everyone, as the best predictor of college success. 

It’s true that tests like the SAT and the ACT are standardized, which makes comparing students easier.  In fact, they were developed in the first part of the twentieth century as a way to measure intelligence and the assumed preparedness for college-level work. However, new research by Elaine M. Allensworth and Kallie Clark, both of the University of Chicago, challenges this assumption. 

Allensworth and Clark’s research reveals that a student’s high school GPA is 5X stronger than their ACT score at predicting college graduation and this predictive power of GPA is consistent across high schools.  

They explain that GPAs are based on effort over a long period of time, in different types of classes, demanding different types of academic skills and expectations.  In contrast, standardized tests measure a narrow range of skills in very specific conditions.  

The take away:  

While getting strong standardized test scores may get you into college, a good GPA will enable you to stay there.  Working on both is essential to making your college goals a reality.  

Click on this link to read the press release

https://www.aera.net/Newsroom/Research-Finds-that-High-School-GPAs-Are-Stronger-Predictors-of-College-Graduation-than-ACT-Scores

It's Not Too Early to Make Summer Plans

Though it’s early spring, it’s not too soon to begin planning for summer. An increasing number of colleges now examine how students use their summer months as part of the overall college application. This doesn’t mean you should cram as much activity as possible into your summer, but it is important to consider using your summer months meaningfully.

For sophomores and juniors, it is especially worthwhile to plan two or three “High Value” summer activities. You need not spend a lot of money on high cost “pay to play” on-campus programs. Often, the most impressive summer activities are the ones closest to home that are low cost, or even free.  So, what can you do to make the most of your summer? 

#1:  Get a job!  

Beyond the obvious benefit of earning money, having a job shows you are willing to take on personal responsibility- an important quality colleges look for in applicants.  

It really doesn’t matter what kind of job you get- scooping ice cream or bussing tables at the seafood restaurant- all jobs show these important qualities.  Plus, you’ll learn many skills that are necessary for your future success, like managing conflict, managing your time, and improving your interpersonal communication skills. Working over the summer is a great high-value activity that will not cost you a penny!  

#2:  Start preparing for the SAT or ACT

Using your summer to prepare for your SAT or ACT exam is just smart.  During the summer, you will not have other courses and school activities demanding your attention.  Take full advantage of this by preparing for the exams over the summer. You won’t regret this choice.  

#3:  Take AP or other college-level courses ahead of time

Did you know that you can take AP courses in the summer?  Did you know that high school students can enroll at colleges (on-campus or online) and take college-level courses that interest them?  Use the summer to take that math or science class you couldn’t fit into your schedule. Alternatively, take a class not offered at your high school.  It’ll look great on your college application and you’ll enrich yourself at the same time.  

#4:  Pursue your hobby with dedication 

Summer’s unstructured time gives a chance to recharge by pursuing your hobbies.  For example, if you love photography and haven’t picked up a camera all year, jump back into it.  Perhaps you can create an Instagram feed showcasing your work or put on an ‘Art Show” at the end of the summer for friends and family.  Whatever it is, spending time on your passions and interests will help you stand out. Plus, it’s just fun!

#5:  Volunteer in your community

There are many quality service trip non-profits out there that do great work, but for many students these trips are too expensive to participate in. It’s good to know that volunteer work abounds in each community and needs people like you to help.  This summer, consider finding an organization that shares your values and spend some time helping it achieve its mission. Whether it’s walking dogs at the local animal sanctuary or helping stock the shelves at the food pantry, your work will directly help your community, help you make connections with other like-minded people, and make you feel good!  For college application purposes, think about how you can volunteer consistently over a span of time, rather just volunteering once here and there.  

#6:  Pursue an internship

Internships, though often unpaid, are an excellent way to learn more about a field or major you are considering.  Many companies and small businesses welcome student interns, even high school students, because they see it as an investment in the future of their field.  What better way to know if you want to be a vet than to spend a summer interning at an animal hospital? Your first-hand observations will be priceless. Whether you are interested in laboratory science, finance or engineering, consider an internship as a way to spend part of your summer and learn directly what a career field is really like.  

This is just a shortlist of how you can spend time in high-value activities this summer. It’s important to find things you enjoy doing and not just pursue things for the sake of an application.  Moreover, summer is a time to rest and have some fun, so be sure that is part of your summer, too!

The Secret to Student Success: Effort is Everything

Do you remember learning to tie your shoes?  If you’re like most kids, you probably got really frustrated because you didn’t tie your shoes very well, the loops were uneven, and they became untied within minutes.  I’ve seen kids practically meltdown over the frustration of learning to tie a shoe. But now, I bet you can tie your shoes blindfolded!  

What got you from doing something clumsily to doing it effortlessly? Is it that you have super hand-eye coordination? Is it that you have amazing fine motor skills? While those things are helpful to have, what got you to mastery was your effort. You had to practice that skill over and over and over again until it just clicked. And that is how it works with any challenge you face, whether it is difficulty in math, making a particular play on the field, or learning how to deal with a difficult person.  

In this TEDxYouth talk, Arel Moodie talks to students about how you don’t need to be smart or talented to be successful.  What you truly need is effort. He says Effort Is Everything.  

It’s definitely worth listening to this 14-minute talk if you’ve been struggling with reaching some of the goals you’ve set for yourself and need a boost.  With the new semester just underway, take a few moments to focus on how a positive attitude and effort can change everything.  

Watch Arel’s “Secret to Student Success” TedxTalk

Everything You Need to Know about Subject Tests

SAT Subject tests are based on the curriculum you have in class.  It's an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject.  According to the College Board, "The SAT Subject Tests offer you an additional opportunity to show colleges what you know and what you know you can do.  Many colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection.  Some colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.”

Only a handful of colleges require SAT subject tests from students, but many will use SAT Subject test scores as a part of your admissions profile or for placement purposes (especially in foreign language).

What subject tests can I take?

There are 20 subject tests to choose from.  A majority of the tests are in foreign languages, with English, History, Math and Science thrown in too.  The subject tests are broken down as follows:

Are the subject tests the same as the AP tests?

No. There are more AP tests than there are subject tests. For example, there are five Arts AP tests, and no Arts Subject tests.

When should I take the Subject tests?

The best time to take a subject test is right after you finish the class.  It is also good to take the subject test at the same time you are taking an AP or other subject exam.  Schedule subject tests in May of your sophomore or junior year, and November of your senior year.

How long is a subject test?

Most subject tests are 1 hour in length.

How many Subject tests can I take at a time?

You can schedule and take up to 3 tests in one sitting.  Most colleges will use your best two scores.  Some colleges will use 3 subject tests for admissions.  Check college websites for testing requirements.

When are the subject tests offered?

They are offered 6 times each year: August, October, November, December, May and June.  Subject tests are NOT offered in March.  Only the SAT is offered then. 

Are all subject tests offered six times a year?

No.  Not every subject test is offered six times a year.  Plan carefully when you want to take any of the following tests: World History, French, German, Spanish, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Listening (French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean)

Which tests can I take on any date?

The following seven tests are offered every time a Subject test is offered (Aug, Oct, Nov, Dec, May, Jun).

Literature, Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics, US History, Math 1 and Math 2

Can I see my scores before I send them to a college?

Yes.  You can use score choice to see your scores and decide which scores to send to colleges.  Remember to check college policies.  Some colleges require you to send ALL your test scores.

What is the latest date I can take the subject scores in my senior year?

The latest you should schedule subject tests in your senior year is December.  If you are applying to any of your colleges early (Early Action or Early Decision) you should schedule them for October or November.

Do all colleges require the SAT Subject tests?

No.  Many colleges do not consider Subject tests for admission purposes.  Check the college website carefully for each college's policy on Subject tests.

Do I need to take specific Subject tests for my major?

Sometimes.  Many colleges have specific subject test requirements for specific majors.  Engineering, science and math majors often require or highly recommend subject tests.  This is particularly true if you are applying to any of the University of California campuses.  UC's don’t require a subject test, but if it is highly recommended for your major, you will be more competitive if you take the recommended subject test.

Should I prepare for the SAT Subject tests?

You’ll definitely want to prepare for the subject tests by making sure you are familiar with the content of the tests and the format.

New Year's Resolutions Ideas for High School Students

It’s the start of a new year and a new decade (possibly – there's debate about that).  However, there’s no denying that January 1, 2020 is an opportunity to take on new challenges.  Start the New Year with these resolutions:  

1.  Use your phone for something more than social media!  Get organized in 2020 by trying a new app or two.  Apps like My Study Life, Todait, TinyCards, and Forest – will all help you organize your schedule and study smarter.  Here’s another list of the best apps for high school students.     

2.  Learn about yourself.  Take a personality or learning styles survey.  Find free online or ask your counselor for links to surveys.

3. Use social media responsibly.  Does it pass the “parent” test?  If it isn’t something you would want your parent to see- don’t post it. 

4. Pick up a book!  Make an effort to read a novel each month, or at minimum try reading one long-form journalism piece each week.  Reading will improve your vocabulary and make you a better writer.   

5. Make someone smile.  Find ways to bring happiness into someone’s life each day.

Should You Take the SAT Essay?

In March of 2016, the once-required SAT essay became optional. Should you choose to do the essay? Read below to help you decide! 

The Essay: A Quick Breakdown

The SAT essay is an additional section of the SAT, scored separately from the math and the EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) sections.

The SAT essay gives you fifty minutes to write a rhetorical analysis essay based on a given passage. You job is to explain—with well-chosen evidence and deep analysis—how the author of the passage effectively constructs his or her argument. You might consider: what evidence did the author use? Which of Aristotle’s appeals—logos, pathos, or ethos—did the author rely on and why? How did the author use language to create sound reasoning and, ultimately, move an audience? 

Your essay is then assessed under three skill categories: reading, analysis, and writing. For each category, you can score anywhere from 2-8. 

Doesn’t sound too bad, right? So should you do the essay? The quick answer: it depends.

While many colleges still recommend that students submit SAT essay scores, the number of colleges requiring the SAT essay is on the decline. In fact, in July of 2018, Princeton University was the last of the Ivy League colleges to forego the SAT essay as an admission requirement. 

However, just because a school doesn’t require a SAT essay score, it doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be submitted. In fact, many schools still recommend students take the SAT essay. Take Stanford University as an example. According to a July 2018 Washington Post article, Stanford University’s Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Richard Shaw “strongly recommends” that students submit an essay score. 

Stanford University’s example is a great reminder that you should spend time researching the precise admission requirements for schools that you are interested in applying to. If a school you plan to apply to requires the SAT essay or even strongly recommends it, then the decision is clear: you have to take the essay.

What Else Is There To Consider? 

Although it may no longer be a requirement for many schools, a strong score on the SAT essay may work in your favor, as many schools will still consider the score in the application process. 

You might also want to reflect on how certain you are about which schools you will apply to. If  there is even a slim chance that your list of schools may change, then taking the SAT essay might be a good choice. You would never want to regret not taking it, or have that one single admission requirement be a deciding factor in whether or not you apply to a school. 

And don’t forget: you can’t take the SAT sections ´a la carte. If you want to take the SAT essay, you have to take the entire SAT again. 

Bottom line: Do you research and remember that you never know when and how your plans for college may change. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! 

Click on the link below from the College Board for a comprehensive list of SAT essay admission requirements for specific colleges and universities. 

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/college-essay-policies

Make the Most of Your Spring Break - Visit Colleges!

For some students, Spring Break means a time to relax and enjoy the the longer and warmer days.  But if you are a Junior, Spring Break likely means a whirlwind family trip visiting college campuses far and wide.  Some will load up the SUV and take a road trip, others will book flights and battle airport security, but no matter how you get there, college visits during spring break is an important step in the college application process.  

It’s one thing to see a well crafted promotional video showcasing all the great aspects of a potential college, but quite another to actually see and feel a college campus for yourself.  Your gut reaction to a college is important and you can’t have one unless you visit. College visits also help you narrow down your interests (think size, location, etc) and let potential schools know you are interested in them. So if you are looking forward to a college visiting trip this spring break, consider the following advice before you go.

• Register ahead of time for an official tour through the admissions office.  Once you arrive, you will join a small group and be assigned a tour guide.This is your chance to ask all the questions you can!

• Make sure the college you want to visit isn’t on spring break, too!  It’s much better to visit a school when students are on campus, if you can help it.  

• Do some research on the college beforehand and write down all the questions you have.  

• If you know what academic department you would apply to, try to arrange to sit in on a class in that department or meet with a professor.

• Take notes and photos!  After your tour, collect your thoughts and insights so when it comes time to create your college list, you will be able to remember your impressions.

And above all, have fun and enjoy the journey!  It’s the start of something great!