JANUARY 19TH, 2012
By A-PLUS EDUCATOR
A+ Social Media Intern, Jessica Lopez, a senior at Temple University majoring in Strategic Communications, speaks with Joe DeFrancesco, a guidance counselor at Council Rock North High School in Newtown, PA. In Part III, Joe answers the following questions about the college admissions process:
- How do extra-curricular activities fit into the application process?
- What are the latest trends in college admissions?
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JANUARY 18TH, 2012
By A-PLUS EDUCATOR
A+ Social Media Intern, Jessica Lopez, a senior at Temple University majoring in Strategic Communications, speaks with Joe DeFrancesco, a guidance counselor at Council Rock North High School in Newtown, PA. In Part IV, Joe answers the following questions about the college admissions process:
- In your years as a college counselor, what is the one most important thing that you have learned about the college admissions process?
- Final thoughts on the process.
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DECEMBER 8TH, 2011
By A-PLUS EDUCATOR
| In This Issue |
Studies Show Dyslexia Not Linked to IQ
A new study on dyslexia, which is forthcoming in the journal Psychological Science, could change how educators diagnose the disorder, thereby opening up reading support to more children who could benefit from it. |
The “Google Effect”
In four cleverly designed experiments reported in Science Magazine (August 2011), scientists explored how the Internet may be changing the way people remember information. |
Our First Podcast!…ACT Test Prep Trends
A+ Social Media Intern, Jessica Lopez, a senior at Temple University majoring in Strategic Communications, speaks with Jim Giovannini, owner of Academic Tutoring Centers in Chicago, and co-author of Barron’s ACT Flash Cards and Barron’s 6 ACT Practice Tests. |
Video Games in the Classroom?
Is there a place for Minecraft or SimCity in a classroom? Do we want our already electronically-dependent kids to play video games as school work? |
Free Proctored SAT and ACT Exam Schedule for December 2011 and January 2012
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DECEMBER 1ST, 2011
By A-PLUS EDUCATOR
A+ Social Media Intern, Jessica Lopez, a senior at Temple University majoring in Strategic Communications, speaks with Jim Giovannini, owner of Academic Tutoring Centers in Chicago, and co- author of Barron’s ACT Flash Cards, and Barron’s 6 ACT Practice Tests.
Jessica and Jim discuss how the addition of technology to traditional instruction is creating a new “blended learning” model. Jim also provides insight into the process of creating ACT test preparation materials for his clients and for the broader market of students all over the US who need help preparing for the ACT exam.
Click the “play” button below to listen to our very first podcast!
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OCTOBER 25TH, 2011
By A-PLUS EDUCATOR
OCTOBER 18TH, 2011
By A-PLUS EDUCATOR
The SAT exam has always been the college admissions test of choice along the East Coast. However this trend is changing as the ACT gains popularity. The ACT, for years dominant in the central states, is now also gaining popularity on the East Coast. Students are now presented with a choice of college admissions tests.
The most recent example of this change was seen in one Georgia high school in Marietta County where there was a 36 percent increase in students taking the ACT compared to only a 7.45 percent increase in students taking the SAT test (Marietta Daily Journal). Another example was seen in Washington, D.C., still a primarily SAT dominant state, but whose school officials have noticed an increase in “more local seniors trying both tests, rather than seeking to improve their SAT scores by retaking it” (Washington Post ). And that’s the beauty of having an alternative test to the SAT, the fact that students have a choice and are not limited to relying on the success of one test to demonstrate their academic standing to a desired college or university.
You might be asking yourself why the sudden emergence of more ACT test takers on the East Coast? All colleges now accept both the SAT and ACT for college admission, including the most competitive schools such as those in The Ivy League. This can drastically widen the pool of test takers who may have been previously hindered by their performance on the SAT and now have a chance to try an alternative test that might better reflect their academic abilities.
Another reason could be that the SAT is viewed by some as measuring a student’s innate ability to learn, whereas the ACT is seen as a test of what the student has actually learned. While both tests are accepted by colleges, there are differences. The ACT questions are typically seen as more straightforward, while those on the SAT are trickier and more reasoning oriented.
Many colleges now understand that not every student fits the “cookie cutter” mold for only one test. Knowing about the differences between the SAT and ACT provides students with some flexibility. For example, the ACT includes a science section, which is not on the SAT, and an optional essay section (mandatory on the SAT). Students and parents now have the opportunity to choose the test which best fits their child.
Of course, as with everything that involves a choice, it can be stressful to have to decide which test is a better fit. But don’t worry, A+ is here to help! Feel free to call our office at 215.886.9188, or email us so we can help you decide which test best suits your student.
SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2011
By A-PLUS EDUCATOR
SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2011
By A-PLUS EDUCATOR
As the owner of a test preparation and tutoring company I am often asked this question by parents. Of course parents want to make sure their child has every advantage when applying to college. And the current, highly competitive, college admissions landscape makes even some mild-mannered parents get a little panicky. So what to do?
At A+, we generally do not recommend preparing for both exams. The reason we counsel against preparing for both exams is that while they are similar, there are enough differences between the exams that trying to prepare for both can be quite confusing and can divert energy and attention away from preparing.
Therefore we suggest that students take a practice ACT exam, which we offer to families free, either in your home or at one of our five proctored exam sites throughout the Delaware Valley. We will score the exam for you and give you a detailed ACT score report, detailing the student’s strengths and weaknesses on the exam.
Then we can compare the student’s ACT score with the score report provided with either the PSAT, from either sophomore or junior year, or SAT. By looking at the scores from the ACT side-by-side with those from either the PSAT or SAT, along with the detailed information gleaned from the score reports and information you provide about your child, we can determine which exam is a better fit.
At that point you can be confident that you have chosen the correct exam for your child, and he or she can put full effort towards preparing, without having to worry about the confusion of having to prepare for two different exams.
AUGUST 5TH, 2011
By A-PLUS EDUCATOR
“A college degree pays off–but by just how much? In this report, we examine just what a college degree is worth–and what else besides a degree might influence an individual’s potential earnings. This report examines lifetime earnings for all education levels and earnings by occupation, age, race/ethnicity and gender. The data are clear: a college degree is key to economic opportunity, conferring substantially higher earnings on those with credentials than those without.” – The College Payoff
According to an article on today’s US News Website, “those with bachelor’s degrees, no matter the field, earn vastly more than counterparts with some college or a high school diploma, indicating that no matter the level of attainment or the field of study, simply earning a four-year degree is often integral to financial success later in life.”
“Those with a college degree will earn about $1 million more than those with only a high school diploma. “Those holding bachelor’s degrees earn about $2.27 million over their lifetime, while those with master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees earn $2.67 million, $3.25 million, and $3.65 million, respectively. That said, the major and industry a student selects ultimately have an enormous impact on lifetime earnings. Those with bachelor’s degrees who work either in management or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) earn more, on average, than people with advanced degrees of any level who work in fields like education, sales, and community service. ”
The information contained in this article comes from a report entitled The College Payoff, by Georgetown University‘s Center for Education and the Workforce.
