ACT® Test Tips

Posted on February 16, 2012 by admin

ACT Tutoring

The ACT test is a knowledge-based, straightforward exam that tests what you know. Even if you have had some ACT tutoring, these tips can increase your chances of success on the ACT test and in the college admissions game:

 

  1. Review basic grammar rules for the English section of the ACT. Examples include subject-verb agreement, punctuation rules, and independent and dependent clauses.
  1. Pay attention to how the English answer choices differ. The answer choices will often reveal the skills being assessed. For example, if two of the answer choices include the word, “who,” and two include “whom,” you can assume who/whom is the skill being tested.
  1. Use your pencil, literally. Pictures are usually drawn to scale in the math section. If you are stuck on a geometry problem, use your pencil to mark off distances and eliminate unreasonable answers.
  1. Look for the answer choice that best matches the wording in the reading passage. Correct answers are often word for word or contain synonyms for words presented in the reading passage.
  1. Simplify the science section. Science passages often include too much information, including scientific terms, formulas, and names.  For example, if the experiment deals with calamagrostis acultifalia, it’s easier just to think “plant.”  By breaking down the information into basic elements, you can see connections more clearly.
  1. Don’t leave anything blank. You are not penalized for incorrect answers, so guess! If you are running out of time in a section, pick a column and bubble down the answer sheet.

For even more help improving your ACT test scores, or to enroll in ACT tutoring or group classes visit our website at www.karendillard.com.

Posted in ACTs, Karen Dillard College Prep | Tagged | Leave a comment

5 Questions to Ask the College Financial Aid Office

Posted on February 9, 2012 by admin

college prepAs you make the college prep journey, every college visit should include a stop at the Financial Aid office. Understanding the tuition and fees, scholarships available, and need-based aid will help you decide if the college fits your budget. Be sure to ask these 5 important questions:

1. Which financial aid forms do I need?

Colleges can require that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a CSS Profile, a university application, or any combination of the three.

2. What is the scholarship application/ financial aid deadline?

These dates may differ from the application deadline. Know the difference and complete your forms in advance.

3. Does the school waive out-of-state tuition (for public universities)? What are the requirements to do so?

Don’t count out a nearby state school because of out-of-state tuition. Some schools will give a student in-state tuition based on class rank, GPA, and SAT/ACT test scores.

4. How much has tuition increased at the university in the past five years?

Understanding how tuition has changed in recent years can indicate future tendencies. It’s also good to compare the rate to other similar universities and find out what the money is being used to accomplish.

5. What percentage of students receives financial aid or merit-based scholarships?

Don’t just find out the percentage, ask what the average award was last year. For merit-based scholarships, ask about requirements.

It is a good idea to have a financial safety school on your list of college picks; just be sure you would actually attend the school if accepted. Once the college financial aid and scholarships are awarded, you can make an informed decision and choose the school that is best for you.

These college prep tips are provided by Karen Dillard College prep, providing ACT and SAT test prep services in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Click here for more college prep tips or to sign up for a free onsite test assessment.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Building a Good Resume for College Applications

Posted on February 2, 2012 by admin

college prepHigh school students typically find themselves building their very first résumé for college applications.  The process may seem intimidating initially, but rest assured that the best résumés are not necessarily the longest.  The best résumés are the ones that most accurately reflect your interests, talents, and personality.  In this week’s college prep tip we review the DOs and DON’Ts to help you reflect your best self as you write your college application résumé.

  • DO choose your words wisely – It’s best to keep your résumé brief and to the point.  Be sure to keep your language active (e.g., “discovered,” “led,” “directed”).  Avoid conjunctions.  Use short sentences.  Think short and sweet.
  • DON’T list a juvenile email address – Once more, every word on your résumé counts!  Misspellings, grammatical errors, cutesy phrasing, and unprofessional email addresses should be avoided.
  • DO list work experience – Jobs on your résumé show that, beyond being a great student and a good community member, you’re a responsible adult.  It conveys that you already have the skills it takes to be successful.
  • DON’T pretend to be something you’re not – The best résumés are honest résumés.  Don’t run for student council or join the cheerleading squad or play the tuba just so you can have something to put on your résumé.  Do what you want, write about it, and the admissions committee will do the rest.
  • DO highlight depth over breadth – Again, longer is not necessarily better.  Be thorough, but avoid padding your résumé unnecessarily.  It’s more helpful to the committee to include a short description of a meaningful contribution to the Environmental Club than to list every group in which you’ve ever had the slightest interest.

Finally, run your résumé by a parent, mentor, or teacher.  It’s important to have another set of eyes to scan for grammatical errors and another brain to remind you of activities that might have escaped you.

For more information on college prep, visit www.karendillard.com or click here to learn how you can improve your SAT score by signing up for a free test assessment.

Posted in College Admissions Tips, College Planning, Karen Dillard College Prep, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

FAFSA Financial Aid Dos and Don’ts

Posted on January 26, 2012 by admin

FAFSA Financial Aid

Paying for rising tuition is a concern for many students with college on the horizon. One of the steps to the college prep process when considering financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The following tips will help you get the most out of applying with the FAFSA financial aid form.

DO use the FASFA4caster for younger students.

This program estimates your eligibility for financial aid before you are ready to complete the FAFSA. Students and parents can use this program during their college prep and at any time to prepare for the future.

DO complete the FAFSA, and DO it accurately.

You must complete the FAFSA to receive financial aid from colleges and universities. Be sure to answer every question completely and don’t leave anything blank.

DON’T pay to complete the FAFSA.

During the college prep process, it’s important to be aware that some websites require you to pay for items that could otherwise be free. In the same way, some websites claim to offer the FAFSA, but will charge you to fill it out. The FAFSA is free, so be sure to go to the correct web address: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

DO get your documents ready.

You will need your income tax return (and your parents’), social security card, current bank statements and other financial information in order to complete the FAFSA form. See the list on the FAFSA website for more information.

DON’T forget to sign your forms.

If you are completing the FAFSA online, you will get a federal PIN from www.pin.ed.gov, which enables you to electronically sign your documents.

There are a lot of details to consider when preparing for college and it’s important to explore your financial opportunities as you decide which school to attend.  The FAFSA financial aid form is one way you can access some of the available resources.

To learn more about the college prep process or to find a program that not only will help you improve your standardized test scores but also prepare you to succeed after leaving high school, visit karendillard.com today!

 

Posted in College Admissions Tips, College Planning, financial planning for college, Karen Dillard College Prep | Tagged | Leave a comment

How to Look for Colleges & Finding the Best Fit

Posted on January 23, 2012 by admin

college prepDear High School Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen,

As a recent college graduate, I write to you all because I know it’s never too early to start considering your college prep process.  The four years you spend at a university can be some of the most eye-opening, life-changing, and fun years of your life.  Or they don’t have to be.  The choice is yours.  The best way to ensure that you have a great college experience is to know how to look for colleges and how to find those that fit you.  But how do you do that?  From an older, wiser student, here are a few tips:

  1. Know Thyself.  Easier said than done, right?  But this is one of the most important factors as you begin college prep and will guide you to being the happiest with your choice.  Be honest with yourself about your political and social opinions.  What clubs are you looking for on a college campus?  What rules?  Also be honest about your academic and social strengths.  Can you handle a large college environment?  Would a small college cramp your style?  Do you have what it takes to survive at an Ivy League school?  Think about it, and, above all, be honest.
  1. Know Thy College.  There are a lot of different ways to learn about a college, but one of the best ways is to talk to its students.  That way, you get an insider’s opinion on the school’s spirit and a glimpse into what it would be like to wake up there every morning.  Another benefit to talking with current students is that they have no real stake in your college decision and are almost guaranteed to give you an honest answer.
  1. Use College Admissions Counselors.  True, admissions counselors often have an agenda in that they want to present their university in the best light possible.  However, they are also aware of all the best selling points for their particular school—the strongest majors, the most popular teachers, and the friendliest dorms.  They have a rounded, informed perspective on a university’s strengths and they want to help you envision a positive life there.
  1. Be Open to Change.  There’s only one thing every college campus is guaranteed to bring: change.  Your environment will change, your schedule will change, and (most of all) you will change.  The people you’re around, the subjects you study, and the places you go all impact the kind of person you’ll be when they finally hand you that diploma.  So, that means you have something else to reflect on.  Don’t just know who you are now—know who you want to be.
  1. Organize your information.  Let’s be realistic.  With all this interviewing, researching, and self-reflection, you will almost certainly lose track of the information you have so assiduously collected.  Spreadsheet (my personal choice), note cards, outlines, you name it; just keep those notes on your experience with each college you visit.

Finally, there’s no one perfect fit for you.  You can be happy and successful at a lot of places.  Wherever you commit yourself to working hard and living college life to the fullest will be your perfect school.  Have fun!

Sincerely,

A Recent Graduate

To learn more about how to look for colleges and have the most options available when it comes time to apply to schools, visit Karen Dillard College Prep.  

Posted in College Admissions Tips, College Planning, Karen Dillard College Prep | Tagged | Leave a comment

ACT®, PSAT*, SAT* Practice Tests to Maximize your Scores

Posted on January 12, 2012 by admin

SAT tutoringWith proper preparation, ACT, PSAT, and SAT practice tests can be used to maximize your test scores. Think of the practice test like a scrimmage before the big game – you can see what the test will entail without all of the pressure and you can make adjustments based on how you perform. It can also help you seek out the proper ACT, PSAT or SAT tutoring programs. These tips will help you make the most of a practice test:

  1. Don’t take the practice test while sitting on the couch. You’re more likely to send a quick text message, stop for a dinner break, or even stop before finishing the entire test. Mimic the real test by practicing at a testing center or in a quiet room without distractions.  Many ACT and SAT tutoring programs have designated areas that simulate the environment of a real test.
  1. Time yourself properly.  Set aside time to take the test in its entirety. One of the challenges of the tests is staying focused for up to four hours. If you rush through the practice test in an hour, you’re likely to see your scores drop off after the first hour on the real test.  If you are involved with SAT tutoring or ACT classes, you should discuss with your teacher different strategies that can help you complete the test in the given amount of time.
  1. Evaluate your weaknesses, not just your scores. Instead of focusing on your scores, look at the questions you missed and why you missed them. Do you need help with triangle problems? Are you making simple mistakes? When reviewing the completed test, talk with an ACT or SAT tutor or professional who can help you analyze the test objectively and identify areas in which you can improve.
  1. Review previous tests. Before the big test, review your practice tests. Re-work problems you have missed in the past.
  1. Ask for help.  If you are having difficulty with certain types of questions or concepts, seek help from an experienced ACT or SAT tutor. Becoming adept with the skills tested, and comfortable with the strategies you need, will make you a successful test taker.

ACT, PSAT and SAT practice tests are one of the best ways to increase your scores on standardized tests, but only if you use them wisely. For more test tips, or to find ACT, PSAT or SAT tutoring services that can help you improve your score, visit www.karendillard.com.

 

Posted in ACTs, Karen Dillard College Prep, SAT Test Prep, SAT Test Prep Programs, SAT Tips, SATs, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Making Sense of SAT Test Scores

Posted on December 21, 2011 by admin

SAT classesWhat do my SAT* and PSAT* scores really mean?

As crucial as your SAT test scores are, they can prove surprisingly difficult to decipher. Once you understand how to read your scores you can hone in on testing strategies that you can learn from SAT classes that will improve those scores. Refer to the following index to understand your scores.

  • Raw Scores—Each section of the SAT—Math, Critical Reading, and Writing—receives a raw score that reflects the overall number of questions missed, skipped, and answered correctly per subject. Correct answers receive one point. Skipped answers receive no points. Missed answers cost one-quarter of a point each, except for the grid-in math section (no points are deducted for incorrect answers).
  • Scaled Scores—College Board converts raw scores into scaled scores between 200 and 800 for the SAT, and between 20 and 80 for the PSAT. Colleges pay attention to these scores when evaluating your application. Because each SAT date offers a different version of the test, scaled scores are used to curve raw scores according to the difficulty of each specific test version.
  • Overall Scores—Up until 2005, students strived for the perfect score of 1600. When the College Board introduced the Writing section six years ago, the perfect score became 2400 (240 for PSAT). However, many colleges still use the previous system, which simply adds the Critical Reading and Math scores. To find your score on the new system, add all three sections (Critical Reading, Math, Writing) together.
  • Essay (SAT only)—College Board appoints two essay graders to assign a score between 1 and 6, and then these two scores are added together. This score affects your Writing sub-score because it is weighted at 30% of your overall writing score; the Writing multiple choice section is weighted at 70%. The Writing score you see at the top of your report already reflects your essay grade.
  • Percentile Scores—Your performance on the SAT relative to other test-takers is also reflected in your percentile score. This value is particularly important for your PSAT score. Students who qualify for National Merit Semifinalist must score in the top 0.5% of their state.

Achieving the highest SAT test scores you are capable of is an important part of the college admissions process. For more information regarding PSAT and SAT classes or one-on-one tutoring that can improve your scores, visit www.karendillard.com.

Posted in ACTs, Karen Dillard College Prep, SAT Test Prep, SAT Test Prep Programs, SAT Tips, SATs, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

SAT Test Prep Timeline: 9th and 10th Grade College Prep

Posted on December 15, 2011 by admin

SAT test prepIt’s never too early to start SAT test prep and thinking about college.  Although younger students are not scheduled to take the ACT/SAT for a couple years, many are planning ahead even now by enrolling in ACT and SAT classes.  Here are a few tips for getting a head start on standardized testing as a freshman or sophomore:

  • Parlez-vous français? ¿Habla español? There are SAT Subject Tests* for several languages, so be aware that you can…
    • Take a Listening Subject Test for a language in which you are fluent (includes listening and reading sections). The listening tests are only offered in November each year.
    • Take a Reading Subject Test for a language in which you have completed 4 years of classes, preferably AP courses. The reading tests are offered multiple times each year and can be taken later in high school.
  • Taking higher-level courses in high school? The two Subject Tests you might consider taking at the end of your 10th grade year are…
    • World History – only if you are taking the AP-level course in school.
    • Chemistry – again, the chemistry Subject Test is challenging, so if you are not in Honors or AP, you may want to hold off on this test. 
  • Thinking about applying to TAMS? The Texas Academy of Math and Science admits rising juniors to their program. To apply…
    • Take the SAT your sophomore year, preferably in November or December, and absolutely no later than January.
    • Visit their website at http://tams.unt.edu/ for more information.

Even though you are not taking the SAT and/or ACT (for college admissions) until your junior year, be aware that you can start knocking out some standardized testing early in high school so you don’t have to worry about it later.

For more information on how to enroll in ACT or SAT classes, visit www.karendillard.com.

Posted in College Planning, SAT Test Prep, SAT Test Prep Programs, SAT Tips | Tagged | Leave a comment

Test Taking Timeline: 11th Grade College Prep Tips

Posted on December 8, 2011 by admin

College Prep TipsIt’s not a myth that 11th grade is the most stressful year of high school.  Not only does junior year come bearing a particularly heavy class load, but it’s also the only year when you’ll have to squeeze the PSAT*, SAT* and ACT® into a single twelve-month period.  The following college prep tips will help ease the pressure as you gear up for your standardized tests in 11th grade:

  • Start preparing early. If possible, try to start test prep no later than the summer before your junior year. This will give you the chance to…
    • Begin and finish prep courses by the October PSAT/NMSQT* with time to spare for practice.
    • Build up test-taking stamina.
    • Know exactly what to expect on test day.
  • Take the December or January SAT for the first time. By starting with the winter SATs, you will give yourself…
    • A better shot at getting a higher score. High-level seniors are filtered out because their top-tier universities’ deadlines have passed, giving the winter SATs a more generous curve.
    • Multiple test options in the spring if you need to retake the test.
    • A chance to be done with standardized testing by the end of the junior year!
  • Take the ACT in April, if not February. There are a couple of factors to consider when you take the ACT, such as…
    • Whether you have taken or are taking pre-calculus. If you are advanced in math, taking an early ACT option, like February, is fine.
    • Whether you’re currently in Algebra II. If so, take the April option, as it falls between SAT test dates and will give you more time to prepare for the math section.

Be sure to start thinking about what colleges and universities you plan on applying to and whether they will require subject tests. If required, you should take them in May or June of your junior year. Make note that subject tests and the SAT cannot be taken on the same test day, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog on the 9th and 10th grade testing timeline! For more information regarding college prep and SAT or ACT classes, visit our website at www.karendillard.com.

 

Posted in College Admissions Tips, College Planning, SAT Test Prep, SAT Tips, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

When to Take the SAT*: Test Taking Timeline for 12th Graders

Posted on December 1, 2011 by admin

SAT test PrepWhen planning your pathway to college and evaluating your SAT test prep timeline, it can be confusing to know when to take the SAT. In any given year, the test is offered six different times: in January, March, May, June, October, November, and December.  If you’re a senior taking the SAT—whether it’s for the first time or for (hopefully) the last—remember these key points:

  • The sooner, the better.  The earlier you test, the earlier you will…
    • Know if you need to test again.
    • Understand where and how to focus additional studying.
    • Be able to focus on applications, interviews, essays and other college-related time commitments.
  • Do your research.  All colleges accept either ACT® or SAT test scores.  Use this to your advantage and submit your very best scores for applications.  However, you will need to know if your colleges of choice consider…
    • SAT Math, Verbal, and Writing or SAT Math and Verbal only
    • SAT Subject Tests (aka SAT IIs)
      • Note: Colleges may require several subject tests of your choice or they may ask that you test for very specific subjects.  Again, do your research.
  • Money, money, money.  Even after you’ve been accepted to your school of choice, you may be able to continue testing for more scholarship dollars.  Be sure to…
    • Stay in close contact with your admissions counselor.
    • Understand requirements for various scholarship brackets.
    • Test until the bitter end—if a single Saturday morning can raise your scholarship offer a few thousand dollars, that’s time very, very well spent.

Finally, your applications will be due sometime during your senior year.  If you’ve waited until the last minute to get your test scores in, be sure that your last test date is scheduled no later than 4-6 weeks before your earliest deadline.

Stay tuned for future blogs on 9th, 10th, and 11th grade testing timelines!  For more information on SAT test prep, visit www.karendillard.com, and join our social media community on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

Posted in College Admissions Tips, College Planning, Karen Dillard College Prep, SAT Test Prep, SAT Test Prep Programs, SAT Tips, SATs, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment