Archive for the ‘SAT/ACT Test’ Category

Using Nutrition to Improve Your Test Scores

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Around the nation, tremendous pressure has been placed on schools to boost their standardized test scores. Yet, little, if any, attention is given to nutrition. People who willingly admit and understand that cars perform differently and better when given the proper fuel somehow believe that this phenomenon doesn’t apply to the human brain.

Getting the best nutrition possible, especially when you are a child or a young adult, is amazingly important for what your brain can accomplish.  After all, don’t bodybuilders boost their levels of protein in order to grow larger muscles? You need the right nutrition to achieve optimal educational performance.

You can’t eat tons of processed foods, fast foods, foods loaded with chemicals, sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives and expect to feel your best, look your best, or be as mentally sharp as you could otherwise be. No matter what you may have heard, your diet does impact how you look and how you perform in life!

With all of these facts taken into consideration, it is possible for you to boost your test score through the right nutrition, just like a body builder boosts his or her amount of muscle mass. Here is a key point to remember- your brain is amazing in many ways and, in fact, it is a singularly unique organ in your body. Why? Unlike the rest of your body, your brain, if taken care of and given the right foods, can continue to build new connections throughout life.  Your brain can keep developing even in old age if you adopt the proper lifestyle and food choices early in life.

So what should you be eating? A lot of the foods you should be eating are familiar ones, such as fruits and vegetables. Also you should opt for organic whenever possible. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and compounds that fight disease. The anti-cancer compounds found in fruits and veggies are no laughing matter and are the subject of serious medical and university studies. These foods will help you feel better, be more alert and have the nutrition you need to improve both your studying habits and your test score.

Essential fatty acids are also important for your brain health. Essential fatty acids are found in foods like walnuts and fish. Particularly good types of fish are wild Alaskan salmon and sardines. If you don’t like fish, there are fish oil tablets that will serve you just as well. The main point is to make sure that your brain is getting the nutrition that it needs for optimal performance.

By eating fruits, vegetables and nuts every single day, you will feel better, look better and likely boost your SAT score. Adopting an improved diet as far out as possible from your test date will be worth the time and effort.

Three Things You Avoid Leading Up to the SAT

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

The SAT is a big deal.  It will play a major role in determining what colleges and universities ultimately accept your application.  There are many things that you can “blow off” in life (and sometimes doing so not a bad idea in order to maintain your sanity), but blowing off the SAT is a really bad idea from beginning to end.  In this article we will look at some of the things you shouldn’t do before you take the SAT.

You may be able to do any of the things on our list and have everything turn out just find, but doing so means that you are depending upon good old-fashioned luck.  And depending on luck for success is rarely your best bet.  A good score on the SAT, like so much in life, depends greatly upon preparation.  Adopting the right strategies and tools for the job, such as test prep tutoring and college admissions counseling, can make a big difference.

Number One-Don’t Stay Up Late

Staying up late the night before the SAT is to be blunt a little crazy.  This test is long, demanding and it requires you to think clearly.  Don’t study or do anything other than relax the night before the SAT.  Showing up to take the SAT well rested could be one of the smartest moves you make in the entire SAT exam process.

Number Two-Don’t be a Social Butterfly

If a good SAT score is truly important to you, then you might have to trim down your social calendar.  It is a brutal truth, but many of your current friends you won’t see or think about in two years… let alone five years or ten years.  Whatever good times they have for you really can wait until you have studied for the SAT.  You won’t regret the time you spend on test prep tutoring and SAT practice test online exams.  Hanging out with some people you won’t see ever again after high-school instead of studying for the SAT is a different story…

Number Three-Don’t Indulge in Too Much of a Good Thing

Leading up to the SAT, it is important to you avoid eating foods that could make you ill.  Also don’t try anything like working out too vigorously.  Anything that could leave you feeling weak or simply not at your best will impact your score and not in a good way!

We’ve covered three big “don’ts,” and there are definitely more that will fit your own life and your own situation.  The real point here is to focus on your goal and that means sacrificing some of the things that you might want to do in the short run so that you will have success on the SAT.  Missing out on a good time is never easy, but neither is looking at a disappointing test score! When it comes to a test like the SAT that has such a profound impact on future educational options, it is best to play it safe.

5 Brain Boosters Before Taking the SAT

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

If you are like most students, you are looking for ways to improve your SAT score. This is only natural, as this is one serious test. It can have some pretty serious implications and ramifications for your future. No pressure, right? In this article, we will look at some of the ways you can boost your brain in the weeks leading up to your SAT exam. We will also look at tips that can help you the day of your exam as well!

1. Chocolate! (Yes, Chocolate)

High quality chocolate, not the candy bar stuff, but high quality dark chocolate is loaded with compounds that are good for your brain. Studies have shown that chocolate can help you focus and may even help you improve your test scores. Chocolate also releases endorphins, which can boost your mood. Odds are you will want your mood to be boosted on test day!

2. The Caffeine Boost

People react differently to caffeine, as it is a stimulant. Most people don’t realize that caffeine is a natural insecticide created by plants to protect them against insects. It’s true! With that stated, however, caffeine does have many amazing properties, and one of them is it can boost your attention. This effect can be particularly pronounced when you don’t drink coffee or tea very often.

3. Puzzled by the SAT?

One good way to prepare for the SAT (other than studying, of course) is to do puzzles. Working on complex puzzles is a way to help you learn to focus on a complex task for a long period of time. Now what does that sound like?  The SAT, right?  Doing puzzles also forces you to think logically and exercises your brain in a different way that will help you come test time.  Just don’t depend on puzzles too much, as you do still have to study!

4. Exercise and the SAT

Now you might be wondering how exercise can help you with the SAT.  Some people might tell you that exercise couldn’t possibly help you the SAT, but they are wrong. Exercising reduces stress levels and gets blood flowing to your brain. “Runner’s high” isn’t a myth, but instead has been proven scientifically, as exercise, like chocolate, produces endorphins that make your feel better. Getting some exercise, even as simple as walking, will help you relax and have a more positive outlook. If you are relaxed and feel better, the odds are that you will have a better SAT score as well!

5. Meditation and the SAT

Recent meditation studies have surprised even the experts. Meditation has long been know for having the ability to calm people down, but recently science has learned that meditation can also make your brain grown new connections as well! Staying calm during the SAT is very important because if you panic, you will not achieve your optimal score. Practicing meditation weeks or months in advance, and then meditating the morning of your exam is a great idea. Don’t bother “cramming” half an hour before your exam, meditate and have some chocolate instead!

4 Ways to Fight the SAT Prep Blues

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Anyone serious about getting into one of his or her top college or university picks is also probably pretty serious and worried about the SAT. Your parents, teachers and other friends may amplify your level of worrying, especially if those friends are also serious about getting into one of their top picks. All of this pressure can become a little too intense sometimes. Let’s take a deep breath and take a closer look at some of the things you can do to reduce the depression, anxiety and stress that comes along with taking the gigantic and serious test called the SAT.

1. Realize a Less Than Perfect Score is Not the End of the World

If you have intense and serious parents, you may have been lead to believe that the difference between living in a “cardboard box” and living in a mansion with a butler is your score on the SAT.  This is not true. Your parents and other adults, such as teachers and guidance counselors, are stressing the importance of this test to you, because, in reality, it is very important. However, it is not life and death, and a less than ideal score is not the end of you, your dreams, your hopes, your career or anything else you may have heard.

Success in life is multifaceted, complex and involves many more factors than your SAT score. For example, many people get great SAT scores but are so burnt out by the time they get into college that they drop out! Of course, you should aim for a great score and study hard to achieve that goal. But don’t believe that your “world will end,” if you don’t get a great score.  In short, life is more complicated than that!

2. Take Time to Relax, Your Mind and Body Will Thank You

Stopping to relax and do something that you enjoy will help you keep the stress of SAT prep at bay. Music, mediation and exercise have all been proven as good ways to relax and clear your mind. Finding a few minutes to relax every day will help you achieve a better score in the long run.

3. Remove the Distractions

It is easy to use communication devices constantly including your phone and computers. One problem is constantly being online also keeps your mind racing as well. Step away from all of your distractions for a few moments a day to help unwind and relax.

4. Get Outside!

Humans only live in caves when necessary. Get out of your modern cave as much as you can and get sunlight and fresh air, both of which are good for you. Indoor air is several times more polluted than outdoor air, and this means that opening up a window or two is a very good idea. Even in the winter, fresh cold air is better than no fresh air at all. Fresh air will also help you calm down and clear your mind before the “big day.”

SAT Preparation-Should You Take a Class?

Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

The SAT test is plays an important role in the lives of students across the nation, and taking the time to prepare for this test is a no-brainer.  You may know someone that claims to have not studied for this test and still “aced” it, but such an approach and attitude is really not the best way to go.  Given the importance of this test, studying for it well in advance is your smartest move.  If you want to get into one of your top college or university picks, then you most definitely want to study for the SAT.  Often students struggle with the questions, “Do I study for the SAT on my own or do I opt for a class?”

The fact that so many students take the SAT every year means that there are many different options as well.  When it comes to deciding whether or not you should take a class to study for the SAT, it is important that you take time management into consideration.  Let’s face it; being in high-school can be time consuming.  This is especially true if you are aiming for great grades and have extracurricular activities.  This means that you need flexibility when it comes to studying for the SAT.

Taking online courses is one way that you can get the flexibility that you need.  By choosing online courses, you can study when you like and at your own pace.  Plus, you will find that online courses tend to be a lot less expensive.  There are additional benefits to studying online as well.  For example, other students will not be able to distract you when you study online.  (Plus, there will be no meeting people from other schools you might want to date!)

Another key benefit of studying for the SAT online is that you save valuable travel time.  Travel time adds up, especially over the course of many weeks.  By choosing an online SAT class instead of one that you need to attend in person, you can save a great deal of time.

An online SAT class also means that you can study on your computer whenever you like.  This will make “cramming” for the SAT feel a little more organic and a little less forced.  Being able to study when you like and wherever you like is a major plus in favor of studying online.

This is not to say that there are not benefits to studying in a traditional classroom setting.  Most of the benefits of studying in a traditional classroom setting will largely depend on your own personality and whether or not you need the direct guidance.  If you feel that you can’t get motivated to study on your own, then perhaps a traditional classroom setting is better suited for you.

There is no denying the benefits of online SAT preparation.  Being able to study whenever you like and how you like is a significant plus.  In addition, there are considerable cost savings as well.  The bottom line is whether you opt for a traditional classroom setting for you SAT prep or choose the greater flexibility of studying online, you need to study for this important test far before the month of your test date.

An Overview of the Importance of SAT Preparation

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Every year millions of people take the SAT exam for admissions to colleges and universities nationwide. This exam has become a key mechanism in determining who goes to what colleges and universities. Regardless of whether or not you like the idea of a standardized test determining what educational opportunities you will have after high school, the fact of the matter is that if you want to go to college the SAT is impossible to ignore. Further, if you want to get into the school of your choice or a top tier university or college, you will also need a good score on the SAT.

By now you probably realize that if you want to pass almost any test you need to study, and there are tools to help you with this, starting with test preparation courses. In this regard, the SAT is simply no different. There is no magic involved in getting a great score on the SAT. While many people have cheated on the SAT or even paid someone else to take this all-important test for them, this is not the route that you want to take. Cheating is, of course, unethical but it is also extremely dangerous, as there is a very serious and substantial risk of being caught. Your best option by far is to prepare for this pivotal test far before the test date.

SAT preparation has two major parts. The first part is to begin your preparation work as early as possible. The longer you wait to prepare, the more stress and pressure you will feel. This issue will likely impact the effectiveness of your study time and perhaps even your study habits.

Secondly, you must, of course, study. Knowing how to study is a major part of the equation. Finding the right study tools and using them can make the difference between a decent score and a fantastic score! Proper SAT preparation means finding the best SAT preparation tools. You should look for tools that have been specifically designed to greatly increase your test scores and help you maximize your final test score. Studying hard and working hard is obviously an important part of the process, but so is working smart. That means employing the best tools that you can possibly find. A variety of tools are available including flashcards, games, test preparation books, SAT courses, and practice exams.

The SAT exam plays a tremendous role, perhaps the greatest role, in determining what institutions will ultimately accept you for enrollment. Investing the time to find the tools that will help you the most is a savvy and worthwhile investment in your future.

Five Tips For Acing the PLAN Test.

Thursday, October 6th, 2011
Get prepared for the PLAN!

Are you ready for the PLAN? Photo credit: Eric Hoefler

Are you one of the thousands of high school sophomores across the country taking the PLAN (Pre-ACT) this month? If so, then congratulations. You’re about to get your first taste of the college entrance exam experience!

Don’t worry! Your PLAN test scores won’t be counted when you apply to college. The PLAN is designed solely to prepare you for the more important exams to come later. But it still pays to do your best.

Here are five tips for doing your best on the PLAN.

  1. Take the time to prepare. The PLAN site offers practice questions for all four portions of the exam. Complete them all, and make sure to go back and review subjects that trip you up.
  2. Answer the easy questions first. Since the PLAN only counts the number of correct answers, it’s a good idea to go through each section and answer the questions that you know the answers to before tackling more difficult ones. This also gives you more time to mull over harder questions.
  3. Answer every single question. Since the PLAN only counts right answers, there’s no harm in guessing. It’s also multiple choice, so you have some chance of getting any question right.
  4. Don’t guess unless you have to. Instead, try to use logic to eliminate wrong answers first—even if you’re not 100 percent positive what the correct one might be. Making educated guesses is far better than simply playing eenie, meeny, miney moe.
  5. Double check your answers. If you pace yourself correctly, you should have time to review your answers. If you do, take advantage of the time. After all, simple mistakes could cost you valuable points!

Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to PLAN success. For more tips on preparing for college, subscribe to our blog today!

Should You Take The SAT or ACT Again? Things To Consider.

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Student taking SAT

Should you take the SAT again?

If you took the SAT or ACT last spring in preparation for applying to college, you should have your scores back by now. How did you do? Are you wondering if you should take the tests again?

If you’re unhappy with your score and think you could do better, the answer is probably yes. But if you did well, it might not be necessary. Here are some things to think about as you decide whether or not to take the SAT or ACT again.

Are you willing and able to put in the time and effort to study for the SAT and ACT?

Before you make the commitment to take the SAT or ACT again, think about how much time you’re willing to put into studying for  them. After all, if you’re going to do it again, you should do everything in your power to ensure you get a better result!

Fortunately, practicing for the SAT is easier than ever. The College Board offers practice testsdaily emails and even an online course. You can also practice for the ACT using an eBookpractice questions or an online test prep course. How you study is up to you.

How do the colleges you’re applying to treat the SAT and ACT?

Although the majority of colleges and universities require the SAT or ACT, some rely on the scores more heavily than others. It pays to see what the average scores are for students who have already been admitted to your first and second choice colleges. If your SAT scores are safely in range, you might be better off concentrating on other areas to round out your college applications.

Is taking the SAT or ACT again the best use of your time?

Let’s face it. Not everyone is a great test taker. Colleges and universities realize this. So if you know that test taking just isn’t your thing, you might want to let your first scores stand. Focus on things you do well instead—whether that’s taking AP courses, participating in extracurricular activities, or even working at a part-time job.

There’s more than one route to acceptance at your first choice college. So before you hit register on the SAT or ACT site, take the time to think about the best way for you to get there.

Want a steady stream of  tips on applying for college and the college admissions process? Then don’t forget to subscribe to our blog!

Photo courtesy of Beautiful Faces of Palestine.

The Admissions Game: The Difference Between Selective and Non-Selective Colleges

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

Browse around enough college websites and you’ve probably come across the terms “selective” and “non-selective.” It’s a very important part of figuring out where to spend your time and energy when it comes to applying to college!

Rice University

Rice University

There is a difference between selective schools and Ivy League schools. In general, Ivy League refers to athletics and encompasses schools like Harvard and Yale. However, there are many selective schools that aren’t considered Ivy League, like MIT and Stanford University, that are also competitive.

Selective Colleges

While any college is more likely to accept a well-rounded student with a great GPA, at a selective college? It’s doubly important! Your involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, and other activities is a key factor of college admission—and having more than good grades is a big part of achieving admission at your dream school.Selective schools are in great demand yet typically admit a very small percentage of students who apply.

Less—Selective or Non-Selective Colleges

Don’t let the term fool you: A non-selective college doesn’t mean they let just anybody in! Like any other college, a non-selective will still have standards. They usually operate on a more open admission basis, or rolling admission, where they will accept college applications until their student body is full—which is good news for you if you decide to apply at the last minute!

Who Gets in to Selective Colleges, Anyway?

Selective colleges admit the best of the best: those over-achievers who are very involved in not only their high school or homeschool groups but their community as well. They have taken (and survived) AP classes and Honors courses and passed with flying colors. They may be fluent in a second language or have some other well-developed talent or skill.

MIT

MIT

Highly selective schools consider many factors of college admission. They look at your application as a whole and decide whether or not they need someone who fits your profile.

If they have only one cello player who happens to be graduating that Spring, and you happen to play the Cello, you might get in. The same goes for students from a particular state. If the school needs a student from that state so they can mention with pride that they have students from every state in the US, you might get in.

Again, don’t think that this means that your GPA, test scores, and community service don’t matter—they most certainly do! However, a selective college has many factors to consider. Your legacy status and notable achievements are just another piece to fit into the selective college admissions puzzle.

Where Do You Fit In?

Public or private college, big campus or small, it doesn’t matter—any college can be selective or non-selective. The key to choosing a college isn’t about shooting for the most selective school, it’s about looking for the school that is the right fit for you!

Image #1 Courtesy of Flickr, Onilad.
Image #2 Courtesy of Flickr, Francisco Diez.

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Majors in College, The College Admission Process, and Other College Questions: Answered!

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

When applying to college seems overwhelming, don’t forget about My College Guide’s awesome free resource: our College Admissions Guru! Straight and to the point, our Guru will answer your college questions. Did we mention it is free and anonymous? Here’s the latest from the Guru!

College questions? Get the college advice you need!

SMJJP

Latest Questions
Question: I am a high school freshman, and I am currently taking Japanese as a foreign language. I enjoy the language and hope to someday become fluent. However, I’ve heard that there could be issues with college admissions recognizing certain foreign languages like Japanese. Is this true, and if it is, what is the general range of languages accepted at colleges?

Answer: Don’t worry about it. Japanese is a wonderful language to pursue fluency in, and if you want to continue it, simply apply to colleges that offer Japanese as a language option to study. In one of our magazine articles, we even interviewed a school official who talked about how essential knowing Japanese or Chinese will be to new students studying…continue reading our Latest Questions!

College Admissions Process
Question: What do you write in college application essays? Can you write an essay about your experiences in extracurricular activities? Or do you list your extracurricular activities? Also, is there a limit to how many recommendations you can get from your teachers? If not, is it better to get a lot of recommendations from your teachers? Even if the recommendations are not well-developed, it’s better to have lots, right? Thanks.

Answer: Great questions! You can really do a lot with a well-written, interesting essay. If your grades are good but not fantastic, you could push yourself over the edge to acceptance with a great personal statement. And even if your grades and scores are great, presenting yourself in a poor essay could… continue reading the College Admissions Process!

SAT and ACT Tests
Question: Thanks for taking the time to read my question! I am currently a rising senior in high school. I scored an 1870 on the new SAT, have an unweighted GPA of 3.8 and am very involved in extracurriculars. For example, I am the president and founder of my school’s Young Democrats Club and am completing internships under the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates and under the local teacher’s union. By the time I finish high school, I will have taken 6 AP classes along with 15 honors classes. I have a list of several schools I’m interested in. I was wondering, how many “reach schools” should I apply to? I’m working with a private SAT tutor to bring up the SAT scores. What other advice would you have for me to make my application more desirable to a school like Georgetown? Finally, would I be considered a legacy candidate at a school if my grandfather attended it?

College questions on your mind? Ask our Admissions Guru (it's free and anonymous)!

the.sprout

Answer: It sounds like you’re doing all of the right things! You have a strong record and should be in the running at a number of fine schools. In response to your specific questions, the only thing I can think of that you could do to possibly improve your chance of getting into a top school is to take the SAT again, as you mentioned. You have a very good score, but if you think you could…continue reading SAT and ACT Tests!

Majors in College
Question: What is the difference between priority and regular decision? Also, what are majors and minors? If I want a bachelor’s degree, does that subject have to be my major, or can it be my minor? Do colleges generally offer the same minors as majors? Should my minor be a more specific subject within my major…or at least related in some way?

Answer: Priority decision is just another name for early action or early decision. In other words, you apply to the school by an early deadline, and you hear back from them earlier than you would if you applied “regular” decision.

When you go to college, you will have at least one major…continue reading Majors in College!

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SMJJP (b and w –> the.sprout