Tag: Test Prep Tips
MBA Admissions Tips for Working Professionals
By IvyWise MBA Admissions Counselors There are a number of resources out there that provide tips for applying to graduate school, but what about graduates who are years removed from academia? For many people, the MBA path isn’t apparent until after they have been in the workforce a few years, and, actually, the ideal time for most people to think about attending business school is with a few years of professional experience under their belts. Many working professionals don’t prepare ahead of time for the rigorous application process that exists at most top-tier business schools.
How to Pace Yourself on the ACT and SAT
The SAT and ACT are the most often used exams for college admissions in the U.S., and given that they are standardized, they must be taken under strict time constraints.
How to Plan Your Test Prep From Start to Finish
The two most commonly asked questions by students regarding ACT or SAT test prep are: “When is it too early to begin test prep?” and “How much prep is too much prep?” While the answers to these questions vary per student based on college admissions goals, academic and extracurricular priorities, and personal SAT or ACT test goals, it’s important to keep a couple of key points in mind so that students are spending their time in the best way possible and not overdoing test prep.
How to Best Prepare for Graduate Admission Exams
If you plan on attending graduate school, whether it’s business school, law school, medical school, or some other graduate program, you’ll most likely need to take one of several graduate admission exams as part of your application. Preparing to take graduate admission exams long after your initial undergraduate admissions process can seem daunting, but the sooner you get started the sooner you can be on your way to a rewarding graduate school experience. The entrance exam that you take will depend on the graduate degree you are seeking and, in some cases, the specific school or program to which you apply.
SAT and ACT Myths Debunked: The Truth About Standardized Tests and College Admission
Standardized tests are a controversial factor in the college admissions process, and with so many opinions on the value of these college entrance exams, misinformation can run rampant. From the value of one test over the other to how to prepare and how scores affect a student’s chances of admission, there are many myths out there about the SAT and ACT. In order to have success in the college admissions process, parents and students need to first separate fact from fiction.
SAT vs. ACT: Which College Entrance Exam Should You Take?
IvyWise counselors Nat and Eric offer advice on when and how students should start planning for standardized testing and discuss the important distinction between test-optional' and 'test-blind' on the college admissions podcast, giving listeners expert insight from former admissions officers. Listen Now! More than 2,000 U.
Self-Studying: What’s the Benefit and How to Do It
With an increasing number of new technologies and an expanding global population, self-studying is on the rise. Education is no longer confined to just the classroom, and some would argue that the classroom model is outdated and does not meet the intellectual needs of individuals in such an interconnected society. Being an autodidact, or self-teacher, has become increasingly feasible due to MOOCs (massive open online courses), Internet encyclopedias, and more colleges and universities offering courses online.
Setting Academic and College Prep Goals
Setting academic and college prep goals now is a great way to get students excited about their college prep and alleviate some of the stress commonly associated with planning for college. While it may not be time to apply to college yet, starting to think about academic and college prep goals now will make it easier for students to identify solid goals by the time application season rolls around. It will also allow them to relax over any upcoming breaks, rather than stressing about what they need to accomplish before school is back in session.
Setting Fall Semester Academic and College Prep Goals
Whether you’re a freshman still adjusting to your first year of high school, or a college-bound junior ready to hit the ground running, it’s important to set academic and college prep goals for the fall as soon as school starts back up. Goals not only help keep students on track with their college prep, they also help students learn more about who they are, what they’re interested in, and how they can better pursue those interests. Goals can also help students stay motivated during a particularly busy or stressful time.
Spring Standardized Testing: Advice for Sophomores and Juniors
For many high school students, spring semester means standardized test season. Like it or not, these tests are a factor for college admissions at most schools — even if they’re test optional. While a perfect score alone won’t get you into your dream college, it is important to do well on these tests to have the greatest chance of admission.
Starting Second Semester off Right: Tips for a Successful Spring Term
While it can be tempting to simply count down the days until summer break, spring semester is a prime time for high school underclassmen to prepare for the college admissions process, and for college-bound seniors to close out the year on a high note. Believe it or not, seniors, you are not off the hook just yet! Here are some tips for high school students to ensure a productive and successful spring semester.
Students’ Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT
Students across the US will take the PSAT/NMSQT this October, and for many, this will be their initial introduction to the rigors of college entrance examinations. Before heading into the test, 10th and 11th graders need to know what to expect and how the PSAT/NMSQT can impact their college preparation strategy. Use these tips for the PSTA to get started!
Summer Bucket List For Rising Seniors
Incoming senior, rising senior — these terms refer to a high school student who has just completed their junior year and will be starting their senior year in the fall. For many rising seniors, the end of their junior year marks the beginning of the long, and often stressful, college application process. While the full Common Application and school specific supplements aren't released until August, some essay topics have already been revealed, and many students are taking the initiative to begin working on their application essays over the long summer break.
Gamify Your SAT Prep
Even as the SAT undergoes some significant changes in its switch to a digital format, the underlying reality of taking a major standardized test remains the same — you’ve got to do some prep work! As the hours of grammar drills and math flashcards march on, however, you may find your focus flagging and your energy sagging. What’s a well-meaning student to do when they feel the siren call of the latest Netflix original series tugging their attention away from their notes?
The Benefits of Virtual Tutoring and Test Prep
Online instruction has been growing in popularity over the years because it can connect people from all over the world – and right now it’s necessary as students continue their studies after school closures due to the current coronavirus pandemic. As students connect to instructors online, the demand for virtual tutoring and test prep is growing. But is it effective?
Medical School Admissions Tips
After navigating the undergraduate admissions process, many students might mistakenly assume that applying to medical school is more or less the same. While there are some familiar components, such as essays and standardized testing scores, the medical school admissions process is unique and requires considerable planning in order to gain admission to your top-choice medical schools. There are many steps on the road to becoming a doctor and gaining admission to a medical school that aligns with your goals is a major piece of the puzzle.
How to Study for the GRE: 4 Golden GRE Prep Tips
Just as in undergraduate admissions, the graduate admissions process often requires standardized testing as part of the application process. Whether you are a current college student considering your postgraduate options, or a professional looking to advance in your current field or make a career change, studying for the GRE is an important way to prepare your strongest application to graduate school. The Graduate Record Examinations is a standardized test that is a crucial part of the graduate admissions process for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada and few in other countries.
Test Prep 101: Reading Comprehension Questions
In my last article, I discussed a process for how to effectively and efficiently read through the Reading Comprehension passages on the SAT and ACT. Now, we’re going to take a look at how students should approach answering the actual questions within these sections. Always remember this: Reading Comprehension is ultimately an open-book test.
Mastering SAT and ACT Reading Comprehension Passages
Every year, another group of students prepares for a fresh cycle of test prep, each with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. One of the most difficult (and time consuming) parts of the SAT and ACT is getting through the reading comprehension passages efficiently and effectively. I’m here to give you some tips on how to conquer the reading passages on the SAT and ACT.
Summer Test Prep Checklist for Rising Juniors and Seniors
Summer SAT Prep: Effective Tips & Strategies for Success The summer is an important time for college prep, and students should be spending it wisely. Spending your summer solely preparing for the ACT or SAT is not impactful in terms of strengthening your application, but interspersing some test prep in between your regular summer activities can go a long way toward helping you reach your goal score. For students taking a challenging course load, the school year doesn’t offer many opportunities to squeeze in additional test prep.
How to Overcome Difficult SAT and ACT Math Questions
The SAT and ACT Math sections can be intimidating for many students – even those who do very well in their high school mathematics classes. However, the reality is that both the SAT and ACT test math concepts that high school juniors have typically already covered in their high school math courses. So, in some cases, it’s not the material that students struggle with, but how the questions are presented on the exams – which differs greatly from what is traditionally tested on high school math exams.