Monday, December 21, 2009

Technology: Making Your Holiday Gifts Smart

Think of it as something like substituting prune puree for butter in your favorite brownie recipe. These high-tech toys may look and act like your everyday gadgets and gizmos – but secretly, they have the power to inspire learning under the guise of fun and convenience.
More Expensive (but very cool)

Amazon Kindle
This wireless hand-held reading device allows you to download the most recent books, magazines and newspapers with the push of a button. Weighing in at 10.3 ounces, your library just became portable. Price: $259.00

The Pulse
This digital smartpen “records everything you hear, say and write, and links your audio recordings to your notes.” A great gift for students (and adults!) of all ages. Price: $169.95
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Voice recognition software enables the busy body to take notes, write emails (to private SAT tutors!), and access their desktop – all by the power of the spoken word! Also available as a FREE iPhone application! Price: $99.99-$199.99
Less Expensive
Big Brain Academy (for Wii)
Earn a Wii Degree! Challenge yourself or a friend to a game that tests your aptitude in five areas: analysis, memory, visual recognition, number crunching, and quick thinking. Price: $29.99
M2Match2 (for your iPhone)
Practice your route memory and hand-eye coordination in short blasts. This iPhone application will strengthen your recognition and speed with catchy pictures and the touch of your fingertips! Price: $0.99
Vocabulary Cartoons Lite (for your iPhone)
It’s always a perfect time to improve your vocabulary repertoire. This FREE iPhone application implements cartoons and rhymes to help you remember even the most insipid of words. Price: Free!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Test Day Tips for Standardized Tests

Standardized tests are a fact of every student’s life. Whether applying to private school, college, or graduate school, standardized tests pop up again and again – whether students like it or not.

Succeeding on these exams is as much about a student’s mind being in the right place on test day as anything else. I remember tossing and turning the night before a standardized test with anxiety about all the things that could go wrong on test day that were outside of my control: the power would go out while I was sleeping and my alarm clock wouldn’t go off, all of my pencils would break in my backpack, or worse yet … I feared that I forgot to register for the exam! After months of hard work and preparation, we shouldn’t let these self-defeating thoughts take us hostage on test day. We should approach test day with confidence knowing that our hard work and preparation will pay off.

Here are a few reminders and tips to help optimize your performance on test day:

1. Review your registration information to make certain you know where to arrive and when.

2. Bring a valid student ID, bottle of water, watch, tissues, and a snack with you to the exam.

3. Bring at least three semi-dull number 2 pencils with erasers to use on the exam. Sharpened pencils break easily and mechanical pencils involve too much clicking (dull pencils are also better for shading in circles).

4. Bring erasable pens with you to the exam to use on the essay section (if there is one). It is better to erase your mistakes than to cross them out, and erasable pens will enable you to do this.

5. Wear comfortable shoes so that you can easily move your toes. Wiggling your toes during the exam will help you to stay focused and keep your blood flowing!

6. Eat a balanced breakfast that is satiating but not so filling that you feel sleepy. You can eat snacks during your break periods, so don’t over eat at the breakfast table, but also don’t skip out on the most important meal of the day! I have listed some of my favorite breakfast and snack suggestions below:
  • A piece of whole grain toast with nut butter (I prefer almond butter) and a glass of fresh juice. Cut up a granny smith apple to bring as a snack.
  • 2 scrambled eggs, a piece of whole grain toast, and a glass of fresh juice. Bring a handful of almonds and a banana or apple slices for a snack.
  • 1 cup of oatmeal or other hot, whole grain cereal with almonds and raisins sprinkled on top. Bring a hardboiled egg and a piece of fruit as a snack.
7. Bring something enjoyable to read with you to the exam. After you have finished and reviewed the section of the exam you are working on, you may have time leftover before the start of the next section. Rather than twiddling your thumbs, read something entertaining and relaxing. Don’t read anything that would compromise your sense of confidence or focus.

8. Dress for success, but wear something comfortable. The better you look and feel, the more confident you will perform! My mother told me to wear my favorite pair of socks on test day and to think of this hidden joy as my secret weapon. Think of something that will work for you to calm your nerves and give you something to smile about on test day.

9. Relax, Breathe, and Succeed! We are all rooting for you!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Planning the SAT Timeline (continued)

PART 2: Making a Timeline

(Haven't read Part 1 yet? Catch up here)

First, let’s address a topic that we’re asked about all the time: The SAT vs. the ACT.

So here’s the deal: All colleges and universities accept both the SAT and the ACT. Some students opt to take both exams to figure out which one they prefer—however, we recommend that students focus their study time on one exam instead of dividing their energy between two exams (that are used for the same purpose!).

Another question we hear: When do I start studying?

For the SAT or ACT, students should begin studying no later than three months prior to their test date. Many students then opt for the SAT in March, or the ACT in February or April, and again in the fall (October or September, respectively). So juniors planning on taking the March 2010 SAT should get started soon. Students who want to be extra prepared for spring tests often begin with a light study load as early as September.

And how about the SAT Subject Tests (AKA the SAT II’s)?

Most students prefer 4-6 weeks of preparation before a SAT Subject Test. Since material on SAT Subject Tests aligns so closely with content taught in academic subjects, we recommend that students take the SAT II in May or June. As for which test to take, students are typically best served by taking the SAT II's that match their best subjects in school.

When planning out a timeline, remember to take into account all vacations (if studying will be on hold during them), and begin preparation earlier to accommodate the missed weeks. Consider also the schedules of sports and other activities that may hamper a student’s energy level and ability to devote time to test prep when planning things out. Finally, students often find it difficult to dedicate time to test prep while studying for final exams, so standardized tests should only coincide with final exams in the case of a Subject Test in the same subject as an exam being taken.

Here is a step-by-step guide to determining test dates:

1. Look at SAT and ACT schedules
2. Consider the schedules of vacations, extra-curricular activities, and final exams
3. Choose test dates
a. Count weeks backwards from the test dates to account for the time needed to prepare
b. Circle preparation start-dates
4. Begin exploring options for assistance (classes, SAT tutoring, self-study, etc!)

Good luck!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Planning the SAT Timeline (Start Now!)

Part 1: Winter Break- A Perfect Time for SAT Planning

Recently conquering the planning and execution of the infamous Thanksgiving Dinner has given me a deepened appreciation for today’s students. Not only do they have to juggle school work, extra-curricular activities, and family time on a daily basis—but the demands are year-round!

It is no wonder that many of our private SAT tutors spend significant time with their students practicing the habits of the How of school—skills that relate to organization, time management, and scheduling out adequate time for exam preparation. Not only are these fundamental practices are the necessary in order to be successful in school, students will use these skills for the rest of their lives.

Planning ahead is even more important when students begin taking standardized tests. Since most tests happen in the spring, winter break is an ideal time for parents to sit down with their student and figure out the test-taking timeline.

Before you sit down for this discussion, parents and students should have the following calendars at their disposal:

• The 2010 SAT Schedule: offered in January, March, May, June, October, November, and December (exact dates here)

• The 2010 ACT Schedule: offered in February, April, June, September, October, and December (exact dates here)

• The student’s Final Exam Schedule

• Vacation Dates

• Sports/Extra-Curricular Activities Schedules

And don’t forget to take a deep breath. Remember, even junior year is manageable if you plan ahead and pace yourself!