Everything you need to know about when and how to garner the strongest letters of recommendation + a free template download to use when following up with recommenders.
The SAT Is Going Digital
The SAT is going digital for the school year 2023-2024, and our CTK test prep tutors have been trying out the new software and planning for how to help students adapt to the digital format. Read on for answers to all your questions about the new digital PSAT and SAT; how to still take the SAT on paper; and whether you should take the SAT, ACT, or just go test optional.
Critical Reading Skills
Students who have been strong readers and writers are sometimes surprised to find that their previous coursework has not entirely prepared them for the kinds of texts they will be expected to understand in upper-level coursework, decoding SAT, ACT, and AP passages, college-level history, literature, writing, and yes, even science courses.
Juniors: Spring Checklist
It’s the end of your junior year and we know all you can think about right now are final exams and keeping your grades up, but when you pick your head up from your studies, take a moment to make sure you are on track for college admissions. Before the year ends, make sure you meet with counselor to ensure you have done what you need and understand how you will coordinate the college application process with your counselor in the fall. Next, you’ll want to request letters of recommendations from teachers in person.
Making the Most of College Fairs
How to plan for and stand out at college fairs
Building the College List
This blog contains my top tips for learning where your student has the best chance of gaining admission. From student interest, to academic and financial fit, this blog links to many useful resources you can revisit as you develop your college list.
How do my PSAT scores affect National Merit Scholarships?
How do my PSAT scores affect National Merit Scholarships? Junior year PSAT test takers are automatically considered for the National Merit Scholar competition, so the PSAT for juniors is officially known as the NMSQT/PSAT. Each scaled score out of 1520 is assigned to a national merit selection index score out of a maximum 228 points.
Advice for Rising Juniors
Junior year is when the proverbial rubber hits the road. You may be taking more AP classes, moving up the ranks in your sport, and learning to run a meeting as a club officer. This blog covers my five tips for juniors. From whether to take the SAT/ACT, to what courses to choose… This blog is for you.
Asking Colleges for More Money
There’s nothing harder than getting into your dream school and then not having the funds to pay for it. This blog answers common questions such as: Learning the difference between financial aid and merit offers in my college acceptance letter. How to appeal a financial or merit award from a college. And, how to know how much to ask for.