test prep

Test Prep Week: The Best Test Prep Tips

 

test prep tips

We’re going to close out Test Prep Week with some test prep tips. I’m certainly not a test prep expert, but I do know where to find the best test prep tips. The key to any standardized test is preparation. Add to that knowledge of how the test works and the formulas you should know, your student should be prepared to take the test with confidence when the time comes.

Here are some excellent tips that should help your student prepare for standardized tests, both SAT and ACT.

21 SAT Tips and Tricks You Must Use

Samantha Lindsay of SAT Strategies provides a comprehensive, step-by-step list of tips broken down by section. From basic rules, to math tips, to reading tips, to writing tips, she gives students a game plan to follow during the test. This is the ultimate test prep.

Read the complete article

5 Tips for Higher SAT Scores

In Higher Scores Test Prep podcast episode, you will learn five test strategy tips for the SAT.

Listen to the podcast

5 Tips for Higher ACT Scores

In Higher Scores Test Prep podcast episode, you will learn five test strategy tips for the ACT.

Listen to the podcast

6 Tips for ACT Success

These six tips will help your student understand the inner workings of the ACT. The article breaks down each section, giving tips on how to better prepare and tackle each one.

Read the complete article

Last Minute SAT Tips

Alexis Avila of Prepped and Polished gives his best tips for SAT test takers. These tips will not only help you prepare for the test by giving tips on its content, but help you prepare for test-taking day.

Read the entire article

As with any test, preparation is key. You can’t expect to do well if you don’t prepare. Encourage your student to create a study plan and stick to it. Going into a test prepared will make a huge difference on the test results.

For more test prep tips read:

Should you hire a test prep tutor?

Where do I find free test prep?

Can test prep help you win scholarships?

Questions about the new SAT

test prep

Test Prep Week: Where Do I Find Free Test Prep?

 

free test prep

In the last few days we’ve talked about the importance of test prep: should you hire a test prep tutor, can test prep help you win scholarships, and questions about the new SAT. But what  do you do if you’re strapped for cash and can’t afford do pay for a tutor? The good news is there is free test prep available and if your student is committed to studying and evaluating, they can still count on positive test score results.

Below are just a few free test prep resources available for students. But remember that the success of these self study programs depends on your student’s willingness to take it seriously.

Lauren Gaggilio

Lauren of Higher Scores Test Prep was a recent guest on #CampusChat and remixed parents that she offers a free mini course for the PSAT and a free one hour (no obligation) consultation to ask questions and pick her brain. For more tips from Lauren, click here to get the transcript of the chat.

eKnowledge

I have patterned with eKnowledge to offer a free SAT/ACT test prep program. The only catch is you have to pay minimal shipping costs. The prep is extensive and we’ll worth the cost. The SAT or ACT PowerPrep™ Program comes in a single DVD, and includes more than 11 hours of video instruction and 3000 files of supplemental test prep material, thousands of interactive diagnostic tools, sample questions, practice tests and graphic teaching illustrations.  Students select the training they need and can study at their own pace

Khan Academy

With Khan Academy you can download a real, full-length SAT practice test, watch videos that work through real SAT problems with step by step solutions, and get even more practice using their interactive questions.

ACT Student

Since most experts are recommending students take the ACT until the new technology is ironed out, you can get free test prep on their site. They provide real ACT retired tests, sample test questions, test tips and test descriptions.

Chegg

Chegg offers a free interactive ACT test prep program. You can watch videos, read lessons or do practice problems and learn at your own pace. You get instant scores and detailed explanations on every test problem. This is free while the beta lasts, so act now.

Bottom line: self test prep is effective only if your student is committed to a study plan, reviewing the strengths and weaknesses, and evaluates each question he answered incorrectly.

scholarships, test prep

Test Prep Week: Can Test Prep Help You Win Scholarships?

 

win scholarships

Why is test prep important? We all know that colleges use these test scores to evaluate a student’s ability to do well in a college environment. But is there more to taking time to prepare for standardized tests? Yes. In addition to good scores enabling you to apply to your dream college, good scores can also help you win scholarships.

You can win a scholarship if you are a National Merit finalist

The #1 way test prep can affect your scholarship chances is with the PSAT. This test, if scored well, can put you on the National Merit finalist list. You don’t have to be the winner to earn a scholarship. Many colleges award full-ride scholarships to National Merit finalists. Students often look at this test as a “practice” test for the SAT, neglecting to prepare. But it is so much more. Few students prepare for the PSAT so your odds of scoring higher than most students in your state are high if you take the time to study and prepare.

For more information on the PSAT, read my article for TeenLife Magazine: 10 Reasons the PSAT Is Not Just a Practice Test and a guest post from Anthony-James Green of Test Prep Authority: The Ultimate Guide to the PSAT

Colleges use these scores to award merit scholarships

It stands to reason that colleges will use these scores to determine who receives merit aid. Students with higher scores not only get bumped up in the acceptance line, but also receive priority consideration when it comes to scholarships.

Private organizations often ask for standardized test scores

According to Lauren Gaggioli of Higher Scores Test Prep, “Some scholarship advisors estimate over 60% of scholarship applications require test scores these days.” And, she’s seeing even higher percentages up to 75% recently.

The scholarship application process is becoming more and more competitive each year. If you want your student to have an edge, plan and prepare for these standardized test.

 

test prep

Test Prep Week: Questions About the New SAT

 

questions about the new sat

If you have a college-bound teen, test prep is at the front of you mind. And with it, comes the new (and improved—according to the College Board) SAT. Most test prep experts are hesitant about the new test, taking a “wait and see” attitude. Others are recommending students take the ACT instead, reducing the stress level and avoiding the unknown.

In an effort to ease your mind (and your student’s), I thought I would gather some expert advice from the test prep gurus to help you answer some questions about the new SAT.

Lauren Gaggioli of Higher Scores Test Prep wrote an article for TeenLife Magazine about the new SAT. In it, she points out that the only information we have about the new test is the information provided by the College Board. No one has been able to take the test yet, therefore its content is still sketchy at best. But she does address some of the false information circulating about the test.

Read her article: Five Myths About the New SAT

Akil Bello, a noted test prep tutor and founder of Bell Curves, addresses the new SAT in his blog, Bellowings. He asks the question: how hard is it? In his post he concentrates on the math portion of the test and compares the two tests resulting in a conclusion about the new test’s ability to indicate “college readiness”.

Read Akil’s article: New SAT—How Hard is It?

Lynn O’Shaughnessy, author of The College Solution blog and several books about college prep, believes that the new SAT is going to cause great challenges for students. Her guest blogger, Jed Applerouth of Applerouth Tutoring Services, points out the increased difficulty in the reading and writing section, the so-called “optional” essay, and the calculator free math section. According to Jed Applerouth, this will be the “hardest SAT we have ever seen.”

Read the entire post: Why You Should Worry About the New SAT Test

The bottom line: Nobody likes change. Although the College Board is telling us that the new test is going to be easier for students, the new test is also going to give college’s a better picture of a student’s college readiness. What does that mean for students? Only time will tell. In the meantime, follow the experts’ advice—stick to the ACT.

If you want to see a comparison of the new SAT vs the ACT, click here to see an infographic from Alexis Avila of Prepped and Polished.

And on that note, read yesterday’s post: Should You Hire a Test Prep Tutor

test prep

Test Prep Week: Should You Hire a Test Prep Tutor?

 

test prep tutorIn February and March, your college bound teen could be taking the ACT or the SAT. This week, I’m going to discuss test prep. First on the list–should you hire a test prep tutor? Is it worth the investment? Will it improve your student’s score? Is a tutor really necessary with all the free help you can find online?

Here are five reasons you might
want to hire a tutor:

Motivation

For any student to do well on the test, they need motivation. A tutor could help your student find that motivation.

Accountability

If your student isn’t accountable for their study and progress, it’s easier to slack off and not keep to the plan. A tutor will keep them accountable.

Evaluation

Part of the study process is recognizing mistakes and coming up with a plan to improve. Tutors can help with formulas, test tips, and recognizing the cause of the errors.

Study plan

With standardized tests, “if you don’t have a plan, you plan to fail”. A tutor can provide a regimented study plan to help your student stay on track.

Measure progress

A tutor will have a view of the “bigger picture” and help your student measure progress. Progress spurs motivation and improves accountability.

Spending hundreds of dollars on an effective, well-chosen tutor will certainly improve your student’s standardized test scores. Improved scores will not only improve your student’s chances of acceptance, but it will also improve your student’s chances of becoming a National Merit finalist and/or merit scholarship awards from the colleges offering admission.

Before you hire a tutor, evaluate the benefits and the expected outcome. A small investment could reap huge financial rewards.

Need help finding a tutor, click here for my list of recommended test prep tutors.

For a list of upcoming standardized test prep registration and testings date, click here.

FAFSA, financial aid

FAFSA Week: 10 Good Reasons to File the FAFSA

 

file the fafsa

Parents of college-bound teens look forward to filing the FAFSA as much as they look forward to filing their income taxes. It’s a federal form and all federal forms aren’t exactly user friendly. Many parents are so intimidated by the form that they choose not to file, telling themselves that their student wouldn’t qualify for aid anyway because they make too much. But don’t fall into that trap.

Here are 10 good reasons to file the FAFSA:

1. College is expensive

Even if you’re rich and can afford to pay for your child’s education, it’s expensive. Why would you pass up an opportunity to help with some of the cost?

2. It’s FREE

That’s right. It’s completely free to complete the FAFSA. You’ll spend some of your time completing the FAFSA and you could get thousands of dollars of financial aid in return. So one could say, it’s BEYOND free–they pay you!

3. Getting help is easy and FREE

If you get stumped, help is available using the online help tool or by submitting a question at the FAFSA web site or calling the help number listed on the site. Many schools even host a FAFSA day where they offer help to parents and students on how to complete the free form.

4. FREE money could be waiting for you

According to a recent Reuters article, about 1.8 million lower income undergraduates who might have qualified for aid neglected to file the FAFSA and missed out on financial aid. No matter what your income level, you should file the FAFSA because there is more money out there to be awarded than just need-based aid.

5. Federal money

The federal government provides over $80 billion dollars in grants, loans and work-study programs every year. The only way to get pell grants, perkins loans, stafford loans and other federal aid is by submitting the FAFSA. Federal loans offer the best interest rates and repayment terms for student borrowers and are superior to private student loans.

6. State money

FAFSA is the gatekeeper for state financial aid programs. Each state’s programs are different but they all require the FAFSA to distribute the funds. Check with your state’s higher education agency for deadlines and requirements. In some states the financial eligibility ceilings are much higher.

7. School money

Colleges and private scholarship sponsors offer billions of dollars in financial aid. Even if you don’t have financial need, you may be eligible for these awards. Some school and private scholarship programs are specifically designed for students who were rejected by federal financial aid. Some schools will not award merit aid unless you complete the FAFSA.

8. Scholarship applications ask if you’ve applied

In addition to the aid that a student may receive from federal and state agencies, many scholarship applications include a box to check asking whether the student has submitted a FAFSA. According to Monica Matthews of How to Win College Scholarships, “Scholarship providers want to know that the student is doing everything possible to get financial help in paying for college and submitting the FAFSA is a very important step in the process.”

9. You have two or more children in college

With two in college, your expected family contribution (what the parents can afford to pay) drops by 50%. Even if you didn’t get financial aid with the first, file the FAFSA because having a second child in college can net you some financial aid.

10. You really don’t have a choice

Look at it this way: FAFSA is the ONLY way to be considered for federal, state and college financial aid. Even if you don’t NEED the aid you still want to get it. Who doesn’t want FREE money?

FAFSA, financial aid

FAFSA Week: Reporting Parent Information on the FAFSA

Reporting parent information on the FAFSA

Reporting parent information on the FAFSA might make you want to pull your hair out.

If you are completing the FAFSA, some terms can confuse you. Today’s post addresses those questions in an effort to help you understand them more clearly and fill the ambiguous categories like divorced, separated, living together but not remarried, divorced and living together, separated and living together, and stepparent married to biological parent.

Here are some detailed articles that will help you discern which FAFSA parenting category you fit into.

From TeenLifeMedia, “How Divorce and Separation Can Affect Financial Aid”

When students apply to college, there are many forms to complete. And if they are applying for financial aid, the FAFSA is No. 1 on the list. This form asks the obvious questions: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address etc. It also asks questions about parents’ financial information to determine financial aid eligibility.

If you are separated or divorced, this part of the FAFSA raises many questions:

  • How will colleges treat the income of two separate families?
  • Which parent’s income is used for determining the expected family contribution, or EFC?
  • Do both parents have to report their incomes?
  • What do the words “custodial parent” mean?

Read the entire article for clarification.

Studentaid.ed.gov published a PDF, “Who is My Parent When I Fill Out the FAFSA”:

Maybe you know you’re considered a dependent student* by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSASM), and you’re supposed to put information about your parents on the application. But what if your parents are divorced? Remarried? What if you live with your sister? Whose information should you report?

Below are some guidelines that might help. Unless otherwise noted, “parent” means your legal (biological and/or adoptive) parent or your stepparent. In addition, the rules below apply to your legal parents regardless of their gender.

Download the PDF for instructions on how to complete this section

EdAdvisors Network addresses the issue of divorce and separation, “FAFSA Tutorial: Divorced and Separated Parents on the FAFSA”:

The marital status and living arrangements of a student’s biological and adoptive parents determines whether the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requires financial and demographic information from one or both parents.

These topics are addressed:

  • Who is Considered a Parent?
  • Parents who are Married to Each Other
  • Parents who are Unmarried
  • Who is the Custodial Parent?
  • Stepparents
  • Increasing Aid Eligibility

Read the tutorial for detailed explanations of each category

SmartAsset.com provides parents with an easy-to-understand guide and some examples, “Divorce, FAFSA, and the Financial Aid Process”:

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA is the Hydra that strikes terror in the hearts of even the most financially savvy parents. Rendering otherwise competent adults mumbling, muttering wrecks. Creative hyperbole aside for the moment, most people are intimidated by FAFSA to some degree but those preparing the form as divorcees face a special kind of torment.

There are several problems with FAFSA when divorce is involved, none of which are insurmountable but lack of understanding can tear open long healed wounds and foster a renewed sense of acrimony. However, knowing the rules of the game can make life and FAFSA easier.

To understand the rules and see some practical examples, read this article

 

FAFSA, financial aid, Uncategorized

FAFSA Week: 5 FAFSA Myths

 

FAFSA myths

This week is FAFSA week. An entire week devoted to the FAFSA. I’m going to scour the my blog, the web, and social media to find you the best information, tips and advice related to the FAFSA. If you’re a go-getter and you’ve already completed the FAFSA, congratulations! If you haven’t recovered from the holidays, these words of encouragement should help you get motivated to complete it. If you’re not sure it’s worth your time, this advice should answer that question. If you want to be informed before you complete the form, this information will most definitely help.

Today, I am debunking some FAFSA myths.

Myth 1: If you can’t qualify for federal aid, there’s no point in filing out the FAFSA.

If you don’t complete the FAFSA, you can’t apply for student and parent loans. Colleges also use these figures when determining financial aid eligibility for grants and scholarships. If you don’t complete the FAFSA, you may be missing out on this type of aid. Plus, many states use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for their aid. Fill out the application and find out what you can get!

Myth 2: I make too much money to qualify for financial aid.

Actually, there isn’t an income cutoff to qualify for financial aid. Your eligibility for financial aid is based on a number of factors and not just your or your parents’ income. Families who file the FAFSA automatically receive an asset protection allowance based on the age of the oldest parent. The closer you are to retirement, the larger the allowance.

Myth 3: I have too much home equity to qualify for aid.

Most colleges won’t care if you own a house and won’t count home equity against you if you do. The majority of schools rely on the federal aid application, FAFSA, which doesn’t ask parents if they own a home. If the college requires the CSS Profile, home equity is required, but because of the equity cap, has little impact on the award decision.

Myth 4: I have to wait until I file my taxes to complete the FAFSA.

Under no circumstances should you wait until you file your taxes to complete the FAFSA. The new FAFSA filing date of October 1 makes it easy. With financial aid, the rule is “first come, first served”. File early and update if necessary.

Myth 5: The form is too complicated and since I’m sure I won’t qualify, it’s a waste of my time.

The FAFSA is actually pretty straight and can be completed in one sitting; and filing out the FAFSA is never a waste of your time. Colleges and states use this information when awarding grants and scholarships.

The bottom line: there is no excuse to not complete the FAFSA. It’s free and is well worth your time. Even if you can afford to pay for the entire cost of college, you should complete the FAFSA. Colleges use this data when dispusing merit aid as well.

 

college planning, parenting

3 New Years Resolutions You Should Keep

 

new years resolutions

 

I’m not, nor ever have been, a fan of New Years resolutions. I like the line from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, “I like the sound of deadlines as they go whooshing by.” That’s how I feel about resolutions. Not all resolutions are bad, however. Some (the ones that are logical and attainable) can and should be kept.

Here are three resolutions you should keep if you have a college-bound teen. They are simple goals and will help make the entire college prep process less stressful and overwhelming.

Stay organized

Resolve at the beginning of the new year to stay organized. The college prep process requires organization: test registration deadlines to meet, recommendation letters to pursue, college applications to complete, financial aid to apply for, scholarships to submit applications and the mounds of college information your student will receive during the process. Whew, that was a LONG list!

Without committing to stay organized, the process becomes stressful and overwhelming. Use separate email accounts, calendar programs, file folders, usb drives, and don’t forget to create a college landing zone for everything your student receives at school that is college related.

Work as a Team

It’s impossible to expect a teenager to handle this monumental task alone. I’m not suggesting you write the essay, fill out the applications, apply for the scholarships, or make the college choices. But I am encouraging you to help with the organization, remind about the deadlines, proofread the essays, help find the scholarships, and give advice when asked.

You should also make it perfectly clear that this is their decision, but they don’t have to make it alone. If you work as a team, not only will your teenager be less stressed, but you will feel like you’re part of the process and less likely to take over.

Focus on the big picture

In the end, it won’t matter much which college your student attends. Focus on the big picture. It won’t matter what their SAT scores were or if the college has a prestigious name. Concentrate on finding the perfect fit college (the one that socially, academically, and financially fits). Then your student will have the best four years of their lives, along with an education and tons of lifelong memories and friendships.

All the best to every parent who is navigating the college maze. May 2016 be a year of success, fulfillment and absolute joy for you and your college-bound teen.

dorm life

Getting Ready for Dorm Life

 

dorm life

With offers of admission rolling in from ED and EA applications, now is a good time to start thinking about preparing for dorm life in the fall. With stores offering huge discounts during the holidays, there’s no better time to start stockpiling those dorm essentials in preparation for move in day.

College is an exciting time and getting ready for the move is a busy time. It’s essential to prepare and pack for your dorm as well as to think about some considerations associated with dorm life. The following tips will help you prepare for this important time in your life.

Dorm Rules

Before you run out to purchase expensive appliances, be sure to consult dorm room policies and procedures. Your dorm floor may have a fully-functioning kitchen and might frown on dorm-room appliances like hotpots used for cooking. You can also find out exactly what’s included in the dorm room–usually a closet, desk, and bed. Some universities will even supply a checklist of common items that their students bring along.

 Bedding

You’ll need to bring bedding with you like sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Bed Bath & Beyond has stylish and affordable bedding sets that you can purchase for use at college. You’ll find a great selection of throw pillows that will add to your comfort and can even be used on the floor to prop you up when doing homework.

Roommate

If you college provides you with the name and number for your dorm roommate, it’s a good idea to talk about a few things before moving in together. For instance, it can help to map out some rules for living together. Although everyone’s bedtime preference is different and something you’ll just have to deal with, you can agree on times when the television or music should be turned off out of consideration for the one who as that 8 AM class the next morning. You can also work out things such as who is bringing the T.V., coffee maker, or other items you’d be willing to share.

Shower Robe and Caddy

Since few dorm rooms have their own bathroom and shower, you’ll need to prepare for life in the dorm’s community bathroom. A robe, towels, and a shower caddy to tote your toiletries to and from the shower are essentials. While you’re at it, be sure to have a hamper in your room to discard your dirty laundry.

 Storage Containers

Dressers aren’t standard dorm furnishings so be sure you bring plenty of hangers to hang up your clothes and storage containers to store clothing items like socks and underwear. Additional storage items like crates or baskets can be used to hold items like books, snacks, and outer wear like hats or mittens.

 Pack for the Season

If you plan to visit home during or between semesters, you might want to pack only those clothes that you’ll need for the first semester. That way, it’ll be easier for you to keep your dorm room clean and clutter free. You want to bring along what you need, but you don’t need to bring everything either. Dorms are notoriously small, so keep the room dimensions in mind when you pack.

 Living in a dorm can be so much fun, but it’s even better when you pack and prepare well for this big move. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll find they’ll enhance your dorm room experience.

_______________________________________

Robert Paulson is a life coach and has a grown-up family. He likes to share his insights and experiences on preparing for milestones in our life. Robert writes regularly for a number of consumer lifestyle websites.

Helping parents with all aspects of college prep