Last time we left off, you hopefully gained a good understanding of being concise and logical when writing your essay. Now, you must focus on the examples that you will specifically use in that essay. A good place to focus your attention first is the literary example. The literary example should always be strong because it is super specific: you are choosing a specific book and referencing certain events in the book. This sort of detailed evidence should boost your essay, but you must make sure the book is relevant to the prompt. Things to… Continue Reading
Do it now! Here’s why… By creating an account at collegeboard.org, numerous resources will be available to help you master the SAT. Set up your account now! Other great things on offer include an online ‘organizer’ for keeping track of colleges, majors, and financial aide information. There are college admissions calendars designed for juniors and seniors. And of course, you can register for the SAT. (* except for this blog, of course!)
This great Q&A session from the New York Times brings together the deans of admissions from four universities: University of Texas at Austin, Lawrence University, in Wisconsin, Yale University, and California’s own Pomona College (voted Best Classroom Experience by Princeton Review and Best College Value by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance). It’s an excellent quick-reference guide for both future undergrads and parents, helping demystify the admissions process. Some of their answers are surprising. A few samples… I’ll save some of the best for after the jump, including how your skills as a bassoonist might be your ticket… Continue Reading
Update: New blog posts every Mon-Wed-Fri. I will try my best to meet this schedule. Remember to leave comments and share your thoughts and ideas! YouTube’s popular vlogger Natalie (Username: “communitychannel”) asks the question you’ve all been dying to know. When will I use what I learn in real life? In reality, you use your school knowledge every day! You actually do math problems all the time- just not in the format that you see in school. You use math when you buy groceries, fill up gas, or try to save money for a new… Continue Reading
Many students feel increased anxiety when writing the SAT essay. The task is simple enough, but the process is complicated. The essay must be completed in under 25 minutes and achieve the following: flow logically, be organized, and persuade. Unlike analytical essays, the SAT essay is testing how well you can prove your point by using concrete examples and evidence. While students of Excel are given a format to follow which can greatly help them organize their essay, they are still responsible for providing their own content to fill in that format. Another aspect of… Continue Reading