SAT News

08.11

8:00

Back to School Tips for High Schoolers

Back to school is a time of mixed feelings for most high school students. Summer is coming to an end, a new school year is just beginning, and, for most students, everything about their schedule is changing. For students preparing to take the SAT this year, back to school can seem even more overwhelming than usual.

Taking the SAT is an exciting time and as students prepare for the test and look at their options for college, it is often easy to be excited about back to school. For other students, all the anticipation of planning for life after high school can be stressful. Talking with friends and family members about this can help relieve stress and help students to feel prepared and excited for all of the changes in store.

Preparing for the SAT doesn’t have to be a stressful thing. When you have the right SAT course, preparation can seem like the easy part of back to school. Finding an SAT tutor that is a good fit for your study habits can be an essential part of SAT preparation. The right tutor will be conscious of your trouble areas, study habits, and motivations. An SAT tutor can give students the added push when combined with a good SAT course.

An online SAT prep course will help students schedule their test prep around their busy academic schedules and allow them the flexibility to make their own schedule for test prep as the school year gets underway. An SAT course can often be viewed as a comprehensive SAT preparation program, or it can be paired with a tutoring schedule to enhance the study program. One of the most important elements of test prep will be taking practice tests and getting familiar with the breakdown of the SAT. Feeling in control and well informed about the test will help calm students’ nerves and allow them to enter test day feeling prepared.

For most students, the biggest challenge of back to school will be getting back in control of their schedule. After the summer, being back into the classroom can be challenging. Staying organized and setting aside blocks of time for homework, SAT preparation, extracurricular activities, and social activities can help students get their schedules back under control. Putting together a schedule can help students get everything in order and feel like they are well prepared for a new school year to begin.

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08.11

8:00

Top 10 Ways Twilight Relates to the SAT

Presumably, it’s been a while since Edward Cullen took his SATs. But Bella and Jacob may still have them looming over their heads. If they do, hopefully they’ll use some of the lessons they’ve learned from their recent adventures to increase their scores. Stephanie Meyers’ Twilight characters learned everything they need to know to ace the test. Here is a guide to using the Twilight series for SAT prep.

#1 Know Your Weaknesses

Edward’s family can’t survive without blood. Rather than denying this, they choose to consume animal blood, preventing tragedy. Ignoring your own weakness will lead to disaster. Brush up on every section of the test, but put special emphasis on your worst subjects.

#2 Consult a Trusted Authority

When Bella is confused, she consults her father. Likewise, you should consult B Line Test Prep, which contains examples of real tests for practice. Bella didn’t blindly follow her father’s advice, however, and you shouldn’t, either, leading to tip number three.

#3 Take a Different Viewpoint

Bella hears rumors about the dangers the Cullens pose, but doesn’t make assumptions. She has a different viewpoint and Edward’s true nature becomes clear to her. Sign up for free SAT prep for a slightly different viewpoint that will help you prepare. Bella’s careful reading of Edward’s situation leads to tip number three.

#4 Carefully Read the Situation

Carefully read the test questions. Silly little errors in comprehension will trip you up and whittle away at your score.

#5 Make Careful Decisions

Jumping at the first choice presented would have derailed Bella’s relationship with Edward before it began, and guessing at wrong answers is actually worse for your SAT score than skipping the question altogether.

#6 Spot the Fakes

James was as charming as he was evil. Fortunately, Bella wasted no time on this particular fake, and weeding out the false answers is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your test score.

#7 Know When You are in Over Your Head

It took Jacob’s pack and Edward’s family together to defeat Victoria. Sometimes a task is too much for you. Math questions get harder as the test goes on. Once the problems become too difficult, stop. Review the questions you answered so that you get full credit for the things you do know.

#8 Don’t Waste Time

Bella instinctively knows that although time is kind to Edward, for most beings it is short. She weighs her options carefully but doesn’t waste time. Don’t re-read directions or spend time obsessing over questions you just can’t answer. Don’t be late coming back from breaks.

#9 If You are Offered a Second Chance, Take It

Bella snatched her second chance when she prevented Edward’s suicide. If you can hit the books and be reasonably sure of a better score next time around, take it. Most schools will only look at your highest score.

#10 Relax

Even Bella and Edward are eventually left in peace by the Vulturi. Hopefully, they take this time to relax, and if you are wise, you will too. Study, get plenty of sleep, eat a good breakfast and relax.

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08.11

8:00

Make the Most of Your Junior Year

Despite all of the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the senior year, it’s actually the junior year of high school that is the defining moment in most students’ academic lives. Generally, you’ll be sending off college applications well before you’ve completed your senior year, so it’s essential that you do as much as possible in your junior year to make yourself an attractive candidate to colleges. The following are some of the most important things that you can do in your junior year to start preparing for college.

Research Colleges
Because of the amount of time and money involved in submitting college applications in your senior year, you’ll want to have your list of colleges more or less set by the start of your final year of high school. Consult a reference like the US News and World Report college issue to get detailed information about schools. Some questions that you’ll want to consider when looking through info on colleges include: Do you want to attend a public state school or a private university? How far away from home would you like to live? How selective of a school would you be able to get into? In order to answer these questions, you’ll need to think seriously about how much money you or your parents can afford to spend on tuition (or how many student loans you’re willing to take out) and you’ll need to evaluate your own academic performance in terms of your GPA and test scores.

Prepare For and Take the SAT
SAT scores are one of the most important elements of a college application and are one of the most common “minimum” criteria that schools use to indicate what they require from applicants before further considering their applications. Thus, it is very much in your interest to prepare for the test as thoroughly as possible. There are a variety of SAT prep courses and methods available, including free online SAT prep. In addition to finding a test prep program, you’ll also want to check online for test dates and registration deadlines to make certain that you stay on track with your schedule. While you should make certain that you leave appropriate time for prep, you should try to take the test during your junior year. The sooner you know your score, the sooner you’ll be able to make informed decisions about which schools to apply to.

Build Up Your Extra-Curriculars
College admissions committees have to look through hundreds or even thousands of applications every year and, while your GPA and test scores are important, having a diverse swath of extra-curricular activities can help set you apart from the crowd. Choosing to join a club or play a sport in your junior year insures that you’ll have an extended affiliation with a group on your application. Generally, this looks much better to an admissions committee than a few activities that appear to have been “tacked on” at the last minute in your senior year.

By setting a few simple goals in your junior year, you can insure that you’re doing everything possible to set yourself up for a successful senior year and a great college career!

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08.11

8:00

I am a Freshman in High School, Now What?

So you are going to be a freshman in high school–this is a milestone in many ways. You are entering an important part of your life, arguably the first in which your actions have direct and long lasting ramifications and consequences on your future. The life choices and decisions that you make now will dictate the direction in which your life will go after your secondary education is over and done with. While all of this may sound intimidating and perhaps even a little scary, it really is not. In fact, it is exciting. You are slowly becoming an adult. So with that in mind, here are some pointers and advice about what you should do during your freshman year of high school.

It goes without saying that it is incredibly important to stay on top of academics. The grades that you receive your freshman year set the stage for your entire high school career. They, in large part, will dictate where you will go to college. Getting good grades during the first year of high school will determine what kinds of classes you can take in later years. Higher level classes such as interesting electives and Advanced Placement courses require superior academic performance from day one, so make sure to hit the ground running. Even if you do not think that college is the path for you, employers and especially the military still place a particular importance on grades.

One more point on academics, while paying attention in class and developing good study skills are key, do not dismiss the importance of time management. No amount of class participation will make up for evenings spent ignoring assignments or homework hastily finished on the bus ride to school. That sort of behavior will only lead to missed work, and playing catch-up in high school is no easy task, in fact it should be avoided. Just stay on top on assignments as they come.

Success in high school is not just based on academic however; it requires a balance. Therefore it is critical to get involved in a sport, club or other school activity and to have a positive group of friends who will be there to help and support you when you face some kind of adversity.

So as you begin high school in the coming months, remember to strike a balance between academics and everything else. You will be glad you did and, in four years, will surely be pleased with the results.

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07.11

8:00

Resume Writing 101

1. Do Not Attempt To Be Fancy with Fonts

You might think that using a unique font in your resume is a good thing. After all, if it stands out from the others and expresses personality, certainly the business will appreciate it? The fact of the matter is this is a trap that people of all ages tend to fall into. Anybody that has been assigned to look through the applicants will be less likely to take a resume seriously if it uses a fancy, hard-to-read font. It will be considered amateurish and unprofessional, leading to the throwing away of the resume before it has even been read. A simple, common font such as Arial or Times New Roman will suffice.

2. Do Not Use Colored Paper

This goes into the same category as using different fonts. Printing out the resume on colored paper, such as neon yellow or red, does not do you any favors. You will not be guaranteed a job just because you took the time to buy and use colorful or even patterned paper. In fact, you will not impress anybody, and the money you spent on the paper will be wasted. This is not to say that businesses do not appreciate character; however, this early in the game you should play it safe.

3. Be Specific

It is important to avoid using vague phrases when you put together a list of your past job duties. If you worked in retail and dealt with clothing, do not simply mention that you sold clothes. Instead, make sure that you mention that you sold clothing for kids, or intimate wear, or uniforms for various sports. Those in charge will appreciate that you took the time to specify, and if you do not get your desired post, you might find that you are in the running for something else instead.

4. Mention Your Skills and Importance

Companies of all walks of life are looking for the best that they can get, and many people know this. If you want your resume to look better than the dozens or even hundreds of others that they might receive, you are going to have to emphasize what you do. Do not simply state that you answered the phone at your previous job; instead, say that you answered inquiries. It is the same thing and you are not lying, but it gives off importance. If you know for a fact that you helped add to customer satisfaction from the inquiries, be sure to mention it. Make sure to mention any extra skills, such as proficiency with using the Internet, as this can also add to your usefulness.

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07.11

8:00

10 Parallels Between Harry Potter Stories and the SAT College Entrance Exam

1. The Ordinary Wizarding Level exam (O.W.L) and Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests (N.E.W.T.s) require the use of a wand. The SAT requires the use of a #2 pencil and allows the use of approved calculators.

2. At Hogwarts the Sorting Hat separates students into Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Colleges use entrance exam scores to sort students for admission offers and scholarships.

3. Putting an enchanted egg underwater helps Harry meet the challenges of the Triwizard Tournament. Taking an SAT prep class can help you maximize your entrance exam score.

4. Harry and other Hogwarts students can take O.W.L. exams in up to twelve areas: charms, transfiguration, herbology, defense against the dark arts, study of ancient runes, divination, potions, care of magical creatures, arithmancy, astronomy, history of magic, and muggle studies. The college entrance exam covers critical reading, math and writing. Twenty different subject tests are also available.

5. Fred and George Weasley often complete each other’s sentences. On the Critical Reading section of the SAT you have to complete sentences.

6. Hermione’s extra studying often helps her gain points for Gryffindore. A free SAT prep course can help you gain points on your college entrance exam.

7. A game of Quidditch ends when the seeker catches the golden snitch. A test session ends when you run out of time.

8. O.W.L. exams have a score range of T (troll) to O (outstanding). SAT exams have a score range of 200 to 800 for each segment, giving a total score range of 600-2400.

9. Harry tricks Lucius Malfoy into giving Dobby a sock, freeing the house elf from servitude. The college entrance exam has no tricks, but a good score help you get into a good college, which can free you from years of low-paying jobs.

10. Harry faced the Avada Kedavra killing curse and survived; you can face the college entrance exam and survive, especially if you prepare by studying and/or taking a free SAT prep course.

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07.11

8:00

Managing Your Online Identity

Young adults are very trusting people, generally speaking. Their short lives haven’t given them an opportunity for such things like identity theft or other serious problems. However, in a world dominated by social media, personal information is much more available than in times past. Unfortunately, many young adult’s identity has been stolen due to unprotected websites.

It is important to be cautious about what information you provide to Web sites and to make sure your information is going to a trusted source.

Don’t ruin your credit

Be careful about typing your social security or credit card numbers on websites that do not have a seal of trusted source or an “s” after the “http” in the site’s URL. In this economy, having great credit is very important. Banks are pickier about who they lend money to. Even just a small negative point on your credit can ruin your chance of getting a credit card, car loan or a mortgage.

Of course, if you plan on frequently spending money online, you should invest in identity theft insurance. Identity theft is a very common problem, though many people don’t believe that it will happen to them. People who do not invest in identity theft insurance should only use cash for their purchases. Even a purchase at a trusted grocery store can lead to identity theft.

One type of e-commerce site that every customer should stay away from is a site that sells extremely inexpensive products. Often times these site owners do ship the inexpensive items to you, but the site is a mock site that allows the owner to steal your information. If the prices seem too good to be true, they probably are, and you should perform a “whois” search on the website.

It can place you in danger of predators

Often times, social media sites and free advertisement sites like Craigslist open the door for predators to enter your world. This is a scary truth that has made its way to many news sources. It is not a secret that predators use these sites as a way to connect with many women and children and lure them into a trap.

Never converse with complete strangers online. Even if there are mutual friends involved, it’s important to use caution and report people saying or asking inappropriate and personal questions.

You should always be cautious of your online activity. Though you may think you can trust strangers, you should not. For every trusting person in the world, there are five others you should not trust. Take every precaution to guard your online identity.

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07.11

9:25

eLearning company B Line Test Prep offers free SAT prep course

After creating course material guaranteed to improve SAT scores, B Line Test Prep is now offering its eLearning services for free to all students. The free SAT prep course is part of B Line Test Prep’s initiative to give back to the community, specifically to ensure everyone, no matter their socioeconomic background, has access to an SAT prep course.

“Even without a recession, lower and middle-class families worry about how they are going to pay for college-related expenses,” said Bryce Young, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are a business that prides itself on community involvement; helping high school students get into college seems like the best place to start.”

B Line Test Prep not only is offering its SAT prep course for free, but through its unique online program, ensures everyone has a chance to learn the material at his or her own pace.

“The course is conducive to any schedule and by utilizing the growth of technology, students can study at anytime from any place,” said Allison Young, Vice President of Operations. “Unlike a classroom, no one will get left behind on topics they don’t understand or unnecessarily stay on a skill already mastered.”

Through B Line Test Prep’s online SAT course students are responsible for keeping up with their own studying, and to help, there is a tracking feature to chart growth and improvement. The online class also has eight full-length practice tests, more than 1,200 vocabulary words and review sections with animated feedback after each question.

To register for free online SAT prep, please visit: https://www.blinetestprep.com/sat

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07.11

8:00

Five of the Best Jobs to Seek as a College Student

Let’s face it, in today’s economy a college graduate needs every competitive advantage they can get when it comes to landing their ideal first job in the professional world. Stellar grades and involvement in extra circulars, while extremely important, do not provide the real-world work experience that many employers seek in new hires. Taking on a part-time job is not only a perfect resume builder, but is also a great way to achieve some financial independence.

Seeking an on-campus job removes the need for transportation, and with the time commitments posed by classes, papers, studying and exams, the convenience of an on-campus job is noteworthy. Below are five on-campus jobs that will put some extra cash in your pocket while also helping to set you apart from the competition come graduation time.

1. Departmental Intern / Research Assistant
What better way to gain the inside-scoop on your field of study than by assisting your professors with research projects and other tasks? You will have the chance to form strong relationships with faculty members; be privy to information, opportunities and knowledge your classmates may not be; and be able to “sink your teeth” into projects that may reflect your future career path.

2. Bookstore Clerk
A job at your campus bookstore will help put a few extra dollars in your bank account and may also afford you a discount on textbooks, which can help offset a substantial college expense.

3. Tutor
Tutoring fellow classmates, or even local high school or middle school students, is advantageous for numerous reasons. The ability to properly teach someone is a beneficial skill to have. It requires one to be a good listener, a problem solver and a leader and also often entails looking at something from an entirely new perspective.

4. Social Media Marketing Assistant
Social media is here to stay and today’s youth certainly has an advantage over their predecessors, simply because it is a large part of many of their daily lives. Put that knowledge to work for you. Offer your services to your campus’ marketing department. Whether it’s assisting with a Facebook page, a Twitter account or writing a blog geared toward incoming students, this type of job will help you improve your communication skills while providing a valuable service to your university.

5. Resident Advisor
The cost to live on campus can be high, but part of the fun of college is campus life. Gaining a position as a resident advisor often means free (or at least reduced) room and board. You will typically be able to squeeze in some study time while on duty and helping to resolve conflicts between fellow students is also great preparation for the team environment found at most companies.

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06.11

8:00

10 Tips to Survive College on a Budget

Operating on a college student budget is tricky at best. With little or no steady income, a constant stream of activity, and a highly stressful environment, college students are often just glad to make it through the semester.

Thankfully, there are small steps that college students can take to not just make it through, but save money while in college. By following these ten tips, students can graduate with the financial backing to enter the working world on the right foot.

1.Take advantage of public transportation and carpooling.
Larger cities typically offer public transportation and, by paying one monthly or yearly fee, students can use it limitlessly. Students can also take advantage of gas savings by carpooling with friends to school or when traveling home.

2.Find free food.
One of the great advantages of being a student is the access to free food. Many student organizations will provide meals weekly, as will local churches and government agencies. Students can usually find information on these programs at their student center.

3.Buy books online.
Campus bookstores are known for raising book prices far higher than they should be. Check out online bookstores like Amazon or eBay to save big on textbooks.

4.Sell, sell, sell!
Most college students have things they have collected over the years that they don’t use anymore. Get together and have a garage sale. Sell gently used clothing to a resale store. List old books online. Clean out regularly and collect extra cash for the end-of-semester crunch.

5.Coupon.
Check the local papers and websites like coupons.com for discounts on items regularly purchased.

6.Stock up.
Things are always cheaper when purchased in bulk. Go in with a roommate and buy the huge pack of toilet paper. It will last all semester!

7.Ask for gift cards.
Sure, that new guitar would be a great Christmas gift, but asking grandma for a gift card to the grocery store will pay off more in the long run.

8.Buy off-brand.
There’s not really much difference between name-brand milk and generic. Off-brands can be dollars cheaper than brand-name items, making them a great source of savings.

9.Skip the take-out.
Everyone has to learn to cook sometime. Buy some basic ingredients and find recipes online. At the very least, bring some of mom’s soup from home and eat leftovers.

10.Skip the movie.
Opt for game night instead. It’s cheaper and offers more face-time with friends.

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