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# PrepMatters

A premier source in the Washington metro area for one-on-one tutoring, test preparation, and educational planning

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://prepmatters.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Do Senior Year Grades Matter?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college-preparation/do-my-senior-grades-matter/) - Do senior year grades matter for college? Yes, your high school grades matter when it comes to college acceptance. Learn more in this article.
- [Do Grades Matter in Middle School?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/do-middle-school-grades-matter/) - PrepMatters founder Ned Johnson on why middle school grades won't follow your child, but the brain they build during those years will.
- [Does Sleep Affect Learning? Why More Sleep Means Less Studying](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/does-sleep-affect-learning/) - PrepMatters founder Ned Johnson explains how sleep moves learning into long-term memory, and why well-rested students don't have to do all that studying.
- [How Does Too Much Stress Affect Test Performance?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/sat-act/how-stress-affects-test-performance/) - PrepMatters founder Ned Johnson explains how stress hijacks the brain during tests and shares the simple self-talk tool that helps students think clearly.
- [The ACT Science Section: Just Do It](https://prepmatters.com/blog/sat-act/act-science-section-just-do-it/) - The ACT Science section is now optional. And like most policy changes, this one is causing confusion. We’ve been having more and more conversations with parents – and college counselors -who are wondering just how “optional” that Science section really is and whether their students should take it. Read on to learn what the Science
- [DSAT vs Paper SAT : What you need to know](https://prepmatters.com/blog/sat-act/digital-sat-vs-paper-sat/) - Learn the key differences between the new digital SAT and old paper SAT, including test format, timing, scoring, and what’s best for you.
- [How to Manage Your Working Memory and Ace the SAT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/academic-tutoring/manage-working-memory-sat-success/) - The new SAT places greater demands on working memory. Learn strategies to manage cognitive load, improve problem-solving, and enhance test performance.
- [A Year with the Digital SAT: What did we learn?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/sat-act/year-with-digital-sat/) - A year after the digital SAT launched, we reflect on what we got right, what we didn’t, and what new test-takers can learn from the first wave of students who tackled the exam.
- [Test-Blind vs Test-Optional: Differences & Impact for You](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college-preparation/test-blind-vs-test-optional/) - Confused by test-blind vs. test-optional admissions? Learn the 6 key college testing policies and how they affect your application strategy in 2025-2026
- [When to Start Preparing for the SAT Tests | SAT Study Guide](https://prepmatters.com/blog/sat-act/when-to-start-act-and-sat-test-preparation/) - Learn the best time to start SAT test prep. Sophomores and juniors need to read this. Learn how to plan test prep without overwhelming your schedule.
- [Understanding the ACT Math Section – Questions, Strategies & More](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-preparation/act-math-section/) - Learn everything you need to know about the ACT math section including questions, ACt math topics and strategies, SAT comparisons and more.
- [Understanding the SAT Reading Section – Questions, Strategies and More](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-preparation/sat-reading-tips/) - About the SAT Reading Section Unlike the ACT, which features separate English and Reading sections, the SAT has only one Reading and Writing section, which includes both reading comprehension questions (the focus of this blog) and grammar questions (the subject of the next). The other major difference between the reading sections of the ACT and
- [Spring SAT and ACT Prep: Am I Taking the Wrong Test?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/sat-vs-act-switch-tests-spring/) - Struggling with your SAT or ACT scores? Learn how to decide if it’s time to switch tests this spring and what the new digital SAT and upcoming ACT changes mean for you.
- [The SAT Goes Digital: What I Learned from Taking the New SAT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/academic-tutoring/sat-goes-digital-what-to-know/) - The SAT is now digital! Discover key takeaways from firsthand experience, including new format changes, reading challenges, and what students should expect on test day.
- [ACT “Enhancements” Explained: Should You Take the New ACT?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/academic-tutoring/act-enhancements-should-you-take-new-act/) - The ACT is changing in 2025 with major enhancements, including a shorter test and an optional Science section. Learn what these updates mean and whether you should take the new ACT.
- [Signs My Child Needs a Tutor and How to Take the Next Steps](https://prepmatters.com/blog/academic-tutoring/signs-my-child-needs-a-tutor/) - Another Autumn has come and gone and another first marking period is in the grade books. The leaves are falling from the trees and, for some students, the wheels are falling off the bus academically. If that’s the case, not to worry, the school year is still young with plenty of time for improvement. Realizing See key signs that your child may need a tutor. From learning gaps to study skills and motivation issues, learn how to support their academic success.
- [10 Steps to Writing a College Essay That Gets Noticed](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/10-steps-to-writing-a-college-essay-that-gets-noticed-3/) - The college essay is your personal touch -- an opportunity to demonstrate your writing and communications skills and prove your readiness for college-level work. Remember that writing a college essay reveals a glimpse of who you are and your unique personality – it’s your voice. Expressing yourself through this written exercise adds a three-dimensional quality
- [6 Ways to Stress Yourself Out While Writing a College Essay](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/6-ways-to-stress-yourself-out-while-writing-a-college-essay/) - Colleges aren’t asking much of you — just to write what is supposed to be the BEST ESSAY YOU HAVE EVER WRITTEN. Perhaps I’m over-dramatizing, but nevertheless, writing a college essay may be more important than you think. Your essays will not solely determine your admission to any one school, but admissions officers do actually
- [7 Ways to Take Advantage of Sophomore Year](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/7-ways-take-advantage-sophomore-year/) - The transition from freshman to sophomore year of high school is rooted in refinement of the goals you have set. Decisions and choices reach a little deeper than before. Fine-tune your curriculum and continue developing expertise in your abilities and talents. Reflect on experiences from freshman year and identify academic and personal goals so that you
- [3 Tips To Build a Balanced College List](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/3-tips-build-balanced-college-list/) - Finding the best college for you begins with self-discovery — getting to know yourself, your interests, your goals, and what’s most important. The following three steps will get you started on building and honing a college list. 1. Know Yourself Intellectual? Nonconformist? Athlete? Writer? Engineer? Which is you? How does knowing the answer help you
- [3 Tips to Boost Stress Immunity](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/3-tips-boost-stress-immunity/) - April showers bring May flowers, and May flowers just may bring on allergies. All kinds of environmental stressors and contagions are popping up: APs, research papers, freaked-out friends (and parents!), proms, playoffs, galas, and celebratory outings and activities. Good grief! It’s a lot. As one colleague put it to me, “Do you notice how many
- [5 Tips For Starting a New School Club](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/5-tips-starting-new-school-club/) - I work with a number of students who, at some point in their high school career, think about starting a new extracurricular club. On its face, this would seem to be an excellent example of leadership and an important contribution to the school community. And of course, when done correctly, it is. But any student
- [3 Tips for Building Your College List](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/3-tips-to-building-a-college-list/) - Building your college list and finding the best college for you begins with self-discovery—getting to know yourself, your interests, your goals, and what’s most important. The following three steps will get you started on building a college list and homing in on which schools are the real contenders. 1. Know yourself. Are you an intellectual?
- [3 Tips on Securing Your Social Media Life](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/3-tips-securing-your-social-media-life/) - I’m of the millennial generation, where we kept a heavily curated Top 8 (except for Tom ... who apparently is making a return, question mark?). We haphazardly taught ourselves to code because our MySpace pages had to play music when you arrived. We existed in a time where the Internet was a thing, and what you
- [3 Things That Help Parents Raise Successful Learners](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/3-things-help-parents-raise-successful-learners/) - As the new school year approaches, it’s a good time for goal setting. Many parents spend time thinking of ways to help their children have better academic success and higher test scores. Here are three things to help us as parents raise successful learners. 1. Optimal success? Foster optimal brains. When kids are trying to
- [5 Healthy Sleep Tips for Students and Parents](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/5-healthy-sleep-tips-for-students-and-parents/) - A recent blog of mine focused on the Nobel Prize award in Physiology or Medicine 2017 to Hall, Rosbash, and Young “for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm.” I thought I’d take the opportunity to drill down a bit into what stands in our way of a good night’s sleep. Sleep experts
- [4 Ways Students Can Relieve Stress](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/4-ways-students-can-relieve-stress/) - Knowing the meanings of laconic, loquacious, or lugubrious does not prove you are smart. Nor does knowing the rules of logarithms, apostrophes, or parallel structure. Not knowing things can feel scary, and it’s easy to mistakenly conflate knowledge with intelligence. But tests, including the ACT and SAT, measure acquired knowledge and skills. You can expect
- [A Student's Story: Choosing a Path in Science](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/students-story-choosing-path-science/) - Air, space and sun. Do those sound like the interests of a dreamer, a lightweight? Well, not if your interests run to astrophysics and solar technology. You may know someone like that if you’ve worked with Adam Trebach at PrepMatters. Adam is one of PM’s tutors and hopes to add more clients to his schedule
- [Anticipating Your PSAT Scores](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/anticipating-your-psat-scores/) - Anticipation involves a bit of hope and, perhaps, a dash of worry — an emotion involving excitement or, at times, anxiety in considering an expected event. The expected event, in this case, is the arrival of the PSAT scores in early December. Most likely, this will mark the beginning of your test prep plan and
- [AP Classes: How Many are Enough?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/ap-classes-what-enough/) - Is more better? And how would you even know? Well, some terrific folks in college admissions actually have tried to quantify “enough.” What Are You Taking Junior Year? I often see kids in sophomore year to plan for junior year classes, test prep, extracurriculars... and to figure out how to strike a balance among all
- [A Case for Summer Learning](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/case-summer-learning/) - Why do we love summer so much? That may sound rhetorical or so obvious that no answer need be voiced, but allow me the opportunity to answer my own question. It’s because it means fun and sleep! Our landscapes widen during the summer and our days may be spent exploring the great outdoors, enjoying more time
- [After Class: BUSINESS CLUBS (FBLA, DECA, INVESTMENT CLUBS)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/after-class-business-clubs-fbla-deca-investment-clubs/) - It seems more and more these days students are learning more about the world of business, and it makes sense. The news is filled with myth-like stories of multi-billion-dollar companies getting started in garages, college dropouts becoming the richest in the world, and media frenzy covering the rich and ultra-rich. Of course, the field of
- [College Cousins: Amherst College and Williams College](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-amherst-college-and-williams-college/) - You’ve no doubt heard the old sayings, which assert that “good things come in small packages” and “less is more.” In this feature, we take a look at two schools that are indeed smaller in size but that take a back seat to no one in terms of the opportunities and quality of education they
- [Bon Voyage, Anne Saulkalns](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/bon-voyage-anne-saulkalns/) - Anyone who has taken a practice test at PrepMatters in recent years has likely met Anne Saulkalns, the warm and welcoming lady who administers practice tests under a watchful eye. She has been a stalwart at PrepMatters for some thirteen years but, sadly for us, has decided that it’s time to close this chapter of
- [Changes to ACT Extended-Time Testing](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/changes-act-extended-time-testing/) - In late May, the ACT announced significant changes to its procedures for extended-time testing. Beginning with the September 2018 test date, students who qualify for National Extended Time testing, whether on account of diagnosed learning differences or other reasons, will complete each section of the ACT within fixed limits, roughly time-and-a-half. Those time limits are
- [After Class: Theater](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/after-class-theater/) - I’m biased on this one. I’m a regular theater-goer, and when I hear a student is involved in theater, I automatically respect that student even more. That’s probably because I am pretty sure I myself could never pull off acting. I wish I could have been a “theater kid” – I even tried in college
- [After Class: High School Athletics](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/after-class-high-school-athletics/) - Growing up in the United States, it doesn’t occur to most of us that sports’ relationship to high school is actually a uniquely American thing. According to The Atlantic, it all started in 1852, when Massachusetts became the first state to require kids to go to school. Once daily activities started being monitored by the
- [College Admissions: Not Always the Timeline We Imagine](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-admissions-not-always-timeline-we-imagine/) - College plans are set for most high school graduates, but you might be surprised to know that some July and August admits are still possible. Of course, December and April are the two months in the college admissions cycle best known for notifications. If you apply early action or early decision to a college, you’ll
- [Back to School Brain Fog: There’s a Nap for That](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/back-school-brain-fog-theres-nap/) - Fresh notebooks. New backpacks. Summer turning to autumn. A looming zombie apocalypse. Ahh…back to school! With your kids just returned to school but with minds still stuck in summer, their bodies may also be lingering in a different time zone. Even if family travel didn’t take you to different coasts or foreign shores, it is
- [Breaking the Beat](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/breaking-the-beat/) - I awoke with the sun on Monday morning, refreshed and aligned with the world. I was exultant to learn that three Americans had won the 2017 The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2017 . Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young won the prize for “for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling
- [Calculating the Probability of College Admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/calculating-probability-college-admissions/) - Here’s a fun math problem: If a college applicant applies to 20 schools, each with a 5 percent admission rate, what is the probability that she will be accepted to at least one of those schools? Is it 5 percent? 100 percent? Hint: It’s not 100 percent, but that’s what many students believe, an example
- [After Class: Affinity Groups](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/after-class-affinity-groups/) - Here’s a quiz. Do you know what these acronyms stand for? ASA GSA BSU BAG FLO In high school, you may get to know these collections of letters as shorthand for affinity groups. An affinity group is a set of people who share a common background or characteristic that is an important part of their identity.
- [Buzzword: Creativity and Cognition](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/buzzword-creativity-and-cognition/) - Among cognitive skills, creativity is sometimes looked down upon as being both frivolous and beyond our conscious control. On skeptical days, we can associate creativity with quixotic, abstract, and unpredictable art. Even if we value creativity deeply, we often believe such insights come from invisible muses, innate talent, or some particular kind of childhood. Almost
- [A Student’s Story: Northeastern’s Co-Op Program](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/northeastern-co-op-program/) - If you ever want to talk to someone who is enthusiastic about the university he is attending, you should spend a little time with Ryan Bacon. Not only is he enjoying his collegiate experience, but he’s already able to recognize the value he is receiving from the path he has chosen at Northeastern University. We
- [College Cousins: American University and the University of Denver](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/american-university-and-the-university-of-denver/) - American University (AU) and the University of Denver (DU) have a number of shared characteristics, but there is one that is the particular focus of this feature. In recent years, these two universities, like many others, have significantly bolstered their academic support services. We refer here to academic support across the entire spectrum of need
- [A Student’s Story: The Importance of the College Visit](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/importance-of-the-college-visit/) - Wyatt Green Williams knows the advantages of attending a small, private high school. For one thing, it’s easy to know everyone, because in many cases students have been in class together throughout their entire school lives. It’s also pretty easy to get to know teachers and for them to know you. The resulting sense of
- [A Student’s Story: A Tulane Business School Success](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/tulane-business-school/) - When James Barlia was a high school senior, he had only a few thoughts about what he wanted in a college. Coming from Bullis, a small private school, he knew he didn’t want a large university. He wanted a school in the small-to-medium size range, but one large enough to have a lot of school
- [Best High School?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/best-high-school-understanding-the-u-s-news-world-report-list/) - Schools are the communities that grow our children into young adults preparing for college. “My children love their school. They love their teachers, they feel challenged but not overly stressed, and they’ve formed great friendships though rewarding extracurricular activities. We’ve had an extremely positive experience—at least we thought we did. And, then the rankings came
- [Attention Rising Seniors: Time to Start Your College Essay!](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/attention-rising-seniors-time-to-start-your-college-essay/) - As we enjoy this beautiful summer, I’m sure some of you rising seniors tingle with anticipation when you think, “Next year I’ll be a senior!” Right now, you’re probably directing your attention to fun in the sun, and perhaps, avoiding summer learning loss by getting involved in college programs, internships, or even service projects. But
- [ACT or SAT? Pick One, Don’t Take Both](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/act-or-sat-pick-one-dont-take-both/) - ACT or SAT…or both? More and more students in the DC area are no longer taking just the SAT for college admissions. The ACT is on the rise. The number of ACT test-takers area-wide has doubled in the last three years. Many students find that the ACT is simply a better test for them, and
- [ACT Time Changes](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/time-changes-act-shifts-extended-time/) - In a move that makes the ACT somewhat less accommodating to students with accommodations, ACT has changed its extra time policy . Through June 2017, students taking the ACT with writing had six hours to complete the four sections that comprise the composite score (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and the essay. Students will now
- [College Cousins: Northwestern and Vanderbilt](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-northwestern-and-vanderbilt/) - In 1851, a new university was founded to provide an educational opportunity for the growing population in the region we now call the upper Midwest. At the time, however, it was known as the Northwest Territory, and that’s where Northwestern University got its name. A site was chosen in Evanston, Illinois, a community named in
- [College Cousins: Bucknell and Colgate](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-bucknell-and-colgate/) - This month we take a look at Bucknell University (in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania) and Colgate University (in Hamilton, New York). Both have been around for quite a while – Colgate since 1819 and Bucknell, a relative upstart, since 1846. Both institutions have had ample opportunity to work out how to offer the best they have to
- [College Cousins: Denison and Trinity](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-denison-and-trinity/) - For some, the quintessential college experience is characterized by a quality education gained in a special kind of atmosphere – the kind typified by Denison University and Trinity College. These two small liberal arts colleges offer four-year collegiate experiences on campuses that are traditional in appearance but brimming with energy and diversity. Trinity’s beautiful 100-acre
- [College Cousins: Earlham and Guilford](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-earlham-and-guilford/) - This column puts the spotlight on Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana and Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. By most standards, these schools are tiny (Guilford having about 1,700 undergrads and Earlham only 1,050), and yet they have managed to gain big-time reputations – and deservedly so. We feature them together because they have similar
- [College Cousins: Johns Hopkins University and the University of Chicago](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/johns-hopkins-university-and-university-of-chicago/) - Johns Hopkins University and the University of Chicago are both highly regarded academic and research institutions and, in addition, share many of the same attributes. Students who select these schools aren’t looking for marching bands and Sweet 16 tournaments, but for places of intellectual excitement. “The encouragement of research . . . and the advancement
- [College Cousins: St. Andrews and U. of Edinburgh](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/st-andrews-and-u-of-edinburgh/) - Even if you’re not particularly inclined to check the history of each school, you will want to seek, and be impressed by, these early dates. The University of Edinburgh goes back to 1583 , impressive enough, but the University of St. Andrews marks its official start date in 1413 – the year this teaching institution
- [College Cousins: George Washington University and Boston University](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/george-washington-university-and-boston-university/) - Few American cities are as steeped in history as Washington and Boston. Each locale boasts a rich political and cultural context that spans more than two centuries, so it’s impossible not to be impressed with the surroundings of the two institutions we highlight in this issue. George Washington University is named for our first president—not
- [College Cousins: Wake Forest and U of Richmond](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/wake-forest-and-u-of-richmond/) - In this issue, we feature Wake Forest University of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and the University of Richmond, located in Richmond, Virginia. Both are small universities located in mid-sized communities, but don’t kid yourself: there’s nothing small or mid-sized about the education and collegiate experience they offer their students. Wake Forest’s 5,000 undergraduates represent a diverse
- [College Cousins: University of Colorado and University of Vermont](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-university-colorado-and-university-vermont/) - Love the outdoors? Love being part of an outdoor-oriented community? If you are looking at colleges but don’t want your four-year experience to be confined to classrooms and dorm rooms, then you will want to take a particularly close look at the Universities of Colorado and Vermont. These schools are in locales that celebrate the
- [College Cousins: University of North Carolina and University of Virginia](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-university-north-carolina-and-university-virginia/) - The ink was barely dry on North Carolina’s long-delayed formal ratification of the U.S. Constitution when the state passed a bill chartering "a university supported by permanent funds" in late 1789. In due course, a site was selected, in Chapel Hill, where the school’s first students began their studies in 1795. The University of North Carolina
- [College Cousins: Syracuse University and University of Pittsburgh](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-syracuse-university-and-university-pittsburgh/) - Syracuse University was founded in 1870 in the aftermath of the Civil War. We can count its founders as visionaries, not only because of the university they founded, but because they opened the doors of their fledgling institution to women, hardly a common practice in that day. Today, as Syracuse approaches the 150th anniversary of
- [College Cousins: CalTech & MIT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-caltech-mit/) - Two of our country’s most respected institutions of higher learning are familiarly known to us as CalTech (California Institute of Technology) and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Both, as their names suggest, have a major focus on all things relating to science and technology – although that isn’t to say that students can’t pursue excellent
- [College Cousins: Tulane University or University of Miami](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-tulane-university-university-miami/) - Why Cousins? Because they are similar in style and, therefore, attract similar styles of students. Two universities located in southern climes in regions with distinctive styles are Tulane University and the University of Miami. One can’t help but think “ocean and palm trees” when picturing Miami and “French Quarter and good food” when thinking about
- [How to Accept Feedback](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/how-accept-feedback/) - Having social distanced for the greater part of a year, I'm a bit hungry for feedback. I miss the ways in which social interactions used to teach and shape me. Feedback makes me better. But it can sometimes bring out the worst in me: a childish pettiness I’m embarrassed not to have better mastered in
- [Get in the Flow](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/get-flow-2/) - Brains develop through use, and repeated experiences create distinct circuits. How then do we exercise our brains and build healthy pathways? We all know the benefits of hard work: it makes us stronger physically, mentally and emotionally. We would all love our brains to work hard so that we could reap these benefits. So, how
- [How to Take a Practice Test](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/how-take-practice-test/) - As our students make their way through their tutoring programs, they will begin taking more weekend practice tests. These simulations are meant to evaluate the student’s mastery of the content and strategies they have been learning. The tests are also an opportunity to prepare the student for many of the intangibles of testing. Variability in
- [Crafting a Student Résumé for College Applications](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/crafting-student-resume-college-applications/) - Donut or bagel? Sunrise or sunset? iOS or Android? Horror film or comedy? Cats or dogs? Call or text? Spotify or Apple Music? Free coffee or free Wi-Fi? Beach or mountains? I enjoy donuts and coffee on the beach at sunrise. I choose films with humor, never horror, and I am a big fan of
- [How Do I Choose My College Major?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/how-do-i-choose-my-college-major/) - Some students worry about whether their decision about their undergraduate major will have future consequences and affect opportunities for graduate school or job and career. Put more specifically (for those looking ahead to grad school), the question is whether a particular major will make you more - or less - competitive when applying to graduate
- [GRE & GMAT: Math Topics to Refresh](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/gre-gmat-math-topics-refresh/) - Many students applying to graduate school will scarcely have taken a college course in math. In large part, that is a very small impediment to success on the GRE or GMAT. The math covered in many common undergrad surveys – calculus-based economics, accounting, physics, for example – are not covered at all on the test.
- [Finding Your College Match](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/finding-center-college-search/) - Does a college choose me, or do I choose my college? A couple of years ago, a junior said to me, “I am very clear on what colleges are looking for in their students. But do they care about me? Do they care about what I am looking for in a college?” This is a very
- [Comparing & Choosing a High School: Interpreting the Data](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/comparing-choosing-high-school-interpreting-data/) - The flurry of a private school admissions process feels, in some ways, more complex even than the looming college process. Parents in the Washington, DC area have a vast number of choices, but they often lack some information that feels necessary to understand what their child’s experience may be like at a given school. Further,
- [Four Challenges to Online Tutoring (And What We Do About It)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/four-challenges-online-tutoring-and-what-we-do-about-it/) - Online tutoring is so convenient: you don’t waste time in traffic or lose any sessions to bad weather; you can chat calculus from the beach; and there are many more benefits to remote tutoring. Given how much of our social lives and business happen online, tutoring remotely makes supreme sense for many students. Videoconferencing software
- [Executive Function: Planning & Initiation](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/executive-function-planning-initiation/) - Starting things is hard. I’ve devoted way more creative energy over the years to excusing why I haven’t started projects than I have to starting them. “Statistically speaking,” says John Mulaney, “it is 100% easier not to do a thing, than to do a thing.” Nonetheless, I have things that I’m passionate about, and that
- [Early Decision vs. Early Action: What’s the Scoop?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/early-decision-vs-early-action-whats-scoop/) - Is Early Decision Right For You? Narrowing the choice to attend one particular school may be an ideal path for some students. By applying Early Decision, or, in college admissions-speak, “ED,” students can receive a response that ends the college admissions process before the winter holiday break. Early decision is a binding agreement that commits
- [Executive Function: Persistence](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/executive-function-persistence/) - What motivates us is shaped by all the various experiences that shape who we are. So when it comes to persevering through ambivalence, uncertainty, and inner resistance, there are few shortcuts to genuine self-knowledge. If you’re struggling to study for your plumbing licensure, barely keeping your eyes open as you memorize ventilating piping and fixture
- [Juggling AP Courses](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/juggling-ap-courses/) - Taking AP courses is de rigueur for most college-bound students these days: the number of AP tests given by the College Board doubled in the last ten years, after doubling in the ten years before that as well. So read on if you’re one of those students staring down multiple APs and wondering how you’re
- [How to Pick a Professor](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/how-pick-professor/) - We’ve all known both sides of the classroom experience – the great teacher who made every class exciting and who opened our eyes to a subject matter we never thought would appeal, and the not-so-great teacher who was so dull and boring that we ended up not only hating the class but hating the subject
- [Good Sleep Equals Good Days](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/good-sleep-equals-good-days/) - Falling leaves. Cooler temps. Mid-semester exams. Autumn is finally upon us. As your kids truly settle into the school year, their minds may be pulled in several directions. There are now bona fide assignments and deadlines to contend with, as well as the specter of fall standardized tests. Yet, some students persist with their late
- [Junior Year and the Importance of Staying Focused](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/junior-year-and-importance-staying-focused/) - Welcome to junior year, the most important year of the high school transcript. This will be the most recent full year of grades submitted with your college applications. This is the year that highlights your mastery and expertise. The juggling act has begun as you manage AP classes, debate team, sports, and such, all while
- [How to Make the Most of Freshman Year](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/how-to-make-the-most-of-freshman-year/) - You’re a freshman now, and freshman year is about breaking ground. While you’re adjusting and exploring new opportunities, your academic life is being recorded on your official transcript that one day will be sent to colleges. As a result, strategic planning should increasingly become a significant part of your daily routine. Managing your time becomes
- [College Transfer Student: From Wisconsin to Cornell](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-transfer-student-wisconsin-cornell/) - Josephine Davis has an interesting story to tell. Her academic journey has taken her from Holton Arms to the University of Wisconsin to Cornell University. In other words, her story is that of a college transfer student, but it’s a positive one. When Josephine was finishing high school at Holton-Arms, she looked at her choices
- [College Transfer Student: Sometimes It’s the Best Option](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-transfer-student-sometimes-best-option/) - Anna Sweeney may have a better understanding than most of how to decide on a college. That’s because her story is a college transfer student story and highlights how tricky it can be to understand, when coming out of high school, what’s really important in finding the right fit in a college. Anna attended high
- [Destination: College Decision](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/destination-college-decision/) - Hey, seniors. Managing the good news/bad news activity this month may bring on another form of March madness, but hang in there because you will arrive at the journey’s end and identify the right college for you . Yes, March is a busy month for settling with a variety of results: admit, wait list, denials,
- [Global Studies Program: From NYC to London](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/global-studies-program-from-nyc-to-london/) - Isabel is on the New York – to – London circuit, courtesy of her enrollment in New York University’s Global Studies program, so thus far her college experience has not been a typical one. Technically, she is spending her freshman year in London, and she will join the NYU New York City campus as a
- [College Interview Tips and Strategies](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-interview-tips-and-strategies/) - The majority of colleges are tracking and assigning value to your demonstrated interest—actions you take that help a college gauge how much you want to enroll. As a prospective student, you can show love in a number of ways. One of the most effective ways to show your dream school that you’re interested is by
- [Executive Function: Time Management](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/executive-function-time-management/) - Executive function sounds like an academic thing that cognitive psychologists made up so they can have theories about it. And they have a lot of theories. But basically, it’s a set of skills that allow us to direct our focus to plan, start, remember, and continue tasks: inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Our recent
- [Collegiate Life at University of Virginia](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/collegiate-life-university-virginia/) - Perhaps you remember Samantha (Sam) Clavelli, whom we interviewed two years ago as she was experiencing her entry into life at the University of Virginia. Sam now is completing her junior year, and we thought it would be interesting to revisit her to see how her collegiate life has developed and how she now views
- [Good and Bad Reasons to Retest this Summer](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/good-and-bad-reasons-retest-summer/) - For the first time in recent memory, both College Board and ACT will be offering tests this summer to interested students.* While the added dates offer more opportunity to show off your standardized test skills, we want to encourage students and families to take a second look to make sure that summer testing is right
- [Giving Teenagers Space—Inside and Out](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/giving-teenagers-space-inside/) - The New Year brings a cold snap and a chance to evaluate our priorities, set our intentions to change our behaviors, develop healthier habits, and approach our lives with greater mindfulness and grace. With new habits, we create new living spaces for ourselves—both inside and outside. In our book, The Self-Driven Child: The Science and
- [Get in the Flow](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/get-in-the-flow/) - Brains develop by the ways they are used, and repeated experiences create distinct circuits. How then do we exercise our brains and build healthy pathways? We all know the benefits of hard work: hard work makes us stronger physically, mentally and emotionally. We would all love our brains to work hard so we could reap
- [How Taking a Standardized Test Is Like Cooking Breakfast](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/how-taking-a-standardized-test-is-like-cooking-breakfast/) - On Saturdays, our family does breakfast for dinner. The kids love to help mix the waffle batter, make blueberry faces on the pancakes, and watch the bacon wiggle in the pan. This week’s menu was French toast—my wife’s favorite—so I was sure to have everything in order: I bought the French baguette a day earlier
- [How Do I Set up a College Interview?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/set-up-a-college-interview/) - The importance of demonstrated interest – actions you take that help a college gauge how likely it is that you will enroll – is on the rise. More colleges are systematically tracking and assigning value to how much love you show them. As a prospective student, you can show love in a number of ways,
- [Keep Calm and March On…](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/keep-calm-and-march-on/) - You are well on your way to National Decision Day. It has been a very busy year, and truly, you have demonstrated Herculean strength in balancing your life of standardized tests, athletic events, activities, jobs, family, friends, and, of course, your last year of high school. With a keen focus, kinetic flexibility, and social dexterity
- [College Prep: 3 Tips for Building a Balanced College List](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-prep-3-tips-for-building-a-balanced-college-list-2/) - Finding the best college for you begins with self-discovery—getting to know yourself, your interests, your goals, and what’s most important. The following three steps will get you started on building and honing a college list. 1. Know yourself. Intellectual? Nonconformist? Athlete? Writer? Engineer? Which are you? How does knowing the answer help you identify the perfect school
- [Creating a Strong Online Presence](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/consider-the-selfie-enhance-your-online-profile-before-sending-your-college-application/) - Social media reaches way beyond your personal world to create an expansive, public, online presence. It can be a spontaneous, fun time: posting party pics, connecting with students across the globe, stating political opinions, or voicing your innermost thoughts—across a variety of platforms in multiple mediums (photos, words, gestures, emojis, videos). With social media, you
- [How Should We Treat Our Kids?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/how-should-we-treat-our-kids-like-dogs/) - “The dog is imitating the energy that is in your bubble. You are the source, the feast of energy. If you feel anxious, the dog becomes anxious with you. If you become nervous, the dog wakes up nervous with you.”—“Dog whisperer” Cesar Milan Lately, I’ve been reading about stress and performance and reflecting on how
- [Creating New Space at PrepMatters Tenleytown](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/creating-new-space-prepmatters-tenleytown/) - To be successful, a big project requires inspiration, and that can come from anywhere—even an essay prompt. Known for its quirky admissions essay questions, the University of Chicago once regaled prospective students with a prompt based on superstring theory. Patterns of string, whether or not they undergird the structure of the physical world, have always
- [How the PSAT Collects Students’ Personal Data](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/how-psat-collects-students-personal-data/) - Many students are about to find themselves buried under a blizzard of offers, their inboxes overflowing and their counters stacked high with catalogs. No, I am not talking about holiday catalogs, surprise gifts, or year-end donation requests. This blizzard is brought to you by that other seasonal event, the delivery of PSAT scores. Scores from
- [Looking Ahead: The College Essay](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/looking-ahead-college-essay/) - Hey there, thoughtful, curious, motivated students! Show us your stuff. Tell us about yourself. Give us an idea of who to expect when you arrive on campus. Early summer is a great time to think about your college essay topic. Settling on a good idea is half the battle, so be prepared to focus and reflect
- [Last-Minute AP Exam Tips](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/last-minute-ap-exam-tips/) - With AP exams rapidly approaching, here are some short bits of advice about the last days of studying and the test-day experience itself from our tutors for some of the most popular tests our students take. Above all else, remember to keep calm — you’ve got this! AP Biology The AP Bio exam requires you
- [Less Screen Time and More Face-to-Face Time](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/less-screen-time-and-more-face-face-time/) - A lot of students we see at PrepMatters are keen on attending college in or near a city. The reasons may seem obvious: coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, concert venues, cultural activities, awesome stuff to buy, and social opportunities – all with more people and more diversity. Lights, camera, and action: the swirl of people and
- [Preparing for College](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/preparing-college/) - Packing for college takes some preparation. Moving from your childhood bedroom to a dorm room, whether with or without roommates, is a momentous change. Your whole way of living has suddenly shifted onto a residential campus because, of course, you are now living with other college students, not with your family. Even so, once you
- [Perfect Now](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/perfect-now/) - I am such a baby when offered a legitimate excuse. For the last week, I’ve been regaling everyone I’ve “seen” with my tale of woe after recovering from a pretty agonizing eye surgery called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). It’s Lasik’s more painful cousin, and it takes a few days to recover from it. Now that I’m
- [Math 1 or Math 2 SAT Subject Test: Here’s How to Choose](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/math-1-or-math-2-sat-subject-test/) - I know the SAT Subject Tests are this weekend. Perhaps you’ve already made up your mind on which math test to take, but please consider your strengths, especially if your decision was based on the advice of others rather than your own experience. As Stephen Dubner of Freakonomics observes, “Experts and pundits are notoriously bad
- [Making Time for Test Prep](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/making-time-test-prep/) - The spring semester is upon us, and with it brings AP exams, spring musicals, college visits, a new sports schedule, and, just maybe, another go at the SAT or ACT. So how do you find the time to balance all the competing demands on your time yet still prepare to do your best? Make it
- [Common App Announces New Essay Prompts for 2017-18](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/common-app-announces-new-essay-prompts-for-2017-18/) - The Common App has yet again changed its application essay prompts – just in time for the 2017-18 application season. Last year we saw no changes whatsoever and in 2015-16 saw only minor tweaks with the introduction of a new prompt. This year brings more tweaks in the form of brand new wording in addition
- [College Cousins: University of Delaware & University of Maryland](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-univ-delaware-univ-maryland/) - The University of Delaware and the University of Maryland, two large mid-Atlantic universities, are both well known by name, but there’s a lot about them that you might not know. These are two large state universities, both located in small cities that are adjacent to more populous ones. College Park’s 32,000 residents only slightly outnumber
- [7 of Our Best College Cousins](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/7-our-best-college-cousins/) - Our college planning mission is to connect students to the schools where they’ll thrive. We educate students and families about what it takes to navigate admissions processes and college success. We help them tell their stories in a compelling and honest way. Students, in general, often achieve a sense of control and execute a plan
- [Freshman Year: Remix](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/freshman-year-remix/) - Now that you have your high school routine down, you can loosen up a bit and take stock of your surroundings. Hopefully, you’ve got good classes and a great new friend group, and perhaps you’ve found your afternoons busy with interesting activities after the final bell rings. Sounds like a great start to high school,
- [College Cousins: Southern Methodist and Tulane](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-southern-methodist-and-tulane/) - Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Tulane University have always had somewhat of a dual identity: enjoying a certain popularity but still looking for greater academic respect outside of the South. Well, times have changed, and there are a few things about these schools that might surprise you. Southern Methodist University The 2013 opening of the
- [College Cousins: BU, NYU, and USC Theater Programs](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-bu-nyu-and-usc-theater-audition/) - They should all take a bow. Three of our country’s most popular universities offer highly regarded theater performance programs. Boston University, New York University, and the University of Southern California, each located in cities that are major entertainment centers in their own right, have all developed strong and competitive programs. To get in, however, you
- [Understanding Your PSAT Scores](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/understanding-your-psat-scores/) - With any luck, your first reaction to your PSAT scores was to hang up the score report on the refrigerator rather than ball it up in the wastebasket. But either way, you should remember that the PSAT was only practice: good scores won’t get you into college and poor scores won’t keep you out. The
- [Processing High School Admission News (No Matter What)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/processing-high-school-admission-news-no-matter/) - Soon, private high schools will send out their admissions decisions. I’ve helped hundreds of families through this process, and I am no longer surprised by the immense significance families often place on the outcomes of these decisions. Some truly believe that whether or not their student “gets in” to their first-choice private school will forever
- [Preparing for the College Interview](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/preparing-college-interview/) - Prepare with practice and research. Relax and reveal yourself. Remember to express yourself in writing: share your resume and write a thank-you note. The college interview rarely makes or breaks an admission decision, but it can be an important component of your application. Before you even begin to get nervous, however, check to see if
- [Reinventing Yourself for Freshman Year](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/reinventing-yourself-freshman-year/) - One of the exciting things about starting at a new school or beginning a new year is the opportunity to be a new you – a fresh start, a reset, an opportunity to reinvent yourself. The transition from middle school to high school can be one of those classic moments. One of the really cool
- [Radical Downtime and the Default Mode Network](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/radical-downtime-and-default-mode-network/) - “Nothing,” John said, unable to keep a wry smile from creasing the corners of his mouth. It was June of 2014, and I had asked John about his summer plans. Nothing. No soccer camp. No internship. Coding course? Trombone competition? Service trip? Nope. Nada. Uh-uh. Nothing. With all my zeal for being a non-anxious presence, I
- [Preparing for the College Interview](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/preparing-college-interview-0/) - Prepare with practice and research. Relax and reveal yourself. Remember to express yourself in writing by sharing your resume and writing a thank you note. The college interview rarely makes or breaks an admission decision, but it can be an important component of your application. Before you even begin to get nervous, however, check to
- [Reflecting On Your First PSAT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/reflecting-your-first-psat/) - Congratulations! It's officially fall and the PSAT is behind you. What do you do now? Forget it and walk away? Bide your time until the holidays? Even though you’re not a junior, for whom the test has marginally more significance, there is still value in revisiting the test you just took. Results are scheduled to
- [Reading is the new Vocabulary](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/reading-new-vocabulary/) - The secondary school admissions process is largely over. Visits have been made. Tests have been taken. Applications have been submitted. Regardless of the test taken, SSAT ISEE, or HSPT, these exams challenged students to answer synonyms, antonyms, and analogies, sentence completions and logical categorizations. Now that the tests are over, students never need study vocabulary
- [So You Didn’t Get Immediate Acceptance to Your Early App College](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/so-you-didnt-get-immediate-acceptance-your-early-app-college/) - Early Decision and Early Action notifications are beginning to trickle out now, with most making their way to inboxes all over the country by Friday, December 10! You’ve probably gone back and forth between truly believing you’ll be accepted right away to deeply questioning whether it was even worth applying. That zig-zagging is totally natural
- [Giving Thanks Beyond November](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/giving-thanks-beyond-november/) - December! The rush of the fall is almost completely behind us. Aside from all of the practices, games, classes, and assignments, your student has also completed the gauntlet of applying to secondary school. You have watched your child attend shadow days, complete applications, endure test prep classes, and take at least one official test. More
- [The Final Summer Before High School](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/final-summer-high-school/) - In a few short, well actually, not-so-short months, eighth grade will be behind you, and you will have a full summer ahead of you. Should you binge-watch your favorite shows? Sleep until noon every day? Engage fully in the art of hanging out? While there is some benefit to changing your routine during the summer
- [The 360° on Demonstrated Interest](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/360-demonstrated-interest/) - First, let’s define demonstrated interest; after that, we can explore how it can help you make an informed decision regarding your college choice. "I thought demonstrated interest was me telling colleges that I am really interested in them?!" Yes, this is true. You are the one reaching out to colleges, and demonstrated interest is an
- [Space Inside & Out](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/space-inside-out/) - The New Year brings a cold snap – and a chance to evaluate our priorities, set our intentions, develop healthier habits, and approach our lives with greater mindfulness and grace. With new habits, we create new living spaces for ourselves, both inside and out. In our book, The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of
- [Sophomore SAT? Maybe if it’s a Subject Test](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/sophomore-sat-maybe-if-its-subject-test/) - Originally published January 30, 2019; updated January 15, 2020 Many of you took a PSAT this year, and that’s great. Your results will be super helpful when you begin thinking about whether the SAT or the ACT is right for you. But please don’t worry about that yet. Unless you’re a heavily recruited five-star athlete
- [The New ACT-SAT Concordance and, More Importantly, What to Do About It](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/new-act-sat-concordance-and-more-importantly-what-do-about-it/) - On June 14, College Board and ACT released an updated concordance between scores on the ACT and scores on the recently revised 2016 SAT. For a wonderfully detailed quantitative assessment, I strongly recommend you read the excellent post from Compass Prep. The changes to the concordance can be briefly summarized as follows: Higher scores (SAT
- [Save Yourself from Future Trouble: Prepare for Academic Storms While You Can See Clearly](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/save-yourself-future-trouble-prepare-academic-storms-while-you-can-see-clearly/) - Like many of you, I am on vacation. Ideally, days are full of fun and frivolity. Nights are restful, or, if you're a night owl, full of even MORE fun and frivolity. Frankly, I think we deserve it. So it was with some peevishness that I looked up at the roof of the lovely little
- [Senior Year: The Five Stages of Acceptance](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/senior-year-five-stages-acceptance/) - Scene: Senior year opens. You tilt your head to the side and look forward, measuring and calibrating just how deep (or shallow) you have to dive into your senior year. I’ve got this—I’ll just slide right in, hover above for the first few months, and phone-in my final year of high school. I have worked
- [Suggestions for Summer Reading](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/suggestions-summer-reading/) - Relax. Enjoy. Read. Summer is a great time to exercise your curiosity and follow your instincts toward a new interest. So why not experiment and create a whole new area of the world to investigate. Books can be a great companion to your summer. Need some ideas? To get you started, PrepMatters tutors and counselors
- [Some Notes on Notes](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/some-notes-notes/) - I used to love back-to-school shopping as a kid. Fresh pencils and pens, maybe a new pencil case, and, of course, new notebooks. Those wonderfully unblemished and perfectly blank notebooks that just beg to be seen as metaphor: the open mind waiting to be filled with knowledge; the blank slate that every student begins the
- [Study Skills to Break the Vicious Cycle](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/study-skills-break-vicious-cycle/) - Raise your hand if you’d like to spend less time studying and get better grades. No, no, not both hands, and stop jumping up and down! Seriously, though … if you’re like most of my students, you might feel trapped in a bit of a vicious cycle right about now: you stay up late to
- [Secondary School Tests in Admissions: An Interview with Our In-house Professional](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/secondary-school-tests-admissions-interview-our-house-professional/) - We are in the heart of the fall testing season for both the SSAT and ISEE. Additionally, students are already preparing for the HSPT in late November and early December. I took this opportunity to spend a few moments with Jeff Knox, our own secondary school placement specialist. Here are his answers to some of
- [Buzzword: Delayed Gratification](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/buzzword-delayed-gratification/) - Your high school years represent more than just classes and homework. Just as important as earning your best grades is reflecting on the kind of person you are now and the kind of person you are becoming. We’ve all seen movie and television tropes about high school: the math nerd, the cocky jock, the mean
- [College Deferral](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-deferral-taking-a-gap-year-after-high-school/) - You know you want to go to college, but you’re not really sure who “you” are yet. One way to launch your undergraduate years with purpose and determination is taking a gap year before college! The idea behind a gap year is all about personal growth—challenging yourself to better understand your values, your goals, and
- [The Gap Year Option](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/the-gap-year-option/) - One way to launch your undergraduate career with purpose and determination is this: take a gap year! Recent studies show that deferring entrance into college for one year in order to learn outside the classroom and engage the world can have very positive effects on a person. Leadership programs enhance life skills, new language skills
- [Striking a Nerve: The Neurobiology of Storytelling](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/writing-a-college-essay-the-neurobiology-of-storytelling/) - Many students I work with have voiced frustration with the admissions process. The normal refrain sounds something like this: “I wish I could just go inside the brains of the people reviewing my college application and make them know me!” Thanks to recent findings in neuroscience, it turns out that a well-crafted essay can
- [The Culture Shock of Adjusting to College](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/culture-shock-adjusting-to-college/) - California dreaming! That was Elena during her last years of high school as she contemplated where she wanted to go to college. She loved the idea of California – and loved what she saw when she visited. She also was favorably impressed by both what she saw on campus at Pitzer and what she heard
- [SSAT Support at Home](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-preparation/ssat-support-home/) - As a test preparation tutor, I often get asked by parents “What can I do at home?” to aid in the process. I appreciate the question as it gives me an opportunity to reinforce the idea that parents, school, and tutors are all support staff dedicated to the success of the student. To paraphrase astronaut
- [The Most Important SSAT Vocabulary Word](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-preparation/important-ssat-vocabulary-word/) - As many parents remember, and as many teenagers are learning, a strong vocabulary is a key component of success on most standardized tests. Test makers often seem determined to punish less robust vocabularies with extreme prejudice. All of the major secondary school tests — the SSAT, the ISEE, and the HSPT — include verbal or
- [The Air is Ripe With AP Exams, SAT Subject Tests (Oh, and Spring)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/air-ripe-ap-exams-sat-subject-tests-oh-spring/) - revised March 8, 2020 Spring To-Do List Ah, spring! No more freezing rain and weather-related late starts. You’re finally creeping out from under the midterms and semester projects of winter, ready to embrace the growing season of a new year. As such, you’ll want to turn your attention to some of the excitement spring has
- [Teacher Recommendations: Who Are Your People?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/teacher-recommendations-who-are-your-people/) - In planning your college applications, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by all the moving parts. Your high school grades will be the most important component of your application, as past grades and accomplishments are the best predictors of future success, and colleges are looking for students who will grow and thrive in their classrooms.
- [The Stress of Sounding Smart When Writing](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/stress-sounding-smart-when-writing/) - By Marla Cunningham Before joining PrepMatters, I worked in middle schools and high schools for a number of years as an English teacher. I know that in those settings, there are always bright straight-A students who desire to set themselves apart from their classmates. They do this by adding fancy vocabulary, lengthening sentences in their
- [After Class: Student Newspaper](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/after-class-student-newspaper/) - Most high schools produce a regular student newspaper. They can come out monthly, quarterly, or once a semester. At some schools, it’s an after-school activity, while at others, newspaper can be taken as an elective. If you have deep, esoteric interests, working with other students can help you connect your ideas to what your peers
- [Transitioning from High School to College](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/transitioning-from-high-school-to-college/) - At her parents’ urging, Catherine Peterson began looking at colleges in her sophomore year, beginning with a visit to Bates College during the family’s summer vacation in Maine. Catherine’s parents knew that Bates had a strong academic reputation – and a solid swim team, which was also important to Catherine. That was the start. As
- [Two Great Engineering Programs: Maryland and Penn State](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/university-maryland-penn-state/) - Engineering is an applied science. It’s a discipline that uses scientific knowledge to solve problems, and it’s a rapidly growing field. There was a time when engineering was principally focused on buildings and bridges, but today it encompasses the likes of aerospace, biomedical technology, and computer applications of all descriptions, just to name a few.
- [University of Chicago Goes Test-Optional, Most Selective College To Do So](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/university-chicago-goes-test-optional-most-selective-college-do-so/) - If there were such a thing as a Lady Gaga-type rock star in the world of college admissions, it’d be the admissions office at University of Chicago. In my estimation, it must be one of the most well-funded undergraduate admissions offices in the country, with the marketing prowess of Apple, and the school has never
- [Too Many Chefs: A Simple Kitchen Tip for the College Essay](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/too-many-chefs-simple-kitchen-tip-college-essay/) - “I’ll have my mom, my dad, my guidance counselor, my English teacher, my tutor, my sister at Princeton, and my uncle who is a chemistry professor look at my essay.” I heard this from a former student a couple years back as we worked on her college application. The upside of all this? She had
- [The Last Ride On SSATs & ISEEs](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/last-ride-ssats-isees/) - December can be a busy month, a special time of year full of significant holidays and traditions. One of the less celebrated aspects of December is that it usually marks the end of the high school admissions testing period. December Test Dates For students taking a December SSAT, ISEE, or HSPT, it is often the
- [Top 10 Answers to Annoying Holiday Questions about College](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/top-10-answers-annoying-holiday-questions-about-college/) - 10. “Thanks Grandma, writing a personal note to the university president would be very helpful.” 9. “After applying to all of the schools on my list, I realize I actually want to go to clown school.” 8. “Oh look, the menorah caught the curtain on fire.” 7. “When you applied to school, men wore pleated pants
- [Unexpected Results: Test Scores Can Uncover a Learning Disability](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/unexpected-results-test-scores-can-uncover-a-learning-disability/) - Standardized tests have few virtues but not all are vices. One positive is that the tests serve as a tool for flagging a possible learning disability. How so? I’ve often asked my friend and partner-in-scribe , psychologist Dr. Bill Stixrud: “How does a teacher/tutor know when to refer a student for an evaluation and possible
- [Three Ways to Academically Recover from March Madness](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/academically-recover-from-march-madness/) - If you are a junior, this is where it gets real (or, arguably, really tough). APs, SATs, exams. Oh my! With the madness of March behind us, what do April and May hold in store for you? For some students, there may be too many things on their schedules although, for others, perhaps not enough.
- [Understanding Your PSAT Score Report](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/understanding-your-psat-score-report/) - You’ve likely pushed hard to get the most out of your PSAT results, to get those high numbers you’ve dreamed of seeing on your score report. The numbers at the top do tell a lot, but they aren’t the whole story. As you look over your PSAT scores, try not to focus too much on
- [The Truth About Prepping for the SAT or ACT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/the-truth-about-prepping-for-the-sat-or-act/) - By Ned Johnson & Aaron Golumbfskie Here are nine truths to keep in mind when prepping for the SAT or ACT. The most important factor in college admissions is your transcript. Unfortunately, the next most important factor is your standardized test scores, but never let test prep get in the way of acing school!Success on
- [What did you REALLY learn from your Standardized Testing?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/sat-act/what-did-you-really-learn-your-standardized-testing/) - Wait, what? The SAT? The ACT? Why are we talking about these tests again? Those are reasonable questions and — I promise — this is the last time we’ll be talking to you about the SAT or ACT. You’re now likely neck deep in the college application process and have happily, hopefully, left standardized tests
- [Waiting for College Decisions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/waiting-college-decisions/) - By Maureen Delaney As the results from early decision applications arrive from colleges and universities, remember to stay balanced and positive. Enthusiasm endures when backed with a good plan. If you’ve received a positive response to your ED application, congratulations on your acceptance! Enjoy sharing your good news with friends and family during the holidays.
- [Waitlisted? You're in Good Company](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/waitlisted-youre-good-company/) - January marks the application deadlines for most secondary schools. Admissions offices will continue reviewing test scores and application material for the next couple of months as they build their classes. Then, in March and April, students and families will be notified of the schools’ decisions. Instead of only the acceptance letters, many students will receive
- [Brain Feeling Sluggish? Play in the Dirt.](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/your-homework-digging-in-the-dirt/) - Yay, spring! Hey, juniors! How are you doing? I understand that this question from a college counselor can immediately prompt feelings of stress, strife, and perhaps a strong desire to run, scream, or just take a nap. You could go all consumer on us and order the t-shirt popular on Amazon, “Don’t Ask Me About
- [Water Your Brain](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/water-your-brain/) - My colleague Jeff takes care of a plant in his office. Well, “takes care of” might more accurately mean, “mostly ignores.” Fortunately, Jeff's plant is kind enough to let him know by wilting in the most dramatic of fashions. Now imagine if that were your brain. “Please,” you may be thinking, “I would never be
- [What Is On the SSAT & the ISEE Anyway?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/what-ssat-isee-anyway/) - Thinking about taking the SSAT or the ISEE and trying to figure out which is best for you? The first step is to make sure you know the requirements of the schools that interest you. In the Washington, DC area, most schools (other than some of the Catholic schools that require the HSPT) will accept
- [Your Winning Team](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/your-winning-team/) - Freshman year is full of new opportunities! High school courses, clubs, homework, sports, and your calendar are all central to your day. You are busy running from place to place and activity to activity. But wait! Stop! People?! Hmmm… classes suggest teachers, clubs mean friends, and sports usually involve teammates and coaches. So, your school
- [Watch the Seniors](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/watch-seniors/) - One great way to learn something new is to watch someone else do it first. You go; I’ll just stand back and watch for a minute! Right? We have all done this when we find ourselves standing before the expanse of the unknown. Looking ahead at the scope of a big change (e.g., going to
- [The Week of the SSAT/ISEE](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/week-ssat/) - The week of the test... Prioritize sleep. The #1 test-week “to do” is a straightforward one: get plenty of sleep! Research has proven time and time again that a lack of sleep raises the level of the stress hormone cortisol, impairs cognitive functioning, and even negatively impacts our physical health. Still, too many students with
- [What to Know About SSAT & ISEE Writing Samples](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/what-know-about-ssat-isee-writing-samples/) - One aspect that the SSAT and ISEE have in common is the writing sample. Each test asks the student to write a relatively short essay in response to a prompt provided by the test. On the SSAT, students have the choice between different styles of prompts. The ISEE simply offers a single standardized test type
- [What's on the HSPT? How Do I Prepare?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/whats-hspt-how-do-i-prepare/) - The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is the entrance exam required by many Catholic high schools. Its content is reasonably similar to that of the SSAT and the ISEE, but the HSPT is much faster paced: the HSPT has roughly twice as many questions as the other two tests, but the test runs for about
- [Self-Determination Theory: Why Your Kids Should Get Their Feet Wet](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/self-determination-theory-why-your-kids-should-get-their-feet-wet/) - Stepping out of doors and out of the routines of work, school, and activities, refreshes our views and offers new insights to parenting, one of which is the tremendous value in getting out of our kids’ way as they explore their worlds. We all want our kids to have a sense of determination, to believe
- [Why Parents Should Act as Consultants](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/parents-should-acts-as-consultants/) - You just have to study more. Work harder. That’s it.Just buckle down, put in more time, and you will get the grades you want! Right? Perhaps you have heard these statements before. Well, my response is this: “Kudos for your willingness to work hard.” And this: “maybe.” However, the questions remain: Is putting in the
- [Why You Should Unplug This Thanksgiving](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/unplug-this-thanksgiving/) - Please don’t post pics of your turkey dinner. Don’t Instagram your far-flung family with photos of your goings-on while ignoring your present company. Do not tweet, hashtag or snap. For a few days, or at least on Thanksgiving Day, unplug. An App cannot enhance or replace the connection of face-to-face human interaction. Giving your full
- [Well, How Did I Get Here?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/well-how-did-i-get-here/) - Just 10 or 15 years ago, before we could rely on our phones and satellites to keep track of us, we had to keep track of ourselves. And we did so imperfectly. At least, my friends and I did. Often, we’d plod along until we registered something recognizable – the Citgo sign by Fenway Park
- [Waitlisted: Keep Calm and March On](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/waitlisted-keep-calm-and-march-on-2/) - Congratulations, seniors! You are well on your way to National Decision Day. It has been a very busy year, and you have demonstrated truly Herculean strength in balancing your life of standardized tests, athletic events, activities, jobs, family, friends, and, of course, your last year of high school. With a keen focus, kinetic flexibility, and
- [College Cousins: Drexel University and Northeastern University](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-drexel-university-and-northeastern-university/) - Drexel University, in Philadelphia, and Northeastern University, in Boston, are private research universities. They have forged their own paths and, in so doing, have set an example for other institutions. They are of similar size and both are located in highly urban areas of popular, sports-crazy cities. What brings Drexel and Northeastern together in this
- [College Cousins: University of Michigan and University of Virginia for Business](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-university-michigan-and-university-virginia-business/) - Two of our most popular schools offer one of the most popular majors with students today. We’re referring to the business programs at the Universities of Michigan and Virginia. There are many schools that offer courses and even majors in business, but not all offer a B.B.A (Bachelors of Business Administration) degree. That’s part of
- [So, Can I Drop French?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/so-can-i-drop-french/) - It’s course registration season, one of the most empowering moments during the early years of high school. Especially as you near the halfway mark, the end of your sophomore year, it is important to think strategically and reflectively as you make your choices. Often, the junior year course selection offers you more choices than in
- [Choosing an Educational Counselor](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/choosing-educational-counselor/) - The fundamental role of an independent educational counselor (IEC) is to help students make decisions about their educational journey experience. That responsibility includes helping students explore high school opportunities, college options, and, often, career pathways, in order for them to succeed both academically and socially. IECs don’t get students admitted: they help students by offering
- [How to Get Great Letters of Recommendation](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/how-get-great-letters-recommendation/) - A little relationship-building and personal legwork go a long way to move you forward on your college journey. The teen brain is wired to care the most about other teenagers. And yet that instinct can be tricky, because a crucial part of your college process involves communication with adults. Your application package won’t be complete
- [6 Things to Know About SAT Subject Tests](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/sat-subject-tests-6-things-to-know/) - Stressing over the SAT Subject Tests? Here are six things to know: You may not need SAT Subject Tests. A student of mine made himself crazed by trying to add SAT Subject Tests to his busy schedule. He believed he had to take them because everyone else was. Okay, fine. But, he had his list
- [College Prep Advice? Visit, Visit, Visit](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-prep-advice-visit-visit-visit/) - By Maureen Delaney There’s no substitute for putting your feet on the ground and trying a campus on for size. A good fit is made in the details, so when you are visiting, remember to check out what stands out about the college and campus culture. You’ll want to take a look at everything: academic
- [Waitlisted: Keep Calm and March On](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/waitlisted-keep-calm-and-march/) - Congratulations, seniors! You are well on your way to National Decision Day. It has been a very busy year, and truly, you have demonstrated Herculean strength in balancing your life of standardized tests, athletic events, activities, jobs, family, friends, and, of course, your last year of high school. With a keen focus, kinetic flexibility, and
- [AP Exam Prep Strategies](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/ap-exam-prep-strategies/) - Spring has sprung, and all you want to do is to go enjoy the sunshine, explore the outdoors (apart from those pesky allergies), and relax after a long winter and a longer school year. But spring also means that AP exams are approaching quickly. Maybe you’re taking your first AP class, or maybe you’re wondering
- [How NOT to Take a Practice Test](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/how-not-take-practice-test/) - Practice testing is an essential part of your prep for a standardized test. When taking a practice SAT, ACT, or other standardized exam, you’ll get the opportunity to answer former or approximate test questions in a simulated testing environment. The feedback you will receive and the stamina you will build by sitting for practice tests
- [National College Decision Day: May 1](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/national-college-decision-day-may-1/) - This coming Wednesday is National College Decision Day, which falls on May 1 every year. This is the deadline by which almost all college applicants must choose an undergraduate school. Here are a few pointers to remember, now that you’ve likely made your decision about college. First: CONGRATULATIONS! It feels good, doesn’t it? The whole
- [College Cousins: Amherst, Brown and Hamilton: Beyond the Core Curriculum](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-amherst-brown-and-hamilton/) - Oh, those pesky core curriculum requirements. They do ensure students get a broad education spanning the arts and humanities, STEM and the social sciences. But they also can get in the way of specialized pursuits, not to mention personal preference. If you imagine needing a more flexible undergrad education, you should take a look at
- [College Visit Checklist: 8 Tips for the Perfect Visit](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-visit-checklist-8-tips-for-the-perfect-visit/) - There’s no substitute for putting your feet on the ground and trying a campus on for size. A good fit is made in the details, so when you are visiting, remember to check out what stands out about the college and campus culture. You’ll want to take a look at everything: academic programs, campus location,
- [Is Working Too Hard Holding You Back?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/working-too-hard-holding-you-back/) - It's easy to tell ourselves that we just have to study more. Work harder. That’s it. Just buckle down, put in more time, and we'll all get the grades we want. It's rare that we look up from our frantic activity to ask: Is putting in the time really equivalent to hard work? Does hard
- [Plan: Think Before You Act](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/plan-think-you-act/) - By John Jones & Maureen Delaney "Look before you leap!" This phrase means you should think, pay attention, and have your wits about you — before you make your move. It is important to think ahead and make up your own mind about what to do next so that you don’t wind up with an unwelcome
- [AP US Government & Politics (NSL) Redesigned: What You Need To Know](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/ap-us-government-politics-nsl-redesigned-what-you-need-know/) - Thinking of taking AP US Government – or AP NSL, as it’s known to MoCo students? Or are you already deep in the course and looking ahead to the AP exam? Either way, you probably have heard about the recent course redesign, and here’s what you need to know. Unlike the recent redesign of APUSH
- [Grades, Scores, and the Winning Team: March Madness and Other College Admissions Factors](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/grades-scores-and-winning-team-march-madness-and-other-college-admissions-factors/) - It's been a wild ride in the world of colleges this past year. Rich and powerful players have been laid low. Celebrated institutions have been in the spotlight. Those denied the chance they sought to move to the next level have wondered whether the entire system is rigged. We are talking, of course, about the
- [College Essays in English Class](https://prepmatters.com/blog/writing-a-college-essay/college-essays-english-class/) - My English Teacher Assigned My Class the College Essay – So I’m Good, Right? Experience in both the English classroom and college admissions has given me unique insight that helps me work effectively with students on their college essays. My students often tell me that their English teachers assigned the Common App prompts for a
- [When I Was Your Age](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/when-i-was-your-age/) - Last week, a student walked into our office looking a little down. He was less zippy than usual. No smiles or jokes. He surrendered himself to a lobby chair and stared into space rather than chatting with the other kids. Missing was the banter that is typical of this kid. Clearly, he was not himself.
- [The College Board’s New Adversity Score: What You Need to Know](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-boards-new-adversity-score-what-you-need-know/) - “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” – The Wizard of Oz As soon as their phones began buzzing with push notifications, my friends started forwarding me stories about the “new” SAT adversity score. What is the College Board doing? What does this score mean? Why is it secret? Within hours of the
- [College Cousins: University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-universities-michigan-and-wisconsin/) - The University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin are two big schools with big school spirit. Not only do both stand out as two of the very most popular public institutions in the U.S., both Michigan and Wisconsin consistently rank among the top public research universities in the country. They are located in two
- [College Prep Tips: Transitioning from Junior to Senior Year](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/9-college-prep-tips-transitioning-from-junior-to-senior-year/) - Before you jump ship and head off for your summer adventures, may I offer a bit of advice? Hold off from being lulled by the warm breezes of vacation plans and spend some time making a list and checking it twice! Below are some tips for finishing junior year strong, using the summer to your
- [College Essay Alchemy: A Tour of Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2018 Edition](https://prepmatters.com/blog/writing-a-college-essay/college-essay-alchemy-tour-supplemental-essay-prompts/) - A review of essay prompts can be a great way to prepare for the writing process. I am supposed to write roughly 650 words but on what? Of course, you will head straight for the Common Application prompts and prepare to stress out choosing one idea. But what about reading supplemental prompts and taking a
- [Some of Our Favorite Supplemental College Essay Prompts: 2019-2020 Edition](https://prepmatters.com/blog/writing-a-college-essay/some-our-favorite-supplemental-college-essay-prompts-2019-2020-edition/) - A review of essay prompts can be a great way to prepare for the writing process. I am supposed to write roughly 650 words but on what? Of course, you will head straight for the Common Application prompts and prepare to stress out choosing one idea. But what about reading supplemental prompts and taking a
- [The Lessons of Jim Fowler](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/lessons-jim-fowler/) - June 4, 2019 I used to joke about being the “Marlon Perkins of test prep.” To better understand the experience of taking standardized tests, I “go into the field,” sit with a room of teens, and take official ACTs and SATs. This keeps me familiar with the energy — and the stress — often found
- [College Cousins: Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Olin College of Engineering](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-cousins-massachusetts-institute-technology-and-olin-college-engineering/) - Both located very close to Boston, these two universities stand just fifteen miles apart. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, founded in 1861, stands along the Charles River in Cambridge, while the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, founded in 1997, makes its suburban home in Needham amidst the digital powerhouses of the Route 128 Technology Corrirdor.
- [6 College Admissions Options to Consider](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/6-college-admissions-options-consider/) - Narrowing the choice to attend one particular school may be an obvious path for some students. These students can submit an early decision (ED) application in the fall and receive an early response. This is a binding agreement that requires attendance if accepted. Early Decision I & II (ED) - ED I deadlines traditionally fall in
- [Toni Morrison and the Perfect College Essay](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/toni-morrison-and-perfect-college-essay/) - (Originally published August 12, 2019) How one of America’s bravest voices teaches us to nail the dreaded personal statement "I’m a believer in the power of knowledge and the ferocity of beauty, so from my point of view, your life is already artful – waiting, just waiting, for you to make it art,” Toni Morrison,
- [“I Don’t Get It”: 5 Things to Say When You Don’t Get Something in Class](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/i-dont-get-it-5-things-say-when-you-dont-get-something-class/) - You’re in class, following along, taking notes, and then the teacher says something you don’t understand. All around you, your classmates are nodding their heads confidently. They all seem to be comprehending just fine. What should you do? First, know that if you’re confused, then there are at least 4 or 5 other kids who
- [How to Adult](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/how-to-adult/) - By Joi Donaldson As you may have heard, we millennials have ruined everything. You, the person sitting in the Gen Z driving seat, are careening towards a world already on fire. But fret not: here are a few tips to navigate the holes we’re trying so desperately to fill on this side of adulthood. Your
- [Getting to Know Your College Counselor](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/getting-know-your-college-counselor/) - Welcome to high school! In addition to juggling new classes and new responsibilities, you’ll also be meeting lots of new people, including classmates, teachers, and your college counselor. "Wait, what?! My college counselor? I'm just starting 9th grade!" Now let's be clear: we’re not saying you should be starting your college search right now! In
- [The Value of Your Vocabulary](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/value-your-vocabulary/) - Congratulations! You’ve made it past middle school. For some of you, that means those pesky secondary school admissions tests are long behind you. You may also have even heard your older siblings or friends talk about the fact that there are no vocabulary questions on the SAT or ACT. Excellent! This certainly means you can
- [Being Present Now While Looking Ahead to the Future](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/keeping-focus-multi-screen-world/) - Junior year is much like having two monitors on your desk. On one screen, you see your current life: AP classes, debate team, culture club president, captain of the swim team. On the other monitor, sitting just next to present reality, sits future plan: college, and each screen is pulling for your attention. The juggle has
- [12 Tips to Assist Your Executive Functions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/12-tips-assist-your-executive-functions/) - We talk a lot about executive functions like creativity, time management, persistence, and planning. But that’s a lot to process. With school starting soon, you may need to be more independently engaged, organized, and motivated than you have been in the past. We thought we’d give you a quick cheat-sheet to help you stay effective
- [Understanding the Common Application, the Coalition Application, and Other Options.](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/understanding-common-application-coalition-application-and-other-options/) - Senior Year is nearly here, and you are feeling ready! You’ve spent time researching colleges, building a balanced list, and imagining brilliant essay ideas. It is time to move your college process from the theoretical to the actual. It is time … for APPLICATIONS. (For information on the 2021-2022 application cycle and the COVID-19 pandemic,
- [SSAT vs. ISEE](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-preparation/ssat-vs-isee/) - We encourage students to find the test – whether the SSAT or the ISEE – that works for them and to prepare for that test. However, sometimes students will perform about the same on both tests or will simply want to give both the SSAT and the ISEE a try. How should students best go
- [The Latest Trends in College Admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/latest-trends-college-admissions/) - PrepMatters has just released the 2019-2020 edition of its Top Colleges Requirements Chart. Having prepared and presented it for a decade or so, it would be easy to look at it and think it’s the “same old, same old” – but not so. Although the columns have remained largely the same, it nonetheless bears witness to
- [Stay Confident, Avoid Distraction, and Keep Your Eyes on the Prize](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/reduce-stress-privacy-mode/) - Ah, the sound of silence. The unnatural quiet of senior year when, come fall, the college application process kicks into full gear. You and your friends stop talking about college plans and begin creating and submitting applications. The public discussion of college lists and top choices have now turned private, and most students hold their
- [Help! The PSAT is Right Around the Corner!](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/help-psat-next-week/) - At this point, junior year is in full swing, and you now understand what all your upperclassmen friends have been warning you about. You’ve likely got a test or paper under your belt in each of your classes and are in the process of finding the balance of managing a heavier workload and more responsibility
- [College Applications: It's All in the Details](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/thoroughness/) - College applications are work, plain and simple, no doubt about it. You’ve got to fill in the form details on top of writing all those essays and getting letters of recommendation. You have to manage deadlines and document your activities. Almost all students are aware of these requirements, but what often gets overlooked — whether
- [Responsibility in High School Admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/responsibility-high-school-admissions/) - Many families with eighth grade students are well into the process of looking at potential secondary schools for their children. Although parents naturally want to do everything possible to ensure successful entry into the right school, it is important to recognize the opportunities presented during this process to shift agency and responsibility to children. Engaging
- [Senior Year: What to Expect](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/why-senior-year-isnt-the-time-to-slack-off/) - It is true that junior year grades are paramount, but colleges do consider senior year transcripts. Work hard and continue to prepare, because this fall will be the busiest yet. Colleges want to admit individuals who are committed, engaged, and exuberant participants in life. Balancing standardized tests, athletic events, activities, jobs, family and friends is
- [9 Tips for Your Best Sleep](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/9-tips-your-best-sleep/) - Many of us know how crucial sleep is to our daily lives and how a lack of sleep can cause major short- and long-term issues. We know that we need self-care and can’t help others if we don’t care for ourselves. Yet, with our loads of priorities and attempts at self-soothing in a complicated time,
- [How to Take Control in High School](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/high-school-dont-let-it-happen-you/) - Originally published January 10, 2019 Welcome to the new year! We hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season! Ideally, you are continuing to turn in superior assignments, participate in every class, contribute to your extracurricular activities, and generally stay on top of the ever-increasing mountain of responsibilities coming your way. Much more
- [Why Do I Have to Outline? (And Other Tips for Starting Your Essay)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/why-do-i-have-outline-and-other-tips-starting-your-essay/) - Have you ever gotten halfway through a writing assignment, only to realize you have no idea what you’re saying or if you’re even addressing the topic? Yeah, us too. That’s why one of the first assignments you’re likely to get this year is the dreaded paper outline. Outlines might seem like busy work engineered by
- [How Many Test Prep Sessions Should We Have?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-preparation/how-many-test-prep-sessions-should-we-have/) - Originally published October 2, 2019 When meeting with parents, this is the most frequent question I get asked, so obviously I’m very experienced answering this simple, logical question. The answer is “I don’t know.” I completely understand that this is a frustrating answer. The entire application process is complex and tiring, and offering this simple
- [Major Changes at the ACT: Retaking Individual Sections, Online Testing, and Superscoring](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/major-changes-act-retaking-individual-sections-online-testing-and-superscoring/) - Originally published October 8, 2019 NOTE! ACT Changes have been postponed since this blog was posted. The ACT has just announced that beginning in September 2020, students will have more options about how they take the ACT exam. These include three fairly important changes: 1. Students will be able to retake specific
- [How to Approach the SSAT and ISEE Essays](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-preparation/how-approach-ssat-and-isee-essays/) - The essay is the first section that students tackle on the SSAT and their final task on the ISEE. On the ISEE, each student is given 30 minutes to answer a single prompt — typically, a question that asks for their position on a somewhat-relatable issue for students (say, “Do you think the driving age
- [The Right Test, On the Right Day, In the Right Way](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/ssat-flex-tests/) - Standardized testing is a long, drawn-out experience, one that can be stressful to navigate. It’s helpful to determine the right test to take and, from there, to focus the investment of time and energy into that test. Although families are balancing ever-changing schedules, current school needs, and the expectations of potential schools, it is also
- [High School Admissions Research: 6 Tips for Families](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/high-school-admissions-research-six-tips-families/) - In the fall of eighth grade, students are taking on some of their most challenging courses to date, enjoying the last year of middle school, and preparing to enter their high school career. In the midst of all this, it is important for parents to make time to help students familiarize themselves with potential landing
- [Why Do Test Scores Go Up and Down? (Consistency is Hard)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-preparation/why-do-test-scores-go-and-down-consistency-hard/) - I often deemphasize the score from individual practice tests, and I worry that this makes parents suspicious. “Like jazz, it’s about all the mistakes they didn’t make!” Here are some actual reasons your child’s score could vary from test-to-test — all of which address the challenges to being consistent: First, students will leave practice one
- [Selective High School Summer Programs](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/selectivehighschoolsummerprograms/) - The temperature is cooling down and leaves are changing colors. School is well underway and the calendar is speeding toward Thanksgiving holiday festivities. Why is summer planning suddenly up for discussion now? There is a practical answer to this question: selective summer programs for high school students may have surprisingly early deadlines in the late
- [What Role Do Scores Play in High School Admissions?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/role-scores-play-high-school-admissions/) - As fall takes a firm position in our lives and the winter holidays loom on the horizon, our students are visiting schools (in person or remotely) and preparing for the next round of standardized tests. Clearly, we want our students to maximize their scores and to give themselves as many options as possible. We want
- [The PSAT is Done – Now it’s Time to Check Out the ACT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/psat-done-now-its-time-check-out-act/) - Originally published November 7, 2019 Congratulations on making it through the PSAT! I’m hoping you feel really good about it – and not just because it’s over! If you don’t, however, you certainly don’t need to stress, because colleges will never see those scores. But good, bad, or otherwise, you’ll be waiting until December for
- [ACT Science Section: What You Need to Know](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/act-science-section/) - ACT Science Overview Before discussing how to tackle science strategy, I want to note a few things about what skills the ACT science section tests. I’ll often introduce the science section as a "science" section, with a tongue-in-cheek eye roll and obvious air quotes. On the whole, it does not test whether we remember topics
- [Cracking the Private School Admissions Code](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/cracking-private-school-admissions-code/) - Even in a typical year, the private school admissions process is a daunting one. And like with everything else in 2020, it feels even more confusing this year. As you look forward to the spring of 2021 and think about how to get started on this journey, here is a quick round-up of what we
- [ACT English Section: What You Need to Know](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/act-english-section/) - ACT English Overview I often tell students I’m working with that the ACT and the SAT are bad tests. Why? I’ve been working with them for over 15 years and still can’t tell you what they really measure. It’s certainly not “intelligence” or IQ, there’s little correlation between test scores and grades, and test scores
- [Effective SSAT & ISEE Homework Habits](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-preparation/effective-ssat-isee-homework-habits/) - Effective homework for the SSAT and ISEE means working smarter, not working harder. While breezing through half a box of flashcards in a week may give you a fleeting sense of accomplishment, try remembering those words in two weeks. Now, try remembering them in two months, when it’s time to sit for your first official
- [Get More Sleep: How and Why We Recharge Our Brains](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/get-more-sleep-how-and-why-we-recharge-our-brains/) - We’ve all been there. It’s 12:30am on a Wednesday night, and you just want to finish your work and be done with it. You finally crawl into bed around 1am, hoping that the next five hours bring a blissful and rejuvenating sleep … only to awaken and find yourself woefully unenergized and under-enthused for the
- [How to Speak Up for Yourself](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/how-speak-yourself/) - Have you ever lost your voice? Be it from a nasty cold, screaming at a game, or laughing so hard you couldn’t breathe? It’s a helpless feeling, one where your most reliable way of communicating has been taken from you through no fault of your own. In not being able to speak up, we forfeit
- [9th Grade Nerves: Starting Strong in High School](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/9th-grade-nerves-starting-strong-high-school/) - Originally published January 21, 2020 For years now, you have been looking at the older students in your elementary and middle schools and thinking about what it will feel like to be an 8th grader — a leader of the school, the highest-known echelon of middle school achievement. And now that you’ve made it, high
- [What Can We Learn From Our SSAT or ISEE?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/what-can-we-learn-our-ssat-or-isee/) - The SSAT & ISEE Differ From Schoolwork When working with families on the SSAT and the ISEE, I make a clear distinction between academic success generally and success on standardized tests. There are several reasons for this. Nobody, especially not 11-to-14-year-olds, should feel that their value is measured by bubbling in the correct circles on
- [6 Common Questions About High School Admissions Testing](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/6-common-questions-about-high-school-admissions-testing/) - Recently, one of our most experienced SSAT tutors, Kate Kula, sat down with Katy Dunn, Director of Educational Planning, to discuss the most common questions they hear about private high school testing. Here’s the highlights of their conversation, with Kate interviewing Katy: 1. Should I submit the highest overall SSAT percentile score or the highest
- [Homework: How Parents Can Help Their Kids and How Kids Can Let Them](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/homework-how-parents-can-help-their-kids-and-how-kids-can-let-them/) - “Did you do your homework yet?” “Mom! I’ll do it. Stop bugging me about it!” …. “Is it done yet?” “AAAAAAARRGGGHH!” Sound familiar to you? I hope it doesn’t, but it just might. Fights over homework are all too common but avoidable. So why are they happening? Read on to learn some reasons they might
- [How to Improve Your Writing: Three Easy Tips](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/three-easy-tips-improving-your-writing/) - Sometimes, learning how to write effective academic essays can feel overwhelming. You need to worry about your argument, your examples, your overall structure, and on and on. But there are a few simple steps you can take to improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. In today’s blog post, we’ll focus on some easy
- [10 Tools to for a Writer’s Block Emergency](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/10-steps-getting-through-writers-block-emergency/) - Let’s not mess around: we’ve all had writer’s block and sometimes need help. It doesn’t mean that we’re special or broken or misunderstood geniuses or fools. Our muses are not at the bottom of a Netflix binge or a pot of coffee or a box of crackers. Working with our writer’s block is a learnable
- [Growing a Healthy Mindset](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/growing-healthy-mindset/) - There are those who have a natural inclination towards music. Some can stay on perfect pitch, while others command their instruments, effortlessly producing beautiful, precise notes. We also know those natural athletes who are able to coordinate their limbs to master sports with great strength, dexterity, and grace. Still others seem naturally good at developing
- [After the Tests: Lessons from the SSAT, ISEE, & HSPT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/after-tests-lessons-ssat-isee-hspt/) - Congratulations on making it through the middle school testing season! You can finally file, recycle, or burn all of your study materials. Hopefully, the experience turned out to be more pleasant or productive than you originally expected. At the least, you can say that it’s behind you. As you return to your regularly scheduled school
- [Stress and Strategies for Balance](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/stress-and-strategies-balance/) - If all goes according to plan, high school will be a stressful time for you. Wait. What? I can count on stress? Yep. Stress is a natural consequence of adjusting to new environments. In addition, stress is the result of operating at the edge of your capacity, whether physically, intellectually, or emotionally. You know the
- [Goal Setting with Minecraft](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/goal-setting-minecraft/) - My kid loves Minecraft. The t-shirts, the wallpapers, watching videos on YouTube. On days they're free to do nothing on purpose, it’s their go-to game. As an outsider, watching the lead-up to Minecraft is like watching someone prepare for an outdoor excursion. There’s a bowl of something: cereal, popcorn, sunflower seed shells, juice, a pillow,
- [Finishing 8th Grade Strong](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/finishing-8th-grade-strong/) - Transitions are tricky. If you are staring down the last few months of 8th grade, you probably feel a mix of excitement and nervous energy, perhaps along with some love of your school and even just plain annoyance at the people around you. Transitions like this one usually come with deeply mixed emotions for everyone,
- [Launching the College Search](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/launching-the-college-search/) - Originally published February 13, 2020 You're on the verge of starting a brand-new venture. Here are a few tips on how to check in with yourself and your goals along the way. By Getting Organized Opening and organizing your physical space is a healthy way to begin. Clear the clutter of the past and create
- [Reading: Putting the FUN in Fundamental](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/reading-putting-fun-fundamental/) - It might now seem like a long way off, but in just a couple of years, you’re going to start thinking about applying to college. Part of that, of course, is taking the SAT or ACT, and you’re undoubtedly going to be doing focused test-prep to get ready. The breakdown of each test is pretty
- [Research + Reflection = A Good College Fit](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/research-reflection-good-college-fit/) - Originally published March 11, 2020 When developing your list of potential colleges, there is a particular back-and-forth that can guide you to finding the very best fit for you. Whether you hit college campuses on foot during spring break or begin your investigation online, keep in mind that this motion involves two strokes: research and
- [What Netflix's Cheer Teaches Us about College Admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/what-netflixs-cheer-teaches-us-about-college-admissions/) - Originally published January 27, 2020 (Slight spoilers ahead) Fifteen minutes into Netflix’s new sports documentary, Cheer, and I was lost in admiration for the athleticism of the young people on the screen. Four or five hours in, I realized it was so much more. If you haven’t seen this latest cultural phenomenon, what you need
- [Spring: The Season for .... AP Exams and SAT Subject Tests?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/spring-season-ap-exams-and-sat-subject-tests/) - UPDATE! All SAT Subject Tests are now a thing of the past. See more info here. Ah, spring! You’re finally creeping out from under winter's midterms and semester projects, ready to embrace the growing season of a new year. As such, you’ll want to turn your attention to some of the excitement spring has to
- [What to Do When You've Been Waitlisted](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/what-do-when-youve-been-waitlisted/) - Winter, such as it was, is ending. We have leapt forward and are staring at the prospect of a new spring. Along with the budding flowers and the inconsistent weather, school admissions decisions have also arrived. Hopefully, several schools have extended a letter of acceptance. You probably also received at least one notice that you
- [Summer Activities Before Starting High School](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/summer-activities-starting-high-school/) - So, What Should I Do With My Last Summer Before High School? Here you are. You’ve almost made it. Middle school will very shortly be in your rearview mirror. Just beyond the end of the school year lies another summer, then, at last, high school. Of course, it is not just another summer. This summer,
- [The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/the-more-things-change-the-more-they-stay-the-same/) - Keeping up with the changes to your student’s education right now isn’t easy. As I’m writing this and as you’re reading this, school districts and states are extending school cancellations, the College Board and the ACT are delaying more tests, and colleges are announcing temporary test-optional policies. It’s a fast-moving train that’s set my head
- [The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/the-more-things-change-the-more-they-stay-the-same-2/) - Aaron Golumbfskie Keeping up with the changes to your student’s education right now isn’t easy. As I’m writing this and as you’re reading this, school districts and states are extending school cancellations, the College Board and the ACT are delaying more tests, and colleges are announcing temporary test-optional policies. It’s a fast-moving train that’s set
- [College Admissions During the Coronavirus Pandemic: The Paradox of Grace in College Admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/college-admissionduring-the-coronavirus-pandemic-the-paradox-of-grace-in-college-admissions/) - Katy Dunn and Jeff Knox have served hundreds of students as independent educational consultants in the Washington, DC area and thousands more in other capacities. Their combined experience in education includes high school administration, classroom teaching, college admissions, and college access. In just the last three weeks, the two of us have interacted with nearly
- [What Matters to You: Exploring Passions and Pastimes](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/what-matters-to-you-exploring-passions-and-pastimes/) - There has been a great deal of loss during these recent weeks, and we are all looking for silver linings. As I contemplate possible silver linings for PrepMatters students, I look for opportunities that could offer greater strength and insight regarding learning. I see, even in the midst of these difficult days, that there is
- [You, Only More So: Junior Year Extracurriculars During COVID-19](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/you-only-more-so-junior-year-extracurriculars-during-covid-19/) - These are strange times, but staying at home doesn’t mean becoming a recluse. Contact your friends and get creative! Juniors, here’s a bit of advice as you find yourself finishing out the academic year online. Remote connections are the way to go these days, but distance learning and social distancing shouldn’t get you to the
- [I'm Going into STEM. Why Do I Need to Learn to Write?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/im-going-into-stem-why-do-i-need-to-learn/) - A scientist I worked with once said, “If a picture is worth a thousand words, then an equation is worth a thousand pictures.” Those of you laughing right now are probably STEM students. You know, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. You dream big dreams of curing cancer AND the flu. Perhaps you’re already testing machine learning
- [How to Write a Conclusion](https://prepmatters.com/blog/writing-a-college-essay/how-to-write-a-conclusion/) - Conclusions can be the hardest part of an essay to write. Your conclusion should sum up the most important pieces of your essay without simply repeating what you’ve already said. While you generally don’t want to introduce new information in your conclusion, the best conclusions will also put your arguments into a larger context and
- [How to Write an Introduction](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/how-to-write-an-introduction/) - When you’re writing an introduction, think of yourself as a prosecutor making opening arguments. You want to make a compelling case — one that you’ll spend the rest of the essay defending. There are typically three parts to an introduction: a “hook,” which draws the reader into your paper, a “setup,” which gives the reader
- [How do I add more analysis to my paper?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/writing-a-college-essay/how-do-i-add-more-analysis-to-my-paper/) - One of the most common pieces of feedback that my students get from their teachers is that they need to add more analysis to their papers. But how can you tell if your paper is analytical enough? In this post, we’ll look at how you can revise your paper to add more analysis to your
- [Making the Final School Choice](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/making-the-final-school-choice/) - By Jeff Knox and John Jones This is it. Your student has been working towards this very thing. They have taken tests, written essays, completed applications, interviewed with admissions, and visited school campuses—with your help, of course. The schools have sorted hundreds of applications and made their decisions. Your child has been accepted to some
- [How to Study Efficiently](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/how-to-study-efficiently/) - One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my 8th-grade science teacher had nothing at all to do with science. We were allowed a cheat sheet for a test: a single 3x5 index card with anything we wanted written on it. Thinking myself terribly clever, I found a very fine-point pen and proceeded to
- [How do I revise my paper? (And do I really have to?)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/writing-a-college-essay/how-do-i-revise-my-paper-and-do-i-really-have-to/) - Giving yourself time to edit your paper is the single most important step you can take to improve your grade. It’s also the step that students are the most likely to skip. I get it. Revising your paper takes time and planning. And, let’s be honest, with everything you’re juggling, you might feel lucky if
- [How do I add more detail to my paper?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/how-do-i-add-more-detail-to-my-paper/) - If your teacher tells you that your paper lacks detail, it likely means that you’re making big claims without supporting them through evidence from the text. The good news is that this means you’re probably making arguments in your paper. Now, you just need to make sure you have the evidence to support these arguments.
- [Is My Source Credible?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/is-my-source-credible/) - One of the most important aspects of developing a research paper is finding credible sources. Sources provide the evidence that you will use to build—and defend—your thesis. With so much information available online, it’s more important than ever to determine that you’re using only credible sources. But how can you tell if a source is
- [Gratitude in the Time of COVID](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/gratitude-in-the-time-of-covid/) - The local school system has new requirements for teachers and students every week. Your personal routines have been upended and remade more than once. The testing agencies are not giving you anywhere near as much clarity as you would like. On the state and national levels, officials give us a new set of directives with
- [Admission Cycle 2020: Waitlists](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/admission-cycle-2020-waitlists/) - Hello, Seniors: First, I want to say congratulations for your creativity, keen focus, kinetic flexibility, and social dexterity. You have demonstrated that you are college ready. You are definitely groundbreakers and history-makers because the activity of choosing a college under the current circumstances is not easy. Even the timing of decisions is variable. Some of
- [Senior Summer Suggestions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/senior-summer-suggestions/) - These are strange times, but staying at home doesn’t mean becoming a recluse. Remote connections are the way to go these days, but social distancing shouldn’t get you to the point where you become distant to your friends. Stay close to them, especially during challenging times such as these. Contact them and get creative! This
- [Launching the College Search](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/launching-the-college-search-2/) - Yay! Summer is just around the corner! Your virtual classes will come to an end, and new ideas and activities will replace the routine of Zoom meetings and homework. But what will summer look like this year? Will it be more of the same or will it hold something more? Life right now requires us
- [Test Prep: How Soon is Too Soon?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/how-soon-is-too-soon-for-test-prep/) - We get tons of questions from sophomores about when to start preparing for the SAT or ACT. In most years, we advise students to hold off on any test prep until sophomore year is in the books. Why? Well, the number one indicator of where you get to go to college is your grades, so
- [How Do I Start My History Research Paper?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/how-do-i-start-my-history-research-paper/) - Research papers are a great opportunity to explore your interests or discover new ones. But with so many potential topics to choose from and sources to navigate, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this post, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide to starting your history research paper. Step One: Pick a
- [What’s the Secret of the Best Tech Entrepreneurship? Solid Writing](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/whats-the-secret-of-the-best-tech-entrepreneurship-solid-writing/) - What is the biggest edge that today’s tech titans had over their early competitors? Better writers. Perhaps it was the founder, or maybe the first head of operations. How do I know? The pinnacles of entrepreneurism are reached by those who can tell a better story. Persuasion is key to success. While there are tales
- [The Key to Doing Real Science? Reading and Writing](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/the-key-to-doing-real-science-reading-and-writing/) - As I write this in spring 2020, labs around the world are working hard to understand a particular novel coronavirus. Perhaps when you’re reading this, the discoveries necessary to prevent or treat COVID-19 have been found (may it be true). If so, in your now, surely there is some other pressing problem that has researchers’
- [I’m Going into the Arts or Humanities. Why Do I Need to Care About STEM?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/im-going-into-the-arts-or-humanities-why-do-i-need-to-care-about-stem/) - I once was helping an art historian get a talk together for some scientists and engineers. She was worried that the audience would not find her presentation interesting. So I asked her what sort of tasks she does. As the curator of art installations that include lighting, she often finds herself working with pieces that
- [The Surprisingly Interesting History of the #2 Pencil](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/the-surprisingly-interesting-history-of-the-2-pencil/) - When test day rolls around, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need. This includes your ticket and photo ID, a bottle of water, a snack, a calculator, and a few trusty #2 pencils. “But why ‘#2,’ Mike?” you may ask. “All I ever see is #2 pencils. Can I even get a
- [Some of Our Favorite Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2020-2021 Edition](https://prepmatters.com/blog/writing-a-college-essay/some-of-our-favorite-supplemental-essay-prompts-2020-2021-edition/) - A review of essay prompts can be a great way to prepare for the writing process. I am supposed to write roughly 650 words, but on what? Of course, you will head straight for the Common Application prompts and prepare to stress out choosing one idea. But what about reading supplemental prompts and taking a mental walk around
- [What I Would Miss About Tutoring Online](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/what-i-would-miss-about-tutoring-online/) - I’ve intermittently worked with clients online for a decade, and I have previously written about some of the challenges to tutoring online. My view had largely been that online tutoring provided a service that was almost as good as meeting in person … ok, it’s fine, but it’s no genuine replacement. By necessity, I’ve gained
- [Hey, Seniors: Fall 2020 SAT/ACT: Register Now! Prep… Now?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/hey-seniors-fall-2020-sat-act-register-now-prep-now/) - I’ve been tutoring for over 15 years, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many kids looking forward to taking an SAT or ACT as there are this year. Some of you have one or two tests under your belt, while others are still looking for their first test after prepping for one that
- [The Rising Junior: Looking Ahead, Staying Grounded](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/the-rising-junior-looking-ahead-staying-grounded/) - Junior year is a bit different than high school past. Yes, it is true that this particular year is unlike any other year because we are living through a global pandemic. You saw your summer plans disappear or be reinvented online, and we are not quite sure how the fall back-to-school will unfold. What will
- [Zoom: Fly Like a Professional](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/zoom-fly-like-a-professional/) - Today, our course, Fast Track to Become an Airline Pilot, will highlight the topic, “How to Navigate the Cockpit.” In this episode, we will address important questions such as “Are all the buttons and knobs really necessary?” and “Are cabin crew uniforms functional or fashion forward?” My random discovery of internet flight training made me
- [How To Get Great Letters of Recommendation (Even During a Pandemic)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/how-to-get-great-letters-of-recommendation-even-during-a-pandemic/) - As I meet with many seniors this month, I ask a series of similar questions to get a sense of where everyone is on the admissions process spectrum. July is the time when it starts to move from an abstract idea of “Applying to College” to the concrete idea of “Actually Applying To these Colleges
- [Staying In But Remaining Strong](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/staying-in-but-remaining-strong/) - We are living in unusual times, ones that call for us to stay vigilant and take actions to protect our physical health. We will likely be navigating a shifting COVID landscape for the foreseeable future, and all of us need to prioritize our mental and emotional health. It’s important that you not lose sight of
- [SSAT Testing in 2021](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/ssat-testing-in-2020/) - For students considering the SSAT during the new testing year (August 1, 2021 – July 31, 2022), there are significant changes to available testing opportunities, and families will have several options to consider as they sketch out their child’s individual application plan. Register to Take the SSAT At Home Students may take the test via SSAT-At-Home.
- [Cultivating Responsibility Through High School Admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/cultivating-responsibility-through-high-school-admissions/) - Many families with rising 8th-grade students are well into the process of looking at potential secondary schools for their children. Although parents naturally want to do everything possible to ensure their student's successful entry into the right school, it is important during this process to recognize opportunities to shift a sense of responsibility for this
- [Making the Best of Online Learning](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/making-the-best-of-online-learning/) - There may be less transition time, less time being lectured about discipline issues, or less time waiting (for busses, teachers, and so on). There’s plenty to be said about working efficiently, and we’ll be following up with you every month about ways to be more tactical in your work.
- [From Public to Private: Managing the College Process](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/from-public-to-private-managing-the-college-process-2020-ed/) - Ah, the sound of silence. The unnatural quiet of senior year when, come fall, the college application process kicks into full gear. You and your friends have spent part of the summer brainstorming essay ideas or comparing notes on the activities section. Spoofing or upping each other on outlandish details can be fun. (Activity: Rescue
- [Independent High School Admissions Policies](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/independent-high-school-admissions-policies/) - Mid-September is the time of year when independent schools update their admissions policies, and this year, there is much for schools to consider as they endeavor to balance public health concerns, equity and access, and the admissions models that they have come to rely on. One of the primary questions that parents (and admission officers)
- [Managing Your Remote Learning Time](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/managing-your-remote-learning-time/) - By Aaron Golumbfskie & Ryan Warren We’re now several weeks into the school year, and what we’ve been hearing from you is that this semester’s online learning is very different from last year’s. Last spring, schools and teachers were just trying to weather the storm and get to June. This is a new year, however,
- [Science: What's in a Name?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/science-whats-in-a-name/) - Welcome to physics, chemistry, or biology class, young scientist. Here you sit, excited to unravel the mysteries of the universe — to learn how the interplay of unseen forces can impress themselves upon matter at a distance, how a confusion of billions upon billions of molecules conspires to produce properties you can see and touch,
- [Preparing (or Not) for the PSAT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/preparing-or-not-psat/) - Summer is officially over, and the leaves have begun to fall. That means that one of the great fall traditions, the PSAT, is almost upon us. This year, the PSAT is being offered on several dates: Wednesday, October 13; Saturday, October 16; or the alternate date of Tuesday, October 26. Check with your school’s guidance
- [ACT Reading Section: What You Need To Know](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/act-reading-section-what-you-need-to-know/) - In our English classes, our teachers have frequently told us to “go deeper” or to “go farther” or to “find our own analysis.” Those are great for English class. Don’t do that on the ACT.While the ability to read and mostly understand short passages is a prerequisite for the reading portion of the ACT, it’s
- [Good News!](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/good-news/) - There are a couple of good news items to share with you this month. While 2020-2021 may be a bit different than a typical school year, given our remote and masked classrooms, I have heard some good things about what is opening up for students this fall that I want to share with you. For
- [How to Take Control in High School (Even During a Pandemic)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/how-to-take-control-in-high-school-even-during-a-pandemic/) - As we continue navigating our way through an evolving global pandemic, we welcome in the new school year. We hope that over the summer, you and your family had a chance to relax, refresh, and even change the scenery for a while. Perhaps you were able to take a step back from your Zoom calls
- [7 Ways to Take Advantage of Sophomore Year (2021-22 ed.)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/7-ways-to-take-advantage-of-sophomore-year-even-remotely/) - The transition from freshman to sophomore year of high school is rooted in the refinement of your goals and intentions. You’ll want to continue shaping exactly what it is that defines your passions and vision so that you can set yourself up to successfully pursue those interests with direction and challenge yourself with a strong academic
- [Launching High School: Developing Routines & Building Your Winning Team](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/launching-high-school-developing-routines-building-your-winning-team/) - Freshman year is full of new opportunities! High school courses, homework, new ways of doing school, and your calendar are all central to your day. This year, you are busy learning how high school works and what your freshmen year will look like in-person. Yes! You can start high school with real people, which will
- [State of the SAT and ACT: Test Availability and Test Optional](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/state-of-the-sat-and-act-test-availability-and-test-optional/) - It’s been difficult lately to keep up with all the news about the SAT and ACT, and we do this professionally! You’re likely wondering what to make of so many colleges and universities going test optional and whether students are actually taking the tests. And, more importantly, whether you should look to take a test!
- [Preparing for College Interviews, Whether Remote or In-Person](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/preparing-for-remote-college-interviews/) - Prepare with practice and research. Relax and reveal yourself. Remember to express yourself in writing: write a thank-you note. The college interview rarely makes or breaks an admission decision, but it can be an important component of your application. Before you even begin to get nervous, however, check to see if the interview is a
- [Science: Questions, Answers, and Lies](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/science-questions-answers-and-lies/) - When we last checked in, you were all about naming things. That’s going to continue throughout your class, of course, as you learn new systems and structures, but you’re now finally asking questions and getting answers. Hopefully, they are questions for which you can clearly see how someone might care about their answers: How do
- [Why Gratitude is Good for You](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/why-gratitude-is-good-for-you/) - It may seem a dubious proposition during challenging times — of which we've had plenty lately — but please allow me to make a case for gratitude. Gratitude?!? Yep, gratitude. (Thanks for reading! Always good to practice what I preach.) First, a quick caveat: I will not lecture about the reasons anyone should be grateful. Rather, I'd
- [Spaced Learning](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/spaced-learning/) - Have you ever looked at your notes from last year, last month, or last week and asked yourself, “What is this?!?” If you’ve wondered how you could have completely forgotten something you were sure you had learned, you’re not alone. While there are many reasons for that phenomenon, one explanation lies in the very nature
- [Taking a Sophomore PSAT: How and Why?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/taking-a-sophomore-psat-how-and-why/) - You might have noticed that the PSAT that usually happens in the fall didn’t happen this year. As of now, the rescheduled date is January 26, though actually hosting the test remains at the discretion of your school. If you’ve already been notified about the test happening, that’s great! If not, PrepMatters is hosting a
- [College Board Subject Tests Discontinued](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/college-board-subject-tests-discontinued/) - Today, the College Board announced the end of the Subject Test program, effective immediately. We’ve long seen this change coming, since fewer and fewer colleges required subject tests, culminating in 2020, when they were no longer required for admission at any schools. The College Board spent the last decade overhauling both the SAT and all
- [Five Tips for Wooing Your Colleges](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/five-tips-for-wooing-your-colleges/) - So, Valentine’s Day isn’t far off, and that prompts the eternal question: does absence make the heart grow fonder? I must respond with a wholehearted yes — at least with regard to those colleges and universities that track demonstrated interest, or DI. When separated from those we care about, we often reach out to them
- [Talk Amongst Yourselves](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/talk-amongst-yourselves/) - Missing those friends, right? With February being the month of Valentine’s Day, it may be time to recognize that absence really does make the heart grow fonder, and that, when separated from those we care about, we can reach out to them in new ways, taking advantage of the opportunity to strengthen our bonds. We’ve
- ["They Don’t Do That for You in High School"](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/they-dont-do-that-for-you-in-high-school/) - Eighth-grade teachers love to say, “Your high school teachers aren’t going to do that for you next year!” High school is an important transition, and teachers are trying to help you establish your academic independence. One of the key ways we’ve seen this refrain ring through is in the day-to-day management of your assignments. Chasing
- [What to Make of the Test-Optional Movement](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/what-to-make-of-the-test-optional-movement/) - What to Make of the Test-Optional Movement (2022 edition) One of the biggest question marks in college admissions has become, “What does ‘test-optional’ really mean?” And the answer, like many things in the higher education landscape, seems to be rapidly evolving as we get further from the pandemic-linked rush towards test-optional pilot programs. In this
- [Science: Studying Systems, Drawing Connections](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/science-studying-systems-drawing-connections/) - Now that you’re coming up on the close of the year in your science class, I’d encourage you to try to think about the big picture. Science is very much about the study of systems and how their different components interact — so why not try thinking about your science class in the same way?
- [Mental Math Tricks & Hacks](https://prepmatters.com/blog/academic-tutoring/mental-math-tricks-hacks/) - People of a certain age (ask your parents, they’ll confirm) will remember a time when, if students complained about “no calculators allowed” math tests, the teacher would say that “you won’t always have a calculator in your pocket, you need to be able to do without.” Well, the math teachers of yore were completely wrong
- [SAT Writing: What You Need to Know](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/sat-writing-what-you-need-to-know/) - by John Jones with Ian Lekus and Natalie Lempert The Basics The SAT’s Writing & Language section is one of the four scored sections on the test. The point totals from this section are combined with those from the Reading section to give the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score. This score, which has a
- [High School Course Selection: Plan, Balance, and Tell Your Story](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/high-school-course-selection-plan-balance-and-tell-your-story/) - One of the most critical and yet often least-considered choices you make in high school is your annual selection of classes. Through 8th grade, your classes have mostly been decided for you, but with the freedom and independence of high school comes the pressure of starting to determine your own academic pathway. Some students float
- [High School Academics: Math](https://prepmatters.com/blog/academic-tutoring/high-school-academics-math/) - Each month, our team of tutors will introduce you to a key academic subject and offer you a guide to what to expect. Once you start high school, you’ll take a mix of required courses and electives spanning STEM (math, science, and technology), the humanities and social sciences (including English, history, geography, economics, and psychology),
- [Springing from Summer to High School](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/springing-from-summer-to-high-school/) - The end of the school year will soon be upon us. You’ll finally be free — at least for a few months — from the challenges you’ve seen in school this year and last. It will be another chance for something new. Hopefully, you already have plans to enjoy the upcoming summer, and ideally, you
- [High School Academics: English](https://prepmatters.com/blog/academic-tutoring/high-school-academics-english/) - Each month, our team of tutors will introduce you to a key academic subject and offer you a guide to what to expect. Once you start high school, you’ll take a mix of required courses and electives spanning STEM (math, science, and technology), the humanities and social sciences (including English, history, geography, economics, and psychology),
- [Seniors ‘22: Stay the Course](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/seniors-21-stay-the-course/) - Hello, Seniors: You’ve officially moved into the final phase of your college research. Congratulations! The strength and independence you’ve relied on will serve you extremely well in college. With the season of college decisions upon us, now is the time for us to take one more look at your personal college search. Balance and Perspective
- [How to Adult, Part II](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/how-to-adult-part-ii/) - When does adulthood start? Right on your 18th birthday? A little before, or maybe even years after? Where is the line? And why does that line have to be so dreadful? Other generations, Gen Z especially, have taken to making fun of millennials and our seemingly incessant need to “kidify” things. Even the term “adulting”
- [Class Participation is a Team Sport](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/class-participation-is-a-team-sport/) - For many of you, the last few weeks have brought a welcome return to the classroom for in-person learning. One of the silver linings of the pandemic has been a deeper appreciation of things we’ve all grown accustomed to taking for granted, and going to school definitely falls into that category. I can’t tell you
- [Your High School Science Journey](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/your-high-school-science-journey/) - Scientists have received a lot of attention over the past couple years. They have accomplished what few thought possible: the development of multiple life-saving vaccines for a brand-new disease in record time. Where would we be without them? As brilliant and knowledgeable as these scientists are, they weren’t born knowing how to create these vaccines.
- [High School Math: It’s Different, but Mostly the Same](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/high-school-math-its-different-but-mostly-the-same/) - By Massiha "Moose" Habibi High School Math. Alright, if you read that and groaned, my first points are for you. The big challenge with math in high school tends to be how it builds upon itself. What do I mean? Well, in your history class, you can answer questions about Rome even if you don’t
- [Setting Your Own Course: How to Identify What Interests You](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/setting-your-own-course-how-to-identify-what-interests-you/) - As a teenager heading towards high school, you’re probably exploring new roles and taking on new responsibilities. You’re making more of your own choices while also helping out your family, friends, and other peers. With all of that going on, it’s easy to overlook your responsibility for your own happiness and fulfillment. OK, you may
- [High School Transcripts Explained](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/high-school-transcripts-explained/) - There are lots of exciting changes just waiting for you over the next four years of high school. One of those changes will be how your academic accomplishments are recorded. Yes, you will still receive report cards, as always, but your grades and classes will also be listed in a permanent document called your transcript.
- [Some of Our Favorite Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2021-2022 Edition](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/some-of-our-favorite-supplemental-essay-prompts-2021-2022-edition/) - A review of essay prompts can be a great way to prepare for the writing process. If you’re anything like me, you might be asking yourself, “I’m supposed to write roughly 650 words — but on what, exactly?” You can head straight for the Common Application prompts and stress yourself out trying to choose the one “right” idea. But
- [Best Piece of Essay Advice](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/best-piece-of-essay-advice/) - Writing your essays like you need to doIs hard and it’s tricky, confusing, it’s true.So it sounds pretty niceTo seek out adviceBut how do you know what is helpful? And who? And so I introduce to you: Reader One and Reader Two My meager attempts at iambic pentameter aside, I want to talk about what
- [The Jump to High School Research: Active Learning](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/the-jump-to-high-school-research-active-learning/) - I recently asked my daughter, who is nearing the end of her freshman year of high school, what she would have wanted to know at the beginning of this year that she knows now. Her answer? “I needed help learning how to research. That really helped my learning in all classes click.” This was not
- [Try It!  Stepping Out of the Routine](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/try-it-stepping-out-of-the-routine/) - We know that sticking to a routine — a steady rhythm of study, play, sleep, repeat — can be really productive and leave you feeling great! It can help you get your homework done and finish long-term projects, all while also giving you the time bond with your friends, teammates, and other peers. A reliable
- [Cracking the Private School Admissions Code (2021-22 ed.)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/cracking-the-private-school-admissions-code-2021-22-ed/) - Watching this mom walk out of my office, less anxious than when she arrived, I thought about our conversation — a frequent one I have with 8th grade parents as the fall application season starts to take shape. All of them have started to recognize that the private school admissions process in the DMV (and
- [Math in the Time of COVID](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/math-in-the-time-of-covid/) - If you’re like many of my students, I suspect you’re really happy to see the inside of a school building this fall. For many of you, the best parts of school are back: spending time with your friends, sports and extracurriculars, and just getting out of the house you’ve spent way too much time in
- [Test-Optional Private School Admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/test-optional-private-school-admissions/) - One truism that we often see in education is a policy trickle-down effect. Often, something gets enacted at the higher education level, and a few years later, we start to see that policy gain momentum at the secondary school level. The latest version of this pattern is Test-Optional Admissions. The Washington, DC area is disproportionately
- [5 Tips for Hitting Refresh on Extracurriculars](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/5-tips-for-hitting-refresh-on-extracurriculars/) - This fall, you’ll be heading into your school building to spend your classes, lunch, and extracurricular time with your classmates and friends. Although many of us will be masked and social distancing, it is an exciting time to get moving in all the ways that make high school a fun social experience. So, good luck
- [How to Write the Supplemental College Essay on Your Activities](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/how-to-write-the-supplemental-college-essay-on-your-activities/) - This blog is part of our series on how to write the college application supplemental essays. Check out our blogs on some of the other commonly asked questions, including those about “why us?,” diversity, creativity, and community. Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities. Discuss its significance or why it’s been meaningful to you.
- [How to Write the Supplemental College Essay on Creativity](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/how-to-write-the-supplemental-college-essay-on-creativity/) - This blog is part of our series on how to write the college application supplemental essays. Check out our blogs on some of the other commonly asked questions, including those about “why us?,” diversity, your community, and your activities. I have been asked about my creativity. What do I do now? Creativity is a key
- [How to Write the Supplemental College Essay on Diversity](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/how-to-write-the-supplemental-college-essay-on-diversity/) - This blog is part of our series on how to write the college application supplemental essays. Check out our blogs on some of the other commonly asked questions, including those about “why us?,” community, creativity, and your activities. Supplemental college essay prompts that ask about diversity have been around for years, but they are starting
- [How to Write the Supplemental College Essay on Your Community](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/how-to-write-the-supplemental-college-essay-on-your-community/) - This blog is part of our series on how to write the college application supplemental essays. Check out our blogs on some of the other commonly asked questions, including those about “why us?,” diversity, creativity, and your activities. What’s the Point of the Community Essay? Many colleges will ask you to write about a community
- [How to Write the Supplemental College Essay on “Why Us?”](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/how-to-write-the-supplemental-college-essay-on-why-us/) - This blog is part of our series on how to write the college application supplemental essays. Check out our blogs on some of the other commonly asked questions, including those about diversity, creativity, community, and activities. The “Why Us?” essay is the college essay prompt that asks you to explain why the given school is
- [Parent Essays for Private Schools](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/private-school-admissions-parent-essays/) - Sometimes they look a little sheepish when they ask. “Katy, do you have any advice for us about the parent questions?” The private school admissions process is often one that seems to throw unexpected curveballs every step along the way. And right when it feels like you are rounding third base, you notice that the
- [Private School Admissions Student Essays: What Do I Say?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/private-school-admissions-student-essays-what-do-i-say/) - One of the most stressful parts of the private school admissions process is the looming idea of writing an essay, or even multiple essays. In many ways, the essays make this process feel much like the dreaded college admissions process, even though you may be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade now. I work with
- ["What Are You Doing for Others?"](https://prepmatters.com/blog/school-admissions/what-are-you-doing-for-others/) - Community service has been on my mind a lot lately. When January rolls around, we have two huge opportunities to think about the role that service can play in our lives. On the third Monday in January, we celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A few weeks later, on the third
- [Meaning, Memes & Mathematics](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/meaning-memes-mathematics/) - "Oh No! Our table! It's broken!" For those not on Tiktok – I should explain. "Sounds" are small audio clips that users can easily attach to play over their short videos. The quote above is the content of a very popular (and charming) one of those sounds. Now that we're caught up, many of the
- [The College Interview: How to Schedule and Prepare](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/the-college-interview-how-to-schedule-and-prepare/) - Demonstrated interest—actions you take that help a college gauge how much you want to enroll—is on the rise. More colleges are tracking and assigning value to how much love you show them. As a prospective student preparing for a college interview, you can show love in a number of ways, and for some colleges, one
- [In-Person School: A Return to Normalcy?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/in-person-school-a-return-to-normalcy/) - Students, families, and teachers alike were looking forward to returning to the school building this year, hoping to regain semblances of their normal routines. After last year’s virtual school and hybrid schedules, many students were eager to return to the building full-time, longing for the opportunity to socialize in person and engage in extracurricular activities
- [Freshman Year: Spring 2022 Remix](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/freshman-year-spring-2021-remix/) - Freshmen year, spring 2022. Ah, it must feel great to spend your freshman year in your high school’s classrooms and hallways, at club meetings and chorus practice, and on the basketball courts and soccer fields instead of on Zoom in your bedroom or closet. The safety practices of masking and distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic
- [5 Things for Waiting Seniors (& Other Teens) To Do Around Washington, DC](https://prepmatters.com/blog/uncategorized/5-things-waiting-seniors-can-do-around-washington-dc/) - The state of suspense that comes after hitting the submit button on your college applications is not an enviable position, to say the least. You’re likely playing out every possible scenario in your head – admitted, denied, wait-listed – trying to formulate a plan for every outcome. Every waking (and sleeping) hour is consumed by
- [AP, IB, Honors, and More: High School Course Selection](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/ap-ib-honors-and-more-high-school-course-selection/) - Choosing high school coursework requires thoughtful, year-by-year planning. This is important, because selecting the right courses for yourself will ensure that you are engaged and challenged and that you enjoy your work. In addition, the courses you take will directly impact your college planning. Your transcript — that is, your academic record — traces the
- [Authenticity and Your College Applications](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/authenticity-and-your-college-applications/) - The college search process can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing. I believe this to be especially true now, during the age of COVID, when schools have revamped their respective websites to provide copious amounts of information in place of in-person visits. Among the various pages that you’ve read during your search, I am certain that
- ["Kids Need Social Practice": An Interview with Phyllis Fagell](https://prepmatters.com/blog/life-skills/kids-need-social-practice-an-interview-with-phyllis-fagell/) - As we near the end of another COVID-impacted school year, I sat down with Phyllis Fagell, school counselor and author of Middle School Matters. I wanted to know what she is seeing in the halls of her school and in her work with parents, students, and teachers, as we all search for ways to recover
- [Some of Our Favorite Supplemental Essay Prompts (2022-2023 edition)](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/some-of-our-favorite-supplemental-essay-prompts-2022-2023-edition/) - A review of essay prompts can be a great way to prepare for the writing process. I am supposed to write roughly 650 words — but on what? Now, you will probably head straight for the Common Application prompts and prepare to stress out choosing one idea. But what about reading supplemental prompts and taking a mental walk
- [Don't fight over homework this year  ](https://prepmatters.com/blog/schoolwork-studying/dont-fight-over-homework-this-year/) - Ah, the start of a new school year! A time of promise. Also, of peril. Many parents expect big things, but are anxious about their child's knowledge and study habits. With college on the horizon, the demands of school will increase. If you are slightly concerned or curious about what to look for in the
- [College Planning Guide for Parents](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/parent-college-planning-guide/) - I have a friend, a writer in New York City, who is bright, engaging, and an inventor of words. In addition, she was a pro with the college process when supporting her two (quite different) kids through their admission journey. It was when her two children enrolled in college that she began referring to them
- [College Admissions: Why scores and statistics don’t result in acceptance anymore](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college-preparation/college-admissions-why-scores-and-statistics-dont-result-in-acceptance-anymore/) - Every winter, we see a pattern. Senior students with strong GPAs, usually 4.0+ from a solid high school, known for rigorous academics with an SAT score of 1500+ and ZERO college acceptances. Why does this pattern occur every year? And what steps can I take to ensure that my student does repeat the winter cycle?
- [PSAT: Underperformance and Next Steps](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/psat-underperformance-and-next-steps/) - When the PSAT scores arrive, they initiate a series of emotional and logical responses. Often when PSAT scores don’t meet expectations, emotional responses can be robust and create stress for students and parents. Many households erupt in tears, frustration, slammed doors, and disbelief, which leaves little room for logical responses to emerge. Accordingly, parents can
- [11 Things We Know About the Digital SAT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/test-prep/11-things-we-know-about-the-digital-sat/) - Here we go again. For the third time in less than 20 years, College Board is bringing to market, er, to students, a new version of its flagship exam, the SAT. This time, it’s digital. This is a long anticipated change, accelerated by (and perhaps given cover) by COVID-19, when 700,000 fewer students took the
- [Late to the ACT/SAT Party? Why Junior-Year Students Still Have Time to Prepare and Improve Scores](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college/late-to-the-act-sat-party-why-junior-year-students-still-have-time-to-prepare-and-improve-scores/) - If you are the parent of a junior-year student who hasn’t taken the ACT or SAT yet, you might feel a sense of panic this spring. Your student has been busy with school, sports, extracurriculars, and driving lessons. However, they haven’t had time to take or prepare for standardized tests. We get it, and you
- [You are not going to break math. Just try something.](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/you-are-not-going-to-break-math-just-try-something/) - I was working with a student the other day on some Algebra 2 concepts and the kid was struggling. I felt for the poor guy, but I couldn’t help myself and blurted out, “This must be what you feel like when you watch your grandmother use her cell phone.” He immediately looked at me, brow
- [Are you planning Spring Break college tours?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/are-you-planning-spring-break-college-tours/) - Spring Break is upon us, and many families capitalize on this time off from school by completing college tours. Utilizing this time off from school to get your student on college campuses is excellent. Here are three ways to maximize the experience. 1. Take Notes: Encourage your student to take notes. When you go on
- [Dream School = More Competition for Your Student](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/dream-school-more-competition-for-your-student/) - "This is it. I've found my dream school." As a parent, these words are likely golden in your ears. After many conversations about fit, countless road trips or flights to do in-person visits, virtual tours, and talks with admissions counselors, alums, current students, friends, and even family, your student has finally found their dream school.
- [Maintaining 6 Degrees of Separation: A parent’s guide to college planning](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/maintaining-6-degrees-of-separation-a-parents-guide-to-college-planning/) - Soon your teen will be at college, and you won't be there to make decisions for them. In this case, the path to choosing a college is a perfect learning ground for them to gain skills in making informed decisions – and an opportunity for you to choose the appropriate degree of involvement in their
- [College Essay FAQs: Parent Edition](https://prepmatters.com/blog/resources/college-essay-faqs-parent-edition/) - Essays are becoming an increasingly important part of the college application process. Essays are an opportunity to demonstrate personal skills that can differentiate students from their peers with top grades and test scores. Knowing the importance of application essay can result in students and families feeling uneasy, so here are a few FAQs and answers
- [4 Reasons to Prepare for the SAT or ACT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/sat-act/4-reasons-to-prepare-for-the-sat-or-act/) - As a parent or student entering the college admissions process, you might need clarification on the choices before you. Commonly we get classic questions like "What test should I take? ACT or SAT?" And more recently, "Why should I take the ACT or SAT if it is test-optional?" Out of all the questions we receive,
- [What the College Board Isn't Telling You About the Digital SAT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/sat-act/what-the-college-board-isnt-telling-you-about-the-digital-sat/) - The College Board just released details about its much-hyped digital SAT. It will debut here in the US in the spring of 2024, which means that the Class of 2025 will have a paper-and-pencil SAT in the fall, but a digital SAT in the spring. The College Board is telling students and colleges not to
- [Top 10 Reasons to Work with an Independent College Counselor](https://prepmatters.com/blog/academic-tutoring/top-10-reasons-to-work-with-an-independent-college-counselor-maureen-delaney/) - Explore the Top 10 Reasons to Work with an Independent College Counselor. Discover the benefits of partnering with experienced educational planning counselors for a successful college admissions journey.
- [How to Write a College Application Essay That Stands Out](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college-preparation/how-to-write-a-college-application-essay-that-stands-out/) - The college essay is growing in significance these days, and this is an exciting opportunity for students. Essays are the place to highlight strengths, skills, imagination, and they give students an opportunity to inject a creative hand and make their applications come alive. Applicants can also demonstrate writing and communications skills and thereby prove their
- [How much do SAT/ACT scores matter for my college application?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college-preparation/how-much-do-sat-act-scores-matter-for-my-college-application/) - In a test-optional environment, many families are unsure how much weight is given to test scores during the admissions process. Questions such as: should I, as a parent, encourage my student to pursue testing or, if my student is testing but isn’t getting the results they were hoping for, should they continue with further testing
- [Making Sense of Your Early Applications to College: Accepted, Not Accepted, Deferred? ](https://prepmatters.com/blog/college-preparation/accepted-not-accepted-deferred/) - Early Decision 1 and Early Action notifications will arrive soon—and will be ongoing through the month of December/January, so it’s best to prepare yourself for possible outcomes. Keep in mind that there are many factors that go into how colleges make decisions about individual applicants, many of which are far beyond the applicant’s control. However,
- [6 Tools of Curiosity](https://prepmatters.com/blog/study-skills/6-tools-of-curiosity/) - A very useful skill for all of us to possess is the ability to direct our curiosity. To many of us, curiosity often appears as a spontaneous miracle: a spark that ignites, seemingly from far beyond our control, and then sweeps us away. Perhaps someone with knowledge and charisma can catch our interest in a
- [Test Prep: How Soon is Too Soon?](https://prepmatters.com/blog/sat-act/test-prep-how-soon-is-too-soon/) - We get tons of questions from sophomores about when to start preparing for the SAT or ACT. Most years, we advise students to hold off on any test prep until sophomore year is in the books. Why? Well, the number one indicator related to college options is grades, so taking care of grades and coursework

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- [Mastering the College Essay - Webinar Recording](https://prepmatters.com/essay-webinar-watch-registration/) - The college application essay is now one of the most critical pieces in the admissions process. Your child will likely write 25 to 30 of them between now and fall when applications are due. By watching this webinar you will be on the right path to helping your child get a head start.
- [PrepMatters + IMF](https://prepmatters.com/prepmatters-imf/) - IMF Families, our team wants to ensure you have access to resources and knowledge to help your child succeed. Below you will find recordings of two webinars along with additional resources.
- [Welcome McLean Middle School Families](https://prepmatters.com/welcome-mclean-parents/) - Get Expert Test Prep, College Admissions Support, & Academic Coaching To Ensure your Childs Success At Our Mclean, VA Campus.
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- [College Journey Checklist: A Webinar for Parents of 2025 Graduates](https://prepmatters.com/events/college-journey-checklist-a-webinar-for-parents-of-2025-graduates/) - The webinar will be held on Thursday, September 28th, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Once you register for the webinar, you will receive an email with all the details, in addition to reminders leading up to the event.
- [Webinar: Mastering the College Essay](https://prepmatters.com/events/mastering-the-college-essay-a-webinar-for-parents-of-2024-graduates/) - Join Our Webinar For Parents Of 2024 Graduates To Gain Insights, Tips, & Strategies To Help Yur Student Craft An Outstanding College Essay.
- [Summer College Essay Workshops](https://prepmatters.com/events/summer-essay-workshops/) - Enhance Your Essay Writing Skiils To Impress Any University With Our Summer Essay Workshops At PrepMatters.
- [Summer Essay Workshops](https://prepmatters.com/events/summer-essay-workshops-3/) - College applications have drastically changed over the past two decades. With approximately 55% of college applicants boasting an A- average and many institutions adopting a test-optional policy, the college application essay has become a pivotal component of the admissions process. 2024 Graduates may need to write as many as 25 to 30 essays by the
- [Summer Essay Workshops](https://prepmatters.com/events/summer-essay-workshops-2/) - College applications have drastically changed over the past two decades. With approximately 55% of college applicants boasting an A- average and many institutions adopting a test-optional policy, the college application essay has become a pivotal component of the admissions process. 2024 Graduates may need to write as many as 25 to 30 essays by the
- [2022 Admissions Deadlines & Applications](https://prepmatters.com/events/2022-admissions-deadlines-applications/) - September 15 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Attend our September Town Hall to learn about the different admissions deadlines and applications – what options you have, and how to pick the ones that’ll work for you. PrepMatters Town Halls 2022 Series Our Town Halls feature a variety of educational experts tackling questions that continue to vex parents
- [2022 College Interviews](https://prepmatters.com/events/2022-college-interviews/) - October 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Attend our October Town Hall to hear about the different ways students will be interviewed for admission to college and how you can best prepare for your chance to showcase your unique personality in a memorable and charming manner. We will discuss: Best practices for online interviewing The difference between

## Team

- [Desiree Regusci](https://prepmatters.com/team/desiree-regusci/) - Bio Desiree is a California native whose career has taken her across some of the country's biggest markets — from San Francisco to Seattle, Boston, and now the DMV. She earned her bachelor's degree in Business, with a concentration in International Business, from California State University, Fresno. She began her career at a Fortune 500
- [Tom Manula](https://prepmatters.com/team/tom-manula/) - Discover personalized tutoring with Tom Manula at PrepMatters. Expert tutor in math and test prep, fostering a unique, stress-free learning experience.
- [Elena Valle](https://prepmatters.com/team/elena-valle/) - Elena earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Bates College where she developed a strong interest in understanding people and the ways they learn, communicate, and connect. She is drawn to the intersection of people and process, and loves that her work at PrepMatters allows her to bring the two together. Always curious, Elena loves
- [Gillian Page](https://prepmatters.com/team/gillian-page/) - Test
- [Abeer Iqbal](https://prepmatters.com/team/abeer-iqbal/)
- [Allison Cox](https://prepmatters.com/team/allison-cox/) - Allison was born and raised in Delaware, and she earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. She is excited to serve as Accounts Manager for PrepMatters. In that role, Allison is able to combine a few of her favorite things from her theatre training and her past work experiences:
- [Marla Cunningham](https://prepmatters.com/team/marla-cunningham/) - Marla grew up in the smallest state where she attended the University of Rhode Island and completed the Honors Program. She completed a thesis investigating feminine voice in popular literature, which culminated in a final presentation to faculty and students. Marla then made her way across the country where she worked in a private school for
- [Vinnie Pandolfo](https://prepmatters.com/team/vinnie-pandolfo/) - Vinnie Pandolfo, an experienced tutor, specializes in personalized education strategies to empower students and boost their confidence in academic success.
- [Peter Yeh Brown](https://prepmatters.com/team/peter-yeh-brown/) - Discover the transformative power of mindset with experienced SAT/ACT test prep tutor Peter Yeh Brown and achieve admission to top schools.
- [Michael DePalatis](https://prepmatters.com/team/michael-depalatis/) - Michael Depalatis helps students succeed with expert academic tutoring tailored to individual goals. Learn more at PrepMatters.
- [Massiha Habibi](https://prepmatters.com/team/massiha-habibi/) - SAT, ACT, and SSAT tutor Massiha Habibi offers personalized, effective strategies for standardized test success, focusing on technique and confidence.
- [Garrett Lowe](https://prepmatters.com/team/garrett-lowe/) - Get expert SAT and ACT tutoring with Garrett Lowe, a seasoned tutor focusing on personalized test prep strategies for students near Bethesda.
- [Laura Moore](https://prepmatters.com/team/laura-moore/) - Laura Moore, a versatile tutor with a passion for math and SAT prep, connects with students through her diverse experiences.
- [Kristina Trotta](https://prepmatters.com/team/kristina-trotta/) - SAT, ACT, and PSAT prep tutor Kristina Trotta offers personalized tutoring in a supportive environment, fostering student success and confidence with expert guidance.
- [Ashley Newman-Owens](https://prepmatters.com/team/ashley-newman-owens/) - Discover the joy of learning with Ashley Newman-Owens, an expert math, GMAT & GRE tutor at PrepMatters in Bethesda MD.
- [Kate Kula](https://prepmatters.com/team/kate-kula/) - Kate Kula offers personalized SAT, ACT, and PSAT tutoring, helping students develop effective strategies and build confidence for test day success.​
- [Rachel Jones](https://prepmatters.com/team/rachel-jones/) - Rachel Jones is an expert SAT and ACT prep tutor with 15+ years of experience, who customizes learning to boost scores and confidence in students.
- [Mackenzie Dupras](https://prepmatters.com/team/mackenzie-dupras/) - Mackenzie "Kenz" has a strong foundation in personnel management and organization. With a degree in English and History, and years of experience in operations, she excels at providing support to ensure a comfortable and smooth testing experience for students and is passionate about bridging the gap between student needs and standardized requirements. When not supporting
- [Sheamus Fitzgerald](https://prepmatters.com/team/sheamus-fitzgerald/) - Shea has always been a natural tutor. In high school in Cincinnati, he was always the go-to-guy for help with math homework. During his undergraduate studies at Temple University, he voluntarily led study sessions and mini-lectures for his classmates in Classical Mechanics, and was later hired by the university tutoring center to tutor physics and
- [Daniela Manopla](https://prepmatters.com/team/daniela-manopla/) - Discover how Daniela Manopla, an experienced SAT tutor at PrepMatters, combines humor and expertise to make test prep engaging and successful for every student.
- [Ana Laura Carignani](https://prepmatters.com/team/ana-laura-carignani/) - Explore personalized academic success with our expert PrepMatters tutor, Ana Laura Carignani, who tailors strategies to individual learning styles.
- [Elijah Deardorff](https://prepmatters.com/team/elijah-deardorff/) - Maryland born and raised, Elijah has had a love for learning since a young age. As he grew older, it evolved into a love of teaching as well. Before going to college, he taught Tae Kwon Do to students of all ages, helping students learn not only martial arts but also confidence, respect and self-discipline
- [Rod Spies](https://prepmatters.com/team/rod-spies/) - Expert SAT, ACT, PSAT & SSAT tutor Rod Spies specializes in easing test anxiety and boosting confidence with personalized strategies at PrepMatters in Bethesda, Maryland.
- [Sanam Aghdaey](https://prepmatters.com/team/sanam-aghdaey/) - Sanam is an experienced SSAT and academic tutor, beginning her journey at PrepMatters back in 2016. A DMV native, Sanam is a graduate of Sidwell Friends School. Sanam earned a Bachelor's in Science from McGill University in Montreal Canada, where she studied economics, math, and computer science. Most recently, Sanam spent the last 5+ years working as
- [Sunhee Hong](https://prepmatters.com/team/sunhee-hong/) - Sunhee Hong, a skilled tutor in the DC area, excels in ACT/SAT prep and more. Discover expert tutoring for calculus, history, and sciences with.
- [Susan Dykeman](https://prepmatters.com/team/susan-dykeman/) - Expert ACT, SAT, PSAT and SSAT strategies tutor Susan Dykeman empowers students with personalized test-taking skills to boost confidence & scores at PrepMatters in Bethesda.
- [Noah Drill](https://prepmatters.com/team/noah-drill/) - Originally from New Jersey, Noah has dedicated his career to helping students reach their academic and personal potential. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland (Go Terps!) before completing both his master's and doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Over the past sixteen years, Noah has served students
- [Aaron Golumbfskie](https://prepmatters.com/team/aaron-golumbfskie/) - Boost your teen's confidence and scores with Aaron Golumbfskie, a seasoned standardized test tutor at PrepMatters, offering personalized strategies for success.
- [Vanessa Johnson](https://prepmatters.com/team/vanessa-johnson/) - Expert Latin tutor Vanessa Johnson brings over 20 years of experience teaching in DC, inspiring students with engaging lessons and a passion for classical languages.
- [John Jones](https://prepmatters.com/team/john-jones/) - Expert ACT and SAT tutor John Jones at PrepMatters empowers students with tailored strategies to excel in standardized tests, boosting scores and confidence.
- [Ned Johnson](https://prepmatters.com/team/ned-johnson/) - Get expert test prep with renowned tutor Ned Johnson of PrepMatters, specializing in personalized tutoring for SAT, ACT, GRE, & more.

## Testimonials

- [Improved his ACT score 11 points!](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/improved-his-act-score-11-points/) - Our student had ACT prep sessions with PrepMatters. He ended up doing really well. He ended up improving his score over 10 points; He improved from 15 to 26. I think we actually should have had more sessions. With more sessions, he only had four, he could have done more.
- [Ashley has been amazing, absolutely amazing.](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/ashley-has-been-amazing-absolutely-amazing/) - Ashley has been amazing, absolutely amazing. She has a great rapport with my daughter. She is great at clarifying math questions and helping my daughter prepare for tests. Her range is incredible.
- [She's happy, and so I'm very happy](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/shes-happy-and-so-im-very-happy/) - My daughter really enjoys working with Vinnie. They have good chemistry. She looks forward to their sessions. She's happy, and so I'm very happy. Parent of a junior at the Field School
- [We Keep Coming Back](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/we-keep-coming-back/) - "She's our fourth child that's come through. Daniela's awesome and that's why we keep coming back."
- [It was a phenomenal experience](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/it-was-a-phenomenal-experience/) - We had several sessions with Vinnie. It was a phenomenal experience. The sessions were helpful for test-taking skills as well as the HSPT. We felt it was a great experience for our family. When it comes time to look at the SAT and ACT, you guys will be the first ones on our list.
- [worth every penny](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/worth-every-penny/) - I can't say enough in support of PrepMatters. It is an incredibly nice, well-run, welcoming company with an enormously talented and dedicated staff. The prices aren't low, but honestly, I feel great about paying such a caring, supportive group of people. Their help has been worth every penny!
- [exceptionally pleased](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/exceptionally-pleased/) - I am the parent of eight children and have been using the services of Prep Matters for many, many years. For all this time, I have been exceptionally pleased with the instruction and the results.
- [truly masters at their trade](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/truly-masters-at-their-trade/) - PrepMatters tutors are truly masters at their trade. They understand the test, what is needed for success and meet every student where they are and take them to next level; to where they have the potential to be. No tricks or shortcuts— these folks simply know how to teach kids at a superior level so
- [develop self-confidence about math](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/develop-self-confidence-about-math/) - Our daughter’s math tutor, Rachel Jones, was incredibly helpful. She helped our daughter to achieve a high grade in pre-calculus. More importantly to me as a parent, she helped her develop self-confidence about math.
- [gave my son confidence](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/gave-my-son-confidence/) - Ned is a master with SAT Prep. Beyond the skills and pointers he teaches, he gave my son confidence and put him at ease. He was communicative and flexible with scheduling which was much appreciated during this chaotic time.
- [made my son feel at ease](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/made-my-son-feel-at-ease/) - Previously my son was not comfortable working with tutors. Jay understood his challenges and was successful in working with him. He made my son feel at ease and grasp the material to prepare for the exam. We saw an improvement from the practice exam to the actual test.
- [We have tried other Test Prep Companies](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/we-have-tried-other-test-prep-companies/) - My boys have tried other test prep, but keep coming back to you guys.
- [A miracle for science tutoring](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/a-miracle-for-science-tutoring/) - Kristina is great! We love her. PrepMatters has been a miracle for science tutoring.
- [kids received big scholarships](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/kids-received-big-scholarships/) - Being able to address waht each student needs is really valuable. We wouldn't have gotten as much out of a class. We've spent a lot with you, but both older kids received big scholarships so it was worth it. I get asked about test prep often and always mention PrepMatters."
- [above and beyond](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/above-and-beyond/) - Aaron worked his magic in two sessions with our daughter raising not only her confidence but her ACT composite by 5 points. He has a special way with bringing out the most, and he goes above and beyond. Looking forward to further results in a stress-free environment with Aaron.
- [great experience](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/great-experience/) - Whether it’s standardized test prep, or working one-on-one with an academic tutoring, my daughter has had a great experience working with PrepMatters tutors!
- [They are savvy, helpful, and care](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/they-are-savvy-helpful-and-care/) - The several PrepMatters counselors and tutors with whom our family has consulted are — without exception — in the A+ range! They are savvy, helpful, and care. We recommend it with enthusiasm and without any reservation whatsoever.
- [enjoyed the positive, up-beat vibe](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/enjoyed-the-positive-up-beat-vibe/) - Thank you for all you did to help build my daughter’s confidence prepping for and taking the SSAT. She never hesitated going to one of your tutoring sessions and took your tips/advice very seriously. She enjoyed the positive, up-beat vibe you created during your sessions and also found the work you did together incredibly valuable.
- [I would highly recommend them.](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/i-would-highly-recommend-them/) - PrepMatters is a very positive, nurturing environment that really helps students approach standardized testing. The tutors are kind and encouraging and helped my daughter prepare for a great score on the ACT. I would highly recommend them.
- [Ashley Newman-Owens](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/for-ashley-newman-owens/) - Things have gone great. Ashley is amazing. She’s just so patient and encouraging and knows her stuff super well. She’s super awesome. I’m so grateful to work with her.
- [Institution-based merit scholarships total of 250k](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/institution-based-merit-scholarships-total-of-250k/) - Our son took SAT tutoring and college essay tutoring at PrepMatters during high school. And has been admitted via early action to four colleges so far with a total institution-based merit scholarships total of 250k. We are so grateful for your services which helped him tremendously with his test anxiety and application anxiety. Your
- [The feedback was beyond our expectations. ](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/the-feedback-was-beyond-our-expectations/) - Tom was fantastic. We are so impressed. The feedback was beyond our expectations. Everything was very professional. We had dealt with another organization that was totally unprofessional: day of canceling and no feedback. Tom came recommended by a friend. Everything has been professional: intake, payment, and the feedback. I look forward to recommending you.
- [I don't have anything but "Thank you."](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/i-dont-have-anything-but-thank-you/) - I don't have anything but "Thank you." Sharon Kim is an incredible person, math teacher, and phenomenal human. She is so good at finding each child's strengths. Moose is great at physics. We've liked him ever since we read, “Most Likely to Marry Physics” on his bio. I've referred many people to you.
- [Ana Laura's been superb. ](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/ana-lauras-been-superb/) - Ana Laura's been superb. She's very experienced and very calm. My daughter likes going to see her.
- [We really love her.](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/we-really-love-her/) - Things are going really well. We really like our tutor, Sharon Kim. She's just really good with the kids. She has a manner about her that allows them to feel comfortable in the math. We’ve tried other math supports, but her style of tutoring helps them more. We really love her.
- [Our daughter's SAT score improved to 1510](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/our-daughters-sat-score-improved-to-1510/) - Our daughter took the SAT and improved to 1510. Tom was nice, and she felt great. The tutoring improved her confidence. She loved it. We'd recommend you to others. The program was very practical and helpful.
- [I appreciate your positivity and encouragement.](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/i-appreciate-your-positivity-and-encouragement/) - Vinnie, Thank you so much for your work with our daughter. She was thrilled with her ACT score. I appreciate your positivity and encouragement as well as all of your general test taking tips. I know our daughter applied much of what you taught her and it all made a huge difference.
- [She feels understood and supported as a bright student with ADHD](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/she-feels-understood-and-supported-as-a-bright-student-with-adhd/) - My daughter has really enjoyed her SAT sessions with Vinnie. She feels understood and supported as a bright student with ADHD. Having someone help build her confidence is helpful.
- [I absolutely love Tom.](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/i-absolutely-love-tom/) - I absolutely love Tom. He’s the greatest and an absolute master.
- [Kids like people who they have good connections with](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/kids-like-people-who-they-have-good-connections-with/) - My son really likes Vinnie. Kids like people who they have good connections with. Vinnie has a good connection with my son. I appreciate that Vinnie has been able to focus my son on the areas where he needed work, even when I wasn't able to. He's been very flexible with timing, especially as my
- [Things are moving forward well](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/things-are-moving-forward-well/) - My daughter and Rod are working very well together. She says that he explains things very clearly. If she is having trouble with a specific issue, he takes the time to explain it another way. Things are moving forward well.
- [You gave her new courage and optimism](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/you-gave-her-new-courage-and-optimism/) - As we wait for the results of our daughter’s SAT, I just wanted to thank you for your work with her this summer. Your encouragement and kindness were just what she needed. She had worked hard before she met you, but not as efficiently as she could have, and she clearly had some gaps to
- [My son clearly attributes you to helping him feel prepared and confident during the entire process. He is right! ](https://prepmatters.com/blog/testimonial/my-son-clearly-attributes-you-to-helping-him-feel-prepared-and-confident-during-the-entire-process-he-is-right/) - My son clearly attributes you to helping him feel prepared and confident during the entire process. He is right! You were so wonderful to work with and I appreciate your support, honesty and easy-going manner that made my son feel so comfortable. We are not from this area, and he was coming from a public school,

## Categories

- [Resources](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/resources/)
- [College](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/college/)
- [Writing a college essay](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/writing-a-college-essay/)
- [School Admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/school-admissions/)
- [Schoolwork & Studying](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/schoolwork-studying/)
- [Uncategorized](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/uncategorized/)
- [Life Skills](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/life-skills/)
- [Test Prep](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/test-prep/)
- [Buzzword](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/buzzword/)
- [After Class](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/after-class/)
- [Academic Tutoring](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/academic-tutoring/)
- [College Preparation](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/college-preparation/)
- [SAT & ACT Test Preparation](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/sat-act/)
- [Study Skills](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/study-skills/)
- [Test Preparation](https://prepmatters.com/blog/category/test-preparation/)

## Tags

- [Accomodations](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/accomodations/)
- [Extra Curricular](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/extra-curricular/)
- [junior year](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/junior-year/)
- [Psychology](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/psychology/)
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- [Seniors](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/seniors/)
- [Anxiety](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/anxiety/)
- [Parenting](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/parenting/)
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- [Accommodations](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/accommodations/)
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- [Kate Kula](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/kate-kula/)
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- [Massiha Habibi](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/massiha-habibi/)
- [Healthy Sleep Tips](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/healthy-sleep-tips/)
- [high school admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/high-school-admissions/)
- [private school](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/private-school/)
- [College Cousins](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/college-cousins/)
- [8th grade](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/8th-grade/)
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- [Grad School Admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/grad-school-admissions/)
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- [Extracurricular activities](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/extracurricular-activities/)
- [growth mindset](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/growth-mindset/)
- [healthy mindset](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/healthy-mindset/)
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- [admissions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/admissions/)
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- [how to study](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/how-to-study/)
- [how to study efficiently](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/how-to-study-efficiently/)
- [covid](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/covid/)
- [gratitude](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/gratitude/)
- [habit building](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/habit-building/)
- [mindfulness](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/mindfulness/)
- [practice](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/practice/)
- [thankfulness](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/thankfulness/)
- [College Admissions 2020](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/college-admissions-2020/)
- [College and Coronovirus](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/college-and-coronovirus/)
- [college application](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/college-application/)
- [waitlisted](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/waitlisted/)
- [summer](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/summer/)
- [summer 2020](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/summer-2020/)
- [college transition](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/college-transition/)
- [making history](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/making-history/)
- [Transitioning from High School to College](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/transitioning-from-high-school-to-college/)
- [transitions](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/transitions/)
- [college decision](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/college-decision/)
- [college search](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/college-search/)
- [history class](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/history-class/)
- [history paper](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/history-paper/)
- [history research](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/history-research/)
- [how to research](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/how-to-research/)
- [how to write a paper](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/how-to-write-a-paper/)
- [research paper](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/research-paper/)
- [coding](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/coding/)
- [storytelling](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/storytelling/)
- [tech](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/tech/)
- [tech code](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/tech-code/)
- [tech entrepreneurship](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/tech-entrepreneurship/)
- [engineering](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/engineering/)
- [research](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/research/)
- [arts](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/arts/)
- [class](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/class/)
- [creativity](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/creativity/)
- [discovery](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/discovery/)
- [humanities](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/humanities/)
- [STEAM](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/steam/)
- [STEM courses](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/stem-courses/)
- [#2 pencil](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/2-pencil/)
- [best pencil](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/best-pencil/)
- [history pencil](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/history-pencil/)
- [new blog](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/new-blog/)
- [pencils](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/pencils/)
- [technology](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/technology/)
- [yellow pencil](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/yellow-pencil/)
- [letters of recommendation](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/letters-of-recommendation/)
- [class time](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/class-time/)
- [distance learning](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/distance-learning/)
- [making the best](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/making-the-best/)
- [new normal](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/new-normal/)
- [online learning](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/online-learning/)
- [teachers](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/teachers/)
- [virtual classroom](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/virtual-classroom/)
- [zoom](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/zoom/)
- [remote learning](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/remote-learning/)
- [math](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/math/)
- [College Interview](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/college-interview/)
- [SAT Subject Tests](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/sat-subject-tests/)
- [High School](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/high-school/)
- [ACT or SAT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/act-or-sat/)
- [English](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/english/)
- [curiosity](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/curiosity/)
- [Summer reading](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/summer-reading/)
- [activities](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/activities/)
- [extracurriculars](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/extracurriculars/)
- [supplemental essays](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/supplemental-essays/)
- [college essay](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/college-essay/)
- [community service](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/community-service/)
- [teen psychology](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/teen-psychology/)
- [digital SAT](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/digital-sat/)
- [scores](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/scores/)
- [Testing](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/testing/)
- [webinar](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/webinar/)
- [college admission](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/college-admission/)
- [workshop](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/workshop/)
- [test optional](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/test-optional/)
- [ROI](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/roi/)
- [test-bling](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/test-bling/)
- [test specific](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/test-specific/)
- [policy under examination](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/policy-under-examination/)
- [tests required](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/tests-required/)
- [score reporting](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/score-reporting/)
- [acceptance](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/acceptance/)
- [deferred](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/deferred/)
- [early acceptance](https://prepmatters.com/blog/tag/early-acceptance/)