How to Choose the Right Match Schools

How to Choose the Right Match Schools This post is the second part of our three-part series on how to choose the right reach, match, and safety schools. Over the course of the next few weeks, visit the Varsity Admissions Blog for advice on how to tackle this part of the admissions process. Match schools are perhaps the most important colleges to apply to, because you have a reasonable chance of gaining acceptance and would fit in with the average students there. However, it can be difficult to determine which colleges your budget and academic and extracurricular interests appropriately match. When searching for match schools, its important to note how your grades compare and if the schools will support your academic goals, among other items. Here is how to choose the right match schools for you: Choose the right match schools by seeing how your grades compare You can determine which colleges and universities provide you with the best chance of acceptance by comparing your GPA and standardized test scores to those of a schools average admitted student. Most colleges and universities list their acceptance statistics on their websites. You may also be able to find this information by asking your high school guidance counselor. He or she can guide you to schools that are an appropriate academic match. [RELATED: 3 Questions to Ask Your Guidance Counselor About College] Choose the right match schools by identifying your academic interests Besides finding match schools based on your grades and test scores, you should also try to find matches based on your academic interests. What kinds of school subjects are you interested in studying? What type of career do you want to pursue? For example: If youre good at English and want to pursue a career as a writer, you might look at colleges with well-established writing programs. If youre interested in biology and want to pursue a career in medicine, you might look at universities with pre-medical training programs. [RELATED: How to Choose the Right Reach Schools] Choose the right match schools by examining your extracurricular interests Academics are only one part of college. Its also important to pursue your outside interests, like sports, school government, or clubs. Once youve used your grades and academic interests to narrow down your search for match schools, check college and university websites to research their extracurricular offerings. Often, schools have pages listing clubs and other extracurricular programs. Your match college should offer at least one extracurricular activity that youre interested in continuing in college. Choose the right match schools by considering your budget Academic and extracurricular interests are important, but its also essential to consider the cost of college when determining your match schools. Talk to your parent or guardian about your budget to help pinpoint a comfortable price range. Remember not to automatically shy away from schools that might be too expensive, because scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities may be available. Investigate these opportunities when looking for match schools. [RELATED: What Every Student Should Know About Applying for College Scholarships] Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

How Will the PSAT Change in 2015

How Will the PSAT Change in 2015 Current high school freshmen and sophomores will face a revised version of the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) beginning in the fall of 2015. The PSAT is an important step in preparing for the SAT (after all, it is very much like a dress rehearsal!), and its modifications reflect the significant changes that will occur on the SAT beginning in the spring of 2016. Now more than ever, it is critical that students study for and complete the PSAT. Review the below information to ensure you do so as accurately and efficiently as possible. Here are some great things to know about the PSAT. How will the content of the PSAT change? The 2014 version of the PSAT includes three sections: Critical Reading, Writing, and Math. Just like the new SAT, the 2015 PSAT will feature two primary portionsEvidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. Though sample materials are not yet available, students should expect to employ their reasoning skills quite a bit. The College Board intends to closely relate PSAT questions to the skills that students utilize in high school and will require for college success, such as analyzing history, science, and social studies passages. The new PSAT will also highlight the importance of context when identifying vocabulary, and it will incorporate the same math fields as the 2016 SAT does (e.g. advanced math, algebra, data analysis, geometry, problem-solving, and some trigonometry). How will the timing of the PSAT change? The 2015 PSAT will be 35 minutes longer than the 2014 PSAT, for a total of two hours and 45 minutes. It is important to note that the testing time is not yet final, and that The College Board may adjust it in the months to come. How will the scoring of the PSAT change? Test-takers will no longer be penalized for incorrect answers. The new PSAT will award students one point for a correct answer, while omitted questions will have no effect on test-takers final scores. As is the case with timing, the PSAT scoring scale may undergo further revision as well. The current PSAT reflects an overall scale from 60 to 240, with individual section marks between 20 and 80. The 2015 PSAT will more closely mirror the SAT. The composite result will range from 400 to 1600. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math will both be marked from 200 to 800. The revised PSAT will also include the addition of seven subscores. These subscores will allow students and their parents, teachers, and PSAT tutors to hone in on the test-takers specific strengths and weaknesses in a way that the current PSAT simply cannot. In order to truly maximize the benefits of the PSATwhich include increased preparedness for the SAT and entry into the National Merit Scholarship competition, among othersbegin your prep early. Draw upon the full spectrum of resources available to you, and monitor The College Boards PSAT webpage for review materials. Here are some great PSAT practice teststhat can help you in your studies. The College Board is expected to release practice questions in December 2014 or January 2015, while a sample exam will be available beginning in March 2015. Best of luck with the redesigned PSAT!

Morning Mayhem Try These 7 Steps

Morning Mayhem Try These 7 Steps Mornings can be hard for kids with ADHD and their parents. Having ADHD can make it hard to wake up in the morning, keep track of time, and get things done independently. So, its very common for families of kids with ADHD to feel rushed, stressed, and disorganized before the school and workdays even begin. Starting your day off this way is hard on you and your child. A few simple changes can make mornings better. Good mornings start with a good nights sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, children between the ages of 6-13 require 9 to 11 hours of sleep, and teens between the ages of 14-17 need 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Wake your child up at the same time every day. This routine will help regulate their circadian rhythm and make it easier for them to get out of bed in the morning. Create a checklist. Together with your child, make a list of the things they need to do each morning. Try to keep the list limited to no more than 7 items. For example: Wake up with only 1 reminder from mom by 7:20 Brush my teeth Wash my face Brush my hair Get dressed Eat breakfast and finish my 7:50 Post the checklist in a spot where your child can see it every morning. Make it look fun and let your child decorate it -- it helps your child feel like they own the routine too. When your child finishes all the steps, provide a lot of praise. Make sure your praise is truthful, specific and positive. Great job brushing your teeth without needing a reminder. or 7:45am and done? High five! Way to go! Consider providing your child with a reward as an extra incentive to finish their morning routine independently and on time. Rewards can be simple, but they should be immediate. Things like picking a special snack for lunch, choosing the radio station in the car on the way to school, getting a special hair style, or getting 10 minutes of screen time. When your child is first learning their new routine, you may need to provide supervision and an occasional reminder. So, try to get yourself up and ready a bit early on the first few days of the new routine. This way youll be able to give your child your full attention when they need it. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

7 Note-Taking Strategies for High School Students

7 Note-Taking Strategies for High School Students A lot changes when students transition into high school and one skill that becomes more important than ever is that of note-taking. In high school, students are expected to become proficient note-takers, and those notes will become essential study tools that they use to review material for quizzes and tests, says Co-Founder Eileen Huntington ofHuntington Learning Center. Note-taking should augment student learning and help students recall difficult concepts more easily and remember what teachers teach. Our goal when working with students is to share some of the basics that will help them retain what they learn and study smarter. Huntingtonshares these seven strategies for effective note-taking with parents and their teens: Record meaningful facts. The goal of note-taking should be to summarize the most important parts of what a teacher shares during a lecture: dates, names, places, formulas or anything else that is emphasized. Its good to write lots of notes, but teens should focus on recording points that seem important, recurring themes or other details that are critical to their overall understanding. Group ideas. Lots of raw notes may not make studying any easier for a student. Its a good idea to leave space on the left- or right-hand side of the notebook for condensing and recapping concepts. During class or afterward, teens can write down any main ideas on the side of their notes, or at a minimum, subtitles of what was discussed. Think quality over quantity. New high school students tend to think good note-taking means recording everything the teacher says. Its a common challenge for students: focusing so intently on taking notes that they forget to listen and process information enough to be thoughtful about what they record in their notebooks. Big picture: notes should concentrate on what the teacher wants the class to know. That may very well mean teens pencils arent moving the entire class period, and thats perfectly fine. Follow along in the book if appropriate. When the teacher focuses on a particular chapter or topic, it can be helpful later on to have page numbers to refer to for clarification or more information. Teens should ask at the beginning of the period if the teacher is referencing textbook material. Date and title notes. Its a minor thing that can make a huge difference: labeling notes will prove helpful when it comes time to study for a test. Teens should always put the date, class name and topic(s) discussed at the top of their notes. Highlight the clues. Teachers usually point out information that students need to know and it is a smart idea to call out these cues in notes. Teens should listen for phrases like the most important part, for example, in summary, as a review and the only exception to this is. These should trigger careful note-taking and teens should notate these important points with an asterisk or other symbol. Say it another way. One of the most important parts of note-taking is not the note-taking itselfits the reflection process. Teens should write down complex points in their own words so they are easier to understand later. This helps information click and reinforces long-term retention. Huntingtonreminds parents that taking notes is not a natural skillit must be taught and practiced. Organized students tend to take cleaner notes, of course, but note-taking is meant to solidify knowledge and make studying easier and more effective, and that doesnt come easily to many students, she says. Huntington helps students develop their study skills, including their note-taking abilities. For more information, contact Huntington Learning Center at 1-800-CAN-LEARN. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader.Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams.Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards.Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2017 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.

Education a Milestone on the Way to the American Dream (dedicated to Arnold Schwarzeneggers 65th birthday)

Education a Milestone on the Way to the American Dream (dedicated to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 65th birthday) On Monday, July 30th, world-famous actor, athlete and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger celebrated his 65th year. Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Austria in 1947 and started weight trainings when he was merely 15 years old. Thanks to his iron muscles and will Arnold became the youngest person ever to win the Mr. Universe title, which he achieved at age 20. Schwarzenegger arrived to the United States in 1968 at the age of 21, when his success as a bodybuilder allowed him to realize his long-standing dream to move to the U.S. Since then he gained worldwide fame as a sports icon, actor, businessman and politician. For many people Arnold Schwarzenegger is not just a celebrity, he is a real embodiment of the American dream. No wonder that he is considered the most famous immigrant in America. The successes did not come to Schwarzenegger without efforts; he paved his way for the prosperity and recognition through hard work and diligence. The building of his sport and acting career required a lot of energy by itself, but it also was not possible without the educational challenges. When Arnold moved to the U.S. he was speaking little English. According to his own words Naturally, when I came to this country, my accent was very bad, and my accent was also very strong, which was an obstacle as I began to pursue acting. Schwarzenegger took English classes at Santa Monica College in California, which is ranked number one among Californias junior colleges and famous for having the largest international student population of any community college in the U.S., with approximately 3,300 students from more than 100 countries. Schwarzenegger continued his education in the University of Wisconsinâ€"Superior, where he earned a BA by correspondence. Arnold was carrying out most of his class work from Los Angeles, flying to Superior for meeting with professors and taking exams, when needed. He completed the degree requirements in less than a year. In 1979 Schwarzenegger graduated from UWS with a degree in international marketing of fitness and business administration. In 1996 he returned to UW-Superior to receive an honorary doctorate for his work with Special Olympics and the Inner City Games. Schwarzenegger’s education achievements also include his great contribution into development of sports education. His bestselling autobiography and weight-training guide “Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder”, as well as other books on the sport written by “Austrian Oak”, have become manuals for bodybuilders all over the world. As a public leader he paid much attention to promoting physical education and afterschool programs. In 1995, he founded the Inner City Games Foundation (ICG), providing cultural, educational and community enrichment programming to youth. ICG acts in 15 cities around the country and serves over 250,000 children in over 400 schools nationwide. In 2002 he has also founded the Los Angeles branch of After-School All-Stars (ASAS), which is an after school program provider, educating youth about health, fitness and nutrition. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s biography is a brilliant example of a true American success story. Hard work and self-confidence may help to realize even the most daring dreams. However, proper educational background is also one of the main catalysts of the individual progress. If you are dreaming about sport or acting career and need help of an qualified instructor visit TutorZ.com to find a personal tutor in acting, public speaking, voice, baseball, basketball, body building, boxing, cheerleading, fitness, football, hockey, martial arts, nutrition, soccer, tennis and volleyball.

Fluent in 3 Months The Book Pre-Order Begins Now!

Fluent in 3 Months The Book Pre-Order Begins Now! Our good friend, Benny at Fluent in 3 months, has a new book coming out to help you hack your language learning. The book is currently available via pre-order   and Bennys throwing in LOTS of language learning giveaways (including our very own italki Credits) if you pre-order the book. Benny Lewis shows how anyone anywhere can learn any language without leaving their home, using a simple toolkit and by harnessing the power of the Internet.   Check it out here! Fluent in 3 Months The Book Pre-Order Begins Now! Our good friend, Benny at Fluent in 3 months, has a new book coming out to help you hack your language learning. The book is currently available via pre-order   and Bennys throwing in LOTS of language learning giveaways (including our very own italki Credits) if you pre-order the book. Benny Lewis shows how anyone anywhere can learn any language without leaving their home, using a simple toolkit and by harnessing the power of the Internet.   Check it out here!

?? Alternatives to University your Child May Not Have Considered

?? Alternatives to University your Child May Not Have Considered Alternatives to University your Child May Not Have Considered It’s Results Day, and that means it’s time for celebration.The end of your child’s A-Levels brings with it the end of their schooling. They’re about to start an exciting new chapter in their lives.We think that warrants a glass of champagne or two!But once the bottle’s run dry, and your child has had time to reflect on their grades, their thoughts (and yours) will inevitably turn to the future.While university is often a popular choice for A-Level students, it isn’t always the right fit for your child.If your child has decided that university isn’t for them, then there are a number of great alternatives that they might not have considered.Here are some of the routes they could take…Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are rapidly growing in popularity, and an increasing number of opportunities are opening up.Essentially, an apprenticeship offers your child the opportunity to learn on the job. They’ll earn a wage, gain valuable experience, and end up with a vocational qualification at the end of it.It’s a fantastic first rung on your child’s career ladder that can set them up for the rest of their lives.Here are some reasons your child should choose an apprenticeship...The MoneyUnlike university, where every penny parents earn somehow ends up in their child’s pockets, apprenticeships provide your child with a wage.The minimum wage for an apprenticeship is lower than that of a standard job ( £3.90 per hour), due to the fact that your child is also earning a qualification. Note, however, that apprentices often earn as much as £4,000 more a year than new graduates.That small amount of money is still enough to help your child become more independent. They’ll be able to contri bute to rent, food, bills, and possibly be able to start saving a bit of money.This will teach them how to budget and handle their finances responsibly, skills that will be invaluable later on in life.The WorkWe spend most of the week working or sleeping. It’s probably safe to say your child has had plenty of experience sleeping, but working might be a foreign concept to them!Working towards an apprenticeship will introduce your child to the working world. They’ll learn how to manage their time, juggle different tasks, and communicate with fellow employees. All of this will be incredibly useful when they finally start developing their career.Your child will also gain work experience. If you’ve ever helped a young person apply to a job, you’ll understand how useful it is to already have experience.When your child embarks on their career they’ll already have some of the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.The QualificationOne of the best parts of an apprenticeship is t he fact that your child will come away with a qualification at the end of it.The type of qualification will depend on the level of apprenticeship your child does, but they range from National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) through to BTECs or even Foundational Degrees.These qualifications help set your child apart when they come to apply for jobs.Other BenefitsThere are plenty of other benefits associated with apprenticeships, especially compared to university.The lack of student debt is a big one. An apprenticeship also helps your child get their foot in the door of a large business. This increases the chances of them being hired by that company once their apprenticeship finishes.Ultimately, an apprenticeship is a fantastic alternative to university, and your child should definitely consider it.You can see a list of available apprenticeships here.Internships Internships are similar to apprenticeships in that they offer your child the chance to gain some work experience, and potentially earn some money.The difference is that they generally only last for a short length of time, and they don’t always pay.Despite this, internships can be a strong step towards your child’s chosen career. It can provide them with contacts and teach them important work skills.Here’s why it might be worth doing an internship…The ExperienceWork experience will be crucial when your child starts searching for a job. A lot of vacancies require previous experience, even the so-called “Entry Level” jobs!Getting your foot in the door can be difficult, depending on how competitive the industry is. Having any experience at all may be enough to set your child apart.The experience your child gains during their internship will give them an idea of what to expect from their chosen career. It might further boost their love for it, or it might make them realise it isn’t as great as they thought. Either way, it helps them make a choice about their future.The ContactsInternships are a great way for your child to meet different people. They’re likely to interact with people from all across the business. Interacting with professionals is a little different to interacting with classmates, and so this will help your child to develop their interpersonal skills and teach them how to communicate more effectively in the workplace.These contacts can help provide references for your child should they need one, and could also introduce them to job opportunities. Some internships also offer your child a mentor, who will help them develop and provide insightful career advice.The SkillsA lot of young people entering the workplace are woefully underprepared for the skills required. Schools generally focus on the academic side, and overlook core skills that are needed for working environments.An internship will help your child to develop various different skills, including time management, prioritisation, and organisation.It will give your child a taste of what it’s like to work in a professional environment, ensuring they can jump in at the deep end when they start their future position.Other BenefitsLike apprenticeships, an internship doesn’t cost you anything (other than perhaps travel costs). Compared to university fees, it’s basically free. Your child will have no student debts.Internships are often used by large companies as part of a larger recruitment process. If your child impresses, they may be invited to apply for a full-time position, or even offered a job on the spot!Internships are a good alternative to university. You can find some internships to suit your child here.Working Depending on your child’s chosen career, it might be possible for them to simply start working.Not every job requires a degree or advanced qualification. Some simply need A-Levels, others just GCSEs.There’s no reason why your child can’t simply skip over the university or apprenticeship stages of development and start their first job.It can be difficult to find a position, but there are a lot of benefits to be gained…The IndependenceThere comes a time where every child wants to become more independent. Most of the time, their parents feel the same way!Unlike the other alternatives to university, starting work can provide your child with the independence they crave. They’ll be earning a proper wage, which means they can contribute to rent or bills, or even save up for a place of their own. If they’re truly desperate to flee the nest, they can possibly find somewhere to rent.By starting work right away, your child will become much more independent than other people their ag e, and can start getting their finances in order.The MaturityWhile most teenagers believe themselves to be mature adults, that’s often not the case. Most people don’t truly mature until they’ve started work.If your child is still a little on the immature side, then starting work could well be the kick they need to become a functioning member of society.Working will force your child to adapt to adult life fairly quickly. They’ll need to manage their time, maintain professional relationships, and learn to cooperate.This will lead to a more well-rounded person, ready for the challenges that adult life presents.The CareerIf your child has a career in mind already, and there are no barriers to that career (doesn’t need a degree, for example) then it makes sense for your child to start their career path as soon as they can.Entering the workplace straight after finishing their A-Levels will give your child a head-start over those who go to university or do an apprenticeship.The s ooner your child can get started, the sooner they can work up the career ladder and get to where they want to go.Other BenefitsWhile diving in at the deep end and starting a job can be a scary prospect, it could be the push your child needs.It can set them up on their career journey, providing them with the independence they need and want.There are plenty of job boards out there, so get looking!Gap Years Gap years have a bad rep. People often imagine lazy teenagers wanting an excuse to go on holiday.However, a gap year actually has the potential to add a wealth of unique experiences to your child’s CV, increase their confidence, and make them more independent.As long as your child is doing something constructive with their time, and not simply lounging in the sun, then a gap year can be extremely beneficial for a number of reasons...The ExperiencesLife isn’t all about work. Even though travelling might not help your child get on the career ladder, it can offer them once-in-a-lifetime experiences that they’ll never forget.For that reason alone a gap year could be worth pursuing, but a lot of kids who do a gap year also spend time working or learning a new craft.The experiences gained by working abroad or by learning a completely new skill will help your child’s CV stand out from the rest.Working in a foreign country can be challenging, but that’s why future employers will va lue it so highly.The Self-SufficiencySo far in their life, your child has relied on your for their survival. You’ve ensured they’ve been fed and washed, you’ve helped them get to places on time. They’re now at the age where they need to take responsibility for themselves.Gap years require a great deal of planning and organisation. Your child will need to arrange their accommodation, food, work, and budget. They’ll have to dive in at the deep end, and force themselves to become independent. They’ll have to do all of this while in a new country, with no friends or family to turn to.It’s a challenge, sure, but it’s one that will make your child a well-rounded member of society, ready for the trials of adult life.The CultureOur world is becoming increasingly connected, and it’s now more important than ever to appreciate other people’s cultures and backgrounds.By doing a gap year, your child will be immersing themselves in a different culture. They’ll have to adapt to another way of life, possibly even learn a new language!This will help them massively in the future. It will make them appreciate different people’s backgrounds, and teach them how to communicate with people from different cultures.Other BenefitsA gap year can be a great way of recharging the batteries, while also building up work experience and learning about different parts of the world.Your child will come back more independent, more confident, and ready for what the adult world will throw at them.You can find some great gap year ideas and opportunities here.What Next?As you can see, university isn’t the only option for your child. There are lots of different alternatives, ranging from apprenticeships to gap years. As long as your child makes the most of any opportunities they’re given, they’ll get something out of them.For now, give your child some time to rest and reflect on their successes. The world can wait a little longer...