Axios Tutoring

Interviews have a special place in h-e-double hockey sticks. For high school students, who are new to the world of interviews, it can be an especially daunting ...task. While the interview itself will not make or break your child’s application, it offers admissions an alternative perspective to what they see on paper. But, it should still be taken seriously. Since most high school’s do not offer classes/sessions in the art of mastering the college interview, it can be a bit overwhelming for students to understand how to prepare for the meeting. Despite all college interviews being held online due to COVID, the same etiquette applies: 1.) Schedule your interview as soon as possible 2.) Meet with your university representative (AKA the one most likely reviewing your application) 3.) Know the school you are applying to 4.) Be prepared to ask some questions 5.) Practice your interview with family/friends (you can find potential interview questions online) 6.) Remember to dress appropriately 7.) Make sure to troubleshoot technology ahead of the big day

Class of 2022 can now use their scores from actual SAT taken between August 2020 - June 2021 to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Program. https://axiostutoring.com//psatnmsqt-has-updated-requireme

As parents begin to consider standardized testing options between SAT and ACT, there are many who also need to consider testing accommodations. For students nee...ding SAT/ACT testing accommodation, this starts from what you currently have in place at your high school IEP or 504 Plan. Most private schools differ in the extent to which these learning plans are implemented or called. WHERE DO YOU START: Parents usually spearhead this process and it starts with knowing what accommodations are currently in place, what accommodations are being actively used in school and what they will need on these tests. There are different types of testing accommodations: Extended test time this is the most common type of accommodation given and is typically time and a half. The other forms include double or triple time Large type (18 point) test booklet, alternate answer sheets that do not require student to bubble in the responses Alternate test formats like audio DVDs or a reader or scribe The process of applying for accommodation(s) involves lots of forms, supporting documentation from school/ doctors and testing information etc. Since SAT and ACT are two separate organizations, application for accommodations is also separate. You apply to them individually. Timeline for when you should apply for accommodation(s) will also depend on if you want that accommodation for PSAT, AP, SAT Subject Test etc. Since many students take these tests as early as sophomore year, this process may begin as early as 10th grade.

A question students ask when preparing for the SAT and ACT is: Should I take the test with or without writing? The answer has evolved since the new SAT was in...troduced in March 2016. The Essay was always optional on the ACT. Prior to the launch of the new SAT, the Essay was required. Scores from the Essay were combined with the scores on the SAT Writing section. Since the Essay was a required section on the Old SAT, students taking the ACT needed to take the ACT with Essay as well. With the advent of the New SAT, Collegeboard has made the Essay optional, just like the ACT. This change has impacted what colleges are requiring and the trend has even accelerated in the recent couple of years. For the overwhelming majority of students, taking SAT and ACT test with writing has become unnecessary. Our SAT-ACT Essay recommendation for students is the following: For high school juniors Since your college list has barely taken shape, consider a more conservative approach. While COVID has reshaped and modified much of the requirements for admissions this year, things may revert next year. For those who might consider applying to colleges like Duke and Amherst, consider taking the SAT/ACT with writing. For high school seniors Since you already have a defined list of schools, research each of your school’s essay policy.

If you’re unsure where to start with the SAT/ACT exams, taking the PSAT is a great start. Not only will the PSAT’s give you an insight as to what taking a stand...ardized test looks like, but you can get an idea of what you need to focus on in your future test prep. You might even realize that taking the ACT’s might be a better option for you (if this is the case, we have classes starting October 25th). Even though COVID has rampaged 2020, the PSAT’s are still being held this week. For those taking classes completely online, students will have the ability to take the exam in January.

When it comes to choices, high schoolers tend to not have many (they just shouldn’t be allowed to make their own decisions). ;) But one decision that high schoo...lers can be trusted with is whether or not they should take the SAT or the ACT, because no one knows your child better than your child. For some, taking the SAT might not be as beneficial as taking the ACT. This is because the ACT is more about reading efficiency and the SAT is more about reasoning skills. Either way, your child is going to need help with whichever exam they choose to take. Starting October 25th, ACT classes will begin and will be held every Thursday and Sunday. Only a couple of spots remain. If you are interested in joining the class, register on our website https://axiostutoring.com/class-registration