Girls vs. Boys on the SAT

Girls outperformed boys, on average, by 13 points on the writing test, but scored 35 points lower than boys in math and 5 points lower than boys in critical reading, the College Board report said. The complete data breakdown for 2009 can be read here: http://tr.im/xrbG

Don't Be Average!

The results are in for the class of 2009: More than 1.5 million college bound High School students took the SAT during the past school year. The average scores for this latest group were 501 for Critical Reading; 515 for Math; and 493 for Writing, according to a press release issued by the Collegeboard. The average composite score was 1509. For a more detail please read this article in today's New York Times- http://tr.im/xcS2

For those students still in High School--Prepare hard for the SAT. Try and achieve the highest G.P.A. in school. Distinguish yourself from the masses by presenting the most impressive admission application. Don't be average!

Are You An All Star?

As I watch the MLB All Star Game this evening I am thinking-We can all be All Stars in some facet of our lives. Whatever path your life takes, strive to be the very best. This is especially true in today's economy. Very highly qualified people are losing their jobs daily. One way to prevent this from happening to you--work so hard that you become an indispensable employee. Become the "Go To" person, the one others look to for leadership and advice.

Students should start early. Find a passion and put in the effort necessary to be an All Star. Do what is necessary to prepare for your standardized tests, obtain the best grades, put forth the best college application. Be the best you can be.

When to Start Preparing for the October SAT

The October SAT is scheduled for October 10, 2009. For many seniors this test will be the final attempt to shine for college applications. Ten weeks before any SAT is a reasonable amount of time to prep. My review of the calendar comes up with the first week of August as the ideal starting point. Contact your tutor or group study course and make sure they are available to help you achieve your goals for the October SAT.

They Laughed But Now They Are Crying

Every class I teach has some class clowns. Put 20 or more teenagers in a class room together after regular school hours and there will be some who want to fool around rather than learn. Its okay to have fun but not at the expense of others who really want to listen and learn. Each class I teach comes with a 10 minute break specifically to allow students to "blow off steam".

Now that the May SAT results are out, it is no surprise that many of the comedians are not satisfied with their scores. The comedians are not laughing anymore. The comedians are scrambling to take the June SAT this Saturday hoping to improve their scores. For many, this summer was supposed to be a stress free period of relaxation. A time to visit some campuses. A time to work on an application essay and a time to enjoy the sun.

The good news is that those who wanted to learn were for the most part satisfied with their scores. You get out of life whatever you put into it. The SAT is no exception. For some unfortunately it was Garbage In, Garbage Out.

Understanding the Structure of Reading Passages

Often an excerpt from a novel or a short story will serve as an SAT reading passage. Novels are narratives with dialogue. It is important for the reader to identify the fictional characters and keep track of who is saying what. It is also important for the reader to understand who the narrator is, what the narrator's tone is, and what each character's attitude and agenda is. Once the reader is able to master this, the questions which follow are easy to answer.

The other type of reading passage is the more classic reference piece, much like what one would read in a textbook or encyclopedia. This passage will read like a classic essay. It will have an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Figure out the author's thesis. Highlight the topic sentence of each body paragraph. Understand the examples used to prove the thesis. Be aware of the essay's tone and key words. The questions which follow will be easy to answer.

SAT Dates for 2009

The following SAT exam dates for 2009 are as follows:

January 24, 2009
March 14, 2009
May 2, 2009
June 6, 2009

Register now and plan your prep strategy early. Don't get shut out of the most preferable testing sites.

Planning for 2009-Which SAT to Take

High School juniors have many chances to take the SAT in 2009. The SAT will be given in January, March, May and June of 2009. There is no single best choice for all students. Each individual should plan to sit for at least one SAT in the second half of the junior year. Some may prefer the March exam due to obligations such as AP exams, Regents exams or SAT II subject tests which are given in May or June. Others committed to a spring sport (such as baseball) may want to prepare for the January SAT before the season starts. Students with heavy work loads may choose to take the January or May test because they may want to prepare without distraction during the extended Christmas break or Easter break. Start thinking about this now. Plan early and register early to insure a reserved spot at a test center most convenient to where you live. Another record turnout in 2009 will mean that many students who are late to register will have to travel long distances just to take the SAT. Don't let this happen!