When schools across the country start to let out for summer break, the last think you want to talk about is your upcoming test, right? We understand! Vacation is an important and well-deserved break. It’s okay if you need a couple of weeks to unwind, but we need to come to a compromise. Going forward […]
Positive Thinking and the SAT
As an SAT instructor, I have heard negative comments in every SAT class I have ever taught: “I am terrible at taking tests.” “I am bad at math.” “I am going to fail miserably.” These words are toxic and quite often become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you believe you are bad at math, how can […]
5 Steps You Need to Take Before Senior Year Starts
That last summer before senior year is a great one! It’s full of excitement, expectation, and possibility. It’s the summer before your last year of high school, and your last “real” summer before college. Even though it’s a magical time, you still need to be planning ahead, particularly if the college admissions process is on […]
Paying for College 101: The CSS Curve Ball
The last post in the “Paying for College 101” series goes over the importance of properly positioning your assets when you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We recommend reading them first! They’ll provide understanding of how a student and parent’s income(s) and assets affect the FAFSA calculation and how these calculations […]
Paying for College 101: When Your Hard Work Works Against You
The point of working hard and saving for college shouldn’t be having your efforts work against you, yet that is exactly what can happen when you diligently work and save without understanding how the FAFSA works. In a previous post, I described how the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is impacted by your income and where […]
Deciphering Your Financial Aid Award Letter with an Infographic
I stumbled across this excellent infographic breaking down the big (and small) points of a financial aid award letter, and thought it was definitely worth sharing. With college decision and financial aid letters looming on the horizon, it’s a good idea to get familiar with exactly what will be on that letter, and what it […]
Using College to Help You Figure Out a Career Path
Even if you already have a good idea about the career path you want to follow after you graduate from college, deciding which steps you need take to make it happen can be a pretty intense experience. There are so many things to consider: Which classes you should take, the major you should declare, the […]
How is the SAT Essay Scored?
Although most SAT test-takers have a good grasp of how the overall test is scored (you get a score out of 2400 points, with each of the three sections earning a score between 200 and 800), many don’t really know how the SAT essay is scored. Here’s the deal.
The Secrets of the SAT Math Section
Want to learn the secrets to the Math section of the SAT? Look no further! Check out this awesome 90-minute video taught entirely by PowerScore Senior SAT Instructor Jon Denning: