Test Day Tips for 3/14/09 SAT Exam

Dear Friends:

The SAT Test has once again arrived! This is the third test of the season, and at this point, most of you are starting to feel the pressure. It is very important for those who are taking the test tomorrow to channel those feelings of pressure and anxiety into a constructive performance high. To help relieve some worries about Saturday's test, JLP has put together some tips to follow before the big exam.

Test Day Tips:

• Get a good night's sleep before the test. Make sure that you slumber for at least eight hours.
• The test is several hours long, so eat breakfast. Make sure you consume the right amount of proteins to give you the kick-start you need.
• When eating breakfast, complete a few test questions in order to fully awaken your brain.
• Bring Photo ID and your SAT Admission Ticket.
• Bring two No. 2 pencils and a good eraser—a pencil is required for the multiple-choice questions and the essay. Mechanical pencils are not allowed because they may have the wrong type of lead or punch through the answer sheet. Pens are not allowed.
• Bring a calculator with fresh batteries.
• Bring snacks. You will get a short break at the end of each hour of testing time. You can eat or drink any snacks you have brought with you during these breaks. A healthy snack will go a long way toward keeping you alert during the entire test.
• Unless otherwise instructed, you need to arrive at your assigned test center by 7:45 a.m. Make sure you give yourself an hour to get there. Most times, a test is not given at the student's home school, so it may be difficult finding certain locations and rooms upon arrival. It is better to arrive early and use that time to study, instead of rushing due to tardiness. Testing should be completed between 12:30 and 1 p.m.

To receive more exclusive tips and strategies on each section of the test, please visit our group page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=122990755569 It is an open group, so feel free to join!

NY Times reports: Well-Regarded Public Colleges Get a Surge of Bargain Hunters

One week before the second offering of the SAT Test (March 14), many of us are starting to feel the pressure of college looming in the not too distant future. During this time of economic woe, we must remember that the value of higher education is more important then ever. In a market where for every open job spot there are at least ten qualified applicants, it is important to keep ahead of the game. For parents, it is important to give your child the best collegiate education, without breaking the bank.

The New York Times recently wrote an article about the recent surge in state university applications and examines the admission numbers of many different state schools across the country. The less expensive state colleges, in every geographic region of the United States, seem to be noticing similarities in their admission trends. The number of applications being received are arriving in record numbers. In addition, more often then not, top high school candidates are saying 'yes' to acceptance letters from state schools, instead of holding out for more ivy league institutions. Experts believe that the "unraveling economy is making less expensive state colleges more appealing".

The Times reports:

"The application deadline is not until April 1, but officials here conservatively predict 15,500 students competing for 1,100 spots, a 12 percent jump over last year....Similar surges are occurring at public colleges and universities across the country, education experts say..... A poll by the center in December showed that people’s anxiety about paying for college is almost at an unprecedented high...."We’re not sure how they will respond, but we’re pretty sure they won’t respond by deciding not to go,” he added. “Middle class families understand that you’re going to be consigned to the minimum-wage economy if you don’t get some higher education or training"...So the admissions office is playing it safe. With more than 4,000 students already accepted, hundreds of qualified students who previously would have gotten fat envelopes are instead being added to a waiting list."

What does this mean for juniors and seniors who are relying on state schools and the cost of state tuition? It means that students and parents need to ensure their acceptance spot in any college, no matter where they decide to apply to. With the rising level of minority students and higher interests in post high school education in order to better compete in a failing economic market, the arena, once again, has become even more competitive.