Private admissions advisers gaining respect

JLP Education Services offers comprehensive admissions counseling. This article highlights the growing demand for these services.

"Sunday, May 24, 2009

BY LESLIE BRODY

The number of private admission counselors has grown in recent years – especially in hyper-anxious, high-achieving communities — and colleges are more open to talking with them about the students they represent, say counselors and college admission officers. (complete article here)..."

Further evidence that coaching brings significant, though modest gains

Inside Higher Ed talks about the numerically modest, yet significant in terms of admissions, gains that are made on standardized tests via coaching.

"Test Prep, to What End?
May 20, 2009

The extent to which the SAT is coachable has long been central to debates about the ethics of the test. After all, if tutoring programs that cost money help scores, there is an obvious issue of who will be able to afford such an advantage. For years, the College Board insisted that the SAT was not coachable and, more recently, the board has said that gains from test prep services are modest(complete article here)..."

Small SAT Gains Can Make a Huge Difference

You probably already knew this, but small gains can make a difference in college admissions. Many institutions, both here in Florida and nationwide, have a finite cut-off point, where 10 points in either direction could put your application in the to-be-considered pile or the big stack of rejections.

The excellent admissions blog at the New York Times reported on it yesterday.

Beyond the Lemonade Stand

Great article from Legal Zoom on something productive your kids can do this Summer.

"Michelle Fabio
June 2009

With hot weather and months without school just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about how to help your kids start a summer business.

Why should you encourage summer businesses? What are some good businesses for kids? What can you do to get them started? Read on..."

College Board is Doing Well, Financially Speaking

The Freakonomics Blog on the NY Times site reports that the College Board is making a surplus of money and that top staffers are in the six digits there.

"Each year, a million or so high school students pay $45 for the chance to prove themselves with the College Board’s SAT..."

How do American Children Stack Up Internationally?

The AP reports that American children, including those in South Florida, aren't doing as well on tests as we would like:

"WASHINGTON (AP) — America's moms and dads are getting a good scolding: Your kids are lagging behind students all around the world.

The White House says so, with concern bordering on alarm. So do institutions such as the Gates Foundation, citing performance tests, graduation rates and other benchmarks...."

College Board to Delay New Exam for Middle Schoolers

The New York Times reported that the College Board would be delaying its new test designed fro 8th graders due to financial issues. South Florida students probably have enough on their hands between the SAT, the ACT and the FCAT.

The Impact of Dropping SAT Scores from Admissions Would Increase Minority Enrollment

From Inside Higher Ed:

"A new research study -- based on simulations using actual student applications at competitive colleges that require the SAT or ACT for admission -- has found that ending the requirement would lead to demonstrable gains in the percentages of black and Latino students, and working class or economically disadvantaged students, who are admitted...."

No surprises there.

Student Plans SAT Game

Miami-Dade student Chris Dass is working on a game to help kids with SAT test prep. Read more at the Miami Herald.

"Chris Dass was turned off by ''really boring'' SAT-preparation books. Being a gamer through and through, he knew what was needed. ''I can make a game that is fun,'' he thought...."

Financing a College Education in a Recession

This from the College Board:

"Your Financing Options

When the Family Share Is More than You Can Afford

There are a variety of financing options available for families who are concerned about their ability to meet their family share of costs. These alternative sources of aid, most often in the form of loans, can help families cover financial aid gaps, or unmet need in a financial aid package.

Student Loans

If you meet certain criteria, you could qualify to borrow an additional student loan such as an unsubsidized Stafford Loan or a private education loan. Note: these loans tend to be more expensive than need-based loans.

Federal Unsubsidized Loans

Students who don't demonstrate need, or need to borrow more than the subsidized loan amount, can borrow unsubsidized Stafford loans. Unlike subsidized loans, you are responsible for paying interest on the loan while in school.

Private Student Loans

There are a number of privately-funded (non-government) loans available to students to help meet the family share. These loans are also known as alternative loans or supplemental loans.

Parent Loans

Parents can also take on loans to help cover the expected family contribution. Certain rules—such as demonstrating good credit—will apply, depending on the loan. Parent loan options include federal PLUS loans.

Federal PLUS Loans

PLUS Loans are the most popular loans for the parents of dependent undergraduate students. Parents can borrow up to the full cost of education, minus any financial aid.

Federal Grad PLUS Loans

Graduate students can borrow up to the full cost of education minus any financial aid. Students receive an automatic deferment while in school. There is no grace period, however, students may request up to a 6 month forbearance after leaving school.

Home Equity Loans

If your parents are homeowners, it's likely that they can borrow against their home. Your parents may be eligible to borrow a percentage of their equity, which is the difference between the market value of their house and how much is owed on the mortgage. This money can be used to pay for education costs. The rate is comparable to other borrowing options.

An advantage of a home equity loan is that the interest paid may be deductible on your parents' federal tax return. A disadvantage is that they may have to pay a fee for this type of loan.

IRA Withdrawals

An IRA is a savings account designed to put aside money for retirement. The main options are the Traditional IRA and the Roth IRA.

Under either plan, you can be charged a 10 percent fee if you withdraw money before you reach age 59 1/2. If the money is used to pay for college expenses, the 10 percent fee is waived. However, you may be required to pay federal and state income tax on your withdrawals.

Tuition Tax Credits

A tax credit is an amount of money you can subtract from your federal tax bill. It is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the amount you owe. If you have family members in college, and your income doesn't exceed certain limits, you may apply for a tax credit. For more information, go to Tuition Tax Credits."

Great Test Day Tips for Final Exams from the College Board

Whether you're studying for the FCAT, or any of your final exams here in South Florida, the College Board, designers of the SAT, have some great tips for you on their website. In addition to these handy tips, students should get familiar with the College Board website, in order to learn as much as possible about their upcoming tests.

"Exam Day: I Will Survive

Essential Test-Taking Tips

Try out these strategies while you're still in high school, and by the time you get to college, you'll be a test-taking expert.

Before the Test

Eat well.

Studies show that you need good nutrition to concentrate and perform your best.

Bring the right supplies.

Bring your pencils, erasers, pens, rulers, compasses, calculators, or whatever else you'll need on test day.

Review the whole test before you start.

See how many sections and what types of questions are on the test. Consider how much time to allow for each section, basing your decision on the point value of each. You don't want to spend too much time on a question that counts for only a few points.

Jot down your first thoughts.

From your first look at the test, take quick notes on ideas you might forget. For example, you may want to outline your answers to written response and essay questions right away.

During the Test

Read the directions.

Never assume that you know what the directions say. For example, some questions may have more than one correct answer.

Answer easy questions first.

Answering easier questions may jog your memory about useful facts. You may also come across information that can help you with other questions.

Answer every question.

Unless there's a penalty for wrong answers, it can't hurt to try.

Ask questions.

If a question isn't clear, talk to your teacher. If that's not possible, explain your answer in the margin.

Identify key words.

This will help you focus on the main idea of challenging questions.

Rephrase difficult questions.

To understand questions better, rewrite them in your own words, but be careful not to change the meaning.

Organize your thoughts before you write.

Spend some time organizing your responses to short-answer and essay questions. You'll reduce the time you need to revise.

Write neatly.

Be sure you don't lose points on answers the instructor can't read.

Use all of the time you're given.

If you finish early, don't race out. Use the extra time to proofread and edit your answers."

Admissions Taking Facebook into Account

Be cognizant of what you choose to put into the public domain. More and more colleges and universities, including those in Florida, are internet savvy and are looking at what potential enrollees are posting to social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace. In this highly competitive college admissions culture, be wary of what you or your students post into cyberspace.

The LA Times recently reported on this phenomenon:

"A new report indicates that some schools' admission or scholarship decisions are being influenced by what they find about an applicant on the Internet. The issue raises ethical concerns...."

Utah Teen Gets Perfect Score on ACT

It can be done. Hard work, perseverance and a little luck combine to create great scores.

From the AP:

"May 4, 2009

BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah - Kenny Raisor is a perfect 36. That's 36 as in 36 perfect points the Box Elder High School junior scored on the ACT college entrance and placement exam. About 1.4 million students take the test annually. It measures knowledge in math, science, English and reading. Raisor scored a 32 on an earlier test. He tried again hoping to score 33 points and a scholarship to BYU. ACT officials say a perfect score is acheived about once per 3,300 students."

SAT/ACT Cram Course for June 6 test

Due to an overwhelming demand for last minute test-prep students and considering the current state of the economy, JLP Education Services is very proud to offer an incredible deal on a newly developed SAT/ ACT Cram Course. For $500 each student will attend Saturday classes in North Miami for 4 weeks until the June 6th SAT Test or for five weeks until the June 13th ACT Test. They will receive an SAT/ ACT book along with easily digestible tips, tricks, and strategies in order to a score higher on their next exam. The SAT class will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The ACT course will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. We highly recommend signing up for both; colleges will accept either test score.

For those of you who have put test-prep off until the last minute or for those who cannot afford other costly test-prep courses, this is the class for you! Do not miss out on this incredible opportunity to invest in your collegiate future. All you have to do is RSVP with us at jlpeducationservices@gmail.com or on the website at jlpeducationservices.vpweb.com in order for us to hold your spot. We will collect checks or money orders upon arrival. If you have any questions, please call the office directly at 305.960.7680.

SAT Test Tips - Test Day is May 2

The SAT Test has once again arrived! This is the fourth test of the season, and at this point, most of you in Miami-Dade and South Florida 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!

Now get out there and make Florida proud!