Ask an Admissions Expert Bari Norman

Ask an Admissions Expert Bari Norman Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Dr. Bari Norman earned her undergraduate degree at Barnard College and her Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the Co-Founder and Director of Expert Admissions, as well as a former admissions officer at Barnard Collegeand Columbia University. At Expert Admissions, Dr. Norman assists students with all aspects of the college search, preparation, and application processes, and has been featured in Good Morning America, The Today Show, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and others. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? It depends on which part of the application youre referring to. I think its a good idea to work on the activities grid at the end of junior year, as well as to gather information like your parents graduation years (i.e. things you dont tend to know off-hand). But Im also a strong believer that there is such a thing as too early when it comes to essays. I find that students are truly ready to begin in August, after their summer activities have come to a close, and theyve had time to reflect. Theres tremendous growth that occurs over the junior-to-senior summer, and so the better essays come after that. I also find that students who wait until that point tend to go through fewer drafts and write stronger essaysoverall. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? I advise students to think about the things that they truly care about and that they feel define who they are. Most importantly, do not let the question, What would be a good college essay topic? guide you! A good brainstorming session goes a long way in thinking about yourself, and the traits and experiences that define you. Also, your essay doesnt have to be about a massive life-changing event; in fact, the best topics often reside in the everyday details of life. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? In theory, theres the possibility of doing any topic well, but I find that writing about getting injured and then coming back from it (or some variation of that theme) rarely generates a truly unique piece of writing that gets the job done. Id also think long and hard before writing about a summer service trip. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Students overthink their applications, and, in the process, make themselves seem more generic than they really are. I find that applicants dont let go enough. When youre tense and trying so hard to perform well, it shows and thats not a good thing in the college admissions process. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Typically, admissions officers read through the Common Application, page by page, in the same order that you see it on your Print Preview. They then review the transcript, recommendations, and any other supporting credentials, and, as they go, they record their thoughts, impressions, and evaluative remarks on some kind of evaluation card, electronic or otherwise. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Your goal as an applicant should be to present your authentic self to the committee. You get to choose which aspects of yourself to share, but whatever you select, be genuine in your presentation. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? I always encourage students to stop regular people on campus who are not tour guides or otherwise affiliated with the admissions department. Ask them what they like and dislike about the college, why they chose to attend that school, and what they would change about it. If you can, its also a good idea to stay overnight with a current student and to pick up a copy of the student newspaper. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions...With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? While Early Action and Early Decision programs tend to have more favorable admission rates, it really depends on the student and the school. The real key lies in picking the right school to potentially apply Early Action/Decision to (assuming theres a place you love enough to do that). VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Theyre both really important, as is the rigor of your curriculum. Rarely does a student get into a college where he or she was really off the mark academically, assuming there are no extenuating circumstances coming into play. Grades and scores serve as a guidepost for the student to determine what is a likely target, and what is a reach versus out of reach school. VT: What tips do you have for students asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Ask a teacher who has seen your mind truly stretch dont just pick the teacher in whose class you did the best, or in the subject area that comes most naturally to you. The teacher recommendation is supposed to be more an assessment of your intellectual capability, not a character reference, so think about that when choosing between teachers. It also doesnt matter if you think or know whether the teacher is a good writer. You want someone who is going to be able to comment positively on your intellectual abilities, and who will be able to give concrete examples to support that. Visit Expert Admissions for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How to Learn Latin

How to Learn Latin How Hard is it to Learn Latin? Chapters5 tips to learn Latin quicklyWhy Should Latin be Taught in Schools?Learning Latin While Having Fun: Is It Possible?Our Solutions to Learn Latin OnlineThe Top Apps for Learning LatinIf we told you that learning Latin is possible and useful today, we would have to prove to you that learning this dead language is attainable. Learning ancient languages, particularly Latin, offers you a unique view of the Roman civilization, its history and its culture. More than 1500 years after its domination, the Roman Empire continues to fascinate, intrigue and impel. Learning Latin may seem like an attractive option for students. It is also an extremely useful key to help you become the next polyglot. Leaning a foreign tongue is never without its challenges. Meanwhile, we know that Latin speakers have less of a difficult time learning Spanish or Italian than they would learn Japanese, Arabic, Russian or Chinese. Learning a dead language? Yes, it does sound pointless if you put it that way but you need to remember that learning Latin permits you to better understand the Latin-based languages (French, Italian, Portuguese etc.) and it also opens the doors to learning a great deal more about Roman and Western civilization. How does one become a Latin autodidact once they have ended school for good or regret not taking those Latin classes in University?Thanks to this technologically advanced world that we live in, it is extremely possible to learn ancient languages (such as ancient Greek and Latin), Latin phonetics, Roman mythology, the grammar and lexical structure of Latin, the Latin desinence, the Latin declension, the six cases, etc., all with experienced teachers online at very fair rates. Without waiting any longer you can throw yourself into studying the Latin language and begin to speak the words of Julius Caesar with relative ease.offer Latin classes to students from the age of seven years old.  Even if these efforts in the UK are short-lived and Latin classes are c ut from the curriculum indefinitely, that does not undermine the importance of teaching and learning this ancient language. Why so important?Memoria Press provides us with  10 reasons for studying Latin,  here they are:Latin is the next steps after learning phonics,Half of our English vocabulary is made up of Latin words and roots,Latin provides the root words for all modern sciences,Latin is the language of the law, government, logic and theology,Latin is the most efficient way to learn English grammar,Latin is the best preparation for learning any language,Latin effectively develops and trains the mind,Latin aids the mind in many ways,Latin is transformative,Latin is the language of Western Civilization.I really urge all you readers to take a closer look at this great article from Memoria Press and if these brilliant reasons don't tempt you to learn Latin, I don't know what will.The student and the teacher would benefit greatly if Latin was taught in all elementary and secondary s chools.classic Latin writings that are available in digital format.  The works of Livy, Homer, Seneca and Cicero are readily available to the public and available for free download without committing any piracy crimes.  However, to understand these writings more clearly an English Latin dictionary is essential. Here are other helpful tools to learn Latin online:Watch Youtube videos, available for Latin learners of all levels,Sign up for a Latin MOOC that is made for beginners or intermediate studentsDownload a book of the Latin methodBuy a learning software (Rosetta Stone, Simon and Schuster Pimsleur).The advantage of online learning is that you start learning useful information from the first class as if you were taking a class with a private tutor for free!Online language learning can easily be done on any electronic device from a laptop to a smartphone. (Source: Visual Hunt)Autodidact teaching has also been made easier thanks to smartphones and tablets which allow you to move ahe ad at your own pace. Learning Latin has never been so modern! If you like learning on the go and don’t like being chained to your computer at home, another practical learning solution can be downloaded from the internet onto your smartphone: Apps for learning Germanic and Latin based languages (French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish).The Top Apps for Learning LatinVery utilized for learning English, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, beginner or intermediate Latin and French, Apps have spread all over the planet and changed the way we learn languages.According to Statista, in 2017, there were 197 billion app downloads worldwide! (Source: Visual Hunt)We use these apps to learn European and Asian languages, so why not use them to learn Sanskrit, Latin or ancient Greek?Ideal for exam prep and satisfying your curiosity, apps to learn Latin permit you at the same time to review your history classes and discover the Latin root and origin of words. Advantages of Latin Learning Applications: We can learn wherever we want when we want and what we want, We can take classes without being connected to the Internet,We can learn and work without restrictions,We can study Latin and at the same time learn about Roman civilisation.Here is a list of applications to download:Memrise,LingQ, Duolingo,Learn Latin,Latin Trainer,Vice Verba,Latin Voc,Reciting Latin quotes, reading the missal, analyzing classic Latin literature, being on the quest to learn new words, improving your level and knowing how to translate a Latin text into English are all motivating factors for learning Latin.Who would have known that learning a dead language could be so much fun?

Career Myths 8 Mistakes That Keep You from Growing Ahead - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Career Myths 8 Mistakes That Keep You from Growing Ahead - Introvert Whisperer Career Myths: 8 Mistakes That Keep You from Growing Ahead Shawn Berkeley had landed his dream job at a multinational bank. He had planned all his career moves since he was in college. He aimed for perfection in everything he did. Soon enough, the career goals he had set for himself started to weigh down on him. Well, a situation like this is rather common in the professional world. Whether youre about to start a career or youre a seasoned professional, none of you are infallible to making mistakes. However, repeatedly making the same mistakes will jeopardise your credibility as an employee, and may even impact your personal life as well.  Now, the good news is that many of these mistakes are easy to avert in the first place. Presented below are some of those mistakes that prevent your professional growth. Mistake #1. Over-committing and under-delivering Solution: Do you constantly fail to meet deadlines and does your work lacks the quality? Then chances are you’re taking on tasks that are way above your league, or youre not making enough effort. Taking on too much at once builds false expectations among your superiors. Soon, you will be branded as inefficient’, losing out on opportunities, increments, and promotions. However, you can get rid of this rut by making commitments that you can fulfil. Focus on working hard to beat deadlines and targets by a reasonable margin consistently over the next three months. This way, you can rebuild your image at work.

What is Electromagnetic Induction

What is Electromagnetic Induction All You Need to Know about Electromagnetic Induction. ChaptersWhat is Electromagnetism?A Brief History of Electromagnetic Induction.How Does Electromagnetic Induction Work?How Do We Use Electromagnetic Induction?The science of electromagnetism is one of the most important fields we know of. For practical applications in industry and for our knowledge of the physical structure of the universe, electromagnetism is central.Maybe you’d never have realised but, without electromagnetism, we wouldn’t be able to transport or generate electricity. It just wouldn’t happen. We wouldn’t be able to get the massive quantities of electricity we need across the country and into each of our homes. Think about that when you’re turning on the lights, boiling the kettle, or watching the tv.Meanwhile, by the way, electromagnetism â€" that curious overlap of electricity and magnetism â€" forms the bonds of the universe. This is why we can’t really say that anyone ‘invented’ electromagnetism: it was rather discovered â€" and then calculated to be the force that holds together the different parts of the atom. It is responsible for chemical compounds â€" and it is also the force that produces light.Electromagnetism, then, is everywhere. But, here, we are going to look at a particular phenomenon known as electromagnetic induction â€" the production of electromotive force through the presence of a changing magnetic field.Don’t worry if that is not clear â€" because we’ll do a recap of all of the science that you need to know to understand this really quite amazing process.Check here for a physics and maths tutor s1. PetarPhysics Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamPhysics Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JidePhysics Teacher 4.80 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DorothyPhysics Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RahulPhysics Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Electromagnetism?Let’s start with electromagnetism. What was this again?Let’s Start with MagnetismWell, we know what magnetism is, right? Some materials are magnetic â€" meaning they exert a magnetic force â€" whilst others are not. In those magnetic materials â€" and we call those that remain magnetic even beyond an external magnetic field permanent magnets or ferromagnetic materials â€" the unpaired electrons are all aligned, meaning that they exert a force in a particular direction.In nonmagnetic materials, this doesn’t happen â€" with the electrons either being all paired or else completely random.These ferromagnetic materials â€" like iron or nickel â€" are either magnetic at random or because they have been in contact with a magnetic field. And whilst these things a re cool in themselves, they are not of handy as electromagnets â€" which can be switched on and off and which are much much more powerful.And powerful magnets can do an awful lot.And Electromagnetism?An electromagnet, meanwhile, is a magnet powered by an electric current.Electricity itself has a magnetic force. And whilst this is present even in just a simple copper wire â€" and, as we said, in all of the miniscule measurements of electric charge across every atom and chemical bond â€" scientists have found ways of making that force much stronger.Generally, electromagnets use coils of wire, with each coil winding around a piece of metal â€" usually iron. This particular thing is called a solenoid. When there is an electric current flowing through this wire, the magnetic field produced is centred on the magnetic core, the piece of metal at the centre of solenoid. These electromagnets are super strong â€" and, as soon as you turn off the electricity, the solenoid stops being magnetize d.So, yes, really an electromagnet is really just a really strong magnet. However, this particular combination of electricity and magnetism is incredibly useful. And one of its most important applications is in electromagnetic induction â€" the productive of electromotive force (emf or induced voltage) through the movement of a magnetic field.These magnets, then, produce electricity. Do you see why they might be useful now?Check out our guide to magnetism and electromagnetism! A diagram of a magnetic fieldA Brief History of Electromagnetic Induction.To best explain the process and importance of electromagnetic induction, let’s trace its history briefly. Let’s go back to the very first experiments that brought it to light â€" way back then in the 1830s.At this point, we already had the horseshoe electromagnet, thanks to the invention of William Sturgeon â€" and we already knew that electric currents wielded a magnetic force of their own, due to the findings of Ampere and Oersted.However, it was a man called Michael Faraday that discovered the principles of electromagnetic induction, when he conducted a little experiment published in 1831.Michael Faraday.Michael Faraday has actually become one of the most influential scientists in history â€" with his work on magnetism showing how this force can affect rays of light, for example. However, his most influential experiment was that which discovered electromagnetic induction.Faraday took an iron ring and, wi th two different pieces of wire, wrapped coils around opposite sides of it. When running an electrical current through one of the pieces of wire, he expected to see some sort of electrical charge or effect on the second piece of wire.He therefore connected this second piece of wire into a galvanometer, a machine that measures electrical charges. And, lo and behold, when he turned the battery on and off on the first wire, the galvanometer showed an electrical charge. This, Faraday suggested, was due to the magnetic flux that passed through the centre of the ring.To clarify this, there was only an electric current produced when the magnetic field changed. So, only at the moments when he turned the battery on and when he turned the battery off did he see a change on the galvanometer. At other times, the galvanometer showed nothing.This is why another of his experiments had him slip a bar magnet in and out of a coil of wire. Here, the same electrical charge was seen on the galvanometer with the movement.Faraday’s Law and Maxwell’s Equations.Whilst Faraday did the practical work, his results weren’t met with much enthusiasm â€" as he didn’t present his findings in mathematical terms.It was James Clerk Maxwell who, thirty years later, described what Faraday had shown mathematically. Maxwell’s equations have become the name of these laws which describe what happens in electromagnetic induction.How Does Electromagnetic Induction Work?So, what exactly is this thing that Faraday discovered? Simply put, the importance of this discovery was that changes in magnetic fields can induce electrical currents.As we know, electrical currents have a magnetic field. This is what solenoids are all about. But, as Faraday did, if you interact with that magnetic field with another magnet, the potential or voltage of the electric current is changed.If you were to move such a magnet in and out of a coil, you’d feel a fair bit of resistance. But with this resistance is produce d the current flow. Speed up the movement of the magnet and the induced current will increase; strengthen the magnetic field and the same happens.In this way, then, magnets can be used to turn kinetic energy into electric energy â€" as by moving the magnet, the current flows. This is precisely how things like generators work: they generate electricity through the movement of a magnet in a magnetic field.Maybe you can see now why this was such an incredibly important discovery. Electromagnets produce a strong magnetic field.How Do We Use Electromagnetic Induction?To clarify this phenomenon further, let’s take a look at one of the major technologies that applies it. That’s the electric generator, a tool that is really incredibly common. From power stations â€" in which fuels are burned, say, to power the magnetic field â€" to cars and teeny-tiny motors in all sorts of different equipment, these things are everywhere.Electrical Generators.Electrical generators work by producing a magnetic field in which other magnetised coils are moved.Cars, for example, use an alternating current generator â€" or alternator â€" to ensure that the battery remains charged. With alternating current, the induced current moves in alternating directions â€" hence the name.Imagine a magnetic field in an enclosed space. At the centre of this space is a rotating coil of wire with a current passing through it. As you can imagine, there will be interaction and resistance between th e coil of wire (with its own magnetic field) and the general magnetic field in the generator.As one side of the rotating coil moves upwards, a positive current is induced. As it moves back downwards, its opposite occurs. Consequently, you get a current which is constantly changing.In a DC generator (direct current), there is a mechanism that means that the movements in the magnetic field are reversed â€" so there is no alternation.Why Use AC?AC is much more common in massive electrical contraptions. That’s because it is much easier to transport than DC: you can up the voltage whilst having a small current.But, given this high voltage, you need transformers for this current to be usable. And you can learn all about transformers in our article here. AC/DC? Not quite what we're talking about here, no.

Online Real Life Conic Sections Tutors

Online Real Life Conic Sections Tutors Conic section is different slices of a cone which form different shapes. Some of the conic section regularly used in math are Circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Each conic shape has its own set of formulas and properties. Real life conic sections are the use of these different conic section in day to day life. Applying the concepts and formula of the conic section to solve many real world scenarios where the conic shapes are involved. For example; concept of parabola is regularly used in different parts of physics. The path of the planets around the sun as focus is an ellipse. Example 1: An arch of the garden has a parabolic shape. The height is 16 feet and a base width is 20 feet. Find the equation of the shape. (Assume the ground is the x- axis.) Solution: The vertex will be (0, 16) and the width given is 20 feet which makes the x intercepts x = + 10 and x = -10. The equation of the parabola using the vertex will be y = a (x+10) (x-10) Substitute the vertex gives: 16 = a (0+10) (0-10) = -100a; a = -4/25; The equation of the parabola is y = -4/25 (x2 100). Example 2: Determine which conic section is the given equation x2 + y2 4y -12 = 0? Solution: Given equation is x2 + y2 4y -12 = 0. The equation can be written as (x 0)2 + (y 2)2 16 = 0 Therefore (x 0)2 + (y 2)2 = 42. Hence given is equation of a circle with center (0, 2) and radius 4 units.

Student Thoughts on Attending The Ohio State University

Student Thoughts on Attending The Ohio State University Casey earned her bachelors degree in psychology from The Ohio State University. She specializes in anatomy tutoring, math tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at The Ohio State University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Casey: The campus was absolutely beautiful. In the summer, the oval is packed with people. Both the city of Columbus and the Ohio State campus have easy-to-navigate bus systems. There is really no need for a car or bike your first two years. However, if you anticipate going off-campus for work, it might be wise to bring a car to get around the city. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Casey:The TAs are wonderful and will help you whenever you are in need, but you will ultimately determine how successful you are in your classes. Initially, classes can be as big as 700 students. As you move up in your major, however, your classes will become much smallersometimes as small as 10 or 12 students. In these classes, your professors are very accessible and approachable. I had two advisers, one for psychology and one for pre-physical therapy. The university does not hold your hand through your collegiate career, but I found that to be an invaluable life lesson that I am grateful to have learned. Guidance counselors are there to guide you, but you will have to put in the work to succeed. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Casey:Ohio State is currently undergoing several renovations. I lived in Morrill Tower my freshman year with nine roommates. It was a great way to meet friends. I really wish I had appreciated how great dorm life actually was when I was living it. The dining options are great as well. The food offered to students is restaurant-quality, and there are small grocery store options for students as well. There are so many opportunities for students to get involved on campus. There are fairs held every semester, filled with every organization to help students find their niche. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Casey:Ohio State has over 180 majors. Typically, we are known for the Fisher College of Business, but all of our programs are top-notch. Every student will have at least one adviser, sometimes two if a student pursues a pre-med route. I studied psychology with a pre-physical therapy focus. I really enjoyed psychology, because I love to learn about why people are the way they are. The university did a wonderful job of supporting my area of study. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Casey:It was seamless for me to meet people and make friends at OSU. I applied to be a Sport and Wellness Scholar (SWS) before I went to Ohio State, so I was roomed with people who were scholars as well. I also attended fairs for involvement, found my way into tutoring student athletes at OSU, and I became a University Host. In addition, I found ways to get involved with research through the university. The options for involvement are endless for students. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Casey:The Career Center and student support services are very approachable. They are helpful, but you have to make the time to reach out to them. Given that OSU is one of the largest universities in the country, reputable companies seek out students from Ohio State. There is no shortage of job opportunities in the area. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Casey:There are over 20 libraries on campus. The libraries used by the majority of students are Thompson Library and the SEL Library. The SEL is a 24-hour library, so it is frequented by a lot of students due to its hours. Thompson can get over-crowded at certain times, specifically exam week. However, there are 10 floors to Thompson, so it isnt too hard to find a spot to yourself. I really cannot say enough good things about the libraries and study spaces at Ohio State. Describe the surrounding town. Casey:There are so many fun spots in the surrounding area. There is an area called the Short North that is filled with young professionals. That area gets lively on the weekends, and there are so many small shops and boutiques that will keep you entertained all four years of undergrad. There is the German Village that hosts a lot of graduate students, with an amazing restaurant called Thurmans. Columbus is also an incredible city to explore. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Casey:Ohio State is huge; its home to around 60,000 students. Its overwhelming if you allow it to be. However, it becomes small when you get involved with any clubs, sports, or organizations; this is a great way to make the university feel smaller. I was in classes that had 30 students and others that had 800 students, and was never bothered by class size. Generally speaking, Ohio State will always provide you with the tools necessary to be successful in any class, regardless of size. What will determine your success is the amount of work you put into it. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Casey:I had one class at OSU that will stick with me forever. I was a psychology major, with a pre-physical therapy focus. However, I decided one semester to take a class that I would enjoy, so I took Intro to Shakespeare. It was my favorite class that I ever took at OSU. The professor was so passionate about Shakespeare, and I found it so relaxing to go to a class that I was taking purely for my enjoyment. It was an incredible experience to listen to someone so expert in a subject that I had almost no knowledge of. I will hold that with me forever as an incredible class experience, and it will always serve as a life reminder to take time to do things for myself. Check out Caseys tutoring profile. The views in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Look For - Phrasal Verb of the Day

Look For - Phrasal Verb of the Day Todays phrasal verb is  Look For.Infinitive: Look ForPresent Tense: Look For/Looks For-ing Form: Looking ForPast Tense: Looked ForPast Participle: Looked ForIt is a non-separable phrasal verb that can be used in three ways.1.Example:

Are You Thinking about Taking the New August SAT

Are You Thinking about Taking the New August SAT If youre a high school student, the parent of a high school student, or otherwise plugged into the world of standardized testing, youve probably heard about the new August SAT that will be administered this year. Bowing to popular demand, the College Board has finally decided to give students the option of taking the SAT over the summer. The total number of SAT dates each year will stay the same, though starting in 2018 there will no longer be a January SAT date.The official August SAT date will be August 26, 2017. The registration deadline for this test is July 28. You can register for the August SAT at the College Boards website. Please note that its probably a good idea to go ahead and register for this test right now if youre considering taking it. Many students, especially in the competitive Bay Area, are interested in trying the new August SAT, and due to the summer testing date, fewer testing sites will be available.This issue of limited space appears to be especially acute f or test-takers with accommodations for learning differences. Many of those testing spots across the Bay Area are already full. If you have accommodations for the SAT and you havent registered for the August test yet, do so immediately (or plan on driving a ways to find an open testing site).Now, onto the question weve been getting from many AJ Tutoring students and parents should I take the August SAT? A few thoughts:What year are you in high school?If youre a rising senior, the August SAT might be a great option for you. Many rising seniors have already taken the SAT at least once during the spring of their junior year. The August SAT is a great time for a retake, since for most students it comes before the beginning of the school year (and fall of senior year tends to be quite busy). The August test date gives you a little wiggle room to retake the SAT in October if needed and still get SAT scores in plenty of time for college applications. It also gives you the option of taking the SAT in August and SAT subject tests in October, since those must be taken on different test dates.The more difficult decision is whether a rising junior should take the August SAT. With good intentions, many parents want their student to get the SAT out of the way before junior year starts. For many students, junior year is the toughest year of high school with the most demands on their time, and it seems like a good idea to finish standardized testing before junior year gets into full swing. However, in our experience, the vast majority of students will get their best score on an SAT taken in the spring of their junior year (at the earliest). Theres nothing wrong with taking the August SAT as a rising junior, as long as youre open to retaking the test later in junior year.The August SAT may also be a good option for recruited athletes and other students who may need an SAT score earlier than normal.How much time can you devote to SAT prep this summer?Again, good intentions reig n. Staring down the barrel of a busy May and June, many students vow to throw their energy into SAT prep over the summer with an eye toward taking the August SAT. For many students, this plan will work well theyll be able to focus on preparing for the SAT over the summer with minimal distractions from school and sports.However, students should be brutally honest with themselves when deciding whether to take the August SAT. If you have a month-long vacation planned for July, an intense summer class, or a full-time summer job or if youre simply the kind of person who finds it hard to get motivated for SAT prep when you could be hanging out in Santa Cruz with your friends the August SAT may not be the best choice for you. Of course, you can always take the SAT in August with minimal prep over the summer, but just keep in mind that you may want to retake the test in October if you dont get the score youre looking for.How does SAT tutoring fit into your summer schedule?If you choose t o prepare for the SAT with an AJ tutor (and we hope you do!), you can expect to complete nine 1.5-hour sessions leading up to the August 26 test date. If you start tutoring after school is out, this generally means meeting about once per week throughout June, July and August. We also ask our SAT prep students to complete at least 3 full-length practice SATs, preferably proctored at our office on Saturday mornings. You can find our complete schedule of proctored practice SATs on our website.If youve already worked with us for SAT or ACT prep, we can usually shorten your prep for an SAT retake. Students will often complete four 1.5-hour sessions in preparation for retaking the SAT. You should also plan on taking 2 full-length practice SATs on the weekends. During the retake prep, your SAT tutor will focus more closely on your areas of difficulty from the last SAT and work on fine-tuning your approach to the test.In general, we think that the introduction of an August SAT date is a gre at move by the College Board to give students more options. Most rising seniors should at least consider taking the SAT in August.Interested in more information about the August 2017 SAT, or still not sure whether this test is right for you? Just fill out a consultation request or give us a call at (650) 331-3251. Wed love to talk through your SAT testing plan!