For the best education advice, consulting an experienced educational consultant is a wise decision. Independent educational consultants (IECs) can guide students and their families through the college admissions process with ease.
They often work with individual students and families, often specializing in areas such as athletes, at-risk youth or international students. Furthermore, they provide advice to parents and children regarding college selection, admissions policies, financial aid options or SAT/ACT preparation.
College Selection
College selection is one of the most significant decisions students will ever make. It can have a lasting impact on all aspects of their lives, from career prospects to social activities, so it should be approached with great consideration and precision.
Finding the ideal school can be daunting. But with proper guidance and preparation, you can make an informed decision that’s best for your future.
When searching for a college, the initial step should always be assessing your goals and needs. Whether you want an immersive Big 10 experience, liberal arts college atmosphere, or one that provides plenty of activities and internships – having clarity about your expectations from college education is paramount to finding the perfect school fit.
Next, an independent educational consultant (IEC) can assist in identifying colleges that are suitable for your unique interests and skillset. IECs review your transcripts, test scores, extracurricular activities, volunteer work experience and work history to determine which colleges would be the most beneficial to you.
Another essential step in the college selection process is creating an impressive college application. An IEC can offer advice on crafting a strong personal statement that will set you apart from other applicants and pique the interest of admissions officers in you as a student.
When writing the essay, students should be honest about their life experiences and why they want to attend a certain college. Furthermore, they should be prepared to discuss any struggles or successes which have shaped their personality and allowed them to grow as individuals.
If you don’t know where to begin, start by creating a list of 10-15 schools that offer majors that fit your interests. For instance, if science and mathematics are your two passions, look for schools offering programs in those subjects.
Once you have your list, research each school. Gather enough data to create three lists: safety, likely and reach.
For many people, college is a life-altering decision. A degree can open the door to various professional possibilities such as higher wages and job security – on average, an education beyond high school can increase someone’s salary by $524 per week on average.
SAT/ACT Preparation
No matter if you decide to take the SAT or ACT, it is essential that you begin your test prep early. This gives you enough time for study, practice and retaking the exam if needed (plus it could even improve your score!).
Start your SAT or ACT preparation by taking a diagnostic test. This will identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as give an estimate of how much prep time is necessary.
On average, you should spend at least 15-20 minutes of practice each night for both tests. That should be enough time to tackle one or two ACT Science passages, several ACT Reading or English passages, or one-third of a Math section on the SAT.
Track the number of hours spent studying, the scores earned on practice tests, and even mini practice quizzes. Doing this makes the test prep process smoother and ensures you stay on track to reach your objectives.
Students have access to many free resources, such as a study guide and sample questions for each section. Some of these materials can be found online, while others can be accessed at your student’s local library, community college or high school.
Another option is finding a private tutor who offers tailored SAT or ACT prep. A knowledgeable individual can assist in practicing specific question types on both exams, such as writing and grammar, as well as improving test-taking skills in general.
For instance, a tutor may focus on the writing section of the SAT, helping you hone your essay structure and grammar while teaching strategies to prevent common errors in this area. Doing so can enhance both writing and logical reasoning skills – essential for success on the exam.
A tutor can also offer practice and retake opportunities, typically scheduled several months after the initial exam to allow for additional development and practice.
Retaking an exam requires dedication to study plans and staying focused. A full night’s sleep as well as nutritious snacks can both help you remain focused during a retake.
Tutoring
Tutoring is an integral part of any student’s education and it can have a lasting positive effect on your child’s success in both school and beyond. Whether your child struggles with a subject, needs assistance writing an essay, or simply wishes to hone his study skills, professional tutors are invaluable resources that can help them reach their full potential!
In contrast to classrooms, where the teacher-to-student ratio is one to thirty, a private tutor can better analyze and identify a student’s strengths, areas of difficulty, and create an individualized plan that will lead them towards academic success. Furthermore, tutoring provides extra assistance on assessments and assignments so your student is better equipped for success.
The tutor-tutee relationship provides both parties with an invaluable chance to practice and hone social skills such as respect, empathy, and patience. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful platform for developing trusting connections where both parties feel safe sharing information freely.
There is a wide range of tutors, from those with extensive teaching and professorial experience to industry experts eager to share their expertise. Generally, those with more expertise are best qualified to offer assistance; however, there are plenty of other qualified options as well – so be sure to do your research before selecting your tutor!
A successful tutor should have a deep passion for their subject and strive to impart it onto other learners. Furthermore, they should be willing to put in the time and effort necessary for getting to know their tutee better.
Tutors come in a variety of settings, such as online, in-person and learning centers. One-on-one tutoring is the most common form and allows both student and tutor to focus on each individual’s individual needs. This type of personal attention makes tutoring invaluable for both parties involved.
Test Preparation
Standardized tests – whether they’re high school, college or professional certification exams – can be a source of anxiety for many students. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce this stress with the appropriate guidance and test prep strategies.
First, assess what knowledge you already possess and what needs to be acquired. Do this by reading over syllabuses and course materials carefully, as well as listening carefully to an instructor’s description of the exam. Moreover, ask other students and tutors if they have any insights into what should be expected during this examination.
Another essential step is creating a study schedule. Make time each week and day for studying – even during breaks in classes if possible. It’s easy to let other activities or commitments get in the way of study time, but this could negatively affect your final grade.
Once you’ve created a study plan, it is wise to take some practice tests. Doing so can help determine which test-taking techniques suit you best and suit your learning style.
You can also create visual aids, such as charts and diagrams, to aid in testing. Visual learners especially benefit from these visuals since they break down large amounts of information into smaller, more manageable chunks.
Utilizing these tools will aid in recalling more information during test time, and it also guarantees an accurate comprehension of the material. This gives you an edge over other test-takers and makes taking the test much smoother.
When studying for your tests, it’s essential to keep in mind the format of the exam. Most professors will inform you what types of questions will be on the test: multiple-choice, essays or short answers. Knowing this information beforehand allows you to prepare optimally for those sections which demand your most skilled approach.
It’s essential to submit your exams on time, particularly if they are taken in the classroom or at a test center. Knowing what instructors expect and when it’s time for submission can make the difference between passing and failing your exam, so be sure to know their expectations.
