• Always approach the process with the most knowledge possible which means you need to get advice from older students, teachers, guidance counselors and other advocates who want you to excel.

• Make sure that you are taking classes which give you the best opportunity to get an “A,” and avoid like the plague teachers who take pride in giving low grades or those who tend to flunk students. If there is a notoriously hard Advanced Placement (AP) Biology teacher at your school who never awards “A’s” to strong students, and you are not pre-med, then there is no reason to take that class if there are other “easier” AP classes offered which you can take instead.

• Also remember that you should take as many college-level classes (AP / Honors) over those “regular” classes where you can get an “easy A” because admissions officers take into consideration the quality of your high school curriculum. Make sure to get the highest GPA possible at the end of your junior year so that it will be on your transcript when you apply to colleges. Colleges care about the class rank you have when you applied to their institution; so do what you can to be the strongest candidate possible at the end of junior year.

What classes are you planning to take next year? How did you go about choosing the right classes to build your transcript?

In addition to reading early for your classes you should take extensive notes on whatever you are reading so that you can easily refer to the notes during the semester. Also make sure to get the syllabus from your teacher as early as possible so that you can plan accordingly. If you know your teacher will make everyone give a presentation during the class, and it is open to you to choose when to present, always take the initiative to go first. Teachers are usually more lenient on the first presenter because they braved the storm first. So, go out there and make a great impression and go above and beyond what is asked while making sure to get permission first with what you are going to do!

Following this tip will make your semester a lot less stressful and way more enjoyable, providing more time for extra-curricular activities, as well as harder courses such as AP Calculus.

What are your favorite times to catch up on work? If you’re taking AP exams this May, how have you made time to prepare for them?

Every year, over 1.8 million students take 3.2 million AP exams, seeking to challenge themselves academically, to better prepare for the curriculum they will encounter in college, and to possibly earn college credit or improved placement. Although these tests provide great opportunities, many students and teachers have complained that the exams require too much memorization, instead of focusing on a deep conceptual understanding of the content. To address these concerns, the College Board – the company that creates the AP tests and the SAT – plans to redesign its AP courses and exams to “focus on promoting a rigorous curriculum that aligns with best practices in teaching and learning.”

The changes will not only focus on test design, but also on classroom instruction. As part of the revision, the College Board will create a detailed set of learning objectives for each course, and will update the exam to reflect these changes. This ideological shift requires students to demonstrate a much deeper conceptual understanding of the content, instead of focusing on memorizing mundane names, dates, and facts. This also means that many content-heavy subjects – like Biology and US History – must pare back the amount of material covered. Fortunately, teachers can now put more emphasis on critical thinking skills, a much-coveted goal when preparing high school scholars for college. High school educators and college professors alike are excited for these changes because, if done well, the curriculum will more effectively provide students with the tools and skills necessary to excel in college.

The changes mentioned above will be progressively phased in, beginning in the 2011-2012 school year with AP French, AP German, and AP World History. On queue for the 2012-2013 school year are AP Biology, AP Latin, and AP Spanish Literature and Culture. And, finally, in the 2013-2013 school year, AP US History will follow. To learn more about these changes and the timeline for subsequent change as well as read course descriptions and frameworks, visit the College Board website:

http://advancesinap.collegeboard.org/overview

1. The PSAT helps you see what it will be like to take the SAT® as you head into college. In fact, a College Board study recently found that students who took the PSAT scored an average of 146 points higher on the SAT.

2. Last year, $52 million of National Merit Scholarships were given to more than 10,700 students based on their PSAT scores – this year, you could be one of them.

Understanding the PSAT

The PSAT tests math, critical reading and writing skills – just like the SAT. You can read more about the length and types of questions on the PSAT here.

When you take the PSAT, your score is ranked alongside the scores of all other students taking the PSAT across the country this year. There are a few distinctions that you can get based on your PSAT score, and having one of these distinctions not only can qualify you for a scholarship to save you major bucks on college tuition, but also will be a shining golden star on your future college applications.

50,000 students every year receive some level of distinction for their PSAT scores. Let’s talk about what you can do over the next month to become one of them.

6 Ways to Prep for the PSAT

Here are a few tips to help you build your skills before Test Day to raise your PSAT score:

1. Get to Know the Test: Click here to read about the length, questions and content of each section of the PSAT.

2. Learn Top Test Strategies: Learn the most important skills and test strategies to raise your PSAT score at one of our upcoming Live Online Workshops about What Students Needs to Know Before Taking the PSAT.

3. Build Your Vocab Skills: Building your vocabulary will help you score higher on Sentence Completion, which is one of the best ways to raise your Critical Reading score. Aim to learn 10-15 new vocabulary words each week this month and you’ll be well on your way. Here are a few ways to build your vocabulary:

• Read SAT Level Books – look up words you don’t know and practice them

• Create flash cards to quiz yourself on new words

• Practice vocab with our fun Spitcabulary game on Facebook

4. Learn Math & Reading Strategies: Check out our PSAT lessons on YouTube for free video lessons from our top Kaplan tutors. You’ll learn the most important strategies to solve math problems and answer reading questions on the PSAT.

5. Take a Practice Test: Click here and enter your zip code to find upcoming free PSAT Practice Test events near you. Taking a Practice Test is a great way to get a feel for the test and figure out what skills you should focus on this month as you prepare.

6. Take a Prep Course: We know the test and can help you score higher on the PSAT – guaranteed or your money back. Check out our PSAT prep courses here.

About 2 years ago, I began to take a serious interest in journalism. Taking U.S. History was the catalyst for my interest and because of it, my view of the world was greatly widened.  When I learned about the “Muckrakers” of ‘50s America, I was more inclined to expose little known facts. I dreamed of being the best journalist I could be, delivering honest, factual and unbiased news. Unfortunately, as I witnessed all the bad events in the world and the decline of journalistic interest, I realized that I could pair my writing talent and ability to appreciate music to shine some light on the world.

I’ve used singing and listening to music as an escape since I was very small.  I often listen to music in the dark to identify sounds and effects that go unnoticed with the distraction of music videos, people and other noises. Music has become a home for me that I’d love to invite other people into.  When I realized that becoming a musical correspondent was financially sound, I found a career that would be just right for me as an audiologist. I’d be able to help the deaf and hearing impaired as well as their families.

As I write this, I’m thinking about how badly I want my future to be bright and promising. I want to be able to do what I love and make it impact people positively. As I will spend my senior year learning sign language, a key medium for communication with patients, I encourage you to search deeply into what your life’s passion may be.  No GPS can help you travel to the right career path, so really think about what you love to do, but be realistic and know that just about any interest you have can be related in some way to a field of study.  What you know fascinates you and keeps you moving everyday can be transformed into a fulfilling career that can help you make the difference in this world.

Happy searching!

For many applicants, the prospect of meeting face-to-face with an admissions officer can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. With good preparation and a sound understanding of the process, you can ace your interview and leave a positive, lasting impression with your potential colleges. Here’s what you should know about the college interview:

1. Schedule your interview early. Since appointments tend to fill up quickly, especially during the height of application season, you should schedule an interview with your prospective school’s admissions office at least four weeks prior to your planned date of arrival.

2. Meet with your rep. If offered an admissions interview, request to meet with the representative who is assigned to your high school or region, as he or she will most likely be the one evaluating your application.

3. Know your school. Peruse your prospective school’s website, particularly the pages of the site that focus upon your areas of interest. Learn about the courses, professors, and extracurricular activities from which you would benefit if offered admission. If you can demonstrate knowledge of the college’s offerings, your admissions officer is more likely to regard you as a serious and genuinely interested candidate.

4. Come prepared. Before the interview, make sure to obtain a copy of your transcript, your resume or student activities sheet, and a list of any standardized test scores. This information will allow your admissions representative to realistically assess your chances of admission, as well as offer any advice that he or she may have on how to improve your application.

During the interview, be prepared to discuss your courses, your extracurricular experiences, and your reasons for applying to the college (and be specific!). Here are some questions that you may encounter on interview day:

• Why are you interested in our college?

• What can you contribute to our campus?

• What do you consider your strengths?

• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

• If you could change one thing about your current school, what would it be?

• Whom do you consider your role model(s)? Why?

• What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?

• What do you like to do for fun?

• Describe a challenge that you have overcome?

• What is your favorite book? Why?

You should also come with several questions of your own that will help you to learn more about the college and simultaneously demonstrate to your rep that you have done your college research.  Here are some questions that you might consider asking:

• What is your average class size? For freshman? For upperclassmen?

• Is there opportunity for independent study and/or research?

• Do you offer academic support services?

• How many students study abroad? Pursue internships?

• Can you speak about the career placement and graduate school placement of your recent graduates?

• What distinguishes your college from other comparable colleges?

5. Practice makes perfect. If possible, attempt to simulate the conditions that you will encounter on interview day.  Solicit help from a friend or relative who is willing to play the role of interviewer and who is also comfortable enough to critique your performance. Finding a good practice partner will enable you to discover and subsequently improve upon weaknesses in your interview technique (i.e. stuttering, lack of eye contact, improper body language, etc.).

As you practice responding to the above questions, avoid the temptation to memorize or script your answers. The best interviews proceed like good conversations, so be yourself, be sincere, and be spontaneous.

6. Remember etiquette. When the big day arrives, make sure you’re on time. Dress appropriately (business casual), shake hands, and maintain eye contact throughout the meeting; presentation is always key to a successful interview.

Finally, it’s important to realize that your admissions rep is just as anxious to impress you as you are to impress him or her. So, relax and use your college interview as an opportunity to enter into great conversation and to learn a bit more about your prospective school.

1. Get a head start on your college essays.

Research is the key. Get a head start by researching the colleges where you plan to apply to learn about their college admission essays. Start your essays now so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the work load when the new school year comes around. It also gives you a chance to write a better essay because you have more time and can organize your thoughts better, instead of rushing to finish them last minute.

I also recommend showing your essays to your English teacher. It’s always good to have a second opinion, and who can help you better than a teacher who both knows you and knows what it takes to write a great essay?

2. Apply for as many scholarships as you can.

Thousands of dollars go to waste from unclaimed scholarship money every year — don’t let money pass you by! Scholarships are everywhere. Search for organizations and other websites that offer free scholarship money just waiting to be taken. A short essay is all that’s needed, and it’s a small price to pay for money that could potentially put you through college.

A couple of websites to keep your eye out for are fastweb.com and scholarships.com. There are hundreds of other websites out there - take the time and reap the benefits!

3. Take SAT prep classes if you are not satisfied with your score.

When it comes to studying for the SAT, I highly recommend taking prep classes, even if you feel you can study on your own. Summer is filled with lots of temptation, and effective studying is not always guaranteed. It is great if you have the will power to study on your own time, but an SAT prep class can always give you that extra push.

The pre-college process should not be rushed. Every detail counts, and it’s all up to you. What are you doing this summer to prepare for applying to colleges?

Check out my blog next week for advice on factors to consider when choosing a college!

1. Take Full-length Practice Tests.

Practice makes perfect! The best way to understand your strengths and weaknesses is to take a practice test. Use your results to create a study plan based on the areas in which you need to improve. Throughout your prep, take additional practice tests to check your progress and adjust your plan as needed. The key to taking practice tests is to mimic test-like conditions—follow time limits, use your calculator only when allowed, and only work in one section at a time.

2. Create a Study Plan and Stick to It.

Set a test date that gives you 10–12 weeks to prep. Sign up for the test date and get to work. Schedule your practice tests and what you will work on between those dates to make sure you are 100% ready for test day! If you are having trouble sticking to your plan, reward yourself for sticking to it every week with a small treat, like going to the movies or buying your favorite ice cream.

3. Know the Test.

Not all admission tests are the same. Pick the test with which you are most comfortable. For example, if you have a strong grasp of vocabulary and are a great essay writer, then maybe the SAT is the test for you. However, if you love math and science—and you read quickly—the ACT might be better. The way to find out is to take a practice SAT and ACT test, then decide. Also, understand the basics of how each test is scored. For example, on the ACT you should never leave a question blank, but on the SAT if you can’t eliminate an answer choice it is actually better to leave it blank. This goes for every question type except the Math Grid-in questions—you should answer every single one of these since no points are deducted for wrong answers.

4. Read, Read, Read!

Reading will help you on every section of admission tests—yes, even Math! So,

challenge yourself and read a few novels that aren’t on your school reading list. Pick up The New York Times or Wall Street Journal and read a few articles each day. If you don’t know a word, look it up. On Test Day, read actively! Ask yourself questions while you read, like: Why did the author write this passage, why did the author use that example, what is the author’s opinion? Also, pay close attention to the author’s purpose and tone, as they will help you eliminate incorrect answer choices.

(Really) prepare for standardized tests. Were you too busy with school work to study for the SAT? Are you not pleased with your current ACT score?  Summer presents the perfect opportunity to focus on preparing for those all-important standardized tests.  Like it or not, standardized tests are a crucial component of the college application process and a higher score can often times constitute the difference between an admissions acceptance and denial.  If your current test scores aren’t up to par at your top choice colleges, please visit www.kaptest.com/summercamp to learn about some of the unique test prep options that are being offered by Kaplan this summer.

Write your college essay. The majority of college applications become available in late July or early August, so many rising seniors can preview essay topics and even complete their essays before resuming school in the fall.  Although the college essay is perhaps the most the daunting part of the college application process, it can also prove to be the most rewarding, provided you follow a few simple rules.  First, be yourself.  Admissions officers don’t want the extraordinary; they simply want to learn something about you that they cannot glean from the collection of grades and scores in your application file. If it’s authentic, an essay about a daily ritual, ordinary hobby, or family tradition can prove just as captivating as a story about cheating death or overcoming insurmountable odds.
Second, bring your writing to life.  Use anecdotes, sensory language, and strong verbs to show (not tell) your reader how you feel, what you have seen, and/or what you have experienced.  Finally, keep it clean.  A clean essay is a concise essay, and one that is free of artificial and/or flowery language.  At the height of admissions season, officers will be reading up to 100 essays per day.  The last thing they want to see is an unnecessarily long or bombastic essay. Want further advice? Check out a couple of my favorite books on writing the college essay:

Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps, by Alan Gelb
On Writing the College Essay, by Harry Bauld

Complete the Common Application. More than 400 selective college and universities are now members of the Common Application, which means that if you are interested in attending a competitive college you will likely be applying to at least several institutions that use this standardized application form. You may visit commonapp.org to preview and practice completing the Common Application, including the personal essay. Please note that the 2010-2011 Common Application (online and paper version) will become available on August 1, 2010.

Get a job. A job, perhaps more than anything else, demonstrates to an admissions committee that you are mature, practical, and ready to take on the responsibilities associated with adulthood. If possible, attempt to secure a job in your area of professional interest or one that will further demonstrate your passion for a particular subject or activity.  For example, if baseball is your thing, apply to work as an umpire or assistant coach.  If you want a career helping animals, look for a job at a local veterinary clinic or animal shelter.  For those who don’t necessarily need to earn money, internships can prove just as rewarding and beneficial to one’s admissions prospects, provided the internship requires more than several hours of work per week. Students pursuing unpaid work also have a better chance of finding a position in their desired field. However, if like me (as a high school student), you need to earn money, but can’t find a job that meshes with your personal or professional interests, take ANY job.  As long as you demonstrate a strong work ethic and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you’ll score big points with your prospective schools, whatever the job.

Yes, summer is the time to unwind, but it’s also the time to get ahead.  Relaxation and productivity can go hand in hand, especially during break.  Complete these few tasks and you will reap the benefits come fall.