You’ve probably been hearing these three terms A LOT lately: Test Optional, Test Flexible and Test Blind. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, many colleges/universities opted to go test optional, at least temporarily because students had difficulty accessing the ACT/SAT. As national test dates were cancelled, test center locations closed and test capacity became limited, students had fewer chances to take the tests. While the test optional policy is not new, many more colleges/universities that made that temporary shift are remaining test optional through the next few admissions cycles, then re-eva ..read more

With hybrid and remote learning schedules keeping students from really engaging in their learning, a summer program can help them catch up in the academic areas where they might have fallen behind this school year. We get that all kids (and families!) need a break from this “school year like no other.” But taking a complete break from academics this summer won’t help the fall go any better, especially if you saw your child struggling with at-home or hybrid learning. Here are 8 reasons why a summer at Sylvan will make all the difference in the fall! (Psst … we offer in-person and online tutorin ..read more

Due to the current impact of COVID-19, the college/university admissions process may seem even more complex and overwhelming than it typically does. Questions like the following are quite common: Should I take the SAT/ACT if some schools are test-optional? What happens if I can’t visit all of the schools on my list? Will I be ready for college/university after having virtual/hybrid classes? How important is my GPA right now? What about extracurriculars? B-r-e-a-t-h-e—everyone is in the same boat—and colleges/universities want to help! Schools are being more flexible and understanding during ..read more

1. Virtual Tour While you can’t physically tour college or university campuses now – you can virtually tour them. Many college/university websites already have virtual tours, and quite a few are bulking up that tour with opportunities to speak with admissions representatives, talk to students, etc. And if you are a senior who is still trying to figure which school you want to attend from your accepted list you should commit to, you should be hearing from all of your schools. When you hear from schools, it gives you an opportunity to ask questions, speak to faculty and other students. They are ..read more

Recalling my subpar first college report card, I ponder how to help my daughter adjust to freshman year. While my senior seems equipped for dorm life, I wonder if she is prepared for new educational realities. It’s not unusual for students to struggle academically during their first year of college/university, says W. Houston Dougharty, the vice president for student affairs at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York. “The first year is not 13th grade—with students easily stepping up to a new grade level that’s very similar to the previous year,” says Dougharty, who has worked in higher ed ..read more

I recently learned that even just discussing the SAT or ACT can bring forth a tidal wave of feelings. My daughter cried while talking about taking the test during a meeting with her high school guidance counselor. More tears were shed after her first test score showed she needed to study a lot before the next exam sitting. She was calm yet determined as she asked for a tutor to help her get a handle on the prep work. Finally, she was gleeful and proud while submitting final scores to the schools of her choice. We know that standardized tests can play a crucial role in giving your child a boost ..read more

Sylvan Learning partnered with YourTeenMag.com for this post. Creative assets credited to Your Teen Mag. Standardized tests can play a crucial role in giving your child a boost in the college admissions process as well as put them on track for merit aid. However, the stress can begin before they even sit down for the test—as they try to decide whether they should take the SAT or the ACT (or both!) and how often. Consider this your prep for their test prep. Which Test Should They Take? ACT or SAT? The most important thing to know is that every school in the United States accepts either SAT or A ..read more

It’s November, well into the semester for high schoolers. SATs and ACTs are a topic of importance and although the spring and summer test dates seem far away, they’re actually right around the corner. If your child is contemplating taking the SAT or ACT (or both), it’s wise to have a plan. Not sure which test your teen should take? Watch this short video: Should Your Teen Take the SAT, ACT or Both? A “6-month game plan” will be useful and build confidence for those kids who have kept up their studies, maintained a relatively decent GPA, and have taken school mostly seriously. However, for tho ..read more

The week my daughter was scheduled to take the SAT, she called me up to her room to help her fall asleep two nights in a row. On the second night, my high school junior said, “I think I’m stressed.” “Yes, this is what stress looks like sometimes: Not being able to fall asleep,” I replied. We talked about how normal it is to be nervous before taking a test like the SAT. Then we listened to a guided meditation until she fell asleep. Not all Stress is Bad Stress While I was worried about my daughter’s pre-test nerves, clinical psychologist Lisa Damour says it’s good that I didn’t transfer this wo ..read more

When you look back on your life, there are certain years that likely stand out: the year you earned your driver’s license (freedom!) … the year you earned the right to vote (responsibility!) … the year you could legally be served a drink. Milestone years. Our kids have milestone years in school too — those years when expectations and responsibilities leap ahead: Going from 2nd to 3rd grade Going from elementary school to middle school Going from middle school to high school “These are pivotal academic years,” explains Emily Levitt, Vice President of Education for Sylvan. “With each of these tr ..read more