Online Education Blog

The pressure is on. To compete in today’s global economy, which includes international students attending North American colleges in record numbers, U.S. teenagers must obtain collegiate degrees now more than ever. According to the latest research of the U.S. Department of Education, college enrollment grew 16 percent between 1985 and 1995. Between 1995 and 2005, enrollment increased at a faster rate (23 percent), from 14.3 million to 17.5 million. The number of graduating high school seniors is expected to peak in 2011, with 67 percent trying to gain admission to an institution of higher learning.

What does this mean for students with college aspirations? Acing the college entrance exam is critical. Most students applying to competitive colleges now take the SAT/ACT® more than once, and as early as sophomore year. Sylvan will provide the foundation for students to excel on the SAT exam through our SAT preparation courses.

Our growing global economy has made it necessary for more students to attend college in order to obtain good paying jobs. New tools, such as the common application, encourage students to apply to more schools-which increases the competition. Thus, making it more difficult for students to gain acceptance into the top institutions and colleges that were once seen as “safeties.”

More students and parents today are learning the secret that top colleges have known for years-systematically preparing for the SAT/ACT® gives students more confidence and more confidence can lead to higher SAT/ACT® scores.

New college admissions rules now allow students to score their best by taking the SAT/ACT® as many times as they like, but educators suggest taking the tests no more than two or three times. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring, offers the following advice to ensure students properly prepare for their college entrance exams-Sylan’s 10 STRESSFREE Steps to Reduce the Stress and Ace The Test!

• Studying for the SAT/ACT® takes weeks, even months, of review. Don’t try to cram overnight.
• Trust yourself. Rely on your instincts. Never leave an easy question blank.
• Read the questions and answers critically.
• Easy questions have easy answers.
• Stop and check. Every few questions, ensure the question number on the answer sheet corresponds with the booklet.
• Save time. Make sure you have enough time to answer as many questions as possible, in order to rack up as many points as possible.
• Focus on what the question is really asking. If you don’t fully understand the question, finding the correct answer is going to be tough.
• Rushing only hurts you. Keep track of the time remaining for each section.
• Eliminate answers. If you can eliminate at least two incorrect answers, make an educated guess.
• End each section by reviewing. If time permits, revisit the questions you didn’t answer.

It’s never too early-or too late-to begin your college preparation and lifelong economic success.

To better assist parents in helping their children develop the skills, habits and attitudes needed for academic success, Sylvan Learning is offering free, local parent workshops. These workshops outline the successes and values of our tutoring programs and online tutoring courses. The FREE, 90-minute workshops are part of the new Sylvan Seminar Series created to help parents become familiar with the latest educational trends in a fun and interactive setting. And, your friends are welcome too!

October’s topic is “Test Stress: A Parent’s Real Guide to College Test Prep.” Learn how parents and students can work together to navigate the college preparation process while learning tips to ensure your college planning is stress-free. Visit www.sylvanpleasanton.com for more information!

Jon Gresham is the Executive Director of the San Ramon and Pleasanton Sylvan Learning Centers. Sylvan is the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages, grades and skill levels. With approximately 30 years of experience and about 1,100 centers located throughout North America, Sylvan’s proven process and personalized methods have inspired more than 2 million students to discover the joy of learning. Sylvan’s trained and certified personal instructors provide individual instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan helps transform unique kids into uniquely inspired learners with the skills to do better in school and the confidence to do better in everything else. Visit www.DrRickBlog.com to share your personal academic experiences and comment on academic trends. For more information, call 925-485-1000 or visit our Sylvan Pleasanton center or 925-830-1902 for the San Ramon center.