Let’s play a new game called “Are You Smarter Than an SAT Workbook?”
Okay, so it’s not really a game, but it is a real scenario for students who bought Mastering the SAT Math. According to Jeffrey Newman, a math tutor, there are around 36 errors in the book that is published by Wiley—a company that normally enjoys a legacy of producing excellent educational resources. Newman’s concern for students—and their SAT scores– prompted him to inform FOX News in New York and help spread the word to those who are using this book.
This is not the first time in publishing history that a book has ever had mistakes in it, but we’re not talking about one or two glitches here: 36 mistakes means getting an entire section wrong on the SAT! Errors were also found in the SAT Math Workbook by Barron’s (yet another publishing titan), as well as in The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd Edition by the College Board. Yes, the College Board—you know, the people who CREATED the SAT. Hmm.
Of course, there WOULD have to be problems with math. If you are anything like me, a gal who was waiting to declare English as her college major since the day she was born, trust me—we need all the help we can get when it comes to numbers.
Without a doubt, more test prep errors will pop up, which shows that to err is certainly human, although that is not much help to college-bound students. Barron’s is offering a free replacement for the book, Wiley says you can return theirs, and College Board will probably do something similar. But all that does is leave you unsure of which book to pick up next—and as you know, studying for the SAT must go on.
Remember the student who sued her college when she couldn’t get a job? Time will only tell if students will begin to sue publishing companies when they don’t get into college.
–Barbara Bellesi
November 19th, 2009
Don’t be stressed if the college to which you’ve applied uses what’s called a “holistic” admissions process. Confused? Well, at these schools, grades and test scores alone won’t guarantee your spot. Admissions folks are factoring in how they think you could help create a diverse and multi-talented student body–which is very good news for you and your college applications.
The NY Times reports that this process tends to help students whose GPA, class rank, and test score are less impressive, but who bring something extra, such as a unique talent or having overcome an obstacle.
Mike Gargano, vice president of the Louisiana State University System, says the holistic review process has become a more common practice at public universities. The process, which some criticize, generally allows admissions folks to better understand your academic and personal attributes, he says.
Here are three big things Gargano suggested students and parents should know about the process as you’re finishing applications or waiting a school’s decision.
1. Understand all the factors
Standardized test scores and trends in high school grades, core college prep curriculum, Advanced Placement and IB courses, and honors courses are all part of a holistic review. Gargano says the process also looks at internships, membership in academic societies, band, and student government, and other leadership skills shown through those organizations or community service. Also considered: your family’s income levels and whether you will be the first to attend college.
2. Perfect the essay
The essay can sway an admissions panel, but only if you’re able to demonstrate strong writing skills and the ability to articulate a point of view and support it with facts.
3. Turn your busy schedule into a key advantage
You need to explain how your participation in activities developed new skills and how it will contribute to your learning at a particular school. Too often, the student provides a laundry list of activities and thinks the admission counselor will deduce that from their participation they have learned something, Gargano says. But you need to make the connections for the counselors–like how you learned better time management through participation in sports, which will help you perform better academically in college.
–Lori Johnston
November 18th, 2009
You may think that the private college or university on your list (or maybe in the back of your mind as a dream school) is too expensive. But that may no longer be the case, as some private schools are cutting tuition and offering more financial aid to entice students.
This move is having an impact on public schools, which are having to cut positions and enrollment, as well as make other changes due to state budget cuts. The L.A. Times reports that there’s a growing effort by private schools to use special deals and other efforts to attract quality students as California’s state schools struggle with reduced enrollment.
It’s not just a California trend. I’m aware of other state schools that are seeing private schools snatching up some of their smartest and most accomplished candidates because of hefty financial assistance.
Here’s an idea of some of the offers:
- Florida’s Barry University is offering a 20 percent tuition discount for its adult and continuing education programs if you’re a displaced worker
- The University of San Francisco plans to offer a 50 percent discount on general education classes, beginning in January 2010
The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities says no student should rule out private higher education because of the published price. It reported in October that schools also are:
• matching public university tuition or student aid programs.
• introducing or expanding programs that replace loans with grants.
• launching three-year bachelor’s degree programs.
• guaranteeing graduation within four years, which saves money.
• offering tuition assistance for laid-off workers.
Those efforts may be working, as total Fall 2009 enrollment at the association’s more than 900 schools is expected to increase, with some schools setting records.
Hopefully you’ll be able to benefit from this, too.
–Lori Johnston
November 17th, 2009
This week, “Dancing with the Stars” heads into the semifinals, with Kelly Osbourne, Donnie Osmond, Mya, and Joanna Krupa remaining to duke it out on the dance floor with their partners. Of course, I’ll have to be content with watching it all from my couch, since my invitation to dance on the show must have once again gotten lost in the mail.
“Dancing with the Stars” is a popular show on lots of college campuses, particularly those with ballroom dance teams. That’s right—well before America ever saw former NFL players wiggle their way through a complicated dance routine, college ballroom dancers have set the floor ablaze with their own graceful movements.
Don’t think you have to go to one of the most expensive colleges in the country to strap on those dancing shoes, either. If we have learned anything from the number of reality TV dance competitions on the airwaves today, it’s that dancers can be found anywhere. From the elite Ivies to large state schools, ballroom dance teams are twirling their way across many campuses. Check out some of the colleges and universities that have teams—are any of these schools on your dance card?
Carnegie Mellon University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Connecticut
University of Massachusetts—Amherst
Utah State University
State University of New York, Stony Brook
New York University
Brandeis University
Claremont Colleges
San Diego State University
North Carolina State University
Arizona State University
Brooklyn College
Case Western Reserve University
College of William and Mary
In addition to participating in dance competitions, many of these schools and others also offer lessons. Being a college student by day and a ballroom dancer by night sounds like a perfect 10 to me.
–Barbara Bellesi
November 16th, 2009
Sometimes I get so frustrated at Simon, Paula, and Randy on “American Idol.” I think the singer sounds great, but the judges say he or she lacks the “it” factor. Or they let singers through who don’t fit with what I think reflects an “American Idol.”
Regardless of your taste in music, you can learn a lot by watching this show if you are applying for college. College admission panels, in a way, are like the “American Idol” judges–they’ve got only a few minutes to learn about you and make a decision that could impact the rest of your life.
College admission expert Shannon Meairs shared with us her “5 Reasons Why Getting Into College is Like ‘American Idol’.”
1. You must be a standout to make it to the next round. You’ve got to stand out in a good way, not by showing up in a costume and singing like a dying animal, Meairs says. Most high schoolers don’t know how to make themselves look like a star. Fewer know how to express it through a written essay, a few short answer questions, and some recommendations, but those that do have the best chance at getting in.
2. If the judges can’t figure you out within two minutes, you’re forgettable. An admission officer has less than two minutes to review an application, which is not a lot of time to convince your dream school to admit you, Meairs says. The best applicants know their story, deliver it efficiently and cohesively, and leave the admission officer wanting more.
3. Know and leverage your strengths. To get into college, follow the successful steps of “American Idol” contestants and create a unique personal brand. Play to your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses, Meairs says. You all have one – it just takes some soul searching.
4. Forget being humble. We all remember “American Idol” contestants who lacked confidence and stage presence, and they are constantly reminded of their blah performance. Being boring and safe is the kiss of death when applying to college, Meairs says.
5. Don’t take harsh criticism personally. We cringe at the thought of being told we’re the most dreadful thing Simon has seen all year, she says. If you think Simon’s tough, think about those who are part of the admission committee day after day, month after month. Instead of being another random name on paper, give the committee a reason to send you to the top – and straight to their school.
–Lori Johnston
November 12th, 2009
Today is the day that we honor our veterans, but truthfully, those brave men and women deserve our thanks every day of the year. Many of these individuals got their start in their branch of service because of their college’s ROTC program. If you want to serve the U.S., but also want to go to college, read on.
What is the ROTC? The ROTC stands for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. It is a program offered by many colleges and universities across the country that prepares students to become commissioned officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines after graduation. (The Coast Guard has its own academy plus an Officer Candidate School, but no ROTC). For those who are already enlisted, the ROTC offers opportunities to earn a college education and a commission as an officer during active or inactive duty.
Many individuals looking towards careers in the military opt for campuses with an active ROTC, because admission to the program ensures that most or all of their college expenses will be paid, in addition to a modest monthly stipend. In exchange for their scholarships, ROTC students must agree to serve their chosen military branch for a certain number of years, usually at least four.
If you are ready to search for colleges with ROTC programs, The CollegeBound Network can help. Check out our articles and directory of colleges that will help you make the very important decision to serve in the U.S. military.
–Barbara Bellesi
November 11th, 2009
It’s the 40th anniversary of “Sesame Street,” but the Muppet residents of the world-famous block don’t seem to have aged a bit. (Hey, can someone tell ME how to get to Sesame Street?)
I admit, I still turn on “Sesame Street” every once in a while to see what’s new in the ‘hood. Today, First Lady Michelle Obama was helping some of her Muppet friends plant a garden, which is a great way to help kids think about the environment. But then again, “Sesame Street” has always been a forward-thinking show despite the Fountain of Youth its fuzzy characters seem to have encountered.
So in honor of one of my all-time favorite television shows, I decided to ponder what some of the Muppets might have studied at college. After all, “Sesame Street” was meant to educate its viewers, so I’m pretty sure that if the Muppets were ever allowed to grow up, they would have gone to college. Did any of your favorites make the list?
Big Bird, Philosophy. As one of the most inquisitive residents of Sesame Street, Big Bird wanted a college major that would allow him to continue asking questions about life. Philosophy was such a natural fit for him that he continued on through to his doctorate. His dissertation is entitled, “Lessons Learned from the ‘Street’”
Elmo, Early Childhood Education. Cute and fuzzy Elmo loved learning and loved being a kid. No one on Sesame Street was surprised when he entered a program in early childhood education. He is now a kindergarten teacher in a school just a few short blocks from his old neighborhood.
Bert, Ornithology. Inspired by his beloved pigeons, Bert pursued a college degree in ornithology, the study of birds. He is currently an in-demand consultant for major cities in the U.S. who wish to explore humane methods of controlling the pigeon population.
Guy Smiley, Television & Film. Tired of getting beat out by Tom Bergeron for every game show hosting gig he auditioned for, Guy Smiley and his Hollywood dreams left Sesame Street for the West Coast, where he pursued a degree in television and film production at a school in Southern California. He will be hosting the upcoming reality TV show, “So You Think You Want to Make a Deal with the Stars?”
Count von Count, Accounting. The Count was able to turn his life-long obsession with numbers into a lucrative career. After he got his degree in accounting, the Count passed the CPA exam on the first try and is now a partner at one of the big accounting firms in NYC.
Kermit the Frog, Broadcast Journalism. From the first time he donned the trench coat and picked up that microphone, Kermit knew he had found his niche in the world. A program in broadcast journalism was a no-brainer for him, and he graduated at the top of his class. He turned down numerous job offers as a news anchor, preferring instead to be a roving reporter out in the field. He will be covering the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver for MTV—Muppet Television.
Prairie Dawn, Theatre and Film. Inspired by her appearances in Guy Smiley’s game shows and her experience as producer of some of the shows with the Sesame Street gang, Prairie also pursued a career in show business. Preferring to stay behind the scenes and work on “serious art,” Prairie Dawn got a job at one of the biggest off-Broadway theatres in the city and worked her way up to become artistic director. She is also an award-winning playwright—her newest play, Where the Air Is Sweet, is currently in previews.
Ernie, Hotel Management and Hospitality. The fun-loving Ernie dabbled in a few areas before declaring his major in hotel management and hospitality. The field is a perfect match for Ernie’s vibrant personality and boyish laugh. He has interned in some of the biggest and best hotels in New York City and is slated to be concierge at one of Donald Trump’s newest properties in Miami. Guests of the new hotel can be sure to find a rubber duckie with which to share their Jacuzzi bubble bath.
Zoe, Dance. Although ballet is her first love, Zoe studied many different types of dance in college, including hip-hop. She is now an in-demand music video choreographer who has worked with Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez.
Cookie Monster, Pastry Arts. At first, Cookie Monster was bummed that he couldn’t major in Cookie Baking, but a program in pastry arts quickly changed that. Even though he studied for a semester in France under some of the world’s best pastry chefs, he came back to the U.S. still hungry for his beloved cookies. Soon after, Cookie Monster fired up the oven on his own cookie business, Nom Nom Cookies—the chocolate chip is his signature cookie.
Oscar the Grouch, Environmental Studies. Living in a garbage can for so long got Oscar to thinking, “How can I help clean up the world?” As an environmental studies major, he wowed his professors with his ideas on sanitation and garbage containment and was hired as a research consultant by the U.S. government immediately after graduation. Oscar is not so grouchy any more now that he drives a hybrid and lives in large blue plastic recycling container.
Grover, Criminal Justice. Since he couldn’t realistically become a superhero, Grover did the next best thing–he went to law school. The furry blue guy graduated at the top of his class, then went on to become an assistant DA. He played an integral role on the law team responsible for putting Bernie Madoff behind bars for the rest of his life.
–Barbara Bellesi
November 10th, 2009
If you took the SAT this past Saturday, you are probably feeling something between a mixture of relief that it’s over and anxiety as you wait for the scores to arrive. As you wait for the moment of truth, you might feel the urge to sign up for the SAT next month, if you haven’t already. But should you go ahead and take it?
College-bound students—and their parents—often feel that more is better when it comes to taking the SAT. “How many times should I take the SAT?” is a question on most high school students’ minds. While it is certainly advisable to take the SAT more than once if you didn’t achieve your score goal the first time, that score won’t miraculously rise on its own unless you study harder in between exams and focus on what needs to be improved. So before you sign up for the SAT for the third, fourth, or tenth time, consider these options instead:
Take the ACT. It is entirely possible that you are caught in an SAT rut and need to try a test with a different format. Enter the ACT. While it is still a standardized test, there are several major differences between the ACT and the SAT, including no penalty for guessing, no surprise experimental section, and no mandatory essay—you only write if the colleges to which you are applying require it. Many students are intimidated by the science section on the ACT, but don’t worry—the section asks you to analyze and make inferences based on given data, not on how well you have memorized the Periodic Table.
Take a subject test. Like its name, the subject test allows you to concentrate on one subject at a time, and for many students, the single focus takes away a lot of the pressure. Let’s say you are an A student in English, but struggle in math. Your stress over the math sections on the SAT may cause your verbal score to suffer, but this won’t happen when you take the English subject test. You’ll be free to concentrate on what you do best, your score will reflect it, and colleges will notice.
Take a break. Years ago, the SAT was not offered as many times as it is now, and students benefited from the longer breaks in between tests. Most students only took the test twice, interspersed by a subject test. Now, it seems that students are taking the SAT upwards of five times, simply because they can, and as a result, they are burning themselves out. It’s understandable that a senior who is trying to meet application deadlines wants to squeeze in one last score, but if you are a junior, aim for quality more than quality—take some time to formulate a game plan to improve on your weaknesses rather than taking test after test. Also, keep in mind that the more you progress through school, the more you will learn, which will make the SAT a bit easier—that’s why students take it during both junior and senior year.
On the other hand, if you are a senior, you might even be able to submit a new set of SAT scores after the application deadline has passed, provided that you have already submitted a complete application with at least one set of scores—check with the college admissions office to see if this is acceptable.
You’ve heard it time and again from admissions counselors, but the SAT is indeed just one portion of your entire application. Your GPA, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and your essay all work together to provide a clearer snapshot of you as a future college student, so be sure to focus on the big picture.
–Barbara Bellesi
November 9th, 2009
If you are a college-bound student, the big question on your mind isn’t “Will you take the SAT?” but, “How many times you will take the SAT?” 
I’ll make this easy. The answer is three. Three times is the charm for most things, but when it comes down to a big, bad standardized test like the SAT, it actually makes a lot of sense to cap yourself at three tries. Here’s why:
Take it once. No matter how many hours you put into studying for the SAT, nothing can quite prepare you for the actual day of the test. From the sneezing and sniffling student sitting behind you to the grunts of the football team as they practice right outside your window (that one happened to me), be prepared for a host of distractions. In fact, the only thing you can really be certain of the day of the test is that you will need a #2 pencil. In short—cut yourself a break. The SAT is a loooong test, and you don’t realize just how long it is until you sit down to take it.
Consider the first time you take the SAT to be a dress rehearsal for your second SAT. Give it your very best shot, but understand that you will have another opportunity to eat a better breakfast, get a better night’s sleep, and yes, get a better handle on all those vocab words.
Take it twice. Unless you are one of those lucky few who score 800s across the board on your first try, you’ll take the SAT again. (And if you do get a perfect score, please don’t be tempted to go for a repeat performance. This is not the Olympics—pat yourself on the back and sleep in instead.) This second time around, you’ll have a better idea of how to pace yourself during the long stretch—you might have taken several practice tests already, but sitting in the comfort of your own home is not the same as sitting in a hard chair in a packed, overheated (or ice-cold) classroom.
What can you do differently this second time? Pull out a few of the test-taking strategies that you know and try them out. You might be tempted to fill in a circle for every single question, so experiment with leaving some of the hard questions out this time around. After all, you are penalized a 1/4 of a point for a wrong answer on the SAT, and it is possible to still get a very high score by skipping a couple of questions.
Remember that most schools will take the higher of two scores that are reported for an entrance exam, so if you pulled up your score for the second test, you might want to consider yourself retired from taking the SAT. But if you are still not happy with your score…
Take it three times. This time, your test-taking stamina should be your main concern. The SAT is not at all like your favorite movie that you can watch over and over again—a third try on the SAT requires you to give yourself a serious pep talk to get you through that last question, let alone yet another timed essay. But it’s not all bad—by the third time, you are a seasoned test-taker and know what it’s like to sit in a room for four hours straight. You bring your granola bars. You remember to layer your clothes. You might even hand out tissues to those who are inclined to sneeze. In short, you know what to expect and have learned to roll with the punches…and hopefully roll with a high score, too.
Good luck to all of you taking the SAT tomorrow! Check back to see Monday’s blog on what’s next for you after the SAT.
–Barbara Bellesi
November 6th, 2009
Most educators are drawn to their careers because they seek rewards other than a fat paycheck. But when it comes to higher education, there are some who break out of the confines of a low pay scale and make some MAJOR coin. I’m talking about college presidents, and a recent report shows that there are a growing number of college and university presidents who take home a cool million each year.
So how does one become the president of a college or a university? As seen by the top five highest paid college presidents below, there’s no exact formula, nor is there a specific degree program one should follow. In fact, there is very little these people have in common, except a love for academics and a will to make their institution the best it can be.
1. Shirley Ann Jackson, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, $1,598,247. As an African-American woman, Dr. Jackson’s place at #1 of the list signifies the breaking down of more than one barrier in the working world. Dr. Jackson is a physicist by trade; she earned her undergraduate and doctoral degrees in physics from M.I.T. Dr. Jackson’s background is in teaching and research, two things that RPI is known to do very well. 
2. David J. Sargent, Suffolk University, $1,496,593. It’s hard to believe that out of all the colleges and universities in Boston that it is unassuming Suffolk University that makes this list. David J. Sargent, a Suffolk University Law graduate, first returned to his alma mater as a law professor, then dean. Now at the helm of the school, Dr. Sargent is proof that Suffolk does an excellent job of preparing its students for great things.
3. Steadman Upham, University of Tulsa, $1,485,275. It’s hard to say if Dr. Upham knew his destiny when he pursued his undergraduate degree in English and Spanish Literature at University of Redlands, but his graduate and doctoral degrees in anthropology—the study of humans—at Arizona State University prepared him from working many students, faculty, and administrators, first as president of Claremont Graduate University and then at the forefront of the University of Tulsa.
4. Richard Meyers, Webster University, $1,429,738. Dr. Meyers is now the president of Fielding Graduate University, but his salary at Webster still makes the list. Dr. Meyers has an interesting academic background; he earned his undergraduate degree in music and psychology at DePaul University, then a master’s in music and a PhD in Instructional Technology and Psychology from the University of Southern California. His varied academic interests combined to give him a career as a college president; he has enjoyed the title at five institutions of higher ed, including Western Oregon University.
5. Cornelius M. Kerwin, American University, $1,419,339. As an undergrad at American University, Dr. Kerwin may have envisioned returning to his campus for Homecoming, but it took him a while to realize that he would return as president. With a master’s in political science from the University of Rhode Island and a doctorate in political science from Johns Hopkins, Dr. Kerwin taught for a decade before becoming an administrator. He was a dean and provost at Johns Hopkins before making the shift to American presidency, as it were.
–Barbara Bellesi
November 4th, 2009
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