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Continue reading →: Three Ways Investing in Professional Educational Services Can Pay OffIt is no surprise that a traditional four-year, residential college experience is a significant investment. For many families, college education is the single-largest expense other than housing. The cost of attendance (CoA) refers to the total cost of tuition and fees, books and supplies, as well as room and board…
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Continue reading →: Maximize Your College Visits: Tips and InsightsCollege visits are a worthwhile element of the college planning process. From getting a sense of what you want in a school environment to making the final decision between schools to which you have been admitted, campus visits offer valuable insight for making this important decision. While virtual visits are…
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Continue reading →: SAT or ACT? A Comparison of Two TestsAs a test prep company with almost 30 years of experience, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Study Smarter is “Should I take the SAT or the ACT?” Like most things having to do with college admissions, the honest answer is: “It depends!” While we can…
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Continue reading →: Guided Curiosity: Tools for College & Career InsightAs part of Study Smarter’s commitment to creating educational opportunities, we encourage students to undertake interest inventories and skills assessments as important self-discovery exercises. There are a number of options for students (or adults!) who wish to gain insight about potential college majors, careers, or second careers. For a teen…
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Continue reading →: The College Application Process: An OverviewThe summer before senior year is crucial for college applications. Parents can support their teens by creating a timeline, organizing tasks, and helping with background information. Encourage brainstorming for essays and ensure applications are thoroughly reviewed. Seeking professional help from Study Smarter’s college consulting team can ease this challenging process.
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Continue reading →: To Test or Not To TestStandardized testing has evolved post-pandemic, with colleges adopting varied policies—some require scores, others are test-optional or test-blind. Regardless of policy, strong test scores can enhance applications, improve chances for merit scholarships, and reflect a student’s capabilities. Adapting testing strategies remains crucial as requirements continue to change.
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Continue reading →: Putting the PSAT into PerspectiveMany high schools throughout the country will be hosting the PSAT this month, but what is the PSAT? PSAT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, essentially the precursor to the SAT. Like the SAT, the PSAT is a digital, adaptive test that includes a Reading & Writing section and a…
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Continue reading →: Feeling Empowered in the New School YearThe school year is starting again, and this time of transition can feel both exciting and overwhelming. As we enter the new school year, we have the unique opportunity to make a fresh start: new classes, new teachers, and, perhaps, a new perspective. Here are some steps to help you…
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Continue reading →: Making the Most of SummerSchool is out, the days are longer, and (hopefully) we are all enjoying some much-deserved rest. Summer is a time to decompress from the school year but it can also be a great time for academic enrichment. Finding balance is important, and by building some structure into the summer, students…
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Continue reading →: Helping Students Manage StressThe end of the school year is fast approaching and this time of year can be particularly stressful. On top of prepping for AP and final exams, many students are also managing extracurricular activities, making college visits, and planning their summers. It is important to think about tangible ways students…
We are excited to share our experience and knowledge about the college admissions process. Each student’s journey to college is unique, and we hope this blog will help empower students and their families to make informed decisions for themselves.
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