Today’s Education Forecast: 100% Chance of Change

Today’s Education Forecast: 100% Chance of Change

In the four amazing months since the pandemic took hold, we’ve seen dramatic changes in our educational system on a daily basis. Earlier this week, most Phoenix area school districts changed their opening plans to reflect the spiking virus numbers in our state. Scottsdale Unified District (SUSD) said its in-person classes will wait until the case numbers improve and not before September 8th. Initially, SUSD was focused on two major options for its fall campaign: “Return to Learn Program.” The options were either Full Return to Campus Live or Full Time Online. However, they have changed their earlier offer to deliver in-person classes, to insure the safety of all stakeholders. Interestingly and confusingly, all schools are having to adapt and change their plans depending on the guidance from the AZ health department and our government officials. These new developments are coming just weeks before schools are scheduled to start. And parents are expected to respond immediately and make provisions for their family’s many needs. Easier said than done!

What Is New At ACT?

What Is New At ACT?

In July, The ACT released a new study that evaluated the validity and fairness of different score-usage policies. An older study had indicated that underserved students were less likely to take the ACT multiple times. But now with the availability of fee waivers and free studying resources, it is believed that there is a fairer playing field for all students. In addition, now the ACT has announced that, starting in September 2020, they will automatically calculate and report the superscore for all students!  While the ACT encourages colleges to evaluate their own policies, they believe superscoring provides a more valid and fair report.

SAT/ACT Decisions: Should I Complete “The Essay”?

SAT/ACT Decisions: Should I Complete “The Essay”?

Any student preparing for SAT or ACT testing has an important decision to make: Should I complete the optional essay portion of the exam? In most cases, yes! With the right preparation, and a little practice, the essay task will go from daunting to doable.

Boot Camp: Get Ready, Get Set, Succeed

Boot Camp:  Get Ready, Get Set, Succeed

ACT or SAT Boot Camp: Sound intense? It is, but it’s also an excellent option for busy high school students. If heavy homework loads or extracurricular activities make it difficult to schedule test prep during the school year, Vogel Prep’s summer Boot Camp is the answer.

SAT Subject Tests: Five Tips

SAT Subject Tests: Five Tips

Subject Tests are one-hour tests that are designed to assess academic readiness for college. SAT Subject Tests focus on very specific subject areas such as Math (Level 1 or 2), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Literature, United States History, World History, Spanish and more. While SAT Subject Tests are often seen as tests for only those applying for admission to elite universities, every student wanting to go to a four-year college could benefit by taking at least three SAT Subject Tests. Why? Because there is no downside and lots of upside.

4 Easy Steps to Better Essay Scores on AP Exams

4 Easy Steps to Better Essay Scores on AP Exams

Looking forward to writing essays for the upcoming AP Exams? You are among the few!

For the majority of students, essay writing is one of the most dreaded aspects of the AP Exams. Unfortunately, the pressure doesn’t end there. Essay writing is a fundamental component of academic life in college. Whether you like it or not, the beloved essay, along with the requirement for you to write one, isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.

Selecting High School Classes Wisely

Selecting High School Classes Wisely

Selecting the high school courses that will best enhance a college application should not be done haphazardly, or hastily. As the college admissions process becomes ever more competitive, students need to be mindful of what will ultimately wind up on their transcripts.   Here we’ve provided a how-to guide for making smart decisions about which high school classes need to be taken.

Guarantee a Return on Your Test Prep Investment

Guarantee a Return on Your Test Prep Investment

Merit-based scholarships have among the most significant impact on reducing college costs overall. While these scholarships allow parents and students to get the best bang for their buck, they’re also an inspiring award for all the hard work your student puts in throughout his or her high school career.

New Year’s Resolutions for the College Bound Student

New Year’s Resolutions for the College Bound Student

From freshmen to seniors, there are worthwhile strategies that students can employ in the New Year that will vastly improve the college admissions process ahead. With the clean slate of the New Year, consider these academic resolutions as you and your student make your way through 2017, together. 

Build a Long-Lasting Memory

Build a Long-Lasting Memory

Having a robust memory can serve you in myriad ways—from keeping tabs on your daily to-do list, to recalling vocabulary words when it comes time for the SAT or ACT.