Category: Test Prep

Mastering the SAT: The Game-Changing Strategy of Par Time

March 29, 2024

As students all over the country gear up for the SAT, a common theme emerges: the quest for strategies that can significantly improve their scores. Amidst the myriad of test-prep tips and tricks, there is one metric used by our tutors at Sage that stands out for its unique approach to enhancing performance – the idea of par time. This concept, often overlooked, could be key to unlocking your full potential on the SAT.

Understanding Par Time

Par Time is essentially the average time it takes a student, at a particular scoring level, to correctly answer a specific question on the SAT. The concept is simple yet profound: not all questions are created equal, and neither are the students who answer them. A challenging question might take a high-scoring student (let’s say at a 700-level) about 75 seconds to solve, while a student scoring around 550 may require 95 seconds to arrive at the correct answer.

This differentiation in time isn’t just trivia; it’s a critical factor in test performance that most scoring systems overlook. Traditional analyses focus on the questions you got wrong, seldom considering the time spent on the ones you got right. However, questions that took too long to answer—even if answered correctly—are instrumental in understanding and improving your test-taking strategy.

Why Par Time Matters

At Sage, all of our diagnostic tests for the digital SAT include par time analysis for each question. This data offers our students and their tutors a nuanced understanding of their test performance. This detailed analysis allows for the identification of patterns: which types of questions require more time, which subject areas are more challenging, and how performance can be balanced for optimal scoring.

The Takeaway

Par time analysis transcends conventional test-prep wisdom by emphasizing not just the “what” but the “how long” of correct answers. By understanding and applying this concept, our tutors can develop a more sophisticated, personalized strategy for tackling the SAT—one that recognizes the intrinsic link between time management, question difficulty, and individual capabilities.

In the highly competitive arena of college admissions, Sage’s unique test analysis and personalized test taking strategies could very well be the edge you need to elevate your score and achieve your educational goals. It’s not just about getting the answer right; it’s about understanding the journey to that answer, and optimizing it every step of the way.

To learn more about test preparation with Sage, or to take a practice test and check out our detailed scoring metrics, contact us today.

Navigating the New Normal: Standardized Test Requirements in College Admissions

March 28, 2024

As colleges and universities navigate the post-pandemic educational landscape, the debate over standardized testing requirements has gained new momentum. Institutions across the United States are reevaluating their admission policies, especially the role of SAT and ACT scores, leading to a shifting paradigm that impacts prospective students and their families. In this post we share the current state of standardized test requirements so our students can make informed decisions about their test preparation path. 

The Shifting Sands of Admission Policies

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread disruptions in the educational sector, including the cancellation of standardized tests worldwide. In response, many colleges and universities temporarily adopted test-optional or test-blind policies to alleviate the stress on applicants. This change sparked a broader conversation about the fairness, accessibility, and relevance of standardized tests in college admissions.

Fast forward to the present, and we find a mixed landscape. Some institutions have extended their test-optional policies or made them permanent, citing a more holistic approach to evaluating applicants. Others, however, have reinstated the requirement for standardized test scores, arguing that these exams provide valuable data points in assessing a student’s readiness for college-level work.

Colleges Requiring Standardized Test Scores? A Snapshot.

As the discussion continues, here is an overview of the testing policies at a handful of well-known colleges and universities:

  • Harvard University: Test-Optional through the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.
  • Stanford University: Test-Optional for the 2022-2023 academic year, with policies beyond that yet to be confirmed
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Reinstated SAT/ACT testing requirement for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle
  • University of California (all campuses): Test-Blind for all California state applicants. Out-of-state applicants can submit scores but they will only be used for purposes such as course placement and certain scholarships
  • University of Texas at Austin: Reinstated SAT/ACT testing requirement for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle
  • University of Southern California (USC): Test-Optional for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle
  • Dartmouth University: Reinstated SAT/ACT testing requirement for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle
  • Brown University: Reinstated SAT/ACT testing requirement for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle
  • Yale University: Test-Optional for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 admissions cycles
  • Princeton University: Test-Optional for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, future policies to be determined
  • California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Test-Blind for admissions until the Fall 2025 entering class
  • University of Chicago: Test-Optional, has been since 2018, allowing students to decide whether or not to include SAT or ACT scores in their applications
  • Duke University: Test-Optional policy extended through the 2022-2023 admissions cycle
  • Brown University: Test-Optional for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 admissions cycles

*”Test-Optional” means that standardized test scores are not required but can be submitted by the applicant if they believe the scores are representative of their academic abilities.

**”Test-Blind” means that even if scores are submitted, they will not be considered in the admissions process.

Given the significant changes and variances in standardized testing requirements, students are encouraged to consult directly with each institution’s admissions office or official website to access the most accurate and current information.

Navigating the Future

The term “test-optional” in the context of college admissions means that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. However, the implications of a test-optional policy can be more nuanced than the term suggests, especially when considering competitiveness in the application process.

When a college adopts a test-optional policy, it allows students the flexibility to decide whether their standardized test scores accurately reflect their academic abilities and potential. For students who excel in their coursework but do not perform as well on standardized tests, this can be particularly beneficial. However, for students who have strong or competitive test scores, submitting these scores can enhance their application.

In practice, test-optional often means that if you have strong test scores, submitting them can provide an advantage. High test scores can distinguish an applicant in a pool where some students have chosen not to submit scores. Thus, while it’s not mandatory to submit test scores under a test-optional policy, doing so can contribute positively to the overall strength of your application, so doing some prep and submitting a polished score is highly recommended.

The debate over standardized testing in college admissions is far from settled. As research and discussions progress, colleges and universities may further adjust their policies. Applicants should closely monitor the admissions requirements of their target schools, preparing themselves for a range of scenarios. Above all, the current state of flux underscores the importance of a well-rounded application, where academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays collectively tell a compelling story of a student’s readiness for college and beyond.

Get Ready for the Digital SAT: Your Ultimate Test Day Checklist

March 6, 2024

Embarking on the digital SAT journey? Let’s make sure you’re fully equipped! Here’s your ultimate checklist to ensure a smooth and successful testing experience.

1. Get the Bluebook App: First things first, download the Bluebook app onto the device you’ll use for the exam. It’s your digital gateway to the SAT.

2. Perform a System Check: About five days before your test, Bluebook will update with your entrance ticket and a system check feature. Make sure to run this vital check to avoid last-minute hiccups.

3. Entrance Ticket in Hand: Don’t forget to print out your entrance ticket after the Bluebook app updates. Keep it safe—you’ll need to present it at the test center.

4. Power Up: Say goodbye to battery woes—charge your device completely the night before. But bring your charger and an extension cord as a safety net.

5. Stay Ahead of Tech Troubles: Encounter any glitches? Notify the proctor immediately. They have the Exam Day Toolkit app to help resolve minor tech issues on the spot.

6. Lock-In Focus: The Bluebook app will secure your screen during the test, preventing any navigation away from the app. Keep it that way, avoiding unnecessary risks with your score.

7. The Essentials Kit: Along with your device and entrance ticket, pack pencils, a calculator, a water bottle, and a snack. Stay prepared, stay sharp.

Arriving at your test with each of these items crossed off your list means you’re all set for a great performance. Good luck on your digital SAT!

Introducing the New Digital SAT: Preparing Our High School Students for Success

March 1, 2024

Dear parents,

As the world continues to evolve, so does the landscape of education and assessment. The College Board has recently introduced the new digital SAT, an exciting development aimed at aligning with the technological advancements of our times. In this blog post, we will provide you with an overview of the new digital SAT and discuss some key points that will help prepare your high school students for success.

1. What is the new digital SAT?
The digital SAT is an enhanced version of the traditional SAT exam that will be administered on a computer instead of using pen and paper. This transition offers unique benefits, allowing for a more personalized and efficient test-taking experience.

2. Key Advantages of the Digital SAT:
-Flexible and innovative format: The digital SAT presents questions dynamically, adjusting the difficulty level based on the student’s responses. Each section commences with an introductory module, and a student’s performance on this initial set of questions determines the level of difficulty of the questions they will encounter in the subsequent module. As a result, no two tests are ever the same and each student is provided a customized test experience.
-Faster and more efficient: The duration of the test has been reduced by one hour, resulting in a two-hour testing period. Rather than having four sections, the SAT now comprises two sections—a Reading & Writing section and a Math section. Compared to previous versions, the length of the reading passages has been shortened, with only one question to be answered per passage. As a result, students actually end up having more time to answer each question. Also, instant scoring eliminates guesswork in test preparation. Immediate feedback helps students identify areas of strength and weakness so they can tailor their study plans accordingly.
-Enhanced accessibility: Online tools, such as a timer, zoom, highlighting, scratch paper, reference sheets and calculators aim to improve problem-solving efficiency.
-Relevant preparation resources: The College Board offers various free practice materials and several full-length digital SAT practice tests to help familiarize students with the new format.

3. Preparing for Success:
– Familiarize your high school students with the digital platform: Encourage them to explore the official College Board website and utilize the practice materials available online.
– Emphasize the importance of time management: Simulate test-like conditions during practice sessions to ensure students are comfortable with the pacing and completing sections in the allotted time.
– Strengthen digital literacy skills: Online navigation, keyboard shortcuts, and effective utilization of digital tools are essential skills for success in the new format.
– Consider taking SAT prep course with Sage: Enrolling in an SAT prep program at Sage provide students with invaluable content mastery as well as guidance and support to optimize their performance on the digital SAT. Learn more about SAT Prep.

The introduction of the new digital SAT presents an exciting opportunity for our high school students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a more personalized and efficient manner. By embracing this change and adequately preparing for the digital format, our students will be well-equipped to showcase their abilities and pursue their dreams of higher education.

Remember, this transition will require adaptation and practice. However, with ample support from parents and tutors, along with personal commitment, students will be ready to face this new era of standardized testing confidently. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out. We are happy to help in any and all ways that we can.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together to ensure the success of our students in their academic endeavors.

Sincerely,

The Sage Educators Team

Test Canceled? No Problem!

Impact of COVID-19 on Standardized Tests : What we know and what to do.

March 20, 2020

Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, many sittings of the SAT, ACT, and SSAT exams were unexpectedly canceled in the Bay Area and around the country. Students who planned to sit for a test that was canceled will need to make other arrangements. Here are the latest updates from the CollegeBoard, the ACT, and the Enrollment Management Association.

Test DateTestRegistration DeadlineLate Registration Deadline
September 12, 2020ACTAugust 14, 2020August 28, 2020
September 13, 2020ACTAugust 14, 2020August 28, 2020
September 19, 2020ACTAugust 14, 2020August 28, 2020
September 26, 2020SAT onlyAugust 26, 2020September 15, 2020
September 26, 2020 to ...SSAT at homeNoneNone
October 3, 2020SAT and Subject TestsSeptember 4, 2020September 22, 2020
October 10, 2020ACTSeptember 17, 2020September 25, 2020
October 24, 2020ACTSeptember 17, 2020September 25, 2020
October 25, 2020ACTSeptember 17, 2020September 25, 2020
November 7, 2020SAT and Subject TestsOctober 7, 2020October 27, 2020
December 5, 2020SAT and Subject TestsNovember 5, 2020November 24, 2020
December 12, 2020ACTNovember 5, 2020November 20, 2020
February 6, 2021ACTJanuary 8, 2021January 15, 2021
March 13, 2021SAT onlyFebruary 12, 2021March 2, 2021
April 17, 2021ACTMarch 12, 2021March 26, 2021
May 8, 2021SAT and Subject TestsApril 8, 2021April 27, 2021
June 5, 2021SAT and Subject TestsMay 6, 2021May 26, 2021
June 12, 2021ACTMay 7, 2021May 21, 2021
July 17, 2021ACTJune 18, 2021June 25, 2021

Last updated September 1, 2020

SAT Updates

Due to test cancellations in the Spring, as well as localized cancellations this Fall, reserving a seat for the SAT is becoming extremely difficult.  The CollegeBoard has added a September 26 sitting, and additional sittings in January 2021 are likely as well. If you wish to test in the fall, we recommend registering ASAP. Test cancellations are now at the discretion of local test centers. If you register or have registered for a fall sitting of the test, please monitor the status of your particular test site regularly. For the latest information on site closures, click here. Our tutors are available for in-person, or remote test prep sessions. and we plan to offer test prep classes in the spring.

Any student who has taken an SAT class at Sage and is registered for the September 26 test date will have the opportunity to take an additional practice test on Saturday, September 12, at 9am in the Mill Valley office. We will then hold a 4 hour review class on Sunday, September 20, from 10am – 2pm. The practice test and review session will be free of charge.

ACT Updates

Similar to the SAT, reserving a seat for the ACT is becoming very competitive. The ACT has added September 19, October 10, and October 17 to their fall calendar. Registration for all fall test dates is open. Please register ASAP if you hope to test this fall. For the latest information from the ACT, click here. Our tutors are available for in-person, or remote test prep sessions, and we plan to offer test prep classes in the spring.

SSAT Updates

All US test centers are closed until further notice. However, students can now take the SSAT at home on their personal computer. Students can register to take the SSAT at home as early as September 26, 2020. Our tutors are available now for in-person, or remote test prep sessions.

If you have specific questions about any of these tests, or want to discuss your particular circumstances, our directors are happy to help you in any way they can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

Founder:
Jaime Heaps		Executive Director:
Rachel Byron
[email protected][email protected]
(415) 388-7243(415) 461-7248
iMessageiMessage

 

SENIOR YEAR: A GUIDE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AND THEIR PARENTS)

September 6, 2019

Senior Year

FALL

  • Stay on track for your final year! Colleges do consider senior-year transcripts, and they can rescind offers to students who let their grades drop dramatically after applications are done, so keep being the hard-working student that you are!
  • Meet with a college advisor to discuss your college options (including Early Action) and make a master list of important deadlines for college applications.
  • Meet with your counselor to make sure that you are meeting all graduation requirements for your high school as well as course requirements for your college choices, especially for foreign languages, electives, math, and science.
  • Complete the CSF application and submit it by the October deadline! Qualifying students are those who are carrying four or more subjects (not counting P.E. and repeated subjects) and who earn a minimum of ten CSF points, seven of which must be in academic subjects. Details and applications can be found here: Tamalpais HS CSF Information, or Redwood HS CSF Information. If you attend a different high school, please ask your counselor or one of our directors to help you locate your school’s CSF information.
  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) applications open on October 1 of each year for the following school year. Applications are taken in the order that they are received, so the sooner you get this filled out, the better chance you have of receiving aid. Even if you don’t think you need the aid, fill out the forms. Some student aid comes in the form of scholarships that do not require repayment. Don’t leave free money for school on the table!
  • Request recommendation letters from teachers (you will need at least 2). Each teacher may have a different request form, so make sure you ask about the process ahead of time. As a courtesy, give your teachers 3 weeks notice at a minimum and do not miss any deadlines that they set!
  • Continue to work on and edit your college essays. Consider a one-on-one session at Sage with one of our writing specialists to help with the editing process.
  • Make sure to take the SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Tests one last time before January 1 to include your scores in your college apps!
  • If you are applying Early Action, deadlines are usually in early fall, so make sure you’ve allowed yourself ample time to prepare your essays and recommendation letters. Be sure to schedule your interview with the college(s), if required.
  • Request transcripts to be sent to colleges, and don’t forget to include a stamped envelope!
  • If you are not ready to apply to a 4-year college, that is OK! What will you do? Take a gap year? Go to Community College? Make sure to explore your options and have a plan to make the most of your first year after high school.

WINTER

  • By December, finish up all applications, and confirm that colleges have received test scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
  • Most colleges require FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CSS (College Scholarship Service) forms to be turned in by February, so if you haven’t already done them, now is the time.  Be sure to speak with a college advisor or your counselor if you are having difficulty with the applications, FAFSA forms can be confusing!
  • Prepare for midterms! Sage offers final exam review classes in most subjects.

SPRING

  • Complete the CSF application and submit it by the February deadline! Qualifying students are those who are carrying four or more subjects (not counting P.E. and repeated subjects) and who earn a minimum of ten CSF points, seven of which must be in academic subjects. Details and applications can be found here: Tamalpais HS CSF Information, or Redwood HS CSF Information. If you attend a different high school, please ask your counselor or one of our directors to help you locate your school’s CSF information.
  • Keep up those grades! The college app process may be done, but you’ll still need to submit your senior-year transcript after acceptance letters go out!
  • College decisions start to arrive in March and April. This can be a very stressful time, but you can get through it!
  • If you find out that you are on a college’s waiting list, contact the admissions office at that school to let them know whether or not you are still interested. If interested, you can write a letter to the college’s admissions office informing them of any other information outside of academics that will strengthen your application. However, counting on a waitlisted school can be risky, so be sure to submit your acceptance notification and deposit to your second-choice school to make sure that you have a backup option.
  • By May 1, submit your acceptance notification to the college of your choice. Congratulations, you’re in!
  • Take AP exams in May/June. Although you may be burned out with finals approaching, you should take these last AP exams seriously! Some colleges allow AP credits to replace freshman/sophomore year requirements if you score a 4 or 5 on the AP exam. If you do well now, your freshman year in college will be that much easier! Learn more about these tests at collegeboard.org.
  • By June, request final high school transcripts for the college that you are choosing to attend.
  • Study for your finals! Sage offers final exam review classes in most subjects.

SUMMER

  • Attend summer orientation programs offered by the college you will be attending. Keep up to date on housing and roommate assignments if you are staying in campus housing freshman year.
  • If you are currently undeclared (or even if you already have a declared major!), it is a good idea to talk to your relatives and your friends’ relatives who have jobs that interest you. Try to get a sense of what they do, and what academic fields are relevant to that work so that choosing your freshman-year college courses will be easier.
  • Relax, you made it! Enjoy your last summer before college starts!

JUNIOR YEAR: A GUIDE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AND THEIR PARENTS)

September 6, 2019

Junior Year

FALL

  • Start the semester off strong to maintain a great GPA for this year!
  • Foster positive relationships with your teachers. They can provide a lot of support and insight with your schoolwork and college planning. It’s also a good time to start thinking about which teachers you would like to write your college recommendation letters (you’ll need at least two).
  • Complete the CSF application and submit it by the October deadline! Qualifying students are those who are carrying four or more subjects (not counting P.E. and repeated subjects) and who earn a minimum of ten CSF points, seven of which must be in academic subjects. Details and applications can be found here: Tamalpais HS CSF Information, or Redwood HS CSF Information. If you attend a different high school, please ask your counselor or one of our directors to help you locate your school’s CSF information.
  • Ask your counselor about registering for the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test in October to be eligible for National Merit Scholarships, National Scholarship Service, and National Hispanic Scholar Recognition Program. You can find more information about the PSAT/NMSQT at collegeboard.org.
  • Visit your school’s College Career Center to speak with a college counselor about building a list of potential schools and specific requirements for those schools.
  • If you haven’t already, start preparing in earnest for either the SAT or ACT. If you haven’t decided which test is right for you, Sage will be happy to schedule practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to help you choose which test to take. Test preparation materials are available on collegeboard.org, ACT.org, and Khan Academy (a free and exceptional test-prep resource!). And as always, Sage test-prep classes and one on one test preparation is available year round.

WINTER

  • If you can, plan a possible college visit trip for spring break based on your top choice schools.
  •  Consider taking a real SAT or ACT (or both!). Don’t worry if your score is lower than you’d like, you still have plenty of time to prepare for the spring exams! More information about these tests can be found at collegeboard.org and ACT.org.
  • Prepare for midterms! Sage offers final exam review classes in most subjects.

SPRING

  • Complete the CSF application and submit it by the February deadline! Qualifying students are those who are carrying four or more subjects (not counting P.E. and repeated subjects) and who earn a minimum of ten CSF points, seven of which must be in academic subjects. Details and applications can be found here: Tamalpais HS CSF Information, or Redwood HS CSF Information. If you attend a different high school, please ask your counselor or one of our directors to help you locate your school’s CSF information.
  • Now is the time to get serious about the SAT or ACT. If you haven’t been preparing yet, get after it. Sage offers test-prep classes leading up to each SAT and ACT spring test date. Prep for the May 2 SAT begins with a diagnostic test on Saturday, March 6. Prep for the June 13 ACT begins with a diagnostic test on Saturday, March 28.
  • Stop by the WACAC College Fair at Dominican University (usually the first week of May) to hear from a large variety of college representatives. Make a list of potential colleges and meet with a college advisor or your counselor to discuss your options based on your initial SAT or ACT scores, if you have them.
  • Register for senior-year classes. Colleges will still consider your senior-year course load and grades, so make sure you take on a challenging schedule including APs, all while keeping your workload manageable (you will have college applications to deal with senior-year!)
  • Take an SAT or ACT exam. More information about these tests can be found at collegeboard.org and ACT.org.
  • Over Spring Break you can visit potential colleges if possible. When visiting, don’t feel limited to solely campus tours. To get a more authentic sense of the academic and social life of a school you can sit in on a lecture, ask students (other than tour guides) what they like about the college, and see the surrounding area.
  • If you’re considering applying to UCs, take a couple of SAT Subject Tests in areas of your choice. If you’re enrolled in any AP classes, these may be good areas in which to take subject tests. Learn more at collegeboard.org.
  • Take AP exams in May/June. Although you may be burned out with finals approaching, you should take these last AP exams seriously! Some colleges allow AP credits to replace freshman/sophomore year requirements if you score a 4 or 5 on the AP exam. If you do well now, your freshman year in college will be that much easier! Learn more about these tests at collegeboard.org.
  • Study for your finals! Sage offers final exam review classes in most subjects.

SUMMER

  • This is the last summer before you apply to college. Make it count!
  • Go on an adventure with ARCC or Amigos!
  • Look into finding a summer job or internship in an area that you’re interested in. If you’re already thinking about what you might like to study in college, try to find a job related to that field! You can also talk to your relatives and your friends’ relatives who have jobs that interest you to get a sense of what they do, and what academic fields are relevant to that work.
  • Consider lightening your senior year workload by taking an online math, science, language, or PE course. Be sure to check with your school beforehand to ensure that units will transfer over. BYU Independent Study and APEX Learning Virtual School are both excellent options. Let us know if you need some guidance about where to start.
  • Consider taking one of the Sage workshops such as SAT Boot Camp, ACT Boot Camp, College Exploration, or our College Essay Workshop.
  • Again, visit colleges if possible! The more colleges you see firsthand, the more informed your decision is and the more worthwhile the application process will feel!
  • Enjoy yourself. Free up some head space this summer so you can start senior year refreshed and ready to go!

>Senior Year

SOPHOMORE YEAR: A GUIDE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AND THEIR PARENTS)

September 6, 2019

Sophomore Year

FALL

  • Take the PSAT (a.k.a. the pre-SAT) and/or PLAN (a.k.a. the pre-ACT) in October. More information about both tests can be found at collegeboard.org and act.org. Of course, you can also talk to us at Sage for further guidance in October.
  • If you haven’t already, sign up for extracurricular activities such as drama, music, sports, and/or volunteer with Sage’s Service Club!
  • Complete the CSF application and submit it by the October deadline! Qualifying students are those who are carrying four or more subjects (not counting P.E. and repeated subjects) and who earn a minimum of ten CSF points, seven of which must be in academic subjects. Details and applications can be found here: Tamalpais HS CSF Information, or Redwood HS CSF Information. If you attend a different high school, please ask your counselor or one of our directors to help you locate your school’s CSF information.
  • Assess your academic work halfway through the semester and meet with your teachers to discuss your progress. Don’t be blindsided by midterms!

WINTER

  • If you’re already taking advanced courses this year that you don’t expect to take again, look into taking the SAT Subject Tests while that knowledge is still fresh in your head. Especially if you’re planning to apply to UCs, it’s a good idea to take subject tests on your strongest subjects! Plan to take the test in May and/or June so that your finals review does double duty. Visit collegeboard.org to find schedule details.
  • Prepare for midterms! Sage offers final exam review classes in most subjects.

SPRING

  • Complete the CSF application and submit it by the February deadline! Qualifying students are those who are carrying four or more subjects (not counting P.E. and repeated subjects) and who earn a minimum of ten CSF points, seven of which must be in academic subjects. Details and applications can be found here: Tamalpais HS CSF Information, or Redwood HS CSF Information. If you attend a different high school, please ask your counselor or one of our directors to help you locate your school’s CSF information.
  • Register for your junior year classes. Consider more rigorous courses such as APs or Honors classes that will prepare you for college. Your counselor will have great recommendations for what courses you should consider.
  • Take pertinent SAT Subject Tests in May and/or June.
  • Study for your finals! Sage offers final exam review classes in most subjects.

SUMMER

>Junior Year

10 Last-Minute Tips for Doing Your Best on the SAT

August 22, 2019

Tomorrow is the big day, but FEAR NOT! Here are some last-minute tips for doing your best on the SAT which might make all the difference.

1. Go to bed early.

Go to be early the night before the big test (and set several alarms if one won’t do the trick). If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try reading or listening to relaxing music.

2. Wake up at least two hours before the test.

I know this sounds terrible, but most people take more than an hour and a half to operate at full capacity.

3. Shower.

Even if you don’t usually shower in the morning, it will help to wake you up.

4. Eat a solid breakfast.

Don’t just inhale a bowl of sugary cereal; make sure you get a nice mix of fats, proteins, and carbs. If you’re a coffee person, drink coffee; if not, don’t. You don’t want to be too jittery if you aren’t used to caffeine in the morning. Also, drink lots of water and bring some with you. There is a ten minute break after the reading section if you need to hit the restroom.

5. Prime your brain.

A productive way to spend your quiet time before you leave the house is to look over some completed SAT problems. You don’t have to review entire lessons, but it doesn’t hurt to remind yourself of a certain type of math problem or common grammatical mistake. This is not about trying to get in extra practice, but about gearing up for the test.

6. Be prepared.

Make sure you have everything before leaving—ID, ticket, calculator, pencils, and especially some snacks/something to drink.

7. Cast your fears aside.

In your car, before you enter the testing center, literally write down your fears about the test. Really. Write small things like: I suck at fractions or big things like: I’ll never get into college. Getting these fears out of your head and on to paper will allow you to put them aside and focus on your goal. Crumpling up your list of fears and tossing it into the trash is particularly cathartic!

8. Make a smooth entrance.

Get into the testing room a bit early, choose your lucky seat, and try not to talk to your friends. Play it cool, you’re in the zone.

9. Relax.

You’ve put in the hours and effort to maximize your score. Now you must trust that these efforts will be rewarded. It’s time to do your thing.

10. Exude confidence.

Finally, GET PUMPED! When you get a chance, even though it can look silly, stand up and do a power pose. You’re killing this test!

sage educators summer enrichment

Stay Sharp: 5 Reasons to Add Academics to Your Summer Plans

May 8, 2018

It’s the first day of school and your student is sitting in math class feeling totally lost. He knows he learned this material last year, but he hasn’t practiced it in months, and the teacher’s brief review lesson isn’t enough to jog his memory. Nonetheless, the teacher moves on to the next lesson, and just like that, he’s behind. If this sounds like your student’s typical first day of school, you are not alone!

The conventional school calendar does not set students up for academic success. Many students spend hours and hours studying during the school year to ensure their understanding of classroom material. Subsequently, they celebrate the completion of that hard work during the summer by not ever seeing it again… until their first day back at school. Why let all of that time and knowledge go to waste? Here at Sage, we offer a variety of summer enrichment classes as well as one-on-one sessions to not only keep your student on track but also to help his or her knowledge grow with a fun approach that we tailor specifically to your student’s needs.

We’re not saying summer should be all work and no play. Phil Auckland, a cell biologist by day and mountain-bike racer by night, makes sure to find time away from the lab and on the race track. This is because according to Judy Willis, neurologist and full-time teacher, breaks from school allow newly learned information “the opportunity to move from working memory to relational memory.” In other words, breaks from the classroom are necessary for helping the brain with long-term memorization. With both work and play being important parts of the learning process, it is important to find the right balance between the two.

Here are five reasons why students should add academics to their summer to-do list:

1. The Domino Effect. Researchers of the RAND Corporation found that “Summer learning loss is cumulative.” If students come back to school with “summer brain,” they are likely to fall behind and stay behind their peers who regularly practiced academics in the summer.

2. Academics are a Competitive Climate.  Whether students are trying to get into private high schools or the college of their dreams, it is imperative to stand out amongst the competition. Reviewing academics over summer can help them stay ahead and set them apart from other classmates.

3. Summer Enrichment is a Catalyst to Lifelong Work Habits.  Although summer academics may not sound like the most exciting summer plans, they can offer lifelong benefits. The Model United Nations Institute states that attending summer programs allows students to “gain the skills and experiences that colleges and employers consistently look for in applicants.” By going the extra mile, students who practice summer academics begin to solidify eventual deep-rooted work ethic through their admirable discipline and commitment to success.

4. The Opportunity to Learn According to Individual Student’s Needs. In a classroom setting, it can be easy to get stuck in the mundane routine of jotting down notes while teachers read slides off a PowerPoint. One of the fun things about practicing academics in the summer is the ability to practice material in the way that best suits each individual student. Depending on what method best suits the student, certain classroom limitations are lifted. For example, students have the option to practice outdoors, discuss topics with friends, and receive direct help from tutors, all of which can make the learning experience more specialized and fun!

5. Boost Self-Confidence. By setting and achieving academic summer goals for themselves, students will return to school with remarkable confidence. This smooth transition from summer to school will show students that if they make the effort, their true potential can be reached. Experimental psychologist Alexander Spradlin states that “the more you believe that you are capable, the more you will be.” That is to say, if students believe that they can make scholastic improvements, those efforts will yield positive results, and those results will produce fearless self-assured learners.

Engaging your student’s mind over summer is the best way to ensure previous years’ material is retained while keeping confidence and preparedness for the year ahead intact. Sage Educators’ summer enrichment workshops are brief but dynamic, ranging from a few days to weeks. Our students walk away fulfilled and can take pride in having dedicated time to their own success over summer, while still having plenty of time to enjoy the remainder of the break, outside of academics.

Sage enrichment workshops offer students of all ages an academic head start and include bridge classes in math and writing, study tips and organization, boot camps for the SAT, ACT, and the SSAT, as well as dynamic college prep workshops.

Whether one-on-one or small group, we pride ourselves on our customized approach and our accomplished tutors can help you set and meet your unique summer goals.

To get started, explore our summer enrichment workshops here!

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