Part 2 of our series continues with answers about college admissions, private tutoring and test prep.

How can my kid get into an Ivy League School?

The formula for getting into the Ivy League is a  mixture of exceptional high school grades, high test scores and a background that says you’re interesting and will contribute to that Ivy League School.  Because so many college admissions decisions are subjective, meaning that the admissions offices wants some unique students and not just test scores, you have to make a college application theme that is different from the rest.

What happens if our college counselor is not very helpful?

At Top Test Prep, we see this situation all the time:  a parent calls in needing help – a student has tried to get in touch with his college counselor for days at his or her private or public school – and still no answer or response.   Their high school is either too big or too impersonal to give them the opportunity to have a college counselor review admissions applications, so they need Top Test Prep to help them with their college applications.  We’ll be happy to help.  Get in touch with us today (800) 501-PREP.   Our admissions consulting is geared for each student and personalized to make sure you have all the information you need to get into top schools.

How many college admissions essays are required?

This all depends on the number of colleges you’re applying to, and whether you’re using the Common Application to apply to these schools.  On average you’ll have to write around 3 to 4 admissions essays when you apply to any given college.   The more the merrier, we think, so let us know if you need help with your admissions essays, personal statements or resumes.

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Most commonly asked questions for Top Test Prep (Part 1):

What’s a “good” SAT or ACT score?

A good SAT or ACT score depends on which college or university you’re applying to during the admissions season.  If you’re GPA is great (3.7+) and you score above the median SAT or ACT range of a University (Example, Harvard University at 2250 SAT Score), you’re chances of admission obviously are solid.  However, if your GPA and SAT score are well below the median, you should aim to improve each SAT (or ACT) section by 10% or more.  This means if you’re scoring between a 1900 and 2000 on the SAT, aim to improve each subject by 80 to 90 points.  Think gradual improvements.  A perfect SAT and ACT score takes time – and you need to prepare yourself with test prep or private tutoring that works for your schedule.

How many times should I advise my son or daughter to re-take the SAT exam?

As many times as they feel comfortable.  Even with the new SAT reporting rules which allow greater student flexibility, you shouldn’t expect a score increase simply by re-taking the exams.  Instead, get the private tutoring you need to improve your scores.

How many colleges should I apply to?

On average you should apply to roughly 3 to 4 “safety” schools, 5 “middle ground” schools”, and 3 reach schools.  This averages out to roughly 10 to 12 colleges.  Do your research on college admissions or let us help you with admissions consulting to make sure your college applications are perfect.  We’ll help you figure out which schools you should apply to based on your background, SAT and ACT scores, and general interests.

What’s the best college in America?

This is a subjective test – it’s like asking which Coffee tastes the best.  Focus instead on the quality of education at each school, the academic opportunities and then which college offers the academic programs you’re looking for overall.

When should we start saving for our kid’s college education?

You should begin saving the moment your child is born.  Set up a separate savings account for your child that factors in a reasonable return on investment.  Balance your investments wisely and watch your returns grow and your chances of affording a college education increase.  Remember, it’s extremely important to begin saving for your kid’s education now – as colleges are increasing tuition at a rate greater than inflation.

How can we prepare for the college interview?

The best way to prepare for a college interview is to practice with friends and family.  Ask tough interview questions that probe the interviewee’s character and desire to attend X university.  For example, instead of asking “what interests you had in high school – ask “what exactly does Stanford (or any college) offer that an Ivy League doesn’t.  Other questions like, “what would your friends say about you if we called them and asked them to describe you as a person…”.  These are better college interview questions.

Where can we find a private tutor?

Simple question, easy answer.

FYI:  More college admissions questions to follow…stay tuned.

TopTestPrep.com

(800) 501-PREP

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We just found out today that we’re featured in Killer Startups!  Vote today for Top Test Prep.

Some clips of the article on our private tutoring and admissions consulting:

“This company connects students and parents with qualified tutors across the country for exams ranging far and wide: PSAT, SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, MCAT, TOEFL and more. This tutoring service is also offered to large companies as well as for tests like the GMAT, CPA, and Series 7 exams.”

and…”The objective of a private tutoring program is to make students think outside of the traditional test prep box, and that is something this company does. The idea is to keep students from falling under the radar as they would in traditional “one-size” fit all models.”

Why Top Test Prep is a great idea “Academic issues are not necessarily something easily dealt with, and online resources like this one play a vital role for many people.”

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Thousands of athletes each year look for advice to be recruited into top NCAA athletic programs. So we’ve just introduced a new Athletic Recruiting Service from Top Test Prep. Admissions Experts, Ross Blankenship and Jon Moberly, will help students and parents with the following NCAA recruiting:

For Athletes
The High School Plan
Selecting the Right College
Selecting the Best Athletic Summer Scouting Camps
Preparing College Applications
Paying for College
Getting into Elite Private and Public Schools
For High School Athlete Recruits (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors)
NCAA Compliance Issues
12-Month Custom Strategy to Get Into Top Colleges
Coach Athlete Marketing and Custom Videos

Admissions Consulting (For Athlete Families)
College & Private School Lists
Scheduling and Organization
The Application
Essays
Recommendations
Mock Interviews
Continuous Support

To find out more about our Athletic Recruiting Services and how we can help college sports recruits and high school recruits get into top colleges and NCAA programs: go to our athletic recruiting services.

or call (800) 501-PREP

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For private, home tutoring, SAT prep, ACT prep and admissions consulting,

Contact us today at (800) 501-PREP, or go to our home tutoring and admissions consulting pages.

Helping Students Get Into:
Ivy League Schools (Ivy League Admissions Consultants)
Top Colleges and Universities
Elite Private Schools (K-12)
Graduate Schools
and more…

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