Make the Most of Your Spring Break

Make the Most of Your Spring Break: A Guide for High School Students

Spring break is finally here! While it’s a well-deserved time to relax and recharge, it can also be a strategic opportunity to get ahead of the curve, especially for high school students approaching college applications. This guide offers a mix of activities that combine both future-focused preparation and well-deserved rest and enjoyment.

Gearing Up for College:

  1. Craft your college list: Brainstorm colleges that align with your academic interests, desired location, and campus environment. Research their programs, costs, and unique offerings. Narrow down your choices to a manageable list for further exploration.
  2. Explore potential schools: If possible, schedule a campus visit to get a firsthand feel for the college environment. Talk to admissions officers, current students, and faculty to gain insights into the academic culture and student life. Even virtual tours can provide valuable information.
  3. Polish your high school resume: Update your resume to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any relevant skills you’ve acquired. This will be a valuable resource later in the college application process.
  4. Chart your course: Develop a game plan for the remaining semesters in high school. Identify any challenging courses that require extra attention or opportunities to excel through internships or independent projects. This will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.
  5. Prepare for standardized tests: Spring break can be a good time to dedicate focused study time for the ACT or SAT. Utilize practice tests, study guides, and online resources to strengthen your skills and improve your test scores. If you haven’t started thinking about standardized tests, contact us to set up a game plan.

Beyond College Applications:

  1. Give back to your community: Volunteer your time and talents to a cause you care about. Volunteering not only enhances your resume but also allows you to make a positive impact and gain valuable experiences.
  2. Connect with loved ones: Make time for quality time with family and friends. Whether it’s a game night, watching movies, or simply enjoying a conversation, strengthen your personal connections and create lasting memories.
  3. Dive into a good book: Reading can be a source of relaxation, knowledge, and inspiration. Choose a book from your favorite genre or explore a new topic entirely.
  4. Recharge and rejuvenate: Don’t forget to prioritize rest and self-care. Get enough sleep, engage in healthy activities, and take breaks to de-stress. You’ll return to your studies feeling refreshed and focused.
  5. Embrace the fun: Spring break is also a time to have fun and create lasting memories. Plan activities you enjoy, whether it’s playing sports, exploring hobbies, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Remember, your spring break should be meaningful and fulfilling. By incorporating a mix of these activities, you can use the time to prepare for your future, connect with your loved ones, and enjoy yourself before diving back into the school year.

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GPA & ACT

What is the correlation between GPA & ACT

We hear parents tell us constantly that their student is a really good student who has an excellent GPA, but they can’t seem to get the ACT score they want. So now what? Their student probably is a great student who pays attention in class, completes their homework, and tests well, however the correlation between a students’ GPA and their ACT is wildly different.

There are several factors that lead to this conclusion: grade inflation, test-taking skills, and knowledge of the ACT. Within this blog, we will break down all reasoning as to why GPA has little to do with your ACT score.

Grade Inflation

Does it seem like every high school student you talk to now a days has a 4.0 or higher? That’s because most of them do. Grade inflation is a complex issue with a range of statistics to consider.

The overall trend:

  • Average GPAs have been steadily increasing: Between 2010 and 2022, the average adjusted GPA increased in all core subjects. For example, in math, it climbed from 3.02 to 3.32, representing a significant shift from a B to a B+.
  • More A’s and B’s, fewer C’s and D’s: Across subjects, the percentage of students receiving A’s and B’s increased, while those receiving C’s and D’s decreased.
  • Grade inflation across all student groups: The trend is present for students of all income levels and backgrounds, not just specific demographics.

    Specific details:

    • Math shows the highest inflation: Math grades have seen the most pronounced increase, raising concerns about potential dilution of rigor in these courses.
    • Standardized test scores such as the ACT/SAT don’t reflect GPA growth: While GPAs have risen, standardized test scores like the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) haven’t shown similar improvements, suggesting a disconnect between grades and actual academic mastery.

    Test-Taking Skills

    The correlation between test-taking skills and the ACT score is moderate to strong, but not perfect. Studies have shown that students with better test-taking skills tend to score higher on the ACT, but other factors also play a significant role.

    Here are some stats to illustrate the correlation:

    • Meta-analysis of test-taking interventions: A 2009 meta-analysis found that test-taking strategies improved standardized test scores by an average of 0.19 standard deviations. Applied to the ACT, this translates to roughly 3 points on the composite score, which can make a big impact for college admittance or more scholarships.
    • ACT research: ACT’s own research suggests a positive correlation between specific test-taking skills and performance on different sections of the ACT. Since the ACT is a timed test, most students tend to run out of time in certain sections of the test. However, students who are good at time management and pacing tend to score higher on the Math and Reading section, which has tight time constraints.

    Test anxiety or specific difficulties: For students prone to test anxiety or struggling with certain question types, dedicated test-taking strategies and practice can significantly improve performance, even with a strong knowledge base.

    Knowledge of the Test

    While test-taking skills come in handy and can increase your overall score, knowledge of the test and what the test-makers are looking for is key to unlock the test itself. Our expert Tutor, Caleb Pierce, is adamant that once you know what to look for on the test, learn the strategies, and practice the content of which is on the test (a.k.a. do your homework), students will have all of the confidence to meet or exceed their ACT goals.

    • Understanding the format of the test, question types, and timing strategies can be immensely valuable. While a strong knowledge base is essential, test-taking skills can help maximize that knowledge within the limitations of the format.
    • Prioritize solid understanding of the content. Maximize your ACT math score by prioritizing core skills. Algebra II is a crucial building block for success with the ACT. Conquer it first, and the test will be more manageable.
    • Students with a solid grasp of the material may need less emphasis on test-taking skills and can focus on applying their knowledge strategically during the test. Test-taking skills can still be helpful for managing time and approaching certain question types, but thorough understanding of the subject trumps specific test-taking tactics.

    Overall, dedicated students who have an ACT goal in mind and choose to prioritize that goal are the students who will succeed the most. A solid understanding of the content, alongside relevant test-taking skills form the foundation for success on a standardized test such as the ACT.

    No matter what GPA students have, when they prepare for the ACT with Get Smarter Prep, we build a foundation of knowledge from what we know will be including on the test, test-taking strategies to help build confidence in their testing ability, and most importantly, a significant reduction in stress on test day.

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    Recap of the New York Times Article

    Recap of New York Times Post

    The New York Times recently wrote an article about the misguided information surrounding standardized tests such as the SAT/ACT. Now, some experts and universities are wondering if a test-optional approach is truly beneficial for both the student and university or if it’s time to bring back testing requirements. Below is a recap of the New York Times post.. 

    In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, numerous selective colleges temporarily abandoned SAT and ACT requirements for applicants. While initially framed as a response to pandemic-related challenges, the shift towards test-optional policies has persisted, sparking debates about their impact on equity in higher education.

    Originally hailed as a victory for fairness, some experts and university administrators are now questioning whether the move was a mistake. Recent research indicates that standardized test scores offer valuable insights into predicting college success, graduation rates, and post-college achievements. Despite concerns about test-related stress and biases, proponents argue that these scores provide a more reliable metric than high school grades, which are susceptible to grade inflation.

    Test-Optional Approach

    Critics of the test-optional approach suggest that removing standardized tests makes it challenging for admissions officers to distinguish between applicants likely to excel at elite colleges and those who may struggle. Research has shown that test scores can be particularly beneficial in identifying lower-income students and underrepresented minorities with great potential.

    The debate over standardized testing in college admissions intersects with broader issues of inequality, affirmative action, and the purpose of higher education. While some view tests as an unfair barrier, others argue that they serve as a critical benchmark, especially given existing biases in other parts of the admissions process.

    Data from studies, including one covering Ivy Plus colleges, indicates a limited relationship between high school grades and college success, emphasizing the predictive power of test scores. However, the reluctance to reinstate test requirements is attributed to political factors, with standardized tests facing opposition from progressive circles concerned about racial and economic disparities.

    The article explores the case of M.I.T., which reinstated its test requirement, emphasizing that scores are not the sole determining factor. M.I.T. achieved a diverse class by using test scores to identify promising applicants from less advantaged backgrounds. This approach challenges the assumption that standardized tests hinder diversity.

    College Admissions

    Ultimately, the debate revolves around whether standardized tests should be one of several criteria in admissions decisions. Critics argue for a more fundamental shift in the admissions process, favoring a lottery system based on minimum requirements. However, supporters of standardized tests contend that they provide an objective benchmark amidst the subjectivity of other application components.

    As colleges grapple with the test-optional dilemma, the article suggests that the progressive rejection of standardized tests may be a polarized position not entirely grounded in empirical evidence. While seeking to reduce inequities, the test-optional trend may inadvertently deny opportunities to lower-income, Black, and Hispanic students who could benefit from these tests.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the article underscores the complexity of the standardized testing debate, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach that considers both equity concerns and the valuable insights these tests can provide in identifying talented and diverse student populations.

     

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    Building a High School Resume

    Building a High School Resume

    A high school resume is not just a document; it’s a reflection of your journey, experiences, and potential. Building a strong high school resume can open doors to college admissions, scholarships, and future opportunities. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential steps to create a compelling high school resume that showcases your skills, achievements, and character.

    Start Early

    Building a high school resume is a gradual process that should begin as soon as you enter high school. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to accumulate experiences and shape your narrative. It’s never too early to set goals and plan your path to success.

    Academic Achievements

    Your academic achievements are the foundation of your high school resume. Maintain a strong GPA, take challenging courses, and strive for excellence. Highlight any honors, awards, or recognition you receive, such as being on the honor roll, winning academic competitions, or receiving scholarships.

    Extracurricular Activities

    Participation in extracurricular activities can demonstrate your interests, leadership skills, and commitment. Join clubs, sports teams, or student organizations that align with your passions. Leadership roles, like club president or team captain, can make your resume stand out.

    Volunteer Work

    Volunteering not only contributes to your community but also adds depth to your resume. Document your volunteer work, emphasizing the impact you’ve made and the skills you’ve developed. Consider volunteering in areas that relate to your future goals, whether it’s healthcare, education, or environmental conservation.

    Work Experience

    Part-time jobs, internships, or summer employment can provide valuable experience and skills. Describe your roles, responsibilities, and achievements in each job, emphasizing skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

    Personal Projects

    If you have personal projects, hobbies, or passions that are relevant to your future aspirations, include them on your resume. For example, if you’re an aspiring filmmaker, mention any films you’ve created, film festivals you’ve participated in, or workshops you’ve attended.

    Leadership and Achievements

    Highlight any significant accomplishments or leadership roles in your activities. Whether it’s winning a debate competition, organizing a charity event, or leading a community project, these experiences showcase your character, initiative, and potential.

    Skills and Abilities

    Incorporate a section that lists your skills and abilities. This can include language proficiency, computer skills, artistic talents, or any certifications you’ve earned. These skills can set you apart and make you a well-rounded candidate.

    Awards and Honors

    Don’t forget to showcase any awards or honors you’ve received. This could be recognition for academic excellence, community service, or achievements in specific areas like music, sports, or science competitions.

    References

    Include references from teachers, mentors, or supervisors who can vouch for your character and abilities. Their endorsements add credibility to your resume.

    A well-crafted high school resume is a powerful tool for opening doors to your future. It not only helps with college admissions but also lays the foundation for success in your personal and professional life. As you work on your high school resume, remember that it’s not just about the quantity of activities but the quality of your experiences and the stories you can tell. Start early, stay committed to your goals, and let your resume reflect your unique journey and potential. Your high school years are an opportunity to build a resume that will help you achieve your dreams. If you need guidance building a high school resume, we have tutors who are here to help you every step of the way. 

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    Between Sophomore and Junior Year

    Between Sophomore and Junior Year

    The summer between sophomore and junior year is an important time for high school students to focus on their academic and personal growth. Here are some things that students should consider focusing on during this time:

    Preparing for Standardized Tests:

    Students should consider using the summer to prepare for standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT. This could include taking practice tests, which we highly recommend to establish a baseline score. Get Smarter Prep offers Free Practice Tests every Saturday morning. After establishing their score, we would recommend figuring out the best way to prepare for the test, which could include an ACT Prep Course, Semi-Private or Private Tutoring

    Exploring Career Interests:

    The summer is a great time for students to explore their career interests. Students could participate in internships, job shadowing, or volunteer work in fields that interest them. Take this summer in particular to lean in and find out what you enjoy and what you want to steer clear from, since next summer students will most likely be busy taking college campus tours!  

    Building a Strong Academic Profile:

    Students should aim to take challenging courses during their junior year, so the summer is a great time to prepare for these courses. This could include reading books related to the courses, taking online classes, or reviewing material from previous classes.

    Developing Leadership Skills:

    Students should consider getting involved in leadership roles during the summer. This could include volunteering for community service projects, participating in leadership programs, or starting a club or organization.

    Pursuing Personal Interests:

    The summer is also a great time for students to pursue personal interests that they may not have time for during the school year. This could include learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, or participating in sports. Also, make sure to relax and enjoy the summer. Go to the lake, hang out with friends and family or stay inside away from the heat and humidity to enjoy your favorite show. 

    Overall, the summer between sophomore and junior year is a time for students to focus on their personal and academic growth. By using this time wisely, students can set themselves up for success during their junior year and beyond.

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    Upcoming Events

    Advice for the Upcoming Digital SAT

    The SAT is currently in the process of transitioning from its current format to a new digital version. Here are some key facts about the timeline of the change and how it might impact your (or your student’s) prep process. 

    For more information about the difference between the two tests, please check out this post.

    ___

    You may have heard that the SAT will soon transition to a digital format. Indeed, the transition has already begun. International students taking the SAT this semester (spring 2023) will take the digital version of the test.

    For US students, the fall 2023 PSAT will be digital, and the digital version of the SAT will be administered starting in spring 2024.

    What does this mean for students? 

    Class of 2024

    For students in the class of 2024, the digital version will likely not be a concern. These students took their PSAT in the fall of 2022. Future SAT administrations in the spring and fall of 2023 will all be using the current (paper) version of the test. This includes all test dates through December 2, 2023. Most students will complete any standardized testing for their college applications during that first semester of senior year. 

    Class of 2025

    Things get a bit more complicated for the class of 2025. These students will be taking the digital PSAT/NMSQT in October of 2023. We generally don’t recommend PSAT prep, as it isn’t a great use of time and resources for the overwhelming majority of students. 

    However, if we do recommend PSAT prep for a student, we often suggest they take the SAT that is closest to that PSAT date, to make the most of the preparation time they have spent. For the class of 2025, though, the SAT administrations surrounding their PSAT will be quite different. Preparing for the (new) PSAT will not translate directly into preparing for the (old) SAT.

    Our recommendations are always tailored to individual students, and we encourage you to reach out to us with questions! But the class of 2025 will be dealing with both versions of the test; the new, digital version will be what they see on the PSAT and in the spring of their junior year, while the old, paper version will be the tests administered during the fall of their junior year. This will make SAT prep for these students more complicated, and might be one of many factors that leads students to consider the ACT instead. 

    Class of 2026

    For the class of 2026, we would not recommend students begin their prep process until the spring of 2024 at the earliest (the end of their sophomore year). By this point, the transition to the digital SAT will be complete. 

    At this point, the major concern for students interested in the SAT becomes the availability of practice materials. Any time a test is redesigned, a lot of the available material becomes obsolete. For a student who is already near their goal, this is less of a concern, but for a student hoping for a significant improvement, they might work through the available resources quickly and then be left scrambling for practice material. This will be a significant consideration in our recommendations for the class of 2026, and possibly beyond, depending on how much additional material is made available moving forward. 

    SAT timeline

    As always, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about these changes and what they mean for you! 

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    Setting a Goal

    Setting A Goal

    It’s one of the main questions we ask every single one of our students before we start any kind of ACT prep. What’s your goal? Why do you want that goal? Is it because you’re trying to get into a certain college or are you trying to obtain a scholarship? Either way, having a goal in mind makes it a lot easier to distinguish what to do and what not to do when students start preparing for the ACT.

    When do I choose a goal?

    As soon as possible. Keep in mind, that may look different for every student. However, for the majority of students the best time to start preparing is the end of sophomore year or beginning of Junior year. It also depends on your academics and which classes you’ve already taken in high school. The math portion of the ACT is heavy in Algebra, so if a student is taking Algebra II as a sophomore, then end of your sophomore year is a perfect time to start. If you are a Junior and taking Algebra II, then the end of your Junior year is more appropriate.

    If you already have a college or university in mind and know what type of ACT score you need for admittance, then you might be a step ahead of everyone else. Or, if you need a certain ACT score for a scholarship, that is a fantastic reason to reach your goal!

    The best way to start preparing early is to take a Free Practice Test to establish a baseline score. We offer those every Saturday morning at Get Smarter Prep. Once you have a baseline, we can determine how best to prepare for the ACT. Some students may need a full 15-hour Private Tutorial to reach the highest score possible. Other students are a good fit for one of our Standard or Advanced Courses. We won’t know how best to prepare until a baseline is established, so take advantage of our practice tests.

    Why set a goal?

    Setting a goal is one of the most assured ways of meeting a goal. A Harvard Business study revealed amazing statistics relating to goal setting and success. The study found that 14% who have goals are 10 times more successful than those without goals. Go ahead and write down your goals and then share them with your tutor, parents, and those who are supportive of your goals.

    Is my goal realistic?

    That depends. Are you willing to shift activities around to accommodate sessions, complete homework, and put in the effort? Our tutors have seen increases up to 12+ points for students who are dedicated to their goals. If a student only wants a 2-3 point increase, the same dedication applies to the student who wants a larger increase, it may just look a little different. It depends on the level of tutor, the length of test prep, and if students are willing to put in the work to meet or exceed their goals.

    If you’re having a difficult time setting a goal or don’t know what a good goal should be, then contact us. We are happy to help students figure out what an appropriate goal is for them and work towards reaching that goal!

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    Get Smarter Prep Partners with Tamara Day

    Get Smarter Prep Partners with Tamara Day

    Get Smarter Prep today announced a new partnership with Tamara Day. This partnership will help local students and parents meet and exceed their goals for college by learning proper techniques and methods to study better, retain knowledge, and prepare for their future.

    “We are thrilled to work with the Day family and help the boys reach their educational goals,” says Caleb Pierce, President at Get Smarter Prep. “The college prep process can be confusing for most families, and we are glad that our amazing team can be a reliable resource to families.”

    “My husband and I work full time, and with four kids, our evenings were total chaos between homework, practices, and events. Homework was by far the most stressful part.,” says Tamara Day, Host of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions and Owner of Growing Days. “Get Smarter Prep has lifted that weight off of our shoulders. We know our boys are getting the guidance they need, and our world is peaceful again!”

    By working with Tamara, we hope to help even more students reach their potential by understanding the college prep process and clearly identify steps they need to take in high school to make college preparation not only understandable, but more importantly, attainable.

    About Get Smarter Prep:

    At Get Smarter Prep, our goal is to customize students learning experiences to help them score better, and the techniques and methods we teach will help students going forward into college. Our tutors help build up confidence, beat test anxiety, and identify strengths & areas students want to improve.

    About Tamara Day:

    Designer Tamara Day is a purveyor of the glam and cozy. This busy wife and mother of four styles for the spirited home, mixing glam, comfort, and family. Tamara’s sense of style and eye for what works has created an insatiable demand for her interior design expertise, furniture and décor. On HGTV’s Bargain Mansions, Tamara and her crew transform big, old houses that she finds at bargain prices. Tamara also owns Growing Days, her interior design, furniture, décor and lifestyle business.

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    ACT Prep

    It’s that time of the year again. School is starting, students are getting back into the swing of things, the weather is starting to cool down (okay maybe yet not in the Kansas City metro) and students are starting to think about the next step towards college. To be honest, that’s going to look different for freshman that it is for sophomores than it is for juniors and last, but not least, seniors. We’ve put together a road map to college as a visual to guide students through their high school career. Not sure where to start? Look at the roadmap.

    Road Map to College

    Freshman Year

    A great place to begin is by building a resume as a freshman. Keep track of your classes, make notes of the courses you liked and didn’t like, put a star next to your favorite teacher. Your resume doesn’t necessarily have to be perfect and polished, but make sure you take notes. You’ll thank yourself in three years.

    Sophomore Year

    As a sophomore, your classes may start getting a bit more difficult and the thought of college a little closer. How best to prepare? Keep going. Keep taking classes that challenge you and keep getting good grades. Join a club, volunteer, try out for a sport. Keep in mind, you should be including all of these opportunities in your resume. If you’ve taken Algebra II as a sophomore, the end of the school year is a good time to start thinking about the ACT. You can take a practice ACT test at Get Smarter Prep to establish a baseline score. We offer Free Practice ACT tests every Saturday morning.

    Junior Year – ACT Prep

    Okay, we’re going to say it: Your Junior year of high school is important. It’s the time in your high school career when students start preparing for the ACT, put together college lists, and perhaps start visiting colleges. If you didn’t take Algebra II as a sophomore, then you will take it as a Junior, which is important because the math section of the ACT is heavy in Algebra. We have multiple options to start preparing for the ACT including courses with set curriculum, Semi-Private Tutoring and Private Tutoring.

    Senior Year

    Senior year and the countdown is on! If you still need to increase your ACT score, the first semester is the best time for ACT Prep so you can crush the ACT and get to your ACT goal. Hopefully as a senior, you have a college list prepared, you are working on your college essays, and are ready to start applying to some of those colleges. Then sit back and enjoy the rest of high school!

    At Get Smarter Prep, we are here to help. We want every student who walks through our doors to succeed. Whether that means a 2-point ACT increase, 5-point ACT increase or help with college essays, our tutors are readily available to help students reach their goals.

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    Focus

    Focus

    This year has been rough for a thousand reasons! Let’s think about last January, which seems like a million years ago at this point. Students went back to school after Winter Break, some were already prepping for the February ACT, other students were active in sports and living their best life.

    Fast forward to mid-March when the world paused. In-person school was done for the year, all extra-curriculars were canceled, Continuous Learning started at the end of March, beginning of April, and quarantine began.

    Even when school started back up in September, it began three weeks later for most student. Some schools went hybrid, some went virtual, and a few, more rural schools, went in-person. So how can students get ahead and keep track of everything they are supposed to accomplishing this year?

    Focus

    Focus on the goal. Whether that means getting the ACT score you need for your reach school, excelling in virtual school, or taking the ACT for the first time. Set goals and start slowly moving towards the goals you’ve written down. Goals usually aren’t accomplished overnight. They take time.

    If there is one thing we’ve all learned from COVID-19, it’s that we can’t plan more than a month ahead at a time, sometimes not even a week! That doesn’t mean your goals are squashed. There may be obstacles along the way, but if you’re passionate about those goals, they will slowly come into focus. Keep moving forward one step at a time.

    We’ve had students who’ve studied for an ACT and the day before the test, their test site cancelled the test due to COVID-19. Those students put in 8-10 weeks of prep to be hugely disappointed hours before their test. However, they kept on going. They kept on preparing, they came into Office Hours, they studied and were diligent about taking the ACT. Every one of those students ended up taking an ACT months after they first started studying, but they did it. Their focus and drive led them to accomplish what they set out to do.

    If you need help setting goals or need tangible steps to accomplish those goals, contact us! We are passionate about helping and empowering students achieve their best.

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