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Newsletter: December 2010






Newsletter, December 2010

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With all the different ways a student can apply to college, it is easy to misinterpret the different guidelines.  Allow us to clear up any confusion.
 
Regular Admission: The most common way to apply to college, Regular Admission is, well, the regular way to submit an application.  With due dates ranging from January 1st to the early spring months, Regular Admission gives students ample time to submit their applications and necessary materials.
 
Priority Admission: While the majority of schools will have a Regular Admissions deadline, they will also have a Priority Admissions deadline, 1 – 3 months prior.  Schools encourage students to submit their applications before this Priority deadline to increase their chances for admission.  Getting your materials in by this deadline shows that you are on top of your game and ensures that you are among the first round of students to be considered.
 
Rolling Admission: When applying to a school with Rolling Admissions, punctuality is key.  Most schools will have a six-month window for students to submit applications that decreases the stress of looming deadlines.  The sooner you submit your application, the sooner you will receive a decision from the admissions office!
 
Early Action: One of the most popular ways to apply to college, Early Action is a non-binding, advantageous route to gain acceptance.  By applying Early Action a student is increasing their chances for admission by showing a great interest in the school and applying before the majority of students.  Early Actions deadlines commonly occur during the month of November.
 
Restricted Early Action: Differing slightly from Early Action, Restrictive Early Action requires that students only apply to one school via Early Action and to no schools via Early Decision.
 
Early Decision: Another popular way to apply to college, Early Decision is much like Early Action.  The only difference is that Early Decision is a legally binding agreement that, if accepted, the student will attend said college or university.  Students are allowed to apply to only one school via Early Decision.  Early Decision deadlines commonly occur during the month of November.
 

The Benefits of Doing an Internship 

An internship is a great way to gain experience and get your foot in the door to your respective field.  Although a majority of these internships are unpaid (a deterrent for most college students) they provide tremendous intangible value as you creep closer to a college degree.  To learn more please click here.

Student of the Month
Max Alva

For demonstrating a notable amount of growth in organization and independence, as well as demonstrating  superb skills in math, science, and hands-on creative activities, Max has gained recognition from JBG Educational Group as a highly skilled, exceptionally bright student, who is sure to have many great and innovative accomplishments in life. Congratulations Max! 

Midterms on the Horizon? 

As we enter the final weeks before Christmas vacation it is likely that students will have several important tests.  The trick to doing well on these holiday season speed bumps is to stay on the straight and narrow!  We know that the countdown to vacation is constantly in the back of students’ minds, but what separates a good student from a great student is the ability to stay focused.  Studying hard and putting in the effort will cause good things to happen!

Tutor News!
Stacy Padula, Published Author

Our Program Director, Stacy Padula, has published her first book, Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person. Not one to rest in her laurels, Stacy has submitted her second book for publication, which is due to come out this winter. Stacy wrote her first draft of Montgomery Lake High when she was only thirteen years old! Though she in now in her twenties, she considers her novel to be a young adult book written by a young adult. She wrote the series in the hopes of preparing other children to face the “war zone” that is high school–-to help kids deal with the stress, temptation, and peer pressure of adolescence. To date, Stacy has completed five of the books in the Montgomery Lake High series. To read more about Montgomery Lake High please click here.

Tutor of the Month
Emily Levine

Emily Levine is a native of Western Massachusetts and is currently a Master's degree candidate in the Education, Policy, and Management program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.  She spent her undergraduate years studying at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where she began tutoring  students who were preparing for the Maine Education Assessment.  Emily is currently a resident of Cambridge, MA and enjoys reading, music, exploring new places, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.

Tip of the Month

With Christmas vacation on the horizon, it is easy to slip and let your academics get away from you.  Push yourself to do the exact opposite!  Finish strong and enjoy your vacation, knowing that you gave it your best effort.

Interviewing Strategies

Along with your grades, essays and standardized test scores, a private school interview is an essential part of the admission process.
-       Speak how you would at your grandparent’s house on Thanksgiving!  Use proper language and never use slang, profanity, or other words that may be looked down upon.
-       Sit up straight! Eye contact! The way you present yourself is very important. You want to seem as if you are excited and happy to be interviewing at the school.  Remember to smile!
-       Practice your responses ahead of time. Anticipate questions that you may be asked and formulate answers before you walk into your interview.
-       Remember to verbally say thank you and mail a thank you card!
           
JBG Educational Group offers interview coaching for students of all ages! 

Private School Admissions: What is the difference between the SSAT and the ISEE?

SSAT vs. ISEE -The Secondary School Aptitude Test (SSAT) and Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) are standardized tests that a student must take in order to gain admission to many private schools.  These two tests are very similar in that they both assess a student’s verbal, reading, writing, and math abilities.  The major difference between the SSAT and the ISEE can be found in the verbal sections.  The verbal section of the SSAT contains synonyms and analogies, while the ISEE contains synonyms and a sentence completion section.  The reading, writing, and math sections test the same material on both tests.  Depending on what grade a student is in will determine which test he or she will take.  The SSAT and the ISEE both have multiple levels (degrees of difficulty).

Save $$ on Books!

Click here to visit JBG's Book Nook.