
North Avenue Education
News, Insights, & Study Tips
College Board Will Postpone At-Home SAT
Amid concerns over security and access, the organization backed down from plans to offer an at-home digital version of SAT this fall.
June ACT Cancellations Create Frustration, Confusion
With two-thirds of testing centers closed for the June 13th ACT, students look to July and beyond.
How to Prep for the At-Home GRE & GMAT
Over the last several weeks, in response to the coronavirus pandemic and widespread closure of testing sites, some graduate programs have announced a waiver of normal requirements that applicants submit GRE or GMAT scores. But the vast majority of programs are maintaining existing policies. To meet the continued demand, both the GRE and GMAT have introduced online, at-home versions of the test available at least through early summer.
The Cost of (Test-Optional) College
As more schools announce test-optional policies, submission of SAT and ACT scores is still frequently required to receive merit aid.
How to Write a College Essay that Actually Works
Your essay is your opportunity to let your character shine and convince admissions officers that you will be a vibrant asset to their student body. To that end, we’ve got some tips for writing an essay that stands out.
The Future of Advanced Placement (AP)
Some Covid-related exam changes are temporary, but others are likely here to stay – and the legitimacy of the entire AP program hangs in the balance.
Take Your High School Writing to the Next Level
I’ve been teaching college undergraduates for about ten years now, reading thousands of pages of their writing. I also coach high school students to write better essays. As end-of-term essays from my undergraduates pile up, awaiting commentary, I’ve started wondering, how can high school writers “graduate” to college-level writing?
Learning Science From Home
Moving science classes out of the classroom decreases the opportunities for collaborative study and eliminates the possibility of in-person laboratory experiments, which provide invaluable hands-on experiences for students – allowing them to see scientific concepts in action. Educators are doing their best to ease this transition for students, but what are some actions students can take to get the most out of their science classes? Let’s take a look.
How to Prepare for At-Home AP Tests
Are you confused about the 2020 AP exams? That’s okay, so is everyone else! (Even the College Board.)
Testing Updates in Response to COVID-19
A roundup of admissions news and test-related changes, updated regularly.
Math Strategies for Distance Learning
How can you ensure you’re getting the most out of your math classes?
Test-Optional Comes to Oregon
With all public universities in the state adopting a new test-optional admissions policy, students and families need to understand the implications.
SAT, ACT, and IB Canceled; At-Home Testing for AP and GRE
As testing organizations respond to Covid-19 containment measures, it’s key for students to understand their options.
Make the Most of Extended Digital Learning
School’s canceled! Once every teenager’s dream, this COVID-19 containment measure now has you realizing that you’ll be responsible for your own learning. You’ll still take final exams, and maybe even AP tests or IB exams. In other words, you can’t give up on school just yet. But learning is about to get harder: for the next few weeks, you won’t have the support structure of the classroom.
COVID-19 Update and Action Plan
As the health of our students and staff is our top priority, we’re joining efforts to contain COVID-19 by transitioning all tutoring sessions online.
ACT Announces Key Enhancements in 2020
This coming year, ACT will roll out a set of key improvements to test delivery and reporting. All are designed to attract more students.
Update on the Test Optional Debate: The UC Faculty Report
University of California faculty task force advises retaining the use of SAT and ACT in admissions, due to their role in advanced analytics and concerns around grade inflation.
College Admissions: The Year in Review
The year 2019 did not disappoint those who love change in college admissions. Here are highlights students should be aware of.
The End of SAT and ACT Essays
NOTE: This is an updated post, originally published June 27, 2018.
How to Study for the SSAT
We’re going to break down the test, then present the best ways to prepare for each section. It may seem like a lot to take in, but fear not – with a strategic prep plan and ample study time, you’ll be in good shape to take on the SSAT!
Supporting Students with Learning Differences
We understand that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to learning.
Managing Exam-Related Stress
NOTE: This is an updated post, originally published May 16, 2016.
Should You Retake the LSAT?
The question many of our students ask isn’t how many times can they take the LSAT; it’s how many times should they take it.