North Avenue Education
News, Insights, & Study Tips
Study Tips for Students with Learning Differences
Great minds don’t think alike, and these noetic differences are especially evident in the ways we learn. For students with learning differences (LD), the path to cultivating successful study habits begins with analyzing and identifying how you effectively absorb and retain information. Such metacognition involves self-monitoring, strategic planning, and objective assessments of strengths and weaknesses.
How to Prep for the Online ACT
In response to the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide test-site closures, testing agencies are being forced to adapt to a new and ever-changing landscape, including offering new formats of the tests.
However, for ACT the shift to online standardized testing has been in the works for some time now—the ACT has been offering online testing domestically for district- and statewide school-day tests since 2016, and in international test centers since 2018. However, as of September 2020, they will finally expand this option to include national test dates across the United States.
A Conversation With Olympic Runner Kate Grace
As an elite athlete working towards the Tokyo Summer Olympics, Kate Grace is the embodiment of growth mentality. Kate recently spoke to the Yale Club of Oregon on “Practicing Excellence: Mastering Mind and Body on the Road to the Olympics.” We saw parallels between her training, college admissions, and SAT or ACT test prep, so we asked her to sit down with us and share more about her dedication to continued improvement.
All About the LSAT-Flex
LSAC’s answer to closed test sites, LSAT-Flex may not be right for all applicants. But for those who’ve been prepping, it’s better than not testing at all.
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.