After a year of distance learning and cancelled tests, even the words “National Merit” might intimidate. We’re here to simplify the process.

October is famous among US teenagers for two things: Halloween and PSAT memes. (Humblebrag: one of my students once blocked @CollegeBoard on Twitter.) Since I’m legally prohibited from taking the PSAT and I absolutely cannot comprehend what a “shrimp ex-husband” could be, this post cannot contribute anything further to the important national conversation around PSAT memes. Instead, get ready for a journey into the inner machinations of the PSAT itself.

“Executive function” has been percolating in education circles for a while, having first emerged from neuropsychological research in the 1970s (e.g., Barkley, et al.) focused on the pre-frontal cortex. It has since morphed into a term with myriad meanings and uses, often tied to early childhood development. In this article, we’ll break down what executive functioning is, then examine what an executive function coach does. Let’s start with what executive functioning is.

Meet Isaac. Isaac offers personalized support for middle school and high school students, whether they’re preparing for the SAT or ACT, strengthening executive functioning and study skills, or drafting a college essay.

The past school year has been more difficult than most. With the stress and uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the consequent hasty switch to distance learning, you might feel that you or your student’s math education has been negatively impacted.

In a surreptitious change, ACT has updated their description of the Reading test to include a short blurb about “Visual and Quantitative Information” questions in that section of the exam. The “new” question types will appear on test booklets during National Testing dates beginning this year, and will contribute to students’ scores in the Information and Knowledge of Ideas reporting category.

The process of applying for college so often feels uniquely impersonal – application forms are rote, recommendations seem almost formulaic, and your standardized test scores and GPA are literally numbers. The college essay provides everyone with a much-needed break from statistics. And the cliché is true: it’s your opportunity to show admissions officers that you are “more than a number.”

While you definitely deserve a relaxing summer break, now is also a critical time to strengthen your college readiness skills and ensure a successful first semester of college. With a majority of the last year of school happening virtually, the Class of 2021 may have missed out on opportunities to develop important college readiness skills.

Summer is finally here, which for most students means spending days by the pool, going on hikes, hanging out with friends, and maybe taking a drive out to the coast. For many students, it also means the beginning of something potentially anxiety-inducing and demanding: summer reading. Back in the good old days of elementary and middle school, summer reading meant spending a lot of time with Captain Underpants or Diary of a Wimpy Kid. You might still be logging some hours with those classics as a high school student, but you probably have some other classics on your plate now, too (Jane Eyre, anybody?). Not to worry! Summer reading is definitely not something you should dread. 

After a tumultuous year, college applications may seem more intimidating than ever. We’re here to help unpack the new Common App essay prompt and open a discussion on how best to choose your essay topic.

The GMAT online was originally offered as a temporary solution to the closing of test centers during the pandemic. But after a year of extending its cut-off dates, an “enhanced” version promises to be a permanent alternative.

As we get closer to this year’s Advanced Placement exams, new details are regularly emerging that will help students plan for success. Gluttons for punishment can check out the 100-page AP Digital Testing Guide – the rest of you can stay right here and read on.

The 2021 AP exams are right around the corner. After a year’s worth of learning and absorbing complex topics, it’s time to start preparing for the big exam. The math AP exams cover a vast amount of material, so you might be wondering: where the heck do I start?!

All students can benefit from stronger study habits – especially after an unusual year of distance learning. We’re here to explain how study skills and executive function coaching can help your student reach their potential.

The College Board and ACT are rolling out computer-based versions of their exams for all US students. Mastering the digital tools they provide will be the key to success on these online tests.

Even with the prospect of a return to the live classroom on the horizon, many students are continuing distance learning into 2021. These strategies can help your student get the most out of this season.

The 2020 Advanced Placement exams were altered significantly – and on a very tight schedule – due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So what should we expect for 2021?

Meet Emma.We welcomed a new tutor to the team this year, and this Princeton graduate has been using her exceptional experience to help students navigate distance learning, overcome challenges and reach their academic goals. Now that she’s got some more North Avenue experience under her belt, we asked her a few questions about her work so far.

No one enjoys spending hours practicing the same skill over and over. By diversifying your study routine and interchanging multiple skills, you can learn more effectively.

Online learning is tough. From digital access equity to reduced accountability, the challenges surrounding distance learning amid the Covid-19 pandemic are troubling educators and students alike. 

You might have heard that practice makes perfect, but repetition with variation is a more effective strategy to reinforce new ideas.

We need to rethink failure, because mistakes always present opportunities for growth.

As a majority of universities implement test-optional policies for this year’s admissions cycle, students have been asking us whether it’s worth it to take the SAT or ACT. Our expert tutors weighed in on the most common questions we’ve received from parents and students this fall.