AP Exam Preparation
What are APs?
AP means advanced placement. AP classes are national standardized tests administered by the College Board (the same body responsible for the SAT). AP exams take place over 2 weeks in early May each year. AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5. AP classes are based on a standardized curriculum, in preparation for the AP exam. AP courses demonstrate RIGOR to college admissions officers and show that a student can meet the rigors of their high school if it offers AP-level courses. Some colleges will award students college credits for mastering AP course material and scoring a 4 or a 5 on the AP exams.
Digital AP Exams
In May 2025, 28 AP exams will go digital. The paper tests will be discontinued, and the exams will move to the Bluebook digital testing platform (the same platform used for the SAT). Some exams will be fully digital, while others will have a hybrid format. Fully digital exams will administer all multiple-choice and free-response questions on the Bluebook App. For hybrid exams, students will view the questions in Bluebook but write free responses by hand in paper booklets that are returned for scoring. Despite these changes, the structure and duration of the AP exams (number of sections, question types, and timing) remain unchanged.
The Bluebook App and tools are user-friendly and allow students to digitally highlight, annotate, and eliminate answer choices. There is also a built-in Desmos calculator, which allows for easy graphing and solving and is included on 12 AP exams, including AB & BC Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Precalculus.
Tips for Preparing for AP Exams
- Know your exam dates well in advance. Dates and times for the 2025 AP exams are listed on the College Board website.
- Consult the AP Classroom on the College Board website for practice tests and questions.
- Practice multiple-choice and typing free-response questions on your computer for full digital exams.
- For hybrid exams, complete multiple-choice questions on your computer and read free-response questions in Bluebook while writing your answers on paper.
- Practice using the built-in Bluebook Desmos calculator.
- Keep up with your AP coursework so you don’t have to cram.
- Create a study and review timeline for AP exams. Give yourself enough work-back time to keep up with your other coursework and obligations.
- Work with a tutor who has experience teaching and tutoring the content of your AP exams!
Understanding Your Child’s Reading Level
Reading levels are a way of determining the reading skills a child already has. They measure a child’s reading comprehension and fluency using a variety of factors like phonemic awareness, decoding, and vocabulary.
Schools give reading assessments one or more times yearly using one of several available systems. The Guided Reading Level (GRL) developed by Fountas and Pinnell is a popular system used in schools.
To determine reading levels using GRL, children sit one-on-one with their teacher and read from a book considered standard for their grade level – a “benchmark” book. A child’s reading level is classified alphabetically from A to Z. GRL books are organized from A to Z, with A being the easiest.
Each GRL reading level is associated with a grade level. For example, it is recommended that students in grade 1 read at levels E through J.
Reading levels are designed to build confidence by guiding children toward books that will challenge but not frustrate them.
Reading levels are also used to:
- Group students for instruction
- Identify students who need interventions
- Assess the outcomes of teaching strategies
- Document student progress during a school year
- Inform parents of progress over a period of time
Tips for Parents
Remember, reading levels are helpful but aren’t the only tool for choosing books for your child.
If a child is willing to tackle a more difficult book because the subject matter interests them, let them! On the other hand, if they want to reread an old favorite just for fun, that’s great, too.
The most important thing is to keep kids reading!
Our Services
Our certified teachers and reading specialists are experienced in literacy development and comprehension.
Our reading services include:
- Orton-Gillingham reading remediation
- Dyslexia screening
- One-on-one instruction with a certified reading specialist
- ELA tutoring
- Small group book clubs
Executive Functioning Skills for All Ages
Executive functioning skills have been found to have a positive impact on future success. A recent article by the Child Mind Institute stated that, “Executive functioning skills are the essential self-regulating skills that we all use every day to plan, organize, make decisions and learn from past mistakes.” EF’s components encompass many competencies, such as completing a task, managing time, paying attention, switching focus, planning and organizing, remembering details, multitasking, and impulse control. “No one is born with executive functioning skills, but nearly everyone can learn them.” These critical life skills are regulated by the prefrontal cortex in our brain and develop at different stages, beginning shortly after birth with final maturation at age 25.
Executive functioning skills are learned from, “Infancy to adolescence.” Executive functioning skills consist of cognitive and behavioral skills. Thinking or cognition skills involve working memory, metacognition, organization, time management, and planning/prioritizing. Behavioral skills that fall under executive functioning involve emotional control, response inhibition, attention, initiation, persistence, and flexibility. Working memory and self-control are the primary executive functioning skills acquired during the elementary years.
Working memory allows us to process and use information. It enables us to follow step-by-step directions and helps us recall the numbers in a math problem. A student with difficulty with working memory should not be overloaded with information. Brief instructions should be given at each task interval to help students comprehend and retain the important concepts. Visual aids such as checklists and color coding are critical as they encourage self-regulation and independence.
Impulsivity can make it hard for a student to participate actively in daily lessons, often leading to behavior modifications. Impulse control is an executive functioning skill supported by positive behavior intervention strategies and mindfulness.
Cognitive flexibility is another executive functioning skill that allows us to easily transition from one task to another while adapting to change. When we encourage flexible thinking, students learn to use new approaches for problem solving and beyond. Mastering these skills enables all students to become self-directed and successfully lead themselves.
During the elementary, middle, and high school years, students are essentially, “Learning to learn,” and academics are not the only lessons taught in school. Teachers immerse executive functioning skills in the daily flow of the school day. Starting in Pre-K, students become acclimated to specific daily schedules and routines. As students advance in their academic careers, executive functioning skills will become more demanding.
Planning and organizing are crucial for academic success when transitioning from middle to high school. Middle school students can benefit from making priority lists, which help them navigate and rank the most important tasks that need to be completed. Explicitly teaching students how to use a planner is a great way to enhance time management skills.
Struggling with executive functioning skills can negatively impact a child’s success in school and beyond. Students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and autism often struggle with these executive functioning skills.
At Prep Academy Tutors, our certified teachers and executive functioning coaches support students from Kindergarten to 12th grade who need guidance with executive functioning skills. Our personalized lessons are based on the individual needs of each student. We look forward to working with your child as they master executive functioning skills.
Written by our staff author and reading specialist, Maryann Moriarty
Tips to Improve Reading Comprehension Skills
Reading comprehension is an essential skill that helps us understand and engage with the world around us. Whether it’s reading a book, an article, or instructions, being able to grasp the meaning behind the words is crucial. Strong comprehension makes learning easier and more enjoyable, opening doors to new ideas and information.
Understanding the Main Idea
Identifying the main idea is crucial for good reading comprehension. The main idea is the primary point or argument that the author wants the reader to understand. Recognizing this helps readers focus on what’s most important in the text, making it easier to remember details and grasp the overall message.
To find the main idea in different types of texts, readers can use specific strategies. For instance, they can:
– Look at the title and headings to get clues about the topic.
– Pay close attention to the first and last sentences of paragraphs, as these often contain key points.
– Notice repeated words or phrases that signal a central theme.
By using these methods, readers can efficiently identify the main points across various materials, from stories to informational articles.
Summarizing further reinforces understanding. When students summarize a passage, they condense the information into their own words, focusing on the main points. This practice not only helps with retaining information but also ensures that readers truly understand what they have read. Summarizing requires thinking critically about the material, which deepens comprehension and supports long-term retention.
Making Connections While Reading
Connecting the text to prior knowledge and real-life experiences enhances comprehension by making the content more relatable. When readers relate new information to something they already know, it becomes easier to understand and remember. This process helps bridge the gap between unfamiliar and familiar concepts.
There are several techniques to connect different parts of the text together:
– Text-to-self: Relate the content to personal experiences or feelings.
– Text-to-text: Compare the text with other books, articles, or materials previously read.
– Text-to-world: Connect the content to broader world events or issues.
Visualization also plays a significant role in creating meaningful connections. Encouraging students to picture scenes or concepts in their minds as they read can make the content more vivid and easier to recall. This imaginative process helps them see and feel the story, rather than just reading words on a page.
Making connections not only improves understanding but also makes reading more enjoyable and dynamic. It turns reading into an interactive experience where students actively engage with the material. This engagement is a key step in fostering a deeper appreciation for literature and information, helping students grow both academically and personally.
Asking Questions to Improve Comprehension
Questioning is a powerful tool in enhancing reading comprehension. When readers ask questions, they engage with the text in a more meaningful way, driving them to think critically and stay curious. This proactive approach encourages deeper understanding and attention to detail.
Examples of questions to ask at different stages:
– Before reading: “What do I already know about this topic?” “What do I want to learn from this text?”
– During reading: “Why did the character do that?” “What does this paragraph mean?”
– After reading: “What was the main idea?” “How does this information relate to what I know?”
Finding answers through text-based evidence is crucial for gaining insights. When readers seek evidence from the text to support their answers, they learn to analyze information and form well-supported conclusions. This skill is essential for comprehension as it trains the reader to not just read passively but to engage actively with the material, leading to a stronger grasp of the content.
Building Vocabulary to Enhance Understanding
Having a strong vocabulary greatly boosts reading comprehension. Words are the building blocks of any text; therefore, understanding their meanings is crucial for grasping the overall message. A rich vocabulary allows readers to comprehend new texts effortlessly and enjoy a wider variety of reading materials.
Ways to learn and remember new words include:
– Creating word lists and flashcards for review.
– Using new words in sentences to understand their context.
– Engaging in word games to make learning fun.
Context clues also help readers understand unfamiliar terms without turning to a dictionary. These clues include surrounding words, examples, or even illustrations that hint at the word’s meaning. By practicing how to use context clues, readers become more adept at deciphering tricky words, thus improving their comprehension and expanding their vocabulary simultaneously.
Conclusion
Improving reading comprehension is like building a bridge between the reader and exciting new worlds of knowledge and imagination. With these tips, readers can confidently tackle any text, knowing they have the tools to understand and connect with the material. As they practice identifying the main idea, making connections, asking questions, and building their vocabulary, they create a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
Prep Academy Tutors is here to support students on this journey. Our expertise in personalized tutoring can help learners develop outstanding reading comprehension skills. With our tailored approach, students will not only enjoy reading more but also excel in their studies. Contact our reading tutor in North America to learn how we can help enhance your child’s reading comprehension and academic success.
Staying Active in the High School and College Application Process During the Summer
Summer can seem like a time warp for high school seniors.The term “hurry up and wait” comes to mind as their college fate will be sealed in as early as five months, yet there are tangible signs of progress. Students can get ahead of the game by using summer as a prime opportunity to stay active in the high school and college application process. Below, I’ve listed ten ways to stay active and to get ahead of the application process:
1. Research Schools and Programs
Use the summer to thoroughly research potential schools and programs. Create a list of your top choices and dive into their websites to understand their values, curriculum, extracurricular offerings, and admission requirements. Create a spreadsheet and title the columns with your most most important characteristics that you seek in a college and fill it in as you explore each school. Consider factors like location, campus culture, size, majors, GPA and score targets, and academic strengths. This research will help you refine your list and tailor your applications to each school’s unique offerings.
2. Visit Campuses (Virtually or In-Person)
If possible, visit campuses to get a feel for the environment and culture. Many schools offer virtual tours and information sessions, which can be a convenient way to explore from home. Take notes during these visits to reference later in your application essays and interviews.
3. Start Working on Your Application Essays
Begin drafting your application essays early. Reflect on your experiences, achievements, and aspirations. Write multiple drafts and seek feedback from a college essay specialist. This iterative process will help you craft compelling and polished essays that showcase your personality and strengths.
4. Engage in Meaningful Activities
Participate in activities that align with your interests and career goals. Seek a summer job, internship, volunteer work, or a personal project that fits into your potential major or desired field. These experiences are the primary reason some students are offered admission and others aren’t. They also provide valuable skills and insights that you’ll carry with you to college and beyond. Be sure to document your roles and accomplishments for future reference.
5. Prepare for Standardized Tests
If you plan to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, use the summer to prepare. Take a practice test and then work with a tutor or take a class. Set a study schedule and use more practice tests to identify areas for improvement.
6. Request Letters of Recommendation
Think about who you’d like to write your letters of recommendation and reach out to them early. Teachers love to have extra time to think through what to say about each student, and they don’t like being blindsided by last minute requests. Be sure to write a thoughtful email to each teacher and provide some details about your background that they might use to paint you in the best possible light.
7. Organize Your Application Materials
Keep all your application materials organized, including transcripts, test scores, and extracurricular activity records. Create a spreadsheet with checklist of deadlines and links to materials for each school and set reminders to ensure you stay on track. Being organized will reduce stress and help you meet all your application deadlines.
8. Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships
Research financial aid options and scholarships. Many scholarships have summer deadlines, so start early and apply to as many as you qualify for. Understanding the financial aspect of your education can influence your school choices and reduce future financial stress.
9. Network and Seek Advice
Connect with current students, alumni, and admission officers. Join forums and social media groups related to your prospective schools. Networking can provide valuable insights and advice, making your application more informed and robust.
10. Take Care of Yourself
Finally, don’t forget to balance your application activities with relaxation and self-care. Summer is a time to recharge, so make sure to enjoy some downtime, pursue hobbies, and spend time with family and friends.
Students who get ahead of the application process in the summer significantly enhance desirability and also help you to go into the process with confidence and insight about what you want. This effort will not only make the application process smoother but also increase your chances of gaining admission to your dream schools.
Prep Academy Tutors of Downtown Manhattan offers essay writing, test prep, and generally tutoring services to help you stay focused and provide the crucial tools to help you navigate this important stepping stone. Let us know how we can help.
Grade 11U Math Preparation
Intermediate Math Foundations
Three Principles to Keep Kids Growing and Learning During the Summer
With Memorial Day behind us and end of the school year events on the horizon, parents and students turn their sights on summer activities. Summer can feel like a bit of a time warp, seeming so vast at its start, yet as it unfolds, weeks fill up quickly and blend together. By August, summer’s fleeting weeks wind down as we welcome the back-to-school norms and wonder how the time flew by so quickly. It’s important that parents understand summer as an opportunity for their children to continue learning and growing, though decidedly less predictably and even less measurably than during the school year. As well known psychologist Jonathan Haidt observes, “A child’s development is best supported by a combination of freedom to explore and structured guidance.” With this, I’ll share four principles that can help your child embrace the freedom of summer while ensuring that learning remains intact.
Prioritize Play and Autonomy
With the extra time that summer affords, children must be liberated into free, unstructured environments where they can explore, interact with peers, and set their own pace with little or no adult intervention. If camp makes the most sense for your family – either due to childcare obligations or family tradition – identify and choose a camp with unstructured play built into its philosophy. Depending on your child’s age, provide opportunities in the backyard, neighborhood, or at a park where he or she can roam and explore, with or without friends without the need to guide or keep track of activities. Hold playdates where screens are scarce, provide your tweens and teens the time and space to connect with friends on their own terms, where they want to be. These unstructured experiences are the foundation for the sense of self, and they create a desire and motivation to continue exploring and become anchors to attach more traditional forms of learning. In short, these experiences hold great meaning and are required for development, growth, and future learning.
Child-centered Enrichment and Structured Activities
For families who wish to take advantage of the myriad of outstanding enrichment opportunities that exist, it’s critical that they are built upon children’s unique interests. Continued enthusiasm for learning outside the traditional school setting rests on a child’s connection to the experience and enthusiasm for participating in it. At times, parents try to use summer programs to coerce children into activities to which they may not naturally gravitate – hoping a reluctant reader may develop a love of books by joining a summer book club at the library, for instance. This almost always backfires and creates resentment towards the subject and strife between parents and children. Summer enrichment activities that honor and nurture individual interests or curiosities ignite a deeper connection, advanced skills and knowledge, and peer relationships based on mutual interest. They frequently lead to a lifelong love for learning and empower children to embrace a diverse range of experiences that shape them into authentically curious, self-directed learners with a thirst for knowledge that knows no bounds.
How Extracurricular Activities Complement Academic Success
Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in a student’s overall development, fostering essential skills that contribute to both academic and personal growth. As students navigate their educational journey, participation in diverse extracurricular activities can complement their academic pursuits and enrich their learning experiences beyond the classroom. Engaging in sports, clubs, volunteer work, and other pursuits allows students to discover their interests and passions, develop valuable personal attributes, and build a foundation for a well-rounded, fulfilling future.
Not only do extracurriculars enhance a student’s social interaction and personal interests, but they also cultivate attributes such as leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and time management – traits that propel them toward academic success. These complementary experiences ensure students develop holistically, equipping them with resilience, self-confidence, and a strong sense of purpose. As such, it is critical for educators, parents, and tutors to emphasize the significance of extracurricular activities in shaping a student’s future and provide the necessary support and guidance.
In this blog post, we will explore the various benefits of extracurricular activities, including their impact on academic performance, character development, college admissions, and personal fulfillment. Furthermore, we will discuss practical ways parents can encourage their children to participate in these activities while balancing their academic commitments.
Through a combination of strong study habits, personalized academic support from tutors, and engagement in extracurricular pursuits, students can embrace a well-rounded education that nurtures their growth in all aspects of life. As a leader in in-home and online tutoring services across North America, Prep Academy Tutors is dedicated to fostering a balanced and holistic approach to education, ensuring students consistently receive the support and resources they need to thrive academically and personally.
The Impact of Extracurricular Activities on Academic Performance
Beyond personal development, participation in extracurricular activities has been shown to have a positive influence on students’ academic performance. Here are some key ways extracurriculars can impact a student’s academic success:
1. Time Management and Organizational Skills
Juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments can teach students effective time management and organizational skills.
– Students learn to prioritize tasks and balance their responsibilities efficiently.
– Organizational skills developed in extracurricular activities can translate to better academic performance and study habits.
2. Improved Learning Capacity
Extracurricular activities can enhance students’ cognitive abilities, helping them better absorb and process new information.
– Engaging in physical activities has been linked to increased focus, memory retention, and faster cognitive processing.
– Creative pursuits, such as music or art, can stimulate different parts of the brain and promote problem-solving skills.
3. Motivation and Perseverance
Participation in extracurricular activities can boost students’ self-confidence, determination, and motivation, which can lead to increased academic engagement.
– Positive experiences and accomplishments in extracurricular activities can help instill a growth mindset, reinforcing the belief that hard work and effort lead to improvement and success.
– Goal-setting and achieving within activities help students set and work towards academic goals as well.
Developing Character Through Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities provide students with opportunities to develop life skills and personal attributes that extend far beyond the classroom setting.
1. Building Social and Emotional Skills
Interacting with peers, coaches, and mentors in extracurricular activities helps students develop essential social and emotional skills.
– Students learn to work effectively in teams, build friendships, and navigate conflicts.
– Participation in activities encourages students to develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and effective communication skills.
2. Fostering Leadership and Responsibility
Extracurricular activities can provide valuable opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and learn about personal responsibility.
– Students learn about decision-making, motivating others, and delegation in leadership roles within clubs, teams, or committees.
– Extracurricular activities require students to take responsibility for their commitments and contribute to the success of the group.
3. Cultivating Resilience and Adaptability
The inevitable challenges and setbacks encountered in extracurricular activities help students develop resilience and adaptability.
– Participating in extracurricular activities teaches students how to persevere through failures, setbacks, and obstacles, building their resilience and adaptability.
– These skills are valuable in dealing with academic challenges and contribute to overall personal growth.
Extracurricular Activities and College Admissions
Participating in extracurricular activities can positively impact students’ college applications and create opportunities for scholarships.
– College admissions officers look for well-rounded candidates who demonstrate a strong academic record and various interests and activities.
– Students involved in community service, sports, or arts programs can access scholarship opportunities based on their achievements in these areas.
Supporting and Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars
To ensure students can maximize the benefits of extracurriculars without compromising their academic success, parents can offer guidance and support.
1. Encourage Exploration and Pursue Passions
Parents should encourage their children to explore different extracurricular activities, helping them identify their interests and passions.
– Guide students in selecting activities that align with their interests and challenge them to develop new skills.
– Encourage students to strike a balance between academic and extracurricular pursuits by finding activities that complement their studies and personal growth.
2. Establish Good Study Habits
Creating a study routine and promoting good study habits helps students manage their academic workload while participating in extracurricular activities.
– Help students establish a consistent study schedule that accommodates their extracurricular commitments.
– Encourage the use of planning tools, such as calendars and task lists, to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and activities.
3. Provide Academic Support
Offering academic support through tutoring services can help students achieve academic success while pursuing extracurricular interests.
– Consider enlisting the help of a tutor to provide personalized support and assistance with coursework and exam preparation.
– Tutoring services can reinforce good study habits, promote subject mastery, and alleviate academic stress.
Conclusion
The value of extracurricular activities in complementing and enhancing students’ academic success cannot be understated. By participating in diverse activities, students cultivate a range of personal and social skills which foster academic achievement, personal growth, and character development. As students navigate the dynamic landscape of modern education, the support of parents, tutors, and educators is essential in ensuring they receive a well-rounded and engaging educational experience.
Across North America, Prep Academy Tutors is devoted to providing personalized, in-home and online tutoring services, helping students achieve the perfect balance between academic rigour and extracurricular enrichment. Contact us today to find a tutor in North America.
College Admissions Season: Four Trends that are Here to Stay
A unique class of high school seniors will matriculate into college next fall as the first class who spent the entirety of its high school career in a pandemic-impacted world. Just four years ago, these emerging adults wondered if their eighth grade graduation activities would be completely canceled or simply delayed due to the recently announced lock-downs. As this group looks out at the pomp and circumstance of high school graduation ceremonies and into the exalted American college tradition, they continue to learn that their world remains less predictable than that of previous generations.
In particular, college and university landscapes at all levels seem to be among the most opaque and complex in today’s mainstream culture. Higher education has always embraced a duality, both influencing and reflecting larger realities and pressure points in our culture and world. And this could not be more true today, with significant media publications devoting whole sections and departments to reporting and critiquing all aspects of American colleges , especially in recent weeks, when campuses nationwide have experienced intense socio-political upheaval. What and whom can parents and college bound students trust when it comes to the noise we hear about access to, the experience of, and the value in college education? As we close out this year’s admissions cycle, I’ve synthesized a set of trends and tensions that will persist and play out over the next twelve months while we continue to keep our eyes on the world’s greatest and most transformative educational institutions.
Culture Wars:
As we sought to acknowledge and combat cultures of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in schools and campuses, a dissolutioning trend emerged. Free speech — a core tenant of American higher education — was accused of threatening students’ emotional well being and mental health. This tension hit a fever pitch on the heels of George Floyd’s murder as institutions continue to come to terms with many troubling aspects of their legacies. Yet, opposition to the diversity, equity, and inclusion movement emerged quickly, as many families became skeptical of what they viewed as professors and administrations taking on the role of activist. This fall, three notable college presidents at the country’s most elite institutions lost their jobs when they were unable to convincingly articulate their institutions’ positions on the issue of antisemitism on their campuses. And of course, in recent weeks, campus protests over the war in Gaza have led to the arrests of thousands of students, culminating in some campuses canceling classes and graduation ceremonies.
Whose words are being censured by school administrations, and how? If one group’s political views make another group uncomfortable, how should university’s react? Does curtailing the language used in student protests promote or besiege free speech? Will colleges choose to take political positions, supporting one group’s views and rights while condemning another’s? If they don’t, are they condoning aggression, harassment, and bullying? Is there a place on faculties for all voices and ideas? These questions and many more pervade as parents and students question whom to trust, to what extent political agendas serve as filters for curricula, and whether conforming ideologies are necessary to receive top grades.
Access to the Most Selective Schools Remains Limited, Opaque, and Unpredictable:
According to Common App data, applications were up by six percent this past year, highlighting a trend that began more acutely in 2020. As a natural result, acceptance rates shrunk. After four years of precipitous increases in applications, the ten or so most selective schools’ acceptance rates seem to be holding steady at a staggeringly low 3–5%. Several notable schools have seen even more significant declines in acceptance rates, with trending schools like the University of Texas at Austin at 11% this year while Fairfield University and Northeastern dropped upwards of 12–15% over the past few years.
Many selective universities are reinstating the standardized testing requirement, citing among other reasons the reality that the SAT and ACT may actually increase acceptance rates for socioeconomically disadvantaged students. This coincides with an updated digital SAT, which is shorter and more streamlined, seeking to more accurately reflect students’ academic knowledge and skills through adaptive testing (the test increases or decreases in difficulty based on the individual’s correct or incorrect answers).
These realities, along with the Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action ruling as well as the significant growth of the college counseling industry, suggest that students and families must be educated, strategic, and realistic when entering the college application process.
Fears, Questions, and Opportunities Inherent in Emerging AI will Grow:
Regardless of the speculation, proselytizing, and conspiracies, AI is here to stay. Admissions offices will fight, yet also come to terms with, the reality that student essays and applications likely received some level of AI support. At the same time, admissions teams will also look to leverage AI tools to become more efficient and objective. Academics wrestle with its place in curriculum, seeking to redefine plagiarism and ensure that students learn the fundamentals of authentic expression while accepting that evolved institutions must develop programs (and majors) that leverage the power of AI, so students are prepared for the workforce they enter. As a society, our collective discomfort and curiosity with AI remains apparent, and this generation of college students will be the first to enter an AI-enhanced workforce. They have tremendous opportunity to harness and legitimize its infinite capacity.
The College Experience Will Remain as Important and Exciting as Ever:
Despite some questioning, the rising cost, and noted disillusionment surrounding higher education in the US, interest remains as intense as ever. The recent decline in acceptance rates has given way to the industry of private tutoring and advising, estimated at a $2.9 billion market share. Some of these advisers seem to seize on the plight of the “overrepresented” student, acknowledging that good students from competitive high schools must become more marketable to admissions offices since there are so many like them applying to top schools. As a result, some advisors charge five and six digit fees to help students cultivate their high school experiences, including founding nonprofits and contributing to research initiatives that will help them stand out in the masses. While this is a logical outcome of the generation whose documentary “Race to Nowhere” chronicled over-scheduling and acute specialization, it also provides students with resources, guidance, and motivation to attach to a larger sense of purpose.
For those seeking to game the system, viewing the process only as a means to an end, getting into college becomes meaningless and cynical. I wonder if the next milestone, graduate degree, or job at a top firm becomes another, “and then,” leading to an existence where external validation drives all motivation.
As a lifelong educator and parent of three — current tweens and teens — attaching some aspirational direction to the high school years allows so many students to gain insight into themselves and provides opportunities for young people to develop individual identities in a world of homogenized social media content. The ability to more intentionally and constructively focus on who they are, what they want, and how they search for and subsequently experience college can expand horizons and personas. For those who embrace the search by seeking clarity on their goals with an open mind and heart, college can be profoundly impactful.