A New Leaf: Starting the Semester with Success
| Issue 5 Autumn 2010
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Dear Inspirica families and colleagues,
Backpacks and calculators have now replaced suitcases and sandals, and families' thoughts turn to schedules, fall activities, and test dates. Now is a perfect time to ensure that students adjust well to the new semester and plan for their futures -- without causing stress!
Inspirica is ready to help your plans fall into place and ease your back-to-school transition. We are ready to work with you to define and achieve success -- now and throughout the 2010/2011 school season and for years to come.
Sincerely, |
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| The Inside Track
Making Friends & Making the Grade
 Do you know who your teen's friends are? This new UCLA study indicates that students who have more in-school friends have higher GPAs than those with more out-of-school friends.
Some schools are adopting the policy of having multiple valedictorians. They believe it decreases cut-throat competition, according to this New York Times article, which also points out that critics oppose the policy because it creates unrealistic expectations of the "real world," which is competitive.  Grade inflation seems to be on the rise in a number of law schools and Harvard, Stanford, Berkeley and Yale have switched to pass/fail systems. The New York Times attributes this trend to an increasingly tough job market and the schools' desire to help their students compete.
Is this type of grade inflation affecting our youth and making students lazy? This economics professor believes it is, and claims that students are spending less time studying as a result. See "Pop Quiz" at right for more trends. |
Graditude
Change of Seasons and Attitudes
 Whereas 2009 college graduates were thankful to be hired right out of school, the class of 2010 seems to be waiting out the economy, with many taking graduate school entrance exams or applying to programs like Teach for America, according to the Washington Post.
Remember that Inspirica offers a full range of GMAT, LSAT, and GRE preparation strategies and customized programs for students nationally and internationally (and through "Inspirica Anywhere" too). |
| The Extra Point
Habit-Forming
A new company called Ultrinsic provides a way for students to gamble on grades. This controversial new practice has come under fire by educators. You can read more at this site about the rationale and rebuttals.
Want to start the new school year by encouraging better habits for your teen? Here are some suggestions. |
In-the-Know
Healthy Body/Healthy Mind
 Incoming freshmen at Berkeley and Stanford were being asked to (voluntarily) provide cheek swabs. The school was using the DNA test results to provide information to encourage healthier lifestyles, but the testing was subsequently halted. Read more here. |
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Breathe Easy
9th and 10th Graders:
Students should begin thinking about which SAT Subject tests they should take. Inspirica can help you in this process and recommend specific tests and timing.
 11th Graders:
We can help you decide whether the SAT or ACT is best for your student. Please schedule your diagnostic tests so we can work out a customized tutoring schedule. You can also attend a complimentary SAT/ACT Roundtable Discussion to receive more information or find out which test is right for your child. See below.
12th Graders:
If your child is not currently working with an educational consultant on college essays, we are here to help. For 27 years, we have helped students brainstorm, edit and most importantly, get those essays done on time!
Parents of all age students can schedule a complimentary Educational Audit. We create a personalized standardized testing calendar for each student.
Remember that Inspirica tutoring is available in the suburbs, the city, and places in-between -- even around the world.
"Inspirica Anywhere" offers a new level of convenience in online tutoring. Consider it for a leg up on standardized tests as well as a wide range of academic subjects. |
Head of the Class
What's New at Inspirica?
Lisa Jacobson, Founder and CEO of Inspirica, has the keys to unlocking a successful career, as revealed in this Wall Street Journal article. Her tip was featured by the reporter among the five best lessons learned over the past 15+ years. |
 Pop Quiz
A Fun, Fast Fact
How many hours each week do college students spend on school work?
A. 3-5
B. 12-15
C. 26-28
D. 40
 The correct answer is C. But the correct answer would have been D if we asked the same question 40-50 years ago. See this blog post for more on the topic.
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Complimentary Roundtables
Choosing the Right Test
Gain insights, as well as expert and up-to-date answers about the SAT and ACT. You will also have an opportunity to speak with us, one-on-one, about your specific concerns and needs.
New York City
September 28th or 30th, 12pm-1pm
October 5th or 7th, 12pm-1pm
Philadelphia
September 27th or 28th, 12pm-1pm
Space is limited. To reserve a complimentary session, RSVP to tutor@inspirica.com.
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Click...Clip...and Share
The School is the New Theater
 The hit television series Glee has had an influence on students at high schools and universities nationwide. Go here to see how lip dubbing is the "new thing" and why it is a positive and creative activity for kids and faculties. Click on the image at left to view a lip dubbing video, which has received more than one million hits and great production tricks (including backwards lyrics)!
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