Educational Advocates logo
Newsletter May 2011
In This Issue
Final Exam Preparation
Upcoming College Events In Boston
Now Offering Independent Day and Boarding School Consulting
Abroad101 Helps Students Make Informed Decisions
May To-Do Lists
Quick Links
Upcoming Events

Find Us on Facebook
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Final Exam Preparation: An Interview with Steve Elefson of Summit Educational Group    apple logo
 
Final exams are looming, and now is the time to put a study plan in place. We recently spoke with Steve Elefson, general manager and tutor for Summit Educational Group, about the best way to approach exams.

What is the biggest mistake that students make in preparing for exams?

Saving studying for the last minute and not allowing adequate time to learn the material is the classic mistake that students make. They see preparing for exams as so daunting and think, "The longer I put it off, the less I have to deal with it." What they should be doing is breaking the study load into manageable chunks and creating a study plan with a list of tasks that are plotted out on a calendar.

What might such a study plan look like?

It will depend on the subject. For history or science, where there are dates to memorize or definitions, students can create flash cards. In math, they should review past tests and quizzes and redo problems, especially those they previously got wrong. The math text also has chapter review tests, which offer another opportunity for practice. In English, teachers typically ask students to refamiliarize themselves with each novel they have read since the midterm exam. It is critical to know what will be covered on the exam for all courses. Students should ask the teacher if they are unsure.

What do you think about peer study groups?

If the members of the group are serious and not using the session as an opportunity to socialize then study groups can be very effective. This is particularly true when the members of the group are highly motivated. If one person in the group has mastered a particular topic, he or she can teach the others.

What is the best way to take advantage of a teacher-led study session?

Study in advance on your own, so you can come in with questions about concepts you still do not understand. Hearing the questions that other students ask during the session can also be helpful. The session is another opportunity to figure out what the teacher expects students to know and provides further insight into how and what to study for the exam.

How useful is cramming?

I don't recommend it; however, if students have procrastinated then it is better than nothing. Some students respond to the pressure of a looming deadline and routinely wait until the last minute. This is seldom an effective approach. If a student stays up very late studying the night before an exam, he puts himself at a cognitive disadvantage. The lack of sleep can also have lingering effects on other exams that might come later in the week.

Any final words of advice?

Maintain a positive attitude when approaching the exam period. If students find they are stressed, they should be sure to talk with friends, parents and counselors. Regular physical exercise, a good night's sleep and good eating habits will also help them perform at their best.

Summit Educational Group specializes in one-on-one, in-home tutoring in virtually any subject as well as for organizational and study skills. Its tutors also prepare students for the SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, SSAT and ISEE. Contact 1-800-mytutor or visit www.mytutor.com.  
Colleges That Change Lives Event and Other Upcoming College Visits in the Boston Area

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On Thursday May 26, 2011, Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) is sponsoring a free information session and college fair. The participating colleges are all featured in the book Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope.

The event starts at 7:00 pm and will be at the Seaport World Trade Center-Cityview Ballroom. For more information, please see the Boston CTCL website.

In addition to this event, a number of other colleges, including Case Western, Northwestern, and Georgetown, are holding information sessions in the Boston area this month. Go to our blog for a list of colleges that are visiting the area, as well as dates and locations for the events.  

Now Offering Independent Day and Boarding School Consulting: Meet Tory Dodge

 

Tory DodgeEducational Advocates is now offering consulting to families seeking independent day and boarding schools through an affiliation with Victoria "Tory" Dodge. Tory founded Schools to Know in 1992, initially providing marketing and admissions consultation to more than 60 boarding schools in America and Canada. For the past seven years, she has been an educational consultant specializing in boarding school placement in Bermuda.

Tory began her career as an educator, teaching in the American Peace Corps in Ethiopia. Upon returning to the United States, she continued to develop her career as a houseparent and teacher, admissions director and co-director of a junior boarding school, and as the director of admission at the secondary level prior to founding her practice.

Tory is a boarding school graduate of The Mary C. Wheeler School in Providence and holds a BA degree from The University of Denver. She has completed graduate level coursework in counseling and has visited over 500 traditional, special needs, and postgraduate programs. She is a professional member of The Independent Educational Consultants Association.

Today, Tory continually helps and advises parents to make the appropriate choice of school for their child, emphasizing the importance of matching the interests, strengths, and personality of the student to the most compatible program. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Tory at Educational Advocate's Brookline office, contact [email protected] or call 603-496-5907. Additional information is available at www.schoolstoknow.com.   

Abroad101 Helps College Students Make Informed Study Abroad Decisions 

 

Spending a semester abroad has become a popular option for college students. However, before you blithely (and blindly) sign up for your school's study abroad program, be certain to check out Abroad101.com. This review website for study abroad programs is part TripAdvisor, part RateMyProfessor, with comments from student participants and rankings based on various aspects of the experience, including cost of living, academics, and cultural/non-academic aspects of the program.  

May To-Do Lists

 

Freshmen through Seniors 

  • Finalize summer plans such as paid or volunteer work, an enrichment course, or learning new skills. You could earn a lifeguard certification, learn to paint, or improve computer skills.
  • Plan to read over the summer to keep up your critical thinking skills. Check out our past book suggestions and check out next month's newsletter for new book picks. 

Juniors 

  • Write a resume of your high school extracurricular activities (both in and outside of school), as well as work, leadership and enrichment experiences. Include your academic information such as AP courses, awards, SAT scores and GPA.
  • Plan to ask two junior year academic teachers for a recommendation before the end of the school year. Choose teachers that can say the most about how you think, your enthusiasm for learning or your intellectual curiosity, and your ability to work hard. Make an appointment and share your resume and your college criteria and aspirations when making the request. 

Seniors 

  • Write thank-you notes to the teachers that wrote recommendations on your behalf as well as your guidance counselor, letting them know where you have decided to matriculate next fall.
  • Prepare for orientation by reviewing the course catalog. Plan to take advantage of academic support services and register for disability services if you qualify by sending the proper documentation to the contact person on campus.
Sophomores: Need Advice Choosing Courses and Summer Activities?

Educational Advocates advises sophomores about their course plans for the remainder of high school and guides students in setting goals. Freshman and sophomores who sign on to our Comprehensive College Advising Service receive additional counseling sessions at no additional charge and lock in at today's professional service rates. Email us at [email protected] or call 617-734-3700. 
 Educational Advocates
College Consulting Corp.
1622A Beacon Street, Suite 203
Brookline, MA 02446
617-734-3700
Newsletter editorial staff:
Joan K. Casey
Terri Suico