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Preparing for the SAT or ACT can be a challenging task, but with proper planning and dedication, you can catch up on your preparation during the summer. Here are some steps you can take:

Look at both options: Some students do better on one test than the other. Take a timed sample test for both the SAT and ACT to determine which is the best option for you or discuss with your test prep consultant/tutor.

Assess your current level: Taking a sample test will also determine your current level of knowledge and identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you develop a study plan tailored to your needs.

Create a study plan: Based on your assessment, create a study plan that includes daily or weekly study goals, practice tests, and review sessions.

Use online resources: Take advantage of the many online resources available, such as Khan Academy, CollegeBoard.org, ACT.org, and other test prep websites. These sites offer free practice questions, tutorials, and videos to help you improve your skills.

Seek help: If you need additional help, consider hiring a tutor or attending a test prep class. Contact Can-Am Test Prep Academy and book a free consultation to discuss your needs and options.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Take as many practice tests as possible to familiarize yourself with the format of the test and build your test-taking skills. Make sure to time yourself, as time management is critical in these exams.

Stay motivated: Finally, stay motivated by setting achievable goals, tracking your progress, and rewarding yourself for your achievements.

Remember, the key to success in SAT and ACT preparation is consistency and practice. With the right mindset and dedication, you can catch up on your preparation during the summer and achieve your goals.

Liberal arts colleges are institutions of higher education that emphasize undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences. The liberal arts are a broad range of academic disciplines that include the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. Some offer business or engineering as well. The focus is on developing critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and a well-rounded education that prepares students for a variety of careers and life pursuits.

Small liberal arts colleges are known for their intimate, personalized learning environments. These colleges typically have small class sizes, low student-to-faculty ratios, and a strong emphasis on teaching and mentorship. This allows students to have more individualized attention from professors and to build closer relationships with their peers. Students often have more opportunities for hands-on learning, research, and leadership roles.

A small liberal arts college may be a good fit for students who value close relationships with their professors and peers, and who want a more personalized and holistic educational experience. These colleges can be especially beneficial for students who are undecided about their major or who want to explore a variety of academic disciplines before deciding on a specific career path.

One unique benefit of small liberal arts colleges is the opportunity for interdisciplinary study. Because these colleges often have a broad range of academic disciplines, students can take courses in multiple fields and explore the connections between them. This can lead to a more well-rounded education and a deeper understanding of the world.

Small liberal arts colleges also often have strong writing and communication programs, as well as opportunities for study abroad, undergraduate research, and internships – often with no graduate students on campus competing for opportunities to engage in research or act as a teaching assistant for a professor. These experiences can help students develop valuable skills, put together an impressive resume, and prepare them for their future careers.

Overall, small liberal arts colleges offer a unique educational experience that emphasizes personalized attention, interdisciplinary study, and a holistic approach to education. For students who value these aspects of learning, a small liberal arts college can be an excellent choice.

Even though high school graduation seems years away for middle school students, it is never too early to start to prepare for their transition to high school and beyond.

Middle school students who participate in summer enrichment programs can pursue their academic areas of interest and passion, start to establish their educational narrative, hone in on 21st Century skills, and engage with like-minded peers from around the world. Some potential gains for students include:

1. Academic enrichment: Many summer programs offer academic courses or workshops that can help students develop new skills and deepen their understanding of various subjects. These programs may also offer opportunities to take advanced classes or explore areas of interest that may not be available in their regular school curriculum.
2. Personal growth: Going away to a summer program can be an opportunity for students to develop greater independence, self-confidence, and resilience. They may have to navigate new environments, meet new people, and take on new challenges, all of which can help them grow and mature.
3. Social connections: Summer programs can offer students the chance to meet other young people with similar interests and goals. This can be especially valuable for students who may not have many peers who share their interests or who may feel isolated in their regular school environment.
4. Career exploration: Some summer programs may offer students the chance to explore potential career paths or gain experience in a particular field. This can be especially valuable for students who are starting to think about their future goals and aspirations.
5. Cultural immersion: Some summer programs may offer opportunities for students to travel or experience different cultures. This can help them develop a greater appreciation for diversity and expand their worldview.

Overall, going away to a summer program can be a valuable experience for middle school students that can help them develop new skills, explore new interests, and grow as individuals.

The Ivy League and other selective universities have been going through much change in their admissions processes in recent years. Here are a few of the trends we have been witnessing:

Increasing selectivity: The competition for admission to these universities has become more intense than ever. In recent years, many of these schools have seen a record number of applicants, but the number of available spots has remained relatively constant.

Focus on diversity: Many of these universities have made a concerted effort to increase the diversity of their student body, both in terms of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic background. They have implemented policies such as affirmative action, need-blind admissions, and outreach programs to attract a wider range of applicants.

Test-optional policies: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many selective universities temporarily implemented test-optional policies, meaning that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT) as part of their application. A few institutions have since made this policy permanent. As for the majority, having and submitting excellent test scores can make a difference in admission.

Holistic admissions: These universities consider a wide range of factors when evaluating applicants, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and more. This holistic approach means that a student’s academic record is just one part of the equation, and other factors can sometimes make up for weaker grades or test scores. One factor that has become more prominent is the student’s CHARACTER as demonstrated through your essays, activities, and recommendations.

Increasing reliance on waitlists: As the number of qualified applicants continues to rise, many selective universities are using their waitlists more frequently. Rather than outright rejecting applicants, they may defer them or place them on the waitlist and then admit them if spots open up later in the admissions cycle. This can lead to a more unpredictable admissions process for applicants.

Overall, the Ivy League and other selective universities are constantly evolving their admissions processes to meet changing demands and priorities. However, competition for admission to these schools is likely to remain fierce for the foreseeable future, making it even more important for every applicant to have a balanced list of reach, target, and likely institutions.

Whether you need to interview for U.S. university admission depends on the specific university and program to which you are applying. Some universities require interviews as part of their application process, while others do not. If the university you are applying to does require an interview, it is important to be well-prepared.

When preparing for a college interview, it is important to research the university and the program to which you are applying. Be familiar with the university’s values, mission, and culture. You should also be knowledgeable about the program you are applying to and be able to explain why you are interested in it.

During the interview, colleges may ask a variety of questions to get to know you better as a candidate. These questions may include:

• Why are you interested in attending this university/program?
• What are your academic and career goals?
• What challenges have you faced in your academic or personal life, and how have you overcome them?
• What extracurricular activities are you involved in, and how have they impacted your life?

To prepare for the interview, it can be helpful to practice answering these types of questions with a friend or family member. You can also research common interview questions online and practice answering them.

There are several types of interviews that students might encounter in the college application process, including:

• Alumni Interviews: Some universities may ask alumni to conduct interviews with prospective students.
• On-Campus Interviews: Some universities may offer on-campus interviews with admissions staff or current students.
• Virtual Interviews: With the rise of online communication, many universities offer virtual interviews via video call.

The type of interview you have may impact your application review process differently. For example, an on-campus interview may allow you to connect with current students and faculty, which could positively impact your application. Similarly, an alumni interview may allow you to learn more about the university from someone who has experienced it firsthand.

In general, it is important to be prepared, professional, and personable during your interview. Be sure to dress appropriately, arrive on time, and express your enthusiasm for the university and program. A strong interview can make a positive impact on your application and help you stand out as a candidate

1. Start early: It’s never too early to start planning for your child’s college education. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to research options and opportunities and ensure readiness.
2. Set realistic expectations: Talk with your child about their goals and expectations for university. It’s important to have an open and honest conversation about what is feasible and realistic, including a discussion of affordability.
3. Encourage your child to take challenging courses: Universities look for students who challenge themselves academically. Encourage your child to take advanced courses and to get involved in extracurricular activities that align with their interests.
4. Start saving for university as early as possible. Consider opening a 529 college savings plan (US) or an RESP (Canada) or another type of post-secondary savings account. Even small contributions can add up over time.
5. Visit universities: Take your teen on college/university visits to get a sense of what different institutions have to offer. This can help your child make informed decisions about where to apply and where they would like to attend. Book an official tour and information session ahead of time through the university’s website.
6. Provide emotional support: Preparing to apply and go away to university can be a stressful and challenging experience for some students. Be supportive of your teen’s decisions and offer guidance and encouragement along the way.
7. p in mind that this is a student-driven process: Encourage your teen to take ownership of the process but help them stay organized and meet deadlines while allowing them to make their own choices about where to apply and what to study.
8. A senior student’s time and energy are limited: Applying to a manageable number of universities rather than a huge number can make all the difference in the quality of the applications and essays.
9. Encourage balance in the list of chosen universities: While a prestigious university may seem appealing, it’s important to consider fit and to be realistic about admission chances. Encourage your teen to apply to a range of schools that are a match for their profile, personality, and needs with a final list which includes reach, target and likely choices. It is devastating when a student only applies to high reach institutions and receives a dozen rejections.
10. Communicate with your teen: Keep the lines of communication open with your teen throughout the university planning process, setting a time to discuss this weekly rather than hounding your teen about university applications and decisions throughout your daily interactions. Listen to their concerns and offer support and guidance as needed.

The support you provide can be in the form of hiring an independent educational consultant to oversee deadlines and timelines, answer questions, as well as to brainstorm and edit applications and essays. Contact Select College Admissions for guidance with university preparation and admission.

It’s normal to feel unsure about what you want to major in, especially when you’re still in high school. Many students are in the same position as you, so you’re not alone. Here are a few things you can do to help figure out what you might want to study at university:

Take career assessments: There are various online career assessments that can help you understand your interests, strengths, and weaknesses. These assessments can give you an idea of what career paths might be a good fit for you.

Explore different fields: Spend some time researching different majors and careers that interest you. Look for information about what kind of jobs people with those majors have, what the job market is like, and what kind of skills you’ll need. In YouTube, you can do a search on ‘a day in the life of an architect’ or any other profession that interests you.

Talk to people: Reach out to people who are working in the fields that interest you, including your parents and relatives, your parents’ friends, and your close friends’ parents and ask them questions about their work. This can help you get a better sense of what a career in that field would be like.

Consider your passions: Think about what you love doing in your spare time and see if there’s a way to turn that into a career. For example, if you love writing, you might consider a major in journalism or creative writing or as editor for a publishing house.

Attend a summer program:  Summer programs at universities are available in a variety of fields so sign up for something in your area/s of interest, whether it be business, STEM, arts, politics, or anything else.

Engage in a summer job or internship: Work, whether paid or unpaid, can definitely help you gain valuable insights into a particular field or industry, and can help you narrow down your focus when it comes to career choices. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in finance, working a summer job as an intern at a financial firm can help you gain first-hand experience and insight into the industry. You can learn about the various roles and responsibilities within the industry, as well as the day-to-day tasks and challenges faced by professionals in this field. This experience can help you determine whether finance is a good fit for you, and whether you would like to pursue a career in this field. Alternatively, a summer job or internship can also help you eliminate a field that may not be a good fit for you. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in marketing, but find that the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of a marketing job do not align with your interests and strengths, then you may want to consider exploring other career options.

Remember, it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out yet. University is a time for exploration and discovery, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. Between Canada, the UK, and the US, American universities offer the most flexibility in terms of opportunities to explore interests in the first two years of college, prior to declaring a major in third year. For your university application essays, you can write about your varied interest and why you wish to explore those particular majors while at university.

Overall, the options listed here can provide valuable experiences that can help you gain insights and clarity into your career goals and aspirations. They can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to selecting a major, choosing a career path, or pursuing further education and training.

The US Supreme Court has recently announced its long-anticipated ruling restricting the use of affirmative action in higher education admissions. The court struck down decades of legal precedent that allowed colleges and universities to consider race as a factor in admissions. This decision will effectively end the practice of race-based admissions to US colleges and universities.

Individual perspectives differ as to whether this is a good thing or not. Many argue that this decision will limit diversity and make it more difficult for underrepresented groups, such as African Americans and Latinas, to gain admission to colleges and universities. This universities are to focus on a more merit-based system, where students are admitted based on their qualifications rather than their race. It is important to note that this supreme court decision does not mean that universities cannot consider other factors such as geographic and religious diversity when making admissions decisions. 

Universities believe that student body diversity is essential to achieving their educational mission of enriching their students’ educational experience. Hence, for our applicants, our advice is what it has been for years: highlight your unique qualities in your applications, whether these be your talent in debate or in the fact that you play the santur, an ancient middle eastern musical instrument. Whether your family has immigrated from a country, such as Mongolia or Tanzania, which historically send fewer students to US universities or whether you are of Zoroastrian origin, keep in mind that universities will value the diversity you will bring to their campus community. Even if the application platforms delete questions about background and ethnicity, you can focus your time and energy on those things you can control and that is your essays. Be sure to highlight what is unique about you in your applications as best as you can. 

Starting early on your university applications is a great way to ensure that you have enough time to carefully craft your application and present yourself in the best possible light. Here are some steps you can take during the summer months to get a head start on your applications.

1. Research universities: Use the summer months to further research universities and programs that interest you. Look into the academic requirements, program details, and any additional information that might be useful in your decision-making process. Be sure to take notes as these will be helpful to you in responding to specific essays about why you wish to attend certain universities.
2. Review application requirements: Make sure you understand what is required of you for each application, including essays, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation. Begin putting together any additional material you may need such as a resume, video or a portfolio if you wish to highlight your artistic talents.
3. Prepare and take standardized tests: If you are not done with the SAT/ACT for US university admission or tests you might need for UK university admission, then be sure to sign up for tests, study the material, take practice exams, and seek help as needed.
4. Create a to-do list and a schedule: Develop a manageable schedule that outlines your to-do tasks, when you will work on each application, and when you plan to submit them. Be sure to give yourself enough time to complete each application and to address any unforeseen issues that may arise.
5. Begin drafting essays: Many universities require essays as part of the application process. Use the summer months to brainstorm ideas, outline your personal statement, and begin drafting. Supplemental essays required by individual universities will be available after August 1 and this is where specificity matters so use the notes you have taken during your research or during interactions with the university.
6. Request letters of recommendation: For your letters of recommendation, reach out to potential recommenders either at the end of your grade 11 school year or immediately at the start of grade 12 to give them plenty of time to write and submit their letters.

By starting early on your university applications, you can avoid the stress of rushing to meet deadlines and ensure that your applications are as strong as possible. Contact Select College Admissions for any help you might need!

Demonstrated interest refers to a student’s level of engagement with a particular college or university. When students show a strong interest in a school by visiting the campus, attending information sessions, participating in webinars, connecting with current students or faculty members, and communicating with admissions officers, it can positively impact their chances of being accepted.

To demonstrate interest to universities, there are several steps you can take:

• Visit the campus or attend virtual events: Visiting a campus or attending virtual events such as information sessions, webinars, and online tours are excellent ways to demonstrate your interest. These events provide opportunities to learn more about the school, meet current students and faculty, and ask questions.
• Connect with admissions officers: Reach out to admissions officers and ask them questions about the school. This can be done through email, phone, or social media.
• Participate in extracurricular activities: Participating in extracurricular activities that align with the school’s values and mission can also demonstrate interest. For example, if a school is known for its commitment to community service, participating in volunteer work can show your dedication to the school’s values.
• Write a compelling essay: Your essay is an opportunity to demonstrate your interest in a school. Use the essay to explain why you are interested in the school, what you hope to gain from your experience there, and how you plan to contribute to the community.
• Apply early: Applying early to a school can also demonstrate interest. Early application shows the school that it is your top choice and that you are committed to attending if accepted.

All things being equal, demonstrated interest can tip the scale in favor of those who choose to apply Early Decision and demonstrate a strong interest in the university given that accepting students who will choose to matriculate at the university affects the university’s yield and their ranking. However, remember that while demonstrated interest can help your chances of being accepted to those universities where demonstrated interest is a priority (and that isn’t the case everywhere), it is not the only factor considered by admissions officers. Make sure to focus on your academic achievements and qualifications as well.