April 2011

Tutor Pep Talk:
A Winning Attitude

by Lauren Carter, Summit Tutor

How do you feel about standardized testing?  Do you view it as a challenge you’re motivated to overcome? Just one more item to add to your already overstuffed to-do list? Or do you regard it with a sense of dread and doom?

It’s been said that success is “99 percent attitude and 1 percent aptitude.” Whatever your current feelings about standardized testing, it’s important to approach the test with the eagerness and enthusiasm you would a big game against an arch rival, and not the dread you would approaching a root canal.

Maintaining a positive attitude and viewing the test as a “big game” you’re determined to win will help to ensure your success.

• Study your opponent: When teams prepare for a big game, they start by studying their opponent, typically watching hours of film to uncover all of the other team’s tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses in order to develop ways to exploit them. This is, in essence, what you’re doing when you begin a test preparation program with Summit – except in this case the “other team” is the particular test you’re studying for, and not, say, the New York Jets.
  
  Through tutoring sessions, you will learn exactly what you’re up against: Your tutor will help you break down the format of the test, the number and types of questions thrown at you, the components of a high-scoring essay, and the sneaky ways that test-makers will try to trick you into choosing wrong answers.

• Develop a game plan: Next, you’ll devise the all-important game plan, a specific plan of attack designed to give you the best possible results. With your tutor, you’ll devise strategies to maximize your strengths and minimize any weaknesses. You’ll set a score goal and determine how many questions you should be answering to achieve that goal.


• Practice, practice, practice: Through tutoring, homework, and practice tests, you’ll implement your game plan and further familiarize yourself with the test. This is your opportunity to ask questions and clarify any confusing concepts. As you get more comfortable with the test (and watch your practice scores rise), you may revise your goals and fine-tune and tweak your game plan.


• Game day execution: On test day, make sure you are well-rested and well-fed (eat a light, but filling breakfast) and put everything you’ve learned to the test – literally. You’ll feel confident knowing that you’ve thoroughly familiarized yourself with what to expect, developed an effective plan of attack, and practiced executing it.

If you dedicate yourself to proper preparation you can achieve and in many cases exceed your score goal. It will require time, effort, and hard work. It will probably require doing test homework or taking a practice test when there are about 600 other things you’d rather be doing. Any achievement requires some sacrifice. And if you keep the goal in sight and prepare to win, your scores – and your future academic career – will thank you.

About Lauren: Lauren tutors the verbal section of the SAT and ACT and math and verbal sections of the SSAT and ISEE. In her "other life," Lauren is a freelance writer and music journalist who has been published in more than a dozen publications, including XXL Magazine, the Boston Herald and the Boston Phoenix. She has reviewed hundreds of CDs and concerts and interviewed entertainers such as Bill Cosby, Jay Leno, Alicia Keys and her Favorite Artist of All-Time, Stevie Nicks. When she's not working, Lauren is probably reading, working out or wishing she was at the beach.

This time of year, our Program Directors are speaking with families who find their students fall into one of two groups: those who have taken the SAT or ACT without prep and aren't happy with their scores and those who will attempt the test(s) for the first time in May or June. No matter which group you fall into, rest assured that there is an option that will work for you.

Step One: Review the test dates and registration deadlines and consider how much time you have to prepare.
SAT: May 7, 2011.....Students may still register until April 22, but will pay a late registration fee.
SAT: June 4, 2011.....Register by May 6, 2011
ACT: June 11, 2011.....Register by May 6, 2011

Step Two: Consider your strengths and weaknesses.
Review any previous test scores and analyze the sections on which you haven't done well. Did you feel like you preformed your best on that day? Consider all the factors that played into your test day experience. If you want to try out your skills under realistic conditions, a practice test is the best way to do it. Summit is holding several FREE practice tests throughout the area in preparation for the May and June tests.

Step Three: Create a plan of action.
Now that you have a better idea of what you need to work on, you can direct your efforts toward boosting your scores in those areas. Refresher Programs, for the student who has had some tutoring previously, are shorter programs focused just on the areas you need help with. These programs are ideal for students who are working to improve those areas they've identified either through practice tests or a first run at the SAT or ACT.

If you haven't previously been tutored, we can help create a program that's right for you. We'll carefully look at all of your previous test scores, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and recommend a program that will get you maximum results in the amount of time you have to study. One-on-One, In-Home Tutoring offers unique flexibility and can be tailored to complement your schedule. 

If you're planning on going solo, there are still some things you can do to maximize your score results:

• Keep Reading - Reading a wide selection of magazines, novels, and newspapers will not only boost your vocabulary, but will also keep you abreast of current events.
• Utilize Online Resources - Many sites offer practice tests and unique ways to keep your mind focused on upcoming tests. Collegeboard.com offers an “SAT Question of the Day." Sign up to have the question e-mailed to you, free of charge. Dictionary.com also offers a similar online service with their “Word of the Day."

If you have any questions about how to prep for the May or June tests, including the SAT Subject Tests, please call 1-800-MYTUTOR (800-698-8867) to speak with a Program Director.

"Katie was a pleasure to work with. She was easy to contact and returned phone messages very promptly. She made herself available at a variety of times. She was cheerful, encouraging, focused and explained the material well. We could not ask for more than that." -- Susan A., Summit Parent

Get to Know Summit:
Katie McGrath

Every month we shine the spotlight on one of our expert One-on-One, In-Home Tutors or Classroom Program Teachers. This month we spoke with Massachusetts area tutor and teacher, Katie McGrath. Katie tutors all sections of the SAT, ACT, and SSAT and ISEE, plus math, history, French, English, and MyTutor Plus! Her students say she treats them "with respect and seems genuinely interested" and that "Katie was the person who gave me hope."

How long have you been with Summit?

I have been tutoring with Summit since the fall of 2007.

What do you do outside of Summit?

I am the operations manager for an inbound call center in Quincy, where I handle both our customers and our employees. When I’m not working or teaching, I spend my free time singing in a choir, knitting, baking cupcakes and cookies, training my very recalcitrant dog and reading.

What kind of tutor are you?

I think that test prep is like practice for any sport or instrument: We play sports and instruments because we really enjoy them, but you have to work hard, learn new skills, and repeat what you learn until it becomes a part of you. Practice can be boring, so I try to make each lesson interactive and fun (or at least as fun as word problems can be). I like to make subjects relevant to each student’s life, relating the material to his interests or hobbies.

What was your favorite subject in school and why?

I was the ultimate nerd in high school; I loved each subject for many different reasons. I was in my school’s Science Society, and designed several experiments that I brought to science fairs. I was a Mathlete on my school’s Math Team. I belonged to my city’s Historical Society and took place in several colonial reenactments. My favorite subjects were often taught by the most engaged and engaging teachers, the ones who made me love the subject matter as passionately as they did. My best subjects were History, Physics and French.

Where did you go to college?

I attended Regis College in Weston MA, and graduated with a BA in History in 2001. I studied History with an American Studies focus because I grew up in a family that was very interested in genealogy and historical reenactment. I've always felt very connected to the past. 

What is your favorite album/band and why?

When I listen to music, it is mostly opera, show tunes and chorale music. I’ll spare you the details on baroque music and tell you about one of my favorite books instead. I devour books in all subjects, but the book I return to most often is Douglas Adams’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Hitchhiker’s Guide is absurd and silly and wonderful, and I love traveling around the universe with Arthur, Zaphod, Trillian and Ford. Don’t forget your towel and don’t panic!

What do you love most about tutoring for Summit?

The thing I most enjoy about tutoring is the "Aha!" moment. There is always one concept, problem or type of question that stumps the student, but then..."Aha, it makes sense!" I love seeing a student learn something that has always eluded him in the past.

What is your greatest Summit tutoring success story?

I would have to say my biggest success came from working with a student whose first language was not English. We worked really hard on the grammar and usage for the test. A lot of the error types were things that he was not familiar with, but with practice and hard work, he did really well on the test!

Why did you become a Summit tutor?

As a life-long nerd (see above), I thought that tutoring the SATs sounded like a lot of fun. I really enjoyed learning the strategies to tackle the test and turn it into a beat-the-system game, and I love sharing that knowledge with students.

What advice do you have for any family considering test prep?

The whole college admissions process can be very stressful. Be serious with your prep, make a commitment and dedicate yourself to it, but remember to take time and have fun. Try to enjoy the whole experience, and not spend it stressing out over a test date. Those last two years of high school pass very quickly.

What have you learned from your students?

I think that everyone is full of surprises - never underestimate anyone. If you are patient and persevere, you can succeed!

Katie has helped countless students maximize their scoring potential, but she is only one of our expert tutors. Call us today at 1-800-MYTUTOR (800-698-8867) to speak with a Program Director to learn more about One-on-One, In-Home Tutoring and Classroom Programs in your area. 

Lunch and Learn

On March 31st, Summit hosted our 6th annual Lunch and Learn in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Summit welcomed Karen Zuffante Pabon, Director of the Slater International Center at Wellesley College who presented Empowering International Students for Success to more than 50 area College/Guidance Counselors and Educational Consultants.

Ms. Pabon spoke about how the international student population in the U.S. is changing and the significant role it plays in the internationalization strategies of most colleges and universities across the nation. The group was encouraged to share the challenges their international students face as they navigate the U.S. educational system and North American culture. The presentation concluded with advice on how professionals working with these students can best guide them and provide them with the resources they need to be successful in their academic careers and beyond.

Each attendee received a copy of our College Admissions Testing Guide at the conclusion of the event. If you are an educational professional and were unable to attend this year's event, please contact us at news@mytutor.com to receive your free copy.

FREE Practice Tests

Summit Practice Tests offer students a great opportunity to take a standardized test under simulated proctored and timed conditions. These practice tests are a free service we offer as part of Summit's commitment to helping students maximize their test preparation. Students will receive a diagnostic analysis of their results in the mail.

Massachusetts

Saturday, April 16, 2011
Tests Offered: SAT, ACT, or SAT Extended Time
Time: 9am-1pm (9am-3pm Extended Time)
Locations: Brandeis University, Waltham

Saturday, May 14, 2011
Tests Offered: SAT or ACT
Time: 9am-1pm
Locations: Brandeis University, Waltham

Connecticut

Saturday, May 14, 2011
Test Offered: SAT
Time: 9am-1pm
Locations: Homewood Suites, Farmington

Space is limited, so make sure to register soon!

Call 1-800-MYTUTOR (800-698-8867) or click here to register.

SAT Word of the Month

conform: (v) to become similar, act in agreement (conformity n, conformist, n)---Related Words: agree, acquiesce, concur

April 2011, VOL. 9, ED. 4
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