College Prep Archives - Oxford Learning https://oxfordlearning.com/category/college-prep/ Never Stop Learning Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:05:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://oxfordlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/oxford-1-favicon.webp College Prep Archives - Oxford Learning https://oxfordlearning.com/category/college-prep/ 32 32 Are First-Year University Students Prepared For University Success? https://oxfordlearning.com/are-first-year-university-students-prepared-for-university-success/ Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:04:15 +0000 https://oxfordlearning.com/are-first-year-university-students-prepared-for-university-success/ Are first-year university students ready to face the academic challenges of higher education? The applications have been sent, acceptance letters received, school tours booked, and courses selected, but are students actually ready for success in college and university? Are University Students Prepared? Acclimating to the demands of higher education is not something that comes easily […] […]

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Are first-year university students ready to face the academic challenges of higher education?

The applications have been sent, acceptance letters received, school tours booked, and courses selected, but are students actually ready for success in college and university?

Are University Students Prepared?

Acclimating to the demands of higher education is not something that comes easily to all students. A Higher Education Research Institute survey of college freshmen at UCLA showed that almost 50 per cent of first-year students said that they struggled to adjust to the academic demands of college. Another 30 percent said that they did not have a clear idea of their professor’s academic expectations.

While students indicated that they felt ready to face the lifestyle changes that come with going to university, 50 per cent that they were underprepared for the amount of studying that would be expected of them.

While post-secondary has always been a transition for students, some experts worry that grade inflation and the pandemic worsened the issue. For instance, an Inside Higher Ed article called The Epidemic of Student Disengagement, points to the pandemic as the cause of students feeling disconnected from their studies, along with a sense of pessimism and disengagement. Simply put, many students did not bounce back from pandemic learning. source

How to Address the Issues?

These stats raise essential questions about the readiness of first-year university students:

  • Are high schools failing to prepare students adequately?
  • Does the education system focus too much on grades rather than actual learning?
  • How can we bridge the gap between high school and university expectations?

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. Also, high schools must emphasize the importance of study habits and critical thinking skills. Universities must reassess their admission processes and support systems to genuinely prepare incoming students for the rigours of higher education.

However, debate continues, but one thing is clear: the current success of first-year university students is a pressing concern. It’s important to ensure that students are not just coasting by with inflated grades but are genuinely ready for the challenges of university life with robust study skills and a drive to learn. These factors are crucial for their success both in postsecondary and in the future.

Build Stronger Learning Skills

Does your teen help building stronger study skills? Whether it’s at the post-secondary, high school, or elementary level, Oxford Learning can help. Our experienced tutors and comprehensive programs support students at every stage of their academic journey, helping them achieve their full potential.

Find a Location

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Are Teens Ready for Postsecondary School? https://oxfordlearning.com/are-teens-ready-for-postsecondary-school/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 15:50:35 +0000 https://oxfordlearning.com/are-teens-ready-for-postsecondary-school/ Your teen got accepted to postsecondary school! Congratulations! But are they ready for the reality of the demands of college or university? Having great grades alone does not mean that teens also have the skills necessary to succeed in college and university. Various studies show that many students find postsecondary more challenging than they realized. […] […]

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Your teen got accepted to postsecondary school! Congratulations! But are they ready for the reality of the demands of college or university?

Having great grades alone does not mean that teens also have the skills necessary to succeed in college and university. Various studies show that many students find postsecondary more challenging than they realized.

The 2011 Youth in Transition Survey (YITS) from Statistics Canada revealed that 14 per cent of first-year students drop out of their university program. source.

77 percent of university dropouts occur at the end of the second year. Source

Other data show around 40% of undergraduate students leave universities and colleges every year. Source

College Not-So-Prepped

Heading to college or university is a major transition phase in every student’s life. And much like back-to-school during elementary and high school, after the excitement of the back-to-school season has worn off, reality sets in.

The added freedom and personal responsibility teens face can be both good and bad.

Common Challenges in University & College

There are a variety of reasons that teens might not be as ready as they thought they were. Some of the most common reasons students cite for leaving postsecondary school include:

  • Financial Pressure. Based on research from ThinkImpact (2021), 38% of students admit to dropping out because of financial pressure. Provided the increasing expenses of higher education as well as the difficulty of finding scholarships, grants, and financial aid, low-income students often cannot keep up with university demands. source. 20 percent of Canadian graduates with a bachelor degree finish their postsecondary career CAD $25,000 or more in debt
  • Poor Academic Performance. Academic demands intensify in college and university. High-performing high school students may find themselves suddenly in the lower tier of academic performance, which can be disheartening for them.
  • Poor Work-Life Balance. Between school work and jobs, many students have little time for socialization. The added demands on time can stress even the most organized student with strong social connections. First-year students who do not have someone on campus to talk about personal issues with were 1.54 times more likely to drop out.

Four Skills To Strengthen Postsecondary Success:

  1. Non-Cognitive Skills are becoming increasingly important to colleges and universities, especially gritacademic determination and dedication. Students who possess these non-cognitive skills tend to earn higher GPAs overall. Students with these qualities are more likely to attend classes regularly, remain focused and maintain steady academic performance.
  2. Learn about the Learning Process. Most students focus on learning to remember material for a test, rather than focusing on the learning process itself. Paying attention to the learning process and focusing on achieving mastery in a subject can is a key skill all students can develop and use in any learning situation. The ability to learn about a topic or subject independent of the teacher’s process is an invaluable skill.
  3. Accept failure as part of the learning process. Failure is a part of learning. While the idea of failing can seem scary, it helps students develop learning skills, boost their sense of determination, and build self-esteem. Failure is an opportunity to grow. While no student wants to get a bad mark, the skills students use to study for a test are, in the long run, more important than the result of a single test. Consistency and effort are habits that help students learn from setbacks and keep going forward.
  4. Develop Solid Study Skills. If there is one skill that American teens have as a result of preparing for the SAT and the ACT, it’s strong study skills. There are a lot of demands on students’ time in university. That’s why study skills, time management, and organization are key skills for success in college and university.

College Prep & Postsecondary Success

Getting accepted into college or university is only the first step to postsecondary success. Students need to ensure that, along with good grades, they have the skills necessary to continue to adapt to the changing demands of university. A good college prep and study skills course can help teens hone the skills that they will need in college. 

Oxford Learning’s Study Skills Tutoring ensures teens have the skills for success in college and university.

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The SAT Exam Goes Digital https://oxfordlearning.com/the-sat-exam-goes-digital/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:53:00 +0000 https://oxfordlearning.com/the-sat-exam-goes-digital/ The SAT exam will move from paper and pencil to digital format. That’s right, starting this year, all SAT exams will go digital in Canada and soon be available in the United States.  Changes to the SAT exam came about because the pandemic made it harder for students to gather safely to take the test. […] […]

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The SAT exam will move from paper and pencil to digital format. That’s right, starting this year, all SAT exams will go digital in Canada and soon be available in the United States. 

Changes to the SAT exam came about because the pandemic made it harder for students to gather safely to take the test. So, going digital seemed like a win-win, as many students continued their learning during the pandemic through a digital medium. 

So what’s changed? And is there anything that will remain the same?

The SAT Exam Is Now Digital

That’s right! College Board announced that the SAT, PSAT, and all the United States College entrance exams are going digital.

Canadian students can start taking the SAT online in 2023, while US students in the United States can take the online PSAT in 2023 and the SAT in 2024. 

This is big news, and students have been happy about the changes, saying that the exam was less demanding and easier to understand. When polled, nearly 80% of students said the online SAT was less stressful and preferred it over the traditional method.

In addition to transitioning to an all-digital format, many other positive changes include:

  • There is a shorter test time—2 hrs instead of 3 hrs
  • More time given between questions
  • Reading passages that cover a larger range of subjects
  • Able to use a calculator for the math section
  • Option to use their own devices or those provided by the school
  • Results of the test in a few days as opposed to a few weeks

“The digital SAT will be easier to take, easier to give, and more relevant,” said Priscilla Rodriguez, Vice President of College Readiness Assessments at College Board

sat digital

What’s Staying the Same For the SAT?

Not everything will change with the SAT. Some parts of the SAT will remain the same. 

  • Students must take the SAT at a school or a testing centre–not at home
  • SAT scores will remain the same–out of 1600
  • Both sections remain multiple choice
  • Accommodations will be given to students who need them
  • Paper testing for accommodations that cannot be supported digitally

Students and parents shouldn’t stress over the test going digital, as most students have found that the test is more accessible and less stressful.

Learn how an SAT tutoring program could help your teen get the grades they want here.

Do Canadians Need to Take the SAT?

Oxford Learning advises students to take the SAT if they can do so, even though taking the SAT/ACT examinations is no longer required for Canadian students applying to Colleges in the United States.

Your academic records will be enhanced by adding your SAT score, showing your academic strengths and test-taking prowess—a few characteristics that admissions officers look for when assessing applicants. If students opt not to take the SAT or ACT, they should know that stellar grades will be even more crucial when submitting their application.

The SAT has undergone many exciting and new changes. However, some elements will not change. For instance, the scale will still be 1,600, and students will still take the test from a school or testing facility. Students can not take the exam from home.

Give your child the tools they need to thrive—check out the guide today.

Make SAT/ACT Test Prep Easier   

Oxford Learning can help your teen have a postsecondary application that stands out from the rest, including SAT prep, so you have the highest possible chance of getting into your dream school.

Contact a location near you to get started today!

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Impressive Extracurricular Activities for Postsecondary Applications https://oxfordlearning.com/impressive-extracurricular-activities-for-postsecondary-applications/ Fri, 16 Sep 2022 15:17:00 +0000 https://oxfordlearning.com/impressive-extracurricular-activities-for-postsecondary-applications/ When it comes to applying to college and university, making a solid first impression is essential. Teens should be prepared for stiff competition, so ensuring their application stands out is key. Extracurricular activities included in the application process provide Admissions Departments with a better understanding of teens’ personalities, interests, and objectives. What extracurricular pursuits are […] […]

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When it comes to applying to college and university, making a solid first impression is essential. Teens should be prepared for stiff competition, so ensuring their application stands out is key. Extracurricular activities included in the application process provide Admissions Departments with a better understanding of teens’ personalities, interests, and objectives.

What extracurricular pursuits are ideal for college and university? Understanding the activities teens should list on applications is crucial. Even though teens may have engaged in several activities, not all activities need to be documented on the college application. In fact, including too many can harm work the opposite way. The best activities have a more challenging time standing out on a broader list. To choose which extracurricular activities to list, keep the following in mind and check out these tips for a stress-free college application.

Importance of Extracurricular Activities

What extracurricular pursuits are ideal for applications?

Through extracurricular activities, students demonstrate various personality traits about themselves, such as their willingness to develop new skills and collaborate with others.

Extracurricular activities such as after-school science club or math competition participation demonstrate to admission departments that teens are engaged in a subject of study outside the classroom.

Extracurricular activities also demonstrate to colleges about interests outside of the chosen major.

The 7 Best Extracurriculars for College

volunteering for college admissions

What appeals to admissions officers? Even while you don’t have to include every activity you’ve engaged in, choosing which ones to mention can be difficult. In any order, the following extracurricular pursuits are among the greatest for college applications.

  1. Leadership Activities. Eagle Scouts, editor of the school newspaper, captain of a sports team, and seats on the student council indicate that teens are dedicated to their goals and interests and have what it takes to lead
  2. Athletics. Participating in a club or school sports team can show motivation, dedication, and time-management abilities.
  3. Internships. Interning with a nonprofit or small business might increase the chances of admission. Relevant internships are a solid complement to applications. These positions demonstrate enthusiasm and expertise in an area of interest and may provide teens with a valuable advantage when applying to colleges.
  4. Artistic and Creative Pursuits. Activities that require artistic and creative expression, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, graphic design, fashion design, theatre, music, and dance, can highlight a capacity for imagination. Admission Departments love seeing these activities on students’ applications.
  5. Academic Clubs. Debate Clubs, Student Council, and other similar clubs indicate that teens have interests and expertise outside of the classroom. Admissions Departments look for teens who pursue academic endeavours beyond those necessary to earn a high school diploma. Participating in academic clubs and teams demonstrates that teens have teamwork skills, dedication, and a commitment to a collective goal.
  6. Volunteering and Community Service. Serving meals at a soup kitchen, organizing cans at the local food bank, or constructing homes with Habitat for Humanity help teens demonstrate a dedication to service while also improving their community.
  7. Relevant Work Experience. Admission Departments look for part-time jobs on applications as it demonstrates a capacity for success in a setting outside of the classroom. It shows a capacity to contribute to campus life outside of school.

Need Help With College Applications?  

Oxford Learning can help you or your child with college applications with no stress. 
Contact a location near you to get started today!

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College and University Success Starts at Oxford Learning! https://oxfordlearning.com/college-and-university-success-starts-at-oxford-learning/ Fri, 01 Apr 2022 12:09:54 +0000 https://oxfordlearning.com/college-and-university-success-starts-at-oxford-learning/ Achieving college and university success is more complicated than simply being accepted. There is a lot of pressure for teens to get into college and university. Planning for post-secondary involves many steps—the earlier you start planning, the better! Creating a plan in advance allows your child to prepare appropriately to avoid cramming in their last […] […]

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Achieving college and university success is more complicated than simply being accepted. There is a lot of pressure for teens to get into college and university. Planning for post-secondary involves many steps—the earlier you start planning, the better! Creating a plan in advance allows your child to prepare appropriately to avoid cramming in their last year of high school. 

But, getting good marks and being accepted is only the first step.

More Than Good Grades

Teens need top marks to get into the school of their choice. But, great grades do not equal guaranteed success. Without the proper study skills, the transition from high school to post-secondary can be difficult. 

A 2019 Study showed that teens are not ready for the responsibilities of adulthood, including managing their studies, relationships, and their mental health. All of this can feel overwhelming if their post-secondary institution is in a different city or province.

According to the OECD, 52% of Canadian teens do not finish university programs in four years. Figures such as this indicate that teens need additional support as they navigate this time in their lives. Stronger study and learning skills can help teens avoid the common pitfalls during their first year and find college and university success.

College and University Success Skills to Boost Graduation Rates:

Having reliable study skills is essential. These skills help students get organized, stay focused, retain information correctly, and beat procrastination.

  • Fine-tuned time management skills that eliminate procrastination.
  • Goal-setting and planning abilities to manage an increased workload.
  • Strengthened note-taking skills for better retention.
  • Paying attention to the learning process. Achieving mastery in a subject or topic independent of the teacher is an invaluable skill all students can develop and use in any learning situation. 
  • Accepting failure as an opportunity to grow. Failing can seem scary but it helps students develop learning skills, boost their sense of determination, and build self-esteem.
  • Consistency and effort to keep moving forward.
  • Learning to access and use the support resources available to them.

Let Us Help!

Learn more about Oxford Learning’s College and University Prep Programs. Our tutoring experts help teens develop the essential skills to succeed in college and university. This program is great for students in Grade 9 and transitioning into increased workloads and higher expectations of college or university. Stressed it might be too late for your Grade 11 or 12 student? No need to worry! There is still time to improve skills and achieve education goals before the next chapter after graduation.

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Postsecondary Success Starts with Better Skills https://oxfordlearning.com/post-secondary-success-starts-with-better-skills/ Thu, 09 Dec 2021 20:53:00 +0000 https://oxfordlearning.com/postsecondary-success-starts-with-better-skills/ Every student wants to achieve postsecondary success. There’s a lot of pressure on teens regarding higher education. A lot of thought must go into the application process—teens want to make a good impression on admissions and be confident in their choices for the future. However, the process can quickly become overwhelming for many teens. Grades […] […]

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Every student wants to achieve postsecondary success. There’s a lot of pressure on teens regarding higher education. A lot of thought must go into the application process—teens want to make a good impression on admissions and be confident in their choices for the future. However, the process can quickly become overwhelming for many teens.

Grades Shouldn’t Be The Only Focus

Studies show that 14% of first-year students drop out of their programs. Only 39% of students in a Bachelor’s program earn their degree by the expected date [source]. These statistics are a good indicator that while grades are an essential part of the application process, learning skills need to be considered. The proper habits and skills will help teens successfully handle higher education’s demands and expectations. Without them, University or College success is harder to achieve.

Requirements For Postsecondary Success

Strong cognitive skills make learning a lot easier. Unfortunately, schools don’t spend a lot of time developing these skills. As a result, students can feel overwhelmed and confused.

Below is a list of some skills required to succeed in University or College:

  1. Goal Setting: Once students decide if postsecondary is right for them, the goal-setting process has already started. From getting into their top choice of school to graduating in their program, goal setting is crucial for academic success.
  2. Planning & Organization: Students have a lot more assignments and deadlines to keep track of. Ensuring they have good organization skills to plan around priorities will be extremely helpful.
  3. Non-Cognitive or “Soft” skills: Verbal communication, resiliency, curiosity, and more. These transferable skills encourage better learning and self-esteem as a student.
  4. Time Management: Postsecondary life is busy, e.g., online colleges for military, so good time management skills can ensure each day runs smoothly.
  5. Social skills: For teens choosing to go to a school in a different city, it’s most likely their first time living away from their family and friends. So having strong social skills will help build relationships during class and in everyday life.
  6. Teamwork: University and College involve a lot of collaboration with other students. Therefore, knowing how to work as a team will go a long way in eliminating groupwork frustrations.

The stronger these skills are, the better students can handle the pressure!

Practise Makes Progress

Most importantly, these skills can be developed anytime; the best way to develop these skills is by practising!

  • Extracurricular activities assist with social and teamwork skills.
  • A daily planner is great for goal-setting, planning & organization, as well as time management.
  • Encourage curiosity by having a “Backwards Day” at home. A quick Google search can find additional activities to help build the skill.
  • Reading and writing at home helps with communication skills and overall comprehension.

Small steps every day lead to significant changes. It’s not too early or late to start!

We Can Help!

Regarding strengthening skills, Oxford Learning’s University Application Support Program can help graduating students and those who have not yet thought about post-secondary. Any student who needs extra support to begin thinking about taking the next step in their academic journey can also benefit from this program.

Postsecondary should be an exciting new chapter! Oxford Learning is dedicated to helping teens feel less stressed about the direction of their future. Contact a local centre near you to learn more!

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Post-Covid Benefits of Taking a Gap Year https://oxfordlearning.com/post-covid-gap-year-benefits/ Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:30:00 +0000 https://oxfordlearning.com/post-covid-benefits-of-taking-a-gap-year/ Originally published May 2009. After dealing with Covid-19 challenges this past year, should teens take a gap year to recover losses? The pandemic has been a challenge for students of all ages. The transition to online learning had been difficult for students academically. However, for many students, missing out on important school milestones and rites […] […]

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Originally published May 2009.

After dealing with Covid-19 challenges this past year, should teens take a gap year to recover losses? The pandemic has been a challenge for students of all ages. The transition to online learning had been difficult for students academically. However, for many students, missing out on important school milestones and rites of passage has been the most difficult. Graduations, social events, and school extracurricular events have all been cancelled this year.

For teens heading to college next year, a gap year is one way to recoup lost experiences. Another way is by taking a victory lap.

What is a Gap Year?

A Gap Year is a year off between the end of high school and the beginning of university. A Gap Year can be a rite of passage for under-experienced high school students to build real-world skills and experiences. It is considered a way for students to spread their wings and gain some much-needed personal growth before committing to higher education.

Benefits Include:

  • Gain hands-on work experience
  • Travel
  • Make new friends
  • Volunteer
  • Build resume
  • Develop hands-on school skills
  • Make money for school
  • Reassess priorities
  • Personal growth

Finances & Motivation

With rising tuition fees, taking a year off to earn money can be a wise move for those with limited financial resources. But parents and critics of the gap year worry that students will lose school motivation and won’t want to return to school after a year off—that the time away will have a disruptive effect on school goals and motivation.

However, certain colleges recommend that students defer their acceptance for a year as a way to prevent freshman “burnout.” Colleges that support a year off report that students return from the gap year refreshed, revitalized, and better prepared to face four years of schoolwork. According to the Gap Year Association, students who take gap years are more likely to graduate in four years or less compared to the national average of six years.

Should Your Teen A Year Off?

Any student who feels overwhelmed by school choices, finances, or issues of motivation should consider the benefits of a gap year.

Students considering taking a gap year should work with current guidance counselors, parents, and even schools being applied to in order to work out a plan to defer acceptance, save money, again experience and make up for all that they have missed out on this past year.

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College Prep for Canadian Teens https://oxfordlearning.com/college-prep-for-canadian-teens/ Fri, 09 Apr 2021 17:14:00 +0000 https://oxfordlearning.com/college-prep-for-canadian-teens/ What can the SATⓇ and the ACT college entrance exams teach Canadian teens about college prep?  It takes hours to prepare for the SATⓇ and the ACT! American students prepare to write these gruelling exams as early as middle school! American teens often take prep courses and practise exams years in advance to ensure they […] […]

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What can the SATⓇ and the ACT college entrance exams teach Canadian teens about college prep? 

It takes hours to prepare for the SATⓇ and the ACT! American students prepare to write these gruelling exams as early as middle school! American teens often take prep courses and practise exams years in advance to ensure they get the highest mark possible. Canadian students don’t write entrance exams before university, which begs the question, are they missing out on skills they might need down the road?

Beyond Good Grades

In Canada, university admission is based on grades. Teens need top marks to get into the school of their choosing. But, having great grades does not mean that teens have what it takes to succeed in college and university. There are many other factors that can determine whether a teen has the skills necessary to handle the demands of higher education. In fact, 14% of Canadian students do not continue past their freshman year. And, according to other studies, only 39% of bachelor’s degree students graduate within the expected duration of their program. Another 28% take another three years to graduate. [source]

Skills for Success, Lessons for Life

Since grades only indicate whether or not a student gets accepted to university and not if they will succeed, what other skills can indicate if a teen has the necessary stuff to succeed in higher education?

  1. Non-Cognitive Skills are becoming increasingly important to colleges and universities, especially grit, academic determination and dedication. Students who possess these non-cognitive skills tend to earn higher GPAs overall. Students with these qualities are more likely to attend classes regularly, remain focused and maintain steady academic performance.
  2. Learn about the Learning Process. Most students focus on learning to remember material for a test, rather than focusing on the learning process itself. Paying attention to the learning process and focusing on achieving mastery in a subject can is a key skill all students can develop and use in any learning situation. The ability to learn about a topic or subject independent of the teacher’s process is an invaluable skill.
  3. Accept failure as part of the learning process. Failure is a part of learning. While the idea of failing can seem scary, it helps students develop learning skills, boost their sense of determination, and build self-esteem. Failure is an opportunity to grow. While no student wants to get a bad mark, the skills students use to study for a test are, in the long run, more important than the result of a single test. Consistency and effort are habits that help students learn from setbacks and keep going forward.
  4. Develop Solid Study Skills. If there is one skill that American teens have as a result of preparing for the SAT and the ACT, it’s strong study skills. There are a lot of demands on students’ time in university. That’s why study skills, time management, and organization are key skills for success in college and university.

Help your child succeed—see the ultimate study guide here.

College Prep Success

Getting accepted into college or university is only the first step to post-secondary success. Students need to ensure that along with good grades, they have the skills necessary to continue to adapt to the changing demands of university. A good college prep and study skills course can help teens hone the skills that they will need in college. Oxford Learning’s Study Skills Tutoring ensures teens have the skills for success in college and university.

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How To Prepare For College & University https://oxfordlearning.com/how-to-prepare-for-college-university/ Mon, 30 Jul 2018 12:01:19 +0000 https://oxfordlearning.com/how-to-prepare-for-college-university/ Many children (and their parents) dream of someday going off to college or university. Of course, there is a big difference between dreaming about it and creating a roadmap for success. Planning for college can be a long journey, so it’s wise to start as soon as possible. While it’s important to keep your options […] […]

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Many children (and their parents) dream of someday going off to college or university. Of course, there is a big difference between dreaming about it and creating a roadmap for success.

Planning for college can be a long journey, so it’s wise to start as soon as possible. While it’s important to keep your options open, creating a plan in advance will allow your child to be better prepared than waiting until grade 12.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when planning for college or university—including when to start planning and how to get there.

When To Start Planning For College

So… when should you and your child start planning for college or university? Believe it or not—it’s never too early!

Colleges and universities won’t be looking at middle school grades when considering applications. However, seventh and eighth grades are a great time to start thinking about the types of high school subjects your child is interested in taking.

By the time ninth grade comes around, your child should have an idea of his or her interests and be focused on developing smart academic habits. This includes getting good grades, while also getting involved with sports teams and clubs to grow your child’s leadership skills.

Keep in mind your child’s priorities and college choices may continue to change over time… and that’s ok! Having a plan can get your child on the right track, while still being flexible enough for changes.

Read on to learn some ways that you can start planning for college today.

How To Plan For College In High School

1. Set Academic Goals

One of the most important things you can do when your child is starting to think about college is to define long- and short-term goals. Long-term goals define what your child wants to achieve, while short-term goals help him or her reach those long-term goals.

For example:
Long-term goal: graduate high school and get accepted into [college/university of your choice]
Short-term goal: maintain at least a B on my 3 next tests/assignments

Try using the SMART goal approach to help make sure your child’s goals are clear and reachable. Each goal should be:

  • Specific: Identify the starting point and end point of the goal. When do you need to start it to make sure you accomplish it in time?
  • Measurable: Know exactly how to track and measure the progress of each goal. This lets you know when it has been accomplished.
  • Attainable: Your goal should be reasonable and within reach. Goals should be challenging, but not beyond your child’s reach.
  • Relevant: Is your goal worthwhile? Make sure that it is something that matters to you, and that it also aligns with other relevant goals.
  • Timely: Make sure that a timeframe is specified to accomplish these goals; for example, two weeks, three months, or 1 year.

2. Have A Plan When Choosing Classes

Something to consider when planning for college or university is how class selections will impact your child’s path. If your child wants to pursue science or math in college or university, make sure your child is taking the proper classes starting in ninth grade. This way, he or she will be able to fulfill the prerequisites for upper-level classes.

Depending on whether your child wants to attend college or university, he or she will also need to sign up for the appropriate class level. When choosing between academic and applied classes, think about how your child learns best and what his or her post-secondary plans are.

For class selection tips, read our blog on how to choose high school classes.

3. Enrol in Extracurricular Activities

High school is the perfect time to experiment with different extracurriculars. Keep an eye out for which activities your child really loves and wants to pursue over the long term. Colleges and universities like to see well-rounded students interested in learning and engaging the world.

Extracurricular activities include general activities, teams and clubs, volunteer work, and work experience. These activities show your child’s leadership skills, interest in activities, ability to work with others, and show that your child is community minded.

There is no perfect formula for determining how many activities to enrol in. But, it’s a great bonus if your child is able to demonstrate skills beyond academic grades on a college application.

4. Research, Research, Research

Researching college and universities is an important step to finding the one that suits your child’s requirements, objectives, and academic goals. You’ll want to consider the types of programs the school offers, the location, the size, the cost, and much more. Weigh each of the factors according to their importance and help your child rank each of the schools on his or her list.

To get started, help your child create a list of colleges and universities that interest him or her, and why. Knowing which features attract or turn your child off a school will help you understand what you really want.

In grade tenth and eleventh grade, start attending college fairs and college nights. Encourage your child to speak with college representatives who visit his or her high school. This will help your child differentiate between the different colleges and universities and learn about admission requirements.

5. Take College Admissions Tests

A common question many students ask is “Should I prepare for the SAT in ninth grade?” Ninth grade is a bit early to start planning. However, there are certain work habits and skills your child can start to build to prepare for standardized testing. This includes time management, organizational skills, and reading and writing skills.

Before your child decides when to start studying for the SAT, you first need to figure out when he or she will take the SAT. Make a plan with your child so he or she has plenty of time to practise and prepare. Take an SAT prep course or enrol in a SAT tutoring program. This is a great way to get introduced to the test and get a sense of where your child stands with his or her current skills.

It’s Never Too Early to Plan for College

Planning for college or university is an exciting time for all students and parents. Taking responsibility for your academic progress early and getting involved is the best way to find your stride and set yourself up for success.

Oxford Learning can help your child prepare for the future and build a path to success—from math and English tutoring to SAT/ACT prep. Contact a location near you today!

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Do  SAT Prep Programs and ACT Prep Programs Work? https://oxfordlearning.com/do-sat-act-prep-programs-work/ Fri, 10 Mar 2017 11:30:20 +0000 https://oxfordlearning.com/do-sat-act-prep-programs-work/ SAT Prep Programs and ACT Prep Programs are important to a teen’s future. College admission tests are not something a student wants to leave up to chance. The results of these tests can play a major role in determining a student’s future, so it’s important to be prepared. With so many different prep courses out there, […] […]

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SAT Prep Programs and ACT Prep Programs are important to a teen’s future. College admission tests are not something a student wants to leave up to chance. The results of these tests can play a major role in determining a student’s future, so it’s important to be prepared.

With so many different prep courses out there, how do you know which ones actually work?

Why Take SAT Prep Programs or ACT Prep Course?

Effective  SAT prep programs & ACT prep courses can help students in many different ways and can increase test scores significantly. Here are some common benefits of  SAT & ACT prep courses:

  • Supervised studying allows students to focus on weaker areas
  • Students learn how to study efficiently
  • Teaches test-taking skills and strategies
  • Increases confidence about the exam
  • Score improvements of 30 to 100 points

Do All  SAT & ACT Prep Courses Work?

The answer is no, according to a report released from the National Association for College Admission Counseling. The report criticizes common  SAT and ACT test preparation courses as costly and ineffective. The report reviewed all  SAT and ACT test preparation services and found that they had a minimal impact in improving  SAT scores.

So, What Makes SAT Prep Programs and ACT Prep Programs Worth It?

The most effective  SAT  and ACT prep courses don’t just focus on the short term goal of getting into college, they focus on preparing students for success throughout college. After all, getting into the best school is only the first step. Research shows that up to 35% of students who qualify for university or college with high entrance exam scores drop out in their first year.

This means, that if these students relied on traditional test-prep programs to get them into school, they were cheated. The program may have helped them cram for the SAT and ACT exam, but it did nothing to prepare them to deal with the hardships of college or university.

There is no easy solution for college or university preparation. A quick fix that promises to raise entrance exam marks is only a temporary solution. Entrance exam preparation takes time and commitment, but it’s just a taste of what will be required in college.

So How Does Oxford Learning’s SAT Prep Programs and ACT Prep Programs Measure Up?

Oxford Learning’s SAT Prep Programs and ACT programs take what is typically considered test-prep one step further. Students who take these programs have a considerable advantage.

So what takes Oxford Learning’s SAT and ACT programs the extra mile? Well, it is the only test-prep program on the market that isn’t focused on short-term gains for students. It’s also the only SAT and ACT prep course that looks beyond the entrance exams to prepare students. Students will be ready for what comes next—post-secondary life.

Master your high school journey with our ultimate guide.

Setting Your Student Up For Success

Oxford Learning’s GPA 5.0 SAT and ACT Plus™ Programs encourage students to be accountable for their own future. Students will take initiative and be responsible for their learning.

We offer a program with integrity that looks well beyond the entrance tests. Our programs will prepare students for the future, which is always a good investment.

Oxford Learning SAT and ACT prep programs include:

  • In-class hours
  • Custom workbooks
  • Take-home assignments
  • Practice exams

Learn more about how you can prepare for the SAT and ACT tests with these SAT and ACT Study Tips.

Read more about Oxford Learning’s SAT and ACT Prep Programs, or find the Oxford Learning location nearest you.

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