College Preparation
ACT Prep
The ACT is a widely accepted college entrance exam. Many students strengths are better reflected on the ACT than the SAT as it more closely aligns with school curriculum. The ACT tests reading, math, science, and English, with an optional writing portion. Test dates following completion of the class are April 9 & June 11.
There are clear differences between the ACT and the SAT, including four answer choices instead of five for most sections, no penalty for wrong answers, and deeper questions requiring specific knowledge.
We will focus on ACT specific strategies: familiarity with the test format and content, what to do when time is running out, and where to focus your attention for the most points. Through practice tests and specific subject reviews you will be able to monitor your progress and see the areas where you most need to concentrate your studies.
10939: Three Sundays, February 6–February 27 (No class February 20); NOON–3 PM at PSU.
Grades: 10–12
College Planning
Learn strategies for selecting a college, increasing your chances of admission and managing the financial aspects of higher education.
Topics covered include: how to choose a college, researching colleges using web-based and print resources, testing, campus visits and interviews, applications, letters of recommendation, and financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Learn what colleges are looking for and how to set yourself apart in your application essay. Find out if early decision and early action are right for you. There will be time for questions and you will leave with a handbook of reference materials. Tuition includes student & two parents or guardians.
10922: One Saturday, October 30; 10 AM–2:30 PM at PSU.
Grades: 10–12
Interviewing Skills
Does the prospect of a college interview with a complete stranger make your stomach churn? If so, learn how to put your best foot forward in this part of the college admissions process.
Learn how to prepare for the interview, what questions are typically asked, and a variety of other helpful tips. You will also have ample time to practice mock interviews and receive feedback on your performance. Prepare now to make a good impression with the college of your choice.
10974: One Saturday, October 2; 1–4 PM at PSU.
Grades: 12
PSAT Preparation
Maximize your scoring potential by becoming familiar with the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test). The PSAT exam test dates for 2010 are October 13 and 16. Learn strategies for general test taking as well as for approaching specific types of questions found in both the math and verbal parts of the test. You will take practice tests, review your answers, and have an opportunity to ask questions. The class includes review of algebra and geometry concentrating on similar problems found on previous PSAT tests.
Don’t underestimate the importance of the PSAT. High scores can help you win scholarships, qualify for the National Merit Scholar Program, and gain recognition from colleges that contact high scoring PSAT students. (This class will be oferred again in Summer 2011).
10635: Four Saturdays, September 18–October 9; 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM at PSU.
10637: Four Saturdays, September 18–October 9; 1:30–4:30 PM at PSU.
Grades: 10–11
SAT Preparation
Attention college-bound juniors and seniors: maximize your scoring potential on the SAT's. Test dates following class completion are November 6, December 4, March 12, May 7, and June 4. Learn powerful test-taking techniques and strategies for improving your score. We will prepare for the three sections of the SAT: math, critical reading, and writing.
For the math section you will review the basic concepts of algebra and geometry. This review is especially important for students who are currently taking upper-level math and have been away from the basics for awhile. There will also be instruction on problems from third-year college preparatory math including exponential growth, absolute value, and functional notation.
The critical reading preparation stresses vocabulary, reading comprehension, and grammar skills. We will prepare for the writing section by practicing the 25-minute timed essay and reviewing grammar, usage, and word choice. Your essay will be scored according to College Board standards, and returned to you. Students in all sections will meet for one additional hour at either the second or third class meeting.
Expect three hours of homework between class meetings.
10386: Five Sundays, October 3–31; 10 AM–1 PM (except until 2 PM on either October 10 or 17) at PSU.
10387: Five Sundays, October 3–31; 2–5 PM (except until 6 PM on October 10 or 17) at PSU.
10935: Five Saturdays, March 5–April 16 ( Except until 2 PM on either Mar. 12 or Apr 2. No class March 19 & 26); 10 AM–1 PM at PSU.
10936: Five Sundays, March 6–April 17 (Except until 2 PM on either Mar. 13 or Apr. 3. No class March 20 & 27); 10 AM–1 PM at PSU.
10937: Five Sundays, March 6–April 17 (Except until 6 PM on either Mar. 13 or Apr. 3. No class March 20 & 27); 2 PM–5 PM at PSU.
10938: Five Sundays, April 17–May 22 (Except until 2 PM on either May 1 or May 8. No class April 24); 10 AM–1 PM at PSU.
Grades: 10–12
SAT: Writing & Essay Prep
Get ready for the writing section of the SAT exam.
The SAT has three separately scored sections: math, critical reading, and writing. This class is for students who want extra help preparing for the writing section. To prepare, you will practice writing the timed 25-minute essay, receive a score based on SAT standards, and get feedback on how to improve your essay. You will receive an intensive review for the multiple-choice section covering grammar, usage, and word choice. Your preparation will include test-taking tips and strategies, practice tests, in-class games and exercises, hand-outs, and reading assignments.
10886: Four Sundays, September 18–October 9; 11:30 AM–2 PM at PSU.
10887: Four Sundays, September 18–October 9; 2:15–4:45 PM at PSU.
10888: Four Saturdays, January 29–February 26 (No class February 19); 10 AM–12:30 PM at PSU.
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10889: Four Saturdays, January 29–February 26 (No class February 19); 12:45–3:15 PM at PSU.
Grades: 10–12
Study Skills
Work smarter, not harder—learn to make the best use of your study time.
Through hands-on, in class activities, learn techniques for studying more effectively, including how to brainstorm and organize your ideas. Explore new ways to approach analytical projects and writing assignments and learn techniques for test-taking, prioritizing, and managing stress. Bring a day planner (your own or one provided by your school) to class.
10866 (grades 6–8): Five Saturdays, October 2–November 6 (No class October 9); 10 AM–NOON at PSU.
10867 (grades 9–12): Five Saturdays, October 2–November 9 (No class October 9); 12:30 PM–2:30 PM at PSU.
Study Smart: Memory Skills
Maximize your memory and boost your academic performance.
In this workshop, practice techniques that can enhance your ability to remember. You will learn how to apply memory strategies to your studies and test-taking, increase your rapid recall and decrease your study time.
10923 (grades 9–12): One Saturday, February 5; 9 AM–NOON at PSU.
10924 (grades 6–8): One Saturday, February 5; 12:30–3:30 PM at PSU.
Study Smart: Speed Reading
Cut through classwork and study more effectively. This accelerated workshop will increase both your reading speed and comprehension.
You’ll learn the difference between “mindful” and “mindless” reading and how to get the most out of written material. Your reading speed should increase noticeably, making reading not only faster, but also easier. At class end, you will receive exercises that will help you continue to improve your reading speed on your own.
10925 (grades 9–12): Three Saturdays, January 15–29; 9 AM–NOON at PSU.
10926 (grades 6–8): Three Saturdays, January 15–29; 12:30–3:30 PM at PSU.
Voice & Choice: Essay Writing
Great writers say voice is essential; readers of college entrance essays call it the key to success.
Developing your unique voice will give your writing power and range that will hook your readers and make them want more. Learn to plug into yourself and get words coursing through your veins and onto the page.
Find the voice needed to make any writing topic uniquely yours. Innovative writing “calisthenics” will help you target your voice in new ways, for all sorts of readers and occasions. We’ll work with internet formats, journals, dramatic improvisation, poetry, fiction, personal essays, and school assignments. We’ll celebrate with podcasts (or readings) of your best work.
10963: Six Saturdays, October 9–November 13; 1:30–4:30 PM at PSU.
Grades: 7–12
Writing the College Application Essay
Set yourself apart from other applicants by writing a top-notch essay. As you work on the final draft of an essay, you’ll focus on developing techniques that make you unique—your voice and your point of view—and learn how these qualities enhance your writing. This class operates on a workshop model, and students will read and comment on each others’ essays. Time for individual consultations with the instructor will be provided as well.
10600: Four Sundays, October 3–31 (No class October 24); 2:30–4:30 PM (except Oct. 31–individual consultations scheduled between 2- 5 PM at PSU.
Grades: 12