Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

The Most Important Math Subscore

The newly redesigned SAT rolls out in March 2016. With it comes a whole new scoring system and various levels of scoring. 

For example, instead of just one math score, a student will also get several math subscores that indicate how the student performed in certain content areas like algebra or data analysis.

While these subscores could prove very valuable, there is a simpler math subscore that is more important: total content errors vs total careless errors. 

You see, when I work with a student in math, we complete a math section and then analyze it. In our analysis, we categorize incorrect answers into two groups: content errors or careless errors.

Content errors are those errors a student would make because he or she has not seen the content yet. A trigonometry problem on the ACT, for example, might be a difficult problem for someone not yet exposed to trigonometry. Charting out content errors shows the student what content they need to learn to tackle this type of question in the future.

Careless errors represent those errors made when a student misreads the question, miscalculates something, fills in a bubble incorrectly or otherwise commits some error that was totally controllable if not for carelessness.

Careless errors are the best kind of errors because these can easily be fixed! 

In my experiences, careless errors make up about 80% of all errors while content errors are only 20% of total errors. These figures are based on my anecdotal experiences but the 80/20 grouping seems to hold true of most of my students.

The solution? Ignore the various levels of subscores you might receive on a future test and instead drill down into the most important subscore: how many of your incorrect errors are due to carelessness and how many are due to unfamiliar content? 

Content errors just take a bit of learning. Careless errors are easily fixed. 

Avoid careless errors by recognizing them. Learn from your mistakes so you don’t misread questions, fall into avoidable traps or miscalculate something. 

Learn more study tips for ACT, SAT and all academic subjects by contacting CROSSWALK today. 

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Alphabet Soup of Testing and Academics with a Side of Humor

As July turns to August, the number of calls I receive from parents increases. With school starting back up, seniors realize that they may only have one more chance to get a good test score. 

At this time of year, anxiety for parents and students alike ramps up dramatically. Summer doldrums become fall stress cases faster than the leaves change color. 

For those facing this stressful time of year, it may help to step back and let a little humor into your lives. While it is important to do what it takes to increase a score or improve one’s chance to get into one’s college of choice, let’s not forget that a student is more than a test score. 

To help ease the stress of the upcoming school year and testing calendar, please have a gander at the following article posted by author Darcy McMurtery for the San Francisco-based publishing company McSweeny’s. 

I hope this article brings you a smile during these anxious times. 

Contact CROSSWALK to learn more about our private tutoring and SAT/ACT Boot Camps. Happy studying! 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

What NOT to Tell Your ACT or SAT Tutor

At CROSSWALK, we pride ourselves in our ability to work with just about any student. For this reason, we remain flexible in our approach: we can tailor a test prep plan for just about any situation.

However, there are a number of situations that create challenges for us. While there is no doubt that all of our tutors can handle almost any challenge, there are some situations we hope to avoid.

As you prepare for the PSAT, ACT, SAT and/or the SSAT, try and ensure that you don’t approach your tutor by saying any of the following:

1) “I’m too stressed to do this.” My students and followers of this blog know that I consider stress as the number one enemy of successful test performance. A little positive stress to keep a student motivated and on task is good. However, the moment negative stress enters into test prep is the moment scores drop. Approaching test prep in a stressed manner will only hurt your score. I recently chatted with a parent whose daughter performed poorly on the June SAT test. When I probed for more details, it turned out that her daughter spent the last two weeks of May studying for APs and final exams while balancing a loaded social schedule. Her daughter was overwhelmed with stress by the time June rolled around and her scores showed the same.

2) “I am taking the test next week.” It still baffles me that new clients will call with a week before the test to schedule tutoring. There is very little we can do in a week. We can get started on a couple of things, but test preparation takes time. The more time we have, the more we can improve. Cramming test prep into the last week before the test only creates stress. And stress–as detailed above–is the number one enemy of successful test performance.


3) “My parents made me do this.” When a student blames a parent for signing him or her up for test preparation, it shows me that the student is not engaged and involved in the process. Even if your parents force you to do test prep, consider the opportunity to learn a new skill. Instead of assigning blame of the drudgery of extra academic work, take ownership of your chance to improve yourself. The more ownership a student takes in his or her preparation, the greater the potential for a score increase.

When considering test prep options, be sure to reduce stress, give yourself time and view the chance to learn a new skill in a positive light. Staying motivated, dedicated and engaged will make a major difference in the final score. 

Avoid approaching your tutor with too much stress, too little time and not enough ownership of your opportunity. 

To learn more about how CROSSWALK prepares its students for the SSAT, PSAT, ACT, SAT, academic subjects and lifelong learning, contact CROSSWALK today. CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for test prep and academic tutoring. 

Contact CROSSWALK today and schedule your private tutor at the location you choose or via Skype.

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

New SAT = Same Ol’ ACT?

The rubber is starting to meet the road for the newly designed PSAT and SAT, i.e. the “SAT Suite of Assessments.” The new PSAT will be launched in the fall and the new SAT rolls out in March 2016.

The College Board does a wonderful job of communicating the changes to the tests in its Counselor Resource Guide to the Redesigned Assessments. This guide is available for free here.

As I review the changes to the new SAT Suite of Assessments, I can’t help but think that the new tests are not that different from the ACT. Consider the following:
  • Gone is the 0.25 point deduction for wrong answers. In its place is the same raw score calculation used for the ACT: one point for a correct answer, no points for a wrong or omitted answer.
  • No more Sentence Completion questions, which were vocabulary-based questions not found on the ACT. 
  • Reading passages including scientific articles, graphs and charts like those found on the ACT. 
  • The new SAT essay score will not factor into the overall score, like the ACT. 
  • The SAT is providing free study resources which the ACT has done all along. 
These are just a few of the changes, but based on these, doesn’t it seem that the SAT is trying to be more like the ACT? 
Additionally, the College Board states that the “ACT test measures skills across a large domain while the redesigned SAT will measure fewer things much more deeply.” 
More specifically, the ACT provides one score based on the composite of four scores (Reading, English, Math, Science) while the new SAT will give one score based on the total of two scores (Reading/Writing and Math). The difference with the new SAT lies in the additional scores the new SAT will provide called cross-test scores, test scores and subscores. For example, a student will receive an overall score and, additionally, a subscore in specific areas, like Problem Solving and Data Analysis.  
As an educator, I see great value in this additional level of data from the new SAT. However, I am skeptical that colleges and universities will look beyond the overall score. If schools focus only on the total score, scoring the new test offers little difference from scoring the old test much less the ACT. 
I applaud the College Board’s effort in making their tests more applicable and productive. Time will tell if the new SAT does a better job at predicting college performance than the old SAT. 
If you need help navigating the waters of the ACT, PSAT and SAT, contact CROSSWALK today. CROSSWALK continues to prepare students for success in academics, standardized test prep and life. Visit www.crosswalkeducation.com to learn more. 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

The Art of Test Prep War: Strategy

I am certainly no expert in ancient Chinese literature and much less an expert on military strategy. 

Nevertheless, I was fortunate to meet John Hunter last year. Upon meeting him, I learned about his World Peace Game and his corresponding book World Peace and Other 4th Grade Achievements. 

Mr. Hunter  uses excerpts of the ancient Chinese military strategy book, The Art of War by Sun Tzu, to teach his students about competition, conflict and world peace. 

Inspired, I decided to read The Art of War. 

Reading the book through my lens as a test prep tutor, I found a number of military strategies suggested by Sun Tzu that could very well apply to SAT and ACT preparation. 

Okay, I admit that equating test prep with military operations is a bit of a stretch. 

Even so, I couldn’t stop myself from thinking that much of what Sun Tzu offers in terms of military preparation can be analogous to test preparation. 

Take his famous line about strategy as an example:

“The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.”

If we liken “opponents” to “tests” then Sun Tzu was not only a master military strategist, he may also inadvertently be the first test prep tutor to underscore the importance of strategy. 

My students all understand the importance of a game plan and a strategy for each question type. Past blog posts, like this one, suggest that a game plan is key to test success. 

Sun Tzu may have originally intended to prepare Chinese warriors in the art of war. However, he reminds us that any preparation requires a plan and that we should not underestimate the task at hand. 

If you don’t want to be held captive by the SAT or ACT, prepare your strategy today. Contact CROSSWALK as we can help you through the preparation process, strategy and all.   

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for SAT and ACT prep as well as tutoring for all academic subjects. Visit www.crosswalkeducation.com to learn more. 

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

How Much SAT or ACT Tutoring Is Needed?

The old mantra of “you get what you pay for” does not always apply to SAT or ACT prep. There are plenty of free resources available. Check previous blog posts about why you don’t need to hire an SAT tutor or other posts for free ACT resources or free SAT resources. 

However, it is worth noting that a private tutor from CROSSWALK will help any student navigate the troubled test prep waters.


CROSSWALK specializes in individualized plans. Unlike some competitors that offer set programs of strict schedules, CROSSWALK feels that there is no one model that meets the needs of every student. 

CROSSWALK knows that students have busy schedules, tight budgets and other constraints that make test prep difficult. For this reason, we tailor programs based on a student’s needs and time frame. 

So what does a typical student need? While not every student needs the same program, consider the following parameters when scheduling a private CROSSWALK tutor:

  • 3-6 Hours: this amount of time allows for minimal preparation, but a CROSSWALK tutor can present the major strategies of one test, like the ACT or SAT over this amount of time. 
  • 6-12 Hours: CROSSWALK recommends at least six hours to properly prepare for either the SAT or ACT (i.e. six hours for one test, not both). More is ideal, but with at least six hours, a tutor can present the major strategies and also start some guided practice. 
  • 12+ Hours: historically, the CROSSWALK students that have achieved the most point increase are the ones that put in the most time. See recent success stories both here and here for examples. With more than twelve hours to work with a student, a tutor can really dig into individual needs and move the needle. 
In all of the above scenarios, the key is to put in study time in addition to tutoring sessions. Just like homework reinforces classwork, SAT and ACT practice reinforces the lessons and strategies learned with a tutor. 

So instead of seeing private tutoring as “you get what you pay for,” perhaps the more accurate statement would be “you get out what you put in.” If your budget and schedule can allow for more hours, your score can increase. 

But not everyone has the luxury of an unlimited budget or endless free time. For this reason, CROSSWALK can help design a plan to fit your needs. Contact CROSSWALK today to learn more.

CROSSWALK specializes in individualized ACT and SAT preparation plans as well as private tutoring for a variety of academic subjects. Learn more at www.crosswalkeducation.com. 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

The 4 R’s of Successful Test Takers

What are the most important R’s for successful test takers?

If you said “reading, writing and arithmetic” then I am afraid you missed the mark.

While good test takers excel at reading, writing and arithmetic, the following R’s represent the qualities of the best test takers:


Realistic:

Good test takers are realistic. They understand that test taking is a skill. Skills, like playing an instrument or mastering a new sport, require time and dedicated practice. Happy outcomes only come to those realistic enough to put in the time and effort.

Ready:

As stress is the primary cause of poor test scores, good test takers know that readiness is the cure for stress. Prior to test day, good test takers develop and practice a game plan for each question. Subsequently, they face test day focused, stress-free and ready for a challenge. 

Resolute:

Successful test takers are resolute, steadfast, dedicated and motivated. By diligently pursuing a purpose, like a specific score or entry into a particular college, resolute test takers understand that motivation and dedication yield positive results. 

Resilient:

Taking the SAT and/or the ACT is a humbling experience. Learning and improving upon a weakness requires resilience and the ability to recover from a setback. The best test takers learn from a mistake, adjust quickly and move forward with their eyes on the prize.



If you are preparing for the SAT or ACT, make sure you are realistic about the work, ready to take on the challenge, resolute in your pursuit of a good score and resilient enough to learn quickly from any missteps.

Should you need some support in your test prep, contact CROSSWALK, the Monterey Peninsula’s local resource for test prep and private tutoring. Also, learn how to demystify the SAT by reading 2400 SCORES: 24 Life Lessons to Demystify the SAT and Boost Your Score. 

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

For Test Prep, Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Ahh, spring. Warmer temperatures and longer days get us all ready for summer. With spring in the air, the heat is also rising in the classroom. 


As spring days get longer and warmer outside so does the stress level for students. Sports commitments, performing arts, part time jobs, exams, social activities and more limit the free time for the average student.

So in the middle of all the spring activities, and with the ACT and SAT looming, how can one find any time for test  prep? 

One answer lies with the birds. Quite literally.

When birds feel spring and summer approach, they flock together to migrate north. So too can students. 

With the April/May/June ACTs and SATs fast approaching, students can flock and work together. By forming a study group, students can learn together and learn from each other. 

Here are three reasons why you might consider forming your own flock, or your own study group. 

1) Shared Resources: among the flock, students can share books, online resources or other materials. While many resources are free or reasonably priced, some resources are not cheap. Share the cost of test prep resources with your flock and gain access to resources that you might not normally have. 

2) Stay Motivated: by forming a study group and meeting regularly, your flock can stay motivated. Weekly meetings are a great way to keep everyone on task and moving towards a similar goal. 

3) Learn from Each Other: many times, the best way to learn is from a peer. If you are skilled in math but falter in reading, find someone that excels in reading and learn from them. You can also teach them some math skills and thus everyone learns. 

A flock, or a study group, might be the answer to test prep at this time of year. Birds use each other to help navigate a migratory journey and you can too. Form your own flock and you can make your test prep journey a bit easier. 

Contact CROSSWALK to find resources for your flock. CROSSWALK offers private tutoring, small group tutoring, ACT/SAT Boot Camps and academic tutoring in a variety of subjects. Contact CROSSWALK today to learn more. 
Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Get a Head Start on Prep for the New SAT

While the changes planned for the new PSAT and SAT were announced some time ago (and posted on this blog last year), there are now more resources available to understand and practice this new format. 

First and foremost, the changes will take place on the PSAT starting in the fall of 2015. As of Spring 2016, the SAT will incorporate the new changes.

What are the new changes? Visit our blog post from last year for an overview. Kaplan also has an outstanding overview of the changes right here.


So how should you prepare for the change? Well, if you are a current sophomore about to head into your junior year, you should get started right away. It is never too early to get practicing. The College Board posted practice questions and practice tests on their website. Download a practice test right here. They have also posted a way to compare the exam formats right here. 

The changes are around the corner and will be here before you know it. Better to get a head start now while you can!

For questions about the PSAT, SAT or ACT, contact CROSSWALK. CROSSWALK is the Monterey County’s local resource for test prep and private tutoring. Skype sessions are also available for those out of town. Find out more by visiting CROSSWALK. 

Brooke Higgins Uncategorized

Test Prep, Golf & First Tee of Monterey County

On yesterday’s glorious Sunday afternoon, I had the honor and privilege to work with the youth of First Tee of Monterey County. While I was somewhat familiar with the organization, I had no idea how much they offered area youth in terms of both golf and life skills.

My work yesterday was on the life skills side. I spent an hour yesterday with a group of about 20 high school students and we went through my presentation, 10 Things to Do to Prepare for the SAT and ACT. 

The students were no doubt itching to get on the golf course, but they were kind enough to sit through and digest valuable test prep tips from me. 

We developed a couple of golf analogies with respect to test prep. For example, we talked about how getting better at both golf and standardized test preparation requires a dedicated plan. We also addressed how important it is to practice perfectly for both golf and test prep. In other words, when you practice, you should practice the exact skills needed for a match or on test day. 

In all, it was an enjoyable afternoon. I hope the kids felt that our session was as valuable and beneficial as it was for me. Many thanks to Golf and Life Skills Coach Scott Qualle of First Tee of Monterey County for setting this up. 

To learn more about CROSSWALK and test prep options, contact us here. For concrete ways to approach both SAT and life, download and read 2400 SCORES: 24 Life Lessons to Demystify the SAT and Boost Your Score.