How to Get Financial Aid for Test Prep

Critics of the use of standardized testing in college admissions point to the disparity between students with resources to prepare for the test and those without. Generally speaking, students in higher income brackets perform better on standardized tests than those in lower income brackets. It is a salient argument against the SAT and ACT that is supported by data. And it is a major reason why so many schools have gone "test optional," even prior to the COVID pandemic. 

Yet, even if schools are "test optional," some studies suggest that submitting a good test score can increase your admission chances. 

So what if you don't have the resources to pay for test prep? Is there Financial Aid for test prep? 

Yes, indeed there is. Truth is, most test prep companies understand the aforementioned disparity and want to do their part to help those who might not normally afford an expensive test prep program. 

Consider these five ways you can seek Financial Aid in order to make test prep more affordable and increase your admission chances: 

1) Ask: Simply put, ask for it. Call up a test prep company and ask, "Do you provide Financial Aid?" There may be some information on their website about aid but it is usually best to talk to a person so you can understand. Some times, test prep companies will have a formal process to apply for aid. Other times, just by asking, you can access discounts or coupons not necessarily advertised. 

2) Bring a Friend: While not officially "financial aid," many test prep companies can give you a deal if you can also get a friend to sign up for a program. Think of its as a win-win: the company gets a new client and you could get a discount. And even some innovative test prep companies might work out a special deal if you help fill a class with your or your parent's personal marketing efforts. 

3) Check in with your Counselor: Many times, test prep companies market directly to schools. As such, your school counselor may be aware of what programs are available in your area. Reach out to your counselor to see if s/he knows about upcoming programs, special deals or other ways to access resources. 

4) Check in with Community Organizations: Some test prep companies connect directly with community organizations, like a Boys and Girls Club, to provide test prep access to all. Reach out to youth-oriented organizations in your local area to see what they might know. 

5) Do It Yourself for FREE: When all else fails, realize that there are many free resources that are accessible to just about anyone. 

Truth be told, affordable test prep or access to financial aid for test prep is a phone call, email or click away. Take the time to reach out and see what is available for you. 

CROSSWALK is more than willing to help. We offer financial aid for our upcoming Winter Test Prep Series as well as special deals for all programs for those families in need. We also work with local organizations in and around the Monterey Peninsula to make test prep affordable for all. Contact us here to learn more. 

CROSSWALK Test Prep & Tutoring is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for academic tutoring and test prep. 

"Who Gets In and Why" -- Book Review

Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeffrey Selingo is branded as a "revealing look from inside the admissions office" and indeed it is. One of the New York Times Notable Books of 2020, this book follows the college admissions journey of a small group of students and the admissions decision process for a handful of universities. 

While Selingo's perspective is limited to select students and universities, his messages are highly useful for anyone embarking on a college admissions journey. He presents some historical context on how universities arrived at the current admissions landscape and he shows how many families are misinformed and unprepared to navigate the process. 

Selingo is quick to point out that college admissions is not a "mythical quest" full of "smoke and mirrors." He argues that there are many top-notch schools with high acceptance rates that offer amazing experiences for many students. 

By dividing all colleges into sellers (the most selective schools who have high brand name recognition and rarely discount tuition for top students) and the buyers (less selective schools without major brand recognition who use tuition discounts to entice top students), Selingo reveals that the $10B spent by colleges on recruiting students is a numbers-driven and strategically-planned operation. 

Perhaps the most illuminating elements of this book are the multitude of inequities and paradoxes inherent in college admissions. For example, Selingo shows how high-income families with highly-educated parents, know how to play the game to find the right "fit" for a college while lower-income families with less-educated parents lack the support and information to explore a variety options. Similarly, Selingo argues that processes like Early Decision and Early Action seemingly favor the student but, in the end, really only benefit the colleges. 

As a test prep tutor, I personally found few surprises in Selingo's book. Nevertheless, for someone not as familiar with the college admissions process, there is great information and anecdotes to help families learn the ins and outs of admissions, financial aid and the college search process. 

What may be missing from this book is a call to action to upend the admissions process. Selingo deftly identifies the hypocrisy of college admission where the rich get richer (both schools and families) but he falls short of providing a path to a more equitable process for everyone. In Selingo's defense, his objective is not to change the world of admissions but to take a look under the hood to see how it works. 

In sum, this is a book worth reading especially if you are preparing to embark on the college admission journey. If anything, Selingo's main point that there are hundreds of great options for all students is a refreshing, practical and useful message for all. What's more, Selingo offers useful approaches and tools to guide and help all families in the process of college admission.

So if you are shopping for a high school student or a parent of a high school student this holiday season, this book would be a practical and meaningful gift. And if you read it and want to share your perspective on this book or your college journey, let me know with a comment below or contact me here. 

CROSSWALK Test Prep & Tutoring is dedicated to helping students improve GPAs, boost test scores and find greater success in learning. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and online. 

Winter Test Prep Series: Take Advantage of Test Optional

As COVID numbers continue to make front page news, there is little doubt that the "test optional" decision by many colleges will hold for the near term. 

So do you need to take the SAT or ACT? 

The short answer: no.

The long and more nuanced answer: if you can access a testing site (which is a big "if"), AND you want to put yourself in the best position for college admission, it may be worth exploring your options. 

Students striving for acceptance into highly selective schools can benefit from submitting a good test score. Also, students with any GPA challenges may want to get a test score on the books to compensate for any academic issues. 

Since many students are considering all options, CROSSWALK is pleased to announce the Winter 2021 Test Prep Series starting January 5, 2021. 

Join test prep expert Brooke Higgins and learn how to take advantage of this test optional moment. Classes are held remotely on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30pm pacific time for eight weeks. Each class is a balance of both strategy and practice along with continual updates about the ever-evolving testing landscape. 

And as an added bonus, after the conclusion of the 8-week course, every test prep series student will get a FREE scoring analysis and individual consultation after their next full-length test, practice or official. A $150 value for FREE! 

Sign up right here. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. 

For more information, contact CROSSWALK here. 

Since 2002, CROSSWALK Test Prep & Tutoring remains a trusted resource for GPA, test score and academic support.  

Now Accepting Nominations for "Best Zoom Students"

Let's get the red (virtual) carpet ready and celebrate our students. 

As we approach almost a full year of online classes, we teachers need to take the time to honor how well so many of our students have transitioned to remote learning and how so many of them remain committed to this new educational landscape. 

I propose we host a (virtual) awards ceremony, much like the Oscars, to celebrate students who remain dedicated to their classes despite the obstacles of remote learning. 

With apologies to dogs and their crazy bursts of energy, maybe we can call these awards "The Zoomies." 

And if the Zoomies were a thing, here are the categories of students I would want to recognize: 

Most Responsive: This award would go to the student who--when possible-- keeps the camera on and consistently uses gestures or emoticons to show engagement. Little does this student know, but a thumbs up, a head nod or a virtual reaction truly propels the learning for all.

Best at Breaking the Silence: This award would go to the student who is unafraid to break through the deafening silence of a Zoom class by jumping into a discussion or answering a question. This student should be recognized for this fearless approach as it can be a bit awkward to be the first. This student also knows when to let others break the silence so that others can jump in too. 

Least Distracted: This award would be for the student who removes all distractions and focuses intently on the class. Let's face it: we are all distracted by phones, tablets and other devices. This award would celebrate the student who puts the cell phone away and only takes it when needed to complete a task for the class. This student does not have to be reminded to put the Netflix show on mute or pause the round of Among Us while in class. 

Most Helpful: This award would be for the student who is unafraid to tell the teacher "the link won't open" or "I can't access the video." Instead of simply staying quiet or confused, the most helpful student reaches out and offers assistance so the teacher can navigate tech challenges. This award is not for any brown-nosing students, just polite and considerate learners who help the entire class by giving a heads up to the teacher about tech issues. 

Best Performance in a Breakout Room: This award is for the student who keeps the small group on task in a breakout room. Since the teacher cannot be in every breakout room, many students are tempted to turn off screens, ignore the task at hand or otherwise skirt responsibility. However, the student who would earn this award would be the one to stay engaged, keep the group connected and lead the small group through the learning objectives. 

Can there be other categories? Absolutely! 

Ultimately, I hope we take the time to honor and celebrate our students who truly deserve the praise for making the most of this new learning environment. 

Let's face it: education is changing. School will forever be different. Not totally different. E-learning cannot replace all in-person learning. But online, synchronous learning via platforms like Zoom works for many situations. 

So Zoom learning is here to stay and we may as well celebrate those who do it best. So join me as we honor the Best Zoom Students, or "The Zoomies." Feel free to comment below or contact CROSSWALK with your suggestions for award categories or other nominations. 

And let's plan to roll out that (virtual) red carpet so our students know how much their engagement, dedication and commitment helps us all navigate this new educational landscape. 

The Number Driving College Admissions

If you've ever read a college admissions report, like this one here, you realize it reads like a financial statement: full of numbers. 

The numbers can be overwhelming: total applicants, test scores, number of college prep classes, admission rate for first year students, admission rate for transfers, in-state applications, out-of-state applications, percentage of students seeking aid, etc. 

Even the savviest of number crunchers can get lost in these reports. 

But one number is rising to the top: GPA. 

This was already happening even before the pandemic. According to this report, the importance placed on "Grades in All Courses" in college admissions grew from 2012 to 2019 while "Admission Test Scores" remained stable and even went down slightly. 

Now that test scores are optional for all schools for this admission cycle, there is less importance on performing well on the SAT and ACT. And this test optional, and test blind, movement will be permanent for many schools. 

So GPA is now, and has been over the past several years, the number driving college admissions. 

The challenge with using GPA as the number one metric is that school curricula and academic rigor vary across all schools. GPA is hardly a standard measurement to compare diverse populations. 

Yet, colleges might not have a choice. Highly selective schools that receive thousands and thousands of applications still need some quick number to separate the wheat from the chaff. And without test scores, they only have GPA.  

Sure, there are other numbers. The list of additional admissions criteria is long. But no other number is even close in importance as GPA. 

While I applaud the test optional decision, I wonder if testing stress will now shift to GPA stress. Fortunately, CROSSWALK is here to help. With highly trained and capable tutors for all academic subjects, we are prepared to help students navigate these new(ish) waters. 

If you need help in your learning process and want to achieve a higher GPA, contact CROSSWALK today. CROSSWALK is Monterey Peninsula's local tutoring option for all academic subjects and standardized tests.

And, oh by the way, there still will be a place for the SAT and ACT in the future. The test company's financial statements depend on it. 

PSAT Workshop @ York School

Attention sophomores and juniors at York School: CROSSWALK is hosting a one-day PSAT prep workshop on October 24 from 9am to 2:30 via Zoom.

This one-day deep dive into the key concepts and successful strategies for the PSAT will include a "test walk-thru" so students are fully prepared for test day. 

Students will also hear about the evolving landscape of standardized testing and understand how this test and others fit into the college planning process. 

The cost for this workshop is $150. However, payment will not be collected until the morning of the event. This way, if for whatever reason the test administration is cancelled by York, this workshop will be cancelled too. 

So sign up here and learn more of the details. Also, financial aid is available for those who qualify. 

Contact CROSSWALK today with any questions.

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for academic tutoring and standardized test preparation. 

Tune Into "Plan for College Admission" Podcast Today!

An exciting announcement: CROSSWALK is officially podcasting! 

While this is not totally new news, it is exciting to share that Marisela Gomez of Inspired Education and Brooke Higgins of CROSSWALK have been partnering up to deliver college admissions and test prep advice via their own podcast called "Plan for College Admission."

Even better, Marisela and Brooke are doing their podcast in both English and Spanish. The Spanish podcast is called "Plan para admisión universitaria." 

Search for "Plan for College Admission/Plan Para Admisión Universitaria" where you get your podcasts or check it out here. 

Tune in each week as Marisela and Brooke will share tips and advice from the most essential information, like how to research colleges, to more targeted situations, like how to manage the college admissions process in the midst of a pandemic. 

And if you have questions, want to hear a particular topic or even participate in a future podcast, please contact CROSSWALK today. 

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for test prep, academic tutoring and helping students on a path towards learning success. 

10 Keys to SAT & ACT Success

For many years, I have presented my "10 Keys to SAT & ACT Success" to all of my test prep students. Whether I work one-on-one or in a group setting, I typically start my work by laying out these keys because they set the foundation for the mindset, the strategies and the approach needed to achieve maximum success on test day. 

Yet, after all this time helping students understand the keys to test prep success, these nuggets have only been accessible to those students who work with me personally. 

Why shouldn't all learners be able to understand these keys? And isn't now, in the midst of a pandemic, the best time to provide access to crucial resources? 

So without further ado, drum roll please, CROSSWALK is proud to announce the production of 10 separate YouTube videos all dedicated to my 10 Keys to SAT & ACT Success. 

Check out the first batch of videos here. 

Now, you might be asking, why do this work now when the future of the SAT and ACT is in doubt? 

Good question, but my take on this is twofold: 

1) While the short term future of these tests is in question, I feel that in the long term these tests will likely remain a part of both admissions, and more importantly, scholarship or financial aid. 

2) The keys communicated on these videos may be targeted to test prep, but in reality they are simply essential learning techniques for anyone embarking on learning a new skill. 

So subscribe to the CROSSWALK YouTube channel for unlimited access to the 10 Keys to SAT and ACT success that my students have enjoyed for almost two decades. 

And please share these videos, comment on them or otherwise let me know if they are helpful for your learning process. 

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's resource for academic tutoring, test prep and lifelong learning. Contact us today to take the next step towards your learning goals. 

What Did You Do During COVID-19?

Many college applications for 2020 include essay prompts addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will be given the space to write about how this event has impacted their lives, like in this Common Application question here. 

While this question is optional on the Common Application, it's always a good idea to write something. Especially if applicants can share meaningful experiences to help colleges better understand who the applicant is and what they are all about. 

For example, an applicant might share what they did during the shelter-in-place order, like how they learned a new skill, took on a service project or did something else productive. 

So, you ask, what is CROSSWALK doing while sheltering-in-place? 

Plenty. 

Even amidst the question of future of the SAT and ACT, CROSSWALK is using this time to reset, recalibrate and redeploy resources to better serve its clients. 

First and foremost, CROSSWALK is deepening its partnership with InspirED. Brooke and Marisela have been hard at work adding to their podcast and hosting weekly College Planning meetings on Wednesday nights. 

Second, CROSSWALK is expanding its instructional offerings to meet the new needs of remote learning. For example, we are prepared to help set up and manage remote learning pods for local families. And we have also added a new remote course called "Personal Finance for Tweens and Teens." 

Third, CROSSWALK launched a new website. The new site is easier to navigate, has its own dedicated payment page and will keep you up to date on the latest learning news and study tips. 

Finally, CROSSWALK is leveraging its two decades of standardized test preparation to prepare for what may be the next big thing in standardized testing: SAT and ACT scores as a means to access financial aid and scholarships. With this focus, CROSSWALK will work with families seeking to achieve good test scores in order to qualify for scholarships and financial aid. 

Certainly, CROSSWALK is using the shelter-in-place to position itself for continued success post-pandemic. 

So what did you do during COVID-19?

For test prep and learning help, contact CROSSWALK today. 

How to Set Up a Remote Learning Pod

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, schools are preparing to offer more remote teaching in the fall. While some families hope for a return to normalcy and in-person instruction, many schools intend to deliver lessons via remote instruction or a hybrid model of both remote and in-person instruction.

The prospect of more online school is stressful for many families. Online instruction does not foster the same socialization as in-person schooling, especially for younger learners. Furthermore, moms and dads who work from home have a hard time simultaneously performing their jobs and attending to the learning needs of their children. 

One solution can be found in the form of Remote Learning Pods (RLPs). 

RLPs are groups of 2-6 students who would meet at someone's home or office. Together, students would log into their remote learning experience and, with the help of a tutor or a parent, navigate the online lessons for the day. 

In addition to offering greater socialization, RLPs can also be a way for parents to share the burden of instruction. Or, parents can hire a tutor to help guide the students through the day and share the cost across families. 

Setting up an RLP is quite simple:

1) Gather a Group: Form a small group of 2-6 students. Ideally, the students are in the same class but this is not totally necessary. 

2) Create a Safe Space: Convert a living room, garage, or outdoor area into a temporary classroom. The space must offer robust internet access if multiple people are accessing the network at the same time. More importantly, the space must be safe so social distancing is possible. 

3) Assign Roles or Hire a Tutor: Designate who will supervise the learning for each day. If parents are involved, they can rotate responsibilities  One mom can supervise one day, a dad on another day and so on. If parents cannot be involved, hire a tutor. The cost of one tutor shared across 2-3 families can be quite affordable. 

4) Follow a Daily Schedule: Follow the normal school day schedule and hold students to this schedule. Allow times for break so students can move, get outdoors, snack and hydrate. 

5) Establish Safe Routines: Even in smaller groups, students still need to socially distance, wear masks, wash hands and avoid sharing food/drinks. Practicing good hygiene will ensure students can learn safely. 

If you need help setting up a RLP for your learners, contact CROSSWALK. We can help you connect to a group, set up a space or otherwise help you prepare to best serve the learning needs of your child. 

Should you wish to hire a CROSSWALK tutor, know that we will only send a tutor to your home who has been screened, tested and issued a clean bill of health. And we will even provide FREE tutoring for the first day of your RLP so you can try it out and see if you and your children like it. 

RLPs: maybe the future of learning for many kids? 

For more details, contact CROSSWALK, the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for tutoring and test prep. 

What is the Future of the ACT and SAT?

Questions abound about the future of the SAT and ACT in the process of college admissions: 

• Will testing sites be open in the fall for seniors to take the tests? 
• Since so many schools, like the entire University of California system and all Ivy League schools, "temporarily" adjusted requirements to make the SAT and ACT "optional" for the next admission cycle, will this change be permanent? 
• If test scores are tied to financial aid and scholarship, how will aid and scholarships be determined in absence of the tests? 

Truthfully, there are more questions than answers. Uncertainty is the current state of affairs. 

Nevertheless, there may be some certainty about the future of testing.

First and foremost, the College Board (maker of the SAT among other things) and ACT, Inc (maker of the ACT among other things) are sure to fight for their lives. These are multi-million dollar companies whose financial future is tied to the relevance of these tests. Both companies will surely lobby, work and make a major effort to keep their business models in tact as long as they can. 

Secondly, with respect to aid and scholarships, there may be a place for these tests after all. Considering the vast discrepancy in GPAs across schools in the United States, testing may be the only standardized approach to differentiate students. 

Admission teams at universities have the resources to shift away from weighing test results heavily and instead approach admission decisions more holistically (weighing other elements like GPA, course load, essays, recommendations, etc. more). But can the same be said for financial aid offices and scholarship programs? Since aid and scholarship are so closely tied to tests, like the PSAT, chances are these tests may stick around for a while until another standardized, scholarship-identifying model is established. 

So in the near term, the changes may not be much. As long as schools are test-optional (and not test-blind) then test scores will continue to matter. 

In the long term, however, major changes may be likely. 

If you are focused on the near term and want to book a solid test score, either for admission reasons or scholarship ones, contact CROSSWALK today. Since 2003, CROSSWALK has been the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for test prep and academic tutoring. 

  

Take Advantage of Summer with Test Prep

Rumor has it that college applications for the class of 2021 will ask students, "How did you spend your shelter-in-place time?" 

Hopefully your answer is not, "I binged Netflix." 

Instead, take advantage of a summer to do some good work. Like CROSSWALK's Summer Test Prep Program. This program is perfectly timed for students gearing up for the SAT or ACT in the fall of 2020. 

Students will meet Monday nights online for twelve weeks and dive into all aspects of the SAT and the ACT. From strategy to score analysis, this course will provide direct instruction on how to maximize test scores in order to achieve greater college admission opportunities. 

By signing up for this program, students will receive:

• Twelve weekly online classes from 6-7:30pm
• Step-by-step strategies for each test section
• Two personalized full-length test score analyses 
• One private tutoring session with Instructor and Test Expert Brooke Higgins
• Access to class videos, handouts and practice tests
• Unlimited SAT or ACT essay grading 

To keep the instruction personalized and individualized, there will be a maximum number of students allowed. So reserve your spot today. 

And it doesn't matter if you miss a class. We can get you caught up. Even better, contact CROSSWALK to sign up for just the class you need. Here is a schedule of the class topics. 

Change is in the air for all testing formats as universities are adjusting admission requirements. This program will prepare students for these changes, help them understand why test scores still matter and guide them towards their goal score. 

Sign up right here or contact CROSSWALK with questions. This sign up form also includes pricing information. Please note that financial aid is available for those students who qualify. 

Take advantage of your summer by learning how to get the SAT or ACT score you need to get into the school of your choice. This program is your ticket to mastering the SAT & ACT so that you can get admitted to the college of your dreams.

Questions or need more information? Contact CROSSWALK today. Call 831-70-TUTOR, email mail@crosswalkeducation.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. 

Since 2003, CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for test prep and tutoring. 

ACT, SAT & COVID-19: Answers, Plans & Next Steps

How has the SAT and ACT landscape changed in response to COVID-19? What can you do to prepare for the changes? 

Here is a quick video I prepared based on questions I am receiving from CROSSWALK clients: 

After watching this, consider our Summer Test Prep Program starting June 8. This program is perfectly timed for students gearing up for the SAT or ACT in the fall of 2020. 

Students meet Monday nights online for twelve weeks and dive into all aspects of the SAT and the ACT. From strategy to score analysis, this course will provide direct instruction on how to maximize test scores in order to achieve greater college admission opportunities. 

By signing up for this program, students will receive:

• Twelve weekly online classes from 6-7:30pm
• Step-by-step strategies for each test section
• Two personalized full-length test score analyses 
• One private tutoring session with Instructor and Test Expert Brooke Higgins
• Access to class videos, handouts and practice tests
• Unlimited SAT or ACT essay grading 

To keep the instruction personalized and individualized, there will be a maximum number of students allowed. So reserve your spot today. 

Sign up right here or contact CROSSWALK with questions. This sign up form also includes pricing information. Please note that financial aid is available for those students who qualify. 

Take advantage of your summer by learning how to get the SAT or ACT score you need to get into the school of your choice. This program is your ticket to mastering the SAT & ACT so that you can get admitted to the college of your dreams.

Questions or need more information? Contact CROSSWALK today. Call 831-70-TUTOR, email mail@crosswalkeducation.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. 

Since 2003, CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for test prep and tutoring. 

Summer ACT & SAT Test Prep Program

CROSSWALK is proud to announce a new Summer Test Prep Program starting June 8. This program is perfectly timed for students gearing up for the SAT or ACT in the fall of 2020. 

Students will meet Monday nights online for twelve weeks and dive into all aspects of the SAT and the ACT. From strategy to score analysis, this course will provide direct instruction on how to maximize test scores in order to achieve greater college admission opportunities. 

By signing up for this program, students will receive:

• Twelve weekly online classes from 6-7:30pm
• Step-by-step strategies for each test section
• Two personalized full-length test score analyses 
• One private tutoring session with Instructor and Test Expert Brooke Higgins
• Access to class videos, handouts and practice tests
• Unlimited SAT or ACT essay grading 

To keep the instruction personalized and individualized, there will be a maximum number of students allowed. So reserve your spot today. 

Change is in the air for all testing formats as universities are adjusting admission requirements. This program will prepare students for these changes, help them understand why test scores still matter and guide them towards their goal score. 

Sign up right here or contact CROSSWALK with questions. This sign up form also includes pricing information. Please note that financial aid is available for those students who qualify. 

Take advantage of your summer by learning how to get the SAT or ACT score you need to get into the school of your choice. This program is your ticket to mastering the SAT & ACT so that you can get admitted to the college of your dreams.

Questions or need more information? Contact CROSSWALK today. Call 831-70-TUTOR, email mail@crosswalkeducation.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. 

Since 2003, CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for test prep and tutoring. 

ACT Changes: What to Expect

Changes abound during the pandemic for both the SAT and the ACT. The last post was about how to handle SAT June cancellation. This post is about what to expect with the ACT changes. 

First and foremost, the ACT is giving all indications that the June 13 test is still scheduled as planned. This may surprise many since most sites that host the test (i.e. schools) are not opened yet. Nevertheless, ACT, Inc is staying the course and is still accepting registrations for the June test. 

Secondly, the ACT is making a bold move by rolling out an online testing version for the fall of 2020. This online test version was initially going to be available only at approved testing centers but the ACT just announced that an at-home version should be ready in late fall or early winter. The online format could be a major game changer as it will allow scores to be available in as few as two days. 

Third, and perhaps the biggest news about the new ACT format for 2020 is Section Retesting. With Section Retesting, students can retake individual test sections as many times as they need. This is an amazing development for students applying to colleges that superscore. By the fall of 2020, students will be able to sign up for just a section of the test, prepare exclusively for that section and strategize to book the best composite score possible.  

With online testing and Section Retesting, the ACT appears to be making a strategic play to differentiate itself from the SAT. Even with many colleges and universities making the SAT and ACT scores optional for current juniors, the ACT is putting its best foot forward to ensure its relevance for the future of college admission. 

And a final note regarding test optional schools: test optional is not the same as test blind. Colleges will still consider test scores even if they are not required. In fact, test scores may be more important than before. With many high schools freezing Spring term grades or going pass/fail due to the stay-at-home order, GPAs may be a less reliable measurement for colleges. Test scores, as a result, might be the only standardized and measurable data point for colleges to consider. 

So embrace the changes! Change in this case is good as it reduces a lot of the stress around the ACT. Faster results with section retesting are positive changes to help you book your best score possible. 

If you need help booking your best SAT or ACT score, contact CROSSWALK today. CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for test prep, tutoring and academic support. 

June SAT Cancelled: How to Adjust

Because of COVID-19, the College Board recently announced the cancellation of the June test. 

Many colleges are responding to this pandemic by adjusting their admission requirements. Submitting a test score, for many schools, is not a requirement for current juniors. 

So what does that mean for your test preparation plan? Should you just abandon ship altogether? 

Here are five adjustments you can make with these new changes:

1) Stay the Course

Let's face it: with fewer tests scores and weird spring GPAs for many high schools (pass/fail anyone?), colleges will be struggling to find meaningful and measurable data to compare applicants in 2021. Test optional does not mean test blind. So, stay the course, get a good ACT or SAT score on the books, and improve your chances of admission. 

2) Reduce the Stress 

A stress brained does not perform as well as an unstressed brain. So don't stress about the test cancellation. Instead, consider this an opportunity to spend more time getting comfortable with the testing format, the questions, the time allowed and the overall experience. With more experience comes more comfort and less stress. 

3) Register Early

As of today, the ACT test in June is still open for registration. But this is the only test available over the next several months. This means many will rush to register for the fall tests. So register early to avoid the mad dash. 

4) Take More Full-Length Practice Tests

Now that you have more time to prepare for test day, use the time to take more full-length practice tests. In all honesty, the hardest part of my job as a test prep instructor is to have students develop the stamina needed to sit for three or four hours and take a test. With the extra time you have until the fall test dates, schedule full-length practice tests every several weeks. Practice sitting and focusing for long blocks of time so that your brain can remain fresh and focused for the whole time. 

5) Read

Reading is the path to better scores. After all, this is a reading test. For those of you saying, "well, it's a math test too," then I would like to remind you that the math section is mostly reading. Word problems, the ways the questions are worded and answer choices are all set up as reading challenges. You may need math to get the solution, but you need to read to understand the question first. So really, the ACT and SAT are simply reading tests. And to get better at a reading test, read more! 

All in all, despite these new changes to test dates and potentially test formats (the ACT says they will have an online test ready for fall/winter), the message is to stay the course, reduce your stress, register early, take practice tests and read. 

If you need help with any of these, contact CROSSWALK today. CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for test prep and academic tutoring. 

SAT & ACT Not Required for UCs: What That Means for You

Big news: in response to COVID-19, the University of California system just announced adjusted admission requirements for 2021 applicants. Most notably, the SAT and ACT are not required. 

This presents a major opportunity for many families. This decision will reduce the stress around college admissions for many. 

Nevertheless, this doesn't mean the SAT and ACT are going away. First, this is a temporary decision just for 2021 applicants. 

Second, students who still choose to take these tests this summer and fall, assuming that is even possible, may have an opportunity to differentiate themselves from other applicants. After all, with the adjusted admission requirements, colleges will likely want to know how a student spent their time during the stay-at-home order. Students who perform well on the SAT or ACT can show colleges that they spent their time studying, learning and preparing. Evidence of motivation and productivity might be the path towards more admission opportunities in 2021. 

Furthermore, since the test is optional, there is no stress in taking it! As CROSSWALK students know, stress is the enemy of test performance. So remove the stress, and see your score go up!  

With this new landscape, how is CROSSWALK responding? With FREE test prep and a new (free) podcast! 

Here are the details: 

1) Free Test Prep: 

CROSSWALK continues to offer its six-week test prep program on Monday nights from 6-7:30. It's online. And it's free. Contact Brooke Higgins directly for sign up information at mail@crosswalkeducation.com. 

2) Free Podcast (English and Spanish available!) 

CROSSWALK and InspirED have taken their partnership to the next level with the "Plan for College Admission" podcast. Find us wherever you get your podcasts or right here. These are crazy times but Brooke and Marisela offer the latest news and changes so you stay informed, prepared and inspired. 

Y para los hispanohablantes, el podcast está disponible en español también. Busca el "Plan para Admisión Universitaria" en tu lugar favorito para podcasts o aquí. 

Stay connected with CROSSWALK on Facebook, Instagram and on the web. CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for test prep. 

Spring Test Prep Series: FREE Online Course

Please take note of changes to the Spring Test Prep Workshop Series:

First, the course will now be conducted online. 

Second, the course will be offered FREE of charge to all families. 

Third, the course will start Monday, 3/23 from 6pm-7:30pm. 

Aside from these changes, the course will be run as normally as possible. There will be six consecutive Monday nights of test prep. Each Monday night is dedicated to a different component of the SAT and ACT. Students will receive handouts and practice exercises to do in class and outside of class. 

And the course is still hosted by Brooke Higgins '92, Founder and Lead Test Prep Instructor of CROSSWALK Test Prep and Tutoring. 

Sign up is simple: register with this Google Form and check your email for the online login information. Or contact Brooke directly at mail@crosswalkeducation.com or 831-70-TUTOR. 

CROSSWALK wishes you all to stay safe and healthy during these times! 

With almost two decades of tutoring and test prep experience, CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for tutoring, test prep and academic success. Contact CROSSWALK today. 

Spring ACT & SAT Prep: Going Online

Good and not surprising news: the Spring ACT & SAT Prep Series, starting Monday, March 16th at 7pm, will be conducted online. 

Instead of meeting at the Stevenson School, you can log in from the comfort of your home.

It is not too late to sign up. Sign up here.

This six-session program runs on Monday nights from 7-8:30pm starting March 16th and wrapping up April 27th (note: due to the long weekend at the Stevenson School, there is no class April 20th). 

Conducted by CROSSWALK founder and lead test prep instructor Brooke Higgins, this program is a highly efficient and effective way to get ready for test day. High school juniors and sophomores learn the ins and outs of both tests and how to achieve their goal score. Students walk away with an individualized game plan and a detailed study plan to maximize success. 

Each week of the program targets a different component of the tests. Students have the option to attend the class(es) they need or they can sign up for the whole program. 

CROSSWALK Test Prep & Tutoring is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for academic tutoring and test prep for the SAT®, ACT®, SSAT®, PSAT® and more. 

Spring Test Prep at the Stevenson School

Spring is here and that means CROSSWALK's spring test prep series is about to bloom.

Reserve your spot today for the Spring SAT® and ACT® Prep Workshop Series at the Stevenson School. 

The six-session program runs on Monday nights from 7-8:30pm starting March 16th and wrapping up April 27th (note: due to the long weekend at the Stevenson School, there is no class April 20th). 

Conducted by CROSSWALK founder and lead test prep instructor Brooke Higgins, this program is a highly efficient and effective way to get ready for test day. High school juniors and sophomores learn the ins and outs of both tests and how to achieve their goal score. Students walk away with an individualized game plan and a detailed study plan to maximize success. 

Each week of the program targets a different component of the tests. Students have the option to attend the class(es) they need or they can sign up for the whole program. 

Stevenson students get a special price and financial aid is available to all who qualify. For more information and to sign up for the Stevenson program, click right here. 

CROSSWALK Test Prep & Tutoring is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for academic tutoring and test prep for the SAT®, ACT®, SSAT®, PSAT® and more.