Financial Aid and SAT & ACT Scores

Financial aid for college is divided into two buckets: need-based and merit-based. 

Need-based aid is determined by comparing the cost of college to a family's income and/or assets. It's essentially a math equation: cost of attendance (COA) - expected family contribution (EFC) = need. 

Merit-based aid is determined both by student achievement and the college's enrollment management. This kind of aid is much more nuanced than need-based aid. Colleges manage their enrollment by attracting high-achieving students with discounts and scholarships. And the achievement colleges look for is two fold: academic achievement, like grades or test scores, and extracurricular achievement, like sports. 

Truth is, there is more merit-aid distributed for academic achievement than extracurricular achievement. Yes, more money is available for nerds than for jocks. 

So if there is more aid for academic achievement, what is more important: GPAs or test scores? 

The fact of the matter is that, even in this world of test-optional, test scores remain a major driver of financial aid. 

This point was made to clear to me recently when I had the chance to pick the brain of a certified financial planner who has worked in the college funding space for over two decades. 

His exact words were, "While admissions decisions are generally driven by GPA, merit-based financial aid decisions are primarily driven by test scores."

Now, this statement may be an oversimplification of the financial aid process. Nevertheless, the logic is quite sound: GPAs are hardly standardized. A 4.0 at one school is not the same as a 4.0 at every school. So using GPAs to identify stellar students is inexact. On the other hand, the SAT and ACT are highly standardized. Test scores are thus a very quick and precise way to differentiate large groups of students. 

Yes, there are flaws in this logic of this last statement. Anyone who follows this blog know that we continually preach that students are more than just test scores. The movement towards test-optional is clear evidence that test scores are less important in general. 

However, the fact remains that aside from test scores, there is no other apples to apples comparison of students. 

And since merit-based aid is not equation-driven like need-based aid, schools have to find a way to manage their enrollment and determine who gets a discount and who doesn't. Hence, test scores remain a significant factor in merit-based aid.

The future of the SAT and ACT is in doubt. Most schools are test-optional and more and more schools will become test-blind. 

But for now, test scores still drive financial aid decisions. Maybe not admissions decisions, but definitely merit-based financial aid decisions. 

10 Predictions for 2022

Now that 2022 is here, what will learning, education and college planning look like next year? 

Look for these 10 things in 2022: 

1. Blended learning will be the norm: For the past semester or so, many thought remote learning was a thing of the past. However, omicron and other variants are forcing schools to reconsider remote options in the interest of health and safety. For the next year, schools from elementary through college will need to balance robust remote learning options with in-person instruction. 

2. Social/emotional learning will be a greater focus: The topic of mental health is crucial and more institutions are recognizing the need to support their students in both social and emotional development.

3. More programs will address learning loss: Data suggests that most students lost weeks if not months of learning during the COVID pandemic. Resources will be put in place to mitigate this learning loss. Look for after school programming, on campus tutors or other ways schools can help students recoup lost time.  

4. SAT and ACT Test-optional will be here to stay: Students and colleges benefitted from going test-optional. Students had more choices and colleges got more applicants. Win-win for everyone.  

5. SAT and ACT will be administered on school sites: This is already happening, particularly for the SAT. With so much unpredictability of testing locations due to COVID in 2021, the model for 2022 is to host the tests on school grounds and, usually, on school days. 

6. College affordability will be a bigger factor: This one may be wishful thinking but there are indications that families are making college choices less about the brand and more about the financial impact. 2022 will see more students explore more affordable options like community college or schools that offer greater merit aid. 

7. Teachers will embrace cell phones in the classroom: Old school teachers who forbid or prohibit cell phone use the classroom are fighting a losing battle. Teachers will need to help students understand cell phone etiquette but there are so many learning tools on the phone that can be used in the classroom that it will be high time for the old schoolers (like me!) to admit that cell phones can be useful. 

8. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will enter our classrooms: AI will become a greater part of our students learning. Software designed to diagnose learning challenges will become more commonplace in school settings. 

9. The next wave of gamification will arrive: While Kahoot! and Quizlet saw a very successful 2021, the next wave of augmented reality and virtual learning is coming. Imagine Spanish students virtually visiting a museum in Spain for a scavenger hunt! This is happening already and 2022 will bring more of it. 

10. CROSSWALK will continue to support all students: This last prediction is a fact. CROSSWALK is here to support your academic achievement, testing goals and path towards learning success. 

86 Holiday Gifts Just for You

No matter what you celebrate this holiday season, wouldn't you like a gift? 

Well, what about 86 of them? 

Time to open your gifts: here is a list of 86 colleges with test-blind, test-free or score-free admissions policies for Fall 2022 (or beyond). 

That's right. Over 80 schools won't consider SAT or ACT scores in their process of admission including all campuses of the UC system, California Institute of Technology, Dickinson College, and many other excellent schools. 

What great gifts. If any of these schools are your dream schools, then don't stress about SAT and ACT prep. 

Instead of spending the time, money and energy gearing up for standardized tests for these schools, spend that time, money and energy working on the things these schools value, namely GPA, academic rigor and extracurricular commitments. 

Happy Holidays from CROSSWALK! We wish you all a stress-free holiday season. 

Take a Practice SAT

On Saturday, the team at CROSSWALK will proctor a full-length practice SAT test as part of our six-week program for students of the Salinas Union High School District. 

Practice tests are hugely beneficial in test prep for obvious reasons. Namely, students get to experience the time management and mental endurance needed to take on a full-length SAT. 

After all, the SAT and ACT are not much more than mental marathons. And the course of these particular marathons are the exact same every time. Sure, the questions might vary, but the directions, content, sections, order, and timing are all the same. Every time. E-v-e-r-y t-i-m-e. 

So it can only help to practice a test marathon to see how you do. 

Following the practice test, the students in our program will score their performance and analyze their own results. The scoring and analysis is a crucial step in identifying strengths or weaknesses as well as understanding how many more correct answers a student needs to target in order to achieve a goal score. 

So if you are preparing for the SAT or ACT, be sure to incorporate at least one full-length practice test in your preparation. 

Shorter practice sets, like the ones on Khan Academy, are helpful. But there is nothing like a full-length practice test to assess your mental stamina. 

Download full length practice SATs right here. Or find a full length ACT to practice here. 

As always, if you need help, contact CROSSWALK.  

Bad and Good of the SAT Experimental Section

My students from the recent August SAT reported that they received an experimental test section at the end of their SAT. While the experimental section is not a new phenomenon, I was mildly surprised to hear that all of my students--who tested across a variety of testing locations--received the extra section. 

For some context, the SAT pre-2016 always had one experimental section on the test. In the old days, there was no indication which section was the experimental so students had to put forth their best effort on every section. 

Post-2016, the College Board still included an experimental section in the SAT with two key differences: 1) it was reserved for only those students who opted to not do the essay and 2) the experimental section occurred at the end of the test so students knew which section it was. 

Today, this section continues to exist for the simple reason that the College Board wants to test out the difficulty level of their questions. Test takers are thus lab rats for the College Board to dissect the results. 

Going forward, it seems that the experimental section is here to stay for all students for three reasons: 

1. The essay is permanently eliminated so now all students can do an experimental section. 
2. With fewer test takers in the last 18 months due to COVID, the College Board needs more data.
3. Both the test-optional or test-blind movements are in full force, so the College Board is scrambling to find ways to make the SAT more relevant. 

With this, there is both bad news and the good news.  

First the bad: 

• Fatigue: This section comes at the end when most students are exhausted and ready to leave the testing room. 
• Content: There is no way to predict if the experimental section you receive is a reading, writing and language or math section. 
• Scoring, part I: Students might be led to believe that the results of this section could impact the overall score (see below for the good news on this one). 

And now the good: 

• Scoring, part II: Scores on this section truly do not impact your overall score. They just can't. They are experimental sections and different students get different ones so using scores on these sections for all students would de-standardize the whole thing. Meaning: do not stress about it.
• Test order: Unlike in the old days when students didn't know which section was experimental, today students will know that this section will be the extra fifth section after the four typical sections of reading, writing and language, math (no-calculator) and math (calculator). 
• Test reliability: Your performance on this section will help make the test more reliable in the future. That may not be good news in the present but in the long term you would help overall scores be a better measurement of test success.

So my advice to students is the same as it would be in other parts of the test: relax, problem solve, remove any stress and do your best. 

After all, you are not defined by a test score so why would you be defined by an experimental section? 

If want more advice on experimental sections, or the SAT and ACT in general, contact CROSSWALK today. 

5-Day SAT Prep Plan

Many students will be taking the SAT on Saturday, August 28th. 

That's in five days.

At the end of summer. 

Talk about getting back to school! 

If you are in this situation, and you want to perform your best on test day, consider this very brief and easy 5-day test prep plan:

1) Don't Stress: Followers of this blog and all my students know that, say it with me, "stress is the enemy of test performance." So first and foremost, don't stress! There are so many reasons to NOT stress and the main one is that most schools will remain test-optional for this upcoming year (and beyond). Since test scores are not as meaningful as GPAs, transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation and the other key components of the application, then don't stress! 

2) Practice a Section Each Night: Starting tonight (Monday), practice one section each night. Do the reading tonight, writing and language tomorrow night, math no-calculator Wednesday night and finally the math calculator section Thursday night. But don't worry about scoring your practice, unless you are curious. Just practice the section like you would on test day meaning against the clock. This is no time to try out new or crazy strategies (that usually don't work). Just get into the rhythm of the test, read the directions (so you don't have to on test day) and rehearse your performance. 

3) Take Care of Yourself: Since the goal is to wake up on Saturday as fresh and focused as possible so that your brain can work at its maximum power, you need to take care of yourself all this week. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, and do whatever you need to do to ensure that you wake up on Saturday rested, stress-free and mentally firing on all cylinders. Self-care goes a long way, especially when it comes to standardized tests. 

4) Chill on Friday Night: The night before the test is the night to simply chill. Relax, watch a movie, hang out with friends or family. Just don't any test prep. Remember: the SAT is a mental marathon. A marathon runner does not run a marathon the night before the race so you shouldn't either. Perhaps you could organize your testing materials the night before, like get your calculator ready, your pencils sharpened and your testing identification all set up. Otherwise, do nothing! Chill out and relax. 

Really, with only five days left the key is to familiarize yourself with the test and take care of yourself. That's it. That's the plan. 

You can't go back in time and do a bunch of practice tests so why start now? Just relax, review each section of a practice test and then see how Saturday goes. 

You might be surprised: a summer off from school might actually help you stay calm and relaxed on Saturday. 

How Musicians Become Good Test Takers

Make no mistake: successful test-taking is simply a skill. 

To learn a skill takes dedicated practice. 

And since musicians are well-versed in practice, they can become good SAT or ACT test takers. 

Most skilled musicians know how to push through difficult learning. They understand that learning comes in fits and starts. A new melody or a new 8-bar progression is not mastered in one sitting. On the contrary, mastery is achieved through repeated attempts.

Learning a new skill is also about embracing humility. Musicians understand that their successes are a direct result of their failures. Fail first, fail often and then succeed. 

Really anyone who has worked diligently to practice and perfect a new skill, like musicians, has the ingredients to be successful test takers.

So approach your test-taking goals with measured, consistent and ongoing practice. It need not be stressful. Just the routine of doing the regular practice: read, take practice tests, analyze performance, improve weaknesses, repeat and repeat.  

Like a musician, prepare for your performance (i.e. test day) with regular and ongoing work to build the skill of test-taking. Become a musician with your SAT or ACT preparation and you will deliver a fantastic performance. 

And if you need any fine-tuning, CROSSWALK is here to help. 

SAT Dress Rehearsal

If a student of mine is preparing to take the SAT in a couple of days, we do an activity I call a "SAT Dress Rehearsal." Essentially, it is a test walk through: we pull up a practice test and go through it page by page reminding the student about     timing, strategies and approaches. 

It's a stress-free activity that really helps students understand what test day will be like. And after doing this same activity with many students over the years, I finally recorded one I did with a group of students last night. 

Check it out here: 

Bookmark this video and watch it a few days before you take the test. Do your own "Dress Rehearsal" along with this video and be prepared for test day. 

And don't forget that I am hosting my online summer SAT & ACT Test Prep Workshop series starting June 22. Sign up or get more information right here. 

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

Summer is Coming: Sign Up Now for Test Prep

Yes, the test optional movement is here to stay. 

Even so, many highly selective universities are now revealing that the majority of admission offers during this last cycle are going to students who submitted test scores. Boston College reported that 61% of admits submitted scores. Colgate was similar at 60%. 

As a result, students who want to maximize college admission and financial aid opportunities should still take the SAT or ACT. Even if their dream school is test optional. Remember, it is an option to submit a score...so you can still take it to see how you do. 

And since summer is the sweetest time to prepare for the ACT and SAT, CROSSWALK is here to help. 

Sign up now for CROSSWALK's Summer Test Prep Program, a data driven and stress-free approach to SAT and ACT improvement. This six-week course is just what any rising junior or senior needs to master key strategies, manage time and achieve a goal score. 

Led by Brooke Higgins, instructor and founder of CROSSWALK, all classes are held remotely on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm pacific time starting June 22nd. 

And a free bonus exclusively for summer students: a FREE Score Analysis. Submit an official or practice SAT, ACT or PSAT score to CROSSWALK and Brooke will provide key insights and ways to improve so that the student can keep moving towards his or her goal score. Summer students can do this before, during or after the program. 

Also, like all CROSSWALK courses, financial aid is available. Contact Brooke directly for more information on financial aid or any other test prep and tutoring questions. 

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

Test Optional Here to Stay

If you haven't heard the news, ACT CEO Janet Godwin recently wrote in the company's blog that the test optional movement is here to stay. Further, she offers that the growth of test blind is "unlikely." Read her post right here. 

The reactions to this announcement are mixed. 

On one hand, the good news is that more schools will allow students to have the option to submit test scores. This means that the stress around the SAT and ACT will be reduced since students will have the choice to take and/or submit test scores. Followers of CROSSWALK know that we have long been proponents of the stress-free approach to testing. 

On the other hand, the bad news is that the test optional movement seems to benefit colleges and universities more than the students. Due to the pandemic, most if not all schools went test optional for the past admissions cycle. As a result, the more competitive schools saw increases in the number of students applying. This increase in applicants benefits these schools in three significant ways: 1) schools get to choose from a wider selection of applicants, 2) more applications means more revenue from application fees, and 3) increased applications means a lower admission rate which helps the school's rankings in the U.S. News and World Report. 

So what is the end result of test optional remaining as an ongoing policy? Probably no different than the past. Early indications are that more admission offers, and potentially more financial award offers, are going to those who submit test scores. 

The data point to track will be the difference between admission offers or financial aid awards for test takers versus non-test takers. But that data point (realistically) may be too soon to tell and (cynically) potentially buried or massaged by the colleges keen on keeping application submissions up. 

As long as the SAT and ACT remain a path towards more admission and financial aid, CROSSWALK is committed to providing stress-free approaches to test preparation. 

Our upcoming Spring Test Prep Series starts March 16th and financial aid is available. Sign up and get more information here. 

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's resource for academic tutoring and test preparation. Contact us here for more information. 

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. 

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.  

Test Prepping in 4 Different Counties!

Spring is always the busiest time of year at CROSSWALK since many juniors are gearing up for the SAT® and ACT®. 

And this spring marks a momentous accomplishment for CROSSWALK: we are now delivering group test prep classes in four local counties: Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and San Benito. 

CROSSWALK calls the Monterey County home with group programs at the Stevenson School, York School, and Alisal High School along with private tutoring throughout the peninsula.

In March, CROSSWALK will return for a fourth year to Santa Clara and San Benito Counties as a part of the CAL-SOAP program headquartered at Gilroy High School. CROSSWALK will host workshops at Anzar High School, San Benito High School, Live Oak High School and Gilroy High School.

And new this year is Santa Cruz County. As part of the Upward Bound program, CROSSWALK is hosting two test prep workshops at Pajaro Valley High School.

What a privilege to work with so many great students across the four local counties! Check the calendar for details on when CROSSWALK will be near you. Feel free to contact us to set up your own test prep group workshop or private tutoring. 

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for standardized tests, like the SAT® or ACT®, and academic tutoring. Contact us today to set up your group or private tutoring. 

7 Deadly Sins of SAT® and ACT® Test Prep

Sometimes, what NOT to do is often more important than what to do. 

For test prep, you could call what NOT to do the Seven Deadly Sins of SAT® and ACT® Test Prep. Make sure these seven things are not part of your test prep: 

Pride: To perform your best, take this test seriously. Don't be too proud to do the dirty work of reading regularly, practicing constantly, reviewing your errors and learning from your mistakes. Learning a new skill is humbling. Take your lumps, learn from mistakes and keep plugging. Hard work pays off. 

Envy: To attain your desired test score, focus on what you, personally, need to do. Not what your neighbor, friend or cousin is doing. You control your test preparation. Keep the singular focus on what you hope to achieve. Any time spent envying other's performance is wasted effort. You can look for inspiration in other's performances, just avoid the envy of comparisons. 

Greed: Greedy people are never satisfied. Avoid greed and focus on what is important and crucial. Satisfaction comes from working hard, seeing improvement and achieving realistic goals. Realize that there are many schools out there that want you for you, not your test score. Greedy people stress and stress is the enemy of test performance.

Lust: Passion should be your focus, not lust. Lust is the desire for something unattainable or inappropriate. Passion is the pursuit of something positive or beneficial. Lust leads many to choose an immoral path. Choose passion, not lust. 

Gluttony: There is such a thing as too much good stuff. The glutton continues to consume and is unable to stop consuming at the expense of other things. Put down your cell phone, turn off social media, unplug from the gluttony of consumption and you will have plenty of time for test prep. 

Wrath: What good comes from being angry about the SAT® or ACT®? Sure, you can be upset that the test exists, that the test is biased, and that the test is unfair. But will that anger improve your score? Of course not. Understand the rules of the game and go out and play the game with a calm, cool and disciplined approach. This will improve your score. 

Sloth: Maybe the worst sin of all for anyone preparing for a test. Laziness is rarely the answer. Get off the couch and get to work! 

If you are ready to NOT do the above, and do some test prep, contact CROSSWALK today. CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for SAT®, ACT®, PSAT®, and SSAT® preparation. 

Winter SAT® & ACT® Prep Group Classes

Sign up today for one of two Winter SAT® and ACT® Prep Workshop Series by CROSSWALK. One series will be Monday evenings at the Stevenson School and the other will be Thursday evenings at the York School. 

The Stevenson six-week program runs on Monday nights from 7-8:30pm starting January 13th and wrapping up February 17th (note: due to the holiday, the January 20th class will be held January 21st).

The York six-week program runs on Thursday nights from 6-7:30pm starting January 16th and wrapping up February 20th. 

Conducted by CROSSWALK founder Brooke Higgins, these programs are 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 just the class(es) they need or they can sign up for the whole program. 

For more information and to sign up for the Stevenson program, click right here. 

For more information and to sign up for the York 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. 

Test Prepping in Hollister

On Saturday, CROSSWALK kicked off a four-week SAT® and ACT® prep program at San Benito High School. 

This program is fast, furious and effective. With four sessions, each three hours long, the students are making the most of their time. 

The first part of Saturday's session was spent defining why the SAT® and ACT® are different tests from traditional, content-based school tests. 

Students then did a deep dive into the strategies for the reading portion and the writing/language portions. 

Next week we will jump into math strategies and practice. Subsequent weeks include a session on the essay as well as a final session to review and practice all strategies. 

Many thanks to all of students who decided to spend their Saturday morning doing test prep! It is an honor to spend Saturdays with dedicated, motivated and focused students. Go 'Balers! 

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for SAT® and ACT® prep. With school workshops, group classes and private tutoring, CROSSWALK is here to help you get ready for test day. Contact CROSSWALK today for more information. 

Too Early for Back to School?

No joke, the local Staples had a Back to School display in June. That's too early. 

How about the last week of July? Is that too early? Target doesn't think so as it has an entire corner of the store dedicated to school supplies. 

Yes, back to school is around the corner. And for rising Seniors, that means time is running out to prepare for the fall tests. 

Late August and early September offer SAT and ACT opportunities respectively. Both tests are administered again October, which may be the last time some Seniors can take the test in order to get scores back in time for some early admission deadlines. 

So as much as you may cringe at the back to school advertising in July, it is a good reminder that you have some time to get some test prep done before the upcoming tests. 

CROSSWALK is available to help. While more time is ideal, we do work with students on short timeframes to get them ready for test day.

Contact CROSSWALK today to see how we can make your back to school transition, and test prep, a little easier.

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

How to Make Test Day Unlike Kindergarten

Think back to your first day of Kindergarten? Was it stressful?

For many kiddos, the first day of Kindergarten is majorly stressful. Separation anxiety, strange people, and unfamiliarity cause even the most resilient little ones to break out in tears. 

Most kiddos stress out on day one of Kindergarten because they don't know the routine. What is new and different is hard to handle. Learning, or anything for that matter, is impossible when stress is high. 

Kindergarten teachers know this too well and use orientations, meet-and-greets or other ways ease the transition. 

The same is true for the SAT® or ACT®. If the routine is new and different, you stress out and productivity suffers. Even if you can hide your tears better than a Kindergartner, you are crying (and stressing) on the inside. 

So how do you avoid the stress of unfamiliarity of the SAT® or ACT®? 

Just like the Kindergarten teachers set up their systems to increase familiarity and comfort for their students, you too can become more familiar and comfortable with the SAT® or ACT® through routine practice before test day. 

Take practice tests. Learn the directions. Work on your timing needed to complete all test sections. Above all else, become familiar with the process so it is not new and different. 

It doesn't take much to know the routine, just a little preparation ahead of time. 

If you need help with your preparation, contact CROSSWALK. With several summer workshops and ongoing programs, we can help make your test experience less stressful.  

Summer ACT® & SAT® Prep: Jump In Now!

Register today for CROSSWALK's highly successful Summer SAT® & ACT® Prep Workshop Series. Spots are limited so be sure to jump in now! 

All sessions meet on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm at the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach. Here is the schedule:

• 6/25: SAT® & ACT® Test Overview and Top Concepts
• 7/2: Reading Strategies for Success
• 7/9: Math Strategies for Success
• 7/16: Writing Strategies for Success
• 7/23: Science Strategies for Success
• 7/30: Essay Strategies for Success + Your Study Plan 

Pay by the class or sign up for the whole program and save! Come on in, the water's fine! 

Sign up via the following form. 

Questions? Or need further information? Contact CROSSWALK here.

CROSSWALK is the Monterey Peninsula's local resource for SAT®, ACT®, PSAT®, SSAT® prep and academic tutoring. 

Successful Test Prep Series at Alisal HS

Last week wrapped up the final session of a seven-session Test Prep Workshop Series at Alisal High School in Salinas, CA. 

What a joy to work with such dedicated and motivated students. 

Over the course of the series, students learned and practiced the top strategic approaches to each portion of the SAT® and ACT®. 

Midway through the program, all students took a practice ACT® and learned how to score the test. 

Finally, as the weeks wound down, students could choose to attend Essay, Science, Reading, English, or Math sessions to improve upon any weaknesses identified during practice. 

Many thanks to the Alisal Trojans who stuck with the program. And many thanks to all the CROSSWALK teachers for dedicating their time to this special program.

Turns out spring was busy for CROSSWALK! We visited Alisal HS, Gilroy HS, San Benito HS, Anzar HS, The York School and Stevenson School over the past three months. Lots of great test prep all around the area! 

If your school is in the Monterey area and you would like to learn how to set up a Test Prep Workshops Series, contact CROSSWALK today.