The Most Productive 3 Seconds

Here's a good test-taking tip that you can use on just about any timed test: when you are reading the question, take an extra three seconds to really understand what is being asked.

I frequently see students rush right into an answer without fully understanding the question. Not knowing what is being asked can have devastating consequences.

For multiple choice questions, if you don't spend a little extra time to confirm the question, you can easily fall into a trap.

On essays, if don't make sure you know the prompt, you might write off topic and receive a zero. Ouch!

So take just three seconds each time you have a question. Restate the question in your own words and make sure you understand what is being asked.

This strategy alone will keep you on task and you will avoid the common traps and pitfalls on both standardized and teacher-created tests. Three seconds is not much but it may be the most productive three seconds you spend on a test.

Why "C" is a Great Essay

Which of the following arguments is most convincing?

A: Deception is bad.
B: Deception is bad because it is dishonest.
C: Deception is bad because when the dishonesty is revealed, real people are deeply impacted like those that lost their life savings when Bernard Madoff’s ponzi scheme collapsed.

Of course “C” is clearly more convincing. Why? Because “C” uses a very concrete example. “A” is too vague. “B” is better but it is still a bit abstract.

If you want to make your essays more convincing, shoot for “C” as in concrete. The number one way to make your essays more convincing is to use concrete examples. This is true on standardized test essays like the S.A.T. as well as essays for school assignments.

So for your next essay, lose the abstract and get concrete!

Last SAT Class Before June Test!

CROSSWALK is presenting one final SAT Weekend Course before the June SAT test.

Here are the details:

When?: May 15-16, 8:30am-1:30 pm
Where?: Pebble Beach (on the campus of the Stevenson School, classroom TBD)
How Much?: SAVE 50% when you reserve your spot and pay in April. Also ask about our 2-for-1 special!

For more information, call 831-70-TUTOR (831-708-8867)

If you need an introduction to the SAT, key strategies on how to take the test or a refresher course on what will boost your score, then sign up today!

Boost your score in one weekend. Set up a Study Plan and a Game Plan exclusively from CROSSWALK.

References from CROSSWALK students and parents available upon request.

The Optimal Approach to Homework

Failing to plan is planning to fail, right? Well, same goes for homework. Without a solid plan to approach homework, you may as well prepare for the worst.

In a recent session with a student, we reviewed the optimal approach to homework. This particular student has 5 subjects and about 2-3 hours of homework a night. With so much to manage we discussed a three step approach that has yielded fantastic results. Here is the approach:

1) Use a Planner: the planner I recommend may be a bit old school but it is very useful. The days of the week are listed across the top with the subjects along the side in a basic table format. Students input the assignment that is due on a particular day in that particular subject. Even if nothing is due on a given day in a subject, I usually recommend putting in an “extra” task like reading ahead, doing some background research on the web or reviewing notes. This reinforces the idea that consistent activity in a subject will yield better comprehension. Note: electronic planners are fine for this as well but pen and paper has been most successful for my students.

2) Prioritize Tasks: once all tasks are outlined in the planner, I coach the student to spend the first 10 minutes of study time ranking the tasks. If a test is slated for the next day, that might get a 1. An ongoing project might get a 2 and so on. Anything “extra” would be a 5. I’ve also had students color code their planners so that red boxes are “hot” and require immediate attention, yellow boxes are “warm” and need to be done soon while green boxes are “cold” and can be postponed. This approach allows students to create a map for their study sessions.

3) Tackle Each Task at the Right Time: this step is key since productivity can vary with timing. For example, some students are very productive right after school. The juices are still flowing and comprehension is easy. Other students need some down time right after school and maybe their most productive time is in the evening. I recommend that students tackle their most important tasks at their most productive time. Tasks with less importance can be handled at less productive times.

Homework planning is not rocket science. However, a little common sense about organization and planning will go a long way.

The key is to follow a plan and adjust when necessary. Without a plan you may as well be rowing without a paddle. After all, if you fail to plan….oh, you know the rest.

Help Chile!

Fortunately Rebeca's family is okay but the devastation is tremendous. It is very hard for us to sit here in the US and know that our family and friends are struggling to recover in Chile.

CROSSWALK will do its part by donating a portion of all March sales directly to the Red Cross efforts in Chile. Help us help Chile.

Contact us today for more information.

How I Was Able to Ace Exams Without Studying

Great blog post on the zenhabits blog. Guest writer Scott Young will get you to think about study habits. Check it out here!

SAT Crash Course: Act Now for Special Deals!

Just in time for the May SAT, CROSSWALK and Brooke Higgins are putting on another SAT Crash Course April 17th and 18th from 8:30am to 1:30pm.

The workshop will take place at the Stevenson School.

Same format as the previous ones: small group with individualized instruction.

These workshops have been wildly successful so reserve your spot today.

Call 831-70-TUTOR (831-708-8867) for the latest special offers for this course. Right now, for a limited time, pay one low price for two students. This is great for students that have friends also taking the SAT. Two friends, one low price. A great way to save some money for moms and dads.

CROSSWALK is also offering a 25% discount for anyone that reserves their spot and pays before April 1st.

Call today to reserve your spot!