It’s summer: time to invest in university prep! When students and parents think of learning over the summer, reading for college is often at the bottom of their list of educational activities to pursue. Instead, students gravitate to what their friends all do: summer programs, community college coursework, and test prep “boot camps.”

Yet reading, as overlooked as it tends to be, is singularly one of the most important activities a student can do—and it is one of the best extracurricular activities for Ivy League admissions, even if it isn’t an official club or organization. Let’s understand why.

Colleges Ask for It

From USC in Los Angeles to Columbia University in New York City, many top colleges ask on college applications about what you’ve read lately. If all you can discuss is required readings like To Kill a Mockingbird or Lord of the Flies, you’re clearly not a good fit for the nation’s top colleges, which all require their students to read dense material and demonstrate ongoing curiosity.

This makes reading a great way to stand out for college applications. In a world of Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktoks, and YouTube, very few students actually read for fun anymore. So just by reading, you’re already in the minority, a pretty slim one at that.

The Missing Link to Test Prep: Reading for College

For years, members of our team trained students on the SAT — after they had taken boot camps at Elite and Excel. The common missing link in all of the students we saw significantly struggling to improve their score, despite going through multiple test prep programs? Reading. Many students, especially those here in the Silicon Valley, have spent years emphasizing math, engineering, STEM – at the expense of gaining critical reading and writing skills. As a result, we’ve found that students who don’t read plateau at a lower score than they should, either at 1350 or 1450. Sound familiar?

If so, start reading anything you find interesting. Don’t just think books, either; consider magazines, articles, and news. Explore your natural interests, both academic and non-academic.

Reading as Inspiration for Learning

Let’s face it. High school is not inspiring. In its current format, high school is really the last place to expect students to be inspired to learn.

This is where reading comes in. By choosing the authors you read, you’re effectively choosing your teachers. And those teachers aren’t limited to six subjects, like history or English. In fact, they’re not even limited by present day time. You can find inspiration in more obscure subjects not available in high school, from sociology to political science and biopsychology. Reading from people of diverse eras and generations will also help you develop a more nuanced perspective from which you can understand your own culture.

So what do you say? Maybe it’s time to hit up the library and spend 20 minutes browsing the shelves for an unexpected find. You might be surprised: two or three books in, reading could very well transform from a strategic move as you prep for your application to a passion you can take with you anywhere.

And to me, that sounds like a happy ending.

Looking for more personalized help and tips than your high school counselor can provide? Schedule a free initial consultation to get to know our team. Find out how we can help you achieve your educational goals today!

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College Myth busters – 3 Deadly Myths that will Ruin Your Chances at College

Today we’ll talk about three huge college myths that continue to exist no matter how many times they have been disproven. Whether you’re aiming for Ivy League universities or looking for colleges with high acceptance rates, you need to be strategic in building your college profile, which means knowing what’s true—and what’s definitely not.

College Myth #1: Taking weighted courses, like honors and APs, makes you look good for college

The Truth. Earning A’s in courses makes you look good for college. Earning A’s in weighted coursework makes you look even better. But taking weighted courses—by itself—does not make you look good for college.

The Reality. Many students take weighted coursework because they heard it makes them look good. This is a college myth. Students who take too many APs and honors courses often end up struggling in these weighted courses, especially if they sign up for courses they don’t care about or they lack the study habits required to get A’s in these courses.

College Myth #2: It’s important to self-study for and take AP exams outside of what’s offered

The Truth. Self-studying for AP exams often makes you look bad, not good. First off, colleges measure your coursework and performance based on the curriculum offered at your school and the grades you earned. Not AP exam scores. Hence, self-studying for additional subjects is irrelevant because it isn’t the same as taking a class and earning semester grades in it. 

Secondly, self-studying for AP exams beyond what was offered is often viewed as manipulative, try-hard, and contrived. It looks like an ingenuine attempt to look good for college rather than a genuine attempt to learn. After all, studying for an exam score isn’t the same as showing you genuinely wanted to learn about it. 

The Reality. Most students who self-study don’t end up getting a 5. This is largely because they don’t have the time to adequately prepare amidst an already heavy course load and other commitments. This is a college myth. As a result, students often opt out of the test or get a 4 or less. Therefore, they don’t report it on their apps, since getting a 4 is equivalent to getting a B. For college admissions, that could hurt you rather than help you, especially if the AP score is in a subject related to your major

The College Myth #3: Your GPA is everything

The Truth. Your GPA does matter, so you should take it seriously. Don’t skip study sessions or blow off assignments, and consider investing in a tutor for the subjects you find yourself struggling with most. However, grades alone can only take you so far. Even an unweighted 4.0 is no guarantee that you’ll get into Ivy League universities or the best colleges in California.

The Reality. Admissions counselors look at the whole picture and want to see well-rounded applicants. This means that high achievers need to branch out and get involved in activities beyond their coursework. It’s also good news for those with grades that could use improving, as meaningful contributions in extracurricular activities and service opportunities can help make up for grades you aren’t proud of.

Ed Consultants You Can Count on

Want to learn more about how to boost your college profile? Check out our video about college myths for additional information about what it takes to get into good universities. 

We can help you with everything from course selection to college applications and essay editing. Book your free consultation today to learn more about our targeted, one-on-one support from caring professionals who know the university application process like the back of our hands.

See you soon!

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I’m Applying to UCs – Do I Still Need to Take the SAT?

Do I still need to take the SAT? Are standardized tests even relevant in 2024 if you aren’t applying to an Ivy League university?

In a previous post, we examined the language of the settlement that bans UCs from using the SAT and ACT in admissions through Spring 2025. But the settlement applies only to UCs. If you’re wise, you should already know to apply to colleges beyond the UC system in order to increase your chances of getting into a good school.

Let’s examine why it’s still a good idea to apply to take the SAT and/or the ACT, regardless of your college list.

CSUs Don’t Evaluate SAT Scores

The CSU system has been transparent that it no longer requires standardized testing. Remember that the CSUs operate differently from the UCs in that the CSUs do not use the holistic review process. In other words, it only uses your GPA to make admissions decisions (with a few exceptions for specific programs). That means there’s a lot of pressure on your GPA, so don’t make the mistake of spending so much time studying for your SAT that you let your grades slip, as this could backfire in the CSU admissions process.

So Do I Still Need to Take the SAT? Many Colleges Are Still Test Optional

Just because you’re applying to the UCs doesn’t mean you should rule out other great schools. Many colleges have gone back to requiring SAT or ACT scores. 

Here’s the complete list of colleges that require the SAT or ACT for 2024-2025 admissions: 

• Allegheny Wesleyan College

• Allen College

• AmeriTech College-Draper

• Auburn University at Montgomery

• Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences

• Ave Maria University

• Baptist Health Sciences University

• Becker College

• Brigham Young University-Hawaii

• Brigham Young University-Idaho

• Brown University

• Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

• California Institute of Technology | Caltech

• Campbellsville University

• Carolinas College of Health Sciences

• Centra College

• Chicago School of Professional Psychology – College of Nursing

• City College-Gainesville

• Claflin University

• Cleveland University-Kansas City

• College of Saint Mary

• College of the Ozarks

• Concorde Career College-Kansas City

• Concordia College

• Concordia University-Ann Arbor

• Cumberland University

• Dartmouth College

• DeVry College of New York

• Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

• Edward Waters College

• Jacksonville, FL

• Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus

• FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-San Francisco

• Florida Atlantic University

• Florida College

• Florida Gulf Coast University

• Florida Institute of Technology

• Florida International University

• Florida Polytechnic University

• Florida State University

• Francis Marion University

• Georgetown University

• Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

• Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science

• Harvard University

• HCI College

• Kettering College

• Kuyper College

• LaGrange College

• Le Moyne-Owen College

• Lee University

• Livingstone College

• Louisiana College

• Louisiana State University-Alexandria

• Louisiana State University-Shreveport

• Louisiana Tech University

• Maine College of Health Professions

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MIT

• Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

• Mercy College of Health Sciences

• Methodist College

• Mills College

• Missouri Valley College

• Mount Carmel College of Nursing

• New College of Florida

• North Greenville University

•  

  Northwestern College

• NUC University – Florida Technical College

• Ohio Valley University

• Pacific College

• Palm Beach Atlantic University

• Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

• Piedmont University

• Purdue University

• Randall University

• Saint Anthony College of Nursing

• Shorter University

• Sierra Nevada University

• Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences

• Southeastern University

• Southwest University of Visual Arts-Tucson

• Southwestern College

• Spring Arbor University

• St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton

• St Luke’s College

• Tennessee Wesleyan University

• Texas A&M University-Central Texas

• The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

• The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

• The University of Tennessee-Martin

• The University of West Florida

• Touro College

• Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

• Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences

• Trinity International University-Illinois

• Truett McConnell University

• Union College

• United States Air Force Academy

• USAF Academy, CO

• United States Merchant Marine Academy

• United States Military Academy

• United States Naval Academy

• University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

• University of Central Florida

• University of Florida

• University of Georgia

• University of Mary

• University of North Florida

• University of South Carolina Aiken

• University of South Florida

• University of Tennessee Southern

• University of Texas at Austin | UT Austin

• University of the Sciences

• University of West Alabama

• Wesley College

• West Virginia State University

• William Carey University

• William Jessup University

• William Penn University

• Williams Baptist University

• Yale University

• York College of Pennsylvania

As you can see, that’s a pretty extensive list, which makes it a good idea to take the SAT. Even if you don’t think you’re headed to any of those schools, you might change your mind mid-apps season, so it’s best to be prepared.

So why do colleges ask for standardized test scores at all? Reviewing a student’s course load and GPA can be limiting in terms of understanding a student’s overall aptitude. Especially, if that student has blemishes in critical courses in Math and English: both of which can be addressed through an SAT or ACT.

The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Another reason to take the SAT is that achieving an exceptional score can earn you the National Merit Scholarship. While scoring just about perfect on the PSAT and SAT might sound like a tall task, it’s certainly achievable with early preparation, strong knowledge foundations in reading and math, and a firm understanding of the test structure.

Whatever happens with test policies will likely never touch the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Achievement of a semifinalist or finalist position is qualified as an award, not a test score. Furthermore, that award is worth a good chunk of money for college. Hence, the opportunity to earn an award and money towards college makes preparing for the SAT a good investment of time if you believe you can achieve the National Merit Scholarship.

Before You Apply to Universities, Take the SAT

So the answer to the question, “Do I still need to take the SAT?” Consider taking the SAT or ACT based on your situation. Outside of the UCs, many prestigious colleges require standardized testing. Last but not least, prepare for the SAT or PSAT if you believe you can achieve the National Merit Scholarship.

In your search for colleges, make sure you’re taking a strategic approach. Our expert ed consultants can help you find and get into schools that are the best fit. Schedule your free initial consultation today!

10 Steps to Become a Better Writer

Do you want to know how to become a better writer in high school and later in college? Whether you’re writing essays for US university applications or simply hoping to boost your English grade, it pays off to improve your writing skills.

When I share that I am a writer, many reply, “I wish I could write, but I’ve never been good at it.” Whether they want to write stories, scripts, poetry, essays, or articles, my response is always the same: “Well, have you practiced your writing?”

1. Exercising the Mind Is How to Become a Better Writer

So much of our understanding of writing is built on a myth that some of us are just good at it and others aren’t. But when you think about it, would a gymnast ever attempt a double twist in midair without first learning how to do a backflip? Would you enter a competition for the 100-meter dash without ever practicing? (Can you tell I’ve been watching the Olympics?) Like most skills, good writing requires consistent, dedicated practice. 

2. Write Frequently and Regularly

Some say you need to write every single day, sometimes at the same time of day. But if the Giants are playing the Dodgers and your cousin Ryan is visiting from out of town, it’s okay to take a day or two off. That being said, I do like to block time off on my calendar and do my best to stick to that schedule.

3. Write the Bad First Draft Is Also How to Become a Better Writer

Writing a “bad” first draft is tough when you’re a perfectionist. For me, this is probably the hardest part of writing. Whenever I don’t feel confident that what I am writing is “good,” I want to quit. Even writing the “garbage” draft is how to become a better writer. A bad first draft is better than no draft. This leads me to my next tip.

4. Writing Is Rewriting

I try to never turn in a first draft to a competition (unless a deadline is chasing me down and a bad first draft is better than no draft, but I do not recommend this). As a former teacher, I can promise you your teacher will recognize a first draft, too. The great thing about writing is that you almost always have an opportunity to improve on your work.

5. Writing Is Private

Stringing a lot of words together is tough work! Could you imagine taking a written test and having your best friend interrupting you every five minutes to ask if you’ve seen this TikTok? I like to wait until everyone in my home has gone to bed to open my notebook. Maybe you’d like to put your headphones in and listen to music. Either way, your friend isn’t writing that draft.

6. Learning How to Become a Better Writer Is to Collaborate

You might hear some people say something along the lines of “write for yourself.” Yes, those initial drafts. But whoever your audience is, you have an opportunity to get feedback. Was what I wrote clear? Did I achieve my objective? What wasn’t working in this draft? Did you like that joke on the third page?

7. Be Passionate but Open to Criticism

Let’s face it, we pour our soul into our writing. Even our first draft is “our baby,” making us hesitant to change it in any way. Others don’t see it through the same eyes of passion, making it easier for them to spot any areas that need improvement. Furthermore, their thought process is not the same as ours, giving them a different perspective on writing. Remember the end goal: to inspire emotion and change among those who see our work. Or if you’re filling out your application portals, it’s to find colleges and get accepted to the best universities in USA. 

Instead of feeling hurt by a harsh critic, ask yourself, “Why didn’t they follow the path I tried to lead them on?” See if further explanation, set up, or delivery is needed. When you figure out which writing error(s) led to the harsh comments, you learn  how to become a better writer.

8. Writing Is Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

No one likes rejection or hearing they could have done a better job. The worst part of writing is getting a rejection letter or a bad grade. It takes a lot of bravery to put your words out there, even if it’s just a caption on a social media post. Don’t be afraid to learn, revise, and try again, even if you feel afraid. It’s all part of the process.

9. Make Your Own Deadlines and Then Adjust as Needed

Writing is not as good as it could be when we are on the clock. We are at the mercy of a school deadline or a work deadline. When you run into writer’s block, that deadline adds a whole new level of stress, making it even harder to write.

Instead of following their deadlines, make your own. Give yourself steps and small deadlines to reach well before the final due date. If you run into writer’s block, since it is your own deadline, extend it as needed. This will keep you on your path to complete your writing without the stress of the final deadline

10. Want to Know How to Become a Better Writer? Have More Fun

My most important rule for writing is that even though it is agonizing sometimes, it should be fun. Enjoy the ride. Don’t obsess over the end result. Instead, enjoy the steps it takes to get there. When you take the time to enjoy the process, your final work will show better and inspire more.

About the Author

Tylar Pendgraft is the Director of Programs for ReadyEdgeGo. She has her B.A. in Literature-Writing from UC San Diego and M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from University of Southern California. She loves to teach others  how to become a better writer. 

UC vs CSU. Should You Pick a CSU Instead of a UC?

UC vs CSU. Which one is best for you? The University of California system contains some of the best public universities in the US and typically the #1 public university in the world (UC Berkeley or UCLA, depending on the day). This leads many people to unfairly discredit the California State University (CSU) system, which has a lot to offer. In this article, I will walk through everything you need to know about the CSU system and how it compares to the UC system.

Why You Should Consider Best Acceptance Rate Colleges Like CSUs

While the UC institutions are more popular, that doesn’t make them the right fit for everyone. The UCs are known for their research prowess, making them the right path for anyone wanting to pursue further education.

The CSU system, on the other hand, has a more practical curriculum that prepares students to directly enter the job force. At CSUs, there’s less theory at the undergraduate level and more hands-on learning, which is why it may be a better fit for many students. CSU’s commitment to job preparation is evident from their list of practical majors, with dozens of degrees that the UCs do not offer, from digital arts to teaching credentials to an actual business administration degree (not some economics program made to look like a business degree, as seen at UCSB and UCLA).

It Isn’t All About Prestige

Of course, many students set their sights on attending a UC simply because of the prestige—but it’s critical to first understand your goals and what you hope to get out of your college experience before settling on a school. Most people would rather get a job than an advanced degree. If that’s you, consider where you want to end up, not where you want to get your start. Most CSUs have great connections with many companies that make it easy for you to get a great job right out of college.

For example, San Jose State University is in Silicon Valley, providing you with access to amazing guest lecturers, internships, and connections. Arguably, this gives SJSU more value than UC Berkeley when it comes to jobs in Silicon Valley. Moreover, the practical majors that CSUs offer may make many companies more likely to hire you.

CSU Rankings by Major

Now, let’s check out some data to see how CSUs rank for popular majors:

• Computer Science & Engineering

  • SJSU (Ranked #22 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • SFSU (Ranked #29 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • Cal Poly SLO (Ranked #3 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • CSU Long Beach (Ranked #14 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • SDSU (Ranked #65 in Top Public Schools West by US News)

• Biology & related majors

  • SJSU (Ranked #22 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • SFSU (Ranked #29 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • Cal Poly SLO (Ranked #3 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • CSU Long Beach (Ranked #14 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • SDSU (Ranked #65 in Top Public Schools West by US News)
  • CSU Monterey Bay (Ranked #25 in Regional Universities West by US News)

• Business

  • SJSU (Ranked #22 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • SFSU (Ranked #29 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • CSU Northridge (Ranked #40 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • CSU Long Beach (Ranked #14 in Regional Universities West by US News)
  • SDSU (Ranked #65 in Top Public Schools West by US News)

Programs offered at CSUs but not UCs (reference SJSU as an example):

• Advertising (BS)
• Art: Digital Art (Animation, Graphic Design, etc) (BFA)
• Aviation (BS)
• Business Administration (BS)*
• Communicative Disorders and Sciences (BA)
• Hospitality, Tourism, & Event Management (BS)
• Industrial Design (BFA)
• Kinesiology (BS)
• Nursing (BS)
• Packaging (BS)
• Public Relations (BS)
• Recreation (BS)
• Teaching Credentials

The Difference Between UC and CSU

One more major advantage you should know about attending a CSU school is the amazing cost savings. The average tuition at UC schools is approximately $14K. This is in stark contrast to the average CSU tuition at $7K.

Furthermore, many CSUs are optimized for commuting. This means you can either live at home or farther away from campus. This increases the cost savings another level, as campus housing tends to be more expensive. You may daydream about getting out of the house now, but you’ll thank yourself years down the line when your student debt is remarkably lower than that of your peers.

Best Colleges to Apply to in California

All in all, it is pretty obvious that the CSUs have a lot to offer and should be a serious consideration for in-state and out-of-state students alike.

To learn more, watch our YouTube video on this topic, then follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more college application tips. We can help you with navigating application portals, writing application essays, and finding colleges that are the perfect fit for you.

See you soon!

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