Ivy Bound hears groans of "What do I do now!" from students and parents immediately following the release of most SAT score reports. Students who did not receive the highest possible grade should consider the following general advice.

Juniors who performed well on the most recent iteration of the SAT are in the unique position of having both a luxury and a responsibility. Both are discussed in this article.

This is a heads-up to the many students and their parents, who might be complacent about college prospects. Even in the past five years, admissions to the most competitive U.S. colleges have tightened further.

When studying for the SAT, it is important to perform well on practice tests. Although our tutors have a great deal of success in assisting students in raising their scores, our services are not always required for trial examinations. We go over the College Board-licensed SAT Reasoning Test booklets that we have in order to demonstrate to students how they can independently prepare for the day of the exam.

A parent will feel regretful when their child receives an unsatisfactory score on either the SAT or the ACT. Fewer scholarship opportunities, a smaller total amount of money available for awards, and the realization that "we could have prevented this."

Making new friends and figuring out "who they are" are two of the primary focuses of college life for students. Even though you're having a good time, it can be discouraging to struggle with your schoolwork at the same time. Many students will not let a few poor grades affect their overall grade point average, but having a good GPA is essential for your future after you graduate.

At Ivy Bound, we help students prepare for their AP (Advanced Placement) tests, but students can also help themselves. Those who attend school until mid-June will likely have teachers who cannot get through the whole textbook in time. Independently, students can use a decent AP guide to learn the content that’s not covered before the May round of AP exams.

Your high school GPA plays an instrumental role in the college admissions process. One letter grade can make a colossal difference over the course of three years of school work in getting accepted or denied at competitive colleges. Moving from a 3.4 to a 3.6 makes your college resume that much better than other students who are at a 3.5 or lower. Why does a mere 0.2 points make all the difference?

If interested in the financial side, AT MOST a great PSAT score gets you $2500 from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Some higher awards exist from outside groups, but you need to first be a member of that group (minority, or employee’s child).

By contrast, if you concentrate on the SAT, you are in line for $50,000 or more in merit-based money.

Students who do well on their fourth SAT but whose prior SAT scores were mediocre earn acceptances based on their higher score. Too many students "under-test," and it leaves them bereft of a score they could have used to gain admission.

Female to male college acceptance.Many colleges have a nearly 60-40 female and male ratio for undergraduate students. Learn how this trend affects college admissions. Ivy Bound tutoring and test prep courses can help get you get accepted to your dream school.  

When Should You Complete Your College Applications? Timing becomes crucial. Find out when the optimum time is to submit your college application.Find out when the optimum time is to submit your college application. Call now to find out how we can assist your student.

Should you visit a college campus you are applying to? Ivy Bound owner Mark Greenstein answers some of the most common questions parents and students have about campus visits. For over 20 years, Ivy Bound Test Prep and Academic Tutoring has helped students accomplish their academic goals. The academic admissions process is familiar territory for our tutors and staff. Call today to see how we can help.

Are you thinking about applying to a university early decision without submitting your ACT or SAT scores? Learn how the word "test optional" might deceive students and harm their chances of acceptance. Ivy Bound's Mark Greenstein presents the most up-to-date information on why you should submit your test scores to improve your chances of acceptance. Call today to learn how we can help your student

Do you have a student-athlete who aspires to attend a prestigious prep school? Coaches and administrators value academics just as much as athletic ability. For admittance consideration, students must take the SSAT. Ivy Bound's Mark Greenstein talks about student-athlete admissions and how the SSAT fits in. The SSAT can be mastered to the point that athletes fulfill the admissions requirements.

Parents who want their children to receive a superior education but cannot afford the expensive prep school cost might consider Mark Greenstein's recommendations from Ivy Bound.

Four common concerns many parents share regarding prep schools.

How should I consider a “School Day” SAT or ACT?