Many students believe the PSAT measures how they will perform on the SAT because that’s how it’s advertised. But this is not the case. The PSAT is not a good indicator of how you’ll do on the SAT. Let me explain.

While the PSAT and SAT share some similarities, the standardized tests are extremely different. The PSAT does not have an essay section, and its “writing” section is a 30 minute section of multiple choice questions on grammar.

The math sections are also very different on the tests. For example, the PSAT’s is structured differently with the most difficult questions at the end of the section whereas- the SAT has them spread out through the test causing students to use too much time on a certain question. Misusing the time provided can lead to easy mistakes and common errors. Another difference is that the PSAT is much easier, especially in the math section, than the SAT. The SAT can feature higher advanced level questions.

While the PSAT is meant to be a measurement of how you will do on the SAT, it is not accurate. Many individual’s scores fall from the PSAT due to the differences in difficulty.

 

If the PSAT is not a good indicator, what is?

Taking a real SAT test for practice is the best indicator of how you will do on the real thing. Easy as that! In face, you can sign up for a FREE SAT here! We offer a FREE SAT test every 2nd SATurday of the month.

You get your results in about 3 days! Remember, this is the most accurate representation of how you will perform on the real test. If your scores are not where you want them to be, remember our other services. We offer customized one-on-one test preparation tutoring to help you meet your goals.

 

Another big week of #admissions events and #DeadlineDays! Get acquainted with #admissions teams at your schools of interest to make sure you understand their #application process and get everything in by the deadline. Remember all schools are featured in #TheFiratGuide if you can’t make it to these events!

College application deadlines have come and gone, but the waiting game has begun. But do not use this time to sit around staring at your mailbox all day. Find a coffee shop and continue being productive by doing these three things.

 

Complete Your Fafsa Application

Funds are available on a first come-first serve basis! More money will be available to your financial aid package the sooner you submit. Do not wait until the deadline to submit this application. It’s important you complete it accurately and on time.

 

It’s Scholarship Hunting Season

Continue applying for different scholarships! Have you researched local scholarships as well as national? Your high school guidance counselor will most likely have a list of local scholarships. Apply to every single one you are eligible for.

 

Social Media: Do’s and Don’ts

In today’s world, social media is a force. A simple click is all that is needed to start something- a conversation, a discussion, a debate. Employers are terminating staff members due to vulgar social media posts in some instances. This past year, Harvard rejected ten incoming freshman due to offensive facebook posts. Colleges are starting to pay more and more attention to applicant’s social media… and quite frankly, they should be.

Anything and everything you share can be criticized. It’s important to follow Firat’s Do’s and Don’ts so that your social media has a positive impact on your college application.

DO’S

DO make sure you have a professional profile picture. This is your social media’s first impression. Having something inappropriate can definitely get you off on the wrong foot.

DO clean up your social media. Look back and edit, unfriend, and delete.

DO create a LinkedIn account. Having a platform where you can connect with other professionals shows maturity and professionalism.

 

DON’TS

DO NOT use slang/acronyms. Using improper grammar makes you look unprofessional.

DO NOT post about politics.The current political climate is divided and extremely controversial. Appear neutral online as you do not want someone with different viewpoint being biased against your application.

DO NOT have anything disruptive on your profile. Any illegal activity could be grounds for automatic disqualification.

 

If you pace yourself and complete these tasks, your acceptance letter may be waiting for you in the mail!

 

Spring break is only a few weeks away, and it’s time to start mapping out your top colleges to visit. Nervous? Excited? Maybe a little bit of both? Thought so. Remember, spring break is a very popular time to visit colleges so make sure you have your college tours scheduled before buying any plane tickets or packing up your car.

Don’t be nervous. We know the road to college can be scary, but focus on the destination the opportunity. Make the most of it.

Follow our survival guide tips to get the most out of your spring break visits.

• If you haven’t scheduled your visit, do so now!
  • It’s not too late! There might still be availability. Schedule your visits and book your travel.
• Attend the visit with your parents.
  • Remember, your parents want the best for you and may have some college insight.
• Ask questions during the tour.
  • Have a list of questions prepared for the tour. What are you curious about? Greek Life? Living on campus? Clubs and social Organizations?
• After the tour, sneak into a class of your potential major.
  • Sit in on one of your potential future classes. Get a feel for what a college class is like.
• Talk to current students.
  • Get the inside scoop from current students. What is it like to live on campus? What are they involved in? Why did they pick this school?
• Take pictures!
  • This could be your home you spend the next 4 years of your life. Share this with your friends and connect with other potential freshmen online.
• Get organized.
  • If you’re visiting more than one campus this break, take notes. Create a list of pro’s and con’s for each school so you can compare them later.

 

Boom.

It’s as simple as that. Preparing for the trip can cause some anxiety, but try to relax. Focus on one thing at a time, and you’ll be there before you know it.

 

P.S. Survival Guide Tip #8: Have fun. That’s what it’s all about.

 

It’s #DeadlineSeason alright! Be sure to check when your application is due! Monday is particularly a jam-packed #application #DeadlineDay so be sure to get all of the required documents in on time! However, some schools are still hosting #OpenHouses and #CampusTours so there’s still time to fit some in before their application deadlines! #FindTheBestFit

   

It’s 2018, and the world is changing. Education is changing.

Before, hard work and working your way up in a company was a common path for most. It allowed exposure, growth, experience, and security. However, things have changed.

How a College Degree Affects Your Resume

Now, the first thing employers look at on a resume is the level of education. Did they go to school? What degree do they have? If so, where did they obtain that particular degree?

Working your way up in a company has faded. Earning a college degree is an accomplishment that gives you a head start. When employers see a Bachelor’s degree on a resume, they see commitment, professionalism, and passion.

Degrees not only give you a competitive edge in the application process, but a college experience can also benefit you in a variety of other ways.

 

How The College Experience Can Help You

College gives you the chance to try new things, learn about yourself, make friendships, and experience different ideas and ways of thinking.

Colleges provide you with so many different resources. There are professional resources such as job fairs, internship opportunities, and interview and resume workshops. There are educational resources such as tutoring services, writing workshops, and events with professional speakers.

Having a college degree opens doors to many places and helps you in the long run.

How We Use Our Degrees at Firat Education

Here at Firat Education, we have many tutors and members of our administrative team who come from different backgrounds and have a variety of degrees.

Mandy, our student success director, attended University of St. Thomas and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and General Studies: Education. She’s currently in the process of applying for her Masters to study and identify learning disabilities.

One of our math and science tutors, Selvam, has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of Texas. He’s been with Firat Education for over eight years and loves teaching his students and helping them get into the best schools possible.

Mari, a recent grad from Penn University, has her Bachelor of Arts in Art History. She tutors students in history, english, and reading.

Firat Education is dedicated to their clients and providing the assistance they need in order to succeed.

Why We Encourage Pursuing a Degree

• Those without college degrees are falling behind.
• On average, those with a Bachelor’s Degree make $17,500 more per year than those with a high school diploma.
• College will make you into a well rounded individual.
• In the future, a Masters degree will become the standard level of education required for many jobs.

Overall, a college degree is one factor that can automatically put you in the running for a position, but having little to no education can potentially disqualify you from the opportunity. Studying your passion for four years establishes who you are and what you want to do in life. College allows you to transition into adulthood at your pace, make mistakes, and plan your future.

Another busy week full of #AdmissionsEvents! Be sure to check out the upcoming #SchoolTours and visits! #ApplicationDeadlines are also fast approaching this week so be sure to get your applications in by the first round. Check these schools out in @TheFiratGuide for an analysis on each to help you #FindTheBestFit!

 

New year, new goals! January is the perfect month to state your goals and come up with a game plan. College applications can be complicated and time consuming, but don’t stress.

 

Follow our January College Prep Checklist to get you started on the right track:

 

1. Put together a list of schools in which you’re interested: Firat Education offers college counseling if you’re having any challenges.

 

2. Research your application requirements: Essays, SAT/ACT Scores, recommendation letters, resume, etc.

 

3. Start brainstorming on who to ask for recommendation letters when the time comes.

 

4. Start making plans to visit colleges in March during spring break: Book your tours early as space is extremely limited, but rest assured, visiting the school ahead of time will be a gamechanger in finding the right fit.

 

5. Visit College Board and ACT Student for all official SAT and ACT registration deadlines: SAT test dates include March 10th, May 5th, and June 2nd; ACT test dates include February 10th and April 14th.

 

6. Look at testing dates in the near future: We recommend taking the official test at least twice in your junior year and once in senior year, if needed.

 

7. Take a FREE SAT/ACT here with us during our 2nd SATurday program: Our next 2nd SATurday is January 13th! Register and find out more information here.

 

8. If you don’t feel prepared for these tests, contact us! In our initial education assessment, we’ll organize a custom plan specifically designed to help YOU reach your goals!

 

9. Do your research about the different application systems used for college applications i.e. Common Application, Coalition Application, Apply Texas, and Universal Application.

 

10. Follow us on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) in order to see more blog posts, reminders, study tips, and more!

 

Remember: in addition to test prep, Firat Education also offers other services such as college counseling, school placement, and academic coaching. We strive to make your journey to college as stress free as possible.

 

We wish you the best luck in 2018!

We hope everyone had a wonderful #NewYear! Of course, you all know what that means. New Year, new goals! Many of you may be on the #holidaybreak still but schools are getting back into the groove of things and #Admissions events are back up and running, from #OpenHouses to #CampusTours. Be sure to check out #AdmissionsEvents this coming week and let us know how we can help you narrow down your choices! @TheFiratGuide #WeBringResults

It’s an important week of #ApplicationDeadlines! As you look back to the #CampusTours and #OpenHouses you’ve visited in the past few months, what schools stood out to you and what were some deciding factors to your final decision? Undecided? Did you know we offer #SchoolPlacement, #FreshmanTransition and other coaching to help your child #FindTheBestFit? Best of luck to all those applying this week!